Wrestling Forum banner

WWE 2005: Raising the Bar.

79K views 287 replies 39 participants last post by  Wolf Beast 
#1 · (Edited)
Monday Night Raw roster as of August 1st 2005

Batista- Face
Triple H- Heel
Muhammad Hassan- Heel
Shawn Michaels- Face
Chris Jericho- Face
Edge- Heel
Christian- Heel
Mr.Kennedy- Tweener
Kane- Heel
Big Show- Face
Shelton Benjamin- Face
The Great Khali-Heel
Sonjay Dutt-Heel
Goldust- Face
Mark Jindrak- Heel
Doug Basham- Face
Danny Basham-Face
William Regal- Heel
Eugene- Face
Bubba Ray Dudley- Face
D-Von Dudley-Face
Daivari-Heel
Charlie Haas- Face
Ken Doane- Heel
Nick Nemeth- Heel
Rosey- Face
Val Venis- Face
The Heart Throbs- Heel
Viscera- Face
Rob Conway- Heel
Maven- Heel
Simon Dean- Heel
Trevor Murdoch- Heel

Divas​
Trish Stratus- Face
Lita- Face
Victoria- Heel
Stacy Keibler- Face
Torrie Wilson- Face
Christy Hemme- Face
Ashley Massaro- Face
Molly Holly- Heel

Tag teams/Stables/Alliances
Dudley Boyz: Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley
Basham Brothers: Doug and Danny Basham
The Heart Throbs
Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas; The World's Greatest Tag Team
The Arabian Entity: Muhammad Hassan, Daivari, The Great Khali and Sonjay Dutt

Mark Jindrak and William Regal
Val Venis and Viscera
Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth: The Platform to Perfection
Eugene and Goldust

Others​
Jim Ross- Commentator
Jonathan Coachman- Commentator
Todd Grisham- Backstage interviewer
Maria- Backstage Interviewer
Lilian Garcia- Ring announcer
Eric Bischoff- General Manager

Friday Night Smackdown roster as of May 2nd 2005

John Cena- Face
John Bradshaw Layfield- Heel
The Undertaker- Face
Kurt Angle- Heel
Rey Mysterio- Face
Booker T- Face
Randy Orton- Heel
Rob Van Dam- Face
Carlito- Heel
Matt Hardy-Face
Orlando Jordan- Heel
Rhyno- Heel
Bobby Lashley-Face
Joey Mercury- Heel
Johnny Nitro-Heel
Chris Masters-Heel
Paul London- Face
Brian Kendrick- Face
Paul Burchill- Heel
Rene Dupree- Heel
Kenzo Suzuki- Heel
Shad Gaspard- Face
JTG- Face
Chavo Guerrero- Heel
Gregory Helms- Heel
Luther Reigns- Heel
Jamie Noble-Heel
Kid Kash- Heel
Heidenreich- Face
Tajiri-Heel
Snitsky- Heel
Sylvain Grenier- Heel
Shannon Moore- Face
Spike Dudley- Face
Scotty 2 Hotty- Face
Super Crazy- Face
Psicosis-Face
Billy Kidman- Face
Hardcore Holly- Face

Tag teams/Stables/Alliances
The Mexicools: Psicosis and Super Crazy
MNM: Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro and Melina
Cryme Tyme: Shad Gaspard and JTG
Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero
Paul London and Brian Kendrick
The Pitbulls: Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
RVD and Rey Mysterio
Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki
Shannon Moore and Spike Dudley

Others​
Michael Cole- Commentator
Tazz- Commentator
Tony Chimel- Ring announcer
Josh Matthews- Backstage interviewer
Teddy Long- General Manager​


Current champions​

WWE Champion: John Cena. Defeated JBL at Wrestlemania, April 3rd 2005.

World Heavyweight Champion: Batista. Defeated Triple H at Wrestlemania, April 3rd 2005.

Intercontinental champion: Shelton Benjamin. Defeated Muhammad Hassan at Summerslam, August 21st 2005.

United States Champion: Matt Hardy. Defeated Orlando Jordan at The Great American Bash, July 24th 2005.

World Tag team Champions: The Dudley Boyz. Defeated William Regal and Tajiri at Backlash, May 1st 2005.

WWE Tag team Champions: MNM. Defeated Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio at Judgment Day, May 22nd 2005.

WWE Womens Champion: Victoria Defeated Trish Stratus at Vengeance, 26th June 2005.

WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Gregory Helms. Defeated Paul London at The Great American Bash, July 24th 2005.​
 
See less See more
#126 ·
7. WWE Championship: Fatal 4 Way Match:
John Cena© vs. Randy Orton vs. John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Kurt Angle

3. WWE United States Championship:
Orlando Jordan© vs. Matt Hardy

5. WWE Cruiserweight Championship:
Paul London© vs. The Hurricane

2. Two on One Handicap Match:
Bobby Lashley vs. Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki

6. WWE Tag Team Championships:
(Melina is banned from ringside; If MNM win, Mysterio and Van Dam will not receive another title opportunity)
MNM© vs. Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam

1. Six Man Tag Team Match:
The Mexicools vs. Chris Masters and The Pitbulls

4. Triple Threat Match:
Carlito vs. Booker T vs. Rhyno

2. How many championships will change hands? 1

3. Who will take the fall in the WWE Championship match? Orton

4. Which match will be the longest? Main Event

5. Which match will be the shortest? Handicap

6. Will there be any surprise appearances? If so, by who? Don't Know
 
#127 ·
News, Notes and Rumours

We are just a few hours away from Smackdown’s next Pay Per View offering, The Great American Bash! Heading into the event, it is expected to be a huge night and perhaps a defining night for several of the blue brand’s talent.

The WWE Championship match is the one that is under pressure to deliver with regards to all four participants. John Cena is looked at as being the next big thing in the company and it’s important that he continues to impress and improve inside the ring, a match like tonight will no doubt go a long way towards achieving that. Kurt Angle is perhaps one of those reasons why. It’s thought that with his in ring skills and experience, he can help raise John Cena’s game and make him look a star, something JBL has so far failed to do. Speaking of JBL, he is the only one of the four men who has consistently proven to get the crowd on his back in recent weeks as both Angle and Orton despite their status as heels, have been cheered at times. He is being seen as vital here tonight as he can face off against all three superstars and get the crowd thoroughly invested and against him, something that may not happen if for example, Angle and Orton square off. Randy Orton is also being seen in the same light as John Cena right now. Orton will no doubt go on to be a big star for the company and it’s important that he delivers on a night like tonight where all eyes are on him. There has been some talk within the company about putting the title on Orton tonight as he has a ready made programme with The Undertaker upon the Deadman’s return. Orton could feud with Cena in the meantime as a feud between two of the most promising young stars could see both men prosper.

Another man who has a big night in store is Matt Hardy. Hardy has always been looked upon as a tag team specialist, renowned for his days alongside brother Jeff but tonight he is almost guaranteed to walk away with his first major singles championship as he takes on Orlando Jordan for the United States gold. Hardy has been ousted twice by JBL’s Chief of Staff and it is expected third time’s the charm tonight for Hardy. Of course plans can change but the general feeling is that Hardy takes it home.

Two of the match ups on the card are still yet to have a winner determined even at this late stage. The WWE Tag Team Championships match between MNM and Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio is still up in the air as creative debate just what the right outcome is. MNM have done extremely well in their role as champions since debuting and have impressed a lot of people, a loss could potentially damage their momentum. However many within the company believe that Van Dam and Mysterio should take the gold here and spearhead the tag ranks in the coming months, giving it some added and much needed star power.

The other undetermined outcome is the match for the Cruiserweight Championship between Paul London and The Hurricane. The interesting storyline that’s been developing has seen Chavo Guerrero’s importance highlighted and his role in the coming weeks/months may well be what leads to the ultimate outcome tonight. There have been several options discussed including talk of a three way feud between London, Hurricane and Chavo, a possible alliance between Hurricane and Chavo and there has also been a lot of talk about a feud between Hurricane and Chavo. Following on from that last potential outcome, Paul London fans need not worry as he is held in high regard right now and whatever the outcome in Buffalo, he WILL play a big role moving forward.

As far as the rest of the card goes, the outcomes have all been determined and creative are confident that they will all deliver and that the show as a whole will come out a success. Regarding moving forward from tonight, there are numerous plans in place for fresh feuds heading into Summerslam and beyond so expect a lot of angles to be rounded off tonight and perhaps even some new ones created.


Just a few little notes before the show, aiming for this Sunday but it may go to Monday night depending on time. Appreciate the predictions thus far and any more are still welcome, template below.

Prediction Template:

WWE Championship: Fatal 4 Way Match:
John Cena© vs. Randy Orton vs. John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Kurt Angle

WWE United States Championship:
Orlando Jordan© vs. Matt Hardy

WWE Cruiserweight Championship:
Paul London© vs. The Hurricane

Two on One Handicap Match:
Bobby Lashley vs. Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki

WWE Tag Team Championships:
(Melina is banned from ringside; If MNM win, Mysterio and Van Dam will not receive another title opportunity)
MNM© vs. Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam

Six Man Tag Team Match:
The Mexicools vs. Chris Masters and The Pitbulls

Triple Threat Match:
Carlito vs. Booker T vs. Rhyno


Bonus Questions:

1. Predict the match order:

2. How many championships will change hands?

3. Who will take the fall in the WWE Championship match?

4. Which match will be the longest?

5. Which match will be the shortest?

6. Will there be any surprise appearances? If so, by who
?​
 
#128 ·
WWE The Great American Bash

24th July 2005; HSBC Arena; Buffalo, New York

A Great American Bash logo then flashes across the screen.

Narrator: America. A proud nation, a country united.

We hear some the National Anthem while getting a shot of the an American flag flying high.

Narrator: A land of hope and glory. A land of the brave, a land of the fearless.

We see clips of the Armed Forces now as the National Anthem continues to play.

Narrator: Tonight…

The music now changes to slow, chilling sound, a very sombre like atmosphere.

Narrator: Hope and glory is on offer.

We see John Cena holding up high the WWE title before we get a shot of a smirking Kurt Angle, a cocky Randy Orton and a mischievous JBL.

Narrator: Tonight, the brave and the fearless will fight for their lives.

We see Matt Hardy jumping Orlando Jordan before launching a scathing assault on the United States Champion. We then see MNM clutching their Tag Team titles with a desperate looking Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio.

Narrator: Tonight, we welcome you… to The Great American Bash!

The music now changes to a fast, upbeat pace. We then get flashing images of all four WWE title participants tonight.

Narrator: Four men. One objective. One Championship. One shot.

We see Randy Orton nail an RKO on Kurt Angle.

Michael Cole: RKO!! RKO FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!!

A clip of John Cena delivering an FU to JBL is then shown.

Michael Cole: The champion is ROLLING towards the Bash!!

We then see JBL being placed in the Ankle Lock.

Michael Cole: Kurt Angle, the Wrestling Machine, as aggressive, as intense as they come!!

We then see JBL lay out Randy Orton with a Clothesline from Hell.

Michael Cole: JBL with a THUNDEROUS Clothesline from Hell!! Will that be the scene at the Bash?!

John Cena: Come July 24th, Bradshaw, Kurt, Randy, I promise you all, the Champ will STILL be here.

Kurt Angle: NOBODY STOPS THE WRESTLING MACHINE!!

Randy Orton: I took out The Undertaker and at The Great American Bash I take home…the WWE Championship.

John Bradshaw Layfield: A great American? You’re lookin’ at him. A true American HE-RO, a Wrestlinggggg GAWDDDDD and the NEXT WWE Champion.

Narrator: An injustice occurred…

We see Matt Hardy cheated out of the U.S. Title at Judgment Day before being sickeningly assaulted by Orlando Jordan at the Night of Champions special.

Narrator: Tonight a score can be settled and justice can be restored.

Matt Hardy: MATT HARDY WILL NOT DIE!! At the Great American Bash, the United States title comes home.

Orlando Jordan: I already beat him TWICE. At the Bash, I’m gonna finish what I started and I am gonna end Matt Hardy once and for all.

Narrator: Old friends become new enemies..

We see Rhyno nail Booker T with a gore from nowhere, shocking everybody.

Narrator: A third party the instigator.

We then get a clip of Carlito smirking as he defeated Booker at Judgment Day and slowly begins to turn the friends, resulting in this confrontation on Smackdown.

Rhyno: I can’t sit back and let you do to my career what your doin’ to your own and that is SEEING IT GO DOWN THE DRAIN!

Booker T: YOU ain’t been held back from NOTHIN’and you ain’t HAD to sit back dawg, you’ve CHOSE to sit back.

We then see Lito backstage looking on.

Carlito: And dat? Das cool.

We then get Carlito tossing his apple up in the air as the final shot.

Narrator: Tonight will truly be The Great American Bash. But who will be the bravest?

We see a shot of a roaring John Cena.

Narrator: Who will show the least amount of fear?

We get a shot of a fired up Bobby Lashley.

Narrator: Who will find hope?

We see MNM clutching on to their tag team title belts?

Narrator: Who will find glory?

We see Rhyno delivering a menacing grin.

Narrator: Who will be….the great American?

We get a final shot of JBL lifting his hat off and beaming ear to ear
.

Narrator: And now. Skittlez and Friday Night Smackdown Presents: The Great American Bash!



Red, White and Blue pyro then hits as we are welcomed to the HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New York which is electric.


Michael Cole: The sold out HSBC Arena is on its feet! We are in Buffalo, New York and ladies and gentleman we welcome you….to The Great…American Bash!!

Tazz: This place is off the charts Cole!! Listen to these people!!

Michael Cole: Indeed a raucous atmpshere here in Buffalo on a night where the WWE Championship hangs in the balance as John Cena defends his gold in a Fatal 4 way match against John Bradshaw Layfield, Randy Orton and Kurt Angle. What a main event we have in store later on tonight!!

Tazz: Block..buster Cole and that ain’t all we’ve got. The Cruiserweight title, the Tag Team titles and the United States title will ALL be on the line as well. I got a feelin’ we’re gonna see something special tonight baby.


‘Oh Yeahhhhh’

‘Live for the Moment’


It’s a BIG pop for the music of Matt Hardy who steps out posing to the fans, set for his huge opportunity tonight.

Michael Cole: And speaking of the United States title, we are kicking things off with Matt Hardy getting his well earned, well deserved shot at Orlando Jordan’s gold. Hardy was screwed by Jordan back at Judgment Day and about a month back at the Night of Champions Smackdown special, Hardy was set for a rematch only for Orlando Jordan to despicably ambush Hardy from behind, cauing Hardy to lose that opportunity and not only that but he caused Hardy to miss a couple of weeks action due to injury. A chance for retribution here tonight for Matt Hardy.

Tazz: Damn straight Cole. Matt Hardy’s been about as unlucky as anybody in his quest for the U.S. title. Tonight represents a humongous chance for Hardy to finally capture the gold and finally put a few doubters in their place.

‘Do what I want’

It’s instant heat for the United States champion’s music and out steps Orlando Jordan baring a huge grin as he struts down the ramp, not looking phased by his recent rival’s intent expression.

Michael Cole: Orlando Jordan, the look on his face is-is just, it’s disgusting. That smirk, that glint in his eye about what he did to Matt Hardy is just sickening and if I were him I wouldn’t be so confident about tonight. Matt Hardy has looked in great shape since returning and Orlando must know, he must know deep down that he’s in for the fight of his life tonight.

Tazz: Oh no doubt about it but I’m guessing Orlando really is just that confident that he’ll get the job done tonight. After all, no matter what the circumstances are, OJ is 2-0 against Matt Hardy
.

WWE United States Championship:
Orlando Jordan© vs. Matt Hardy


The bell barely rings before Matt Hardy is out of the blocks like a house on fire and pounces on Jordan, jumping right on him and hammering away at the current champion with a series of strong, fast right hands that the crowd greet with a big roar of approval. Hardy is desperate to get his hands on the man who has denied him time and time again of a fair shot at what he deserves and it shows here as Hardy continues the early beat down before eventually OJ scrambles towards the ropes and the referee forces Matt to break the hold, beginning a count of five.

1...

2...

3...

Still no sign of Hardy giving it up here!

4...

And right in the nick of time Hardy breaks it up and backs off, letting out a roar to the crowd who respond in the same manner. Hardy paces the ring then as Jordan escapes the ropes and walks right into the waiting Hardy once more. Right hands again from the challenger!! This time though Jordan fights back with some hard shots of his own, the lethal boxing background of OJ comes out as he nails Matt with some left hands here.

The trading of blows eventually comes to a halt as Jordan strikes with a kick to the mid section that winds Hardy as OJ now takes his opportunity to strike, delivering an Irish whip to Hardy who cannons right into the turnbuckle!! Jordan then races right at Matt and strikes him down with a clothesline in the corner, knocking Hardy’s back right into that turnbuckle once more.

Jordan then begins to turn the tide in his favour here as he rams his shoulder right into the mid section of Hardy, time and time again Jordan keeps on digging his shoulder right into the gut of Hardy, smashing his back all the more into that turnbuckle as Hardy lets out an ‘Aaaargh’ in discomfort. Jordan then lets up the pressure and instead goes back to jabbing Hardy with some more left hands, taking a boxer like stance as he takes his time and picks his spot. Bang…bang…bang, left after left from Jordan…ba….NO!! Hardy ducks this one and spins OJ round and it’s Hardy now who begins unloading with kicks to the mid section as the crowd come alive again!

Hardy really drives his foot into the gut of Jordan before moving away from his opponent once again, Hardy takes a run up and charges at Jordan but Jordan scoops him up and over the top rope!! Hardy crash lands on the outside as the balance swings once again in this opening contest.

Jordan falls to the mat inside the ring, clearly out of breath after using all his effort to get Hardy up and over there but the U.S. Champ then rolls out of the ring and begins to make a beeline for his challenger who remains unmoved on the outside, clutching his lower back however. Jordan slowly paces towards Hardy before meeting his opponent and he picks up where he left off, working on Hardy’s back as he begins to stomp away at the lower end, nearly on Hardy’s tailbone as the challenger looks in deep trouble right now.

The referee’s count is now up to four as Jordan keeps up the punishment, JBL’s Chief of Staff takes a step back before delivering a RUNNING KNEE, dropping it right onto the back of Hardy who gasps in pain as Jordan exchanges verbals with a few fans in the front row before heading back to work on his recent rival. Jordan brings Hardy up gingerly to his feet and nails a forearm to the jaw before tossing Hardy back inside the ring at the count of seven. Jordan heads back after him and rolls Hardy over into a cover…

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Hardy and it doesn’t seem to bother Jordan, who perhaps simply went for this to force Hardy into kicking out, using more effort and energy. Jordan takes a moment to think up his next move and the champion decides to focus once again on Hardy’s back as simply picks Hardy to his feet and drops him with a scoop slam, simple yet effective from OJ as Hardy once again holds his lower back.

Jordan begins to smirk before posing for the fans who duly oblige in booing the U.S champion. Jordan simply waves his arms back at the crowd as if to say ‘Screw you’ before cockily strutting his way towards Hardy and bending down to once again tend to his opponent BUT HARDY SEES HIM COMING, ROLL UP!!

1..

2..

3...

NO!!! Jordan just about survives as the crowd appear stunned that Hardy almost pulled it out from seemingly nowhere there. Hardy seems to find a second wind here now as he’s right back up to his feet as is Jordan who charges at Hardy, ducks it, Hardy spins him round, kick to the mid section, TWIST OF FATE!! NO!! Jordan shoves Matt away from him, Matt falls into the ropes, rebounds, Jordan rolls him up now from behind!!

1..

2..

Kick out by Matt!! The crowd pops big as it’s Jordan now scoring a near fall. Both men are quickly back to their feet and it’s Jordan who strikes, is it? NO! Hardy ducks his advances and Jordan turns around, clothesline by Hardy and again as the never say die challenger raises his game now here. Hardy begs OJ to get up, rallying the fans and OJ does, kick to the gut, BIG TIME VERTICAL SUPLEX from Hardy!! Hardy though struggles a little following the move as he clutches his back, clearly still in pain but then quickly realises this is a chance and races into the cover…

1..

2..

Kick out by OJ as Matt appears to be a little frustrated now. Matt again holds his lower back before grabbing the hair of his bitter rival and bringing him to his feet again before nailing him with a right hand, and again before drilling a knee to the mid section as Jordan appears a little winded now from that shot. Hardy then takes Jordan over towards the turnbuckle and begins to use Jordan’s skull as a battering ram, smashing Jordan’s head off the turnbuckle!! Hardy repeatedly bashes OJ’s head off the top turnbuckle with OJ looking completely dazed and out of it, stumbling out of the corner and Hardy puts his arm around the neck of OJ from behind, RUNNING BULLDOG, NO!! Jordan somehow finds the wherewithal to shove Hardy away as he lands awkwardly on that back once again.

Jordan stumbles into the corner, holding his head, perhaps wondering where he is as Hardy slowly gets up and turns around wanting more of OJ, desperate to finally win the gold but he’s met with a pinpoint dropkick from OJ!! Wow, great athleticism and great resolve from the champion to stay alive in this one as Hardy goes tumbling. Jordan now crawls into the cover…

1..

2..

Kick out at two and a half from Hardy!! OJ is now visibly upset as he questions the referee’s pace of counting, slamming the mat in disapproval before lashing out with a big kick to the head of Hardy! Jordan then gets in Hardy’s face and tells him’ You ain’t nothing’ before unleashing several ferocious left hands. Jordan then brings V1 to his feet again and scoops him up, looks around the crowd who boo the champion once more as Jordan drops the fan favourite with a stinging backbreaker!! Hardy’s potentially injured back takes more damage again here with a brutal impact move by Jordan who refuses a cover this time, instead playing to the crowd once again, yelling at them that ‘I’m the best baby, this punk ain’t nothing on me’.

The fans start a ‘You Suck’ chant briefly but it ends as Jordan again picks Hardy up and this time whips Hardy again into the turnbuckle and Jordan nails him with a running clothesline!! Hardy stumbles out of the corner and Jordan drops him with a beautiful snap suplex!! Again though, no cover from Jordan who instead lets out a sly smirk and begins to…to head up to the top rope?? Something we are not used to seeing from Orlando Jordan here. Hardy lays motionless on the mat as Jordan sets himself up high and Jordan flies from the sky, FLYING ELBOW!! HARDY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!

Jordan crashes and burns much to the crowd’s delight as both men are now out of the game so to speak and the fans start to believe this one is Hardy’s to win now. Both men are pretty much flat out here but Hardy is beginning to show small signs of movement while OJ simply holds a hand out for something, anything here. The referee has begun to count both men out of this one and his count is up to four now as the fans start to make some noise, trying to will Matt Hardy up and into this thing. It appears to be working too as Hardy slowly gets to his knees but OJ is rising also, he’s on one knee, trying to reach the ropes to drag himself up.

It’s a real battle to see who is up first and who will land the first blow and it’s MATT HARDY!! Hardy is to his feet first and he lands the first blow on Jordan, but Jordan fights back and the crowd really gets into it here.

‘Yeahhhhh’

‘Boooooo’

‘Yeahhhhh’

‘Boooooo’

The tide slowly turns in Matt’s favour now and Hardy gets right on top, nailing right after right, forcing Jordan back towards the ropes, Irish whip now from Hardy and Jordan rebounds right into a big back body drop as Hardy yells ‘C’mon’ to a fired up crowd now. Hardy appears to be running on adrenaline now as he holds his back once more and awaits OJ’s return to his feet. The champion slowly rises, Hardy priming himself to look and finish this one off. Jordan is up, Jordan turns around right into A SIDE EFFECT!! SIDE EFFECT BY HARDY!! Cover…..

1..

2..

3...

HE GOT HIM!! NO!! Jordan just about kicks out at the death as the crowd lets out a groan of disapproval. Hardy holds out three fingers to the referee but his pleas are rejected and Hardy has to gather himself once more. Hardy then poses to the crowd with his V1 taunt before scaling up high to the top rope. Jordan is still down and out here as Hardy sets himself up high, Jordan is in no man’s land, Hardy then lets out a huge roar out to the crowd as he FLIES THROUGH THE SKY, LEG DROP CONNECTS OFF THE TOP!! Cover again by Matt…

1..

2...

3...

NEW CHAMPION, NO!! AGAIN JORDAN KICKS OUT!! Hardy appears deflated now as he clutches his back again, wondering what it’s gonna take to win his first big single’s championship here in the WWE.

Hardy’s moment of frustration soon ends though as he slams the mat and regroups, Hardy waits in the corner, posing himself, waiting, stalking his prey in Orlando Jordan. Hardy holds his arms outstretched, willing the crowd to help him out here, egg him on. Jordan uses the ropes to bring himself up and he unknowingly turns around right into Hardy’s path, kick to the mid section, NO! Jordan blocks it and grabs Hardy, BLACKOUT, BLACKOUT CONNECTS!! (Reverse STO). Jordan crawls into the cover, the champion’s gonna retain here…

1..

2..

3...

NO!! HARDY SURVIVES!! The crowd comes alive once more as Jordan shakes his head in disbelief that Hardy kicks out of the Blackout. Jordan then decides enough is enough and heads over towards the turnbuckle and Jordan begins to unravel the top turnbuckle!! The fans boo the champion and the referee doesn’t see what’s going on as he tends to Matt Hardy, checking on the well being of the challenger.

Jordan tosses the turnbuckle out of the ring, exposing the steel here, his intentions clear right now as he heads back over towards Hardy. Jordan scoops him upright and whips Hardy right over towards that exposed turnbuckle, Hardy’s back once again thundering into it as Jordan now takes a run up and looks to nail Hardy but HARDY SCOOPS JORDAN UP AND HEAD FIRST INTO THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE!! Jordan’s lights are out here as he falls all over the place, Hardy turns him around, kick to the gut, TWIST OF FATE!! TWIST OF FATE CONNECTS!! Cover…

1..

2...

3...

HE GOT HIM!! NEW CHAMPION!!

Winner and NEW United States Champion: Matt Hardy(11:39)

Michael Cole: HE GOT HIM!! MATT HARDY HAS DONE IT!! MATT HARDY HAS FINALLY CAPTURED THE UNITED STATES TITLE!!

Tazz: Listen to this arena Cole, the roof’s just blown off of it!! What a win for Matt Hardy baby, huge night for this young kid.

Michael Cole: So many people have doubted Matt Hardy, have doubted he could go it alone, be successful on his own but here tonight in Buffalo, Matt Hardy has indeed proved the doubters wrong!

We see a shot of Matt Hardy celebrating, clutching the U.S. title close to his chest, smiling and embracing the fans as he heads up the ramp. We see a quick glimpse of a fallen Orlando Jordan inside the ring who looks crushed by his loss before we head back to the celebrating Hardy​
.

We then head off into a video package…

Narrator: The biggest party of the summer.

The Summerslam logo appears across the screen as the Summerslam theme plays in the background.

Narrator: High pressure, high stakes.

We see a shot of Batista raising the World title high before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels.

Narrator: Who can overcome these obstacles?

We see Kurt Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on Randy Orton.

We then see Kane chokeslamming Chris Jericho.

Narrator: Who can stand tall?

We see John Cena FU’ing JBL.

Narrator: Who can rise to the occasion?

We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas celebrating.

Narrator: Who can handle… the heat?

We see a smirking Christian before an angered Ric Flair.

Batista: At Summerslam.

Flashing shot of the Animal landing a Batistabomb.

Edge: At Summerslam.

A brief shot of Edge delivering a Spear.

Randy Orton: At Summerslam.

The Legend Killer delivering an RKO is shown.

Ric Flair: At SUMMERSLAM! WOOO!

Flair locking in the Figure Four is then shown briefly.

Kurt Angle: At Summerslam.

We then see Angle locking in the Ankle lock, wrenching the hold in.

John Cena: At Summerslam.

It’s Cena’s turn then as we see the WWE champion deliver a thunderous FU.

Christian: The heat….is on.

A shot of a desert like scene is then shown as the Summerslam logo then appears again before…

Narrator: Summerslam: Can you handle the heat?



We then head off backstage where we join Josh Matthews for the first time this evening.

Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman joining me at this time, please welcome my guest at this time, he is one of the four participants in the WWE Championship Fatal 4 Way match later on tonight, the Legend Killer, Randy Orton.

Orton appears into shot to fairly strong boos, again the odd cheer though for the arrogant youngster.

Josh Matthews: Randy this past Friday night on Smackdown, you left your tag team partners John Cena, Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio on their own with many people claiming you want nothing to do with John Cena, following your assault on him a couple of weeks ago. To those people, what would you like to say here tonight?

Orton is smiling, rubbing his chin.

Randy Orton: I would like to say to those people… wha…wait…what would I like to say to those people? Nothing Josh. I would like to say absolutely NOTHING to those people.

Heat already for TLK.

Randy Orton:Do any of those people have any idea how big a night this is for me? Do they? No, no they don’t and that’s why they don’t understand why I’ve done what I’ve done these past couple of weeks.

Orton pauses for a second.

Randy Orton: What I did to John Cena was no different to what Kurt Angle did, to what JBL did, they both did the exact same thing that I did and yet I’m the one who seems to be takin’ the blame. I’m the one who people are criticising. ’Oh Randy, you shoulda helped Cena out, you should’ve done the right thing.’

Orton looks cold here as he looks down at the floor.

Randy Orton: The right thing? Let me ask you Josh, what is…the ‘right thing’? The right thing for those people would’ve been for me to jump down, to take Kurt Angle out and help John Cena, help the WWE Champion to his feet, help my opponent here tonight walk away without a scratch on him. Do you…do you realise how stupid that sounds huh?

Matthews looks away a little intimidated.

Randy Orton: I’m meant to help out one of my opponents in one of, if not, the biggest match in my career just…just because it’s the ‘right thing to do’. Well Josh that may be the right thing in a lot of people’s eyes but in my eyes that is oh so far away from what the right thing is.

Orton again pauses for thought.

Randy Orton: The right thing for me to do was exactly what I did. I take out John Cena, I take out the competition and my chances of taking home the WWE title, they go up a notch. Now I may not have taken out Cena for tonight but I know he’s still hurt, I know he’ll still be feeling what I did to him, what Kurt, what Bradshaw did to him and he knows that what happened a couple weeks ago has left him in a whole world of trouble here tonight.

Orton smirks again now.

Randy Orton: So maybe…maybe I didn’t do the ‘right thing’ but if what I did was wrong then well, I don’t ever wanna be right Josh. Tonight, nothing is going to stop me, nobody is going to stop me from taking home that WWE title, from taking home what I deserve.

Orton then heads off to the usual round of boos as we cut away.

We then return back ringside to hear…

‘Masterpiece’

It’s the music of Chris Masters that hits and out steps the Masterpiece to fairly rousing boos as he and his recent new associates get set to take on the Mexicools.

Michael Cole: Well Chris Masters has had absolutely NO luck since coming to Friday Night Smackdown in the draft lottery with the troublesome trio, the Mexicools continuously embarrassing the Masterpiece. HOWEVER, that luck has slowly began to change in recent weeks since Chris Masters, well Chris Masters got himself a little bit of back up.

Tazz: Damn straight Cole. Chris Masters went out and he got himself two of the toughest S.O.Bs on Fri..

‘A country boy can survive’

Tazz is cut off by the music of Jamie Noble and out come he and his partner, Kid Kash, the Pitbulls.

Tazz: ..On Friday Night Smackdown and speak of the devils Cole, here they are. Jamie Noble, Kid Kash, they may be Cruiserweights but these two ain’t your usual high fliers, these two are straight up brawlers and they can go toe to toe wit’ the best of ‘em.

Michael Cole: Indeed Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, two highly respected, highly talented superstars and alongside somebody like Chris Masters, these three are gonna be a huge challenge for anybody.

‘Muy Loco’

It’s a nice pop that greets the music of the Mexicools and out come the rowdy thressome, equipped with their Juan Deere’s as Super Crazy, Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera come on down for action.

Michael Cole: They promised fun, they promised excitement and since arriving on Smackdown, they’ve certainly delivered. The Mexicools have been a real thorn in the side of Chris Masters, with all three members defeating the Masterpiece as well as the trio even kindapping Masters about a month back on Smackdown!

Tazz: Yeah these three guys are as crazy as they come Cole but you know that they can get the job done in the ring, ain’t no doubt about it, these three are as good as they come and this one is gonna be off the charts baby.

Six Man Tag Team Match:
The Mexicools vs. Chris Masters and The Pitbulls

Juventud Guerrera kicks things off for his side whilst it’s Jamie Noble starting this one out for Masters and the Pitbulls in a rematch of this Friday’s Smackdown. Juvi tries to rally the crowd from the get go, clapping his hands together, trying to get them to do so too and they duly oblige as Juvi and Noble lock horns in the centre of the ring. Noble is clearly the aggressor here as he forces Juvi back before breaking the hold and smashing Juvi with a forearm, followed by another as he takes Juvi up against the ropes. Noble now whips Guerrera across the ring and Juvi flies back at him as Noble swings a right but Juvi ducks under it and runs the ropes again, rebounding and taking Noble down with a flying forearm!

The fans let out a nice pop as Juvi runs the ropes once more and Noble is quickly up to his knees and again goes to smash Juvi but the Mexicool is too quick as he hops over Noble, slows himself down as Noble spins round and Juvi takes his head off with a thunderous kick to the skull!! Into the cover…

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Noble as Juvi mouths something in his native tongue to the crowd before grabbing Noble and pulling him back to his feet. Juvi smashes Noble with a couple of right hands before taking him over towards his corner and Juvi twists the arm of Noble who cries out in pain before tagging in Psicosis to the match and the fellow crazed Mexican jumps high over the ropes and crashes down on the arm of Noble who once again yells out in pain before Psicosis whips the Pitbull across the ring and Noble rebounds right into a perfectly timed arm drag from Psicosis.

Psicosis doesn’t keep the grip however and Noble flies across the ring, taking a pretty hard fall as Psicosis is quickly back onto him and brings him upright before once again whipping Noble across the ring but this time Noble uses all his smarts and hangs onto the ropes as Psicosis charges at him and Noble connects with a boot to the face! Psicosis is reeling now and Noble takes this opportunity to get back into the match, clubbing the Mexicool down with a hard shot to the back before beginning to pummel away at his opponent with some stiff kicks to the back and kidneys of the former ECW star.

We see Chris Masters applauding his team mate, smirking slyly as Noble now begins to build some momentum and is ruthless in his approach as he grabs the right leg of Psicosis and uses it to lift him up high as Noble then smashes Psicosis’ leg back down on the mat, his kneecap really feeling the force as Noble now relentlessly continues hammering that leg/knee of Psicosis down against the mat as Psicosis squeals in pain. Noble now drags Psicosis over towards his corner, kicking that knee of Psicosis one more time before tagging in Kid Kash for the first time.

Kash picks up where his partner left off and hammers away at Psicosis’ knee with some stiff kicks before drawing Psicosis to his feet and delivering a big kick to the mid section before Kash drops Psicosis with a big time snap suplex!! Kash crawls towards the cover…

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Psicosis as we see Super Crazy and Juvi encouraging their partner from the apron. Kash draws Psicosis up once again now and whips him across the ring right into the turnbuckle and Kash charges right at him but Psicosis dodges out of harm’s way!! Kash smashes into the turnbuckle, spinning out of the corner as Psicosis finds some energy from somewhere and runs up and onto the top rope, delivering a MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP, TAKING KASH DOWN!! Cover by Psicosis…

1..

2..

Kick out by Kash!! The crowd oooohs and aaaahs, hoping that was all she wrote but Kash stays in this one for he and his team. Psicosis now appears to be feeling the effects off that little burst of energy, holding his targeted leg also, perhaps feeling that now as well. Kash begins to crawl to his knees as does Psicosis and it’s the Mexicool who’s to his feet first and he spins Kash round, grabbing him by both arms, double underhook suplex!! NO!! Kash blocks it and nails Psicosis with a right hand to the mid section, kick to the mid section now and Kash whips Psicosis into the ropes, reversal though as Kash goes into the ropes and Psicosis takes him over and down to the outside with a clothesline!! Kash lands hard but the damage isn’t done there as Kash steadies himself, returning to his feet, he turns around and Psicosis goes up and over with a PLANCHA INTO A HURRICANRANA!! The fans go ballistic as Psicosis drops Kash down with huge impact and his fellow Mexicools go wild on the apron.

Both men are taken out of the game so to speak here now as the referee begins his count out and we see Crazy and Guerrera urging Psicosis, willing him back to his feet. Psicosis begins to stir and Kash slowly starts to show some signs of life and Psicosis is now to his feet and draws Kash to his knees before finally getting him to his feet and tossing KK back inside the ring. Psicosis follows him right back in but Kash is to his feet and greets Psicosis with a right hand but Psicosis responds with a right of his own and the two men exchange blows before Kash nails his opponent with a knee to the gut before tossing Psicosis over and into the turnbuckle where Kash now unloads with a series of kicks, looking to weaken Psicosis’ mid section as the Mexican slumps down in the corner.

Kash now takes a running start before NAILING Psicosis with a running low angle dropkick, knocking Psicosis’ head off almost!! Psicosis completely drops now and Kash rolls him over into a cover..

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Psicosis! The fans let out a cheer as Psicosis stays in this one and Kash cuts a frustrated figure as he drags Psicosis’ lifeless body over towards his corner and tags in the Masterpiece, Chris Masters who pounces on Psicosis, immediately hammering away with some strong kicks to both the mid section and that worked on knee of his opponent. Masters then brings Psicosis to his feet again and drills him with a forearm before a scoop slam falls Psicosis again. Cover by Masters now as he slows the pace down of this one..

1..

2..

Kick out by Psicosis once more, showing great resolve here as his team mates look on, desperate for a tag to be made. Masters gets to his feet and brings Psicosis up alos before tossing him like a rag doll into the turnbuckle once more where Masters now unloads with right hands as the referee pleads with him to let up and gives ‘Piece to a count of five, at which Masters finally give in at four, arguing with the referee about it before refocusing on Psicosis but he’s greeted with a SLAP TO THE FACE!! The fans cheer like wild as Psicosis slaps the taste out of Chris Masters mouth before beginning a series of right hands on Piece, shocking him perhaps as Psicosis suddenly finds some life.

Masters is right on the back foot here as Psicosis whips him across the ring, Piece rebounds and Psicosis shows great strength in taking him down with a MASSIVE TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER!! The crowd roars but Psicosis doesn’t go for a cover, instead drops down, clearly struggling here as he crawls over towards his corner, desperate to tag in one of his partners. We see Jamie Noble and Kid Kash looking on concerned also, holding out a hand incase of Masters wanting to tag out but he doesn’t have time to as SUPER CRAZY enters the match!! Psicosis finally gets the tag and Crazy is quickly in, running the ropes and dropping Masters with a low angle drop kick, knocking his teeth down his throat as the Insane Luchador lets out some crazy noises to the fans who rally right behind him.

Masters rolls around in discomfort as Crazy brings him up by his hair and positions Masters perfectly for a BIG TIME DROP KICK!! Crazy is rolling here as Masters is quickly to his feet though but Crazy AGAIN nails him with a drop kick before poising himself once more as Masters gets up and turns around right into the waiting Crazy who lifts him up into a CRAZY BOMB!! The fans go wild as Crazy goes for a cover..

1..

2..

3..

NO!! NOBLE BREAKS THE COUNT!! Jamie Noble intervenes and begins to hammer away at the back of Crazy’s neck but Noble is then taken down by Juvi who nails him with right hands and KID KASH now enters the ring, dropping Juvi with a big right hand but now PSICOSIS re enters and takes down Kash with a clothesline!! Chaos is ensuing here in Buffalo now!!

Kash is back up fairly quickly and Psicosis swings for him once again but this time Kash ducks it and runs the ropes but he’s caught with a big time drop kick taking him all the way over the top and down to the outside from Juvi who appears from out of nowhere!!

Psicosis is all smiles as his firend takes care of Kash but not for long as he’s grabbed from behind by Noble who uses him as a dart and fires him shoulder first into the ringpost!! Psicosis’ shoulder smashes into the steel as he falls through the ropes and down to the outside but Noble’s now caught from behind by Juvi again and he whips the Country Boy into the ropes but Noble hangs on, Juvi charges at him, Noble scoops him up and over but Juvi lands on the apron, swings a right hand at Noble but Noble blocks it, kick to the mid section, Noble goes for a front suplex but Juvi blocks it and reverses, SUPLEX OFF THE APRON!! JUVI DROPS NOBLE DOWN AND TAKES HIMSELF DOWN IN THE PROCESS!!

The crowd are on their feet as both men are taken down and out by Juvi’s unpredictability here as the attention turns back inside the ring where Crazy and Masters are beginning to get to their feet. Crazy gets up first with Masters not far behind and Crazy lays into him with right hands, knocking Piece off balance before whipping Masters across into the turnbuckle and Crazy sprints right at him but Masters dodges it and Crazy rebounds off the turnbuckle right into the waiting Masters who LOCKS IN THE MASTERLOCK FROM BEHIND!! Masters takes his opportunity with great pleasure here as Crazy misses his chance.

Crazy is being thrown around like a rag doll here as Masters face shows real aggression and determination to finish this one off and the referee checks on Crazy here who appears done and dusted and he is!! The referee decides enough is enough and calls for the bell giving Masters and the Pitbulls a big win.

Winners: Chris Masters and The Pitbulls(13:29)​

Michael Cole: A HUGE win for Chris Masters and the Pitbulls tonight. Masters finally, finally getting one over on the Mexicools and perhaps he has landed the final, all important blow in this recent rivalry.

Tazz: If that is the final blow then it’s a hell of a blow to land Cole. Major victory tonight for the Masterpiece and his men. Hell of a match right there though from all six o’ these guys, this is what Smackdown is all about, what Smackdown produces and we still got a whole lot more to come tonight. I can’t wait!!

We see a shot of a smirking Masters who punches the air in delight as the referee raises his hand and he backs up the ramp with the Pitbulls not far behind him, having regrouped from their bumps and bruises here as they look on menacingly at the fallen Mexicools who look back ferociously, no fun and games for them this evening.

We immediately then cut backstage where we see Orlando Jordan stumbling through the halls, clearly looking very upset, frustrated, angered by losing his United States title earlier on this evening. Jordan then looks up and stops in his tracks, clearly wary of something or someone. The camera then changes and we see the arrival of John Bradshaw Layfield into shot. The Wrestling God is dressed to compete, his white hat and black jacket on him however and he has a face like thunder as he bumps into his Chief of Staff.

Orlando Jordan: John look I didn……

John Bradshaw Layfield: Enough.

Orlando Jordan: John I…

John Bradshaw Layfield: I SAID ENOUGH!!

Jordan hangs his head as Layfield stamps his authority.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I don’t wanna hear it, I don’t wanna hear one word from you, ya understand? To be quite honest with you, I don’t even wanna see your pathetic little face right about now but I..I felt I had to come find you, I felt I had to come find you and I had to tell you jus…just how disappointed, just how angry, just how EMBARRASSED I felt watching your match earlier on tonight.

Jordan huffs a little bit, hands on his hips, head down still.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Incase you didn’t know son, I am John Bradshaw Layfield, I am the longest reigning WWE Champion in Smack…down history. I am a true American Hero, I am the Wall Street Warrior and I am the one and only Wrestling Gawwwwwwwwd.

Strong heat for JBL’s usual arrogance.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I am a born winner, I belong at the very top of the food chain in every single walk of life. I don’t….I can’t associate myself with…with losers. So tell me son…tell me, be real clear on this one, I don’t want you to miss out any detail here. Tell me, di…did you win your match earlier on tonight? A…are ya still United States Champion?

Jordan looks at his mentor now, eye to eye, Layfield mocking him almost here.

John Bradshaw Layfield: WELL?!

Orlando Jordan: No.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Wh..wh..what? I didn’t, I didn’t quite catch that? Speak up kid.

JBL puts his hand up against his ear, listening ‘really’ close.

Orlando Jordan: I said…I said no.

Layfield now begins to smile broadly before laughing a little bit.

John Bradshaw Layield: No, ha ha ha. NO IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH ORLANDO!!

JBL then SLAPS Jordan much to the shock of the crowd!!

John Bradshaw Layfield: You lost out there tonight, bu…bu…but not only did ya lose, no, you lost to Matt Hardy. Matt…Hardy? Are you kiddin’ me? That waste of space does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as me, not in the same breath as ANY of my associates but what do ya know? Here we are and he’s just pinned you, he’s just pinned MY Chief of Staff. THAT is embarrassing, YOU are an embarrassment.

Jordan hangs his head in disappointment.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You have one and I mean this, you have only one chance at salvation kid. You need to learn and you need to learn really, really fast that losing? Losing just ain’t an option. So what I want you to do is, I want you to stay back here tonight, find yourself a TV monitor, sit down and glue your eyes to the screen cos I want you to watch, to witness me showing exactly what it takes to be a winner, to be…a champion.

Jordan nods his head, agreeing with his mentor.

John Bradshaw Layfield: When all’s said and done here tonight, we WILL be leaving Buffalo still with championship gold in hand and I want this to act as a catalyst, as a spark inside o’ you because one more mistake, just one more slip up Orlando and I ain’t playin’ when I say this, you’re out the door.

Bradshaw delivers one more menacing look at the former U.S. Champion before heading off and we see Orlando Jordan nodding, perhaps in fear more than anything as we return ringside to hear…

‘I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be Cool’

The music of Carlito hits and it’s a chorus of boos for the Caribbean star who steps out, apple in hand, not looking so full of himself tonight though as he’s set to take on his two recent rivals here tonight.

Michael Cole: Tazz, Carlito is always one to look confident, arrogant, cool if you will but here tonight, that confidence, that arrogance, that ‘coolness‘, well it appears to have gone as Carlito knows he’s got two fired up, two angry opponents here tonight who BOTH want payback, want retirbution on Carlito for what he’s done to them of late.

Tazz: It ain’t gonna be easy for Lito tonight Cole. You’re right, he’s got two men who both want a piece of him BUT Carlito’s done a hell of a job in turnin’ those two men, those two ‘friends’ against one another and I think that’s gotta be in the back of Carlito’s mind here tonight, turn these guys against each other as quickly as possible.

‘Can you dig it? Sucka’

It’s a nice pop that greets the music of the former 5 time WCW Champion Booker T who storms out onto the stage, pandering to the crowd before setting his sights on Lito.

Michael Cole: Out of all three of the men competing in this next match up it is this man, Booker T who is probably the most determined, most motivated, most fired up here tonight. Booker has had his issues with Carlito for some time now but things…well things have gone south with regards to Booker and Rhyno’s friendship and it’s thanks to Carlito.

Tazz: Well ya say that Cole but Rhyno has said it himself, this has been comin’ a long time now and it ain’t all down to Carlito and his antics, this is to do wit’ in Rhyno’s eyes anyway, to do wit’ Booker takin’ his spot, takin’ his opportunities.

Michael Cole: Well that’s something I can’t agree with and a lot of people that know these men can’t agree with either.

Carlito hops out of the ring as Booker enters and locks eyes once again with the Apple Spitter.

‘Man Beast’

It’s then the turn of Rhyno to make his way out and he does so, looking aggressively at Booker with the fans strongly booing the Man Beast, amidst the odd cheers.

Michael Cole: And here comes the third piece in the wheel so to speak. It was several weeks ago on Smackdown that Rhyno turned on his former friend Booker T, blaming Booker for costing him chances, costing him opportunities, including one at Carlito. The end result was Rhyno delivering a sinister gore to the former WCW Champion.

Tazz: Rhyno’s just found this new side to him of late Cole and personally I love it. I know Rhyno pretty damn well, we go all the way back to ECW and I ain’t seen him this aggressive, this brutal in all my years knowin’ him. Booker and Carlito have got a tough test tonight, that’s for sure.

Triple Threat Match:
Carlito vs. Booker T vs. Rhyno

Each man takes up a corner of the ring, all taking it in turns to stare down one another, Carlito looking a little anxious while both Booker and Rhyno look intense. The stares soon focus though on just one man and that is Carlito as both Booker and Rhyno set their sights on the Apple Spitter and he doesn’t like it at all, opting to hop out of the ring right from the get go, wanting nothing to do with either man in the early stages. The fans boo the former U.S champion but he doesn’t care as he instead paces the ring while Booker and Rhyno now shift their focus onto each other and the two former friends lock up in the middle of the ring with Rhyno’s aggressive style forcing the former WCW Champion back towards the corner.

The hold is then broken as Rhyno begins to stomp away at Booker’s mid section, the two men lodged up by the turnbuckle as we see Carlito still pacing round the ring. Rhyno then begins to drive his shoulder into Booker’s mid section, really hammering into his former friend’s gut. Booker lets out some aaaahs in pain as Rhyno keeps up the aggression before delivering another solid kick to the gut. Rhyno then whips Booker out of the corner from one turnbuckle to the opposite as Rhyno charges at him but he’s caught with a DROPKICK FROM CARLITO!!

Lito reappears from out of nowhere and takes down the Man Beast!! Quickly into the cover..

1..

2..

Booker breaks the count!! Booker breaks it with a kick to the back of Lito’s head and Booker now goes to work on his long time rival, hammering him with an array of kicks before bringing Lito up to his feet by his ‘fro and smashing him with a right hand, followed by another before whipping the Apple Spitter across the ring, Lito rebounds and Booker takes him down with a big back body drop!! Booker turns round and goes right back after Lito, drawing him up to his feet before nailing him again with a right hand as Lito pleads with him to back off but Booker isn’t having any of it and takes Lito into the corner. Booker begins to deliver some stinging knife edeg chops as Lito’s face paints a picture.

‘Woooo’

‘Woooo’

‘Woooo’

Carlito’s chest turns bright red as Booker’s stinging offense works a treat before Booker whips Lito out of the corner RIGHT INTO A GORE!!! GORE FROM RHYNO OUT OF NOWHERE TO THE ONRUSHING CARLITO!! Cover by Rhyno..

1..

2..

Booker breaks up the pin once again and he and Rhyno pick up where they left off and start exchanging right hands. It’s Booker this time who comes out on top, nailing Rhyno with a big kick to the mid section before Booker scoops Rhyno up and drops him with a big time suplex!! Into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by the Man Beast. Booker scowls in disappointment before bringing the former Extremist to his feet again as Booker lands a forearm before whipping Rhyno across the ring, Rhyno though hangs himself up in the ropes and Booker charges at him but Rhyno scoops him up and over the top!! Booker crashes down to the outside as Rhyno looks on at the damage before going to head out after him BUT HE’S ROLLED UP FROM BEHIND BY CARLITO!!

1..

2..

3...

NO!! Rhyno just about kicks out as Carlito almost steals this one. Both men are quickly back up to their feet and Lito swings for Rhyno, he ducks it, spins Lito round, picks him up, using great atrength and goes for a running power slam!! Carlito slithers out of it though and instead spins Rhyno round, connects with a swinging neck breaker!! Lito crawls into the cover once again, desperate to end this one..

1..

2..

Shoulder up from the Man Beast!! The crowd cheers despite being less than impressed with Rhyno’s antics lately, clearly still favouring him to the Apple Spitter. Lito takes a moment to regroup before the camera shifts and we see Booker T now to his feet and Booker crawls back onto the apron, using the ropes to pull himself up, Carlito sees this and decides to run the ropes and take down Booker with a BIG low angle dropkick!! Booker drops down and crashes head first off the announce table!!

Lito then lets out a wry smirk and sees Rhyno down inside the ring, Booker down on the outside and Lito decides to head back after Booker, perhaps sensing he can take the former WCW Champion out of the picture here. Lito hops through the ropes and drops down to the outside, the crowd booing his every move before Lito grabs the back of Booker’s head and SMASHES it off of the announce table, Booker’s neck whip lashing backwards.

Lito continues to pummel Booker, bashing his head repeatedly off the announce table as Michael Cole questions his behaviour here. Lito then smirks slyly once again before bringing Booker to his feet and nailing a forearm before a stiff kick to the mid section once more followed by whipping Booker into the ring post!! Booker smashes head first off the steel and drops down to the mat again as Carlito takes full control here. We then see inside the ring however, Rhyno IS up and Rhyno is heading to the outside!!

Carlito doesn’t see that the Man Beast is headed his way and Rhyno grabs Lito from behind and spins him round, kick to the gut, before RHYNO LAUNCHES CARLITO INTO THE BARRICADE!! Lito drops, his shoulders smashing into the barricade as Rhyno now regains control in this topsy turvy contest with both Lito and Booker down and out. Rhyno now launches a vicious assault on Lito, smashing away at his chest with several brutal stomps before pulling out and heading back after Booker who has begun to stir.

Rhyno heads over and smashes Booker in the ribs with a vicious kick before bringing him to his feet and tossing Book back inside the ring, following him right behind. Rhyno is quick to drag Booker up and whips Booker across the ring, rebounding off the ropes and Rhyno takes him back down with a shoulder block. Once more Rhyno brings his rival up again and kicks him hard in the gut before bringing him up and Rhyno DROPS BOOKER WITH A BRAINBUSTER!! Ooooohs ring round the crowd as Rhyno crawls into a cover…

1..

2...

3...

NO!! Booker just about rolls the shoulder as the fans let out a pop of relief more than anything. Rhyno pounds the mat in frustration as he allows Booker some time to recover, pulling his hair in anger it would seem that he can’t put away his rival. We then see a shot on the outside of Carlito who is still down and out, clutching his shoulder after the heavy fall he took. We then shift back inside and again Rhyno brings Booker back up, Booker is bent over and Rhyno clubs him repeatedly with some stiff shots to the lower back before going for a boot to the gut but Booker catches Rhyno’s foot, swings Rhyno round and takes him down with a BIG LEAPING HOOK KICK!! Booker takes Rhyno’s head off and very slowly crawls over towards the Man Beast. Cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by Rhyno!! Booker remains laying on his rival, clearly worn down from the beating he’s taken of late but he soon makes his way back up and we see Carlito beginning to stagger on the outside also. Rhyno holds his hands out, trying to claw his way to the ropes but Booker again pounces, striking Rhyno with a boot to the head, followed by bringing Rhyno up again and nailing him with a kick to the back of the head!! A few oooohs are heard round the crowd as the impact is loudly heard and Booker now whips Rhyno shoulder first through the ropes and into the ring post!! Rhyno’s shoulder may have damn well separated from that hard impact and Booker grabs him out of the way before beginning to unload with right hands in the corner but BOTH MEN ARE TAKEN OUT WITH A STINGER SPLASH FROM CARLITO!! Lito returns out of nowhere and finds the energy somehow to charge and take out his opponents.

Booker smashes into Rhyno and Carlito delivers a kick to the gut of Booker before dropping him with a beautiful DDT! Carly goes in for a cover..

1..

Rhyno breaks it up! Rhyno somehow now finds a burst of energy and brings Lito up but Lito nails him with a shot to the stomach. Rhyno is spun around and Lito catches him from behind, BACKSTABBER!! BACKSTABBER TO RHYNO BUT HE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING!! Smart strategy from Rhyno who avoids the pinfall attempt, crawling out of harm’s way as Lito plays with his ‘fro, disappointed Rhyno escaped there but he soon returns to Booker and grabs him by the hair, pulling him upright again to his knees before he runs the ropes and charges back at him BUT BOOKER CATCHES HIM ROUND THE THROAT!!! BOOKEND!! BOOKEND CONNECTS!! COVER..

1..

2..

3...

NO!! RHYNO BREAKS THE COUNT AT TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!! Carlito is saved by the man he backstabbed just moments earlier and all three men are down inside the ring but Booker and Rhyno start to make their way to their feet. It’s Rhyno who’s up first and he swings for Book but Book blocks it and starts throwing some right’s of his own, hammering away at the Man Beast. Booker now with a kick to the gut, he runs the ropes, SCISSOR KICK!! NO!! RHYNO DUCKS IT, GRABS BOOK FROM BEHIND, REVERSE DDT, NO!! BOOKER REVERSES THIS TIME AND SPINS RHYNO ROUND, SUPERKICK!! SUPERKICK TAKES RHYNO’S HEAD OFF!!

Booker now begins to feel it and positions himself for Rhyno’s next move but Booker’s caught from behind, ROLL UP BY CARLITO!! CARLITO GRABS THE ROPES!!

1..

2..

3...

HE GOT HIM!! CARLITO STEALS IT!!

Winner: Carlito(11:37)​

Michael Cole: Carlito steals it!! Carlito plotting, weaving, weaseling his way to victory here tonight taking FULL advantage of the problems, the furthering problems between Booker T and Rhyno.

Tazz: That right there is a huge win for Carlito Cole. This guy is on a roll right now and he’s just too damn smart for anyone at this moment in time. Booker T and Rhyno can fight all day long but it don’t matter if they ain’t comin’ out on top and Carlito’s done just that here tonight, big, big win baby for the Apple Spitter.

Lito smirks as he heads up the ramp, looking ecstatic at his work here tonight as we see a deflated Booker T inside the ring and a venomous looking Rhyno on the outside.

We then cut backstage where we see The Hurricane preparing for his Cruiserweight title opportunity later on tonight. Friday night’s resident superhero is greeted with a nice pop as he goes through his stretches and superhero moves before he stops and we see Chavo Guerrero appear. Guerrero enters, wearing a shirt and trousers, looking fairly smart and is met with boos from the Buffalo crowd.

Chavo Guerrero: You ready for th…

The Hurricane: Citizen Chavo I don’t wanna hear it, really, I don’t wanna hear anymore from you about my chances, about Paul London, about this Greg that you keep mentioning. All I want is to be left alone, be left to prepare, be left to focus on capturing that Cruiserweight title out there tonight.

Chavo Guerrero: Hey, I understand entirely. I didn’t stop by for any of those things believe me. All I stopped by for was to wish you luck out there tonight.

Chavo then offers his hand but Hurricane stares at him like he’s a piece of dirt.

The Hurricane: I appreciate your good will gesture but I don’t need luck tonight Citizen Chavo. I know what it is I have to do out there, I know what it’s going to take from me to realise my dreams tonight and it doesn’t involve luck. I’m going to prove to you, I’m going to prove to Paul London, I’m going to prove to all the doubters out there that I can do this, that I can be the very best Cruiserweight in the world.

Chavo Guerrero: I admire your attitude, your spirit, your passion to do this but all those three things don’t count for anything. When you go out there tonight, nobody and I mean nobody is gonna look at you and think ‘Hey, this guy’s the best, he is the ultimate Cruiserweight around’. They can’t think that because when they look at you, when I look at you, I don’t see it. All I see ‘Greg’ is some…some sorta joke. All I see is an embarrassment.

Heat for Chavito.

Chavo Guerrero: A superhero? Green face paint, a cape, your stupid little catchphrases, are..are they meant to make me believe in you? Are they meant to make these people believe in you? No, no they're not and until you realise that, until you walk away from all this..this lie that you’re living then you cannot and you will not become the Cruiserweight Champion.

Hurricane looks pissed now.

The Hurricane: Enough. I have heard more than enough from you now Citizen Chavo. I don’t care what you say, I don’t care what you think and tonight I will prove that The Hurricane can storm to success, that The Hurricane can become Cruiserweight Champion and that The Hurricane can indeed be the looked upon as the best Cruiserweight…in the world.

Hurricane then exits to a nice pop as Chavo hangs his head a little, scratching his chin, looking a little disappointed.

We then cut across backstage again to join Josh Matthews who is standing by.

Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman, joining me at this time, please welcome the ‘Wrestling Machine’ Kurt Angle.

Angle comes into shot to strong heat, cutting an intense figure.

Josh Matthews: Kurt for weeks, months infact, you have claimed that John Cena is running scared of you, that John Cena wants nothing to do with you. Well this past Friday on Smackdown, John Cena stood toe to toe with you in the middle of the ring and you walked away. Can you explain just why you did that and what your plan here tonight is?

Kurt Angle: I can explain it but whether somebody like you or whether people like these here in Buffalo understand is another matter entirely.

Cheap heat.

Kurt Angle: I was watching earlier on when you interviewed Randy Orton Josh and you asked him the same kinda stupid question you’re asking me here. I walked away on Friday night because incase ya didn’t realise, I’m involved in a WWE Championship match here tonight. Did uh…did that slip your mind there Josh? I’m involved in a match for the biggest prize in this business and people expect me to take a completely unnecessary risk in tearing into John Cena? Gimme a break.

More boos for Angle.

Kurt Angle: Fact is, I would have torn into John Cena Friday night, there’s no doubt about that but Josh, even with that, there comes a risk. I could’ve charged at John Cena, I could’ve tripped, broken my ankle and just like that I’m outta this match here tonight, I miss out on finally getting my opportunity, on finally capturing the WWE Championship. Do you…do you think that’s worth the risk? Do ya? Worth the risk of getting my hands on a guy who I’m just gonna rip apart tonight here anyway? Yeah…thought not.

Angle now smirks having made his point.

Kurt Angle: Tonight is where I show everybody exactly what I’m capable of. John Cena can’t compete on my level, there aren’t any two ways about it Josh. I’ve always said that he doesn’t wanna face me, that he’s afraid of facing me and tonight I show exactly why. Randy Orton, talented kid but he comes unstuck tonight, he’s got one over on me before but uh…guess why that was Josh.

Matthews stares blankly.

Kurt Angle: C’mon Josh.

Josh Matthews: Uh it was be…

Kurt Angle: It was because of John Cena, you’re right. Cena screwed me over then and he’ll screw me over any chance he freakin’ gets. Then…then there’s JBL. Guy’s as tough as they come, no doubt about it but for all that toughness he displays, he’s…he’s just not got the talent to match up with me. That’s not a knock on him Josh, he’s a hell of a competitor but in the end, the cream always rises to the top and I am the top, I am the very pinnacle of this business.

Heat for that comment.

Kurt Angle: Tonight, I go one step further and as the pinnacle of this business, I take the ultimate prize, I take the WWE Championship. You wanna know my plan tonight Josh? There isn’t one, matter of fact, there never is one. All I do is go out there tonight and do what I do best. I didn’t win an Olympic Gold medal for being mediocre, I’m not labelled the ‘Wrestling Machine’ for no reason. I won this medal(pointing at it), I’m labelled with that name because I am the very BEST when I step inside that ring and tonight…tonight Cena, Orton, Bradshaw, they all get to see first hand why.

Angle then looks intensely at Matthews.

Kurt Angle: Don’t believe me? If you don’t believe me then well, you’re just gonna have to watch and learn. Oh it’s true, it’s DAMN TRUE!!

Angle then heads off to more boos as Matthews looks a little rattled.

We then return ringside and have a brief pause before….

‘One of a Kind/619 Booyaka’

It’s the remix song for Mysterio and Van Dam as the duo come out to a very sizeable pop, looking ready and fired up for their final shot at tag team glory here tonight.

Michael Cole: Well tonight marks the final opportunity for these men Rob Van Dam and his partner Rey Mysterio to finally capture the WWE Tag Team Championships. The stipulation here tonight states that Melina, Nitro and Mercury’s leader if you will, is banned from ringside BUT if Nitro and Mercury walk away victorious, Van Dam and Mysterio will not receive another shot so long as MNM are Tag team champions. Huge stakes for Mr.Friday Night and Mysterio here.

Tazz: That’s an understatement Cole. This is as big as it gets baby. RVD, Rey Mysterio they know exactly what they have to do here tonight, anything over than victory just ain’t good enough. Van Dam’s wanted respect, he’s wanted the very best outta MNM, well tonight he gets them at their best, no Melina, no games, just straight up two on two, may the best team win, this one’s gonna be off the charts.

‘Paparazzi’

The red carpet is then laid out and the Paparazzi themselves are out in full force to greet the champions, Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro, minus Melina.

Michael Cole: Well there ya see it, NO Melina here tonight in Buffalo. The fiery diva has been banned from ringside, however that hasn’t deterred MNM at all, they believe that they can get the job done convincingly on their own. In their eyes, they don’t need Melina, they don’t need anybody to walk away still champions tonight.

Tazz: And why should they need anybody? These two kids are damn talented inside that ring and hey, Nitro beat Van Dam a few weeks back on Smackdown without anybody’s help. I don’t blame ‘em for bein’ confident tonight, it’ll be one hell of a test but these two guys could make a huge statement here tonight.​

WWE Tag Team Championships:
(Melina is banned from ringisde; If Van Dam and Mysterio lose, they will not receive another title shot whilst MNM are champions)
MNM© vs. Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio

It’s decided that Rey Mysterio will kick this one off along with Joey Mercury from the reigning Tag champs corner. Nitro and Van Dam hop back on to the apron as Van Dam cuts a very focused demeanour, as does Mysterio, the two usually laid back fan favourites definitely in the zone for this one. Mysterio then begins circling the ring at some pace as Mercury backs away from the Ultimate Underdog. Mysterio then begins to strike out at Mercury, looking at delivering some stinging kicks but Mercury backs off every time, not wanting anything of Mysterio’s offense here.

Mercury then drops and takes Mysterio to the mat with a double underhook take down as the A-Lister looks to ground the high flyer. Mercury now grabs Mysterio in a head lock but the Master of the 619 tries to fight back up and he does so but Mercury keeps the headlock in as Mysterio uses his speed to try to break free and he manages it, running off the ropes and throwing himself at Mercury with a cross body but Mercury catches him and drops him with a fall away slam!!

Mysterio is now down and in trouble but the Red Carpet star doesn’t opt for a cover, instead he plays with his hair, smiling arrogantly before dragging Mysterio across towards his partner and Mercury tags in Johnny Nitro to the contest. Nitro quickly springs through the ropes and begins to hammer away with some stomps to Mysterio’s ribs, really going full throttle before scooping Rey Rey to his feet and tossing him into the turnbuckle. Nitro begins to unload now with right hands before delivering a stiff kick right into Mysterio’s ribs once more, relentlessly hammering away.

Mysterio is clutching his ribs as Nitro now drags him out of the corner and in towards the ropes, Nitro with an Irish whip, Mysterio rebounds and Nitro scoops him up, wait, no, Mysterio wraps his legs around the A-Lister and twirls round with a massive TWIRLING FLYING HEADSCISSORS!! Nitro is taken down by this bit o brilliance from Mysterio who quickly rushes into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by Nitro much to Mercury’s relief as Mysterio now has a stranglehold on the match for the first time. Nitro is surprisingly to his feet fairly quickly, albeit a little dazed and Mysterio is right on him, nailing him with some thunderous kicks to the back of his left leg before Mysterio grabs the left arm of Nitro and whips him against the ropes, Nitro rebounds and Rey swings but Nitro ducks underneath it, rebounds back at Rey and takes him down with a flying elbow!! Nitro now regains control in this back and forth contest.

Nitro is quickly back up and begins to club away at the back and again at the ribs of Rey before bringing him to his feet and Nitro nails him with a boot to the gut as we see RVD willing Mysterio on from the apron. Nitro with another boot to the gut before hoisting Rey up and dropping him down with a beautiful Northern Lights Suplex!! Nitro scurries over into the cover..

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Rey as Nitro appears angered for a second. Mysterio showing strong resolve here as Nitro hops up and heads over to his partner, tagging Mercury back into this one. Mercury doesn’t go sprinting in however, he calmly steps through the ropes and eyes up Mysterio, allowing him to get to his knees and Mercury playfully slaps Mysterio lightly across the back of the head, trash talking the proud Mexican. Mercury then gets right in Rey’s face and SLAPS HIM BRUTALLY ACROSS THE CHEEK!! The crowd oooohs as Mercury slyly laughs but he’s met with a BIG right hand from Rey!! Mysterio has been awoken here as he begins unloading on the cocky Mercury with right hands, forcing one half of the champs back. Mysterio now with an Irish whip, Mercury rebounds, right into a drop toe hold!! Mercury eats the mat, as he gets back to his feet he turns around and is met with a Springboard Cross body from Mysterio!! Cover by Rey..

1..

2..

3..

NO!! NITRO BREAKS THE COUNT!! Mysterio and Van Dam come within a whisker of tasting gold there as Nitro saves his partner. The referee orders Nitro back to his corner as Van Dam shows clear frustration on the opposite side. Both Mercury and Mysterio are down but are moving and it appears both men are looking towards their partners here, intentions clear. Mysterio crawls over as Van Dam holds out a hand, desperate to enter this contest. Mercury is grasping out for his partner also and he makes the tag but so too does Mysterio!! Nitro and Van Dam storm into the ring and Nitro swings but misses, Van Dam spins him round, kick to the gut, SPINNING WHEEL KICK TAKES NITRO DOWN!! Van Dam enters the scene with a bang here.

Van Dam brings Nitro up and strikes with more kicks, hammering the cocky young superstar before an Irish whip, Nitro crashes into the turnbuckle as Van Dam charges and lays into him with a clothesline. Nitro yells in discomfort as Van Dam now hammers away with some right hands before placing Nitro up on the top rope! What does Mr.Friday night have in mind here? Van Dam fires another right hand before he heads up to the second rope, Van Dam places a grip around the back of Nitro’s neck, SUPLEX OFF THE TOP!! NO!! Nitro bashes Van Dam with elbows to the head before shoving Van Dam off the top. The ECW original falls down to the mat but is quickly up to his feet and he’s met with a MISSILE DROPKICK FROM NITRO!! Nitro’s into the cover..

1..

2..

3..

NO!! VAN DAM JUST KICKS OUT!! Nitro comes so close to putting MNM’s rivals out of the picture there but RVD hangs on in this thing. Nitro takes a moment to regroup as Van Dam is laid out. Nitro has words with his partner, clearly discussing their next move before Nitro scoops Van Dam up once more and nailing him with a forearm. Nitro now with an Irish whip, Van Dam clutches onto the ropes though and Nitro sprints right at him, Van Dam scoops him up and over but Nitro shows incredible balance, staying on the apron! The crowd ooohs as Nitro stays on, Van Dam turns around right into a kick to the gut, Van Dam doubles over and Nitro now uses the ropes to jump up and over the ropes, up and over Van Dam and rolls him over into the cover!! Beautiful athleticism from Nitro..

1..

2..

Van Dam rolls through and grabs the legs of Nitro into a cover!!

1..

2..

Both men jump up as Nitro kicks out and Nitro’s met with a kick square to the temple!! Nitro is sent crashing as Van Dam heads up to the top rope!! Van Dam looks around the crowd, FIVE STAR TIME!! NO!! MERCURY SHOVES HIM OFF THE APRON AND VAN DAM CRASH LANDS ON THE OUTSIDE!! The crowd draws strong heat on Mercury there as Mysterio goes down to check on his partner, exchanging words with Mercury who grins back at Rey. We then see Nitro begin to get to his knees as Van Dam looks out of it on the floor outside. Mysterio heads back to his corner by order of the referee but he doesn’t take his eyes off Mercury.

Nitro is now to his feet as he sees Van Dam on the outside and hops gingerly through the ropes, dropping to the outside as Van Dam begins to stir. Nitro grabs Van Dam by the back of the neck and brings him to his feet before smashing him face first into the barricade and AGAIN as Van Dam holds his face in pain, Nitro goes for one more but Van Dam blocks it this time and delivers a back elbow into the gut of Nitro, followed by another as Nitro breaks his grip. Van Dam is now free but Nitro is quickly up and steams right at RVD who delivers a big back body drop!! Nitro smashes his lower back onto the outside as Van Dam poses for the fans, he takes a running start, ROLLING THUNDER TO NITRO!! NO!! MERCURY PULLS HIM OUT OF THE WAY BUT MYSTERIO IS UP TOP, OUT OF NOWHERE, MERCURY SPINS ROUND, HURRICANRANA OFF THE TOP FROM MYSTERIO!!

The fans go ape, even a few ‘Holy Shit’ chants as Mysterio takes down Mercury with an incredibly risky move with all four men now down and out. The referee isn’t even counting the men out now, having been taken aback by the array of moves on show as he drops down to check on at first, Mercury and then Van Dam who appear most in trouble right now. Mysterio begins to get to his feet and he heads towards Van Dam checking on his partner, trying to help him to his feet but Van Dam clutches his mid section, feeling the force of that fall. We now see Nitro beginning to stir also and Mysterio notices this and tosses the A-Lister back into the ring before encouraging Van Dam to get back up and in also.

Van Dam is now to his feet, a little groggy however as he steps back up and into the ring. Mysterio heads back towards the apron, encouraging Van Dam who re-enters the ring. He’s met though with a forearm from Nitro who looks to strike the first blow. Nitro unravels a series of forearms to which Van Dam has no reply, still struggling it would seem after that missed Rolling Thunder on the outside. Nitro now kicks Van Dam in the stomach, right where that missed fall hurt him before Nitro drops him with a Corkscrew Neckbreaker!! Beautiful move by Nitro, into the cover…

1..

2..

Kick out by Van Dam!! The fans cheer as Van Dam stays alive, we now begin to see Joey Mercury returning to his corner also, following on from that Hurricanrana on the outside. Nitro pounds the mat in frustration before heading over and tagging Mercury back in to this thing. Mercury appears a little hesitant but Nitro isn’t interested and Mercury returns right to Van Dam’s mid section, stomping away as Van Dam rolls over in discomfort. Mercury now scoops Van Dam up and whips him into the ropes, rebounds and Mercury drops him with a shoulder block! Mercury is then quickly down and applies a sleeper hold to Mr.Friday night, looking to keep him grounded for as long as possible.

The fans immediately rally round Van Dam, willing him on, beginning to clap as they offer all their support to the challenger. A small ‘RVD’ chant now begins to surface as Mercury really wrenches in the hold, his determination evident in his facial expressions as Van Dam looks to be struggling but he is still showing some minor fight. Van Dam gets to his knees but Mercury seems to lock the hold in harder now. The crowd still right behind the high flier.

Van Dam now begins to strike with some elbows to the mid section, Mercury looking a little rattled. Mercury’s grip is loosening and Van Dam finally breaks free. Mercury is doubled over from the elbow shots as Van Dam runs the ropes and takes Mercury down with a spinning heel kick!! Mercury goes flying as Van Dam gets right back up and storms into a cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by Mercury!! The fans ooooh and aaaaah as Van Dam comes so close to taking the gold home there. Van Dam scratches his head momentarily, wondering what his next move will be. He gets to his feet and decides to head up high, what risk will Van Dam take here? Mercury begins to get back to his feet and he spins around right into a FLYING CROSSBODY!! VAN DAM NAILS IT BUT MERCURY ROLLS HIM OVER INTO THE COVER!! HE’S GOT THE TIGHTS!!

1..

2..

3..

VAN DAM GETS THE SHOULDER UP JUST!! The fans let out a huge cheer as Mysterio looks on intensely, encouraging his partner while Nitro looks on in disappointment. Both Mercury and Van Dam rise to their feet and Van Dam swings but Mercury catches it BUT VAN DAM STRIKES WITH AN ENZIGURI!! Mercury is taken down and Van Dam looks towards his corner, he scrambles across and makes the tag!! Mysterio is quickly in and quickly takes down Mercury with a vicious low angle drop kick!! Mercury’s teeth are knocked down his throat but he is straight back up, not wanting Mysterio to get on a roll but Mysterio runs the ropes and comes back, taking Mercury down with a one handed bulldog!! Cover by Rey..

1..

2..

NITRO BREAKS THE COUNT!! Mysterio is denied victory there as Nitro now continues to assault Rey UNTIL RVD STEPS IN!! Van Dam and Nitro now begin to trade blows and it’s Van Dam who comes out on top with a flurry of rights, Irish whip from Van Dam, Nitro hangs on to the ropes and Van Dam clotheslines him over the top!! Nitro crash lands and Van Dam looks around the arena before LAUNCHING himself over the top and landing hard down on Nitro with a leaping leg drop!! Van Dam winces in pain as his tailbone cracks down, both men taken out of the equation here.

Mysterio and Mercury are both to their knees inside the ring and it’s a race as tho who’s up first. Both men claw and crawl towards the ropes and it’s Mercury who is up first, albeit a little hazy here, Mysterio is right behind him though and Mysterio goes for a stiff kick but Mercury blocks it, spins Rey’s leg around and REY CATCHES HIM IN THE FACE!! A 360 degree spin from Mysterio sends Mercury spinning and Mysterio drops him with a drop kick to the back, Mercury goes crumbling face first into the ropes, he’s in position here, Mysterio goes charging, 619!! 619 CONNECTS!! MYSTERIO’S GONNA DO IT!!

Mysterio scales the ropes, he’s gonna drop the dime here…..but the camera angle shifts and we see A MASKED ASSAILANT COME FROM UNDER THE RING!! They keep ducked down below the apron so the referee can’t see them before they hold a hand up and SHOVE MYSTERIO OFF THE TOP!! Mysterio comes crashing down, WOW, RIGHT INTO A DDT IN MID AIR FROM MERCURY!! STUNNING MOVE!! Cover by Mercury here..

1..

2..

3..

HE GOT HIM!! Mysterio and Van Dam are screwed AGAIN!!

Winners: MNM(14:33)

Michael Cole: WHAT THE…WHO THE HELL WAS THAT?!

Tazz: I..I can’t believe it Cole. Van Dam and Mysterio had this one in the bag until…until…that. I don’t know who or what the hell just happened but what I do know is Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio have had their FINAL shot at these guys, at these titles!

Michael Cole: Melina was banned from ringside tonight Tazz, MNM were gonna have to do this on their own. No help, no games tonight for Mercury and Nitro but that is not the way it’s turned out, whoever that was coming from under the ring have cost Van Dam and Mysterio here.

Tazz: You don’t think that was Melina do ya Cole?

Michael Cole: I don’t think it’s anybody else!! That’s for sure!! I think Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio have been well and truly screwed here tonight.

We see a shot of Mysterio looking absolutely dejected inside the ring, clearly irate about what’s gone on here tonight. We then see Van Dam hop inside the ring and ask what happened before seeing Mercury and Nitro backing up the ramp, clutching their titles, beaming in ecstasy as they realise they’ve survived tonight with their titles intact. The fans are booing the shit out of the duo as there’s no sign of the masked assailant.

We then head off to the back once again where we see the NEW United States champion Matt Hardy, walking through the arena, dressed casually, title in hand, looking as though he’s about to leave the building. Hardy is greeted with cheers from the crowd before we see Hardy stop in his tracks and smile a little bit, the camera then pans and we see the Apple Spitter, Carlito sitting near the exit to the Parking lot.

Carlito: Matt, Matt, Matt, congratulations man, the new United States Champion. Ju did it, ju proved all the doubters wrong.

Matt Hardy: Well thanks, I uh…I really appreciate it. I would, well, I would congratulate you too but I saw your match out there tonight and you may have won but uhm…the way you won out there, that’s nothing to deserve congratulations for.

Lito scowls a little before smirking.

Carlito: Ha ha, Carlito gets it Matt, Carlito gets it. Ju may have won tonight, ju may be holding dat title belt but it’s ok, Carlito understands, ju’re afraid of Carlito and das cool, really because ju aren’t the only one. No, n-n-no, dere’s a whole locker room back dere who are afraid of the roll Carlito’s on a roll, the..the hot streak Carlito is on right now and Matt, it’s only natural ju worry, only natural ju’re anxious incase ju become a part of dat hot streak.

Matt’s facial expressions turn serious now as Carlito picks business up a little.

Matt Hardy: Is that right? Well Carlito unfortunately for you I’m not on that list of people who are afraid, I’m not on that list of people who are scared about this roll, this hot streak you’re on because guees what? I too…am on a hot streak, I too am on a roll and this right here, this goes to show it.

Nice pop for Hardy as he points out his U.S title belt.

Carlito: Dat? Dat proves nothing because ju haven’t faced, ju haven’t beaten Carlito. Ju and I, we both know Matt dat if ju put dat title on the line against Carlito, jur reign as champion would be over.

Hardy tilts his head a little as if to sat ‘Oh really?’

Matt Hardy: Hey, you want it so bad, you want this so bad? You can come and you can try to take it cos I’m ready and willin’ to take on all challengers. I promise to be a fighting champion and it’d give me great pleasure, great joy in kickin’ your ass for this championship.

Nice pop.

Carlito: Ha ha. Matt, ju really are stupid aren’t ju? Ju just sealed jur fate. Carlito will hold ju to dat, believe me, Carlito will take jur word and Matt….Carlito will take jur title.

Lito then pats Hardy’s title belt before jumping up and leaving as Hardy shakes his head and continues on outside the arena.

We head elsewhere backstage where we see Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro, still out of breath somewhat, wandering through the halls when Josh Matthews comes and catches them.

Josh Matthews: Guys, guys!! Joey, Johnny!! Guys, congratulations on successfully defending the WWE Tag Team titles here tonight against Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio. The real question on everybody’s lips right now however is, who was the masked assailant that helped you to victory out there tonight?

Joey Mercury: I…I…Masked assailant? Josh I dunno what you’re talkin’ about man, really. All I saw out there tonight was myself and Johnny doing what we do best, winning.

Heat.

Johnny Nitro: We have proved once again just how superior we are to Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio. We proved it at Judgment Day, we proved it at Night of Champions and well, third time lucky a lotta people thought it’d be for ‘em here tonight but how wrong were those people huh? Three times in a row, not one, not two but THREE times we have beaten, we have dominated these guys and yet still they want our respect? Still, they want us to acknowledge them and their past, well I ask you Josh, why? Why should we?

Matthews doesn’t respond as usual.

Johnny Nitro: We are about the present, the here and now, we are about the future and the present is MNM, the future is MNM and we deserve respect, we deserve recognition, we deserve appreciation for just how damn good we are.

Joey Mercury: Van Dam and Mysterio, they may impress a lotta people with their fancy moves and their pandering to these idiotic fans but that’s all they impress with, that’s it. They don’t impress by winning matches, they don’t impress by winning championships. That? That’s our job.

?: And what a fantastic job it was.

The camera then pans to see MELINA appear into shot. Immediately the HSBC Arena begins to boo as the wicked witch appears into shot and hugs her boys, screeching a little bit in doing so.

Melina: How good were my boys out there tonight huh? How incredible were these two out there tonight? And just how pathetic were Van Dam and Mysterio? Ha ha.

Melina lets out that evil little laugh of hers as she brushes off her hair.

Melina: Tonight just goes to show you that whether I be ringside or not, Joey and Johnny, all day, every day will always and I mean ALWAYS beat those washed up losers.

More heat for Melina.

Josh Matthews: But Melina, you do realise that Joey and Johnny did receive help out there tonight in the form of a masked assailant, do-do you have any idea as to who that person was? Some are even speculating that it was infact y…

Melina: Don’t you DARE accuse me of doing something so…so ridiculous. They don’t need my help, they don’t need help full stop. Whoever that person was out there tonight just sped up the inevitable because like I say, no matter where, no matter when, each and every single time, MNM has and MNM will come out on top.

Melina then drags her boys away from Matthews who shakes his head and we return back ringside.

‘Final Force’

It’s the music of Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki that hits and out come the foreign pariring to fairly mild heat as they get set to take on the ‘Real Deal’.

Michael Cole: Well, I’m not buyin’ Melina’s claims that she knows nothing about that masked assailant out there tonight but moving on and as you can see, we’re all set for some Handicap action here tonight as these two men, Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki will look to try and stop, look to try and tame the undefeated, unstoppable Bobby Lashley.

Tazz: It’s gonna be one hell of a test that’s for sure Cole. Bobby Lashley has looked just so damn impressive since arriving’ here in the WWE and as good as Dupree is, as good as Suzuki is, even together I’m not sure they can stop this guy.

‘Hell Will be Callin’ your Name’

It’s a nice pop that greets the unbeaten dominator that is Bobby Lashley who marches his way out to the stage, setting his sights firmly on Dupree and Suzuki inside the squared circle.

Michael Cole: And here is that man Tazz, Bobby Lashley who debuted back at Judgment Day defeating Kurt Angle, albeit via countout, Lashley looked hugely impressive and has since gone on to continue along that path, defeating everyone, destroying everyone in sight. Can Dupree and Suzuki really test him here tonight?

Tazz: Of course they can Cole, it’s two on one but there’s testing and then there’s beating and this kid just looks too damn strong.​

Two on One Handicap Match:

Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki vs. Bobby Lashley

Lashley looks on menacingly at the foreign duo as Dupree and Suzuki discuss about which of them will kick this one off against the ‘Real Deal’. Eventually the two come to the decision that it’ll be Kenzo Suzuki who will get this one underway. Suzuki seems a little phased, clearly a bit twitchy while Lashley simply jogs on the spot, an intense look etched across his face as Suzuki makes the first move, driving towards the monster and Lashley meets him in the middle of the ring, the two men locking up, collar and elbow but Lashley simply overpowers his opponent right from the word go.

Lashley forces Kenzo back towards the ropes and the hold is broken as Lashley whips Kenzo across the ring but Suzuki reverses it, Lashley rebounds and Suzuki goes for a shoulder block but is sent flying himself by his oncoming opponent! Huge display of power from B-Lash here as Suzuki is taken down but not for long as Lashley quickly hoists him up again and smashes him with several forearms to the face before VICIOUSLY tossing Suzuki shoulder first towards the turnbuckle, Suzuki flying through the ropes shoulder first into the ring post!!

We get a camera shot of Rene Dupree who even winces before gulping a little, clearly worried about the dominance Lashley is displaying here. Lashley heads back over to Suzuki and pulls him out of the wreckage so to speak and nails Suzuki with a kick to the mid section before scooping Kenzo up but Suzuki manages to slide down the back of Lashley and he crawls over towards Dupree and makes the tag, wanting nothing to do with Lashley! The fans cheer as we see a clearly anxious Dupree realising he has to step in here and face the devil himself, the man he has tried to one up week after week.

Dupree steps tentatively through the ropes, holding out his hands in a sign of not wanting Lashley to head after him but he’s got another thing coming as Lashley pounces on him with a right hand!! Lashley begins to go full throttle on Dupree, smashing him with right hands before several knees to the mid section before launching Dupree up and over him with a thunderous belly to back suplex!! Dupree holds his back in agony as Lashley lets out a sly little smile and heads back after his victim.

Lashley now menacingly heads back over to Dupree who clutches his back in clear discomfort but Lashley is relentless and picks Dupree up before grabbing him in a bear hug like hold and then charging flat out, driving Dupree into the turnbuckle. Lashley now hammers away at the mid section, drilling his shoulder firmly into Dupree who has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Lashley then whips Dupree out of the corner and he smashes right into the opposite one!! Dupree comes back right into Lashley’s path though and he scoops him up high, MILITARY PRESS, NO!! SUZUKI CHOP BLOCKS LASHLEY!! The ‘Real Deal’ is taken down for the first time in this contest as Suzuki helps his partner get a reprieve.

Lashley and Dupree are both down here as Suzuki is ushered back towards the corner. Dupree begins to grasp out, hoping to use the ropes to bring him to his feet whilst Lashley tries to shake off the cobwebs here. Dupree is up first and he keeps Lashley grounded, hammering him with some stern kicks to the head, trying to keep the big man down for as long as possible. Dupree though, quite surprisingly brings Lashley up and clubs him in the back before whipping the big man across the ropes and taking him down with a perfectly timed dropkick!! Dupree crawls into the cover..

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Lashley and with some authority as well as Dupree is shoved right up and off of him. Dupree pounds the mat in frustration before dragging Lashley over towards his corner and tagging Suzuki back in but not without one more kick to the head in anger. Suzuki quickly rolls Lashley into a cover, looking to surprise him perhaps..

1..

Kick out at one from the ‘Dominator’ as Suzuki now methodically runs the ropes, coming back before dropping a leg right across Lashley’s chest!! Lashley holds his chest in clear pain as Suzuki now stomps away at the chest before picking Lashley to his feet and beginning with a series of right hands before whipping the big man across the ring, Suzuki bends down, looking for a back body drop BUT LASHLEY EXPLODES AND HAMMERS SUZUKI WITH A THUNDEROUS SPEAR!! The crowd comes alive as Lashley breaks Suzuki in half!!

Dupree though is quickly in and takes Lashley out with a knee to the gut, followed by another, swinging neck breaker from Dupree!! NO!! Lashley shoves him off, Dupree rebounds and Lashley drops him with a DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER!! Lashley roars in aggression as he sizes up Suzuki now, picking him up and nailing him with a kick to the gut, DOMINATOR TO SUZUKI!! DOMINATOR CONNECTS WITH THUNDEROUS AUTHORITY!! Into the cover..

1..

2..

3...

Convincing win for Lashley

Winner: Bobby Lashley(6:11)

Michael Cole: A HUGELY impressive victory here tonight for Bobby Lashley. Some absolutely incredible displays of strength, power, sheer brutality and it is clear for all to see just why this man is dubbed the ‘Real Deal’.

Tazz: Ain’t that the truth Cole? Hell of a display here tonight from Bobby Lashley. Dupree and Suzuki didn’t stand a chance baby and that’s sayin’ something cos these two dudes can go in that ring and Bobby Lashley just manhandled the both of ‘em.

Lashley heads off up the ramp, saluting to the crowd who cheer in appreciation from the dominance they’ve just witnessed from the ‘Real Deal’.

We then head off backstage where we see Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long in his office, finishing off some paperwork it would seem when in walks a fairly pissed off looking duo of Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio. The pair greeted with cheers as ever by the crowd.

Teddy Long: Rob, Rey before ya say anything I want ya to kn…

Rob Van Dam: No Teddy we want YOU to know that what happened out there tonight, that ain’t right dude, that ain’t what we signed up for. The stipulation was that Melina be banned from ringside, now I don’t know how hard it is to keep an eye on one woman but I do know that you didn’t get that job done.

Teddy tries to interrupt again but is stopped from doing so.

Rey Mysterio: Teddy, you know as well as I do, as well as Rob does that the masked assailant out there was Melina. It’s not rocket science esse. Now we know the rules of that match up, we lost, we’re out, no more shots at the Tag titles but Teddy that’s not fair and you know it’s not, not after what those punks did to us.

Rob Van Dam: So what you need to do, is you need to give us the title rematch we deserve and you need to do it this Friday night on Smackdown cos Teddy I don’t know if I can wait much longer dude. I’m just about ready to blow here.

Van Dam does look seething as Long has his head down, perhaps feeling a little responsible.

Teddy Long: Look here playas, I have already been in touch wit’ the Board of Directors about the stipulaiton for that match up and unless I or anyone else can prove that Melina was the one under that mask, then I’m sorry but I cannot give you another opportunity.

Loud heat for the GM there as Van Dam and Mysterio look pissed.

Rey Mysterio: C’mon Teddy, you know it was her!! Who else could it’ve been huh? I thought your job was to do what’s fair, to do what’s right for this show, for your superstars.

Teddy Long: Rey that is my job you’re right dawg and that is why I can guarantee you there WILL be a full investigation into who was under that mask and who cost you your match up tonight. That I can promise ya Rey, ya got my word.

Mysterio nods his head, Van Dam still furious.

Rob Van Dam: An investigation? And how long’s that gonna take Teddy? How long’s it gonna be before we get our shot? That could take months before you even get a sniff of who it might or might not be, I think I speak on behalf of Rey when I say we can’t wait that long, we can’t wait ONE minute longer to get our hands on those titles man.

Van Dam huffs and puffs a little.

Teddy Long: Rob, all I can do is assure you, I can assure you that we will do things as quickly as we can but we will do things as precisely as we can. That’s the best I can do for you playa.

Rey Mysterio: Thanks Teddy. C’mon Rob.

Mysterio then heads to leave but Van Dam appears hesitant.

Rob Van Dam: What? That’s it Rey? You’re happy with that, you’re happy playin’ the waitin’ game like this? That ain’t right dude, you know we should be standin’ here Tag Team champions right about now, not walkin’ away from all this.

Rey Mysterio: Esse, we don’t have any other choice. Teddy’s gonna do every and anything he can to make sure he finds out just who cost us out there and I’m bettin’ we find out sooner rather than later. When we do? When we do Rob, we’ll be one step closer to finally winnin’ those titles.

Mysterio then offers a brotherly handshake and Van Dam takes it, the two embracing a little.

Rob Van Dam: We’re countin’ on you Teddy.

Van Dam and Mysterio then leave with Van Dam looking on intently at the Smackdown GM who nods in acknowledgement.​

SUMMERSLAM MOMENT

We then head off into a video showing us our first Summerslam moment as we now build towards August 19th. The footage shown is highlights of the 1995 Summerslam Ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship in which Michaels came out victorious in a twenty five minute classic.

We then return ringside once more to hear……

‘Stand Back, there’s a Hurricane comin’ thru’

It’s a nice pop that greets the music of the Smackdown Superhero, The Hurricane as he gets set for his Cruiserweight title opportunity here.

Michael Cole: Well here comes a man who has, well he has a lot to prove tonight. A lot to prove to Paul London, to himself and to Chavo Guerrero.

Tazz: Absolutely Cole. Chavo’s been getting inside his head, Paul London’s been getting inside his head. Tonight we found out just which one of ‘em has won the war of words and I’m damn sure hopin’ it’s Paul London.

‘Stay in Shadow’

It’s a nice pop also for the champion himself as Paul London storms down towards the ring, looking focused, knowing that he’s gonna be in for a tough battle here tonight.

Michael Cole: Paul London remember folks granted Hurricane this match on one condition, that condition being that he didn’t give in to Chavo Guerrero and his plea to let him help Hurricane to victory. Hurricane accepted but since then he’s felt as though Paul London’s taken him, well, taken him a little lightly.

Tazz: I don’t think he has though Cole. All Paul London’s had to say is that he knows he can beat Hurricane which he does. After all, he HAS beaten Hurricane before. I think Hurricane’s reading’ too much into it, maybe, maybe listenin’ a little too much to Chavo Guerrero.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship:
Paul London© vs. The Hurricane

London heads towards the middle of the ring and he quickly offers his hand to his admitted rival, but also his friend. Hurricane too walks towards the middle of the ring but he’s not so quick to put his hand, instead eyeing up the champion before shaking hands which is met with a nice pop from the Buffalo faithful as the two then step away again and London stretches his arms a little before the two go to lock up in the centre of the ring once again but Hurricane takes London down with a hip toss!! London seems a little surprised and heads back at Hurricane but falls right into another hip toss as the Superhero looks to gain early control here.

Hurricane now knocks London down with a clothesline as London tries to get back up but Hurricane won’t allow it here, clearly looking to send a very early message to the champion. Hurricane picks up London and whips him across the ring, London rebounding off the ropes and Hurricane swings for him but London delivers a baseball slide through Hurricane’s legs, rolls him up from behind!!

1..

2..

3..

NO!! A VERY, VERY near fall early on there as London almost polishes off Hurricane within two minutes here. Both men are quickly back up and it’s London who makes his mark, taking it to ‘Cane with some right hands, forcing him back towards the turnbuckle. Once there, London eyes him up and begins to stomp away at the mid section, Hurricane wincing a little in pain before London whips him back outta the corner, reversal from Hurricane as London falls hard into the opposite turnbuckle. Hurricane runs right at him, London rolls out of the way and Hurricane eats the turnbuckle!! Hurricane stumbles out of the corner as London runs the ropes and takes him down with a flying cross body!! Cover again from London..

1..

2..

Shoulder up from Friday night’s resident superhero as London assumes a firm stranglehold early on here now. London quickly returns to his feet and returns Hurricane upright also, nailing him with a couple of forearms to the face before whipping Hurricane across the ring, coming back off the ropes and London goes for a drop kick but NOBODY HOME!! Smartly, Hurricane holds onto the ropes and doesn’t rebound after all as London crashes down. Hurricane now senses an opportunity and charges at the champion, nailing him with a Side Russian Leg Sweep!! Nice move from the challenger, into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by London, greeted with nice applause from the crowd as they wanna see these two go right after each other all the more. Hurricane now sits up and gets to his feet, hoisting London up again also and drilling him with several kicks to the gut, winding the champion. Hurricane now with a forearm before taking London to the mat with a nice Snapmare takedown, continuing on by locking in a rear chin lock to the champion. Hurricane looks to keep the speed merchant down here, not wanting London’s high paced style to keep coming back at him. Hurricane locks the hold firmly in, London clearly in a lot of discomfort here as Hurricane slows this thing right down.

London tries to wriggle free but Hurricane keeps the hold locked in tightly as the crowd begin to start a ‘Let’s go London’ chant, trying to will the Cruiserweight champion on and it appears to work as London uses every ounce of strength he’s got to force Hurricane’s arms apart and he FINALLY breaks the hold, nailing an elbow into ‘Cane’s chest. Both men are now fallen somewhat but London is to his feet and as per usual he’s quick in getting to the point as he runs the ropes and takes down Hurricane with a clothesline!

Hurricane’s quickly back up but again London delivers a clothesline! London grabs Hurricane up by the back of the net and delivers a stinging knife edge chop right across his opponent’s chest! The ‘Woooo’s come out from the crowd as London keeps it going with the chops, the ‘Woooos’ still flowing as London continues to punish Hurricane here. Hurricane’s chest has turned pink as London now looks to scoop Hurricane up, vertical suplex! HURRICANE LANDS ON HIS FEET! Great athleticism from Hur…BAM!! LONDON TURNS AROUND RIGHT INTO A PINPOINT DROPKICK!! Cover from Hurricane..

1..

2..

Shoulder up by London as ‘Cane almost takes the title home there. Hurricane ruffles his hair a little bit before returning to his feet and driving an elbow into the back of London’s neck, followed by another as Hurricane looks to keep London grounded again. Hurricane then looks around the crowd before eyeing up London again and heading towards his right arm as he locks in an arm bar on London!! An arm bar from nowhere is applied as Hurricane looks to make London tap here. A few fans cheer for this move by the superhero, however the majority are firmly behind London here and boo the challenger as Hurricane cinches it in.

London is crying out in pain as Hurricane keeps the hold in tight, London clawing out his left arm, reaching frantically for the ropes but it’s no use as he’s in the middle of the ring. London realises this soon enough and instead of grasping for the ropes, he begins to drag himself towards the ropes, Hurricane trying to peg him back but London’s fighting with all he’s got here. He’s oh so close now…

He reaches out, he’s within arm’s reach here…

Hurricane lets out a cry of determination, he’s desperate to see London tap, his arm is falling as he can’t quite reach the ropes…

London grasps out one more time, his middle finger is almost touching…

He slowly crawls forward again and HE GETS THERE!! London gets to the ropes much to the crowd’s delight as Hurricane releases the hold and takes a moment, lying down on the mat, exhausted from all the energy he put into that as London is down and holding his right arm here, clearly in a lot of pain right now.

Hurricane gets to his knees, still looking a little fatigued here but he uses the ropes to bring himself up and he hangs himself up against them for a moment before once again turning his attentions to London. He brings the champion up and hangs him up against the ropes before delivering a right hand, and again before an Irish whip. London rebounds and Hurricane takes him down with a shoulder block. Into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out from London who again clutches his shoulder and Hurricane brings him to his feet again, digging a knee into London’s mid section, followed by another before landing a clubbing shot to London’s back. Hurricane then scoops London up and drops him with a beautiful Snap Suplex!! Another cover by the Superhero who is in control here..

1..

2..

3..

Shoulder up by London but it’s the bad shoulder he uses and he once again winces in pain clutching the injured shoulder as Hurricane looks desperately disappointed. Once again he heads right back to London and then brings him up to his feet before delivering an Irish whip, London hangs onto the ropes, buying himself a bit of time perhaps as Hurricane comes charging and London drops the ropes down!! Hurricane’s sent flying to the outside as London finds a route back in here.

London draws himself up again, using the ropes but trying desperately not to use his right arm and London eyes up ‘Cane on the outside who begins to stir and is to his knees, holding his lower back after a heavy fall there. London then pulls the ropes and uses them as a springboard launching himself up and over taking Hurricane down with a HUGE cross body!! Hurricane lands hard but so too does London and both men are struggling here.

The fans are cheering the action either way right now and seem to be pretty evenly split although London probably has the slight advantage and it is he who has the slight advantage in getting to their feet first also as London uses the announce table to help him up. Hurricane though uses some help also, the ring his balancing act as he hangs on for dear life but he’s met with a kick to the gut from London! London now smashes Hurricane’s skull off of the apron as Hurricane falls away clutching his head and London nails another hard kick to the gut before whipping Hurricane into the Steel Steps, REVERSAL and London smashes that right arm into the steps, letting out a squeal of pain!!

London continues crying out in severe trouble here as Hurricane and he are putting it all on the line for the Cruiserweight Championship. Hurricane takes a moment to regroup before pulling London back up by the hair and shoving him back inside the ring, following right behind. Hurricane rolls him over into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by London as Hurricane hangs his head in frustration, not able to put away the champion thus far. Hurricane puts his hands on his hips now, questioning the referee before deciding it’s time to really look at ending this one. Hurricane heads up high as London squirms around on the mat, clutching that right arm/shoulder. Hurricane slowly rises to the top rope and begins to steady himself, the fans are cheering as Hurricane looks to take a big risk here, London is primed and in a whole world of trouble, MOONSAULT OFF THE TOP CONNECTS!! MAMMOTH MOVE FROM HURRICANE AND INTO THE COVER..

1..

2..

3..

LONDON KICKS OUT!! The crowd goes wild as London somehow survives and Hurricane’s jaw simply hit’s the floor, stunned that the champion manages to survive. There’s a brief breather now as Hurricane gathers himself once more, wondering just what it’s gonna take here, Michael Cole and Tazz also question it as well as whether Paul London can really continue here.

Hurricane sits back up and the camera then changes to focus on the ramp where we see CHAVO GUERRERO slowly strutting down towards the ring. Hurricane turns round and sees this and suddenly looks puzzled. Hurricane heads over towards the ropes closest the ramp and asks Chavo, ‘What are ya doin’ here? I don’t need you, I didn’t ask for you.’ Chavo simply holds his hands out as if to say ‘I’m not doin’ anything here’.

Hurricane looks pissed and he turns back around to find Paul London now to his knees. Hurricane heads over to the champion but he’s met with an elbow to the gut, followed by another as London shows some signs of life now and perhaps Hurricane’s focus has gone here. We then see Chavo slowly walking round ringside as London gets to his feet and nails ‘Cane with a forearm but it’s a massive uphill task as London’s arm gives way, that arm bar earlier on clearly did some real damage to the high flier.

London grimaces as he turns away and it allows Hurricane to strike back as he grabs London from behind, German Suplex!! NO!! London lands on his feet, spins Hurricane round, kick to the mid section, DDT!! BIG TIME DDT FROM LONDON, he crawls into the cover..

1..

2..

Kick out by Hurricane!! The champion comes within a whisker of retaining his title as we then see……….we see Chavo Guerrero toss the Cruiserweight title belt inside the ring?? Paul London catches Chavo out the corner of his eye and heads over to the Mexican, asking him ‘What the hell are you doin’ out here?’ Chavo again holds his hands out as if to say he’s an innoncent party as London tells him to ‘Stay outta this’.

London gets pretty heated here and Chavo then mouths something back, something in his native tongue as we can’t quite work it out and London hangs himself up against the ropes, saying ‘Come and try men then tough guy’. The referee is pleading with London to turn back inside the ring to the match and London looks like he’s gonna accept that but Chavo then hops up onto the apron!! LONDON SWINGS FOR HIM BUT CHAVO DROPS DOWN AGAIN! The referee then gets into a war of words with Chavo on the outside, telling him to get out of here, the fans pop big time as Chavo is banished but he’s still pleading his case as London turns around, ready to focus once again as Hurri…….BAM!! WHAT THE HELL?!?! HURRICANE SMASHES THE TITLE BELT OFF THE SKULL OF LONDON!!

The referee is still arguing with Chavo who now finally leaves ringside and the referee turns around, Hurricane’s into the cover, not this way surely!!

1..

2..

3..

HE GOT HIM!! NEW CHAMPION!!

Winner and NEW Cruiserweight Champion: The Hurricane(13:55)

Michael Cole: What the…what the hell just happened?! Did Hurri…did he really? Tazz I don’t believe it!! Hurricane’s fooled us all, Hurricane has…he’s aligned himself with Chavo Guerrero, what the hell is this all about?!

Tazz: Cole I don’t think The Hurricane’s aligned himself wit’ anybody here tonight baby, I think Gregory Helms has been born tonight and I think he’s aligning himself wit’ that Cruiserweight title. I’m speechless Cole, really, speechless.

We see Hurricane/Helms head off up the ramp, his hand being raised high by an ecstatic Chavo Guerrero, whose motives are still unclear. The fans are booing the hell out of these two as we then see Paul London sit up inside the ring, clearly wondering what the hell has just happened here. Hurricane/Helms holds the Cruiserweight title aloft as the fans boo the shit out of him as well as Chavo who slyly waves at a seething London inside the ring as Hurricane/Helms punches the air in delight here at capturing the gold.

We then head off backstage and join Josh Matthews for the four hundredth time tonight as he’s standing by ready to talk to us.

Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman, we are moments away from our main event here tonight as the WWE Championship hangs in the balance. Joining me at this time, he is the WWE Champion, he is Mister John Cena.

Cena then enters shot, looking pretty focused and ready for the battle that awaits him as the fans cheer for the champ.

Josh Matthews: John, you came face to face with Kurt Angle this past Friday night on Smackdown and to some people’s surprise, Kurt backed down, walking away from you. Do you believe that Kurt has finally realised just how big a threat you pose to him, merely two days away from such a huge match?

John Cena: I don’t think Kurt’s only just realising that Josh, I think he’s known right from the get go. He knows that I’m not like him, that I’m not like a lotta the guys in the back here, I ain’t afraid of anybody, I ain’t gonna back down from anybody, whatever shape, size, age, colour, whatever, I’ll take ‘em on and Josh…I’ll beat ‘em.

Nice pop for a confident Cena.

John Cena: Kurt’s talked a whole lot lately about me. He thinks I’ve been dodgin’ him, he thinks I’ve been runnin’ from him. Well this past Friday I didn’t dodge Kurt Angle at all and I sure as hell didn’t run away from him. I stood in the middle of that ring out there, I got in Kurt’s face and I waited for him to bring it to me and then…and then…he walked away.

Boos.

John Cena: But that’s alright, that’s ok because tonight…tonight I’m gonna the exact same thing. I’m gonna go down to that ring and I’m gonna stand face to face with Kurt, I’m gonna stand face to face with Randy Orton, face to face with JBL and I’m gonna say bring it on.

Cheers again for the champion.

Josh Matthews: Well you’ve certainly had your differences with all three of these men involved here tonight in the past. How confident are you that you will be leaving Buffalo still tonight as the WWE Champion, knowing that you have three men gunning for you and also John, you don‘t even need to be pinned?

John Cena: Yeah I have a bit of history with all three guys but that don’t mean a thing. When it comes down to this, the WWE Championship it doesn’t matter whether I have a history with these guys or not, we’re all fightin’ for the same thing, for the biggest thing there is to fight for in this industry and I know…I know that those three guys are gonna give it all they got to walk away with this but Josh I ain’t goin’ down without a fight.

Cena nods intensely.

John Cena: If one of those three men is takin’ this away from me tonight then I’m gonna die tryin’ to keep it. I don’t need to be pinned, you’re right but I know the deal when it comes to these types of matches, you gotta keep your eye on the ball at all times and I can assure you, my eyes are firmly fixed on the prize tonight.

Another nice pop for the champ.

John Cena: This championship….this championship means everything to me….everything. I’m gonna go out there tonight and I’m gonna fight with everything I have to give for this(pointing at the title). Kurt Angle may think he’s better than me, may underestimate me, Randy Orton may do the same thing, hell, JBL still to this day thinks I’m a fluke despite the fact I whipped his ass twice now.

Solid pop there for Cena.

John Cena: They can all underestimate me as much as they like, hey the more they do, the better cos I know, I know I’m gonna prove them all wrong here tonight Josh. The champ is here and come the end of the night? I guarantee ya, the champ will STILL….be here.

Nice pop again as Cena heads off looking in the mood to go here tonight. We then head back ringside as the main event is all set to get underway…

‘Longhorn’

And out first is the former WWE Champion himself, John Bradshaw Layfield to the usual chorus of heat he receives. Layfield as ever enters the arena via his limousine.

Michael Cole: It is indeed time for our main event!! We heard from this man earlier on here tonight and JBL was, well he was less than impressed with Orlando Jordan’s defeat earlier on against Matt Hardy with JBL vowing to show Orlando what a winner looks like here tonight. Tazz, how do you rate the former champion’s chances here tonight?

Tazz: He’s got every chance Cole, any of these four guys has a shot here tonight. In a match like this, it suits a guy like JBL, a guy who can take any and every chance he gets to sneak a victory.

‘Burn in my Light’

Out next, again to some nice heat, the odd cheer however for the Legend Killer, Randy Orton who cockily struts down to the ring.

Michael Cole: Randy Orton has displayed a real desire of late to prove just how good he is, to prove how dominant he is. Since beating The Undertaker at Judgment Day, he has been on one hell of a roll, defeating all three of these men involved tonight at some stage leading up to tonight and it’s gotta bode well for the Legend Killer.

Tazz: Absolutely, if you were pickin’ this one on form, on momentum, you can look no further than Randy Orton. This kid has been at the top of his game, tonight could well be the icin’ on the cake baby.

‘Medal’

The third competitor then makes his way down to much like the previous two, strong heat though much like Orton, there are the odd cheers for the Wrestling Machine, Kurt Angle.

Tazz: But this man Cole, Kurt Angle is my pick tonight!! Angle’s aggression, his intensity, his desire to win that WWE title, to prove his claims true is unreal and I can’t look past the guy. Nothin’ surprises me here in the WWE but I would be stunned if Kurt Angle don’t go all out here tonight and if not win, then come within a whisker of takin’ home the gold.

Michael Cole: Well I gotta agree that Angle is perhaps the biggest threat to John Cena’s title here tonight, however Angle’s aggression, his intensity, his desire, well they weren’t on display this past Friday.

Tazz: Cole, Kurt’s already explained that earlier on tonight man. He didn’t wanna get involved in all that when he can do whatever it is he needs to do right here tonight and I gotta go along with him. Angle’s gonna prove his claims in a big way tonight Cole.

‘My Time is Now’

And last but not least it’s the champion himself who storms out to the stage, revving up the fans, John Cena makes his way down, his fired up antics soon turning to a determined, focused look as he sees his fate inside the ring.

Michael Cole: The look on John Cena’s face says it all folks!! Cena has had his issues with all three of these men in one way, shape or form and tonight, he’s hell bent on getting payback.

Tazz: Absolutely Cole. That scowl on John Cena’s face shows just how revved up, just how fired up the champ is baby. Oh this one’s gonna be good lemme tell ya. These four dudes are gonna tear each other apart!!​

WWE Championship: Fatal 4 Way Match:
John Cena© vs. Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

All four men take up a corner of the ring, their eyes on the WWE title belt as the referee raises it high before passing it down to Tony Chimel and the bell rings. Nobody makes a move however, all four eye one another up and down before JBL starts to inch forward, as does Angle and so too does Orton and it’s now very apparent what the plan is as all three now set their sights on the champion himself, John Cena.

Cena decides that if he’s gonna go down, he’s gonna go down fighting though and he charges right into the abyss with all guns blazing as he lays into JBL with right hands before Kurt Angle and Randy Orton pounce on him like a pack of dogs. Cena tries to keep fighting however, he’s swinging right hands but it’s no use as Orton hammers Cena with a kick to the mid section as Angle now lays into the champion with some more right hands. Cena is doubled over now and Orton digs his elbow into Cena’s back repeatedly, hammering away before Angle stiffly kicks Cena in the mid section. JBL is now back in this thing and he grabs the back of Cena’s head and spins him round before tossing Cena into the turnbuckle where Layfield now goes to work with right hands, a look of anger despatched across his face.

Layfield hammers away at Cena with right after right but Angle has had enough and pulls JBL away, wanting a piece of Cena himself here as he now goes to work on the champion. JBL looks furious however and he now pulls Angle away but he doesn’t even get the chance to strike as Orton now pulls Layfield away and goes to work and JBL HAS HAD ENOUGH!! Layfield pulls Orton away and lays into the Legend Killer with a right hand!!JBL goes to work on Orton but Layfield is spun round from behind by Angle who now trades rights with Layfield!! The early alliances in this one descending into chaos already.

Angle comes out on top as he kicks JBL in the gut and now unloads with right hands, forcing JBL back. Angle now with an Irish whip and Layfield rebounds off the ropes right into a big back body drop and an RKO!! WOW!! RKO MID AIR TO THE FALLING LAYFIELD!! Orton goes scrambling for a cover but he’s not even given a chance to as Angle pulls him up and smashes him with a right hand before delivering a stiff forearm that sends Orton aback. Angle now with a kick to the mid section and he scoops Orton up and drops him back down with a nice vertical suplex!! Angle scrambles into the cover..

1..

CENA breaks the count! John Cena is back in business here and he grabs Angle by the vest and hurls him up and over into the corner where he smashes Angle’s head off the turnbuckle!! The crowd explodes as Cena smashes his head off again and Cena finally gets his hands on the Wrestling Machine as he has yearned to do for weeks now. Cena spins Angle round and begins to stomp a mudhole into Angle here. Angle is looking winded now as Cena then whips him out of the corner across into the opposite side, the champion charges right behind him and goes for a clothesline but Angle is lighting quick and gets a boot up, knocking Cena back. Angle now takes a moment before exploding out the corner again and knocking down Cena with a clothesline.

Angle holds his stomach, in a little pain it would seem before grabbing Cena and scooping him up. Angle begins with some right hands before whipping Cena across to the ropes, Cena rebounds and ducks underneath Angle’s advances BUT RIGHT INTO A DROPKICK FROM ORTON!! Orton is firing on all cylinders early on here as the champion is down, even bringing a sly smirk from Angle.

Orton is to his feet and he heads for Angle, the two men begin trading rights here and it’s the Legend Killer who takes it to the Olympic Gold Medalist, pinning him back with his offense. Irish whip from Orton here, Angle though catches the ropes, clinging on, not wanting to fall back at Orton but Orton takes Angle up and over the ropes with a clothesline!! Angle is sent tumbling to the outside towards the ramp as Orton surveys the damage, he spins back around to the bodies inside the ring where HE IS MET WITH A BIG BOOT FROM JBL!! Cover by Layfield..

1..

2..

Shoulder up by Orton as JBL almost wins it out of nowhere there. Layfield pounds the mat in anger, the Wall Street Warrior almost getting his own back on that early RKO from Orton. Layfield brings Orton back up and clubs the youngest ever World champion across the back with a stinging shot. JBL then dismissively tosses Orton over the top rope, joining Angle on the outside as Orton lands hard down there. JBL looking to take as many bodies out of the equation as possible before he now turns his attentions inside the ring towards Cena.

Cena is on his knees and JBL kicks him in the kidneys with Cena letting out an ‘Aaaah’ in pain before Layfield playfully slaps Cena across the back of the head. JBL now brings Cena up and delivers a right hand before launching Cena into the turnbuckle with a thunderous Irish whip. JBL then methodically stalks Cena, working his way over and digging in with more right hands, the brutality from the former champion is evident. Layfield now hoists Cena up on the top rope, using all his effort to put the champion up high as he nails another right hand. Layfield now works his way up, reaching the second rope. The fans begin to rise to their feet as they sense some high risk stuff going down here. JBL wraps his hands around the back of Cena’s neck, superplex off the top! NO!! Cena blocks it, Cena drives his elbow into the back of JBL’s head, and again before SHOVING LAYFIELD OFF THE TOP!! JBL falls down to the mat as Cena now steadies himself on the top, high risk manoeuvre in mind for the champion here. Cena steadies himself BUT HE’S SENT FLYING BY KURT ANGLE!! Angle sprints up the steps and shoves Cena down to the outside as Cena takes a NASTY fall hitting against the barricade as Angle looks on at the damage done here.

Angle then steps through the ropes and back inside the squared circle where he turns his attentions to JBL. Layfield is to his knees but Angle kicks him ferociously across the back of the head, sending him down again as Angle now begins to methodically stomp away at the back of JBL’s head/neck. Angle then drops an elbow before sitting Layfield up and wrapping his arms around the neck, locking Bradshaw into a sleeper hold as he looks to ware down the veteran.

JBL’s face is all puffed out now as Angle cinches the hold in and Jibbles struggles for life here. JBL is fighting with all he’s got though and begins to elbow Angle in the stomach, to no effect it would seem though as Angle lets out a roar of aggression. Layfield keeps the elbows going and he manages to squirm his way out, breaking Angle’s resistance and crawling free as Angle bends down now, clutching his mid section. Both men get slowly to their feet as we see Randy Orton hop back onto the apron, Orton steps through the ropes and he heads right after JBL, smashing him with a boot to the gut before a stiff uppercut sends Layfield spiralling. Orton delivers another before whipping JBL RIGHT INTO ANGLE WHO CATCHES HIM, OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!! Beautiful move by Angle there as JBL goes tumbling.

Angle lets out another roar which is greeted with a pop but he turns around, RKO!! NO!! Angle shoves Orton away and Orton falls into the ropes, rebounds, Angle catches him from behind, ANGLE SLAM!! ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS!! Cover…

1..

2..

CENA STEPS IN!! John Cena returns to this one and breaks the count, keeping a grasp of his title for now at least. Cena quickly draws Angle up and goes to town on him, right hand after right hand, Irish whip to Angle who comes off the ropes and Cena hammers him down with a BIG back body drop!! Angle holds his lower back following that fall as Cena goes right back to work on him, bringing him to his feet and he hoists Angle up once more, kick to the gut, Cena gets Angle on his shoulder, FU!! NO!! Angle’s pulled down from behind by JBL!! JBL now with a kick to the gut, runs off the ropes, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL TO CENA!! Cover by JBL, NEW CHAMPION!!

1..

2..

RANDY ORTON BREAKS THE COUNT!! Orton returns to the fold now and breaks the count, kicking Layfield right on the top of his head before he lifts Layfield up, Irish whip, JBL uses the ropes to stop his momentum, Orton comes charging, JBL scoops him up and over but Orton lands on the apron, JBL turns around, right hand, blocked, Orton nails a right, JBL turns around and ANGLE COMES FROM NOWHERE CLOTHESLINEING JBL OVER THE TOP TAKING BOTH HE AND ORTON DOWN!!

Orton and JBL drop hard to the outside as Angle does his dirty work there but it appears as though Angle isn’t finished here as grabs Cena back up before tossing Cena through the ropes as well, joining Orton and Bradshaw on the outside. Angle then lets out a smirk before he heads to the outside also and he…he begins to CLEAR THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!! What the hell has Angle got in mind here? Angle tosses the lid off before grabbing several monitors and ripping them off the table. Angle then grabs Cena and SMASHES Cena’s head off the announce table!! Cena’s neck snaps back before Angle tosses him spread out across the table here. Angle then turns around and he’s met with a right hand by JBL!! JBL lands a big blow to Angle there but Angle responds with a right hand of his own!! The two men trade blows and it’s Angle who comes out on top as he kicks Bradshaw in the gut before whipping him towards the ring post but Layfield reverses and ANGLE CRASHES HEAD FIRST INTO THE POST!!

Angle drops like a fly as Bradshaw catches his breath and sees Cena on the table, opting to keep him down, clubbing him with right hands, picking apart the champion here. The camera then shifts and we see Randy Orton beginning to rise now, Bradshaw sees this also and turns around to kick Orton in the skull!! Orton is sent crashing back down but is quickly brought back up by JBL who smashes him with a right hand before he drives Orton into the announce table!! Orton’s left shoulder is sent crashing into the table as JBL panders to the crowd who pour heat on the ‘Wrestling God’ here.

Layfield then clubs Cena with a right hand once again, keeping him down on the table here before Layfield kicks Orton in the chest. JBL then heads up on to the announce table, what has the Wall Street Warrior got up his sleeve here? Layfield kicks Cena in the chest before grabbing him by the back of the neck and scooping him up to his knees. Layfield then bends down and gets in Cena’s face telling him, ‘You are nothing but a waste of space Cena, a waste of my time and I’m gonna finish your ass off here.’

Bradshaw then laughs a little bit BUT CENA SCOOPS HIM UP FROM UNDERNEATH AND HOISTS LAYFIELD UP HIGH!! CENA’S STRENGTH IS INCREDIBLE AS HE DROPS JBL THROUGH THE TABLE WITH AN FU!! The crowd goes ape as Cena hops down right as JBL falls through. Michael Cole is left speechless as Tazz even mouths an expletive. Cena falls to his knees on the outside, looking exhausted as all four men are down at present. Cena though is stirring and so too is Angle, Orton is still down and clutching his shoulder whilst JBL is completely out of it here.

The crowd noise begins to die down now after that electric couple of minutes but Cena is now to his feet, albeit keeping his balance thanks to holding the apron. Angle is also up now, he too only up via hanging on to the barricade. Orton is now beginning to rise also, on his knees now as Angle is the first to roll back into the ring, recognising that he can only win the title inside the squared circle. Angle slowly gets back to his feet as Cena now crawls under the bottom ropes and inside the ring also as both he and Angle glare at one another and Angle appears to mouth, ‘You can’t beat me.’ Cena, out of breath then laughs a little before turning serious, stating, ‘I know I can, deep down, you know it too.’

The two men then slowly meet in the centre of the ring and trash talk each other a little more as Angle turns away for a moment and then LANDS A RIGHT HAND BUT CENA RETURNS THE FAVOUR!! It’s a fist fight taking place here now as Angle and Cena’s hatred for one another is evident and it’s Cena who appears to be coming out on top here, forcing Angle aback. Angle is forced back towards the ropes, Irish whip from Cena, Angle rebounds and ducks underneath Cena’s advances, he runs the ropes again and takes down Cena with a flying forearm!!

Cena is down as Angle roars in aggression, not for the first time this evening and Angle pulls the straps of his vest down!! The Wrestling Machine means business here!! Angle then looks at Cena intensely BEFORE LOCKING IN THE ANKLE LOCK!! Cena screams in agony as Angle wrenches the hold in here!! Will Cena tap??!

Angle has him dead centre of the ring as Cena graps out for the ropes, trying with every ounce of fight in him to squirm towards them but Angle breaks the hold?? Angle breaks it because he sees Randy Orton re-emerge!! Orton hops under the bottom rope and he jumps right on Angle taking him down and hammering him with right hands, ala Austin back in the day. The fans even cheer slightly for the Legend Killer here. Orton keeps up the right hands before bouncing off and picking Angle up, landing a European uppercut on the Wrestling Machine before a kick to the mid section, RKO!! NO!! Angle shoves Orton away, Angle charges, DDT!! DDT FROM ORTON, HE ROLLS ANGLE INTO THE COVER!!

1..

2..

3..

NO!! ANGLE JUST ABOUT KICKS OUT!! Orton comes within a whisker of tasting gold again but Angle survives! Angle is down, Cena is down, JBL is still motionless on the fallen wreckage of the announce table as Orton has his head in his hands wondering what his next move shall be here. He decides to head after Cena and brings the current champion to his feet, driving his knee into Cena’s gut, again and again AND again as Cena is taking a pummelling now. Another uppercut now from Orton before an Irish whip, Cena comes back off the ropes, right into a fall away slam!! Cover again from Orton..

1..

2..

ANGLE BREAKS THE COUNT!! Angle crawls and launches himself on top of Orton, denying the Legend Killer again. Orton is quickly up and turns his attentions back on Angle, kicking him in the kidneys before bringing him to his feet, kick to the gut again from Orton before scooping Angle up and goes for a suplex, reversal by Angle, spins it round, ANGLE SLAM!! NO, ORTON SLIDES OUT THE BACK, ROLL UP!!

1..

ANGLE ROLLS THROUGH!!

1..

2..

Shoulder up from Orton!! Nice sequence of moves there as both men come close to victory. The two men return to their feet almost at the same time and they both charge and TAKE EACH OTHER DOWN WITH CLOTHESLINES!! Both men are taken down as all four men are down and out once more, HOWEVER we begin to see the first signs of life from JBL now as he starts clawing out on the outside, trying to get to his knees. Cena is alos getting to his knees and he DOES now get to his feet, hanging up against the ropes and Cena targets Orton, bringing the Legend Killer to his feet and striking with a right hand. Cena keeps up with the rights as Orton falls backwards into the corner, Cena keeps up the offense as he hammers relentlessly at Orton before grabbing the back of Orton’s head and flying out of the corner with a one handed bulldog BUT ORTON SHOVES CENA AWAY!! CENA TURNS AROUND, RKO!! RKO TO CENA!!

Angle charges at the Legend Killer, swings for him, Orton ducks it, spins round, RKO TO ANGLE!! ANGLE AND CENA FALL VICTIM!! BUT JBL IS BACK INSIDE!! Somehow, someway Bradshaw returns and looks for a big boot, Orton ducks it, RKO ONCE AGAIN!! RKO TO JBL!! COVER BY ORTON…

1..

GONG!!!

WHAT THE HELL?!?!

The place goes pitch black as the crowd go absolutely insane as the infamous gong sounds around the HSBC Arena. A few moments pass and still nothing before……

GONG…

Another gong strikes and the lights come back on, Orton is standing tall in the ring BUT THE UNDERTAKER IS BEHIND HIM!! ORTON TURNS AROUND AND SEES THE DEADMAN STARING RIGHT BACK AT HIM!! The man Orton defeated at Judgment Day, the man he ambushed with a steel chair is glaring a hole through him and Orton acts like he’s seen a ghost and gets the HELL OUT THE RING!! TAKER IS ON HIS TAIL THOUGH!! Orton sprints up the ramp, his title dreams going to pieces here as the Deadman tracks him down but can’t quite catch him. The crowd is in complete shock as a ‘Taker, Taker’ chant starts up.

Inside the ring, all three remaining competitors are left and all three are down currently after those RKO’s but all three are starting to move here as the crowd try to reinvest in this match. Angle is up first, Cena right behind him and the two men go at it again but JBL then strikes down Cena with a BIG BOOT!! Layfield gets his own back for that announce table fall and now he turns his attentions to Angle. Layfield and Angle do battle, trading rights before JBL grabs Angle’s arm, whips him into the turnbuckle with authority and Angle smashes back off of it, RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover..

1..

2..

3..

NO!! ANGLE KICKS OUT!! SOMEHOW ANGLE STAYS IN THIS!! JBL looks absolutely stunned as Angle surives and Bradshaw begins remonstrating with the referee who assures JBL it was a two count. JBL is horrified and picks Angle up, standing him up like a mannequin before running the ropes again, Angle completely groggy here, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL AG…NO!! ANGLE DUCKS IT, CATCHES JBL FROM BEHIND, ANGLE SLAM!! ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS!! COVER..

1..

2..

3..

NO!! JBL KICKS OUT NOW TO THE HORROR OF BUFFALO’S HSBC ARENA!! A look of pure shock comes across Angle’s face now as JBL somehow clings on in here. Angle then lets out a roar of anger this time before kicking the ropes and THEN HEADING FOR JBL’S ANKLE!! ANKLE LOCK IS LOCKED IN HERE!! JBL IS IN A WORLD OF TROUBLE!!

Angle continues roaring as the hold is locked in and JBL’s hand falls further and further down, he’s about an inch away BUT JOHN CENA SPINS ANGLE ROUND FROM BEHIND, FU!! FU TO ANGLE!! CENA’S GOT IT!! COVER..

1..

2..

ANGLE KICKS OUT!! HOW IN THE WORLD DID ANGLE KICK OUT?!? It’s Cena’s turn to look stunned now as Angle somehow survives and Cena looks on at the referee, holding out two fingers, questioning if it was really two but the referee simply nods. Cena sits up and we begin to wonder just what Cena has in mind as he goes for the leg of Angle and he applies an STF!! STF ON KURT ANGLE!! WILL CENA MAKE THE SUBMISSION EXPERT TAP OUT?!

Cena has the hold locked in for dear life as he clutches Angle’s face, while drving at the leg of Angle who holds his hand out for the ropes but he’s nowhere near them, his hand is struggling, his face turning a different shade now as Cena is gonna hang on, Angle’s close to fading, BAM!! CENA’S HEAD IS TAKEN OFF BY JBL!! JBL on practically one leg smashes Cena down with a kick to the back of the head, Layfield picks Cena up, boot to the gut, he runs the ropes, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL, NO, CENA SCOOPS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS, FU!! FU CONNECTS!! COVER!!

1..

2..

3..

HE GOT HIM!! CENA RETAINS!!

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena(25:29)

Cena’s hand is raised by the referee and his title belt given back to him as he looks absolutely exhausted here while we see Kurt Angle down, having tried to break the count but having failed and we see JBL in a lot of pain right now after taking that nasty FU.

Michael Cole: John Cena has done it!! John Cena is STILL the WWE Champion!! An incredible match up, an incredible performance, an incredible night for John Cena!!

Tazz: Absolutely Cole. Big props to John Cena out there tonight, he took on three other guys, three of the absolute toughest guys on this Smackdown roster and he came out on top. Damn sure impressive from John Cena.

Michael Cole: Randy Orton came close but the SHOCKING return of THE UNDERTAKER, scuppered his chances. Kurt Angle came within moments of capturing the gold and JBL fought with everything he had but on this night there was only one winner, there was only one champion, there was only ONE…Great American!! Goodnight everybody!!!

We get a closing shot of Cena posing on the top turnbuckle to the fans, raising his title up high, a broad smile on his face having come through hell here tonight as the Buffalo fans stand to applaud​
.
 
#129 ·
Okay, let's get to this.

The Great American Bash Review

The opening package was well written. It got the points across well and really highlighted the important matches.

The opener was just as I expected. A great result for Hardy, and you made sure that Jordan didn't look weak AT ALL. Even though I was fully expecting a Hardy win, you did have me going for a bit that OJ might have stolen it again. But it was the right time for Hardy, and I am glad that he has the Title finally; and I believe we may only see one more match between these two, as Hardy has a feud with Carlito lined up it seems. All in all, a great feelgood opener.

A good interview with Orton here, and he was right in everything he said. Obviously the right thing in the fans eyes was not the same for him; only making the fans take a disliking to him even more.

The 6-Man Tag went on for a lot longer than I thought it would, and I am surprised that it got more time than the US Title Match, given the importance and build for each match; this one being much more of a lower card affair. But the one good thing about the longer time is that all 6 men were able to shine, but the best team won in the end.

The interaction between OJ and JBL was interesting here. Are we planting the seeds for a face turn and then a feud with Jibbles for Jordan? Would be a great way to push him up the card, and I will keep an eye out for that now.

Carlito winning was the obvious and right call to make here; he can pursue the US Title, and Booker and Rhyno are able to continue their feud. I was also surprised that this got less time than the 6 man tag also, as this was arguably the second biggest match on the card.

Kurt Angle's interview was good here. He was well in character and on point; and Cena is now the only one of the main event we haven't heard from.

I can tell you why you did so well with the Tag Team Title Match... it was because it actively annoys me that MNM are still champions and Rey and RVD have been screwed AGAIN. I think this isn't the end of the road for these teams against each other, but I think it very well could have been. I hope the masked assailant wasn't Melina, because if it is someone new; this feud stays interesting for a while longer, as Mysterio and Van Dam have another person to get revenge on. The match itself was well written and looked like it could have gone on for another five minutes.

Sooo... the seeds have been planted. As someone who doesn't like Matt Hardy that much, part of me hopes that Carlito completely buzzkills him and takes the gold off him at the first try; this could lead to Carlito saying how that he is better than Hardy because he didn't need more than one try.

Melina playing defensive here makes me think it was her, but once again, hoping it wasn't.

The easiest one to predict on the entire card... Lashley looks like a legit tank and I hope he moves up to someone much bigger than these two now, as I think there is no wasy Dupree and Suzuki can try and claim anything back off Bobby from here.

Van Dam understandably pissed off, and maybe we'll see some more disagreements between these two in the future? A great tag team, but I don't recall ever seeing anyone put these two against each other.

A great Cruiserweight Title Match, and this who triangle isn't over by a long shot. Is he Gregory Helms now or just an evil Hurricane?

Typical Cena interview, and you got across what you needed to.

A great Main Event, and as I have learnt writing multi man matches are hard, but an enjoyable challenge. The mentality of each man came across extremely well, and you captured Cena's entire personality with the line 'Cena decides that if he’s gonna go down, he’s gonna go down fighting'. You encapsulated the other three brilliantly as well. I thought the ganging up on Cena would last a little longer than it did, and bringing out the RKO so early was a nice way to make the match easier to manage. Each man had their period of dominance which was good to see. I have to say that the spots in this match were awesome, such as the mid air RKO to Layfield and then Jibbles going through the announce table too. Bringing Taker in was a clever way to keep Orton away from the finish; and I now expect to see Angle/Cena at Summerslam.


Overall a brilliant PPV, cp. I'm happy that I got most of the winners right, but the highlight for me was definitely the main event. I'll re read that a few times as I write my Six Pack Challenges. Anyway, keep it up, and looking forward to business as usual! Let the Road to Summerslam Commence!

TWG
 
#130 ·
The Great American Bash fall out!

The superstars are of Smackdown are now preparing to head towards the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam! Last night saw a controversial night in Buffalo at The Great American Bash as two championships changed hands along with a string of shocking twists and turns.

A huge talking point last night was what occurred during the WWE Championship match as The Undertaker made his return, appearing for the first time since Judgment Day when Randy Orton toppled the Deadman. The Demon of Death Valley certainly made it clear why he was back and who he was after as he targeted the Legend Killer, chasing after Orton who hightailed it out of the ring, through the crowd and with it lost his chance at taking home the gold. The current plan is to have Orton face the Deadman at Summerslam, possibly in a gimmick match. There were plans at one stage to put the title on Orton and then have Taker return to feud for the title they were later nixed as it was concluded that the title isn’t necessary in this heated rivalry.

Speaking of the WWE title, John Cena remains the man in possession as he came out on top in last night‘s Fatal 4 Way, pinning JBL for the third time in recent months and all but killing off the Wall Street Warrior’s future title hopes. The plan as of right now is for Cena to meet Kurt Angle in a HUGE Summerslam main event. Angle has for months made it clear he believes Cena’s avoided him and that Cena knows he simply can’t beat him. Well, at Summerslam that will most probably be put to the test in what is expected to be a major programme in both Cena’s title reign and future as a whole.

One of the titles that changed hands last night was the United States Championship as Matt Hardy claimed his first major singles title finally fighting off Orlando Jordan, giving the fans in Buffalo a real feel good moment to kick off the show. Hardy has impressed management ever since heading over to the blue brand and is scheduled for a lengthy reign with the title. His first feud is rumoured to be with Carlito who defeated both Booker T and Rhyno last nigh and the seeds were planted following that after a backstage altercation. However a rematch with Orlando Jordan hasn’t been ruled out either.

There is also a new Cruiserweight Champion in The Hurricane…or maybe not? Paul London was defeated last night for his title, however was it The Hurricane who won that match or was it infact Gregory Helms? For weeks, months even, Chavo Guerrero has been trying to convince, trying to persuade Hurricane that he can not be successful, that he cannot be taken seriously until he ditched the superhero routine and found the man underneath it all, one of the very best Cruiserweights in the world, Gregory Helms. Well last night, it appears Hurricane succumbed to Chavo’s ways as he grabbed a steel chair, brought into the ring by Chavo and smashed Paul London’s head off, walking out of the HSBC Arena with championship gold, celebrating alongisde the devilish Guerrero. Many people believe that Hurricane/Helms and Guerrero will form an alliance and look to dominate the Cruiserweight ranks on Friday nights moving forward. However there is also a rumour that this will simply be a three way feud between London, Chavo and Hurricane/Helms.

Another controversial incident last night came during the WWE Tag Team title match as MNM retained their gold thanks to…well thanks to a mystery assailant. Van Dam and Mysterio appeared set to take home the titles, however out of nowhere a masked assailant came through the crowd and intervened, helping MNM retain their gold. MNM were always pegged to win, the finish however was come up with late in the day to serve as a loophole in the stiuplation that Van Dam and Mysterio cannot receive another title opportunity if defeated. It IS expected that the high flying duo will use this to gain one more opportunity at Summerslam. As far as the masked assailant goes, we cannot confirm who it is at this time, Melina is the obvious candidate, however it has been pitched to us that this could be a blast from the past of either Van Dam or Mysterio.

The Booker T-Rhyno feud is one that WILL continue we can confirm. Whether or not the two men get a match on the card for Summerslam is currently up in the air and depends on how well the feud is received in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, the Mexicools feud with Chris Masters and the Pitbulls is done and dusted now, Masters and his men finally getting one over on the crazy Mexican trio however, the alliance between Masters, Kash and Noble has been received well and could continue moving forward. As far as the other match that occurred last night, Bobby Lashley was said to have impressed numerous people backstage and will get rewarded with a Summerslam match, against who however, we cannot confirm​
.​


Just wanted to get some news and rumours out there. Don’t believe them all by the way!! You know the dirt sheets. Really appreciate the review ThatWeirdGuy. As far as the predictions go, it was a tie between 619 and TWG. Of course I’ll review both of your next shows, anything else you‘d like, let me know. Moving forward with this, I am tempted to take a break, I don’t know what people would think regarding that but we’ll see. Some of the next Raw is written so who knows. Until then, thanks for reading and any more reviews would be welcomed!
 
#131 ·
Yeah, I know its late. Sryz about that.

619s Feedback for cp's Great American Bash​

Opening video package did its job, but nothing to really write home about, so kudos there I suppose. Lol at Jordan getting heat as he comes to the ring, would be X-Pac heat if I could hear it now. Very nice back and forth action in the opening few moments of this match, and great to show the real displeasure in each man’s eyes in all the clubbing and clobbering they do. The missed big elbow is a good momentum changing spot, nice use of it here. There wasn’t really any doubt that Hardy would get the win, but the use of the exposed turnbuckle most almost certainly be grounds for a rematch on Jordan’s part, even if he already has his rematch clause. Never been an OJ fan, but it doesn’t look good for him from here on out. Hardy on the other hand will probably have Carlito or something on his hands. But big win for the elder Hardy brother here.

Nice SummerSlam poster btw.

Strong statement from Orton here, although I thought he seemed a bit whiney at the beginning, but that’s just me. Loved the arrogance of his Legend Killer persona moreso than what he’s doing nowadays, so good shot on making all that shine through.

Wow, kind of surprised this one got the time that it did, even longer than the opener. But still, Masters gets the well-earned win here after having to take the Mexicools piss for weeks on end. Juvi looked the best out of everyone here I thought, and surprisingly, Masters didn’t get a whole lot in like I thought he would. Of course he gets the finish, but was just surprised he didn’t get more blows in there. This should lift Masters to do something I’m sure, while probably the Pits stay and feud with the Mexicools. Decent match overall, but very good (and unchaotic) 6-man tag.

:lmao @ JBL condemning Jordon. Almost sounded like a plantation owner scolding a slave. Random racial thoughts aside, JBL was pretty spot on here, and you captured his hammy-but-serious nature pretty well.

No surprise Carlito dips out really quickly in this one, but holy hell, a Gore like two minutes into the match?? I think you could’ve found an impactful move without using a finisher there. On top of that, you had ‘Lito show almost no effects of getting hit with a massive finisher, rolling up Rhyno not too long afterwards and even having an advantage over not just one, but both men. That’s pushing it a bit much for me. After a finisher, even a finisher kickout, a guy shouldn’t have that much steam in him to dominate both guys for a while. Again, a little bit of finisher spamming with Carlito hitting the Backstabber, with Rhyno rolling out of the ring no less, yet suddenly having it in him to break up Booker’s count. Adrenaline can do a lot for a guy, but that was a bit ridiculous. No surprise to see Carlito get away with the win by weaseling on out of everything, but I expected a good bit more interactions between Booker and Rhyno than we did, but maybe that’s being held off on as the feud potentially progresses.

A tad disappointed that Hurricane didn’t leave by pretending to fly away, but nonetheless, a bit of an odd segment between the two. Not entirely sure what to think because Hurricane was a pretty well established guy in 2005 that was always very much over, so I don’t think he’s had many doubters. Sure, not many people took him all that seriously, but he was still a guy you wouldn’t mess with.

Angle sounded very focused here, though I didn’t like him talking about Orton or JBL and would have rather him just been completely honed in on Cena to emphasize the aggressiveness he showed in the take-home.

Here’s the match I was looking forward to the most. Nice to see Van Dam and Mysterio’s demeanors being completely focused, really needed that element. Great exchange between Nitro and Van Dam at that one point, really showcasing both men in that spot. Nitro/Morrison gets a lot of flak around these parts, but he can more than pull his weight in the ring. Tad confused when Van Dam missed the Rolling Thunder to the outside and you said it hurt his stomach, when that would more than likely hurt his back than anything. The match flowed very well for a while until Mysterio came in and ate the finish, which I’m still divided on. The fact that Mysterio was only hit with an elevated DDT and was pinned is a little unnerving, the MNM tag finisher probably would’ve been better there. Was also hoping Mysterio would put up more of a fight than he did, but alas, they trapdoor to all this is the masked man. Never really a big fan of masked man angles because they all wind up being the same guys, but I’m hoping you can go somewhere different with this.

Nice seggy between Carlito and Hardy, I’m expecting these two to get involved. A bit overdoing the ‘ju’ line, though. Not saying he shouldn’t do it b/c I enjoy Carlito’s written accent, but he said it in places where it didn’t belong at all.

Some generic but effective stuff from MNM, although wasn’t sure why Melina acknowledged that there was a masked man but Nitro and Mercury didn’t.

Extended squash here with the Lashley bit. Not like Suzuki and Dupree were a truly believable tag team anyway, but good way to just display Lashley’s absolute dominance.

Appreciated RVD being the slightly more aggressive one here, but I’m sure it won’t be immediately that we find out who was under the mask anyway

A pretty decent Cruiserweight contest, but of course, it’s the ending that catches the most attention. I thought it was a bit out-of-touch, if I should say, that Tazz would immediately jump on and call Hurricane “Gregory Helms”. I may have missed a show or two somewhere, but has that name been mentioned onscreen at any point before this? The line immediately got the point across that that is almost most certainly going to come of this whole thing, but I would have much preferred Hurricane kept his motives to himself and possibly cut a promo on the next show to fully come out and dis his superhero uniform and be called Gregory Helms. That said, I very much liked the role Chavo played here, not because it was a generic, stock role, but in relativity to the superhero character, worked very well. Even though Chavo was the weasel and pretty unsympathetic in the whole thing, he was the catalyst in Hurricane giving into his more prone ‘mortal’ side, if you will. Hope to see where the character development goes with this.

You’re a real fan of these interviews, eh? Nice that everyone in the main event got their say, though.

‘Right in the abyss’ might not’ve been the best terminology there, probably should’ve gone with ‘into the fire’ or ‘into the shark tank’ or something like that, but that’s being picky, and I got the gist of the idea. Wow, again, a finisher not even a few minutes into the match, and it didn’t look any better here than it did when I first brought it up. It literally just seemed thrown in there and could’ve been any other impactful move. Save those finishers for when you really need them. Yes, it told the story of an on-fire Orton, but you still could’ve shown that in a better way. Some solid action going on here, but again, I have to stress the finisher thing. The Angle Slam here was placed well, but to have Orton come be the one to break up the count a few lines later then come back out on the offensive made me question the strength of the Angle Slam, as well as just leave me wondering why you didn’t just have Angle break the count when he was still perfectly able bodied to do so. ‘Taker showing up was somewhat unexpected, and right when Orton was at his hottest at that. Nice placement there, the ending here becoming a big finisher flurry. I know I’m getting nitpicky with the finishers and whatnot, but JBL kickout of the Angle slam after taking the table spot is a bit pushing it. It would’ve probably been better had JBL got his foot on the ropes; plus that suits his character a little better. Still, the story came across well that Cena did indeed go through hell to keep his title, although I’m not sure where JBL goes from here, Angle/Cena is far, FAR from over as far as I can see.


Overall, a very enjoyable show, although some of your best matches did lack in flow, mostly because of the finisher spamming it seemed you were doing. Maybe it’s just the way you like writing or maybe its possible burnout leaving you unable to think of many other moves to put in those spots, but it’s probably not as big a deal as I’m making them out to be. My only true complaint is that I would’ve liked for the WWE Tag Title match to have gone on a bit longer, but that’s nothing really huge. A solid show here that keeps me wanting to know more about everything. Kirby enjoyed the effort. Well done, cp (Y)
 
#132 ·
First off, big thanks to 619 for your GAB feedback, much appreciated and just wanted to comment on a little something you mentioned.

A pretty decent Cruiserweight contest, but of course, it’s the ending that catches the most attention. I thought it was a bit out-of-touch, if I should say, that Tazz would immediately jump on and call Hurricane “Gregory Helms”. I may have missed a show or two somewhere, but has that name been mentioned onscreen at any point before this? The line immediately got the point across that that is almost most certainly going to come of this whole thing, but I would have much preferred Hurricane kept his motives to himself and possibly cut a promo on the next show to fully come out and dis his superhero uniform and be called Gregory Helms. That said, I very much liked the role Chavo played here, not because it was a generic, stock role, but in relativity to the superhero character, worked very well. Even though Chavo was the weasel and pretty unsympathetic in the whole thing, he was the catalyst in Hurricane giving into his more prone ‘mortal’ side, if you will. Hope to see where the character development goes with this.
On this whole thing about mentioning Gregory Helms. It has been muted for several weeks now, perhaps even a month that Chavo Guerrero has wanted to bring out the man under the mask, to bring out one of the best Cruiserweights in the world, to bring out Gregory Helms and leave the mask and cape, leave the jokes aside. There will be a lot more to this in the coming shows also with his name quite often being thrown around. Anyways, moving on, this thing is back on track now after a little break so here goes....


WWE Monday Night Raw Preview-25/7/05

Tonight is all set to be a huge night for the superstars of Monday Night Raw as last week saw the shocking return of the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista! The Animal returned to save the World’s Largest Athlete, Big Show who was in a whole world of trouble following his match with Mark Jindrak as the demonic Kane assaulted the former World Champion before placing a steel chair around the leg of the giant. In a moment of horror for all the fans in attendance, as well as those watching at home, Shawn Michaels, per order of Eric Bischoff, then scaled to the top rope and looked set to come crashing down on to the steel, crushing Show‘s leg in the process. That was when the champion returned however, several weeks ahead of schedule following a severe rib injury sustained at the hands of the Big Red Machine. Batista though would NOT get his hands on Kane, who managed to escape his advances thanks to the wily Eric Bischoff. Instead Batista sent a stern message to Raw’s General Manager as he delivered a devastating BatistaBomb to Bischoff’s ‘Personal Employee’, Shawn Michaels. We have been promised to hear from the World Champion tonight on all things relevant, including his title match at Summerslam with Kane, his dealings with Eric Bischoff, how his injury is healing as well as just why he targeted Shawn Michaels last week. You won’t want to miss it!

Also confirmed for tonight is a monster and believe me, it is a MONSTER main event. The number one contender to the World title, Kane will take on the man he savagely assaulted last week and almost ended his career, Big Show. These two have a history together and tonight will no doubt further that as the World’s Largest Athlete will look to gain a measure of payback on what went down last week. How will Kane deal with an angry giant? What will Show look to put the Big Red Machine through? Tune in to find out.

Another two matches are confirmed for tonight’s show, the first of which has huge implications concerning the Intercontiental Championship. Shelton Benjamin has been robbed time and again of the gold by Muhammad Hassan and his Arabian Entity, with Benjamin pleading for one more, fair opportunity. Charlie Haas meanwhile, Benjamin’s tag team partner has been focusing on the World Tag Team titles, telling Shelton that they should simply focus on being a team again. Benjamin has refused however, stating that they can become a team again when he wins back his Intercontiental title, something that hasn’t sat all that well with Haas. Tonight though, despite knowing his partner wants him to move away from singles action, Benjamin has placed all his trust in Charlie Haas to earn him one more shot, one more opportunity at his beloved Intercontinental title in what is all part of a devious plan by the champion Muhammad Hassan.

Hassan, knowing full well of Haas’ reluctance to see Shelton chasing him, laid down the challenge for tonight. Hassan will take on Charlie Haas with the stipulation being, if Haas wins, Benjamin gets his title shot. But if Hassan wins, Benjamin will never receive another title shot whilst Hassan holds the gold. Who will come out on top in this delicate situation? Will Charlie Haas really give it his all to see his partner succeed? It promises to be explosive.

The third and final confirmed match for here tonight on Raw is the second part in a three week series of Tag Team title defences. Last week saw the Dudley Boyz defeat the Basham Brothers in a griping contest. Tonight the Dudleyz defend their gold again, this time against the young up and comers, Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth, the Platform to Perfection. Will the undefeated youngsters shock the world and become champions or will the Dudleyz experience shine through? It’s the present versus the future, tonight!

Also, tonight we have been promised a ’Special’ video from Captain Charisma, Christian regarding his Summerslam opponent, Ric Flair. What has the weaselly leader of ‘Peeps’ got up his sleeve? Plus, Chris Jericho will NOT be on Raw this week due to the devastating ambush by his rival Edge last week, how will the Rated R Superstar react to taking out his long term rival? Find out all this and more, LIVE on Monday Night Raw.


Confirmed for Raw:

Kane vs. Big Show

World Tag Team Titles:
Dudley Boyz© vs. The Platform to Perfection; Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth

Charlie Haas vs. Muhammad Hassan
(If Haas wins, Shelton Benjamin gets an Intercontiental title shot; If Hassan wins, Benjamin will not receive another opportunity so long as he’s the champion)

Also;

We will hear from the World Champion, Batista!

And;

A ‘Special’ video from Christian!
 
#133 · (Edited)


WWE Monday Night Raw- 25/7/05- Milwaukee; Wisconsin

Opening video hits before the pyro shoots up and we are welcomed to tonight’s show by good ol’ J.R.

Jim Ross: We welcome you ladies and gentleman LIVE to Monday Night Raw!! I’m Jim Ross, joined as ever by Jonathan Coachman an…

'I Walk Alone’

It’s a MONSTROUS pop that greets the music of the World Champion, Batista. The Animal storms out onto the ramp, full of energy, clutching his World title, dressed in a vest top and jeans, a casual look, shades on as the crowd rise to their feet.

Jim Ross: And folks get a good look at the returning World Heavyweight Champion, the returning… Batista!!

The Coach: I’m still absolutely outraged at what Batista did last week J.R. He came back completely unannounced, completely outta the blue like that. Eric Bischoff had NO idea Batista was in the arena, he had no plan for this…this animal.

Jim Ross: Well indeed Batista shocked everybody last week when he returned to well, we thought he returned to come to the aid of Shawn Michaels, to get his hands on the man who injured him Kane and I think, I think he came down to get his hands on our General Manager. However that would not be the case as Kane managed to escape, thanks only to that snake that is Eric Bischoff. Shawn Michaels however, well Shawn Michaels was not so lucky.

The Coach: Last week was one of the first times where I actually supported Shawn Michaels. Batista had no right to do that to him, he had no right in attempting to do that to Kane, to do that to Eric Bischoff. Absolutely NO RIGHT!

Jim Ross: Well it would appear as though we’re gonna hear exactly why Batista did what he did last week to the Heartbreak Kid.

Tista has a mic and a wry smile on his face as the fans chant ‘Ba-tista’.

Batista: Three weeks ago I was uh, I was hurtin’, I was hurtin’ real bad. I was beaten, broken, battered all at the hands of one man, all at the hands of Kane. Three weeks ago I was choke slammed, well…I was choke slammed straight to hell off that stage up there.

The Animal points up the ramp as the fans boo.

Batista: I took one heck of a fall and because of that I suffered cracked ribs and was in a whole lotta pain but I just…I just couldn’t sit at home, i could not sit at home for one second longer.

Nice pop as Tista grits his teeth.

Batista: Ever since Eric Bischoff set his sights on me, set his sights on this(holds up the World title), things haven’t gone too well, they haven’t gone to plan for me but that has only made me more angry, oh yeah. That had only made me more angry, made me more determined, made me more fired up to keep a hold of this and to STICK IT to that piece of trash that I have to call my ‘boss’.

Boos for Bischoff as Batista does appear fired up here.

Batista: Which is why I spent one week, just one week sitting at home on my couch watching Raw and although I was in a lot of pain, although I was hurting, what hurt me the most was not my ribs. No, it was having to watch Eric Bischoff ramble on and on and on. It was having to watch Eric Bischoff yet AGAIN trying to screw guys over, to make other guys careers, other guys lives a misery.

Heat for the GM’s actions.

Batista: Shawn Michaels has had to deal with it, Chris Jericho’s had to deal with it, I’ve had to deal with it and he’s not gonna stop until I face a whole lot worse, believe me. Last week, last week was the Big Show’s turn. It was damn near four on one out here. Jindrak, Kane, Michaels, Edge, all four of ‘em involved and Jericho tried, give credit where credit’s due, he tried with all he had to put a stop to it but when there’s four of them and when there’s only one of you, the odds, well they ain’t in your favour.

Tista shakes his head a little here.

Batista: But I was ready, oh yeah, I…was…ready. I knew what Bischoff had up his sleeve, I knew he’d try and pick Big Show off just like Shawn, just like Jericho, just…like…me. I couldn’t let that happen again, no. Which is why I came back last week, which is why I came back a lot earlier than I had expected, than the doctors had expected, than Eric Bischoff himself had expected and trust me, that? That was the most satisfying thing in all of this.

Tista smirks a little now as he paces round the ring.

Batista: When my music hit last week and I came from behind that curtain, walked out onto that stage and looked down to this ring, the look on Eric Bischoff’s face, that was as satisfying as it gets. Seeing the fear inside of him, seeing him scared to death at the thought of me getting my hands on him, that brought me satisfaction but satisfaction? Ha ha. Satisfaction just ain’t enough for me.

Nice pop for that as Tista shrugs his title belt a little.

Batista: The look on Bischoff’s face, yeah it was good, it was great in fact but I…I wanted more, I needed…more. I stormed down that ramp last week with one thing in my mind and that was to absolutely DESTROY everything in my way, INCLUDING Eric Bischoff.

Very sizeable pop there for the champ.

Batista: But that’s not quite the way it went down. Bischoff managed to get away, Kane managed to catch a lucky, very lucky break but I guarantee that he won’t be so lucky come Summerslam. Buuuuuuuut I did, I did get my hands on one person, I did get my hands on somebody after all and this uh, this may surprise some of you, you may not expect me to say this right now but it’s true, last week I did come out here intending to get my hands on this guy. Last week, I got my hands… on Shawn Michaels.

Nice pop for the Heartbreak Kid as Batista smiles slyly nodding his head as a little HBK chant bursts out.

Batista: Now I love and I respect Shawn Michaels just as much as each and every one of you in this arena do. Shawn’s a legend in this business, one of the greatest of all time but ever since Vengeance, ever since this whole thing with Bischoff began, Shawn’s just…Shawn’s just become a different man.

Batista scratches his chin.

Batista: Shawn’s become a shadow of the guy I used to know. Each and every week I’m seeing the Heartbreak Kid come out to this ring, head down, shy away from everybody sittin’ at ringside and I’m seeing him take orders, take instructions from a man who he absolutely, positively HATES.

Tista looks a little angered now as the fans are drawn in by this.

Batista: That’s not the way I thought Shawn would deal with this, that’s not the way anybody thought Shawn would deal with this but the facts are, he has dealt with it this way and what I did last week was the only way I thought I could get through to Shawn Michaels, the only way I could send a message to Shawn Michaels.

Tista pauses before pacing a little.

Batista: So now, here I am, one week on and I’m dyin’ to know, did Shawn Michaels get the message? Did Shawn Michaels realise that I no longer feel sympathy towards him, realise that NOBODY feels sympathy towards him anymore? Did Shawn Michaels realise that he needs to put an end to all of this?

Batista looks around a little bit, scratching the back of his head, still looking angered, a little anxious almost.

Batista: Well I guess now’s the time to find out. So Shawn, I know you’re back there and I know you’re listenin’ to all this so wh…

‘I’m Back’​

It’s a look of frustration that etches across the face of the Animal as the music of Eric Bischoff hits and out comes the Raw GM to a chorus of boos.

Eric Bischoff: Dave, Dave, Dave, really good to see ya buddy? How those ribs holdin’ up for ya?

Batista: Cut the crap Eric, we both know I’m not out here to talk to you, I’m out here to talk to S…

Eric Bischoff: Shawn, yeah I get it Dave, really I do. You wanna ‘get to the bottom'of how Shawn Michaels is feeling, of why Shawn’s doing what he’s doing. Well let me tell ya, you don’t need Shawn to tell ya the answers, I’ll tell them for ya. He’s doing what he’s doing because…well, because of ME!!

HUGE heat for Bisch here as Batista runs his hand over his head.

Eric Bischoff: And as for how Shawn is ‘feeling’? Shawn’s feeling really, really good Dave and I mean that. Shawn couldn’t be better, infact he’s sitting right back behind those curtains in my office right about now and he’s dealing with a little bit of paperwork I assigned to him. Let me put it real simply for ya Dave, Shawn’s doin’ his job tonight and he’s doin’ it with a smile on his face, cos if he doesn’t? If he doesn’t I’ll fire his ass, just…like…that.

Bischoff snaps his fingers as the crowd boo the shit out of him.

Eric Bischoff: And I couldn’t..I couldn’t quite help but hear how you uh, how you wanted to get your hands on any and everbody last week Dave, including me. Well it’s real funny you should mention that ha ha.

Bischoff has that grin on his face now.

Batista: What? What is it Eric? You gonna put me in a match tonight? Is that it? You wanna try to ‘take me out’ again? Well I don’t give a damn who I face cos I came here tonight lookin’ to FIGHT!

Batista is full of aggresion now as the crowd rally behind him.

Eric Bischoff: Oh you couldn’t be more wrong!! See I knew that’s exactly what you’d want here tonight Dave, exactly what you want. But it is NOT what I’m gonna give you, oh no.

Bischoff again grins as the fans pur more heat on the GM.

Eric Bischoff: Now you may think that’s just another attempt from me to anger you, to frustrate you, to PISS you off Dave but yet again you couldn’t be any more wrong because y’see it is not my choice you don’t compete here tonight.

Batista rolls his eyes now, perhaps knowing what Bisch has in store.

Eric Bischoff: See I received a call earlier on tonight when I arrived at the arena and it was from a member of our medical team and they informed me of some, of some…unfortunate news Dave. They informed me that you have NOT been cleared to compete and that you are still officially on the injured list.

Batista smashes his fist against the ropes as the fans continue to boo.

Eric Bischoff: Hey don’t blame me Dave, after all I wasn’t the one who took a choke slam off the stage a few weeks back was I?

Bischoff holds his hands out as Batista has seen enough and exit’s the ring heading after Eric Bischoff!!

Jim Ross: Oh here we go!!

Eric Bischoff: HEY!! HEY!! HEY!! You stop RIGHT there!! Boys…boys come on down here!!

Bischoff signals to the back as we see a TON of security emerge from behind the curtain as Batista stops in his tracks and laughs, looking around at the fans who are going crazy here.

Eric Bischoff: Now I had a feelin’ you weren’t gonna take too kindly to that Dave which is why-which is why I ordered a helping hand here tonight. Seeing as you have not been cleared to compete, I don’t…I just don’t see the need for you to be here tonight so uhhhhh gentleman would you please do me, do all these people a favour and escort Mr.Batista out of the building?

Boos are reverberating around the arena all the more now as Batista seems to mouth ‘You gotta be kidding?’

Security begin to head down towards the Animal who then looks around the crowd who are all fully behind the World Champion and BATISTA CHARGES AT THE SECURITY!!

Jim Ross: Batista has had enough!! The World Heavyweight Champion ain’t goin’ away without a fight!!

The Coach: Hey, this ain’t right J.R!! His boss has asked him to do something, he cannot put his hands on security like that!! He’s lucky Eric Bischoff doesn’t suspend his ass right here, right now!!

Batista takes down one, takes down two and a third as the crowd goes absolutely wild!! Eric Bischoff has a worried look across his face as Batista takes it to security here but eventually the numbers game proves too much as the dozens of security gang up and finally get a hold of the Animal to a chorus of boos from the crowd.

The Coach: Well thank god. Thank GOD they got a hold of this…of this freak J.R. Who in the hell does he think he is? Eric Bischoff doing the right thing here tonight.

Batista is now guided up the ramp, kicking out in frustration as we see a look of delight across the face of Eric Bischoff. Tista then locks eyes with the GM as he’s dragged past him.

Eric Bischoff: Dave, see ya in a couple of weeks buddy, until then, take real good care of yourself and really, REALLY good care of that World title cos come Summerslam? Come Summerslam, it’s gonna be Kane’s, it’s gonna be mine and your days around here? Your days on MY show are gonna be OVER WITH!!

Insane levels of heat again for the boss as Batista looks ready to blow a gasket.

Eric Bischoff: Gentleman, get him outtaaaaaa here!!

And with that Batista is dragged to the back and Bischoff looks around at the crowd with a look of glee as his music hits and he then sarcastically applauds out to the crowd.

Jim Ross: How many more times is this gonna happen? How many more times is Eric Bischoff gonna abuse his authority like this? It’s just not right damn it and you can bet your ass that at Summerslam Batista’s gonna make him pay, he’s gonna make Kane pay.

The Coach: Hey don’t jump the gun there J.R. Remember who’s refereeing that one baby, Mr.Shawn Michaels. Batista ain’t makin’ anyone pay cos the Heartbreak Kid’s gonna count his shoulders down and hand that World title to the Big Red Machine, whether he likes it or not!!

We get one more shot of Eric Bischoff who is milking the boos now before FINALLY heading to the back.

Commercials​

We return and immediately go to footage that occurred during the break as we see security escorting the World Champion Batista out of the building. Tista has a stern look on his face, clearly seething at what Raw’s General Manager has done here tonight. As Batista is about to be led out the door the camera changes angle and we see Shawn Michaels appear!! Michaels looks as down as ever, clearly not really wanting to have run into the Animal. Batista gives Michaels a death glare and Michaels simply stares at the ground with Batista then letting out a little laugh and shaking his head in disgust as security continue guiding Batista out the door, the crowd booing what’s gone on thus far tonight.

We then head straight back to ringside where we see Molly Holly already in the ring, stretching and preparing for action
.

Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw folks and as you can see Molly Holly all ready for action here tonight as sh..

‘LoveFuryPassionEnergy’​

It’s a pretty nice pop that greets the music of the Daredevil Diva, Lita who storms out on stage.

Jim Ross: As she takes on this lady!! Lita made a big return a couple of weeks back, coming out and confronting the Women’s Champion, the sadistic Victoria and well, it hasn’t quite gone down so well with the current title holder.

The Coach: And why should it? Lita’s come back and she’s walkin’ around here as if..as if she owns the place! What the heck is that about J.R? Lita ain’t done a damn thing to get a shot at Victoria and she knows it.

Jim Ross: Well Coach incase ya missed it, that is exactly why Lita requested a match here tonight against any WWE diva to show Victoria just why she deserves her chance at the Women’s Championship.

The Coach: We’ll see how well that turns out cowboy.

Match One: Singles Match
Lita vs. Molly Holly

Molly puts up a good fight in the early going as Lita’s possible ring rust is on display with the Daredevil Diva struggling to keep up with the fast paced offense of Molly.

Molly continues to work away at Lita, whipping her across to the turnbuckle before unloading with a big time clothesline knocking all the wind out of Lita. Molly then continues to punish Lita, kick after kick to the mid section before delivering some venomous forearms to the jaw of Lita who appears taken aback by Molly’s relentless approach here.

Molly then scores the first cover of the match after dropping Lita with a scoop slam, forcing a kick out at two as she pleads with the referee to count faster. Molly’s bickering with the official though backfires as she goes back to try and finish off Lita only to be met with a right hand! Lita catches Molly off guard and now uses it to gain a route back into the match as she takes the fight to Molly with right after right.

Lita then delivers a beautiful snap suplex and scrambles across for the cover, 1..2..shoulder up by Molly much to the disappointment of the fans in the arena as Lita herself looks disappointed.

The former Team Extreme member slowly gets to her feet and dusts herself off before setting up for the Twist of Fate!! Lita positions herself as Molly gets back to her feet, turns around, kick to the mid section, TWIST OF FATE!! NO!! Molly shoves Lita away and into the ropes, ROLL UP!! 1...2...3...NO!! Lita just about gets the shoulder up to a big pop!!

Both divas are quick to their feet as Molly charges back at Lita for a clothesline, Lita ducks it, spins Molly round, TWIST OF FATE!! This time Lita connects!! Cover, 1..2..3..she got it!!


Winner: Lita(5:13)

Jim Ross: Point proven Coach!! A huge win for the Daredevil Diva and a resounding one at that!!

The Coach: I’ll hand it to Lita, that was a heck of a victory but don’t forget that Molly Holly, as good as she is, she ain’t Victoria and it’s gonna take a hell of a lot more than this to convince me, to convince Victoria that Lita’s next in line.

Lita poses for the crowd as she smiles, clearly delighted with her work here tonight as it’s job done in her quest to face Victoria for the Women’s Championship.

We then head into a video package...

Narrator: The biggest party of the summer.

The Summerslam logo appears across the screen as the Summerslam theme plays in the background.

Narrator: High pressure, high stakes.

We see a shot of Batista raising the World title high before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels.

Narrator: Who can overcome these obstacles?

We see Kurt Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on Randy Orton.

We then see Kane chokeslamming Chris Jericho.

Narrator: Who can stand tall?

We see John Cena FU’ing JBL.

Narrator: Who can rise to the occasion?

We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas celebrating.

Narrator: Who can handle… the heat?

We see a smirking Christian before an angered Ric Flair.

Batista: At Summerslam.

Flashing shot of the Animal landing a Batistabomb.

Edge: At Summerslam.

A brief shot of Edge delivering a Spear.

Randy Orton: At Summerslam.

The Legend Killer delivering an RKO is shown.

Ric Flair: At SUMMERSLAM! WOOO!

Flair locking in the Figure Four is then shown briefly.

Kurt Angle: At Summerslam.

We then see Angle locking in the Ankle lock, wrenching the hold in.

John Cena: At Summerslam.

It’s Cena’s turn then as we see the WWE champion deliver a thunderous FU.

Christian: The heat…is on.

A shot of a desert like scene is then shown as the Summerslam logo then appears again before…

Narrator: Summerslam: Can you handle the heat?​


We then return backstage to join Todd Grisham who is standing by.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman, my guest at this time, a man who is in a precarious position here this evening, please welcome, Charlie Haas.

Haas appears into shot to a nice pop. The WGTT member looks a little anxious however as he heads into a big match tonight.

Todd Grisham: Charlie last week your partner Shelton Benjamin accepted a challenge on your behalf from Muhammad Hassan which means that tonight you will take on the Intercontinental Champion with Shelton Benjamin’s title opportunity at stake. You win, Shelton gets his shot, you lose and Shelton will not receive another title opportunity. How are you feeling heading into such a high stakes match up?

Haas sighs, taking a moment to think his answer up.

Charlie Haas: You said it yourself Todd, it’s high stakes tonight. There’s a whole lotta pressure on me here tonight and y’know over the last seven days I’ve had a lot of questions thrown my way. Questions like, ‘Charlie, will you give it your all next week?’, ‘Charlie, do you really wanna win next week?’, ‘Charlie you do know the consequences don’t ya?’

Haas scratches his chin a little.

Charlie Haas: My answer to all three of those questions Todd, is hell yeah.

Nice pop there.

Charlie Haas: Of course I’m gonna give it my all, of course I wanna win here tonight. I’m a professional wrestler, this is what I do, this is who I am and if I ain’t givin’ it all I got, if I ain’t headin’ out there to win, then I’m not doin’ my job. As far as the consequences go, yeah I know the consequences all too well. I win, Shelton gets his shot, I lose Shelton’s done.

Haas’ face now turns to a stern look.

Charlie Haas: I may want the Tag Team titles, I may want my partner back but I damn sure ain’t gonna let that happen this way. Not a chance. Shelton’s put a lot of faith in me, he’s put all his trust in me tonight to get him that opportunity that he deserves. And I promise everybody, I’m not gonna let him down out there.

Good pop again for Haas there.

Todd Grisham: Well Charlie one question that you may or may not have been asked this week is, if you win here tonight, you’ll have beaten the Intercontinental Champion on not just one but two occasions, in a lot of people’s eyes that would suggest you deserve a title shot more than your partner does?

Haas looks at Grisham in a curious fashion, a little perplexed here.

Charlie Haas: Uhhhh, I couldn’t possibly erm, I couldn’t possibly com… pffffft, yeah like I said I’m gonna go out there tonight and give it my best Todd, thanks man.

Haas then walks off as Grisham has a confused look now at Haas’ ‘indifferent’ response shall we say?

Back Ringside…


‘Perfection’​

We return back to hear the music of the Platform to Perfection, Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth who strut out onto the stage to decent heat considering their short stint thus far on Raw.

Jim Ross: It is indeed a huge night for Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin but it is also a huge night for these two young men. Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth have made a huge splash since arriving here on Monday Night Raw and tonight they get a major opportunity as they take on the Dudley Boyz for the World Tag Team Titles.

The Coach: Huge opportunity, no doubt about it J.R and it’s an opportunity that I have absolutely NO DOUBTS they are gonna take with both hands. Look at these two guys old timer, they are as gifted as ya get and they ain’t losin’ to a couple of has beens, a couple of washed up punks that I have to sit here and call ‘champions’. It’s a damn disgrace and these two young men are gonna put it right tonight, believe me.

Jim Ross: Well the Dudleyz are far from has beens Coach and washed up punks? I ain’t buyin’ it. We’ll see just how washed up our tag team champions are here tonight.

‘Yeah, We’re Comin’ Down’​

It’s a nice ovation that greets the champions music as Bubba Ray and D-Von storm out, looking ready and raring for this title defence.

Jim Ross: Bubba Ray and D-Von returned to Monday Night Raw at Backlash, shocking the world and capturing the World Tag Team titles yet again and since then, they’ve had their hands full but they’ve come out on top each and every time. Tonight, these guys wanna make sure is no different.

The Coach: They wanna make sure, yeah of course they do. Trouble is, they can’t do it, they just can’t do it. Doane and Nemeth, too fast, too agile, too darn TALENTED to be defeated here tonight. Mark my words. C’mon cowboy, I ain’t waitin’, get a pen and write ‘em down there. NEW Tag Team Champions tonight.

World Tag Team Titles Match:
The Dudley Boyz© vs. Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth

The opening few minutes begin with Nick Nemeth going toe to toe with Bubba Ray Dudley and the cocky youngster gaining a good foothold in the contest as his speed and athleticism contain Bubba. Nemeth scores an early near fall following a beautiful backbreaker, showing real strength to take the big man down in such fashion before continuing his offense, quickly onto one half of the champs. Nemeth scores with right hand after right hand before stomping a mudhole into Bubba, targeting the ribs of his opponent.

Nemeth runs the ropes and quickly pounces again as he drops a hard hitting elbow to the mid section of Bubba who winces in pain and Nemeth goes for a cover…1...2..kick out by Bubba but the big man holds his ribs in doing so, clearly the Perfectionists plan is working thus far.

Nemeth then begins pandering to the fans who boo the cocky blonde before Nemeth drags Bubba across to his team’s corner and delivers another vicious kick targeting the ribs again before tagging in Ken Doane to the match. Doane enters the match in real style as he hurls himself over the top rope and lands a HUGE leg drop across the mid section of Bubba!! Cover by Doane, 1..2..shoulder up again by one half of the champions much to the crowd’s delight as Doane slams the mat in anger.

Doane is quickly back up and he uses all his might to drag Bubba up to his feet also and it takes some doing. Bubba immediately clutches his ribs and Doane delivers a right hand followed by another taking Bubba aback. We get a glimpse of D-Von on the apron who looks concerned as Doane now kicks Bubba in the gut before delivering an Irish whip. Bubba flies back off the ropes right into a running knee to the mid section!! Rushes into the cover, 1...2..shoulder up again by Bubba as Doane shakes his head disappointedly.

Doane gets to his feet and looks around as the crowd boo the young superstar and this only seems to anger Doane further as he launches a vicious assault on Bubba. Kick after kick to the mid section before some devastating strikes to the ribs as Bubba winces in agony here. Doane then tags Nemeth back into this thing with Nemeth strutting slowly into the ring and pandering to the crowd boo the cockiness of the ‘Perfectionist’ as he slowly toys with Bubba, slapping his head lightly as he laughs at the fallen veteran. We see a shot of D-Von who is raging at the attitude of Nemeth right now.

Bubba is now to his knees as Nemeth continues to play with his opponent before delivering a VICIOUS slap across the face of Bubba!! The fans shit all over Nemeth who then gets in Bubba’s face and yells at him ‘This, this is perfection, that? That is a life of rejection’ as he points at Bubba, looking around the crowd as he taunts the champion. Nemeth then laughs a little more as Doane applauds his partner but BAM!! Bubba comes from nowhere and delivers a huge right hand to Nemeth knocking him back!!


The crowd goes wild as Bubba finds new life and unloads on Nemeth with right after right, Nemeth having nowhere to go now as Bubba whips him across the ropes and Nemeth comes back, BACK BODY DROP!! Bubba connects but he feels the ribs immediately, the effects clear for all to see here as he drops to his knees and his partner holds out an arm, hoping Bubba can crawl across for the tag. Bubba drags himself across, holding an arm out, desperate to make the tag as he’s within arm’s reach now. The crowd is willing Bubba on as Nemeth uses the ropes to bring himself up to his feet slowly, he turns around and sees Bubba almost there and charges, trying to stop Bubba BUT BUBBA MAKES IT!! HERE COMES D-VON!!

D-Von storms in and Nemeth doesn’t want anything to do with him as D-Von unloads with right hand after right hand. Irish whip from D-Von and Nemeth rebounds right into a back elbow! Nemeth is quickly up as D-Von drops him again with a clothesline but Nemeth is persistent and again gets to his feet, D-Von egging him on to do as the champion has real momentum here but Ken Doane appears from nowhere!! Doane tries to take down D-Von but he ducks it, Doane gets caught up in the ropes as D-Von clotheslines him over the top to the outside!! D-Von riles the crowd up and turns around BUT IS CAUGHT WITH A DROPKICK FROM NEMETH!! D-Von goes tumbling out of the ring as Nemeth connects right to the jaw and we head to a break.


Commercials

We return at around the eight or nine minute mark and we return with Bubba Ray and Ken Doane in their respective corners whilst Nemeth has D-Von in control in the centre of the ring, a sleeper hold applied as J.R and Coach runs us through what went down in the break with the Platform to Perfection establishing control again.

Nemeth yells out, clearly using all his effort as he looks to put D-Von to sleep. The crowd are rallying one half of the tag champs, along with his partner but D-Von appears to be struggling, looking a little groggy as Nemeth yanks away and the referee makes a quick check on D-Von’s condition here but D-Von suddenly shows some movements as he stirs a little bit, looking to get to one knee. Nemeth fights it off but not for long as D-Von nails an elbow to the gut, up to one knee D-Von comes as he nails another elbow, Nemeth’s grip loosening. The fans sense a momentum change here as D-Von nails one final elbow and the hold is broken!!

The crowd jumps for joy as D-Von breaks free and Nemeth is doubled over, he turns around and straightens up, coming face to face with D-Von who is still feeling the effects and Nemeth looks for a right hand but D-Von blocks it, looks for a left hand, D-Von blocks again! D-Von now grabs Nemeth by the back of the neck and delivers a kick to the mid section, Irish whip by the champion, Nemeth comes back and is met with a kick to the mid section again, swinging neck breaker by D-Von!! Nemeth is down as Ken Doane jumps D-Von from behind!! Doane takes D-Von down but here comes Bubba!!

Doane is met with a big right hand from Bubba who starts rolling!! Bubba begins his trademark strut and boxer like position as Doane returns to his feet and he’s met with right and left jabs, sending Doane aback before he spins right back into Bubba who swings, misses! Doane spins Bubba round, kick to the mid section, Irish whip, reversal, Doane’s hung up on the ropes as Bubba charges but Doane connects with a kick to the gut, Doane charges now and Bubba turns him inside out with a huge clothesline!!

Doane is down as D-Von begins to stir along with Nemeth, it’s two on one here and the fans sense what’s coming. BUT WAIT…

We cut to the ramp to see the Entity members Sonjay Dutt and Daivari storming down to the ring! Dutt and Daivari take up opposite sides around the ring as Bubba and D-Von look at one another before hopping out of the ring and heading after the Entity!! The fans are going wild as Bubba takes it to Dutt, D-Von to Daivari and the Entity has no answer to this onslaught!! The referee has no choice but to ring for the bell BUT NO!! The referee spins and he’s met with a LOW BLOW by Nemeth!!

J.R is going ballistic as Nemeth floors the referee and we then see Bubba look to Irish whip Dutt into the ringpost but it’s reversed!! Bubba goes head first into the rinpost as Dutt takes a moment before heading over to help his partner out. D-Von drops Daivari with a huge head butt but he’s caught from behind by Dutt who catches D-Von with a stiff kick to the back of the leg before pouncing like a rabid dog and delivering a stinging assault of the champion.

Dutt then helps his partner up and the two men use their strength to scoop D-Von up and into the ring. The Entity members jump inside the ring also, it’s three on one as Coach proclaims we’re soon to have new champions. The three men stalk their prey before Ken Doane joins the party! It’s four on one and the fans are in outrage at this but BEGIN TO CHEER AS HERE COME THE BASHAMS!!

Danny and Doug Basham charge down the ramp and they fly into the ring!! Danny takes down Dutt, Doug takes down Daivari with big time rights!! The fans are right behind the Bashams as Doane swings at Doug but misses, Doug spins him round and over tosses him over the top rope!! Nemeth runs at Danny but Danny delivers a nasty kick to the gut before a stinging DDT!! The Basham’s then drop to the outside but what for?

The Bashams scoop the referee to his feet and toss him back inside the ring!! D-Von and Nemeth are down but the Bashams scoop Nemeth up once again before pandering to the crowd as the BASHAMS CONNECT WITH THE BALL AND GAG!! (Russian Legsweep/Lariat combo) Nemeth is floored and Danny rolls D-Von onto Nemeth’s fallen body!! The referee is stirring, the count begins!! 1.………2.……….3.…..the Dudleyz retain!!


Winners and STILL World Tag Team Champions: The Dudley Boyz(14:22)

Jim Ross: They got ‘em!! How’s that prediction Coach?! The Dudleyz retain!!

The Coach: How in the hell can you celebrate that J.R?! The Dudleyz got an assist here tonight!! They didn’t win a damn thing!! Who invited the Bashams out here huh? Answer me that one. Doane and Nemeth have been screwed J.R!! Screwed!!

Jim Ross: Well who invited the Entity out here Coach? You were more than happy for those guys to help Doane and Nemeth win the gold. The way I see it, the Bashams simply evened up the numbers game tonight and I’m damn sure glad they did.

The Coach: You would be, stuck in the past J.R. Ya just can’t let the young blood have their moment can ya?

Jim Ross: Oh c’mon.

We get a shot of the Bubba and D-Von embracing in the ring, both men looking beaten and exhausted as they nod their heads as a show of respect to the Bashams who walk back up the ramp to a nice pop.

We then cut away backstage where we see Eric Bischoff in his office and standing beside him is the Heartbreak Kid, Bischoff’s Personal Employee, Shawn Michaels!


Eric Bischoff: Last week you let me down Shawn, there’s no other way of putting it. You let me…down.

Michaels looks away, biting his lip a little, still looking down in the dumps.

Eric Bischoff: I asked you to do me one thing, I asked you to finish Big Show off last week and you couldn’t, you just couldn't do it could you? Yeah Batista showed up, yeah we didn’t expect it but not only did you fail to get the job done on Show but you then went and…(Bischoff sblacks a little) You then went and got your ass handed to you by Batista so I wanna know Shawn, what the hell was that all about huh?

Bischoff crosses his arms as he stares a hole through Michaels.

Eric Bischoff: I’ve not got all night Shawn so you better start talkin’ before I ge…

Shawn Michaels: I’m sorry alright?

Eric Bischoff: No, no, it is not alright Shawn, far from it. Last week you let me down, last week you embarrassed me. I can’t stand for that. So here’s what we’re gon…no, no, let me rephrase that, here’s what you are gonna do about it. Tonight, our main event, Kane one on one with Big Show, I want you to make amends Shawn.

Bischoff lets that little grin out now.

Eric Bischoff: I want you to finish what we started last week and I want you, I want Kane to FINISH Big Show off…for good. You understand?

Michaels nods his head, not looking Bischoff in the eye.

Shawn Michaels: I understand Eric but uh…what about Batista?

Bischoff looks puzzled.

Eric Bischoff: W-w-what do you mean Batista?

Shawn Michaels: I mean, what if Batista shows up again? I know, I know you had security take him away but if you really think that’s gonna stop him from tryin’ to get back in, then you’re even stupider than I thought.

Little pop for Michaels insulting Bischoff.

Eric Bischoff: No, no, no, that’s where you’re wrong. See if Batista thinks about tryin’ to get back in this arena then he is even stupider than I thought because I’ve got security right the way around the building and y’know even on the off chance he does get past them, he will not get to me, he will not get to Kane, he will not even get to you because for our main event tonight I’m gonna surround the ring with even more security.

Boos there for Bischoff’s antics.

Eric Bischoff: Tonight there will be no problems, there will be no let downs and there will be no Batista.

Bischoff lets that maniacal grin out once more as Michaels looks on, still lost, almost taken aback he’s still stuck in this situation.

Eric Bischoff: No let downs Shawn. No…let downs. Now I’ve got something I need ya to do for me, so go and find me Edge would ya?

Michaels looks confused as to why the GM wants Edge.

Eric Bischoff: I SAID GO!!

Michaels hangs his head once more before slowly departing as the crowd boo Bischoff’s nonsense approach towards the Heartbreak Kid.

We then cut elsewhere backstage and join Maria for the first time this evening
!

Maria: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest, he is the Big Show!

Nice pop as Show enters the picture but he’s not looking in the best of moods here.

Maria: Show, last week you faced Mark Jindrak in the main event. You won that match due to disqualification after you were attacked by Kane. Kane, Jindrak, Regal and even Shawn Michaels were all happy to try and hurt you after the match was over with so I gotta ask you Show, how did that feel last week?

Show looks up to the heavens before staring right back at Maria.

Big Show: Maria, you’re lucky you’re not Todd Grisham right now is all I can say. It felt…it felt, let me ask you how you think it’d feel to have four men beat you down like a defenceless dog? How do you think it’d feel to have a monster smash your skull with a steel chair?

Maria: Uhmmm, not-not great?

Big Show: Yeah exactly, not great. Last week was meant to be a turning point for me, a night for retribution, a night for payback on Mark Jindrak. But I didn’t get any of that, yeah I won the match but a little DQ victory doesn’t make up for what he and Regal have put me through these last few months. I’m not satisfied Maria and I won’t be satisfied until I get what I want.

Nice pop for an intense Show.

Big Show: But tonight? Tonight my attention turns elsewhere and it turns to Kane. See, I don’t...I don’t quite get what the deal is with Kane. He’s come back and he’s come back to do Bischoff’s dirty work, that’s not how I know Kane, that’s not how anybody knows Kane. When ya think of him, you think of this…this monster, this Big Red Machine who doesn’t take crap from anybody, who follows his own path but that’s not how it’s goin’ down right now is it?

Show scratches his chin, looking a little perplexed.

Big Show: Kane’s carrying out Bischoff’s orders and for what? So he gets a World title shot, is that it? Kane’s been a World Champion before and I don’t think he needed anybody’s help to do it. Tonight, I’m gonna send a message to him, I’m gonna send a message to Bischoff and I’m gonna send a message to Mark Jindrak. I ain’t playin’ around anymore, the big friendly giant’s days are over with, an angry giant’s about to be unleashed Maria.

Very rousing response for that as Show heads off and we do too.

Commercials​

We return and we immediately go backstage where we see the Platform to Perfection duo of Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth look pissed off as they walk through the halls. Doane tosses some of his wrist tape down to the floor, clearly angered by their defeat earlier as we then see Todd Grisham burst onto the scene from behind them.

Todd Grisham: Ken, Nick, we all witnessed what happened earlier on tonight in your Tag Team title match with the Dudley Boyz. Can we get a quick word on how you’re feeling having suffered your first defeat here in the WWE?

Nick Nemeth: Defeat? You wanna call that a defeat?

Nemeth looks at Doane as if Grisham’s winding them up.

Nick Nemeth: That was FAR from being a defeat. We should be standing before you as the new World Tag Team Champions and we deserve to be standing here as the new champions but we were robbed out there tonight, ain’t no two ways about it.

Ken Doane: Nick’s exactly right. We are the most naturally gifted duo to have ever graced this business, that is a fact. People in the back here know it and people in the back here resent it. They resent that fact and they resent us for it. Bubba Ray, D-Von, they resent us, Danny and Doug Basham resent us and heck, we don’t blame ‘em.

Doane points at he and Nemeth.

Ken Doane: If they looked like us, if they could perform like us, we’d be resentful too, we’d be jealous too but the fact of the matter is, they don’t look like us, they can’t perform like us, they cannot do what we do.

Heat for the arrogant Doane here.

Nick Nemeth: And that’s why what happened out there tonight came about. The Dudleyz knew, they knew they could not beat us, it ain’t hard to believe so wipe that stupid smirk off your face Grisham.

Oooooh Nemeth tells Grisham how it is and the interviewer puts his head down.

Nick Nemeth: They knew they couldn’t beat us so they had to have a helping hand, they had to get the Basham’s on their side, had to get the Basham’s on board. But that’s alright, really, it is because we know that we will get another opportunity at those titles and we know that next time, the Basham’s ain’t gonna be around to help their little buddies out.

Todd Grisham: W-w-why is that?

Ken Doane: Why do you think that is genius? It’s because the next time you see Doug and Danny Basham, they won’t be costing us our match. No, they’ll be face down, beaten, bloodied and battered at the hands of Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth.

Nick Nemeth: It ain’t just a name Todd, it’s a fact. We are perfection personified and unfortunately for them, Danny and Doug Basham will soon find out exactly why.

The talented young duo then head off to boos from the crowd as we return back ringisde…

‘Arab America’​

We return to the action and the music of the Intercontinental Champion Muhammad Hassan who comes out for his huge match here tonight, accompanied by his Arabian Entity members, The Great Khali, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari who appear a little banged up after their earlier exertions in the Tag title bout.

Jim Ross: Well folks it is a huge night for this man Muhammad Hassan and his Entity. Hassan laid down the challenge last week, Charlie Haas face him and win, then Shelton Benjamin gets one more Intercontinental title opportunity. However, Charlie Haas loses? Shelton Benjamin will NOT receive another Intercontinental title opportunity.

The Coach: Absolute genius from Muhammad Hassan, playing two men, two friends, two partners off against each other the way he has. Is there a smarter superstar on this show today? In this company even J.R? If Hassan pulls this off then it’s gonna be one of the all time great masterstrokes in the WWE, I’m telling’ ya.

‘Heroes'​

It’s a strong pop that greets the music of the World’s Greatest Tag Team and out comes Charlie Haas with Shelton Benjamin right beside him, a focused look on both men’s faces as they set their sights on Hassan.

Jim Ross: Major pressure on Charlie Haas’ shoulders here tonight. His partner has placed all his faith, all his trust in him for this match up, if Haas fails to deliver, then who knows just where the World’s Greatest Tag Team go from here.

The Coach: Down the toilet that’s where. Haas wants one thing J.R, he wants the Tag Team titles. Shelton Benjamin just doesn’t want them, he wants what Muhammad Hassan holds and Charlie Haas needs to realise that, he needs to find himself a new partner, a partner who gives a damn and he needs to move on.

Jim Ross: Well I don’t agree with ya there Coach, Shelton Benjamin does care, believe me. He simply has a bone to pick with Muhammad Hassan, a man who’s screwed him time and time again. Until Shelton gets a fair deal he can’t focus elsewhere and I don’t think Charlie Haas holds that against him.

Match Three: Singles Match
Charlie Haas vs. Muhammad Hassan

Things are very cagey as the bell rings and neither man makes a move with the fans right behind Haas as well as his partner Shelton Benjamin. The nerves are evident in both Haas and Hassan here with Benjamin looking anxious on the outside also.

The two men now begin to circle each other now before locking up dead centre of the ring and looking to outdo the other as Haas assumes control forcing Hassan back towards the corner but Hassan shoves Haas away once there. Haas spins round and charges at Hassan though, looking for a clothesline but Hassan gets a boot up and connects viciously to the skull of Haas! Haas appears dazed as he stumbles before turning round once again right into a clothesline from Hassan who goes for an early cover, 1..2..kick out by the WGTT member.

Hassan looks to be quite calm despite the kick out and he picks himself up, looking quite intently at Haas before picking his opponent up by the back of the head and nailing Haas with a forearm, followed by another. Haas is leant up against the ropes as Hassan whips him from one side to the other and Haas rebounds right into a high knee from Hassan!! Haas tumbles as Hassan taunts the crowd who boo the hell out of the I.C. Champion.

Hassan lets out a devilish smirk as we see Daivari and Dutt applauding on the outside, Benjamin not looking too happy with developments thus far. Hassan then circles the fallen Haas, looking at his prey before running the ropes and dropping a hard elbow to the chest of Charlie Haas. Hassan is quickly up, running the ropes again and dropping another elbow. Hassan appears relentless here as he goes for a third elbow but this time he runs the ropes and…stops? Hassan stops before stretching his arms out and looking up to the sky before going for another elbow but Haas dodges it!!

Hassan lands on the mat and holds the elbow immediately as Haas rolls out of harms way and gets to his knees, clutching his chest however as we see Shelton Benjamin encouraging his partner to get to his feet.

Haas clings to the ropes, trying to draw himself upright again as Hassan is to his knees also, looking to find a way back up and he does so but Haas is up first! Hassan and Haas meet in the centre of the ring, Hassan throws a right but Haas blocks it, Haas now unloads with right hands, forcing Hassan back. Haas now has the momentum as he kicks Hassan in the mid section before striking with an uppercut. Irish whip now from Haas, Hassan rebounds and Haas takes him down with a beautiful hip toss.

Haas senses he’s in control now here as Hassan quickly gets back up and he’s met with a clothesline by his opponent, Hassan is up again quickly though and he’s met with a kick to the gut before being whipped across into the turnbuckle. Hassan crashes hard as Haas builds up some steam and charges at the champion but Hassan dodges it and Haas crashes into the turnbuckle!! Hassan rolls Haas up from behind, he’s got the tights!! 1..2..3..NO!! Haas just about survives!!

We see a shot of Shelton Benjamin who looks drained from watching these first three or four minutes already here as his partner hangs in there. Hassan and Haas are both to their feet again relatively quickly and it’s Haas who gets to his man first, laying in with the right hands as Hassan seems to find no answer but a THUMB TO THE EYE!! Hassan conjures up something out of nowhere as a thumb to the eye catches Haas who is blinded and Hassan takes a second to compose himself before clubbing Haas from behind and taking him down. The referee warns Hassan about his conduct as the fans boo once again, we even see Shelton complaining on the outside as Hassan shakes himself off.

Hassan suddenly develops a real mean streak now here as he begins to stomp away at the chest and mid section of Haas, viciously taking it to his opponent as Haas winces in pain here. Hassan drops one more vicious stomp across the chest of Charlie before once again bringing his opponent to his feet, this time nailing a stiff uppercut. Hassan now unloads with a string of rights before whipping Haas across hard into the turnbuckle, Haas’ back ricocheting against it as Hassan comes charging and clubs Haas with a thunderous clothesline!! Hassan now stomps away at the mid section of Haas again, continuously stomping a mudhole in Haas who slumps to the mat, perched up against the ropes as Hassan dishes out some verbals to the crowd.

Hassan then rolls Haas out of the corner, bringing him to his feet before nailing a knee to the gut, Hassan continues his dominance right now as he hoists Haas up before delivering a deadly vertical suplex!! Haas lands hard as Hassan appears in real control right now before…before heading to the top rope?? J.R seems confused and there’s an air of excitement as Hassan, unusually, heads up high with Haas down and out right now. Hassan’s Entity are applauding their leader here as he signals to the sky, eyes closed before delivering a MASSIVE leg drop from the top!! BUT HAAS GETS OUT OF DODGE!! Haas manages to get out of harm’s way as Hassan lands hard on the mat and it’s yet another twist in this tale.

Hassan lands hard and Charlie now begins to stir, looking to get to his feet before the champion here, realising that his partner’s hopes rest with him in this one. Benjamin is seen encouraging Haas from the outside, as are Daivari and Dutt to their leader with the dangerous Khali lingering on the outside. Haas appears to be to his feet, a little out of it however as Hassan is to his knees. Haas now turns around as Hassan gets very gingerly to his feet here and he turns around to a right hand from Haas, followed by another.

Haas takes control here now, nailing a knee to the gut before grabbing Hassan in almost a bear hug like hold and delivering a beautiful belly to belly suplex!! Haas somehow finds it from deep down as Hassan is fallen. Haas crawls towards the cover, still struggling from the punishment he’s taken. Haas rolls Hassan over, 1...2...Daivari places Hassan’s foot on the ropes!!!

The referee sees the foot on the rope and stops the count as Shelton Benjamin looks on furiously and the crowd gasp in dismay!! Daivari and Dutt are seen smiling slyly but not for long as here comes Benjamin!! Shelton Benjamin heads round to the opposite side of the ring, Daivari and Dutt get the hell out of here as the imposing figure of The Great Khali comes face to face with Shelton Benjamin!!

Benjamin is stopped in his tracks as the fans suddenly all as one deliver an ‘Oooooooh’. Benjamin realises the giant is in his path here and looks on BUT BENJAMIN TAKES THE FIGHT TO KHALI!!! Benjamin throws right hand after right hand at the seven foot three inch Punjabi giant!! Khali though barely flinches and hammers Benjamin down with a venomous chop!!

The fans boo as Charlie Haas gets to his feet and sees his partner fallen on the outside, looking on in disappointment before turning his attentions back to Hassan…but he sees Sonjay Dutt appear on the apron!! Dutt is up and encourages Haas over to him and Haas duly obliges!! Haas throws a right but Dutt drops down to the outside again, clearly just coaxing Haas over as he exchanges words with the Entity member. Haas turns back around, again to focus on Hassan but this time Daivari appears on the apron!!

Daivari appears and Haas charges but once again the Entity member escapes without harm, Haas motioning ‘This close’ as he turns back around and he’s met by Hassan!! Hassan grips Haas before delivering a thunderous Reverse STO!! Hassan drops down, cover!! 1...2...3...NO!!! HAAS KICKS OUT! The crowd have gone wild as Hassan looks on in disbelief at the referee’s call here as Haas survives!! We see shots of Daivari and Dutt stood side by side now both open mouthed as Khali shakes his head, stunned that Haas kicked out. Hassan then pleads with the referee to tell him that was three but the official is having none of it as Hassan kicks the ropes in anger.

Hassan then takes a small breather, allowing Haas a little time to recover, perhaps simply waiting for him to get to his feet. Hassan paces around the ring as Haas groggily gets to his knees, very, very slowly. Hassan now yells ‘C’mon Charlie’ as Haas slowly finds his feet, hanging on to the ropes as Hassan awaits his turnaround.

Haas though hangs on as we see Shelton Benjamin reappear!! Benjamin hops on to the apron and charges, FLYING off the apron and taking down Dutt and Daivari with a crossbody!! Benjamin takes down the duo as Hassan looks on at the shenanigans, pleading with the referee to send Benjamin to the back but the referee does absolutely nothing as Khali heads for Shelton!! But Shelton heads in the opposite direction as Hassan looks on BUT A ROLL UP!! ROLL UP BY HAAS!! 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!! HAAS GETS THE THREE COUNT!!


Winner: Charlie Haas(11:09)

Jim Ross: HAAS WINS!! HAAS BEATS HASSAN AGAIN!!

The Coach: You gotta be kidding me?! Charlie what have you done?! J.R, I don’t believe it!! Char-Charlie Haas he-he did the right thing?

Jim Ross: You better believe it Coach, Charlie Haas has defeated the Intercontiental Champion and now Shelton Benjamin will get his deserved rematch for the Intercontinental Championship and would you look how much it means to him?

We see Benjamin and Haas side by side backing up the ramp, all smiles as Benjamin hugs Haas yelling ‘C’mon’ as Hassan looks devastated inside the ring, his Entity now surrounding him, Dutt and Daivari in some discomfort here. Benjamin then motions that the title belt will soon be his as Haas holds his head, still feeling the effects of that hotly contested match up.

Commercials​

We return and immediately head off backstage where we see the beautiful Maria chasing down the Arabian Entity.

Maria: Muhammad, guys, can I get a quick word in?

In her usual bubbly manner, Maria catches up with the foursome who look absolutely furious at what transpired before the commercial break.

Maria: How do yo…

Muhammad Hassan: Let me guess Maria, how do I feel after what happened out there? How do I feel about beating beaten by…by Charlie freakin’ Haas AGAIN? How do I feel about having to defend my title one more time against Shelton Benjamin?

Maria: Uh yeah!!

Hassan looks in disgust at the ditzy interviewer.

Muhammad Hassan: Well I’ll tell you exactly how I feel and I don’t think it’s the answer you’re gonna wanna hear Maria, I don’t think it’s the answer anybody’s gonna wanna hear.

Hassan takes a small breather before continuing.

Muhammad Hassan: I’m feeling…I’m feeling fan…tastic Maria. Really, Charlie Haas beat me tonight, he beat me a couple of weeks back but incase you forgot, I am NOT defending this Intercontinental title against Charlie Haas, no, I’m defending this title against Shelton Benjamin.

Pop for Benji’s name.

Muhammad Hassan: I’m defending this title against a man I have already beaten time and time and TIME AGAIN!! So I’m not anxious, I’m not worried about facing Shelton Benjamin because I know I can and I know that I will beat him. Hey, I’ll even defend my title at the biggest stage of the summer, how about that huh? How ‘bout it Shelton?(Hassan looks directly at the camera) Me and you, the Intercontinental title, Summerslam? How’s that sound?

HUGE pop for this bold move from Hassan.

Muhammad Hassan: I am not afraid of Shelton Benjamin, it’s quite the opposite Maria, Shelton Benjamin is afraid of me, Shelton Benjamin knows that he can NOT beat me and at Summerslam I’ll prove it.

Hassan shoves the microphone back at Maria whose bubbly demeanour changes to a frown as we cut away.

We now head off into Eric Bischoff’s office once again and there’s a knock at the door.

Eric Bischoff: Come in.

Bischoff’s face then lights up as we see Mr.Money in the Bank appear into shot as Edge strolls in.

Eric Bischoff: Edge, how’s it goin’ man? Shawn finally found ya then huh?

Bischoff laughs a little as Edge smirks.

Edge: Yeah, he got me. What did you uh…what did you need to see me for Eric?

Eric Bischoff: I needed to see you because well I need a favour Edge and I think, well, I think you’re the guy who can do me that favour, what do ya say?

Edge looks puzzled here as Bischoff holds his hands as if to say ‘Well?’

Edge: I don’t, I don’t just agree to something like that without knowing, without understanding exactly what it is I’m getting myself into. So as much as I trust you Eric, I gotta know what’s what here.

Edge waits as Bischoff thinks up what to say.

Eric Bischoff: Well you did such a great job last week in takin’ care of Jericho that I uh, I was wonderin’ if you wouldn’t mind doin’ the same thing here tonight for me?

Bischoff smirks again as Edge joins him in doing so.

Edge: Jericho’s, J-J-Jericho’s not here tonight Eric.

Eric Bischoff: Oh I know that, I know all too well that Chris Jericho’s not here tonight.

Bischoff starts laughing to himself as Edge then seems to realise what the GM wants here.

Edge: You want Big Show taken care of?

Eric Bischoff: No, no, no. See last week we ‘took care’ of Big Show, this week? This week I wanna finish Big Show and I need Kane on board, I need Shawn on board, I need Jindrak on board, Regal on board, I need YOU on board Edge.

Edge folds his arms and nods his head, looking down at the floor.

Edge: And uh, wh-wh-what’s in it for me exactly Eric? I mean, don’t take this the wrong way but last week I didn’t take Chris Jericho outta the equation for you, I took Chris Jericho out…for me. I am sick and tired of him claiming he’s better than me, claiming I’m just a wannbe, a poor man’s version of Chris Jericho. I am FAR FROM…a Chris Jericho wannabe.

Edge takes a moment to compose himself.

Eric Bischoff: I get that, I understand that and incase you forgot, I’m the General Manager of this show, I can make it happen. So how’s this sound for ya? You help me out there tonight, you help me finish the job off then I give you what you want, you and Jericho, one on one, Summerslam. You get to prove to everybody exactly what you’re capable of.

Edge smiles now, brushing his hair away as Bischoff looks on inquisitively.

Edge: Oh Eric I think there’s only one way I can respond to that and that is tonight? Tonight, you can bank…on my help out there.

Edge then pats his briefcase as Bischoff rubs his hands together and Edge departs as we return ringside.

Jim Ross: Well, Eric Bischoff getting everybody on board here tonight, getting everybody on the same wavelength and that wavelength being, take out the Big Show.

‘Born Naughty’​

It’s immediate boos as the music of William Regal hits and out steps the Brit alongside his ‘Protégé’, the brutal Mark Jindrak.

Jim Ross: And here comes one of those men on board, two infact, William Regal and the very impressive, very talented, Mark Jindrak.

The Coach: Right on the money J.R. Talented, impressive, just so damn good, Mark Jindrak took it to Big Show last week, just like he did at Vengeance and just like he’ll do the next time he and that freak step inside the ring together.

‘Love Machine’​

A very small pop greets the music of the World’s Largest Love Machine who parades around on the stage, Viscera.

Jim Ross: Well it’s a big test here tonight for Jindrak as he has to contend with this man, the five hundred pound, World’s Largest Love Machine, Viscera!

The Coach: It ain’t a test for Mark Jindrak, lemme tell ya. Jindrak has dealt with a monster for the last couple of months, what makes this guy any different? I’ll tell ya, nothing. Not a damn thing. Jindrak’s gonna wipe the floor with this goof.

Match Four: Singles Match
Mark Jindrak vs. Viscera

The bell rings and Jindrak looks a little cagey to open this one up as he realises just how big an obstacle the five hundred pound Viscera is.

Eventually Jindrak makes his move and locks horns with the World’s Largest Love Machine but Viscera overpowers him and forces him back before gyrating towards the ‘Protégé’ which doesn’t sit well with he or his mentor William Regal who has a look of disgust across his face. Jindrak’s momentary disgust soon fades as he turns aggressive and charges at the big man and knees him in the gut with real authority. The assault continues as Jindrak keeps up with the knees to the gut before delivering a clubbing blow to the lower back of Big Visc.

Viscera remains standing however as Jindrak repeatedly clubs the lower back of the big man, doubling him over before striking with a kick to the knee and again. A real ruthlessness being displayed by Jindrak here as Viscera drops to one knee. Jindrak now runs the ropes and delivers a big shoulder tackle on Viscera but he doesn’t drop down to Jindrak’s dismay. Again Jindrak runs the ropes and again goes for a shoulder tackle but this time Visc is up quickly and drops Jindrak with a BIG shoulder block of his own!!

Viscera holds his knee, clearly a little hurt by Jindrak’s offense but he uses the ropes for a breather before going back to his talented up and coming opponent. Viscera pulls Jindrak up to his feet and nails a right hand, followed by another as he looks to take control. Irish whip by the big man and Jindrak rebounds into a HUGE back body drop!! Cover by Viscera, 1..2..shoulder up by Jindrak.

Viscera seems to be on a roll here now as he scoops Jindrak up to his feet, Jindrak clearly a little worse for wear here as Viscera runs the ropes, letting out a roar of aggression as he charges at Jindrak but the Protégé ducks it and spins Visc round, kick to the mid section and a THUNDEROUS DDT!! Viscera tumbles as Jindrak regains momentum here and Regal hops onto the apron yelling at Jindrak ‘Finish him off!’.

Jindrak duly obliges as he drops down and turns Visc over and locks in that deadly armbar!! The armbar applied as Viscera yells out in agony here, nowhere to go as Jindrak displays real aggression in this and Viscera has no choice but to tap out!!


Winner: Mark Jindrak(4:41)

Jim Ross: Dominance once again from Mark Jindrak ladies and gentleman. Big Show wants another shot at this kid and I don’t think he’s gonna back down, I don’t think he’s gonna shy away from the World’s Largest Athete.

The Coach: You don’t think? Well I’ll tell you, I KNOW he won’t back down, I KNOW he won’t shy away and I KNOW he will beat the Big Show.

Jindrak and Regal head up the ramp as Jindrak shows a fierce, determined look whilst Regal smiles maniacally, patting his protégé on the back as both men look on at Viscera as well as the fans who boo the duo.

Commercials​

We return back and head straight into a video package, it’s for the soon to debut Mr.Kennedy and as ever is set in a dark room with nothing but a chair and a spotlight on the cocky loudmouth.

Mr.Kennedy: There’s a uh…there’s a lot of things that can happen in a week. Seven days is a long, long time but believe me, this next week of your lives is gonna go really, really fast.

Kennedy starts to smirk
.

Mr.Kennedy: And there’s a good reason for that. That reason? Well, that reason is because in seven days time, one week today you will all bare witness to the ground breaking debut of yours truly.

Kennedy now stands up from the chair in which he sits and begins to pace around the room, the spotlight following him
.

Mr.Kennedy: Next week will mark a whole new dawning upon Monday Night Raw, a whole new dawning upon the entire WWE. What you see ladies and gentleman, boys and girls is exactly what you get. You’re looking at a game changer here, you’re looking at a bonafide star, you’re looking at the man who is going to lead, who is going to drive forward the WWE to never been seen before, unimaginable, new heights.

Kennedy gets worked up a little now, an intense scowl as he looks directly into the camera
.

Mr.Kennedy: The Rock. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan. Three absolutely legendary names in the business, three legendary names across the world. Those three men are three of the very ultimate game changers, three of the very ultimate stars that have ever graced your television screens and in one week. Just…one…week, you’re gonna add another name to that list, oh yeah. You’re going to witness the birth of superstardom RIGHT IN FRONT…of your very eyes. You are going to witness the debut of yours truly…

Kennedy now looks to the heavens and raises a hand up high as his now trademark microphone lowers from the rafters which he grabs
.

Mr.Kennedy: The debut of MISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR……KEEENNNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Kennedy pauses, still looking up high in the sky
.

Mr.Kennedy: Kennedy.

Kennedy whispers emphatically, a no nonsense look to the camera before the graphic appears
.

Mr.Kennedy: Coming to Raw: Next Week
We then cut back to ringside and the image of Jim Ross and Coach sat at the announce table.

Jim Ross: Indeed, Mr.Kennedy makes his Monday Night Raw debut next week and well one thing’s for sure, he’s not shy on confidence Coach.

The Coach: Absolutely not J.R, believe me I cannot WAIT to see Mr.Kennedy ‘change the game’ so to speak. This man has a god given gift, inside the ring, outside the ring, he’s got it all and next week we’re gonna witness it first hand. Now, if you’ll excuse me for a moment…

Jim Ross: Where the hell are you going?

We then see Coach stand up on the announce table, microphone in hand as the crowd boos the Raw announcer.

The Coach: Ladies and gentleman, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, I am the Coach and I come to you with something that well, something you aren’t gonna wanna miss.

Coach has a little chuckle as some boos are thrown his way.

The Coach: Now at Summerslam we all know Christian will go one on one with the Nature Boy, Ric Flair in a match that Flair cannot afford to lose, if he does, he must and I repeat he must retire. The build up to this match has been a heck of a ride so far and tonight? Well tonight, I’ve been given a little video from one of the two competitors, I’ve been given a video from Captain Charisma himself, Christian.

Boos for the mention of CC as Coach broadly smiles.

The Coach: So here I am standing before you all to PROUDLY present a video that Christian has titled… ‘Home town heartache’. Take a look.

Coach points us to the titantron where we are led to a simple enough looking street, there are several houses to the left of our picture as well as to our right. The houses are all fairly standard looking homes, nothing too fancy, not too shabby however, as we see a loose dog running around the grass outside one particular house and some children playing on another patch in what just looks like a nice little neighbourhood. A few cars slowly drive up and down before suddenly out pops in front of the camera from out of nowhere, Christian.

Christian looks directly at the camera before beginning to walk backwards, looking around at the scenary. Captain Charisma is dressed in jeans, an orange patterned t--shirt and a leather jacket.

Christian: Well, here we are folks, Charlotte, North Carolina. The home of the Nature Boy, the home of Ric Flair.

Christian starts laughing as he spins around continuing to look around before once again facing the camera
.

Christian: I wanted to come here and I wanted to record all of this from the very moment that my match with Ric Flair at Summerslam was announced. You might think to yourself, ‘Why?’ ‘What relevance does this have to Summerslam?’

Christian looks down, stopping his backwards walk before looking back up
.

Christian: I’ll tell you exactly why. The relevance this has to Summerslam is that this, this right here is where Ric Flair returns to, this is the very place where Ric Flair comes home when I beat him at Summerslam, this is the place where Ric Flair will get to enjoy every little second of his retirement.

The camera does a 360 spin, showing off all avenues on display here
.

Christian: And I need these people to know exactly what kinda guy Ric Flair is. I need his home town to know that come Summerslam, it won’t be a hero returning home. No, n-n-n-no, not at all. It will be the ultimate villain comin‘ back home.

Christian is chuckling to himself
.

Christian: People don’t understand the type of guy Flair is. People of all ages just don’t get it. I need the kids of Charlotte especially to understand that they can’t look up to him, they can NOT look up to Ric Flair. I need them to know though that no matter how bad a role model Ric Flair is, there’s always an alternative and that they can always and I mean this from the very bottom of my heart, they can always look up…to me.

Christian is still walking down the street as he then stops and looks at some children playing outside. The kids look around 8 or 9 years old and are running around chasing after one another
.

Christian: Lets…lets try it out shall we? Hey, hey guys, come on over here.

Christian calls the two kids over, both are boys and they seem hesitant and start discussing with one another what to do
.

Christian: Come on, don‘t be shy.

This isn’t very appropriate calling young boys in from the street but the boys follow Christian’s orders
.

Christian: Hey guys, what’s going on? My name’s Christian and I’m here in Charlotte today to just do a little QandA, you two uh, you two wanna get involved?

Boy One: Yeah, sure!

Both boys look extremely excited by this as Christian has a dickish look on his face
.

Christian: Awesome. Well uh, first question, do you guys know who Ric Flair is?

Christian kneels down and gets in the boys faces, staring them right in the eyes
.

Boy Two: Yeah, he’s awesome!! I love it when he does the ‘Wooo’.

The other boy laughs as Christian turns his head laughing, almost in disgust
.

Christian: You like that huh? Think that’s pretty cool right?

Both boys smile excitably and nod back at Christian
.

Christian: Well let me tell ya something guys and I want you to be prepared for this ok? Your mommy and daddy may hide the truth from you but I’m not gonna do that, no way, na uh, not a freakin’ chance because I want kids like you to understand life, to understand what’s right and what’s wrong. Y’see, that ’Wooo’ Ric Flair does, it is not cool. Far from it, infact nothing about Ric Flair is cool. Let me ask ya, how old are you two kids?

Boy One: We’re both nine years old.

Christian nods.

Christian: Nine years old. Y’know, I remember being your age and I remember going to a sports club every day after school was over with. We did all kinds of stuff there, soccer, basketball, baseball, wrestling. This sports club I went to, it had kids your age right the way up to about twelve years old and there were these two kids there, both of ‘em twelve year old boys and they used to walk around this club as though…as though they were in charge, as though they were in control, y’know?

Boy Two: We have one guy like that at school.

Christian: Oh really? Well this is gonna be all the more helpful for you two guys, believe me. These two boys, they got everything given to them, our wrestling coach treated them like his own two sons and why? Why was that d‘ya think? Because they were the oldest there, because as the two oldest there, they got everything handed to ’em cos they were bigger, cos they were stronger while us nine year olds sat back and watched them get handed everything, time and time again, just like that.

Christian clicks his fingers
.

Christian: You think that’s fair?

Boy Two: N-n-no.

Christian: No, you’re right, it wasn’t fair. So instead of sit back, y’know what I did? I went to that club one day after school and I decided, enough’s enough and I confronted those two guys. I said that I was sick of ’em taking my opportunities away, just because they’re older than me, so uh, ha, y’know what they did?

Boy One: They let you get a turn?

Christian laughs looking up to the heavens.

Christian: Let me have a turn, ha ha. Wrong answer kid, they beat the holy hell outta me. Yeah, they did and I’m not afraid to admit that but what I want is…what I need is kids like you to understand that those bullies I talked about? Those two bullies are the exact same…as Ric Flair.

The two kids look open mouthed as they look at one another
.

Christian: It’s true. Ric Flair is a bitter, old man and he can’t walk away from being a bully, he can’t step aside and let somebody younger, somebody better than him take his spot. He just won’t do it, he just can’t do it and that’s why I’ve made it my mission to take him out, to take him down, to END your beloved Ric Flair.

One of the kids looks a little upset now and one slightly nervy as Christian looks quite sinister here
.

Christian: I won’t allow him to do what those two bullies did to me all those years ago and the sooner that people, that kids like you realise that Ric Flair is the one in the wrong here, the better.

Boy One: C-c-can we go now? Please, you’re upsetting my friend.

Christian: Oh we’re done here and hey, sometimes kids, the truth hurts.

Christian pats one of the kids on the head as the two run off with one holding the other who is really upset now and Christian stands up, shakes himself off and smiles broadly
.

Christian: That right there? That’s just two, just two kids who need to learn the truth about Ric Flair and hey, there’s a whole ton of Charlotte left for me to, well, left for me to ‘explore’.

Christian then starts laughing and the camera fuzzes off
.​

We then return back to see the announce duo of J.R and Coach once more as J.R looks on disgusted while Coach is applauding Christian’s actions here and the fans around the arena are booing Captain Charisma’s antics.

Jim Ross: Absolutely disgusting Coach. The behaviour of Christian is just…is just sickening, I don’t, I can’t understand what would go through your mind, what would possess you to do that?

The Coach: He was simply teaching a valuable lesson to those kids and hopefully many more. I think Christian’s standing up for what’s right and I think more people need to applaud this man and his quest to get rid of old man Flair.

‘Wellllllllllllllllll, it’s the Big Show’

‘Crank It Up’​

It’s a sizeable pop that greets the music of Big Show who walks out on stage, not looking his usual bubbly self, instead a dead focused look etched upon his face.

Jim Ross: How you can say that is beyond me Coach, really it is but back to the action here tonight and a man who last week came within an inch of potentially having his career ended. Big Show met Mark Jindrak only to see Kane interfere and take out the World’s Largest Athlete in a sickening assault alongside both Jindrak and William Regal. The damage looked set to be quite horrific folks as Kane wrapped a steel chair around the leg of Big Show before Eric Bischoff disgustingly ordered Shawn Michaels to scale the top rope and crash land onto Show’s leg.

The Coach: And he was gonna do it J.R!! He was gonna do it and he was gonna like it until that freak Batista came back and caused all sorts of hell. Big Show needs to thank Big Dave, believe me.

Jim Ross: Well folks, Big Show will get the chance to gain a measure of revenge here tonight as he takes on the Big Red Machine, don’t go anywhere, this is our FINAL commercial break!! Big Show versus Kane, NEXT!!

Commercials​

We return and see Show pacing around the ring before…

‘BOOM’​

‘Slow Chemical’​

There’s boos to be heard but more a sense of ‘Uh oh’ from the crowd as the Big Red Machine, Kane begins to make his way to the ring. A look of devilish intentions etched upon his face as Show prepares for the monster inside the squared circle.

Jim Ross: Well here comes this…this sick, demented, twisted freak and oh you better believe these two bulls are gonna collide. Look at the look on Big Show’s face, look at the look on Kane’s face!

And we do see the look on their faces and it ain’t pretty. Show looks about ready to blow a gasket while Kane has that evil smirk on display.

The Coach: Big Show doesn’t know what he’s letting himself in for. His career could’ve been ended last week and it woulda been because of this man, because of this monster. Tonight could be the night it really does end once and for all.

Kane then stops before getting in the ring and waits at the bottom of the ramp, still smirking before…

‘I’m Back’​

Jim Ross: Oh c’mon.

The Coach: Ha ha!

The boos continue as out comes Raw’s General Manager Eric Bischoff flanked by security who accompany him down to the ring. Behind all the security then appears Shawn Michaels, head still hanging, not looking like he wants to be anywhere near what’s going on here.

Jim Ross: And there ya see folks, not just Eric Bischoff but Eric Bischoff being accompanied ringside by Shawn Michaels and by dozens of security guards who are here to make sure that Batista, if and it’s a big if, if he gets back inside this arena, he will not interrupt, he will not ruin tonight’s main event.

The Coach: The amount of security on display J.R proves how serious Eric Bischoff is about this and I don’t blame him. That Animal is a hazard, he can’t be trusted around important superstars, guys like Kane and not only is he a hazard to them, he’s a hazard to himself, the guy’s got cracked ribs for cryin’ out loud and he wants to compete?! How stupid is the guy huh?

Jim Ross: I don’t think there’s anything stupid about Batista Coach. He simply wants payback, he simply wants to get his hands on Kane, on Eric Bischoff and Bischoff knows that all too well.

Kane now steps in the ring with Big Show still seething at the sight of the Big Red Machine and the referee having to restrain him in the corner. Bischoff and his men, Michaels included, hover around the ring, spreading themselves out so nobody can get in or out of the squared circle.

Main Event: Singles Match
Kane vs. Big Show

Kane smirks devilishly at Show who displays a sadistic look himself here as the two men now go face to face and the referee tries to intervene here BUT IT’S NO USE AS THE GIANTS COME TO BLOWS!! Kane and Show going at it hell for leather here!! There is no holding back, the referee is tossed out of the way, the bell not having even been rung as Kane and Big Show tear each other a new one here!! It’s an all out brawl as security make their move!!

Jim Ross: The fight is on!! Kane and Big Show!! Kane and Big Show goin’ at it, like a couple of bulls here!!

The Coach: It’s a damn good thing security is here J.R!! If they weren’t out here right now, Kane would be sending Big Show into retirement!!

Security has stormed the ring here, half take Kane away from Show, half take Show away from Kane as the fans in attendance start a let them fight chant here as Kane’s lip is BUSTED OPEN!! Kane wipes the blood as Show smiles sickly and SHOW BREAKS FREE!! Show breaks free and takes down Kane!!

Jim Ross: Big Show is just…Big Show is like a runaway steam train!! Eric Bischoff, Kane, they’ve made the seven footer one hell of an angry giant!! Who can stop these behemoths?!!?

The Coach: They need to restrain this freak before things get outta hand!! Big Show’s takin’ this too far!!

Jim Ross: What happened to his retirement Coach?

The Coach: Hey, you shut your mouth!!

Show and Kane are brawling here as security can’t keep them away from each other as Show turns around and SMASHES a security guard and another here as Show is cleaning out security and so is Kane!! Eric Bischoff is ordering Kane to stop bu the Big Red Machine is having none of it!! Kane and Show beating the holy hell out of security!!

Jim Ross: So much for Eric Bischoff’s hired help!! Kane and Big Show have gone wild here in Milwaukee!!

The whole security team has been toppled here as Kane and Show now stand alone and the crowd rises to their feet here in anticipation. The smirk on Kane’s face re-emerges and Show now smiles also but the smiles soon vanish as these two go at each other once more with Show looking like he’s coming out on top, forcing the Big Red Machine back but OH!!! A LOW BLOW!! A low blow from outta nowhere by….MARK JINDRAK!!

Jim Ross: Jindrak!! Where the hell did Jindrak come from?!!?

The Coach: Ha ha!! Mark Jindrak getting himself some here!! Too damn right as well J.R!!

Eric Bischoff now lets out a smirk as he ushers to the ramp for someone to come down and just like that out comes…EDGE!!

Jim Ross: Oh you gotta be kidding me?!!? Was this-was this all a setup Coach??

The Coach: Oh I think you better believe it is baby boy!! Eric Bischoff is a freakin’ genius!! Eric Bischoff and Kane have pulled one over on that giant freak!!

Edge storms down, Money in the Bank breifcase in hand as Mark Jindrak stomps Big Show down, William Regal also in the ring, barking orders at his protégé as Eric Bischoff hops up on the apron, grinning like a Cheshire cat as he orders Shawn Michaels inside the ring!!

Jim Ross: For god sake, what will Eric Bischoff stop at?

The Coach: Nothing, na da, not a damn thing and that’s why I love him cowboy.

Jindrak scoops Show up to his feet, nailing a left hand before now holding him up in place as Edge sizes the giant up, positions his breifcase in hand and SMASHES Show across the skull with his briefcase!!

Jim Ross: OH SOMEBODY STOP THIS!! First Batista, then Jericho, now Big Show!! Enough is enough damn it!!

Edge smirks as he views the damage done as Kane now orders Jindrak to scoop Show back up and the Protégé does just that before shoving him into the path of the monster who grabs Show around the throat, Big Show’s in line for a choke slam here!! But the crowd goes APESHIT AS HERE COMES BATISTA!!!!!!

Jim Ross: THE CELLULAR ARENA HAS ERUPTED!! BATISTA!! BATISTA IS BACK AND BATISTA IS MAKING A BELINE FOR THE RING!!

The Coach: Who the hell let him back in here?!?

Batista storms down to the ring as Kane lets go of Show and Batista charges through the ropes but William Regal is first on scene, SPEAR!! Regal is speared out of his boots as now Jindrak charges but Batista tosses Jindrak up and over the ropes!!

Jim Ross: Thanks for comin’ Regal, Jindrak see ya later!! The Animal wants him some here tonight!!

But here comes Edge!! BRIEFCASE SHOT!! NO!! Batista ducks it, kick to the mid section and the Animal tosses Edge through the ropes and to the outside!! It’s Batista and Kane!! Head to head, face to face!!

The Coach: You just met your match champ!! Kane is gonna teach you a lesson!! Kane is gonna teach you just who the boss is around here!!

AND HERE WE GO!! Right hand thrown by Kane, right hand matched by Batista and the Animal has Kane reeling!! Right hand after right hand, into the ropes Kane goes, Irish whip, kick to the mid section, Batista has Kane set!! Eric Bischoff gulps as he senses what’s coming!!

Jim Ross: What goes up……

BATISTABOMB!! BATISTABOMB TO KANE!!

Jim Ross: MUST COME DOWN!!!

Batista roars to the crowd before turning and facing….Eric Bischoff!! Bischoff looks shit scared here as the Animal focuses on the Raw GM but Bischoff hightails it!!

The Coach: Smart move Eric, now’s not the time or place for a thug like him.

Batista looks pissed as he smashes the ropes in anger before turning around to watch Bischoff walk away and he sees…BAM!!!!! WHAT THE HELL?!?! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! SHAWN MICHAELS HAS SUPERKICKED THE CHAMPION!!

Jim Ross: What the hell?!!? Shawn Michaels…Shawn Michaels has just…what in the world has Shawn Michaels done?!?

The Coach: Shawn Michaels has seen the light!!! Finally, finally J.R, Shawn Michaels has seen the power of the bosses ways!!

The crowd are stunned here, it is eerie silence as Michaels stands over the fallen champion and Eric Bischoff looks absolutely gob smacked yet elated on the ramp as Michaels then mouths the words, ‘Payback’ to the down and out champion. The show then closes with Bischoff applauding Michaels who stares a hole through the fallen champion as we fade to black.


Date: August 21st 2005
Location: Washington DC


Current Card:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair


WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin
 
#134 ·
i really saw the sweet chin music on Batista. i'm hoping HBK turns away from Bischoff after Summerslam and Bischoff will threaten to fire him. but suddenly Vince Mcmahon will come out and fire him and then give HBK the World Heavyweight Championship Match at Unforgiven against either Kane or Batista. i think it's time Batista's reign as Champion should end to be quite honest. i think Shawn should be the one to end it. not Kane at Summerslam!.
 
#136 ·
WWE Friday Night Smackdown Preview- 29/5/05- Milwaukee; Wisconsin

Friday Night Smackdown heads to Milwaukee fresh off of a wild night in Buffalo this past Sunday at The Great American Bash and we are sure to find out several repercussions for some of the blue brand’s biggest stars.

The WWE Championship took centre stage this past Sunday as the champion John Cena walked in to defend his title against John Bradshaw Layfield, Kurt Angle and Randy Orton. It was no doubt the biggest test of Cena’s championship reign but somehow, someway the champion managed to walk out with the title still in his grasp. However, it didn’t come without controversy.

The biggest talking point of that match involved the Legend Killer Randy Orton. Orton was on a real roll, building huge momentum as he looked to capture the WWE title, but his momentum was to be derailed in shocking circumstances as for the first time since Judgment Day, The Undertaker made his presence felt and chased off the youngest World Champion in history, seeking payback after Orton defeated the Deadman back in May thanks to the use of a devastating steel chair shot. This week on Smackdown we will hear from the Legend Killer himself regarding both his pursuit of the WWE Championship and the return of his bitter rival, the Phenom, The Undertaker.

One man who was also seething following the outcome of that match was Kurt Angle. Angle has claimed for weeks on end, months perhaps that John Cena is running scared from him, that John Cena would not face him one on one, man to man. Well we have learned that Kurt Angle stands by those comments following the Bash, claiming that Cena again dodged him Sunday night, instead pinning JBL and in Angle’s words, ‘taking the easy way out’. Cena will no doubt take anger to those comments and we have learned that Angle and Cena’s paths will cross this Friday night in Tag team action. Cena will team with Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio to take on Angle and the WWE Tag Team Champions, MNM.

Speaking of MNM, they survived by the skin of their teeth Sunday night, defending their titles successfully against Van Dam and Mysterio but it wasn’t all as simple as it seems. The stipulation for this match was that MNM would NOT have Melina at ringside supporting them, however if MNM still won that match, Van Dam and Mysterio would not receive another opportunity at the gold. As Van Dam and Mysterio looked set to finally get one over on the A-Listers, a masked assailant appeared and cost the challengers the match, allowing MNM to retain their gold. The question remains just who was under that mask and what are the consequences for Van Dam and Mysterio? Teddy Long has promised a full investigation and this Friday we hope to find out if he’s any nearer to discovering just who was under that mask.

Another shocker from this past Sunday involved the Cruiserweight title changing hands as Paul London lost his gold to The Hurricane thanks to the involvement of both Chavo Guerrero and a steel chair. For several weeks now Chavo Guerrero has been trying to get under the skin of Hurricane, proclaiming him to be nothing but a joke, that he couldn’t be taken seriously whilst he hide under a mask and cape. Guerrero claimed that the man under it all however would not only be taken seriously but would become the next Cruiserweight Champion, Gregory Helms. Hurricane refused Guerrero’s advances, vowing to do it the right way, however Sunday night saw Hurricane cave in to those promises and turn his back on the fans, his friendship with Paul London and indeed his identity. Has Gregory Helms been born? What will the new champion as well as his companion Guerrero have to say? We hope to find out this Friday night.

The United States title also changed hands this past Sunday night as Matt Hardy finally defeated Orlando Jordan to win his first major singles championship here in the WWE, proving a lot of his doubters wrong. This Friday night Hardy will defend the title for the very first time in a rematch from Sunday night. Will Hardy once again trump JBL’s chief of staff? Or will it be a short lived reign for Hardy and mean a quick return to the top for OJ?

Also confirmed for this weeks show is a huge battle of the bulls as the undefeated Bobby Lashley will take on Chris Masters in a huge match for both men. Lashley scored a big win Sunday night, defeating Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki in a Handicap match while Chris Masters finally got one over on the Mexicools, defeating them in a Six Man Tag Team match along with The Pitbulls. Who will keep up their momentum in Milwaukee? Tune in to find out!!


Confirmed for this week’s Smackdown:

John Cena, Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle and MNM

WWE United States Title:
Matt Hardy© vs. Orlando Jordan

Bobby Lashley vs. Chris Masters

Plus;

We will hear from the Legend Killer, Randy Orton


Would love any feedback for Raw but wanna keep this rolling. Show should be up at some point towards the end of the week.
 
#137 · (Edited)

WWE Friday Night Smackdown- 29/7/05- Milwaukee; Wisconsin​

We open the show with a highlights package of all that took place during The Great American Bash. We see Matt Hardy hitting a devastating Twist of Fate on Orlando Jordan to capture the United States title before we see Chris Masters locking in the Masterlock to score he and the Pitbulls victory over the valiant Mexicools. Next up is the Triple Threat match between Carlito, Booker T and Rhyno in which Carlito steals a victory. We then get a brief ending to the Tag Team title match in which MNM walked out victorious thanks to a masked assailant, leaving RVD and Rey Mysterio absolutely irate. Bobby Lashley dominating Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki is then shown before we witness the shocking conclusion to the Cruiserweight Championship match in which The Hurricane became champion, using a steel chair and Chavo Guerrero to fend off Paul London. We’re then shown brief highlights from the WWE Championship match, including the unexpected return of The Undertaker to cost Randy Orton before John Cena finishes off JBL to retain his gold.

We then head for the opening video and pyro hits!


Michael Cole: Five nights removed from a shocking Great American Bash, tonight, Smackdown comes to you from Milwaukee! And it promises to be a blockbuster fallout as all roads now lead to the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam!!

Tazz: Cole I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about how off the chain Summerslam is gonna be and the road starts tonight baby!! Our main event, signed, sealed and delivered by Teddy Long will be the WWE Champion John Cena, the United States Champion Matt Hardy and the former Cruiserweight Champion Paul London taking on Kurt Angle, Orlando Jordan and the NEW Cruiserweight Champ Cole, The Hurricane.

Michael Cole: Indeed we have two new champions here on Smackdown. Matt Hardy finally captured the United States title whilst The Hurricane, if we can call him that, stole the Cruiserweight title from Paul London.

Tazz: He did what he had to do Cole and now he stands before us holdin’ that Cruiserweight title. I’d say it was all worth it this past Sunday for The Hurricane.

‘Burn in my Light’​

It’s instant heat from the fans in the arena as the music of the Legend Killer hits and out comes the man himself, Randy Orton looking less than pleased after what transpired at the Bash. Orton comes down in a t-shirt and his usual wrestling gear looking around the crowd.

Michael Cole: Well this past Sunday was not a good night for the man in your picture. Randy Orton gave off an impressive showing in the WWE Championship match, coming within a whisker of capturing the gold only to be denied by the shocking return of The Undertaker who made it clear that he and Randy Orton are far from finished.

Tazz: It was insane Cole. When that gong hit, you just knew Orton was in a whole world of trouble. We hadn’t heard, we hadn’t seen from the Deadman since Judgment Day and I know I sure as hell wasn’t expecting him to appear this past Sunday. Randy Orton ain’t gonna sit well wit’ this.

Orton takes a microphone and looks around the crowd who boo the Legend Killer vociferously.

Randy Orton: This past Sunday I was in pole position to…

Orton is cut off immediately by chants of UN-DER-TA-KER.

Randy Orton: This past Sunday I was in pole position to become the new W…W…E…Champion.

Boos now for Orton again.

Randy Orton: There was nobody, there was nothing that could stop me from taking home that title. JBL couldn’t live with me, Kurt Angle couldn’t deal with what I had to offer and John Cena? Well John Cena DAMN sure couldn’t stop me from taking what I deserved.

Orton grits his teeth shaking his head.

Randy Orton: But did I uh, did I leave Buffalo on Sunday night with the WWE title around my waist? Did I?

The crowd chants ‘No’ as Orton smirks a little.

Randy Orton: No, no I did not and there is only one, just one reason for that and that reason is…(Orton shakes his head in disgust again) That reason is The Undertaker.

Massive pop for the mention of the Deadman.

Randy Orton: Yeah, yeah I thought you’d all like that. The cornerstone of this company, the pinnacle of this industry, the legend that is The Undertaker returns and he costs me my chance at the WWE Championship. Well here’s the thing that all you people seem to be forgetting, that I think even The Undertaker himself is forgetting. My name is Randy Orton…Legend Killer.

Huge heat for that before Orton smirks a little bit.

Randy Orton: And that? Well, for that very reason I am NOT disappointed The Undertaker is back, I’m not angry, I’m not scared that he’s back, that he’s coming after me. No, no, I’m not concerned whatsoever because when we face off inside this ring, I will do to him the exact same thing I did to him back at Judgment Day. I will beat The Undertaker, only this time? This time I will finish what I started, this time I will once and for all KILL the legend of the Deadman.

The heat keeps on coming for Orton who doesn’t bat an eyelid.

Randy Orton: So yeah, maybe I didn’t win the WWE title at the Bash but that, make no mistake about it, that will happen. Be it a month from now, be it six months down the line, be it one year away, I will take that title but right now? Right now, I can do something, I can achieve something that NO MAN other than myself can claim to have achieved.

Orton scratches his chin before smirking a little once more.

Randy Orton: There have been a lot of WWE Champions over the years, there’ll be a lot of ‘em in the future. But there will only be one, there will only ever be one man who can claim to have killed the career, to have killed the legacy of The Undertaker and that man, whether you people like it or not, that man will…be me.

Orton really is drawing in the heat here.

Randy Orton: At Judgment Day, I beat the Phenom. I sent him packing, I sent him into hiding and now he wants to return and he wants some form of payback, he wants some kind of retribution. Well let me tell ya Deadman, your quest for that payback, for that retribution that you want, that you need is gonna come at a price, it’s gonna come at a big, BIG price.

Orton is a little worked up now, nodding his head, agreeing with his statement.

Randy Orton: The WWE Championship is looked at as the ultimate in this industry and I agree, I completely agree with that but this? This is one of those…it’s just one of those moments, those once in a lifetime moments where you can cement yourself in the history books. There will always be champions who are forgotten, hell, I could name some off the top of my head right now but for somebody to finish off, for somebody to end the career of one of, if not THE biggest superstar this industry has ever seen, they would never and I mean NEVER be forgotten.

Orton pauses momentarily as the fans continue to boo.

Randy Orton: I plan, I intend, I guarantee…that what I do to The Undertaker will never…ever…be forgotten.

‘Burn in my Light’​

Orton drops his microphone having made an emphatic statement here tonight to the world.

Michael Cole: Well that is one hell of a statement from Randy Orton Tazz. Orton is set, he’s intent, he is focused on quite simply ending the career of The Undertaker.

Tazz: I don’t think that Ort…

‘GONG’

Oh snap. Orton is just about to exit the ring as the gong hits and the LIGHTS GO OUT!!

Michael Cole: THE UNDERTAKER!! IS-IS THE UNDERTAKER HERE?!

Orton is standing dead still inside the ring as the purple-ish lights now appear and Orton looks around at every opportunity, wary that the Deadman can appear from nowhere. Nothing happens though before we begin to hear the voice of the Deadman, still no sight however.

The Undertaker: Randy Orton, at Judgment Day…you tried to break me. You tried… to finish me..

We see Orton smash Taker with a chair at Judgment Day on the titantron as the fans look on.

The Undertaker: But Randy, you cannot break the unbreakable, you cannot finish something… that never ends.

Pop for that as Orton shakes his head.

The Undertaker: The dead shall always rise and now? Now Randy, it is your turn. It is your turn to be targeted, it is your turn to become… a victim. You, me, August 21st, Summerslam and Randy… you will…REST…IN…PEAAAAAAAAAAACE.

The gong then strikes as the fans pop for it and suddenly the ring is struck by lightning!! Orton has a shocked look across his face before suddenly…smiling? Orton begins to smile slightly before he scratches his chin, continuing to smile and then finally exiting the ring and heading back up the ramp.

Michael Cole: Well the challenge has been laid down and Randy Orton seems to, well, he seems to be happy about it Tazz? How can, why is Randy Orton happy about The Undertaker challenging him for Summerslam?

Tazz: I ain’t got a clue Cole but my guess is that the Legend Killer’s got a plan in mind baby. The Deadman’s mind games don’t seem to be affecting Orton and I like that frame of mind from Orton, ya can’t let the Undertaker intimidate ya. If ya do, he’s won the battle already.

Orton stops at the top of the stage and turns around, smiling still to the fans who boo the Legend Killer as the lights remain off, only the purplish lighting giving us some kind of view.

Commercials

‘Do what I want’

We return back to Smackdown to hear the music of the former United States Champion, Orlando Jordan who steps out to small heat, not looking too happy following his loss on Sunday night.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown and as you can see, Orlando Jordan is no longer holding the United States Championship as last Sunday night at the Bash, Matt Hardy finally defeated JBL’s Chief of Staff. Tonight though, Jordan gets his rematch.

Tazz: This one should be off the hook Cole. These two put on a heck of a match this past Sunday and congratulations to Matt Hardy but he knows that Orlando Jordan’s gonna do everything in his power to win back that title here tonight.

‘Oh Yeahhhhhh’

‘Live for the Moment’

It’s a BIG pop for the new champion as Matt Hardy bursts out onto the stage, parading his newly won title to this fiery crowd.

Michael Cole: And would ya listen to this ovation!! Matt Hardy finally captured the United States title this past Sunday, third time really was the charm and in doing so he proved a lot of people wrong and tonight Tazz he looks to continue to prove himself to those who’ve doubted him.

Tazz: Yeah Matt Hardy’s been branded a tag team specialist, a guy who can’t quite cut it on his own. Well at the Bash Hardy more than proved that he can do it on his own and that United States title’s as much evidence as he needs to back it up.

United States Championship Match:

Matt Hardy© vs. Orlando Jordan

Hardy has a real confident look on his face as the bell rings, Jordan on the other hand looks like the world is about to end as the two men stare each other down, Hardy smiling almost arrogantly at Jordan before both men head in to the centre of the ring and lock up.

Hardy forces Jordan back towards the turnbuckle as Jordan’s back crashes up against it as Hardy releases his hold and now begins to unravel on the former champion with a flurry of right hands, really taking it to his bitter rival.

Hardy appears relentless here as Jordan has no answer to the fast paced offense of the champion but Hardy finally lets up, rallying the crowd as Jordan slumps into the corner. Hardy now runs away from Jordan to the opposite corner before charging at Jordan, MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE!! NO!! Jordan dodges out of harm’s way as Hardy eats the turnbuckle!! Jordan rolls Hardy up from behind, 1..2..3..NO!! Hardy just about kicks out as Jordan almost wins back the gold.

Hardy scrambles across the mat towards the ropes, looking for a way back up as Jordan gets to his feet fairly quickly and heads right at Hardy, nailing a knee to the mid section, keeping him to his knees, not allowing the champion back upright. Jordan then begins to stomp away at the champion, not allowing him any route back into this thing, looking to keep him grounded as Jordan then drops a vicious elbow right to the chest of Hardy who appears to be gasping for air a little here.

Jordan then drops down to his knees and hops on top of Hardy before dragging his head up by the hair and Jordan methodically begins to hammer away at the skull of Hardy with some vicious left hands, slowly, carefully picking off the U.S. Champ here as Hardy looks dazed right now.

The referee begins a count of five, pleading with Jordan to stop this assault but Jordan doesn’t stop until a count of right on four and a half before getting to his feet and drawing in the heat from the crowd as he poses to them, signalling that the belt will be his once more here tonight.

Hardy is still struggling for breath as he crawls around the mat, Jordan sensing Hardy’s movement heads back to his opponent and brings him back to his feet, nailing a big forearm to the jaw before delivering a big Irish whip to the champion. Hardy comes off the ropes and he’s met with a big kick to the gut before a picture perfect snap suplex from OJ!! Jordan scrambles into the cover, 1...2...shoulder up by Hardy!!

The fans let out a pop, more in relief than anything as Hardy stays in this thing much to his opponent’s dismay as he questions the referee’s count there. Jordan takes a minute to get over that before heading back to work on Hardy and delivering a stomp to the back of Hardy’s head before scooping him up to his feet and once again dishing out a nasty forearm to the champion. Jordan then delivers another big forearm knocking Matt into the ropes before another Irish Whip to the champion but Hardy reverses!

Jordan rebounds off the ropes and Hardy scores with a big back body drop!! Perhaps a momentum changer here but it appears to have taken it out of Hardy also as he drops to his knees, holding his mid section as this one is right up in the air here. It’s a race to their feet and Hardy claws the ropes, looking to get up and take a small breather before his opponent gets up but Jordan is stirring also. Jordan to his knees as Hardy grabs the ropes, pulling himself up now and…he’s there!

Hardy is up and he turns around just as Jordan makes it to his feet! Jordan spins around, into a right hand!! Hardy now on a rampage as he smashes right after right to the challenger, Hardy goes for one more, Jordan ducks it, grabs Hardy from behind, swinging neck breaker!! NO!! Reversal!! Hardy shoves Jordan away, Jordan spins round, kick to the mid section, Twist of Fate!! NO!! Jordan shoves Hardy away and into the ropes, Hardy bounces back, roll up!!! 1...2...Hardy rolls through, cover on Jordan!! 1...2...3...NO!! Jordan just about gets the shoulder up as this thriller continues.

Both men are quickly up and Jordan throws a left hand but Hardy blocks it and drops Jordan with the Side Effect!! Side Effect from out of nowhere!! Will this be all?! Hardy races for the cover, 1...2...kick out by Jordan!! Somehow, someway the challenger hangs in there much to the crowd’s dismay, as well as Hardy’s.

Hardy staggers to his feet, still in amazement that he couldn’t finish Jordan off there but Hardy senses the end is near as he begins to get the crowd on their feet, signalling for the tried and tested Twist of Fate here. Jordan slowly gets to his feet, dizzily turns around as Hardy lets out a roar, kick to the gut, Twist of Fate!! NO!! Jordan again counters, shoving Hardy off before spinning Hardy round now, DDT!! NO!! Hardy counters, Twist of Fate!! Twist of Fate connects!!! 1...2...3...Hardy retains!!


Winner and STILL United States Champion: Matt Hardy(7:53)

Michael Cole: He got him!! Matt Hardy retains here tonight!! What a victory, what a performance from the man who will…not…die!

Tazz: Hugely impressive Cole. Matt Hardy just looks on top of the world right now and when ya got that kinda confidence, that kinda momentum, it’s hard to be stopped and Orlando Jordan will testify to that.

We get a shot of Hardy backing up the ramp, clutching his title before holding it up high as he smiles and panders to the fans.

We then cut across backstage where we join Josh Matthews who is standing by ready to talk to us
.

Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman, joining me at this time, please welcome…Kurt Angle.

Angle appears into shot, cutting a frustrated figure as the fans boo the sight of the Olympic Gold Medalist.

Josh Matthews: Kurt, this past Sunday you were unable to capture the WWE Championship as John Cena retained his title. Going into that match you claimed that John Cena was afraid of facing you, that John Cena could not beat you. Well at the Bash he did ju…

Kurt Angle: Are you freakin’ kidding me Josh? You’re really gonna say it aren’t you? You’re really gonna say that John Cena beat me at The Great American Bash aren’t you?

Josh Matthews: Well Kurt he kinda di…

Kurt Angle: HE DID NOT BEAT ME!!

Big heat there for Angle who now composes himself.

Kurt Angle: John Cena may have won that match but Josh he did not… he did not beat me. I was not pinned, I did not submit, I was not involved in the outcome of that match. JBL was the one who was pinned by John Cena, he was the one that was pinned by that fraud of a champion, that coward of a champion who still, who still will not take me on one…on…one.

Angle grits his teeth, clearly angered here.

Kurt Angle: I don’t get how Cena can be happy with himself, how he can be happy about what happened on Sunday because there’s nothing there for him to be happy about. Yeah, he’s still WWE Champion, great, really, but what does being champion mean if you’re not gonna be a fighting champion? What does being champion mean if you aren’t gonna take on the very best, if you aren’t gonna beat the very best? And Josh…I am the best.

More heat for a very intense Angle here who’s not beating around the bush.

Kurt Angle: I hear all these people booing that fact but that’s exactly what it is, fact. I am the best wrestler in this company, make no mistake about it and John Cena? John Cena knows that as well as anybody. He knows that when me and him step inside that ring, one on one, man to man, nobody getting in our paths, he knows, oh Josh believe me, HE KNOWS, that I will break…his…ankle.

More big time heat for the Wrestling Machine.

Kurt Angle: When the day comes that I do finally get to face Cena, when I do finally get my shot at the WWE title, I will walk out as the champion and I will do everything that John Cena hasn’t done and won’t do so long as he holds that title.

Matthews looks confused.

Josh Matthews: A-a-and what is that?

Kurt Angle: I will defend my title against anybody Josh. I will look ANYBODY on this roster dead in the eye and take them on, not just take them on, no, I will look anybody on this roster dead in the eye and I will BEAT THEM!

Angle is really fired up here.

Kurt Angle: I won’t shy away from a challenge, I won’t take on the same old guys, beat the same old guys every time I get in the ring. I’ll find new challenges Josh, I’ll find new opponents, I’ll find the very best opponents and I’ll find new ankles to snap into a thousand little pieces. John Cena, ha, John Cena won’t do that. Who has he beaten so far Josh huh? He’s beaten JBL, oh and then he beat JBL again, oh wait and then he beat JBL again! How convenient is that huh?

Angle laughs sarcastically to himself.

Kurt Angle: John Cena will never and I mean never rank as a great champion, as a true champion. But Kurt Angle? Kurt Angle will always be a great champion, Kurt Angle will always be a true champion(Angle holds his Gold Medal out) and Kurt Angle will always, always prove it. Oh it’s true, it’s damn…true.

Angle then heads off, a very focused look on his face as we fade away.

Commercials​

We return to the scene of the Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long’s office. Long is sat at his desk and appears to be rounding up a phone call with somebody. As Long hangs up, smiling, clearly pleased with whatever business he’s just discussed, the door then opens and into shot come the troublesome trio of Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro and Melina, MNM.

Teddy Long: D’ya ever think to knock?

Melina: We don’t need to knock Teddy, these two men are the WWE Tag Team Champions, YOUR Tag Team Champions, they don’t need permission to speak to…to speak to… you.

Long looks a little taken aback as the crowd boo the fiery Melina who looks at Long like a piece of dirt.

Teddy Long: Well what is it I can do for ya Melina?

Melina: There is a lot you can do for me, for my boys Teddy, a lot. But let me start by asking you a question, just who in the hell do you think you are by…by opening some stupid little ‘investigation’ into what went on in our match on Sunday?

Teddy Long: Look I…

Melina: No-no, you need to look Teddy. We won on Sunday fair and square which means just because your little buddies Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio threw a hissy fit about it, you can’t go opening up an investigation. We won, they…LOST. And y’know what that means don’t ya Teddy? It means Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio can never again challenge for the Tag Team titles so long as MNM are champions. Well, guess what? Those titles, they aren’t going any…where.

Big time heat for the bitchy mouthpiece of the tag champs here.

Teddy Long: Now hold on just a second a’ight. Yeah, ok, so ya did win at the Bash on Sunday, congratulations. But here’s where you and I don’t see eye to eye Melina. You did NOT win that match up fair and square. We all know that your boys here only won that match up because of interference.

Johnny Nitro: Teddy, Teddy, fact is we won, there’s no two ways about it and that means that the stipulation still stands. That means that we do not have to deal with those two old timers anymore and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Joey Mercury: Johnny’s right, so uh Teddy, how ‘bout you close this little ‘investigation’ and start focusing on the real problems around here? Start focusing on finding us some actual competition, cos lets face it, Van Dam and Mysterio? They’re not a patch on the A-Listers.

Melina smirks in a devilish manner as T-Long shakes his head.

Teddy Long: Y’all can ask, y’all can plead, y’all can beg me to close this investigation but it ain’t gon’ change anything, believe me. It’s funny you mention that stipulation, what was the other part of that stipulation? Correct me if I’m wrong but uh, wasn’t it that Melina be banned from ringside?

Melina: Yeah and I wasn’t at ringisde so uhmmmm, what’s your- what’s your point here Teddy?

Melina stands, hands on hips as all three look confused.

Teddy Long: Well this investigation will continue because there’ve been rumours all week long about just who it was that interfered in that match, about just who it was under that mask Sunday night and well, a lot of those rumours are pointing at you Melina.

Melina’s face screws up instantly as the fans cheer.

Melina: Me? C’mon Teddy, you’ve gotta be kidding right? Me? Why would I?… What would I? How dare you accuse me Teddy?

Melina huffs before continuing.

Melina: Y’know what, y’know what, forget it. You carry on with your little ‘investigation’ and when all’s said and done, you’re gonna realise the truth in this whole thing and you’re gonna realise that I had absolutely nothing to do with that match on Sunday and when that moment comes? When that moment comes we are gonna demand a very, VERY public apology from you and we are gonna demand…that you be removed…from your position. C’mon boys.

Melina then exits as Nitro and Mercury look on at Long who holds his hands up, clearly not bothered by what Melina’s had to say here as the champs then exit.

We then head back to ringside to hear…

‘Hell will be Callin’ your Name’​

A nice ovation hits for the music of the impressive Bobby Lashley who strolls out on stage set for action here tonight.

Michael Cole: He is still undefeated folks and he is still looking MIGHTILY impressive. Bobby Lashley all set for action here on Friday Night Smackdown, fresh off a big win over the team of Kenzo Suzuki and Rene Dupree and Lashley, well Lashley really tore apart both men on Sunday night Tazz.

Tazz: Literally tore ‘em apart Cole. This kid is just a phenomenal athlete and I can’t see anybody putting a stop to him right now. Whoever his opponent is here tonight is in for a heck of a challenge.

And that man is…

‘Masterpiece’​

A few oooohs in the crowd as its big man versus big man here. A real test for Bobby Lashley as Chris Masters makes his way down to the ring, accompanied again by his recent ‘acquisitions’, Kid Kash and Jamie Noble.

Michael Cole: Well this is no doubt gonna be one of, if not the biggest test of Bobby Lashley’s Smackdown career thus far. Chris Masters had endured a horrid start to his Smackdown career, being embarrassed week after week by the Mexicools but since evening the odds with the help of Kid Kash and Jamie Noble he’s began to turn it around, including a big win this past Sunday at the Bash.

Tazz: Damn straight Cole. Masters and the Pitbulls got one over big time on the Mexicools Sunday night and I know Chris Masters is gonna be ready to keep that momentum up, keep that roll goin’ here tonight.

Match Two: Singles Match

Bobby Lashley vs. Chris Masters w/The Pitbulls

These two physical specimens circle the ring early on, looking each other up and down, recognising that the other man is a real threat to them here tonight. Lashley begins bouncing up and down, his physical presence surely getting inside the head of the Masterpiece before the ‘Real Deal’ bounds forward towards the centre of the ring, Masters does likewise and these two lock up but to no avail! It’s a stalemate as both Lashley and Masters back up and dust themselves off again.

Masters tries to gee himself up, slapping himself lightly as Lashley delivers a focused look and these two men again go and lock up in the centre of the ring but again it’s a stalemate!! The fans are a little surprised that somebody is matching up to Lashley here as the two men again back off and we get set for a third attempt at this with Kid Kash and Jamie Noble encouraging their man from the outside.

Third time lucky perhaps as the two men again lock up and this time we finally get a breakthrough and it’s Masters who gets it, delivering a knee to the gut, doubling Lashley over before beginning to club away at the back of the Dominator. Masters keeps Lashley doubled over as he now drives the point of his elbow into the back of the big man and it floors Lashley.

Masters now appears to be very confident, perhaps a little too cocky as he smirks at the sight of Lashley fallen before dropping a knee to the back of Lashley’s neck. Lashley immediately clutches the back of his neck, clearly hurt by the impact of that big knee from Masters as Piece gets to his feet again before dropping another big knee right to that same point. Lashley grimaces in pain as Masters establishes control here with Kash and Noble applauding.

Masters then drops to his knees, pulling Lashley upright, sitting him up before Masters begins to bash Lashley across the back of his neck with some stiff forearms, leaving Lashley all over the place, a strong showing thus far by the Masterpiece.

Masters keeps up the pressure on Lashley’s neck for several minutes, setting him up for the devastating Masterlock as Lashley for the first time in his tenure on Smackdown looks to be in deep trouble here but with around seven minutes on the clock we see Lashley storm back into this thing as Masters takes his foot off the gas.

Masters begins to show off to the fans, flexing and posing as Lashley gets to his knees. Before smirking yet again, Piece goes back to Lashley but he’s met with an elbow to the mid section followed by another as Lashley rises to his feet and begins to take it to Masters with strong right hands.

Lashley then scores his first near fall, almost punishing Masters following a beautiful belly to belly suplex, scoring a two and a half count as the fans believed it to be over with. Lashley can’t quite get up quick enough however as he clutches his neck, clearly still in discomfort from the good work shown by Masters.

As B-Lash scoops Masters to his feet again he drags his opponent towards the corner and begins to use all his power, delivering some vicious shoulders into the gut, Masters completely breathless here as Lashley now assumes control. The Real Deal then puts Masters up on the top rope, sitting perched up high as Lashley looks around the crowd before scaling up high?! This is most unlike Lashley as he stands on the second rope, an arm around the back of Masters head as he drops Masters with a suplex off the top rope!!!

Huge impact move from Lashley that gets one hell of a pop! Lashley crawls over to the cover, slowly, clearly hurt a little from his own move. Lashley gets the cover here, 1...2...3...NO!! Masters just about surives in this one!! Lashley looks shocked as Masters hangs in there with Lashley now sat up, not moving however as he looks at Masters as if to say ‘How?’

The two men both get back in the game a minute or so later with Lashley allowing Masters to his feet, stalking his opponent in the corner as he looks to be lining up that devastating spear of his. Masters is dazed as he gets to his feet and as Lashley charges, he suddenly…stops?? Lashley stops because Kid Kash hops onto the apron, Jamie Noble also as they divert Lashley’s attention and Lashley instead charges at Noble!! Noble though hops off the apron, mouthing obscenities at the big man as Lashley turns around and he’s caught with a big clothesline from Masters!!

Masters now senses that victory is within his grasp as he lines up Lashley for the Masterlock!! Masters is signalling for it as Lashley gets to his feet and we see Kash and Noble, both on the apron again willing Masters on, Noble taunting Lashley as he gets to his feet but the fans begin to cheer as we see…The Mexicools riding down to the ring on their Juan Deeres!!

It’s only Psicosis and Super Crazy, no Juventud accompanying them as they hop off their rides and head after Kash and Noble!! Kash and Noble drop down and these four begin to go at it!! Psicosis takes Noble, Crazy takes Kash and it’s chaos on the outside as Masters keeps his focus and Lashley gets up, Masterlock!! Masterlock applied and surely there’s no escape here for Bobby Lashley!!

The hold is tightened by Masters but Super Crazy hops up on to the apron, drawing Masters attention towards him and Piece shoves Lashley away, charging at Crazy instead! Masters misses as Crazy lets out a yell of excitement and exchanges words with the man in the middle of the ring, Masters looking furious as he turns around, SPEAR!! SPEAR FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! Lashley cuts Masters in half with a devastating spear as he goes into the cover, 1...2...3, he got him!!


Winner: Bobby Lashley(11:07)

Michael Cole: BIG victory for Bobby Lashley!! In one heck of a match right there folks and Chris Masters, well, you gotta feel a little bit for Chris Masters. The Mexicools didn’t target him here tonight but they sure did target the Pitbulls!

Tazz: Wow, great showin’ right there from both of these men. Lashley remains undefeated but I’m sure Chris Masters ain’t gonna be pleased wit’ this and I don’t think his boys are gonna be either. Noble and Kash look about ready to blow a gasket here.

We do then see a look of real anger across the faces of Noble, Kash and Masters with Noble and Kash looking on at a jubilant trio of the Mexicools who back up the ramp, smiling and dancing while Masters looks on furiously at his two partners. We then see Lashley have his hand raised in victory as the ‘Dominator’ keeps up his impressive run since debuting on Friday nights.

Commercials​

We return back to Friday Night Smackdown to hear…

‘I Spit In Da Face Of People Who Don’t Want To Be Cool’​

It’s immediate heat for the music of the Apple Spitter himself as Carlito strolls out onto the stage, smiling exuberantly as he tosses his apple in hand and makes his way down to the ring, all set for action.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown and as you can see, Carlito right about now couldn’t be in a better place. The ‘Coolest’ Superstar on Friday nights has been on a real roll of late, including a big victory this past Sunday when he defeated both Booker T and Rhyno in a Triple Threat match with the Puerto Rican using those two men’s personal rivalry to his advantage.

Tazz: Carlito played it to perfection this past Sunday Cole. Booker and Rhyno did their thing, Carlito did his and he got the job done baby. I got no doubts that this kid is gonna kick on now from here and start lookin’ at some gold again.

‘Stay in Shadow’​

It’s a nice ovation that greets the music of the former Cruiserweight Champion as Paul London storms out onto the stage, looking a little deflated following the events of this past Sunday night.

Michael Cole: Well Carlito may have had a great night this past Sunday but Paul London most certainly did not. London and Hurricane were having a heck of a battle for the Cruiserweight Championship, only for Chavo Guerrero to get involved and well, Hurricane shocked everybody by finally giving in to Chavo’s persuasions and turning on London, turning on the fans and turning on himself as he used a Steel Chair to smash London across the skull and capture the Cruiserweight title.

Tazz: I couldn’t believe it Cole. Chavo’s been tryin’ for weeks, months infact to get Hurricane to drop the Superhero routine, drop the mask and cape, drop everything and become himself, become the man under the mask and become the true Cruiserweight he deserves to be and at the Bash, he did just that.

Match Three: Singles Match

Carlito vs. Paul London

It’s pretty fast paced action from the get go as both men take turns to control the match in the early stages. Lito takes initiative from the bell, ducking and diving London’s every move before taking down the former Cruiserweight champion with a picture pefrect dropkick, knocking London right out of his stride.

Lito then works over the high flier with a series of stomps and left hands, the referee threatening to disqualify the ‘Coolest’ superstar on Friday nights as Lito lets up a little here, not wanting to get himself disqualified. Carly scoops London up to his feet and whips him across the ring, London rebounding with Carlito going for a clothsline but London ducking under it and running the opposite side of the ropes before taking down the Apple Spitter with a flying clothesline of his own!!

London now assumes control for a small period as he takes it to Carly with some strong right hands before scoring a very close near fall following a schoolboy on his wily opponent, a two count for London, a close shave for Carlito. The fans are right behind London here as he heads up high to the top rope, Carlito down following a beautiful dropkick from the high flier. London steadies himself as Lito slowly, groggily gets to his feet, Lito spins around and he’s caught with a huge missile dropkick!!

London scrambles into a cover as the fans sense a huge victory for the underdog, 1...2...3...NO!! Shoulder up from Carlito at two and three quarters!! The fans seem to groan as London runs his hands through his hair, unable to believe that he didn’t get the job done there.

London picks himself up and tries to get himself going again, wondering what will put Lito away as he heads back to his opponent, bringing Lito to his feet, forearm from London and again before an Irish Whip, Carlito rebounds and London goes for a big back body drop! Carlito lands on his feet!! London turns around and he’s met with a kick from Lito, London catches his foot but Carlito connects with an émigré!!

London is floored as Carly goes for a cover now, 1...2...kick out by London!! Carlito looks horrified as London survives here and Lito begins pleading with the referee that it was a three count but the official isn’t having any of it. Carlito gets to his feet again now and he hurls London up with him, displaying a lot more aggression now as he clubs London with some hard lefts across the back.

Lito then nails a kick to the mid section as he then whips London into the corner, Lito charges at him but London gets out of dodge!! Carlito smashes into the turnbuckle as London now launches himself into the corner with an incredible cross body esque move, risking it all!! Carlito is floored as London heads up high!! London looks around the crowd who are on their feet, 450 splash!! MISSES!! Carlito somehow has the wherewithal to move out of harm’s way as London crashes and burns.

Both men slowly but surely get to their feet, Carlito doing so a tiny bit quicker as he throws a left but London blocks it, he throws a right, connects, London now on top as he forces Carly back. Irish whip from London but Carlito hangs on to the ropes, London charges but Carlito again dodges, London goes chest first into the ropes, almost going overboard as Carlito grabs him from behind, roll up!! Carlito’s got the tights!! 1...2...3...he got him!!


Winner: Carlito(7:46)

Michael Cole: Carlito steals his way to another big win here tonight!! Paul London looked in control, he looked set for a big upset Tazz but from out of absolutely nowhere Carlito pulls one outta the bag.

Tazz: That right there is Carlito at his best Cole. He takes advantage of any and every opportunity he can get and Paul London’s luck’s just not in right now, a damn shame for Paul London but a huge win again for the Apple Spitter. Carlito’s rollin’ baby.

Lito backs up the ramp, smiling as he riles the crowd up, Inside the ring we see a dejected Paul London leaning up against the ropes, hanging his head in frustration before kicking the ropes. London then puts one leg through the ropes but is stopped in his tracks as…

‘Stand back, there’s a Hurricane comin’ thru’​

The Hurricane’s music hits and out comes the NEW Cruiserweight Champion to a ton of heat as Paul London’s face drops. Hurricane comes out dressed in his usual attire, title belt around his waist and has a mic in hand.

The Hurricane: Citizen London I just wanted to come out here tonight and tell you, tell all of you people just how…

The chants of ‘You Suck’ cut Hurricane off as he seems to be taken aback by them.

The Hurricane: To tell you and to tell of these people just how deeply…how deeply sorry I am that I…that I didn’t do this any sooner, ha ha.

Wow, it’s insane heat here as London’s face paints a picture while Hurricane smirks.

The Hurricane: For far too long, I’ve acted as somebody I’m not, somebody who doesn’t portray the real me. I’ve been stuck under a mask, stuck under a cape(Hurricane points at these items as he says it) and I’ve pandered to all you people for as long as I can remember now and y’know what, I am sick and tired of the whole damn charade.

Hurricane nods as the fans continue to boo.

The Hurricane: ‘Fighting crime’, being the resident ‘Superhero’, where has all that got me huh? What’s it ever done for me? Oh yeah sure, it’s given a few of you people a good laugh, a good laugh at my expnse but it’s never got me anywhere, it’s never got me…this.

Hurricane points at his Cruiserweight title.

The Hurricane: Sunday night at The Great American Bash I finally got to the top, I finally reached where I wanna be, I finally became the Cruiserweight CHAMPION! But I didn’t...I didn't do it by being The Hurricane, I didn’t do it by trying to give you people a good laugh at my expense. No, no. I did it by being who I REALLY am, I did it by being the man under the mask, by being the man behind the cape, I did it by being the very BEST Cruiserweight in the world, I did it by being…Gregory Helms.

Big time boos here for Helms as he tears off his cape and tosses away his mask before smirking slyly.

Gregory Helms: And I’d like to thank you Paul, I’d like to thank you for your role in all of this. See without something you said to me a few weeks back, I might not have taken this step. Remember this Paul? You said to me, ‘Make the most of this’.

Helms scratches his chin as he ponders his next step.

Gregory Helms: You told me that I needed to make the most of it as though I was…as though I was lucky to be getting a shot at this title, as though I was lucky to be facing somebody like you. So y’know what I did Paul? I did make the most of it and look at what we have here huh, look at what we have standin’ before ya Paul. We have me, we have ‘lucky’ Gregory Helms holdin’ the Cruiserweight championship.

Helms smirks once again.

Gregory Helms: So now that I’ve got my appreciation outta the way for you Paul, there’s somebody else I’d like to thank in all of this. Somebody who has encouraged me from day one, somebody who has always believed in me. This person has tried for weeks, for months infact to get me to snap outta being some kinda 'superhero'. This person has tried to convince me that I am the best around, that there ain’t nobody better than Gregory Helms and hey, y’know what? He was right.

Helms then clears his throat.

Gregory Helms: Ladies and gentleman, without futher a due, please welcome, Chavo Guerrerooooo.

‘Ooooooh Chavo’​

It’s more big time heat as Chavo steps out onto the stage and he and Helms embrace, both having a smug, arrogant look on their faces. We then see Paul London looking on even more furiously than before as Chavo sarcastically applauds him.

Chavo Guerrero: What’s the uh- what’s the matter Paul? Y’don’t look too pleased to see me? Did I, did I do something wrong? Did I do something to hurt the ‘Golden Boy’s feelings?

London then heads over to Tony Chimel and asks for a microphone. Chavo and Helms are laughing hysterically on top of the ramp.

Paul London: Y’know, I didn’t wanna interrupt your little speech there Greg because I wanted to hear, I wanted to know just why you did what you did on Sunday and the conclusion I came to is this; you’re full of crap.

Nice pop for London’s comments.

Paul London: There is only one reason you did what you did Sunday night and it’s not because of any masks or capes, it’s not because of any of these fans, it’s not even because of Chavo Guerrero. You did what you did on Sunday because you know, you KNOW… that you can’t beat me.

Good pop again.

Paul London: One on one, man on man, you can’t do it and believe me the time’s gonna come Greg when you and me, we do this thing all over again. You can shake your head, you can laugh it off, the both of ya can but fact is, I have a rematch clause and I’m gonna show to both of you, I’m gonna show to everybody why I am the very best Cruiserweight in the world and why no matter who you are, no matter what you wear, no matter who you hide behind, you are never gonna be anything more than a poor man’s Paul London.

London’s intensity is evident here as the fans get right behind him.

Chavo Guerrero: He is not a poor man’s Paul London. He is Gregory Helms, he is the Cruiserweight Champion and Paul, simply put, he is better than you.

Boos for Chavito here.

Gregory Helms: Paul you can cash your little rematch in any time you want, any time you like because whenever it is we meet, wherever it is we meet, the joke is over, the charade is over, the LIE IS OVER!! I ain’t playin’ anymore, Gregory Helms is here and believe me, he ain’t goin’ any…where.

Helms then drops the mic as Chavo raises his hand up high and the pair smirk devilishly as the crowd boos the shit out of them while London looks on intensely at the duo.

Tazz: Wow.

Michael Cole: Indeed Tazz, a shocking confrontation between Paul London and Gregory Helms just there. Paul London, I don’t think I have ever seen Paul London that intense, hell, I don’t think I’ve seen Gregory Helms that intense before. Two men, both with very different motives right now but when these two next meet, I think we’re gonna see absolute carnage inside that ring.

Tazz: Absolutely and don’t forget Chavo Guerrero Cole. This alliance between Helms and Chavo is gonna be incredibly strong, incredibly powerful. These two men could dominate the entire Cruiserweight division and they could do it for a long time.

We see Helms and Chavo back up and exit behind the curtain before London runs his hands through his hair and looks around the crowd before we head away.

Commercials​

We return and head straight to the back where Josh Matthews is ready and raring to talk to us once more tonight.

Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman joining me at this moment in time, please welcome two of the men involved in tonight’s main event, Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio!!

Van Dam and Mysterio appear into shot to a nice pop from the crowd. Van Dam still looks angered following the events of Sunday, Mysterio a little more upbeat.

Josh Matthews: Guys we heard earlier on tonight from General Manager Teddy Long who vowed that the investigation into your loss at The Great American Bash would continue, despite protests from MNM. How confident are the both of you that this matter will be resolved?

Rey Mysterio: I’m confident Josh, really confident. Teddy’s a good man, a fair man and I know he’s gonna give everything he’s got to make sure we all find out just who it was that screwed us at the Bash. And when we find out? Well, when we find out we’ll be one step closer to getting our hands at long last on the WWE Tag Team titles.

Nice pop for the Ultimate Underdog’s comments.

Josh Matthews: And Rob what about yourself?

Van Dam huffs a little, looking up to the sky before concentrating on the question.

Rob Van Dam: I’d like to stand here Josh and have that same attitude as Rey has but to be honest, I can’t. I just don’t have that same confidence, I don’t have that same belief in Teddy Long, in anybody finding out who screwed us at the Bash. I don’t have that same confidence, that same belief in getting another shot at the Tag titles. I just…I just don’t have it man.

The crowd boos a little as Van Dam shrugs his shoulders and Mysterio looks at him a little hesitantly.

Rey Mysterio: Wh-what do you mean esse?

Rob Van Dam: What do you think I mean dude? I mean, the way our luck’s been goin’ lately, the way MNM’s luck’s been goin’, they’ll get away with this. They’ll get away with it while me and you have to sit on the sidelines, have to stay in their shadows.

Mysterio shakes his head.

Rey Mysterio: That’s not gonna happen Rob, I got every bit of faith in Teddy Long to get us what we deserve. All we can do until then is what we do best, go out there tonight and stick it to Kurt Angle, stick it to M…N…M.

Nice pop again for the Mexican.

Rob Van Dam: That may be your solution to things Rey, but it ain’t mine.

Van Dam then goes to walk away but he turns around right into JOHN CENA!! The WWE Champion appears and gets a very loud ovation as Van Dam looks a little disappointed to see him.

John Cena: Well, well, well I didn’t think I’d ever see Mr.Laidback so fired up like this.

Rob Van Dam: Look John, I know your our partner out there tonight but seriously dude, I’m not in the mood for foolin’ around here tonight. You saw what happened Sunday night, you didn’t have to deal with anything like that in your match, you don’t know how much I’m hurtin’ right about now so I’d appreciate it if you just left me to it alright?

Cena scoffs almost at Van Dam’s little outburst.

John Cena: I didn’t have to deal with anything like that? Rob, I had to deal with THREE different opponents, I had to deal with knowing that I didn’t even have to get pinned to lose this.

Cena points at the WWE championship as Van Dam looks away and Mysterio appears into shot once more.

Rob Van Dam: But you did it John, you walked outta Buffalo with that title still in your hands. What did I walk out with? What did Rey walk out with? Not a thing, that’s right.

John Cena: That is right Rob, that is right but it ain’t no use cryin’over it. It ain’t no use mopin’ around. You gotta gotta get back up on your feet and go again, go out and prove to everybody why you ARE better than MNM. Hey, I know you are, Rey knows you are but you gotta know it, you gotta believe and you gotta let all your fans believe it.

Van Dam nods a little.

Rey Mysterio: He’s right Rob. He’s right.

John Cena: I want the Rob Van Dam we all know out there standin’ side by side with me here tonight, so I gotta ask man, are you in, or are you out?

Cena then offers his hand as Van Dam smirks a little.

Rob Van Dam: I’m in.

BIG pop for that as Van Dam and Cena shake hands before Van Dam does similarly with Mysterio and the duo depart while Cena remains in shot. Josh Matthews then appears behind Cena, clearly unmoved during all of this.

Josh Matthews: John, whilst you’re here, can we just get a quick word on your thoughts about what Kurt Angle had to say earlier on tonight?

John Cena: Josh, all I’m gonna say is this… I will deal with Kurt Angle later on out there tonight.

Cena has a stern look etched across his face here as he then nods and walks away with a real purpose as we then head back ringside.

‘Can you Dig it? Sucka’​

It’s a nice ovation that greets the music of the former 5 time WCW Champion, Booker T who steps out onto the stage, looking in a fairly buoyant mood here considering all he’s been put through of late.

Michael Cole: Well it would appear as though John Cena’s little pep talk did its job for Rob Van Dam here tonight, our main event still to come folks but back to the action and here comes a man whose terrible luck of late continued this Sunday at the Bash where he was defeated by Carlito in the Triple Threat match that also involved Booker’s bitter rival of late, Rhyno.

Tazz: Was a heck of a match this past Sunday Cole and Carlito pulled one outta the bag. You gotta feel for Booker, when your luck’s out, it is out man and this whole thing with Rhyno really seems to have taken its toll on the Book man.

‘Longhorn’​

It’s immediate heat as the trademark white limo appears and out steps the one, the only ‘Wrestling God’, Mr.John Bradshaw Layfield.

Michael Cole: And here comes a man who well to be honest Tazz has been on as big, if not bigger downward spiral than Booker T ever since Wrestlemania. JBL lost the WWE Championship to John Cena and ever since has been defeated on each and every occasion he’s had another opportunity including at The Great American Bash.

Tazz: Well JBL ain’t had a whole lotta luck Cole, neither has Booker T, you’re right about both of these guys but that’s what makes this match right here so big. One of these two guys luck’s about to change for the better.

Match Four: Singles Match

Booker T vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Booker starts this one off like a house on fire. Despite all his recent woes and bad luck, it doesn’t seem to phase he former WCW Champion as he takes it to JBL who has no answer for Booker’s strong offense including a series of sweet kicks, taking JBL both off balance and eventually down to the mat with real authority off of a beautiful roundhouse kick.

Booker keeps on top of the former WWE Champion, laying into him with some strong right hands before taking down the Wall Street Warrior once again, this time with a nice scoop slam before Booker runs the ropes and drops a knee right to the head of Layfield. Booker drops down into a cover, 1...2..shoulder up by JBL.

Booker keeps focused despite not being able to put JBL down and out as he once again brings the cocky New York resident to his feet, whipping Layfield into the turnbuckle as Booker charges but JBL gets out of dodge!! Booker eats the turnbuckle before falling away and JBL takes Booker down with a clubbing shot to the back.

JBL now stomps the holy hell out of Booker, prompting the official to warn Layfield about a disqualification as the ‘Wrestling God’ backs off before hoisting Booker upright again. Layfield clobbers Book with a right hand before a stiff kick to the gut as Booker doubles over and JBL now clutches the back of Booker’s neck before delivering a pinpoint vertical suplex. Booker is dropped with authority as JBL rolls him into a cover, 1...2...shoulder up by the former WCW Champion!

JBL slams the mat in frustration before yelling at the referee to do his job here before again scooping Booker to his feet and again delivering another hard, clubbing shot. Irish whip now from Layfield as Booker hits off the turnbuckle and Jibbles comes a charging but he’s met with a boot to the face by Booker!! Bradshaw is sent stumbling out of the corner as the fans sense a revival here from Booker.

Booker now comes out of the corner as JBL spins round and Booker now begins to unload with right hands. JBL is on the backfoot once again now as Booker is all over him here. Irish Whip from Booker as JBL rebounds and Booker drops him with a spine buster!! Huge impact from Booker as the crowd sense the beginning of the end here. Booker starts to feel it, pandering to the fans as he looks set to try and finish the job off but Booker’s attentions are diverted as we see….RHYNO!!

The Man Beast is in the crowd, dressed casually as he comes right to the front of the barrier, grabbing Booker’s attention as Booker holds his arms out, seemingly mouthing ‘What? What the hell you doin’ here?’ Rhyno urges Booker to step out of the ring and come down to face him as Booker continues exchanging words with the ECW Original before turning back around to face JBL again, BAM!!! Clothesline from Hell!! Clothesline from Hell by JBL from out of nowhere!! Cover by Bradshaw, 1...2...3
.

Winner: John Bradshaw Layfield(5:43)

Michael Cole: Oh come on!!! JBL steals it, all thanks to Rhyno!! What the hell is wrong with Rhyno, Tazz?!

Tazz: We all know exactly what’s wrong wit’ the Man Beast, he’s tired of lookin’ out for people like Booker T, tired of focusing on everything and everybody except himself and he’s makin’ a change. Booker T is simply victim number one on the Man Beast’s hitlist Cole, it’s only mind games here tonight but I know just what this guy is capable of and it ain’t pretty, believe me.

Booker sits up slowly, clearly in some pain here as he looks around for his rival Rhyno, obviously furious that the distraction cost him whilst JBL heads up the ramp celebrating his victory here and perhaps the start of an upturn in fortune for the Wall Street Warrior. We then see Rhyno who has now exited through the crowd as the fans around him pur heat on him but the former ECW original takes no notice, instead focusing intensely on the damage done inside the ring.

Commercials​

We return and head backstage where we find JBL walking through the halls, still a little out of breath following his victory just now over Booker T. As Jibbles works his way through the back, we see the oh so persistent Josh Matthews appear from behind to try and catch a word with the former WWE Champion.

Josh Matthews: John, John, if you don’t mind could we get a quick word?

JBL stops in his tracks and gives Matthews a death wish look.

Josh Matthews: John ever since Wrestlemania you’ve been on somewhat of a downward spiral, losing your WWE Championship and going on to lose not just one but two rematches. Tonight saw you pick up a big victory over Booker T, do you believe that this could be the start of a turnaround in your fortune moving forwards here on Smackdown?

JBL looks at Matthews with that exact same look before looking away and then laughing a little bit.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Kick a man while he’s down why don’t ya kid? Ha ha.

BAM!!! Layfield slaps Matthews into next week with the interviewer going tumbling!! Layfield then takes the microphone and composes himself again to strong boos.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I just…I just don’t get it. I am the longest reigning WWE Champion in Smackdown history. Not just the past year, the past two years, the longest reigning champion on this television show’s history. Despite that fact, despite that achievement I have to deal with, I have to put up with disrespectful PUNKS like Josh Matthews.

The heat is still clear as day for the Wrestling God as he points to the damage done to Matthews.

John Bradshaw Layfield: People like him, people like all these WWE fans who pay their money to cheer for…to cheer for guys like John Cena? People like them have the nerve, they have the audacity to disrespect a guy like me, disrespect a true American Hero, the one and only Wrestling Godddddddd and y’know what? I am sick to freakin’ death of it.

JBL scowls directly at the camera now.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah I lost the WWE title, yeah I lost the rematch, yeah I lost Sunday night at the Bash. But y’know what? All sporting greats suffer defeat, all of ‘em. You name me one guy in the world who hasn’t suffered a setback in their career, who hasn’t tasted defeat, who hasn’t at one point or another, hit a brick wall. But y’know what all of ‘em do? Y’know what all those true greats do? They recover, they respond, they bounce right back up, they get back on the saddle and they rise, oh yes indeedy, they rise again, they rise right to the very TOP of the mountain.

Bradshaw is very smooth in his delivery here, you can really feel what he’s saying.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And that is exactly what I am going to do, it is exactly what you are all going to witness. The recovery began here tonight, the rise back to the top of the mountain began out there in that ring right here tonight. People will NOT disrespect me like that anymore(pointing at Matthews). People will not look at me as some kind of…pfffft I don’t know how they do but some of ‘em believe it or not look at me as some kind of freakin’ failure, well NOT… ANY… MORE. I promise that I am going to make an impact, I promise that I am going to make a HUGE impact, I promise you right here, right now on this day that the rise of JBL back to the top… has only just begun.

JBL then tosses the microphone down at the fallen Matthews as the fans boo the actions of the Wall Street Warrior once more and we head away to Michael Cole and Tazz once more.

‘Paparazzi’​

We return ringside and hear the music of MNM as the red carpet is rolled out and out step the tag team champions accompanied by Melina as ever, all set for our big main event here.

Michael Cole: Well some strong words there from JBL but back to the action now folks and it is indeed time for our main event as the WWE Tag Team Champions make their way out and we heard earlier on tonight from MNM, Melina included and I gotta wonder Tazz, just how in the world can they complain about an investigation being launched into what transpired this past Sunday at the Bash?

Tazz: Because they won the match Cole. They won that match, be it by hook or by crook they got the job done which means that stipulation should stand. I understand the investigation though Cole, I mean Van Dam and Mysterio were robbed Sunday night and if that was Melina under that mask, they sure as hell deserve another shot at the gold.

Michael Cole: They deserve one anyway!! Whether it was Melina or not, they deserve another opportunity and I hope they prove exactly why here tonight.

‘Medal’​

The fans anticipation levels rise now as the music of Kurt Angle hits and the Wrestling Machine heads out to pretty strong boos.

Michael Cole: Well we heard from MNM earlier on tonight but we also heard from this man, a very fired up, very intense Kurt Angle.

Tazz: Oh absolutely Cole. Angle is one hundred and ten percent convinced that John Cena is runnin’ scared from him, that John Cena wants no piece of the Wrestling Machine.

Michael Cole: Yeah but do ya really believe that Tazz? Do you really believe that John Cena would back down from anybody? Is this all mind games on Kurt Angle’s behalf?

Tazz: Maybe, maybe I don’t know Cole. If it is and it earns Kurt his shot, then kudos to Angle, it’s a damn smart plan.

Angle and MNM acknowledge each other inside the ring as they then await their oppponents…

‘Booyaka/One of a Kind remix’​

And here they come!! It’s a very nice pop that greets the remixed music of Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio as the Tag Title challengers at the Bash step out. Mysterio storms out on stage with Van Dam behind, not taking his eyes off of MNM inside the ring.

Michael Cole: The look on Rob Van Dam’s face says it all folks. Van Dam is absolutely seething at what went down this past Sunday night and to be honest Tazz, I don’t think he’s in the right frame of mind here tonight.

Tazz: Van Dam’s the most cool, laidback guy I think I’ve ever met Cole but all of this stuff with MNM has just gotten inside the head of Mr.Friday Night and I ain’t surprised. MNM have pulled one over on Van Dam and Mysterio time and time again and that whole mask deal this past Sunday may have been the final straw Cole.

‘My Time is Now’​

It’s a very loud pop as the WWE Champion makes his way down ringisde, John Cena looking all fired up, rallying the crowd here as we see a shot of Kurt Angle looking on at the champ.

Michael Cole: Well it was not a good night Sunday night for Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio but it was more than a good night for this man, the WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena retained his gold in one heck of a Fatal 4 Way match but John Cena knows full well that Kurt Angle isn’t going away any time soon.

Tazz: Not at all Cole. Angle is dead set on getting his hands on both John Cena and that WWE Title. I don’t buy Cena being afraid of Kurt though, I don’t buy it at all. John Cena don’t back down from anybody, from any challenge and Kurt Angle ain’t no different to that. All I know is when these two finally go at it, it’s gonna be off the chain.

Main Event: Six Man Tag Team Match

John Cena, Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle and MNM

It’s Angle and Mysterio that kick this one off, both men having had various battles over the years and this one is sure to be no different.

It’s a very even exchange in the opening as both men trade moves and counters, trying to one up the other, Mysterio scoring a near fall following a schoolboy, almost catching Angle completely off guard whilst the Wrestling Machine also scored a near fall off of an explosive belly to belly suplex. Angle then assumes control following this as he drops to the mat and begins to wear the lightning quick Mysterio down, delivering several stomps to the left leg of Rey who clutches it in pain with Angle then dragging Rey across to his corner and tagging in Joey Mercury to the contest, clearly content with his work and the fact that his team are now in control.

Mercury enters the ring and picks up where Angle left off, targeting the left leg of Rey with several vicious kicks before grabbing Rey’s leg and lifting it up before slamming it back down onto the mat with authority as Mercury goes for a cover, kick out at two from Mysterio.

The A-Lister appears a little frustrated but continues his pressure as he draws Rey to his feet now, whipping the little man across the ring as Rey rebounds off the ropes and Mercury takes him down with a brutal clothesline, almost taking Rey’s head off. Mercury quickly runs the ropes himself now before dropping a knee right on the left knee of Rey, really strong stuff from Mercury here as he rolls Rey into a cover once more, 1...2..shoulder up once more.

The fans start to encourage Mysterio as a ‘Let’s go Rey’ chant emerges though only small as Mercury smirks and drags Rey over towards his teams corner, much like Angle did and Mercury makes a tag, bringing in Johnny Nitro to the contest. Nitro hops right over the ropes and connects with a beautiful leg drop right onto that left knee/leg of Mysterio!! Mysterio screeches in pain as we see John Cena flinch and Van Dam still looking on furiously as Nitro hops up and delivers several more stomps to the leg of Rey.

Nitro continues to dominate as Rey struggles for answers but finally finds a way out of trouble as a momentary lapse in concentration from one half of the Tag champions who begins to taunt the Milwaukee crowd, showing off his physique before dragging Mysterio to his feet but Mysterio responds with a right hand, followed by another and another as Mysterio mounts a comeback here. Irish Whip from Rey and Nitro rebounds off the ropes right into a drop toe hold!! Nitro is floored as Rey hobbles across the ring, his left leg clearly affected by the abuse he’s taken to it and he tags in Van Dam!!

Van Dam bursts into the ring as Nitro stumbles to his feet and he turns around right into the oncoming RVD who takes it to Nitro, right hand after right hand before a thunderous kick to the head that sends Nitro spiralling!! Nitro drops to the mat as Van Dam runs the ropes, it’s Rolling Thunder time!! CONNECTS!! Cover by Van Dam!! 1...2...3...NO, ANGLE BREAKS THE COUNT!! Angle breaks things up and Angle begins an assault of Van Dam, stomping away but here comes JOHN CENA!!

Cena storms into the ring and heads after Angle but Angle gets the hell out of the ring!! Angle gets as far away as possible, heading back to his corner as Cena mouths ‘Damn it’ unable to get his hands on the Wrestling Machine.

Both Van Dam and Nitro are now down as we see Melina on the outside cheering her man on as Nitro begins to stir. Nitro slowly gets to his feet, clutching his mid section following that devastating Rolling Thunder as Van Dam slowly gets to his knees. Nitro draws RVD to his feet and nails a forearm, followed by another as the A-Lister looks to assume control here. Nitro with an Irish Whip, Van Dam rebounds, DROPKICK connects!! Nitro takes Van Dam’s head off there, into a cover, 1...2...shoulder up by Mr.Friday Night!

Melina screeches in disappointment as Nitro heads back over to his corner and tags in Joey Mercury to this once again as Mercury bounds in and keeps up the pressure on Van Dam, targeting Van Dam’s ribs as he delivers several hard, stiff shots to the rib cage of RVD. Mercury scores a near fall following a beautiful backbreaker after Van Dam rebounded off the ropes, drawing several ‘Oooooh’s’ from the crowd at the impact on Van Dam.

A turning point comes though as Mercury decides to head up to the top rope, more Van Dam’s style and it costs the Tag champ as Mercury steadies himself up high, waiting for Van Dam to turn around, he does so and Mercury flies but nobody home!! Van Dam gets out of the way as Mercury lands hard on the mat and Van Dam heads towards the corner, tagging in John Cena!!

Cena bursts onto the scene but so too does Johnny Nitro!! Nitro comes from out of nowhere and swings at Cena taking it to him with right hands!! Cena though fights back and the two men go toe to toe here with Cena taking the edge!! BAM!! Mercury from out of nowhere clubs Cena from behind but here comes Rey Mysterio!!!

Mysterio comes in and delivers some stiff kicks to the back of Nitro’s legs, Nitro not able to respond as Cena now takes it to Mercury! Cena’s throwing rights at Mercury, Irish Whip now from the champion, Mercury rebounds right into a running shoulder block!! Cena now looks around the crowd, sensing that it’s time to try and round this one up as he runs the ropes, Five Knuckle Shuffle! NO!! KURT ANGLE!! Angle ambushes Cena from behind as we see Mysterio and Nitro fly over the top rope with Mysterio taking Nitro down with a head scissors!!

Angle now unloads on Cena with some vicious stomps as the camera shifts and we see Rob Van Dam up high, Van Dam flies and takes Angle down with a missile dropkick!!!

Angle drops as Van Dam takes him down and out, Van Dam though turns around, DDT!! DDT FROM MERCURY!! Mercury then drags RVD to his feet before tossing him through the ropes and into Mysterio and Nitro!! Mercury uses Van Dam as a missile, taking his own partner out, however taking Mysterio out of this thing too as Mercury rolls Cena into a cover!! Surely not?! 1...2. Kick out by Cena!!

The fans pop big time as Cena survives and Mercury looks a little concerned, knowing he’s on his own here against the WWE Champion. Mercury looks on at Melina before signalling for Melina to grab one of their titles, but why? What for??

Melina does as Mercury asks and tosses the title into the ring, Mercury grabbing it here as he begins to size John Cena up!! The referee is telling Merucry not to do it here as Cena begins to stir, Cena slowly gets to his feet, he turns around, BAM!! NO!! CENA SCOOPS MERUCRY UP HIGH!! FU!! FU CONNECTS!! ANGLE SLAM!! WHAT THE HELL?! KURT ANGLE WITH AN ANGLE SLAM TO JOHN CENA!! Angle rolls Merucry on top of Cena here, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!!


Winners: Kurt Angle and MNM(13:50)

Michael Cole: Kurt Angle just screwed John Cena!! What the hell is Kurt Angle thinking?! Cena had the damn thing won!! Angle wasn’t even the legal man Tazz!!

Tazz: Oh Kurt Angle is inside Cena’s head Cole, he’s gotta be after this one. Angle keeps on sidesteppin’ the champ and I think he’s gonna keep on doin’ it until he gets that WWE title shot that he’s lookin’ for.

We see Melina shrieking inside the ring as she helps Merucry to his feet and raises his hand in victory with Nitro, Mysterio and Van Dam all down and out on the outside here as Kurt Angle backs up the ramp, grinning like a Cheshire Cat with Cena looking on, laid out in the ring, an intense look as he locks eyes with the Wrestling Machine.

Michael Cole: Tonight was indeed Kurt angle’s night but if you think John Cena’s gonna take this laying down, you’ve got another thing coming. Cena and Angle are gonna come to blows, Angle is gonna get what’s coming to him, courtesy of the WWE Champion!!

Tazz: Not if Kurt Angle has anything to do with it, Angle is on a roll right now, inside that ring and outside that ring, I think he’s got Cena’s number Cole and I think we’re all lookin’ at the next WWE Champion.

We get a final shot of Angle smirking still before motioning that the WWE Title will soon be his.

Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC

Current Summerslam Card:​

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair

Randy Orton vs The Undertaker

WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin​
 
#139 · (Edited)
WWE.com Breaking News!

This afternoon we have learned here at wwe.com that two more matches have been confirmed for Summerslam and both of them are blockbuster showdowns!!

The first match we can announce for you will see the Rated R Superstar, Mr.Money in the Bank, Edge going one on one with Y2J, Chris Jericho. This past Monday on Raw, Edge was promised a chance to face Jericho by Raw’s General Manager Eric Bischoff if he could do him a ‘favour’. Well that favour was to take out Big Show, a favour he failed to deliver which may leave you thinking, why has Bischoff agreed to give Edge this match? Well the match isn’t as straightforward as you think as we have been informed that as punishment for his failure this past Monday night, Edge’s Money in the Bank contract WILL be on the line on August 21st! These two men have endured a heated rivalry of late and when we head to Washington, the stakes will be higher than ever as Jericho has the chance to steal Edge’s golden ticket to the top.

Speaking of the top, this next match is right up there. At The Great American Bash, Randy Orton was denied the WWE Championship thanks to the shocking return of the Deadman, The Undertaker. This past Friday the challenge was laid down by the Phenom, challenging Randy Orton to face him at the biggest party of the summer and the challenge has been accepted! The Demon of Death Valley added Orton to his undefeated streak at Wrestlemania, however Orton evened the score at Judgment Day, who will take this one as we head to our nation’s capital? It promises to be a show stealer come Summerslam.


Updated Summerslam Card:

Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC​

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair

Randy Orton vs The Undertaker

WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin

Money in the Bank Contract:
Edge vs Chris Jericho​


Thanks to hebtheeagle for the Smackdown feedback, any more would be greatly appreciated. On another note, i go away this Saturday for two weeks so won't be updating this for a little bit or dishing out feedback. Once i'm back i'll get to any of the usual shows that i've missed or to anyone who has left me some feedback. Until then, adios and take care!
 
#140 ·
With you being away for a while, this seems like as good a time as any for me to get caught up on things. So like I did for 619, I'm just gonna offer a few random thoughts on the thread in general.

First of all, I honestly thought you would have been at SummerSlam by now, as when I left you were posting at quite the frequent pace. But I'm glad you're not, as at least I'll be around to see it first hand. On Raw, Michaels as referee for Batista/Kane is a really interesting choice, although the set up for it has been pretty strong. Christian/Flair has the potnetial to be something really special, although the stipulation makes me think Flair is gonna pull this one out the bag. I dunno why, but I think Flair still has plenty to offer the thread, so I'd be surprised to see him retire now. Kennedy arriving on the scene soon should equal big things, and I'm interested by the fat you're having him debut on the red brand And Muhammed Hassan continues to be a character you use very effectivly.

As for SmackDown, the Great American Bash was a really strong show, a great effort from you there. It's always good to see Matt Hardy as US Champion, so props for that. The main event scene on SmackDown right now is just so exciting when compared to Raw, given some of the names involved. Cena, Angle, Orton, JBL, and now it seems Undertaker, Rob Van Dam, Rey Mysterio and even Lashley could be thrown into the mix, really exciting stuff.

Anyway, enjoy your time away, recharge the batteries, and then I'll get back to reviewing when you start posting again. Laters. :)
 
#141 ·
WWE Monday Night Raw Preview- 1/8/05

We are now counting down the days until Summerslam as Monday Night Raw comes to you live from Detroit, Michigan with a mammoth showdown scheduled involving the Summerslam main event party.

Last week saw Batista escorted out of the arena by security only to return later in the night and take down Eric Bischoff’s army of guards as well as the quartet of William Regal, Mark Jindrak, Edge and the Big Red Machine, the number one contender to the World Title, Kane. As Batista looked to have cleaned house however, he was blindsided from out of nowhere by none other than Shawn Michaels. Following a dose of Sweet Chin Music, the Heartbreak Kid appeared to mutter the word ‘Payback’ to the Animal. Was this simply that? Payback on a Batistabomb suffered one week ago? Or was there more to it from the Special Guest Referee at Summerslam? Tonight Michaels and Batista will meet face to face inside the ring where the Showstopper will be allowed by his Personal Employer Eric Bischoff to explain himself. It is sure to be extremely heated as we head to Detroit!

Also scheduled for tonight is a huge tag team match as Chris Jericho will team with the World’s Largest Athlete, Big Show to take on the menacing duo of Edge and Mark Jindrak. It was confirmed several days ago that Edge will have to put his Money in the Bank contract on the line at Summerslam against Y2J and there is no doubting that Edge will be feeling the heat as we head towards the biggest party of the summer. Big Show meanwhile will be desperate to get his giant hands on Mark Jindrak. The Protégé continues to one up the former World Champion, will that continue here in Detroit or will Show and Jericho steal a march on their respective rivals?

Another big time match up has been signed for tonight, however we only know one participant and that man is Christian. Captain Charisma has his mind focused on August 21st when he has the opportunity to end the career of the Nature Boy, Ric Flair but tonight the former Intercontinental Champion has issued an open challenge, an open challenge with a catch. Christian has requested to face anybody from Ric Flair’s past to come to Detroit and face him one on one live on Raw. Who will step up and face the self proclaimed ‘Ric Flair of this generation‘? Will it be a blast from the past or will it be a more recent foe of the Nature Boy? We along with Christian are soon to find out!

After weeks of hype, weeks of anticipation, tonight will mark the debut of the cocky, loudmouth, Mr.Kennedy. Kennedy has been on our screens for several weeks, delivering damning verdicts on the majority of Raw’s roster, claming he’s here to entertain, that he’s here to become a star, that he’s coming to Raw to be a ‘game changer’. Will Kennedy live up to his word? We find out…tonight!

And finally, after two straight title defenses, tonight will mark the third consecutive week of Tag Team Title action as Bubba Ray and D-Von, the Dudley Boyz face the final test in their three week hurdle when they take on the dangerous duo of Daivari and Sonjay Dutt of the Arabian Entity. Will the Entity add the Tag Titles to Muhammad Hassan’s Intercontinental gold? Or will the Dudleyz prove once again why they’re still at the top of the food chain in the Tag Team division here on Raw?


Confirmed for tonight’s Raw:

Chris Jericho and Big Show vs. Edge and Mark Jindrak w/William Regal

Christian vs.?

Plus;

The Debut of Mr.Kennedy

World Tag Team Championships:
The Dudley Boyz© vs. Daivari and Sonjay Dutt; The Arabian Entity

And;

Batista and Shawn Michaels meet face to face

Thanks for the little comments up top iMac, appreciate it. Show should be up during the week and i'll be back to reviewing and catching up this week also.
 
#143 ·

WWE Monday Night Raw- 1/8/05- Detroit; Michigan​

We kick the show off with a video package from last week’s show, beginning with with the official return of Batista before we’re shown the weasel like General Manager Eric Bischoff escorting the World Champion out of the building via security, citing Batista not yet being medically cleared as the reason. We then go to what was supposed to be the main event between Big Show and the number one contender Kane, however chaos ensues as Show and Kane tear into one another before the bell can even ring as Bischoff’s cronies come down to his and Kane’s aid. Mark Jindrak, Big Show’s bitter rival along with his mentor William Regal join forces with Kane as well as Mr.Money in the Bank himself, Edge.

As the beat down continues, the Animal somehow finds his way back into the arena and storms the ring, destroying all the security who stood ringside for this one before getting his hands on Jindrak, Regal, Edge and the Big Red Machine himself before BAM!! In a shocking twist, Eric Bischoff’s Personal Employee, the man who will officiate the World title match at Summerslam and who has been ordered to ‘do the right thing’, Shawn Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music to Batista, stunning the Milwaukee crowd. Michaels would then mouth the word ‘Payback’ to Batista.

We then go to the opening video and pyro!


Jim Ross: We are just twenty days away from the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam!! I’m Jim Ross, joined as ever by Jonathan Coachman and we welcome you LIVE to Monday Night Raw!

‘Break the Walls Down’​

It’s a very solid pop that greets the musi of Y2J, Chris Jericho, absent last week but returning to action here tonight as we get things underway.

Jim Ross: And we are kicking things off with the Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla, Y2J himself, Chris Jericho! And Coach, Jericho has had to endure the actions of Edge now for weeks upon weeks and over the past seven days we have learned that Jericho will get the chance to get his hands on the Rated R Superstar as the two will go toe to toe once again in a blockbuster showdown at Summerslam.

The Coach: It’s what Edge has wanted ever since that defeat to Jericho back at Vengeance, but J.R I don’t think Edge wanted it to go down this way. He pleaded with Eric Bischoff for this match, he begged Eric Bischoff for this match but he didn’t expect our boss to do what he did. I…I…I’m still in shock J.R, really.

Jim Ross: Oh Edge absolutely did not expect the actions of Eric Bischoff because that match at Summerslam folks is only half the story. It will indeed be Edge and Jericho one on one at Summerslam, however Edge’s Money in the Bank contract WILL be on the line by order of Raw’s General Manager after Edge failed to carry out Bischoff’s instructions last week. A huge opportunity now when we head to our nation’s capital, August 21st for this man. Jericho could very well be money come Summerslam.

The Coach: I sure as hell hope not.

‘Crank it Up’​

It’s the music of Jericho’s partner here tonight that hits next as out steps the seven foot, five hundred pound giant, Big Show to a nice pop from the crowd.

Jim Ross: Well another man who’s had it rough of late, much like Chris Jericho is the World’s Largest Athlete and as you can see by the look on his face, Big Show ain’t happy right about now Coach.

The Coach: I wouldn’t be either cowboy. Big Show’s been beaten, battered and bruised week after week. Mark Jindrak has got this five hundred pound piece of garbage in his pocket and that ain’t changing’ any time soon.

‘You think you Know me’​

‘Metalingus’​

It’s immediate heat as the music of Mr.Money in the Bank hits and out steps Edge, briefcase in hand as he looks at the case before kissing his prized posession as the camera pans to the watching Jericho who sblacks a little before pointing at that briefcase.

Jim Ross: That right there ladies and gentleman shows you just how much that briefcase means to Edge. Inside lies the contract that guarantees a World Title opportunity any time Edge likes, right up until Wrestlemania 22 but that contract is now in serious jeopardy.

The Coach: It may be on the line come Summerslam J.R and as unfair that is on Edge, you know what? I think that all this is gonna do is drive Edge to another level. Edge has been desperate to write the wrongs from Vengeance and the fact that contract is on the line at Summerslam is only gonna make him more determined, more focused, more intent on beating that punk Jericho in eighteen nights time.

Jim Ross: You may be right Coach but the fact that contract’s on the line is gonna have the exact same effect on Chris Jericho. Jericho has labelled that as Edge’s ticket to the top, a place Jericho’s been before and a place he so desperately wants to reach again. It is HUGE stakes come Summerslam.

‘Born Naughty’​

Again there’s strong boos as the music of William Regal hits and out comes the veteran Englishman alongside his ‘Protégé’ Mark Jindrak who gets set to join forces with the Money in the Bank holder.

Jim Ross: And here come two men who just continue to make Big Show’s life a total misery. Since William Regal has taken Mark Jindrak under his guidance we’ve seen a whole new side to the ’protégé’ as he’s been labelled. Jindrak is a nasty piece of work and Big Show’s experienced that first hand.

The Coach: And he ain’t the only one J.R. Jindrak has taken it to Batista, to Jericho, to Shawn Michaels. William Regal saw the potential in this kid and he’s maximising it, like the great leader that he is. These two are gonna go on to dominate J.R, DOMINATE Monday Night Raw.

Match One: Tag Team Match

Chris Jericho and Big Show vs. Edge and Mark Jindrak

It’s the Money in the Bank contract holder Edge who kicks this one off up against the 500 pounder Big Show and it’s Show who grabs a stranglehold on the match from the get go with Edge unable to conquer the enormous size difference, despite going after Show time and again.

Show deals with Edge’s attempts with consummate ease, acting as a pillar on Edge’s shoulder tackles whilst taking Edge down with a big right hand off Edge’s own clothesline attempt. Show then assumes full control as he picks apart the Rated R Superstar, whipping him across into the corner and charging, full steam ahead before clobbering Edge with a mammoth clothesline, met with a nice pop from the crowd.

Show then continues to make his mark, delivering his infamous chops across the chest, the echo heard around the arena for all as Edge grimaces in pain, his chest now looking a nice shade of pink as Show laughs a little bit, Edge stumbling out of the corner before clubbing Edge across the back, doubling the TLC specialist over . Show then grabs Edge by the hair, giving him a deathly glare, evil intentions in mind but Edge delivers a kick right to the knee cap breaking Show’s grip and sending the big man to one knee as Edge catches his breath.

Edge begins to take a run up as Show clutches his knee cap and Edge comes storming in with a low angle dropkick, taking Show’s head off!! Cover, 1...2...shoulder up from the former WWE Champion.

Edge runs his hands through his hair before getting to his feet and now begins to gain control over his larger opponent, keeping him grounded with several kicks to the ribs as Show grimaces. Edge then runs the ropes before delivering a pinpoint leg drop right across the mid section of Show as Edge now slowly heads over to his corner and tags in ‘The Protégé’ Mark Jindrak. Jindrak slowly hops through the ropes, sizing up Show with a menacing grin as we cut to William Regal who looks excited that his pet project will get his hands on his bitter rival here.

Jindrak begins to hammer away with stomps to the mid section of Show, picking up where Edge left off as he looks to keep Show grounded. Jindrak then drops to his knees and grabs the back of Show’s neck, bringing his head up and beginning to slowly, viciously hammer away with left hands right to the forehead of the giant. Jindrak then looks around the crowd who boo him profusely as he lets out that smirk once again before delivering one more DEVASTATING left hand before hopping to his feet and taunting the crowd to more big heat.

We see William Regal applauding on the outside before Jindrak goes back to work on Show, bringing him to his feet, nailing a forearm followed by a kick to the mid section as Jindrak appears to…appears to be going for a suplex!! Can Jindrak lift the giant up? He’s tugging away, desperate to scoop Show up but Show’s refusing, holding in for all he’s got and…reversal!! Show finds it in him to scoop Jindrak up high and drop him with a massive suplex!!

Jindrak is down but Show’s still struggling after the pummelling just taken as Jericho stretches out an arm, desperate for the tag. Edge does likewise, clearly wanting in on this thing now as both Jindrak and Show start to crawl towards their partners, who will get there first?

Show appears to be within arm’s reach now of Jericho as Jindrak struggles a little more to get to Edge and SHOW MAKES THE TAG!! Here comes Jericho! Jindrak tags in Edge and the two bitter enemies charge at one another!! Jericho and Edge laying into each other, right hand by Jericho, right hand by Edge, the crowd are all fired up here! It’s an all out fist fight and it’s Jericho who’s getting on top, Edge being forced back towards the ropes, Irish whip by Jericho, Edge rebounds right into a dropkick by Jericho!

Jericho races over to Edge and into a cover, 1...2...kick out by the Money in the Bank winner as Jericho quickly brings him to his feet, nailing more right hands. Irish whip by Jericho, Edge comes back at him as Jericho swings for a clothesline, ducked underneath by Edge, kick to the mid section, swinging neck breaker! NO! Counter by Jericho, shoves Edge off of him, Edge spins round, kick to the mid section, DDT!! DDT by Jericho!! Cover again, 1...2...3...NO!! JINDRAK BREAKS THE COUNT!!

Jindrak breaks things up, delivering a brutal kick to the head of Jericho, forcing the former Undisputed Champion off of Edge as BIG SHOW comes storming through the ropes but Jindrak hightails it back to his corner, the referee having to step in Show’s path to stop him, ordering him back to his corner as William Regal pats his Protégé on the back there.

Edge begins to stir as Jericho looks down and out following that vicious kick. Edge slowly uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet as Jindrak yells ‘I want in’ and Edge looks at his partner as if to say ‘He’s mine’. The Rated R Superstar heads over to Jericho who is now moving and brings him to his feet, clobbering him with a hard right hand before a kick to the mid section as Edge now hoists him up and drops him down with a nice side slam. Into the cover by Edge, 1...2..shoulder up by Jericho, Edge mouthing ‘Damn it’ as Y2J stays alive.

Wiping the hair away from his face, Edge goes right back to work on Jericho and applies a sleeper hold on his rival, looking to keep him down, looking to finally get the win over his adversary. Jericho looks in a world of trouble as Edge wrenches the hold in, a look of sheer determination in his eyes as the crowd along with Big Show will on Jericho, clapping their hands together in the hope that Jericho escapes here.

Jericho is reaching out, hoping for some kind of route away but he’s dead centre of the ring as Edge locks it in all the harder, the referee checking on Jericho here as…oh an elbow from Jericho! Fight left in the Ayatollah of Rock ‘N Rolla. Elbow from Jericho again and another as Edge is taken off guard. ANOTHER elbow and the hold is broken! Edge appears a little winded as Jericho breaks free and gets to his feet, Edge charges, clothesline, NO! Jericho ducks it, backbreaker!! Big time backbreaker by Y2J!! Can he make the cover?? No is the answer as Jericho struggles for breath, instead lying on the mat in clear discomfort with Edge down also, perhaps time for a tag here?

Or perhaps not! Jericho gets to his feet, Edge still down as Jericho looks around this encouraging crowd, Walls of Jericho time!! Jericho grabs the legs of Edge who kicks out in a desperate attempt not to get locked in, Jericho looks to turn over but Edge kicks him away. Edge manages to get out of dodge and scurries over to his corner, tagging in Jindrak, wanting nothing to do with Y2J. Jindrak looks shocked but after a moments hesitation he steps back into this thing and he’s met with a big right hand by Jericho!

Jericho is taking to the young up and comer and Jindrak appears to have no answer as Jericho fires away with right hands, every one met with a cheer from the Detroit faithful. Jindrak is up against the ropes now as Jericho fires away with some stinging knife edge chops, ‘Woooo’, ‘Woooo’, Irish whip now from Jericho, Jindrak rebounds, Arm Drag from Y2J but Jindrak counters, Irish whip to Jericho who rebounds right into a beautiful fall away slam!! Textbook stuff from Jindrak, cover, 1...2...3...NO, Jericho with the shoulder up right on cue!!

Jindrak pounds the mat, not understanding how that didn’t get the job done as he immediately brings Jericho to his feet again, delivering some of those devastating left hands of his but Jericho now responds with a right of his own from out of nowhere! Fist fight ensuing here but Jindrak blocks Jericho off and swings one more, ducked by Jericho, Jericho spins around, looks for a kick, Jindrak catches his boot, ENZIGURI!! Wow, émigré from Jericho who now looks towards his corner where he sees Big Show who is desperate to get his hands on Jindrak here, the crowd are desperate too and Jericho heads over, makes the tag, here comes Show!!

Show bounds over the top rope and immediately signals for a choke slam! He’s not gonna waste any time here but Edge comes back in, SPEAR!!! SPEAR TO BIG SHOW!! Spear from out of nowhere!! OH TAKE DOWN BY JERICHO!! Jericho and Edge are going at it!! It’s absolute chaos! Show and Jindrak are down, Edge and Jericho now beating the hell out of each other, both men on the mat, swinging rights.

Jericho gets to his feet, Edge also as Jericho takes Edge over the top with a clothesline!! Edge falls to the outside, Jericho in pursuit, wanting more of his arch rival here.

Inside the ring and Show is holding his ribs, clearly hurt by the impact there as Jindrak begins to stir. Jericho meanwhile has Edge up on the outside and he tosses Edge into the crowd, following him right behind!! This thing’s spilling all over the arena now!! Jericho steps over and he’s caught with an elbow by Edge, winding the former Undisputed champion.

Back inside and Jindrak is almost up again, Show is to his knees as J.R informs us that Jericho and Edge are battling right the way through the crowd as we get a shot of them swinging rights again.

Jindrak is now up meanwhile, Show also but a little more hurt as Jindrak charges with a big boot but Show ducks it!! Jindrak is spun back round right into a hand around the throat, choke slam time!! No Jindrak manages to wriggle free and falls to his knees, the referee momentarily checking on him as BAM!!! BRASS KNUCKS!! BRASS KNUCKS FROM WILLIAM REGAL TO BIG SHOW!!

The crowd are going ape shit here as the referee turns back round to see Regal back on the outside, Show is fallen as Jindrak crawls into a cover, surely not this way? 1...2...3...he got him, Jindrak steals it!


Winners: Edge and Mark Jindrak(12:46)

Jim Ross: Oh Jindrak steals it!! Damn it!! William Regal with the Brass Knucks!! Is somebody ever gonna put a stop to these two men?!

The Coach: Brilliant!! J.R can William Regal get any smarter?! Mark Jindrak just pinned Big Show AGAIN ha ha!

Jim Ross: Are you kidding me?! Jindrak had Regal do his dirty work!

The Coach: A win’s a win J.R. The record books will have it down, Mark Jindrak beats Big Show again. You are looking at the future right there.

Jim Ross: Well I still believe that….oh the fight is still goin’ on!! The fight is on here!!

The camera then heads off backstage where we see Chris Jericho and Edge still brawling through the back, laying into one another with right hands as we begin to see officials flocking towards the two men. Jericho appears to be on top in this thing as he forces Edge back but we then see around ten to fifteen backstage workers and officials start to separate these two as Jericho yells ‘C’mon, c’mon tough guy’ as Edge grits his teeth, looking desperate to break the officials clutches and take down Y2J. We then see both men being pulled further away in opposite directions as Edge lashes out with a kick to some kind of cabinet and we head off.

Commercials​

We return and head over to the announce table to a shot of J.R and Coach.

Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and before the commercial break we saw, well, we saw what can only be described as a straight up fight between Edge and Chris Jericho.

We go to a replay of the events before the break with Jericho and Edge dismantling one another backstage before the inevitable break up.



Jim Ross: Well these two bitter rivals simply wanna tear each other apart Coach and that match at Summerslam, I don’t think it’s gonna be anything other than a brawl between Edge and Jericho

The Coach: If that’s the way it’s gonna go down then you better believe Chris Jericho will be put in his place by the Rated R Superstar come August 21st. When Edge is as intense as that, when Edge has got it all on the line, he delivers, he did it at Wrestlemania to win that Money in the Bank contract and he’s gonna do it again at Summerslam. Mark my words.

Jim Ross: Well lets take you over now to our colleague Todd Grisham who is standing by waiting to talk to us.

We cut away backstage where Grisham is positioned, ready for his first interview of the evening.

Todd Grisham: Thanks J.R and joining me at this time, he is the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. Please welcome, Kane.

Kane appears into shot, a very angry look across his face as he scowls at Grisham which shakes the scrawny interviewer up a little bit.

Todd Grisham: Kane last week you were scheduled to take on Big Show in our main event only to see the arrivals of Mark Jindrak, William Regal and Edge before the emergence of Batista back into the building. How did you feel as Batista came down that ramp headed after you?

Kane begins to laugh a little bit here.

Kane: I felt great Todd. I thought that by now people would realise, people would understand that I am not afraid of anybody, that I am not afraid of any challenge thrown in my direction. When somebody wants to pick a fight with me, when somebody wants to cross my path, all I feel…all I feel is a sense of joy.

Kane looks up high, smiling, looking quite disturbed here.

Kane: That joy I feel is because there is nothing more I love than inflicting pain, than beating down, than sending a message to those who try and step in my way and that message? That message is one that they are not going to enjoy ha ha and Dave Batista? Dave Batista is no different.

Kane strokes his chin a little, still displaying that evil smirk of his.

Kane: Since Batista’s come back, I’ve had to endure people talking, people whispering, murmuring that Batista is on some kind of warpath, that Batista is on a path of destruction around here and that I am in his way. Do-do people not know who I am Todd? Do people not understand just what I am capable of?

Kane tilts his head as he looks in Grisham’s direction.

Kane: I think that you are all forgetting just what I did to Batista. I think that you are all forgetting that I was the one who put Batista on the shelf, that I took Batista out. But now? Now Batista’s made his ‘big’ triumphant return, everybody’s happy, everybody’s excited that their hero has come back, that their hero is coming after me. Well let me ask you a question, why? Why are these people happy he’s back?

Todd Grisham: I…I don’t…I

Kane: I’ll tell you why they’re happy. They’re happy because what they expect is that come Summerslam, Dave Batista will get his hands on me, that Dave Batista will teach me a lesson, that maybe, just maybe Eric Bischoff will feel the wrath of Dave Batista too. Well let me give all of those people who believe that a reality check.

Kane now looks directly at the camera.

Kane: None of that is going to transpire. Not one single word of that will prove to be true and I’m sure you’re all wanting to know why, well here’s the answer. You people should be devastated Batista’s come back, that he’s coming after me, you should be DEVASTATED! Because all that is gonna happen to your beloved Batista is that I, ha ha, I am going to do to him the exact same thing I did to him before. I am going to take Batista…out.

Kane laughs to himself again.

Kane: But this time it’s gonna be a whole lot worse because not only am I gonna take the Animal out, not only am I going to put Batista on the shelf again, I’m gonna ensure that this time? This time he doesn’t…come…back.

Strong heat for the Big Red Machine here.

Kane: So for all those people who are excited at the prospect of Summerslam, at the prospect of Batista beating me, at the thought of Shawn Michaels even playing his part in it all, well you’re all in for a very…very rude awakening.

Kane’s intensity levels have risen now here.

Kane: Come August 21st, what‘s going to happen is that I am going to dominate your precious Batista. I'm gonna put him back on the injured list, Shawn Michaels is going to count one, two, three as I put down the Animal and you are all going to be looking at the new World…Heavyweight…Champion.

Kane begins to laugh again as he heads off and we return ringside.

We return and we get a shot of the crowd who are still pretty excitable despite not much going on since the earlier tag match as we then return to see Lilian Garcia in the ring as well as Eugene who is bouncing up and down excitedly, clearly set for action here.

‘Kennedyyyyy’

‘Turn up the Trouble’​

There’s relative silence as this unfamiliar music hits but it’s soon apparent as to who it is for as out steps the man who for weeks has informed us he’s on his way to Monday nights, the arrogant loudmouth, Mr.Kennedy.

Jim Ross: Well we have heard over the past several weeks from this man ladies and gentleman. He is loud, he is arrogant, he is obnoxious, he is Mr.Kennedy and he believes he’s all set to take Monday Night Raw by storm.

The Coach: He believes it because it’s true J.R. I’ve listened to this guy, I’ve heard what he’s had to say and he means business baby. Kennedy ain’t comin’ here to pick up a paycheque, he ain‘t comin‘ here to sit in people‘s shadow, Kennedy’s here to win him some gold.

Lilian Garcia: Ladies and Genleman, making his Monday Night Raw debut, weighing in at two hundred, forty f…

Garcia has the mic snatched from her grasp by Kennedy which draws him some heat already as he tosses her microphone to the outside and then looks up to the heavens before stretching an arm up high as a microphone is lowered from the rafters and the arena goes dark bar a spotlight that shines bright on Kennedy.

Jim Ross: What the hell was that for? What the hell did he do that to Lilian for? She was just tryi…

The Coach: She was just getting in this man’s way. Let the guy speak J.R. I wanna hear this, we ALL wanna hear this.

Kennedy is cockily chewing gum as his music quietens down and he gets ready to enlighten us.

Mr.Kennedy: First thing’s first. Lilian, lovely, lovely Lilian, let me teach you a couple things sweetheart. From now on you DO NOT introduce me to these people cos quite frankly you aren’t worthy of carrying out such a…such a prestigious honour, leave that to the professionals around here.

Heat again for Kennedy as Lilian looks horrified.

Mr.Kennedy: So without further a due. Ahem.

Kennedy clears his throat.

Mr.Kennedy: Ladies and gentleman, it is now time, it is now the moment you have allllllllll been waiting for. Tonight in this very ring, against this…this special little individual, you will witness the arrival of the man who will single handedly…change the entire face of Monday Night Raw, who will change the entire face of the W…W…E.

Kennedy breathes for a second before going off again, finished staring at Eugene.

Mr.Kennedy: Tonight will be marked upon as a defining moment in this industry, mark my freakin‘ words on that. A star is born, a game changer is displayed right in front of your very eyes. So you should all feel privileged that you are about to see the debut of a man who weighs in at a quite astonishing two hundred forty five pounds, who hails from Greeeeeeeen Bayyyyyyyyyyy, Wisconsinnnnnnnnnnn.

Kennedy displays a look of intensity now.

Mr.Kennedy: Tonight you will all bask in the glory of witnessing the one, the only……… MISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR……….KENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Kennedy has the mic held high as the fans boo the crazed new superstar.

Mr.Kennedy: KENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Kennedy then tosses the mic up high as the lights come back on and we see Eugene backed up in the corner as Kennedy spits his gum out and gets set for action.

The Coach: WOW!! This man may just be the greatest superstar of all time J.R!!

Jim Ross: What? The guy hasn’t even had a damn match Coach!!

The Coach: Wait and see J.R. Just wait and see.

Match Two: Singles Match

Mr.Kennedy vs. Eugene

The first minute of the match is Kennedy toying with poor Eugene, shaking his hand to begin with in a sarcastic manner as Eugene looks quite excited to be doing so, Kennedy simply laughing. The two then go to lock up but Kennedy breaks away asking Eugene if it’s alright for him to have a stretch, Eugene obliges as he claps his hands while Kennedy stretches against the ropes, getting a little heat here.

Kennedy finally finishes stretches, citing that he’s ‘done’ before circling the ring, Eugene doing likewise before they lock up again and this time Kennedy forces Eugene into the turnbuckle before delivering a big shoulder into Eugene’s mid section followed by shoulder after shoulder as Eugene stumbles outta the corner.

Eugene clutches his stomach as Kennedy asks the referee ‘Is he alright?’ Kennedy then goes over to Eugene and asks him ‘You ok kid?’ ‘You alright?’ Eugene nods his head, holding his stomach as Kennedy shows his ‘sympathy’ and puts an arm around Eugene, continuing to ask him if he’s alright. Kennedy then SLAPS Eugene right across the chops, drawing BIG TIME heat from the crowd as he laughs like a little prick.

Eugene stumbles backwards holding his face before turning round and is met with some stiff right hands from Kennedy, kick to the mid section before a snap suplex drops Raw’s special superstar. Kennedy heads over into a cover, 1...2...KENNEDY STOPS THE COUNT!!

Kennedy pulls himself up and says ‘Not just yet Jack’ as he brings Eugene to his feet and tosses him into the corner. Eugene is perched as Kennedy takes a run up, continuing to interact with the crowd as he tells them ‘Watch this, you’re gonna like it’ as Kennedy charges and almost turns Eugene inside out with a venomous clothesline!! Eugene stumbles once again out of the corner as Kennedy grabs Eugene and DROPS HIM WITH THE MIC CHECK!! Cover by Kennedy, 1...2...3...he got him
.

Winner: Mr.Kennedy(4:10)

The Coach: I told ya J.R!! This guy is gonna equal greatness, we’re lookin’ at a star!! Go and ask Eugene, c’mon J.R, go and ask him.

Jim Ross: Oh would you give it a rest Coach? That was no doubt impressive from Mr.Kennedy but I don’t thi…

The Coach: Shut your mouth J.R!! The man has a microphone, he talks, you listen!!

Kennedy does indeed have his own lowered from the rafters microphone once again.

Mr.Kennedy: I really, really hate to say i told ya so but folks, the evidence don't get much clearer than this. The wiiiiiiiinner of this matchhhhhh via pinfall………MISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR….KENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Wait for it.

Mr.Kennedy: KENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

The microphone heads back up as Kennedy struts that cocky smirk and exit’s the ring to a fair amount of boos considering he’s only just debuted. Coach is now standing and applauding Kennedy as he walks away.

Jim Ross: Oh for cryin’ out loud, would you sit down and do your job Coach?

The Coach: I’m doin’ my job and you should be doin’ yours cowboy. When you get to be a part of history, when you get to watch a man of this talent do his thing, strut his stuff, you damn sure better applaud him for it.

Jim Ross: Gimme a break.

Kennedy waves to the fans at the top of the stage in a sarcastic prick kinda way before departing as we head off.

Commercials​

We return and head backstage and we are taken into the office of Eric Bischoff. The sight of Bischoff immediately draws strong heat from the crowd with Bischoff smiling in the direction of….Shawn Michaels!! Michaels appears on screen to a nice pop as ever, though there are a few boos in the mix, probably for his actions last week.

Eric Bischoff: Shawn, last week was just…it was…I can’t even describe how great it was, how proud I was of what you did to Batista last week. I didn’t think you had it in you!!

Bischoff pats Michaels on the back in a friendly way with Michaels not responding too kindly.

Shawn Michaels: Let me make one thing crystal clear to ya Eric. Last week? Last week had absolutely nothing to do with you, it had nothing to do with me working for you. You were not involved in any way, shape or form, ya understand that?

Michaels make it painfully clear for the GM here.

Eric Bischoff: Hey I understand and to be honest Shawn I don’t care whether that was for me, for you, for whoever, all I care about is that you did a damn good job last week.

Bischoff begins to laugh sinisterly.

Eric Bischoff: You may not realise it Shawn but you’re starting to turn things around. Really, you are. You’re starting to see the light, you’re starting to see things…the Eric Bischoff way.

Boos meet this statement as Michaels smirks.

Shawn Michaels: Eric, no matter how long you have me under this contract for, no matter how long I have to turn up to work every week and listen to all the crap that comes outta your mouth, I will never and I hope to God that you listen real carefully to this. I will never…start to see things your way.

This is met with a very nice pop for the Showstopper as Bischoff’s demeanour changes a little.

Eric Bischoff: Like I said Shawn, you simply haven’t realised it yet but soon enough it’ll click inside that head o’ yours. One day Shawn you’re gonna turn up and you’re gonna think to yourself, ‘You know what? Eric was right’.

Bischoff begins smiling again now.

Eric Bischoff: And later on out there tonight? You’re gonna do things the right way again Shawn, just like you’re gonna do things the right way at Summerslam. Tonight when you go face to face with Dave Batista you’re gonna tell him exactly how you feel. Don’t beat around the bush Shawn, don’t bottle up those feelings deep down inside of you, let it all out, let Batista feel your...feel your pain.

Michaels hangs his head a little here, perhaps Bischoff’s words ringing true somewhat.

Eric Bischoff: I promise you Shawn, whether you like it or not, eventually, you’re gonna see the light. Tonight? Tonight’s another step on that road and hey y’know what? I can not wait to see it.

Bischoff again pats Michaels on the back before heading off as Michaels looks at where Bischoff hit him and grits his teeth, clearly frustrated that there’s nothing he can do revolving the GM.

We then head off elsewhere backstage and once again join Todd Grisham who is standing by ready to speak to us.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman, joining me at this time, the man who meets Muhammad Hassan for the Intercontinental Championship at Summerslam, Shelton Benjamin.

Benjamin appears into shot, looking a lot happier than he has been recently and is met with a nice reception from the crowd.

Todd Grisham: Shelton last week saw your tag team partner score a huge victory, defeating Muhammad Hassan to earn you an Intercontinental Title shot. How grateful are you to Charlie Haas for his performance last week?

Shelton Benjamin: Grateful? Grateful isn’t a strong enough word to describe how I feel about Charlie’s performance last week. Me and Charlie are as close as can be, the guy’s my best friend in this business Todd and what he did last week meant the world to me, really, it did.

Benjamin nods as he seems a little emotional almost.

Shelton Benjamin: Charlie’s been in my ear ever since he was drafted to Raw. He’s been sayin’ ‘Shelton man, when are we goin’ after the Tag titles?’ ‘Shelton, you’ve had your title shot, now it’s time for US to win some gold’. But I’ve had to put Charlie’s hopes to one side cos I just can’t focus on anything but that Intercontinental title, not until I get a fair shot, not until I get a fair crack at what I deserve.

This is met with a decent pop from the crowd once more.

Shelton Benjamin: Now any normal guy wouldn’t take too kindly to that. Any normal guy would flip out, would say ‘Shelton, forget it, I’m done’ and that’s exactly what Charlie could’ve done. Last week he could’ve easily went out there against Hassan and not given a damn. And hey, I probably would’ve held my hands up and said y’know what? Fair enough Charlie, fair enough.

Benjamin nods his head as he says this.

Shelton Benjamin: But Charlie Haas? Charlie Haas ain’t no normal guy Todd. Charlie Haas isn’t that kinda guy. Charlie Haas is the kinda guy who has your back, who no matter what you put him through, he stands by your side and he steps up to the plate and for that I am forever in debt to him.

A nice bit of applause there for Benjamin’s strong words.

Shelton Benjamin: And I promise right here, right now. Once Summerslam’s come and gone and I WIN the Intercontinental title, me and Charlie will go after the Tag Team Titles and we will once again prove exactly why we’re the World’s Greatest Tag Team.

Benjamin then stops as we see the man himself appear into shot to a pretty nice pop, Charlie Haas.

Shelton Benjamin: Speak of the devil. How’s it goin’ man?

Benjamin and Haas embrace with Haas looking in a pretty buoyant mood.

Charlie Haas: Pretty good, pretty good but hey, can’t be as good as you must be feelin’ right? I mean you got your shot man, this is it, Summerslam, you take the big one home.

Benjamin smiles as Haas builds his confidence all the more.

Shelton Benjamin: Damn straight man. I was just telling Todd here how grateful I am for last week y’know? Meant a lot for you to go out there and do that for me. I mean, I didn’t expect any less but still, I appreciate it and as soon as I win that bad boy back August 21st, me and you are goin’ for some gold! I’ll catch ya later man.

Haas and Shelton shake hands again both bouncing around happily as Shelton then heads off and Haas is placed next to Grisham.

Todd Grisham: Charlie can I just get a quick word on your thoughts on all this? I mean you were adamant that Shelton should simply focus on the Tag Team Titles, yet you helped him gain this shot come Summerslam.

Haas pauses for a second, not answering.

Charlie Haas: I’m a professional wrestler Todd. Every single time I step inside that ring, I give it my all, no matter who my opponent, no matter what the stipulation may be and last week I did exactly that. And now? Now Shelton gets exactly what he’s wanted and to be honest he deserves it. Hassan’s put him through a lotta crap these past few months, Shelton’s really struggled and come Summerslam, that’ll all come to an end, once and for all.

Haas looks confident.

Charlie Haas: And then? Then finally, at long last me and Shelton can move on from this, move on to what our real goal is, move on…to the Tag Team Championships.

Haas then goes to walk away but Grisham reluctantly follows.

Todd Grisham: Bu-but Charlie, how can you be so sure? I mean the Entity are gonna be in Muhammad Hassan’s corner once again at Summerslam.

Charlie Haas: Oh I’m sure this will come to an end come Summerslam Todd. Infact I know…it will come to an end.

Haas looks Grisham dead in the eye before walking away as Grisham looks a little confused by Haas’ words and we head back ringside.



'Arab America’​

We return and immediately hear the oh so familiar music of Muhammad Hassan and the Arabian Entity as out steps Sonjay Dutt and Daivari, all set for their big tag team title opportunity here tonight.

Jim Ross: Well Charlie Haas has made his intentions clear. Shelton Benjamin’s quest for gold ends at Summerslam and after that, his quest begins. Speaking of Tag teams Coach it’s been a hell of a ride these past few weeks involving the Tag Team Titles. The Dudley Boyz defended their gold successfully against the Basham Brothers as well as Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth last week, however it hasn’t come without controversy.

The Coach: Controversy’s an understatement. Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth were on their way to becoming Tag Team Champions last week only to have it ruined by those damn Basham Brothers. We were about to see the Tag Team titles become perfected!

Jim Ross: I think you’re forgetting that these two men played a huge role last week. Sonjay Dutt and Daivari were the ones who looked set to cost the Dudleyz their titles, only for the Bashams to even the odds and come to the aid of our Tag Team Champions.

The Coach: The Bashams had no right being anywhere near that ring last week and you know it J.R. Made me sick, I used to have a whole lotta respect for those guys, not any more, not a freakin’ chance.

‘Yeah, We’re Comin’ Down’​

It’s a nice pop that greets the music of the World Tag Team Champions as Bubba Ray and D-Von head down to the ring, looking pretty fired up.

Jim Ross: Well I think the Bashams have certainly earned the respect of these two men over the past couple of weeks. The Dudleyz have had a real hard task in having to defend their titles three weeks in a row, culminating here tonight and if it wasn’t for the Bashams last week, they may not be holdin’ those titles.

The Coach: May not? They would not J.R. These two guys need to take a good long look at themselves in the mirror and realise they just don’t have it any more. Move on, let guys like Doane, Nemeth, Dutt, Daivari, REAL talent shine rather than take up their opportunities. Makes me sick J.R.

Match Three: World Tag Team Championships

The Dudley Boyz© vs. The Arabian Entity; Sonjay Dutt and Daivari

Daivari starts this one out for the Entity whilst D-Von does so for the champions as the two men begin circling the ring. Eventually they tie up and it’s D-Von who gains control, the size difference evident as the much larger D-Von forces Daivari back and into the corner before breaking up the lock and beginning to deliver some stern right hands.

D-Von keeps up the pressure as he now begins to stomp away at the mid section of Daivari who slouches into the corner with D-Von continuing to hammer away, clearly pumped up here tonight as the referee has to restrain one half of the champions. D-Von composes himself a little before going back at Daivari, pulling him upright before nailing an elbow to the head. Irish whip now from D-Von but a reversal by the Entity member as D-Von falls into the opposite turnbuckle and he’s met with a huge jumping knee to the skull!!

The fans ooooh as the impact can be felt around the arena with Daivari’s knee smashing into D-Von’s head there. D-Von slumps falling out of the corner as Daivari charges and drops D-Von to the mat with a bulldog! Cover by Daivari, 1...2..shoulder up in the nick of time by D-Von there as Daivari appears a little disappointed.

Daivari now takes charge of this one, looking to keep D-Von grounded as he delivers several stiff kicks to the back of D-Von’s head before dropping some pinpoint elbows, looking to wear D-Von down. Daivari takes a moment or so before dragging D-Von away from the centre of the ring towards his corner and tags in Sonjay Dutt to this one now.

Dutt hops over the ropes, lively as ever and immediately picks up where his partner left off, dropping some elbows onto the back of D-Von’s head, the top of his neck as D-Von grimaces in pain here. Dutt then draws D-Von up, nailing a kick to the mid section, Dutt now runs the ropes and takes D-Von down beautifully with a running spinning heel kick!! D-Von is floored as Dutt scrambles into a cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Dutt with the nearest of near falls as D-Von continues to struggle here.

Dutt bangs the mat in frustration before getting to his feet and draws D-Von to his also, looking to keep the momentum going as he clubs D-Von across the back of his neck again, clearly a target spot for the Entity before a kick to the gut from Dutt. Irish whip now from the high flier and Dutt charges right behind him but D-Von responds with a big elbow knocking Dutt away! Dutt spins out of the corner and spins right back round as D-Von flies from the middle rope taking Dutt down with a flying shoulder block!!

D-Von immediately clutches his neck however as he tries to get back up but appears to be struggling, Dutt clearly struggling also as D-Von heads towards his corner, evidently wanting to tag in Bubba to this thing. Dutt looks headed for his corner also as Daivari stretches out an arm, desperate for his partner to reach him. It appears as though D-Von’s gonna get there first but Dutt’s speed appears to be helping him, both men now a whisker away after slow starts to react but it’s D-VON WHO GETS THERE FIRST!! Here comes Bubba!! Dutt makes it too and Daivari comes storming in but it’s Bubba who takes it to him!!

Bubba’s straight to it with right hands before the classic Bubba Ray jabs begin as Daivari has no answer. Left jab, Right jab, Daivari is all over the shop before Bubba drops him with the point of his elbow, cover by Bubba, 1...2...Dutt breaks up the count!!

Dutt jumps all over Bubba as D-Von re-enters the ring and SPEAR!! WOW!! D-Von spears Dutt through the ropes, taking himself down in the process!! Both men crash and burn to the outside as D-Von immediately writhes around in agony, holding that targeted neck area, Dutt clutching his left ankle, perhaps an awkward landing for the cruiserweight there as both Bubba and Daivari lay down in the middle of the ring as the legal men.

Bubba claws his way to the ropes as Daivari gets to his knees, holding his forehead after the effect of Bubba’s stiff shots. Bubba draws himself up, Daivari a little slower as Bubba heads after the little man but he’s met with an elbow to the gut, followed by another as Bubba is doubled over and he’s caught with a massive dropkick from out of nowhere by Daivari!! Cover on Bubba, 1...2..kick out from the veteran as Daivari demands a faster count from the official.

Daivari picks himself out and dusts himself down again before looking at Bubba, clearly not all that sure what his next move should be as he then looks to the outside where he sees D-Von and Dutt still down and out as Daivari now heads over to the turnbuckle and begins to scale the ropes, Daivari’s going up top!

Daivari steadies himself as Bubba gets to his feet, he turns around to see Daivari fly, cross body, NO!! Bubba caught him!! Powerslam!! Powerslam by Bubba!! Crawls into the cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Daivari just about survives as the crowd thought this one was over.

Bubba sits back up and looks stunned as he picks himself up and we see Dutt and D-Von beginning to stir on the outside with Bubba going over to check on what’s going down, peering through the ropes before refocusing inside the ring where…HEY!!! WHAT THE HELL?! Bubba is blindsided by KEN DOANE AND NICK NEMETH!!

The Platform to Perfection come from nowhere and take Bubba down and now begin to pick apart the champion, stomping a mudhole on him as…OH HERE COME THE BASHAMS!! Danny and Doug Basham making a bee line for the ring, for the Perfectionists!! The referee calls for the bell as the Bashams and PTP go to war!!


Result: No Contest(9:13)

D-Von and Dutt see what’s going down and D-Von heads to go in and stop all this but Dutt has other ideas and grabs D-Von from behind, slamming his head off the apron and tossing D-Von inside the ring, following him right behind! Dutt now stomps the hell out of D-Von as Daivari gets to his feet and begins to stomp the crap out of Bubba with this thing spiralling out of control.

Jim Ross: It’s chaos here in Detroit!! The Dudleyz, the Bashams, the Perfectionists and the Entity are goin’ to war!!

The Coach: Get ‘em Ken, Get ‘em Nick!!

It’s carnage as the Basham’s are slogging it out with the Platform to Perfection, both teams beating the holy hell out of each other whilst Bubba and D-Von are now up and on their feet, the Entity having lost momentum and these four are going toe to toe also.

Jim Ross: These eight men all want the same thing, these eight men all want the World Tag Team Titles but I don’t think the Dudleyz are letting their gold slip away without a fight Coach!!

The Coach: Dutt, Daivari kick their ass all over this stinking arena!! Out with the old, in with the new!!

Finally the brawl ends as Doane pokes Danny Basham in the eye and gets outta the ring, dragging Nemeth from his feet out of the ring also and hightailing it up the ramp. Doug Basham looking on furiously as we see Bubba Ray toss Daivari over the top rope but Daivari lands on his feet and now he too drags Dutt under the bottom rope by his feet, the Bashams and Dudleyz standing tall in the ring with PTP and the Entity clearly rattled by the solidarity shown here from their rivals, clearly wanting out of this crazy situation as we head away from the chaos.

Commercials​

We return to Raw and we immediately head backstage where we see all of the eight men involved in that brawl before the commercial. The Dudleyz, Platform to Perfection, the Basham’s and the Entity are all arguing as Eric Bischoff stands in the middle of it all.

Eric Bischoff: ENOUGH!! HEY, HEY!! I SAID ENOUGH!!

Finally the arguing dies down as all eight men look like they wanna rip each other apart here.

Eric Bischoff: Now I am sick and tired of all this crap that’s been goin’ on with you guys and we’re gonna find a way to settle this. But, rather than the predictable, me sticking you all up against each other, that’s not what we’re gonna do. No, no, see Eric Bischoff doesn’t do easy, Eric Bischoff doesn’t do predictable.

Bischoff looks at each of the men before continuing.

Eric Bischoff: So here’s what we’re gonna do. Summerslam, it’s gonna be the World Tag Team Champions, Bubba Ray and D-Von, the Dudley Boyz teaming…with the Basham Brothers.

Bubba Ray Dudley: What?

Doug Basham: Bubba’s right Eric, what the hell is that about? I mean, c’mon we may respect Bubba and D-Von but we want what they’ve got.

Eric Bischoff: If you’d all let me explain. It’ll be you guys teaming up to take on Ken Doane, Nick Nemeth, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari in an eight man tag team match.

Decent pop for that but everyone looks confused.

Nick Nemeth: An eight man tag team match? Eight…man…tag team match. Eric I think you’ve kinda forgotten that there are only TWO men who hold the Tag titles and there are only TWO men who deserve a shot at them and hey, it ain‘t the Arabian Knights and it damn sure ain‘t the Chuckle Brothers.

Daivari: Hey!! You watch your mouth punk!!

Eric Bischoff: Alright, alright, I get it, you all want the Tag Team titles but here‘s where it gets interesting. Whoever scores the winning pinfall in this match will earn their team a Tag Team title shot at Unforgiven. IF and in my eyes this is a very big if. If either of you two, Bubba, D-Von, if either of you two score the winning pinfall you will get to pick your opponents come Unforgiven. Now get the hell outta my office before I have you thrown out.

The fans pop for this announcement as the Dudleyz look very sternly at the Basham’s, knowing that they want to win this match but need to be the ones who do so while PTP and the Entity do likewise.

Eric Bischoff: I said, GET OUT!!

The teams then leave, all looking a little pissed off about this situation as we head away and back ringside.

Jim Ross: Well a HUGE announcement there from our General Manager regarding the World Tag Team Titles but folks we’d now like to take you back to last week where….well, where we saw a pretty disturbing video from Christian. Let’s take a look.

We are shown that same video as last week where we're led to a simple enough looking street, there are several houses to the left of our picture as well as to our right. The houses are all fairly standard looking homes, nothing too fancy, not too shabby however, as we see a loose dog running around the grass outside one particular house and some children playing on another patch in what just looks like a nice little neighbourhood. A few cars slowly drive up and down before suddenly out pops in front of the camera from out of nowhere, Christian.

Christian looks directly at the camera before beginning to walk backwards, looking around at the scenary. Captain Charisma is dressed in jeans, an orange patterned t--shirt and a leather jacket
.

Christian: Well, here we are folks, Charlotte, North Carolina. The home of the Nature Boy, the home of Ric Flair.

Christian starts laughing as he spins around continuing to look around before once again facing the camera.

Christian: I wanted to come here and I wanted to record all of this from the very moment that my match with Ric Flair at Summerslam was announced. You might think to yourself, ‘Why?’ ‘What relevance does this have to Summerslam?’

Christian looks down, stopping his backwards walk before looking back up.

Christian: I’ll tell you exactly why. The relevance this has to Summerslam is that this, this right here is where Ric Flair returns to, this is the very place where Ric Flair comes home when I beat him at Summerslam, this is the place where Ric Flair will get to enjoy every little second of his retirement.

The camera does a 360 spin, showing off all avenues on display here.

Christian: And I need these people to know exactly what kinda guy Ric Flair is. I need his home town to know that come Summerslam, it won’t be a hero returning home. No, n-n-n-no, not at all. It will be the ultimate villain comin‘ back home.

Christian is chuckling to himself
.

Christian: People don’t understand the type of guy Flair is. People of all ages just don’t get it. I need the kids of Charlotte especially to understand that they can’t look up to him, they can NOT look up to Ric Flair. I need them to know though that no matter how bad a role model Ric Flair is, there’s always an alternative and that they can always and I mean this from the very bottom of my heart, they can always look up…to me.

Christian is still walking down the street as he then stops and looks at some children playing outside. The kids look around 8 or 9 years old and are running around chasing after one another
.

Christian: Lets…lets try it out shall we? Hey, hey guys, come on over here.

Christian calls the two kids over, both are boys and they seem hesitant and start discussing with one another what to do
.

Christian: Come on, don‘t be shy.

This isn’t very appropriate calling young boys in from the street but the boys follow Christian’s orders
.

Christian: Hey guys, what’s going on? My name’s Christian and I’m here in Charlotte today to just do a little QandA, you two uh, you two wanna get involved?

Boy One: Yeah, sure!

Both boys look extremely excited by this as Christian has a dickish look on his face
.

Christian: Awesome. Well uh, first question, do you guys know who Ric Flair is?

Christian kneels down and gets in the boys faces, staring them right in the eyes
.

Boy Two: Yeah, he’s awesome!! I love it when he does the ‘Wooo’.

The other boy laughs as Christian turns his head laughing, almost in disgust.

Christian: You like that huh? Think that’s pretty cool right?

Both boys smile excitably and nod back at Christian
.

Christian: Well let me tell ya something guys and I want you to be prepared for this ok? Your mommy and daddy may hide the truth from you but I’m not gonna do that, no way, na uh, not a freakin’ chance because I want kids like you to understand life, to understand what’s right and what’s wrong. Y’see, that ’Wooo’ Ric Flair does, it is not cool. Far from it, infact nothing about Ric Flair is cool. Let me ask ya, how old are you two kids?

Boy One: We’re both nine years old.

Christian nods
.

Christian: Nine years old. Y’know, I remember being your age and I remember going to a sports club every day after school was over with. We did all kinds of stuff there, soccer, basketball, baseball, wrestling. This sports club I went to, it had kids your age right the way up to about twelve years old and there were these two kids there, both of ‘em twelve year old boys and they used to walk around this club as though…as though they were in charge, as though they were in control, y’know?

Boy Two: We have one guy like that at school.

Christian: Oh really? Well this is gonna be all the more helpful for you two guys, believe me. These two boys, they got everything given to them, our wrestling coach treated them like his own two sons and why? Why was that d‘ya think? Because they were the oldest there, because as the two oldest there, they got everything handed to ’em cos they were bigger, cos they were stronger while us nine year olds sat back and watched them get handed everything, time and time again, just like that.

Christian clicks his fingers
.

Christian: You think that’s fair?

Boy Two: N-n-no.

Christian: No, you’re right, it wasn’t fair. So instead of sit back, y’know what I did? I went to that club one day after school and I decided, enough’s enough and I confronted those two guys. I said that I was sick of ’em taking my opportunities away, just because they’re older than me, so uh, ha, y’know what they did?

Boy One: They let you get a turn?

Christian laughs looking up to the heavens.

Christian: Let me have a turn, ha ha. Wrong answer kid, they beat the holy hell outta me. Yeah, they did and I’m not afraid to admit that but what I want is…what I need is kids like you to understand that those bullies I talked about? Those two bullies are the exact same…as Ric Flair.

The two kids look open mouthed as they look at one another
.

Christian: It’s true. Ric Flair is a bitter, old man and he can’t walk away from being a bully, he can’t step aside and let somebody younger, somebody better than him take his spot. He just won’t do it, he just can’t do it and that’s why I’ve made it my mission to take him out, to take him down, to END your beloved Ric Flair.

One of the kids looks a little upset now and one slightly nervy as Christian looks quite sinister here
.

Christian: I won’t allow him to do what those two bullies did to me all those years ago and the sooner that people, that kids like you realise that Ric Flair is the one in the wrong here, the better.

Boy One: C-c-can we go now? Please, you’re upsetting my friend.

Christian: Oh we’re done here and hey, sometimes kids, the truth hurts.

Christian pats one of the kids on the head as the two run off with one holding the other who is really upset now and Christian stands up, shakes himself off and smiles broadly
.

Christian: That right there? That’s just two, just two kids who need to learn the truth about Ric Flair and hey, there’s a whole ton of Charlotte left for me to, well, left for me to ‘explore’.

Christian then starts laughing and the camera fuzzes off
.​

We return to the sight of J.R. and Coach with the fans voicing their opinions, all booing the actions of Captain Charisma.

Jim Ross: Well we have learned that Ric Flair will return to Monday Night Raw next week and he will address Christian’s visit to his home back in Charlotte. I know that Nait…

‘Just Close Your Eyes’​

The Coach: Yes!! There he is J.R!! The man who in eighteen days time will retire, yeah I said it, he will retire Ric Flair once and for all.

Indeed out steps Captain Charisma, alongside his Problem Solver Tomko as Christian comes down all set for action here.

Jim Ross: Indeed Christian will face Ric Flair in eighteen nights at Summerslam but I wouldn’t bank on Christian retiring the Nature Boy Coach. Christian, as good as he is inside that ring, Ric Flair will fight for his life when we head to Washington and Christian ain’t gonna like it.

The Coach: Well Ric Flair ain’t gonna like it either because no matter how fired up he is, no matter how much he ‘fights for his life’, his life, his career ends come Summerslam, mark my words cowboy.

Jim Ross: Moving on to tonight though folks and Captain Charisma has issued a challenge here tonight. Christian’s challenge is for somebody from Ric Flair’s past, to come to Monday Night Raw and face him one on one here tonight. Anybody who has faced Ric Flair in his entire career will be eligible, will have the opportunity to take him on, I mean Coach, it could literally be anybody.

The Coach: Your guess is as good as mine J.R. I have absolutely no idea but I’m lookin’ forward to finding out.

Christian now has a microphone in hand as a ‘You Suck’ chant breaks out already here, wasting no time to pour heat on CC.

Christian: Twenty small days and counting until an event that has been labelled, that has been branded as the ‘biggest party of the summer’. Of course I’m talking about Summerslam.

Christian nods his head smiling a little here.

Christian: Well here’s the thing. It won’t be the biggest party of the summer. No, no, far from it infact because Summerslam is going to be the biggest party of the entire YEAR!

Boos as well as the odd cheer thrown in there.

Christian: I hear all my peeps asking, why? Why will it be the biggest party of the year? Well I thought that would be clear as day for everybody here tonight to see, for everybody sitting at home watching to see. Summerslam will be the biggest party of the year because Summerslam will mark the end of Ric Flair’s career.

Christian’s now intense, smile removed as he stares directly into the camera, the crowd booing him once again.

Christian: Finally the old man around this place will fade off, will fade away into the background, will head off into the sunset and believe me, believe me… there won’t be a single damn guy in the back there who won’t join in the celebrations because this has been in the making for far…far too long now.

Christian shakes his head in dismay.

Christian: I’ve been waiting for this moment, jeez, I don’t even know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment. Tomko here will tell ya, this has been my mind for a very, very long time. I’ve had to wait, sit back, watch as Ric Flair takes up my spotlight. Not just for a few weeks, no, I’ve had to endure that pathetic shell of his former self strut around this ring, stealing my moment for years and it makes me physically…it makes me, I can’t even…IT MAKES ME PHYSICALLY SICK!!

Christian’s intensity levels rise again as the crowd shit all over him as he takes a moment to calm himself down and compose himself.

Christian: But y’know what? I can wait twenty more days. I can wait that little while longer because I know just how sweet it’s gonna be when the moment comes, oh yeah, you can’t deny that moment is coming and when it does, the biggest party of the summer, the biggest party of the year, the biggest party…of ALL TIME. Washington DC, August 21st, Captain Charisma retires… the Nature… Boy.

More strong heat for Christian whose smirk returns now.

Christian: That? That has to wait though, me and Tomko can’t quite get the confetti out just yet but what we can do is this, we can start the celebrations a little early. See, all week long I’ve been working hard, searching, desperately trying to find somebody to come here tonight and face me one on one in this ring. But, there’s been a little catch we put on that. That catch being, my opponent has to have been a part of Ric Flair’s career, he has to have faced off against the Nature Boy at some point down the years and well, I’m sure this doesn’t surprise anybody here tonight but nobody, not one single person has accepted my challenge.

Boos ring round the arena again.

Christian: Yeah, my thoughts exactly.

Christian and Tomko laugh to each other.

Christian: None of Ric’s old buddies wanna try and stand up to me, stand up for their good pal and hey, who can blame ‘em? I mean they all saw exactly what I did to Arn Anderson a little while back, they all saw what I did to Flair himself at Vengeance and they’re all sitting at home, scared to death that I’d do the same damn thing to them.

More heat for the brash mouth of Captain Charisma.

Christian: So this is it, the final boarding call. If there is anybody back there who wants the opportunity of a lifetime, wants the chance to step inside the ring with this generation’s very own bigger and better version of Ric Flair, now…now is your shot.

HUGE heat for Christian’s Flair comparison as Christian soaks it in before folding his arms, waiting for a response but not getting one at all.

Christian: I knew it. Tomko, c’mon let’s get outta this dump and start focusing on Summersl…

‘Wild Horses’​

The fans who know this theme go CRAZY as ARN ANDERSON appears through the curtain to Christian’s horror!!

Jim Ross: WHAT THE HELL?!? ARN ANDERSON!! THE ENFORCER!! HE’S HERE AND HE’S HEADED AFTER CHRISTIAN!!

The Coach: Christian put this guy in a hospital J.R, he can’t be here!!

Jim Ross: Well there he is Coach and he’s heading down to this ring and by god, he’s heading towards giving Christian an ass kicking!!

Anderson steps through the ropes as Christian, surprisingly, is still smirking.

Christian: Perfect. Double A huh? You just don’t know when to give it up do ya Arn?

Anderson looks ready to fight, he’s coming down minus the glasses, dressed in his usual demeanour however, not in ring gear, simply looking for a fight.

Christian: I mean, I’ve put you in the hospital once already and y’know what? I got absolutely NO problem doing it again. Woah, woah hold on just a second, didn’t …didn’t you uh…didn’t you have to retire due to injury Arn?

Anderson snatches the mic out of Christian’s grasp which is greeted with a pop. Christian and Tomko laughing to one another.

Arn Anderson: I damn sure did but quite frankly son, I don’t give a RATS ASS! You put me in a hospital bed and I ain’t come here to kiss and make up, I came here to return the favour, I came here to put YOU in a hospital bed.!

HUGE pop as Anderson shoves the mic into Christian’s chest.

Christian: That’s funny Arn, real funny. Look all you had to do was ask, so I’ll put you outta your misery here tonight, lets get this show on the road and hey one more thing, Flair if you’re watching back at home like I know you are then I beg you…I BEG you to please, please…enjoy watching this.

And with that Christian tosses the mic away as Tomko exit’s the ring, Christian turning round to speak with him quickly as ANDERSON JUMPS CHRISTIAN FROM BEHIND AND TAKES HIM DOWN!! ANDERSON BEGINS HAMMERING AWAY WITH RIGHT AND LEFT HANDS AS THIS ONE GETS UNDERWAY!!

The Coach: Hey get your hands off of him old man!!

Jim Ross: Arn Anderson getting him some payback!! This one is off and running!!

Match Four: Singles Match

Christian vs. Arn Anderson

Anderson completely hammers away at Christian with Captain Charisma having no answer to the Enforcer’s aggression here. The built up anger being spilled all over by the man who Chrsitian put in hospital several weeks ago.

Anderson then whips Christian off the ropes with the former Intercontinental Champion rebounding right into a devastating clothesline from Double A taking Christian down. Anderson hops on top of his opponent and begins hammering away, left and right, left and right again as the referee has to get him away. Anderson then fires up the crowd who cheer like wild for the veteran here.

Anderson then goes back to Christian who is slowly to his feet and OH!! Anderson is met with a thumb to the eye, a thumb to the eye from Christian, pulling a page out of Ric Flair’s book! Anderson is blinded as Christian grabs him from behind, UNPRETTIER!! BAM!! Cover by Christian, 1...2...3, that’s all she wrote
.

Winner: Christian(2:11)

The Coach: Take that Anderson!! Next time stay in your hospital bed or else Captain Charisma will send ya back there!!

Jim Ross: Damn it. Arn Anderson put up a fight, he took it to Christian here tonight folks but in the end Christian weasels his way to victory and if he does that at Summerslam then it’ll be the end of Ric Flair’s career. I can’t even begin to imagine wha…OH COME ON!!!

J.R stops in his tracks as we see Christian ordering Tomko to lift AA to his feet again as the crowd shit all over Christian here. Tomko holds Anderson up as Christian wipes the sweat off his forehead before getting right in the face of Anderson, mouthing obscenities to the Enforcer as Anderson looks like he’s ready to blow a gasket here and CHRISTIAN SLAPS ANDERSON!!

Jim Ross: YOU SICK BASTARD!!

The Coach: That is the LEAST he deserves!!

Christian then smirks before heading out of the ring and he grabs a STEEL CHAIR!! Tomko keeps a hold of AA as Christian slides back in the ring, chair in hand, looking at it as though it were his prized possession and he swings it back…

‘WOOOOOOO’​

Jim Ross: YES!! RIC FLAIR!! RIC FLAIR IS HERE!!

Indeed the Nature Boy is here!! Suited and booted, Flair heads on down to the ring as Tomko tosses Anderson away and awaits Flair as Christian drops the chair and Christian……exit’s the ring?!?

The Coach: That’s damn smart strategy from Christian. Stay outta this old man’s path, finish the job off in style, not here, not now.

Jim Ross: Christian’s running scared Coach!! Christian wants NO PIECE of Ric Flair!!

Flair enters the ring and drops Tomko with a right hand!! Tomko rebounds and Flair hammers him with another before whipping Tomko into the turnbuckle and Flair unloads with chop after chop, WOOOOOO, Tomko is in a world of trouble as he drops outta the corner and the infamous Ric Flair strut is now on show!!

Jim Ross: The Nature Boy!! Stylin’ and Profilin’!!

Tomko is down and it’s time!! Flair locks in the FIGURE FOUR!! FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK TO TOMKO!! The Problem Solver is writhing in agony as Flair looks up the ramp, a look of intensity etched across his face as Flair stares down the man who he meets at Summerslam with Christian looking a little worried by Flair’s actions here tonight. Flair finally lets go as Tomko is completely torn apart by Naitch as he lets out another roaring, ‘Woooo’ joined by the crowd as we see Flair now tend to Arn Anderson and lift him to his feet asking his friend if he’s ok. Anderson then hugs Flair before Flair raises the Enforcer’s hand which greets a mammoth ovation from the crowd.

Jim Ross: That? That right there Coach is what ya call class. A show of class from Ric Flair, from Arn Anderson, two of the all time greats in this industry and if there’s any justice in this world, Ric Flair will teach that punk Christian a lesson at Summerslam.

The Coach: If there’s any justice in the world, Arn Anderson would still be in his hospital bed and Ric Flair would be sat in a retirement home back in Charlotte.

Jim Ross: Oh would you quit it? At Summerslam, the showdown is on, the stakes are as high as can be and I can only hope, I can only pray that this is the scene in Washington DC on August 19th!

We head off with a shot of Flair and Anderson looking up the ramp at Captain Charisma who appears to mouth ‘Damn it’ as Flair nods in agreement almost.

Commercials​

We return to Raw and see the wily old presence of William Regal along with his Protégé Mark Jindrak stumbling down the halls before we see the beautiful Maria bump into the duo, microphone in hand.

Maria: Hi Willy!!

Regal looks up to the heavens as if to say ‘Oh why me?’

Maria: Just wanted to y’know, get your thoughts on what your Protégé did earlier on tonight to the Big Show…

William Regal: What young Mark here did earlier was absolutely no different to what he’s been doing since I first aligned myself with him. Since day one he has been dismantling, brutalising, destroying his opponents, he’s been destroying the Big Show.

Regal flashes a little grin as Jindrak looks on menacingly.

William Regal: Quite remarkably Big Show still, he still quite hasn’t understood that he is no match for young Mark and what he has to offer. Mark showed back at Vengeance when he defeated the World’s Largest Athlete. He showed it again several weeks back on Raw and he’s shown it again tonight. He is simply more vicious, more cunning, more dangerous than Big Show. Quite frankly Maria, Mark is better…than Big Show.

Boos for that statement.

Maria: Mark, what do you have to say about Big Show?

Maria looks(cluelessly) at Jindrak who doesn’t respond.

William Regal: Mark doesn’t have anything to say about someone so far down beneath him. He lets his actions do the talking and that Maria? That is the way we like it and that is the way we will continue to do our business. If Big Show wants to continue being a part of that business, then so be it but I’d like to personally deliver him this message…

Regal looks directly at the camera now.

William Regal: Show, this is…this is and this has been nothing, absolutely nothing compared to what this man is capable of.

The camera shifts to Jindrak before shifting back on Regal.

William Regal: He’s displayed to you exactly why I took him under my wing. He’s displayed to the entire world exactly why I took him under my wing and if you haven’t already seen the light, if you haven’t already realised it, he is not…going…to stop.

Regal laughs rather maniacally.

William Regal: So by all means, keep coming after me, keep coming after Mark but be warned, what you’ve experienced thus far will be mere child’s play compared to what he does next.

Regal and Jindrak then head off with Jindrak staring a hole through Maria as we head back ringside where already waiting in the ring is former Diva Search contestant Ashley Massaro who panders to the crowd before we hear…

‘LoveFuryPassionEnergy’​

And out steps Lita to a nice little ovation from the crowd as the Daredevil Diva heads down for action.

Jim Ross: Well last week Lita was asked to prove herself, to prove that she was worthy of a Women’s Championship opportunity against Victoria and Coach I think she did exactly that, defeating a game Molly Holly.

The Coach: Lita was impressive last week, no doubt about it but J.R I said it last week and I’ll say it again. Molly Holly as good as she is, she ain’t Victoria. Ashley Massaro? I don’t think she’s got a dime on the Women’s Champ baby and tonight will prove why neither of these women, NO woman in this industry can touch Victoria right now.

Match Five: Singles Match

Lita vs. Ashley Massaro

Lita starts off a little rusty as Ashley brings it to the multiple time former Women’s Champion, looking to make her mark here.

Ashley really hammers into Lita, nailing the Daredevil Diva with right hands before some solid forearms send Lita aback as Ashley takes her down with a vicious clothesline, the crowd a little surprised here.

The Diva Search winner keeps on top for a couple more minutes, keeping Lita floored with several stomps to the back and some nasty elbows dropped on the back of Lita’s neck as the crowd tries to rally the fan favourite.

After taking all the surprising punishment, Lita suddenly turns the tables. Ashley hoists her to her feet before whipping Lita with authority into the ropes as Lita rebounds and Ashley looks for a back body drop but ducks too soon as Lita smashes her with a kick to the face!! Lita then drops Ashley with a big time clothesline as she assumes control for the first time.

Lita lets out a roar to the crowd as she awaits Ashley’s return to her feet as the crowd begins to stir and the camera shifts to see Victoria strutting down to the ramp. Lita doesn’t realise as Ashley turns around kick to the mid section, Twist of Fate!! NO!! Ashley shoves Lita away, Lita hit’s the ropes but hangs on as she sees Victoria in her eyeline. Lita looks furious as Victoria hops onto the apron and goes for Lita but Lita DROPS her with a right hand!!

Roll up!! Roll up by Ashley, 1...2..kick out by Lita!! Both women are quickly up as Ashley swings a right, ducked by Lita, kick to the mid section, Twist of Fate, CONNECTS!! Cover, 1...2...3...she got her!!


Winner: Lita(5:17)

Jim Ross: Impressive again Coach!! You can’t deny that Lita’s shaking off the rust and is on a real roll right now. Victoria must be worried about her title, she must be fearful of just how dangerous Lita is.

The Coach: She ain’t scared of anything or anybody J.R and that’s a fact.

Jim Ross: Then why in the heck is she runnin’ scared huh Coach? Why is Victoria not standing up to Lita huh?

The Coach: Because Lita’s not worth her time cowboy, she just isn’t worth it, it’s as simple as that.

Victoria holds her jaw as she lay fallen on the outside looking up at Lita who celebrates on the turnbuckle, posing to the fans before looking down at the Women’s Champ and motioning that she wants her title belt.

Commercials​

We return and head into a video package...​

Narrator: The biggest party of the summer.

The Summerslam logo appears across the screen as the Summerslam theme plays in the background.

Narrator: High pressure, high stakes.

We see a shot of Batista raising the World title high before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels.

Narrator: Who can overcome these obstacles?

We see Kurt Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on Randy Orton.

We then see Kane chokeslamming Chris Jericho.

Narrator: Who can stand tall?

We see John Cena FU’ing JBL.

Narrator: Who can rise to the occasion?

We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas celebrating.

Narrator: Who can handle… the heat?

We see a smirking Christian before an angered Ric Flair.

Batista: At Summerslam.

Flashing shot of the Animal landing a Batistabomb.

Edge: At Summerslam.

A brief shot of Edge delivering a Spear.

Randy Orton: At Summerslam.

The Legend Killer delivering an RKO is shown.

Ric Flair: At SUMMERSLAM! WOOO!

Flair locking in the Figure Four is then shown briefly.

Kurt Angle: At Summerslam.

We then see Angle locking in the Ankle lock, wrenching the hold in.

John Cena: At Summerslam.

It’s Cena’s turn then as we see the WWE champion deliver a thunderous FU.

Christian: The heat…is on.

A shot of a desert like scene is then shown as the Summerslam logo then appears again before…

Narrator: Summerslam: Can you handle the heat?


We return and head on over to the announce table once again as we hear from J.R and Coach.

Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and folks during the commercial break we received word that Victoria hs finally, finally given in and has accepted a match for Summerslam one on one with the Daredevil Diva Lita and the Women’s Championsip WILL be on the line. Huge stakes come August 19th.

The Coach: Huge indeed but I ain’t worried, I ain’t scared, I got no doubts that my girl Victoria will wipe the floor with Lita at Summerslam and prove once again just why she is the most dominant, dangerous diva in this business. I guarantee it.

‘Sexy Boy’​

It’s a rousing ovation that greets the music of the one, the only, Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels!! Michaels heads down to the ring, a stern look on his face, no over the top shenanigans as he clearly has things on his mind here tonight.

Jim Ross: Well Eric Bischoff has given Shawn Michaels permission, I can’t believe I’m saying that but Eric Bischoff has indeed given the Heartbreak Kid permission to come down to the ring here tonight and to confront Dave Batista, to clear the air so to speak with the Animal.

The Coach: Clear the air, yeah right. Michaels kicked his dam head off last week and now he wants to ‘clear the air’? I think Eric Bischoff’s right J.R, I think Shawn Michaels has begun to see the light, he just doesn’t realise it yet.

Michaels takes a microphone as the applause dies down and the Heartbreak Kid steadies himself, not looking as down and depressed as he has done in recent weeks.

Shawn Michaels: I guess…I guess I owe everybody an explanation.

A few cries of yes, a few cries of no, a few rumblings, nothing major.

Shawn Michaels: Well I think it’s real easy for everybody here tonight to understand so I’ll just get right down to it. Two weeks ago Batista returned after suffering a rib injury at the hands of Kane, he came down that ramp with one thing on his mind and that was to get his hands on anybody and everybody that he could.

Pop for that as Michaels nods.

Shawn Michaels: But uhhh, did he end up getting his hands on Kane? No. The man who put him on the injured list didn’t feel the wrath of the Animal. Did he…did he get his hands on Eric Bischoff? No, no he did not. The man who has set this whole thing up in the first place, the man who has targeted Dave Batista, just like he targeted myself did NOT get a taster of what Batista’s capable of.

Michaels pauses momentarily.

Shawn Michaels: But, y’know who Batista did get his hands on? Y’know who Batista did lay into? He got his hands…on me, he laid in…to me.

A few boos can be heard but it’s more intrigue as to what Michaels has to say.

Shawn Michaels: Now correct me if I’m wrong here but at no point in this whole thing have I gone against Dave Batista. At no point in this whole thing have I supported Eric Bischoff and what he’s doing. Everybody knows how I feel about Eric Bischoff and hey, it ain’t pretty, believe me.

Nice pop for that.

Shawn Michaels: So when I came round from taking that Batistabomb, to be quite honest I was stunned, I was hurt, oh yeah I felt it but more than that I was stunned. Eric Bischoff’s ordered me around to do a whole lotta his dirty work since Vengeance and I’ve had to go along with it. Every single minute, every second of it has been nothing short of a living nightmare for me but I’ve had to take it.

Michaels shakes his head.

Shawn Michaels: I thought and hey, call me crazy but I thought Batista understood y‘know? Of all people I thought he would understand what kinda situation I was in, what kinda situation I am still in. But no, he seems to think that I want to be a part of all this, that it’s my decision to be a part of this whole thing. He seems to believe that I can just…that I can just walk out.

Michaels laughs a little to himself.

Shawn Michaels: Well it ain’t that simple. I cannot just walk away from this business, this is what I do, this is what I live for, this is…this is my life.

Sympathetic pop.

Shawn Michaels: And right now? Right now is about as tough a spot as I’ve ever been in but when you’re at a low point in your career, when you’re at rock bottom, the only way…is up. I know, I know deep down that something will change, something has got to change and when it does, this will all be over with. I thought Batista would recognise that fact, would recognise that I’m slugging it out right now and I’m slugging it out in the hope that one day, soon enough, the Heartbreak Kid will once again steal the show.

A very nice pop there.

Shawn Michaels: So last week comes along and I’m sitting in the back and I’m watching Batista come out here and deliver his little speech. I’m watching him let everybody know that, woah, hold up a second, that… that can’t be right, can it? He let you all know that he uh, he DID come down to this ring seven days earlier with the intention of getting his hands on me. That? That caught me off guard, that hit me a little bit right there.

A few boos for that point brought up.

Shawn Michaels: I thought y’know, maybe I was wrong place, wrong time, maybe he’d realised his mistake, maybe an apology was in order but what do ya know? He meant it every damn step of the way. So I figured I was left with no option, no alternative but to send Batista a message last week, to let him know that I may have to let Eric Bischoff walk all over me but I ain’t about to let him do the same.

It’s a fierce determination shown from Michaels, not seen in weeks, months from him as he grits his teeth here, receiving a pop as well as the odd boo from the crowd.

Shawn Michaels: So Dave, now’s your chance. The score’s tied. One against one, you had your moment, I’ve had mine. Way I see it is this, we got two options here. Number one, you can come out here and we can let this all slide, water under the bridge and we can move on, we can focus on what the real problem around this place is, we can focus on Eric Bischoff.

Nice response for that suggestion.

Shawn Michaels: Or option number two, you can come down to this ring and we can do this the hard way.

Oooooooh is the overwhelming response for that as Michaels holds out his arms, awaiting the arrival of the World Heavyweight Champion.

‘I Walk Alone’​

It’s more a sense of anticipation than a thunderous pop as the Animal, Batista makes his way down and he doesn’t look in the mood here tonight. Big Dave is dressed pretty smartly, a shirt and blazer as well as his shades for indoors which are always interesting.

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels has laid it on the line here Coach and we’re about to find out just what our World Champion makes of all this.

The Coach: Well he don’t look too happy that’s for sure and this one could be about to get real ugly, real quick.

Tista steps through the ropes, looking intensely at the Showstopper before grabbing a microphone from the lovely Lilian Garcia.

Batista: So I got two choices huh Shawn? I can either shake your hand and let bygones be bygones or… I can kick your ass.

More ooooohs from the crowd as well as some cheers.

Batista: To be honest with you I came here tonight intending to do exactly that, kick your ass all over this arena. What you did last week, it didn’t sit well with me Shawn. I’ve been sitting at home all week long thinking it over, thinking through what went on last week and I’ve been desperate for tonight to roll around so I could take out all the anger, all the frustration that’s been building up inside o’ me, to take it all out…on you.

Tista gets in Michaels face now as the tension rises. Michaels now backs off and slowly raises the mic to his mouth.

Shawn Michaels: Well I guess…I guess that answers my question.

Michaels then tosses the microphone down and takes off his t-shirt. This thing’s about to explode!!

Jim Ross: Awwww here we goooo!!

Batista then removes his blazer as the crowd starts to feel something big’s going down here.

The Coach: This is what Eric Bischoff has wanted all along!! This ain’t benefiting Batista, this ain’t benefiting Shawn Michaels. This is benefiting one man and one man only, the boss!!

‘BOOOOOOM’

‘Slow Chemical’​

Uh-oh, the third party makes his arrival as down storms the number one contender, Kane! Evil intentions in mind here as Michaels and Batista watch on.

Jim Ross: Business is about to pick up folks!! The Big Red Machine, Kane is making a beeline for the ring, a beeline for Batista!!

The Coach: It’s gonna be two on one J.R!! Michaels and Kane against the Animal!! He’s about to get put down!!

Kane steps through the ropes and Batista swings a right hand, Kane swings right back and these two men go to war!! Michaels stands in the background, he doesn’t wanna get involved as Kane forces Batista back, getting the upper hand on the World Champion. Irish Whip by Kane AND BATISTA EXPLODES WITH A CLOTHESLINE!! Kane is floored as Batista roars to this fired up crowd. He drags Kane up to his feet again and knees the monster in the gut, Batistabomb time!! The Animal stares right at Shawn Michaels as he takes his challenger up high but Kane fights it off!! Kane wriggles free and GRABS BATISTA BY THE THROAT!! CHOKESLAM!!! NO!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! WHAT THE HELL?!!? SHAWN MICHAELS WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO…TO KANE!!

The Coach: What the hell did he just do?!? What the hell is Shawn Michaels thinking?!?

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels!! Shawn Michaels has floored the Big Red Machine!! Shawn Michaels ain’t takin’ sides Coach!!

Batista is a little dazed as he turns around and sees Kane down and out before looking up at Michaels, SWEET CHIN MUSIC, NO!! MICHAELS FEIGNS IT!!! Shawn Michaels playing mind games with the Animal!! Michaels then motions he was ‘this close’ before seeming to mouth, ‘I coulda Dave, I coulda’ as Batista who has backed away, clearly worried of the impending SCM as Michaels then exits through the ropes with Batista looking on and the tension between the two men evident for all to see.

Jim Ross: Can you feel the tension Coach?! Can you feel the intensity between these two men? Between all THREE of these men?! Kane wants the World Title, Batista has the prize and Shawn Michaels is the man in the middle, Shawn Michaels has the power come August 21st!!

The Coach: Shawn Michaels has the power and if he’s got any sense at all, if he wants to keep his damn job, he will do the right thing at Summerslam!! He will count Batista…DOWN!!

The final shot is of HBK and Batista mouthing words to one another before we get a glimpse of Kane sitting up and smiling devilishly at Shawn Michaels, clearly an angry monster following the Heartbreak Kid’s actions as we fade out.

Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair

Randy Orton vs The Undertaker

WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin

Money in the Bank Contract:
Edge vs Chris Jericho

8 Man Tag Team Match:
The Dudley Boyz and The Basham Brothers vs Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth; The Platform to Perfection and Sonjay Dutt and Daivari; The Arabian Entity
 
#145 ·
As promised... :p

Raw Feedback

Starting off the show with a match is a bit odd, something different. I welcome it. 90% of the time, if not more shows start off with an opening promo, usually by one of the wrestlers involved in the opening match hyping it up or by the champion, the challenger and or the GM which results in the making of the Main Event match for the evening. So I am all for something a bit unique (Y)

I was never one to mark out for Jindrak but you seem to like him and if you can make something from him, an upper card contender or a solid mid card champion than all the credit to you. You seem to be on the right road to do so with Regal in his corner and the brass-knuckles to the Big Show make me think that things wont be over between the two and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Jindrak and Show meet in some sort of gimmick match at Summerslam, as in Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ or something like that.

Edge and Jericho going at it to add some meaning and heat to their match at Summerslam for the MITB briefcase is a good thing, I was expecting something like this to happen. A bit predictable but it's the logical move.

Kane's backstage interview got it's message across but I personally would have had him come down to the ring with a microphone in hand and say what he had to say. Kane's character isn't one to exactly conduct an interview. For example his oppening line where he thanked Todd and said he felt great was a bit odd and 'iffy' for me cause it just isn't something I could picture Kane say, he is meant to be billed as some monsterous heel. I think you could have come about this promo a bit differently but again it got it's message across and served it's purpose.

Kennedy's debut already ? I think you could have saved this for a bit latter in the show and maybe used commentary to hype him up a bit more and talk about him throughout the event. But nontheless having him go over Eugene for an opening match was a good move, get him some momentum. Not much to say about it here or things I would change.

Shawn and Bischoff's talk backstage was something I could see happening, and was a good promo. Short and too the point. Made it clear that Shawn wasn't working for Bischoff and that he is a lone warrior, doing it for himself, a tweener instead of a heel. I do have my reasons to believe that maybe after Summerslam you will turn him heel because Shawn Michaels as a heel is boss!

If you ask me, I would be all for you having Benjamin win the IC title and than start a friendly feud between him and Haas to see who is the better one between them. You dont really need them in the tag team division now with the new teams you have started up (Arab one).

I like the idea of the 8 man tag team match for Summerslam being announced after the huge no contest tag team match, made both teams look strong and while not having one loose to the other and having a team's momentum come to a stop.

Here we go... Christian / Flair segment. My personal favorite thing going in your thread right now. Part of the show I waited to get to. And I predicted right with Anderson :p the fact that it was a squash match was very smart move, normally I wouldn't go for squash matches but in this case it makes Christian look oh so much more threatening to Flair's career which is at stake and he needs that. I would be all for Christian to go over Flair at Summerslam, Flair has nothing left to offer in the WWE at this stage in his career besides maybe managing someone on the roster, a new protigue but it doesn't look like you are going in that direction. Plus the heat Christian and Tomko would get in doing so and boasting about it would automatically elevate him into the main event and I would mark out like a schoolgirl for you to make a program with him and Michaels cause that is something I always wanted to see.

Good to have Regal do the talking for the partnership between him and Jindrak, Jindrak's weakness in the WWE was the fact that he couldnt cut a believable promo if his life depended on it and the fact that you mask his weakness with Regal talking for him is an excellent idea. Regal always had away with the microphone and to draw heat even from his time as commissioner Regal back in 2001, so this was definatelly a good idea on your behalf.

Summerslam promo ... get there asap please.

I think the closing promo was very good on your behalf BUT the thing I have a problem with is that it leaves a bit of a void for the end of Raw. A hole so to speak that isn't filled up. That being the main event matchup. The last matchup was the womens match, which shouldn't close a Raw show, and before that it was the 2 minute squash match with Christian which shuoldn't be the last match on a show either. I think you cuold have executted another match in there to be the main event, maybe Kane facing someone, maybe Batista in the match and than have SHawn come out afterwards, heck even Shawn in a match and have him grab the microphone when it is over and start speaking. Just feel that there wasn't a main event match which isn't a good thing usually.

Overall, an enjoyable read. You have some top notch stuff to go into the Summer with and this thread as a whole has a lot of potential as I have said before, but you have still some small nuts and bolts to work on that are loose a bit before this thread can be perfect. Keep it up though.
 
#146 ·
WWE Friday Night Smackdown Preview- 5/8/05- Detroit; Michigan

Friday Night Smackdown comes to you from Detroit, Michigan as the road to Summerslam draws ever closer and tonight the WWE Champion has a score to settle.

For a long time now, WWE Champion John Cena has had to deal with Kurt Angle’s claims that he’s afraid of the Wrestling Machine, that he fears facing him inside the ring. Well last week Cena did just that as he teamed with Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio to face Angle and the WWE Tag Team Champions MNM with the end result seeing Angle get one over on the champion, delivering a brutal Angle Slam from behind, allowing Joey Mercury to pick up the win over Cena. This Friday night John Cena WILL call out Kurt Angle and it’s thought the champ has a thing or two to get off his chest to the Olympic Gold Medalist.

Also this Friday for the first time since May, The Undertaker will return to action on the blue brand as he takes on the Masterpiece, Chris Masters. The Deadman returned at The Great American Bash to cost long time rival Randy Orton the WWE Championship and it was confirmed last week that Taker and Orton will square off once again at Summerslam. Will the Legend Killer have anything lined up for the Phenom on his return to Smackdown? Or will it all be plain sailing as the Deadman prepares for Summerslam?

One of Michigan’s own has had it rough of late. Rob Van Dam along with partner Rey Mysterio have been screwed out of the Tag Team Titles on more than one occasion, the most recent at The Great American Bash. An investigation by Teddy Long and the Board of Directors has been ongoing as to who screwed Van Dam and Mysterio back at the Bash, we hope to find out this Friday if there have been any developments.

The past few months have seen JBL’s career take a downward spiral, losing his WWE title at Wrestlemania and failing to recapture the gold on numerous occasions since then. Last week Layfield defeated Booker T however and went on to promise that this week he will make a big impact. What exactly does the self proclaimed ‘Wrestling God’ have up his sleeve?

And finally last week saw the official birth of Gregory Helms with the new Cruiserweight Champion ditching his superhero colours and adopting his new persona. Helms alliance with Chavo Guerrero has shocked everybody including the former champion Paul London. Helms will be in action this Friday night as he looks to prove exactly why he’s ranked number one in the Cruiserweight division right now.


Confirmed for this Friday Night:

John Cena will call out Kurt Angle!

The Undertaker vs. Chris Masters

Plus;

Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms will be in action
!​


Big thanks to JamJam and The Bad Guy for your Raw comments, appreciate it a lot. Raw is still open for feedback but expect Smackdown up either Sunday or Monday.
 
#147 ·
Hey cp, I'm going on holiday so I doubt I'll be able to read Smackdown before I go so I'll give you some feedback on Raw :)

Before I start I gotta say that I love what is happening on Raw with Bischoff, and I see this whole storyline ending in a huge Traditional Survivor Series Match, which would be awesome!

Good tag team match to advance the angles between Edge/Jericho and Jindrak/Show, and Edge gets a huge amount of momentum going into Summerslam which is good. I like that you didn't have Edge and Jericho too involved with each other, and Edge not wanting any of Y2J is understandable. Regal getting involved and the dirty finish irked me a little bit because it means that Big Show still isn't done with these two. It seems that Jindrak has fully gone over Big Show now and there isn't anything left for him to prove against Show. But I understand that there isn't much else for him to do at the moment with everyone else busy. I thought that he was going to be involved with Bischoff a little more as that would give him a good rub being involved in that storyline.

The Kane interview was good, and it showcases that he can talk. He was very firm and definite in everything he said which was good and you're setting this match with Batista up very well; I know I said that you maybe announced it a little too early before but it has been built up slowly and well. Also shows that Kane doesn't need Bischoff to do everything for him.

RIGHT now is the part that I think I was looking forward to the most in this show. Eugene is a good guy for Kennedy to debut against as he can toy around with him and look like a total dick which is what you did. The way he was talking through the match made me laugh a little bit. I'm surprised you used the Mic Check, as that started being his finisher in 07/08 I think and he was using the Green Bay Plunge when he first debuted in 2005. But the obvious move with him winning his first match was right and I look forward to seeing him next week. I don't think he'll be involved in any storylines until maybe after Summerslam because the Raw side is just about full at the moment.

I can't wait until when Shawn finally gets revenge on Bischoff - I will mark out.

This situation with WGTT is intriguing and it really leaves everything up in the air for what will happen. I have a feeling Haas will be involved at Summerslam but I don't know at which capacity though. Benjamin seems genuine about wanting to go for the Tag Titles afterwards but I don't think Haas believes him. A good couple of interviews and you write these two very well.

I really thought that Arab America were going to win the titles there. You've showcased these top four teams on Raw very well and each of them had a chance of being champions in this series of matches; really establishing the Dudleyz and building them up so whatever teams relieves them of the gold it will make it seem huge in the end. (Going for PTP to take the titles off of them) The 8-man brawl though was foreseeable and then the announcement of the 8-Man Tag was a curveball because I think everyone would have thought it was going to be a 4-Way Tag. I see one of the teams imploding in that match; most likely the heels.

Really good here from Christian; I think he is the best thing you have on Raw and the person you write the best. This programme with Flair is getting even more personal very very quickly. Arn Anderson accepting the challenge was no surprise as he would have wanted to get revenge for what happened before to him from Christian. Christian getting the easy win was needed; anything else wouldn't have been good for Summerlam. Tomko getting put in the Figure Four gets Flair some momentum back and this one is going to be a slobberknocker, King!

"Hi Willy!" :lmao Regal's reaction was priceless too. Regal saying what I said earlier that Jindrak has nothing left to prove, but I guess that you want to keep this going until Summerslam to let them move onto new things after that.

I apologize for not even knowing who the Women's Champion is in your thread but a good match to read and Lita winning was easily the right move against the inexperienced Ashley.

I loved this closing segment, as it leaves everything up in the air going into Summerslam. Out of all of the matches so far, this is the hardest one to call, as Michaels is a tweener and he can easily go either way. The psychological warfare between HBK and Tista is great to see, and that SCM on Kane... I'm sure Bischoff's punishment next week for Shawn won't be nice but I can't wait for it. The only problem I felt, like Bad Guy, is that it didn't feel like the end of the show, and maybe another match to cap it off would have been nice, but all of your major stars had been in action or at least featured so I get that you had no options left for a match to end the show.

Overall a really good show but the ending, although a great segment, didn't really close the show. If Michaels HAD laid out BOTH Kane and Batista it would have been a bit better because we have the one man primarily standing tall. I also think that there wasn't enough Eric Bischoff!!!! But a really great show and Summerslam is going to be huge! Keep on truckin' mate (Y)
 
#148 ·
a little unfamiliar with how things are going over on SmackDown so forgive me with being uneducated with your feuds and storyline :eek: It will come with time.

John Cena calling out Angle should be good, I expect it to end in some sort of brawl which needs to be broken up, adding more flames to their raging feud. Wouldn't be surprised if you had Angle get the upperhand, cause it's pretty clear they are going to face it off at Summerslam and Cena isn't loosing the gold, not in 2005 after just getting it (unless MITB cash in happens), so normally I would assume Angle- the heel to get the momentum going up until the PPV so he doesn't get jobbed out too much to Cena.

I really like Masters and to see him in such a highprofile match on SmackDown no less, against the Undertaker is a huge push. He was pretty new in 2005 and even to step into the ring with the Undertaker and holding his own with him is something he can boast about in promos for weeks to come, I wouldn't be surprised either if you had Masters get the win over Taker on Smackdown. Taker doesn't need the win, Orton can come in and cost him the win adding further heat to their feud and it can elevate Masters up in the card, so it's a win-win situation (Y)

I never really liked Van Dam and Mysterio tagging, I would be all for you to have them go against one another and feud, doesn't have to mean one of them goes heel they can still be both faces like when Eddie faced Rey at Wrestlemania before Eddie turned heel, but you should put a huge emphasis on Van Dam cause he is a hometown boy if I am not mistaken.

Make Helms into something please and I'll be a happy man.

Looks good.
 
#149 ·
Just wanted to drop a few comments regarding SmackDown. Show looks pretty solid, with Cena calling out Angle a must see momment. You've certainly done well building this up to what seems like will be a great title match at SummerSlam. I'd be thinking that Cena would get the upper hand after what happened last week, but I'm sure Angle will look strong regardless.

Undertaker/Masters should be good, and while I of course expect 'The Deadman' to get the win, a competitive display from Masters would do him a world of good. As for the rest, I'm intrigued with where you take Van Dam and Mysterio, and of course you know I'm a sucker for a good Gregory Helms push, so let's see how he continues to develop here.

Looks like a good 'un, I'll probably hit you up with a review at some point. (Y)
 
#150 · (Edited)

WWE Friday Night Smackdown- 5/8/05- Detroit; Michigan​

Opening video and Pyro hits as we get all set for the show with the camera panning around this sold out arena here in Detroit.

Michael Cole: Welcome ladies and gentleman to Friday Night Smackdown! I’m Michael Cole, joined as ever by Tazz and we are now less than three weeks away from the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam!!

Tazz: Ah Cole I cannot wait for tonight and I cannot wait for Summerslam! Washington D.C best be ready baby cos the Smackdown superstars are ready to strut their stuff come August 21st.

Michael Cole: And tonight, The Undertaker returns to action here on Smackdown for the first time since May!! The Deadman takes on the Masterpiece, Chris Masters, knowing that come Summerslam he will get a chance at retribution on the Legend Killer, Randy Orton.

Tazz: Huge match later on tonight Cole. Big opportunity for Chris Masters and I can’t wait to see the Deadman again on Smackdown baby.

‘My Time is Now’​

And we are kicking this one off with the WWE Champ himself as John Cena makes his way out to a strong pop. The Champion doesn’t look to be best pleased though as he makes his way down, trademark outfit in tandem.

Michael Cole: Well there is never a better way to start Friday Night Smackdown than with your WWE Champion and Tazz, The Great American Bash proved to be a great night for John Cena, however last week didn’t work out quite so well for Cena.

Tazz: Absolutely not Cole. Cena looked all set to pick up the win for him and his team, Joey Mercury looked down and out only for Kurt Angle to just…just appear from outta nowhere and deliver an emphatic Angle Slam, an emphatic statement from the Wrestlin’ Machine last week.

Michael Cole: Yeah but Tazz, Kurt Angle has claimed time and again that John Cena is afraid of him, that John Cena won’t face him one on one, man to man, face to face and yet what happens last week? It’s Kurt Angle who attacks Cena from behind, who doesn’t go face to face with John Cena.

Tazz: Mind games Cole. Kurt Angle’s simply getting inside the head of John Cena and we’re about to find out whether that’s the case or not.

Cena takes a mic as a small but growing ‘Cena, Cena’ chant begins and the champion looks set to speak.

John Cena: Kurt Angle…

Boos from the crowd with a few cheers thrown in from the smarks in the crowd.

John Cena: Kurt Angle is a man who has claimed ever since I won the WWE Championship that I’m…that I’m afraid of him. He’s claimed that I’m scared to take him on, to put this championship on the line in this middle of this ring against him.

Cena nods as the crowd continue to boo, one fan shouting ‘You are’

John Cena: Now everybody who knows me knows that I’m not afraid. I am not afraid of any challenge, of any obstacle thrown in my way, I am not afraid of anybody…period. Everybody knows that I never back down, that I will always, always give it everything I got anywhere, any time, against any…one. And Kurt Angle, just like everybody else, you fall right into that category.

Cena’s intensity is evident.

John Cena: But still some people, just a few but some people have been talkin’, some people have been whisperin’, murmurin’ that ‘Hey, John Cena, he IS afraid of Kurt Angle’. Yeah, yeah I’ve heard it goin’ around and y’know, it makes me laugh, really it does.

Cena takes a second.

John Cena: It makes me laugh because these people clearly, clearly don’t know just who John Cena really is. But to be honest with you I am SICK AND TIRED of having to talk about Kurt Angle. I am sick and tired of having to deal with Angle runnin' his mouth, dishin' out false claims, dishin' out false accusations. So if y’all here in Detroit would excuse me, I’m just about done talking, I came out here tonight to let these…do the talking.

Cena holds out his fists to the camera which zooms in as a loud pop greets that.

John Cena: So Kurt, I ain’t waitin’ a second longer for you to get your ass out here, come on down to this ring and we do this just the way you wanna do this. Face to face, man to man in the middle of this ring. I'm right here Jack, so whadda ya say... ‘champ’?

Cena holds his arms out as if to say ‘I’m here, ready and waiting’ as the crowd waits in anticipation.

Still nothing…


‘Medal’​

The anticipation comes to a halt as here comes the Wrestling Machine, Kurt Angle with a wry smirk etched across his face. Angle is dressed to compete, a vest top on however as he walks with a purpose down to the ring.

Michael Cole: Well the smile on Kurt Angle’s face may just tell the whole story folks. Kurt has gotten inside the head of John Cena and you can clearly tell by just how intense Cena is here tonight that he’s hell bent on getting his hands on the Olympic Gold Medalist.

Tazz: Oh absolutely Cole. Angle’s mind games appear to be workin’ and that’s all he coulda hoped for. If it ends in him getting that WWE Championship shot that he wants then it’s a job well done for Kurt Angle.

Angle grabs a mic from ringside and wanders around the ring a little, waiting for his music to die down, still wearing that wry little smile as Cena stares a hole through him.

Kurt Angle: I’ve been sitting in the back listening to every word you’ve just had to say Cena and I’m just…I’m just not buyin’ it. You can stand there all you want and put on this whole tough guy persona, this whole never back down, never quit kinda crap and y’know what? You may have some of these morons fooled, but me? Cena you don’t fool me. You don’t fool me at all.

Angle stares intently at Cena here, both men with deathly glares on each other’s faces.

Kurt Angle: You come out here and you claim to take on any challenge, take on any obstacle thrown in your way and yet here we are, August 5th, just a little over four months to the day since you won that WWE Championship and in all those four months I’ve been pleading my case to get a look in at you, get a look in at that title but…but has that actually happened?

Angle sblacks a little to himself.

Kurt Angle: Has it? No, no it hasn’t and y’know why that is Cena? It’s because you ARE afraid of me. Oh yeah, you’re afraid of me, you’re afraid of just what I’m capable of and you’re afraid that I will be the one to take that WWE title away from you.

Strong boos here for the Wrestling Machine.

John Cena: I had a feeling you’d come out here and ramble on and on just like ya always do. Kurt, facts are I haven’t once ran away from you, I haven’t backed away from you at all. I won this thing back at Wrestlmeania, I gave JBL the rematch he was entitled to, as much as I don’t like the guy, he had the right to a rematch and then oh yeah, incase ya forgot this one genius, you uhhh, you had a shot at this back at the Bash and lemme ask ya, how’d that go? Oh, oh wait… you didn’t get the job done.

Pop as Cena looks deadly serious despite his sarcastic approach.

Kurt Angle: Oh…oh yeah bring that up why don’t ya? Bring up the fact that I got a shot, I got a shot at that title with two other JOKES getting a shot as well! I got my shot in a match where I didn’t have to be beaten to lose and what do ya know? I didn’t get beaten at the Bash, I didn’t lose that match up, yet…yet did I walk out as the WWE Champion? No. No I didn’t and it’s because once again Cena, you took the easy way out, you took the coward’s way out.

Cena shakes his head in disagreement, the crowd giving Angle some more heat.

Kurt Angle: I am the absolute best in this business inside this ring. I know it, these people know it and you DAMN SURE KNOW IT!!

Angle gets in Cena’s face here as the tension builds.

Kurt Angle: Until you face me Cena, until you beat me, you will always and believe me when i say this, you will always... be seen as the coward that i know you are.

Cena has a stern look upon his face now, still right up against Angle.

John Cena: Like I said earlier Kurt, I didn’t come out here tonight to talk, I came out here tonight… to fight.

BIG pop there for Cena as Angle backs off a little bit.

John Cena: You wanna face me so bad? You wanna see how much of a man i really am? Lets do this, right here, right NOW!!

The crowd are riled up here as Cena whips his shirt off and tosses it into the fans but Angle…Angle LEAVES THE RING!! Angle leaves the ring to a ton of heat, mic still in hand as he smirks.

Kurt Angle: You just don’t get it do ya Cena? Me and you could go at it right here, right now but what would that get me huh? Would that get me a shot at the WWE Title? No, no it wouldn’t and until I get that, until those words come outta your mouth then I’m gonna do exactly what you’re doin’ Cena, I’m gonna back down and I’m gonna shy away.

More big time heat for Angle.

Kurt Angle: You want me in that ring, then you better give me what I want. You better give me what I DESERVE!!

Angle roars with aggression as Cena leans on the ropes, Angle backing up the ramp.

John Cena: Kurt, no more games. You want it, you got it. Time for talk is over, you and me, Summerslam, the WWE Championship.

Nice pop greets that as Angle starts to nod his head in agreement clearly.

Kurt Angle: Cena, I thought you'd never ask, you just sealed your own fate. YOU’RE ON!!

Another huge pop greets that as Angle starts beaming while Cena smiles broadly also, inviting Angle in the ring, holding the ropes open but Angle keeps backing up the ramp, clearly pleased with getting his wish as Cena's music begins to play, the two exchanging words with Angle saying 'Brave call Cena' as the stage is now set for Summerslam.

Michael Cole: Wow!! Folks we are all set for Summerslam!! John Cena will defend the WWE Championship against Kurt Angle. A match both men have been waiting for, a match we’ve all been waiting for Tazz and it’s gonna happen, Washington D.C, August 21st, does it get any bigger?

Tazz: Not at all Cole. A HUGE match up right there and I damn sure can’t wait to see these two tear into one another come Summerslam, gonna be off the charts. Can you feel the intensity?!

We fade away with Cena and Angle still smirking at one another, clearly thrilled that this thing is gonna be settled come Summerslam.

Commercials​

We return to Friday Night Smackdown and already standing inside the ring is Brian Kendrick who bounds up and down on the spot, ready for his opponent.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown, off to a blockbuster start already with the WWE Championship match now confirmed for Summerslam, John Cena one on one with Kurt Angle. But lets get back to the action here tonight, as you can see Brian Kendrick waiting to find out just who he’ll face here tonight.

‘Listen, It’s Time’​

And it’s some unfamiliar theme music as we await whose arrival this is and it’s…The Cruiserweight Champion himself, the new, born again, Gregory Helms who struts out on stage, title belt wrapped around his waist in all new black attire, jacket on, along with a beanie like hat wearing a cocky smile also. We then see Chavo Guerrero appear from behind, applauding his partner if you could call him that in Helms.

Michael Cole: And that man will be none other than the man who has made shockwaves around here ever since The Great American Bash. Gregory Helms was competing for the Cruiserweight Championship against Paul London as The Hurricane, only to shock all our fans, all of us watching when he’d use a steel chair, go against everything he said he wouldn’t do and gave in to Chavo Guerrero’s pleas, gave in to temptation and became Gregory Helms.

Tazz: It was just like you said Cole, shocking but the explanation Helms gave last week made a whole lotta sense. People took him as a joke, people didn’t see Hurricane as a threat, they didn’t know just what this dude was capable of. Chavo Guerrero knew, he knew exactly what he’s capable of and at the Bash he proved it, that Cruiserweight Championship around his waist proves it.

Match One: Singles Match

Gregory Helms w/Chavo Guerrero vs. Brian Kendrick

Kendrick starts this one off pretty quickly, taking the Cruiserweight Champion by surprise as Kendrick pounces on Helms, clobbering away with right after right, forcing him back before following up an Irish Whip with a beautiful precise dropkick, Kendrick quickly into the cover, kick out at two from Helms.

Kendrick’s quickly back on Helms, bringing him to his feet and looking to pick up where he left off, delivering some strong right hands before another Irish whip, this time tossing Helms towards the turnbuckle as Kendrick charges but he’s caught with a nasty elbow to the skull from Helms! Kendrick bounces out of the corner with Helms coming at him from behind and grabbing his head, it appears for a headlock but OH! Helms with an inverted headlock backbreaker!! Beautiful stuff from Helms as Kendrick tumbles to the mat. Cover by the champion, 1...2...kick out by Kendrick!

Helms is now in full control and continues to work over the lower back of Kendrick, keeping the high flyer down with several vicious kicks to the back as well as the kidneys with Kendrick looking in clear discomfort as Helms taunts the crowd, getting him some real heat here. Helms then drops a sinister elbow right to that lower back region as Kendrick immediately clutches his back, struggling to get back up here, Helms picking him apart.

The man formerly known as The Hurricane continues his dominance, bringing Kendrick to his feet before striking with a forearm, followed by another as Kendrick’s wedged into the corner, Helms now with an Irish Whip but Kendrick reverses and Helms flies into the turnbuckle, Kendrick charges but Helms puts up a boot! Kendrick is caught and stumbles away from the corner as Helms spins him round and drops him with a swinging neck breaker! Kendrick is floored once again as Helms dives into a cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Kendrick just about survives with Helms mouthing ‘What the hell?’ to the referee.

Helms looks to be a little frustrated as we see Chavo encouraging his partner/associate, whatever you wanna call this alliance and Helms quickly moves on as he heads over to the top rope, surprising move by the champion here. Helms positions himself on the top rope as Kendrick begins to come around, Helms then spreads his arms out wide as the crowd boo the cocky Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick begins to find his feet as he turns around we see Helms fly, cross body!! Kendrick rolls through though, cover by Kendrick!! 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!! NO!! Helms right in the nick of time gets a shoulder out, the crowd believing it to be other as Kendrick almost steals it.

Both men are quickly back up, Helms a little taken aback by that as he charges at Kendrick but Kendrick ducks it, both men spin round and Kendrick takes Helms down with a clothesline, Helms is quickly back up but Kendrick drops him again with a clothesline. Kendrick begins to feel the tide turning as he scoops Helms to his feet, what’s Spanky got in mind? Kendrick hoists Helms up high, beautiful vertical suplex!! Helms is floored as Kendrick crawls into another cover, 1...2...kick out at two and a half by Helms!! Kendrick giving it all he’s got here as Chavo Guerrero breathes a sigh of relief.

Kendrick brings himself up again, wiping the hair from his face as he now decides it’s time to fly. Kendrick heads towards the top rope with Helms floored as Kendrick looks around the crowd who give him all the encouragement in the world as Kendrick goes high!! Elbow drop off the top!! NOBODY HOME!! Helms rolls out of harm’s way with Kendrick taking a hefty fall. Both men are down but Helms begins to rise to his feet, slowly using the ropes for leverage, Kendrick is fighting to get to his feet also, though holding his elbow after that nasty fall, Kendrick is to his knees now BUT HELMS FROM BEHIND, SHINING WIZARD!! HELMS TAKES KENDRICK’S HEAD OFF FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! Cover by Helms, 1...2...3...game over.


Winner: Gregory Helms(6:15)

Michael Cole: I hate to admit it but that was a very impressive display from the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms. Brian Kendrick gave it all he had but Helms just too strong here tonight.

Tazz: Impressive for sure Cole. Paul London’s got a whole lotta work to do if he wants to take that title back from Gregory Helms and when you’ve got Chavo Guerrero in your corner too? Makes it all the more difficult.

Helms backs up the ramp, title in hand as Chavo raises his hand high and Helms yells out ‘Gregory Helms, my time to shine’.

We then cut backstage where we join Teddy Long who is in his office, looking at something curiously, perhaps a television screen as we the camera then shifts up and we see Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio enter the room, the duo greeted with a big pop from the Detroit faithful with Van Dam being Michigan’s own. Long looks pleased to see the pair, Van Dam still looking angry whilst Mysterio looks more intrigued, both men dressed in casual gear
.

Teddy Long: Rob, Rey, good to see ya playas, what can I do for you? Good to be home huh Rob?

Van Dam simply rolls his eyes, clearly not in the mood.

Rob Van Dam: As much as I love being home, tonight I’m just not feelin’ it Teddy. We could be anywhere in the world tonight, doesn’t matter unless you’re gonna give me and Rey the answers we’re lookin’ for dude.

A few boos there for Van Dam’s lack of affection so to speak for his own people.

Rey Mysterio: Teddy what Rob’s tryin’ to say is we just wanted to know if there’s any updates on the investigation. It’s been nearly two weeks now and we’re getting pretty frustrated havin’ to wait around like this esse’.

Rob Van Dam: No, no what Rey means to say is, there BETTER be an update on this whole investigation and no we’re not ‘pretty frustrated‘, we’re REALLY frustrated dude. I think I speak on both mine and Rey’s behalf when I say that this had better be over with soon Teddy or else we’re gonna have to take matters into our own hands.

Slight pop for Van Dam’s intensity here.

Teddy Long: Look I understand your upset playas but I’m doin’ my best here a’ight? I along with several of the Board of Directors are looking into what went down at the Bash, we’re looking at all the security tapes, inside the arena, outside the arena, you name it.

Van Dam nods his head, as does Mysterio.

Rey Mysterio: And can you tell us anything?

Teddy Long: I can’t give ya anything concrete Rey but what I can show you, is this…

Long then directs both men towards a television screen where the camera pans to and we see a still image of someone in the exact same outfit as the masked assailant at the Bash, however we see them without that mask but it’s a shot from behind, however the evidence points to this NOT being Melina after all as we see this person from behind putting a mask on and appearing to be a male.

Teddy Long: This was taken several minutes into your match with MNM at the Bash and look, I don’t know how to say this but it ain’t lookin’ good for you two, ya understand? I mean, tell me if I’m not seein’ things straight but that don’t look to me like it’s Melina?

Rob Van Dam: It has to be Melina Teddy. It just…it…for god sakes, I mean it can’t be anyone but her!!

Van Dam appears to be in a state of disbelief here, struggling to understand what’s going on, Rey perplexed also.

Rey Mysterio: Look Rob, the evidence is there man. It wasn’t her, it wasn’t them. But what we gotta do is we gott-

Rob Van Dam: NO!! No, Rey we are not gonna do anything you say. It was Melina who did this to us, it was her and you know it just as well as I do Rey. You know it.

Teddy Long: Listen Rob, you know how much I respect you but I gotta go along with Rey on this one. I mea-

Rob Van Dam: Teddy, you know how much I respect you too but why don’t you do me a favour and start doin’ your job around here?

Oooooooh.

Rob Van Dam: Melina screwed us at the Bash. MNM screwed us at the Bash. Nobody else did this, it was all their dirty work. You better believe that I’m not stopping until I get to the bottom of this whole thing. Help me do this Teddy, help me do this Rey.

Mysterio and Long look at each other almost shrugging their shoulders.

Rey Mysterio: Look Rob it’s just not gonn-

Rob Van Dam: Y’know what Rey? Forget it, I might accept that crap from him but from you? From one of my closest friends around this joint? No, no I didn’t expect that at all. I WILL get to the bottom of this and I will do it alone.

Van Dam then storms out as Mysterio and Long share that same look with one another that they did moments ago and we head off.

Commercials​

We return and immediately head back to ringside to hear…

‘Do What I Want’​

It’s the music of the former United States Champion as Orlando Jordan makes his way out to a tiny, oh so tiny amount of heat, ready for action.

Michael Cole: Orlando Jordan suffered a huge setback at The Great American Bash, losing the United States title to Matt Hardy but the downward spiral continued last week as Jordan invoked his rematch, taking on Hardy for the gold only to once again come up short.

Tazz: Desperately disappointing for Orlando Jordan but tonight’s a chance for him to put that right, a chance for him to get some momentum back, I sure hope he can take it.

‘Hell will be callin’ your Name’​

There’s a nice pop that meets the music of the undefeated powerhouse that is Bobby Lashley who steps out, looking as fired up as ever, eyes dead set on Jordan who can’t believe his luck.

Tazz: Oh baby!!

Michael Cole: Well I don’t think this was quite who Orlando Jordan hoped to be taking on to as you put it Tazz, try and get some momentum back. The undefeated, unstoppable dominator that is Bobby Lashley and I don’t think we’ve really seen anyone push Lashley to the max just yet here on Friday nights.

Tazz: Chris Masters gave Lashley his toughest test last week and even the Masterpiece couldn’t come up wit’ the goods. It’s gonna take something special to beat this kid I’m telling ya.

Match Two: Singles Match

Bobby Lashley vs. Orlando Jordan

Jordan starts off very cagey, not wanting to lock up with his intimidating opponent as Lashley gives him a wry smile. Lashley begins heading Jordan’s way but OJ simply circles the ring, doing as much as possible to avoid Lashley’s charge but he can’t succeed as Lashley finally strikes, getting his hands on Jordan and the new fan favourite begins to strike with some big right hands.

Jordan is backed up into the corner and Lashley scores with a huge shoulder to the gut, followed by another and another as Jordan’s face tells the story with Lashley’s power evident for all to see, Jordan having no answer.

Lashley looks around the crowd who cheer this dominant force before whipping Jordan across the ring at real pace, Lashley follows right behind, charging and delivering another devastating running shoulder right into the gut of Jordan who slumps outta the corner, clutching his stomach in real agony here but he’s no time to recover as Lashley immediately scoops him up again. Lashley looks to get Jordan up, appearing to be in a Suplex position but Jordan somehow scrambles down the back of Lashley, trying desperately to escape as Lashley turns around RIGHT INTO A THUMB TO THE EYE!! Clever strategy from Jordan as the Real Deal is blinded momentarily. Jordan takes a second or two to have a breather before jumping back on Lashley and delivering a clubbing shot from behind, striking Lashley down.

Jordan now keeps up the pressure, stiff kicks to the back of Lashley, doing all he can to make sure the Dominator remains floored as he rolls Lashley over onto his back now and begins to stomp away on the chest of Lashley, kick after kick, not letting up before the referee finally gets OJ to stop the assault with OJ complying and backing off his dangerous opponent.

Jordan now brings Lashley to his feet, perhaps a little more confident now and he begins to strike with some stiff shots, looking to pick apart Lashley. The powerhouse looks a little dazed as OJ opts to run the ropes, flying clothesline!!! BUT LASHLEY CAUGHT HIM!! Lashley catches OJ with authority and drops Jordan with a thunderous Belly to Belly suplex!! Jordan is wiped out as Lashley drops to the mat, catching his breath in the process.

Lashley then rises again and begins pandering to the crowd who sense that the end may indeed be near. Lashley heads over to the corner as Jordan slowly, very gingerly makes his way upright again, Lashley is poised, he’s stalking the former U.S. Champion. Jordan is up, he turns around, SPEAR!! SPEAR BY LASHLEY!! NO!! JORDAN DODGES IT!! Lashley spins back round, BLACK MAGIC FROM JORDAN!!! NO!! LASHLEY SHOVES JORDAN AWAY!! Jordan runs right back at him but Lashley catches him and hoists him up high, Jordan’s in trouble here! DOMINATOR TIME!! CONNECTS!! Lashley takes Jordan down, into the cover, 1...2...3...he got him!!


Winner: Bobby Lashley(5:11)

Michael Cole: Once again, sheer dominance from Bobby Lashley!! Orlando Jordan is a former United States Champion folks, he’s no slouch and Lashley just tore him apart.

Tazz: I don’t think I’ve seen a dude this impressive in all my time doin’ this Cole. Lashley has got it all, the physique, the speed, the athleticism, the power, you name, it, this kid’s got it and I stand by what I said earlier man, it’s gonna take something speci- HEY!!

BAM!! Lashley is floored by…by….JBL!! JBL HAS BLINDSIDED THE REAL DEAL!!

Michael Cole: JBL!! What the-?! What is JBL thinking?!

Tazz: Cole is this…is this the impact, is the statement JBL promised us he’d make?

Michael Cole: I think you’d better believe it is! JBL has just ambushed Bobby Lashley. JBL promised us all he would start a comeback, start a rise to once again reach the top here on Smackdown and he promised it’d start this week and it appears as though Bobby Lashley is his target!!

Layfield then clobbers Lashley with big boots to the head, showing no remorse as he dissects the rookie. Layfield then brings Lashley to his feet, the Real Deal looking a little worse for wear here as BRADSHAW KICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE NUTS!!

Michael Cole: Oh come on!! What is this about?!?

Tazz: It’s about makin’ a statement Cole. Statement well and truly made.

JBL then runs the ropes before SMASHING Lashley with a vicious Clothesline from hell, taking Lashley’s head off!!

Tazz: Wow. I said it’d take something special to beat this kid Cole, I may’ve forgot to add, it might also take someone smart and there ain’t nobody, not on Smackdown, not on Raw, not anywhere in the wrestling world smarter than John Bradshaw Layfield.

Michael Cole: You call it smart but Tazz I gotta question, just how smart is it? Just how clever is angering this monster? JBL has made a MASSIVE statement here tonight but will it ultimately lead to his downfall?

We get a shot of JBL standing tall over the Dominator, raising a fist high to the crowd who boo the shit out of the Wall Street Warrior as Bradshaw lets out that sly, twisted grin of his.

We then head off into a video package…

We’re shown a fairly modern building as the camera slowly rises and we see ’The Grand Hotel’ at the front of this building, clearly a fancy, expensive hotel as we see several pretty flashy looking gentleman walking in and out, all suited and booted. We then cut to the car park of this hotel and again see several flashy individuals, some incredibly beautiful women all making their way around. A car then pulls into the car park, a very impressive looking, top of the range, Lamborghini, roaring like a lion in distress. The car pulls up, just one man inside of it as he hops up just outside the hotel. We then see two black men, also wearing suits appear into shot, one is relatively small and wearing something that looks like a bandana, the other is significantly taller having long, braided hair. The gentleman inside the vehicle then steps out…

Driver: Park her up for me would ya…Da…Ke…damn it I forgot your names, I’m sorry.

This guy tosses his keys to the larger black man, sporting the braided hair
.

?: I’m Shawn and this is Jonathan, now don’t you worry yourself over that, it would be our pleasure to park your car sir.

Both Shawn and Jonathan wave to the individual as he departs, saying ‘Thank you’.


Shawn: Shawn and Jonathan, is this dude for real?

The two men have a laugh and a joke before hopping in the car, Shawn starting the engine
.

Shawn: Yo, yo, yo, you hearing this thing purrrrrrrrrr baby? You hearin’ this?

Jonathan: I am hearing all dat and more my brother, lets get this thing goin, cccchhhhyeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

The two begin to speed off, a look of excitement in their eyes.


Shawn: Yo, all you peeps watchin’ this at home right now, allow us to introduce ourselves to ya. First thing’s first, my name DAMN SURE ain’t Shawn and the two of us wouldn’t be caught dead workin’ in a place like that, you think they employ black guys? Pssssh. My name is Shad Gaspard.

Jonathan: And lemme, lemme ask y’all a question, do I…do I look like a Jonathan? You gotta be kiddin’ me. My name is JTG and me and my boy here Shad, people on the streets have given us a little nickname. Why don’t you go ‘head and fill these people in?

Shad has a look of concentration in his eyes as he doesn’t respond.

JTG: Yo, Shad it’s yo’ turn to speak……WOAH!! And you ain’t good at this drivin’ thing man. You tryin’ to get us killed?!?

Shad swerves, narrowly avoiding another car
.

Shad: A’ight, a’ight, a brother ain’t used to speed like this, we don’t get no damn Lamborghini’s in Brooklyn now do we?

JTG nods his head in agreement.


Shad: People on the streets like to label us as ‘Cryme Tyme’. But we…we ain’t criminals are we J? I mean, it ain’t our faults people hand us things, right? I mean, that dude at the hotel just gave us the keys. We ain’t steal nuttin’.

JTG: We ain’t steal nuttin’ man.

Shock, horror in the distance we begin to see flashing lights as you guessed it, the cops come calling.

Shad: Ah, help a brother out baby. Not again.

JTG: Y’all gonn’ let me do the talkin’ this time a’ight?

Shad nods as they pull over and the officer steps out to question them.

Officer: Afternoon gentleman. Fancy lookin’ car ya got here. You mind showin’ me your license?

Shad: Absolutely not sir, I’d be more than willing to give yo…

JTG: I thought I was doin’ the talkin’ man?

Shad: Excuse me just one second officer, I believe it’s in the trunk.

Shad steps out of the vehicle
.

Officer: Why would your lice…WOAHHHHHH!!

All of a sudden Shad grabs the officer and takes him over before stuffing him in the trunk!! Shad then races back to the vehicle and steps inside
.

Shad: He just fell in, I couldn’t stop ‘im.

Shad holds his hands up, pleading his innocence..


JTG: I hate it when that happens.

Shad: Me too man. Where we headed?

JTG: Hey, the one place they ain’t gonn’ find us is home. Brooklyn it is.

Shad: Brooklyn here we come but for all of y’all watchin’ at home, tonight may be Brooklyn, but soon? Soon we gonn’ be headed your way, soon we gonn’ be headed to Smackdown…

JTG: And Friday nights best be ready cos like we said, although we ain’t steal nuttin’, nine times outta ten? Cryme Tyme still gets… what they want.

We then hear the officer yell ‘Get me outta here’ as Shad and JTG laugh and we head off before seeing…

‘Cryme Tyme: Coming Soon to Smackdown!’​

We return back ringside to hear…

‘Oh Yeahhhhh’

‘Live for the Moment’​

And it’s a very strong pop that greets the music of the United States Champion, Matt Hardy! Hardy bursts onto the stage, full of energy lifting his title high as he gets ready for action.

Michael Cole: Well when we come back folks, it’ll be this man, the United States Champion, Matt Hardy in one on one action, don’t go anywhere!!

Commercials​

We return as Hardy is pacing up and down the ring, his music still in the background before dying down as we then hear…

‘Man Beast’​

A few oooohs as Hardy knows who’s headed his way. We then see him emerge from the back as Rhyno comes down, a determined, focused look on his face as he faces the U.S. Champ here.

Michael Cole: Well after failing to settle their differences at the Bash as Carlito came out victorious, Booker T and this man, Rhyno have picked up where they left off. Rhyno cost Booker T his match up last week with JBL and I don’t think these issues between Rhyno and Booker are gonna go away until they finally get their hands on each other, one on one inside this ring.

Tazz: I gotta agree wit ya Cole. Booker and Rhyno have a real history together, the two of ’em have been friends for a long time and this thing ain’t gonna end until they settle it the only way they know how and that’s to get it on inside that ring.

Match Three: Singles Match

Matt Hardy vs. Rhyno

Hardy and Rhyno both looked pumped up as the bell rings, staring a hole through one another before Hardy starts to circle, Rhyno doing likewise and we get these two locking up in the centre of the ring with it eventually ending in deadlock, neither man quite able to come out on top and it’s back to square one.

The two men lock up again and this time it’s Rhyno who gains the upper hand, striking Hardy with a knee to the gut forcing the U.S. Champ to clutch down and hold his mid section as Rhyno now strikes with right hands, forcing Hardy into the ropes, Irish whip now by Rhyno and Hardy rebounds, knocking Rhyno down with a clothesline!!

Hardy again clutches his mid section, clearly that knee making some impact before bringing Rhyno to his feet as Hardy tosses the Man Beast into the corner and now relentlessly plugs away with some kicks of his own to the mid section, working over the former ECW Champion who is stuck in no man’s land at the moment.

Hardy now with an Irish whip out of the corner towards the opposite and Rhyno connects hard as Hardy now lines up a charge of his own but Rhyno sees it coming and throws an elbow up, knocking Hardy aback. Hardy stumbles away before spinning round and he’s met with a kick to the gut again as Rhyno whips Hardy across the ring, Hardy rebounds and he’s caught with a spine buster!! Big time impact from Rhyno!!

Rhyno lets out a roar of adrenaline before heading over to the corner, he’s gonna try and end this one early as Hardy slowly rises, not quite knowing where he is, he gets to his knees, Rhyno urging, begging Hardy to get up and Hardy slowly does so before turning round, GORE!! GORE FROM RHYNO!! NO, HARDY WITH A KICK TO THE MID SECTION, TWIST OF FATE!! NO!! Rhyno shoves Hardy away into the ropes but Hardy responds with a flying clothesline knocking the Man Beast down!!

Hardy lets out a cry to the crowd but as he does so he’s clubbed from behind by CARLITO!! THE APPLE SPITTER FROM OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES HARDY DOWN!! BUT HERE COMES BOOKER T RIGHT ON HIS TAIL!! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!!? Booker charges the ring almost immediately after Carlito made his presence felt and begins to trade blows with his recent rival, the former WCW Champion coming out the stronger as he takes it to Lito, Irish Whip by Booker, back body drop by Booker!! Booker turns around and he’s met by RHYNO!! RHYNO AND BOOKER NOW, THE TWO BITTER ENEMIES BEGIN TO COLLIDE!!


Winner: No Contest(3:20)

Michael Cole: Booker T, Carlito causing chaos here in Detroit!! Booker T and Rhyno, these two bitter rivals all over one another!! Carlito wanting to send a message, send a message to the United States Champion!!

Tazz: Think of the history here Cole. I mean Booker, Rhyno and Carlito were all up against each other just back at the Bash and we got Hardy thrown into this thing now!!

The brawls continue with Booker and Rhyno continuing to hammer away while Hardy and Carlito are now up and they’re smashing the holy hell out of one another and it’s Hardy who appears to be coming out on top, forcing their respective opponents here back as they pummel away with right hands as HARDY SENDS CARLITO OVER THE TOP!! Lito is floored and it’s met with a big pop from the crowd as RHYNO IS SENT PACKING BY BOOKER!! Both Rhyno and Carlito are sent to the outside, these two men not exactly fond of one another either as they exchange words with their rivals and then right on cue as he oh so often tends to do…

‘MacMilitant’​

It’s the music of Smackdown’s General Manager Teddy Long that hits and out he steps, set to make the announcement we all know is coming.

Teddy Long: Hold on just a second there playas…

Lito looks back at Long before shouting ‘Ju out here to suspend him? Ju see what he did to Carlito?’

Teddy Long: Now I signed a match here tonight for all these fans in Detroit and that match was Matt Hardy one on one with Rhyno. But Booker, Carlito, seems to me like you two didn’t want it to go down that way did ya?

Booker mouths ‘Naw’

Teddy Long: So what we’re going to do is this. Carlito, Rhyno, I know you two have had your differences but you’re going to step back inside that ring and you’re going to be teaming up to take on the duo of Matt Hardy and Booker T!!

Nice pop greets that all too predictable statement as Carlito flaps his arms around in anger, Rhyno still looking his usual tough guy self as Booker and Hardy look pumped up.

Michael Cole: Wow! Huge match made by Teddy Long!! Hardy and Booker versus Carlito and Rhyno!!

Tazz: This is what Teddy Long’s all about Cole. Big time tag team match and it looks like we’re getting this thing started right about now.

Indeed we are as Rhyno is already in the ring, wanting to go, Carlito a little bit more hesitant as he walks around the ring to his corner before slowly perching himself on the apron, happily allowing Rhyno to take centre stage here.

Match Three/Four(You be the judge): Tag Team Match

Matt Hardy and Booker T vs. Carlito and Rhyno

It’s the two rivals who go toe to toe starting this one off as Booker T pleads with Matt Hardy to start this one out against the Man Beast and Hardy obliges as Booker and Rhyno charge right at one another and it’s Booker who lands the first blow, it’s an all out fist fight from the off between these two with Booker showing real passion, real intensity in taking it to his former friend.

Booker takes control of this thing as he overpowers Rhyno, forcing him back before delivering a kick to the gut and then striking with a beautiful super kick esque strike that takes Rhyno down, early cover by Booker, 1...2...kick out at two from the Man Beast as Booker immediately hops up, clearly pumped up and ready for this thing.

Booker quickly pulls Rhyno up, nailing a forearm as he looks to keep on top of his rival. Booker now with an Irish Whip and Rhyno rebounds off the ropes and Booker takes him down with a back elbow!! Big time impact from Booker who now runs the ropes himself and drops a knee right to the head of Rhyno, precise stuff from Booker! Into another cover, 1...2...Carlito breaks the count!! The crowd shits all over the Apple Spitter as he saves his recent rival but prevents another, the referee forcing him back to his corner with Lito pleading his innocence.

Both Rhyno and Booker are down now with a race on as to who reaches their feet first, both men holding their heads, Booker’s eyes bulging out of his, confused at what went down, Rhyno now crawling towards his corner. Booker uses the ropes to bring himself up, taking a moment to regain his composure as Rhyno is within an arm’s length of Lito now and he reaches him!! Carlito skips in through the ropes and is on Booker T like a rash, left hand after left hand, clubbing the back of Booker as Lito now begins to stomp away at the knees of Booker, trying to ground the former WCW Champion as we get a shot of a fired up Matt Hardy watching on.

Booker is now to his knees as Lito runs the ropes before SMASHING Booker with a low angle dropkick!! Beautiful move by Lito who rolls Booker into a cover, 1...2...shoulder up by Booker, met with a nice pop from the Detroit faithful. Carlito snarls at the referee before once again going back at Booker, picking him upright, clobbering him with another left hand before a knee to the gut, followed by another as Lito relentlessly takes it to Booker here. Irish Whip now by Lito as Booker smashes into the corner, Lito taking a run up as he charges and nails Booker with a big time clothesline! Booker stumbles out of the corner as Lito nails another kick to the mid section before scooping Booker up high, suplex time from Carlito but Booker rolls out the back of it!! Booker rolls out, Lito spins around and he’s caught with a HUGE spinning heel kick!! Carlito is down but Booker doesn’t quite have enough to make the cover just yet, he crawls slowly over and he puts the arm across now, 1...2...3...NO!! Carlito with a shoulder up!

The crowd groans as Carlito survives that big time move from Booker T who appears to be in need of a breather now and he begins to head over to Matt Hardy, the U.S. Champ stretching out an arm, desperately wanting in on Carlito here. Booker is inching ever closer but Carlito sticks out an arm and holds on to the leg of Booker, not allowing Booker room to manoeuvre. Booker tries to wriggle out as Carlito clings on and pulls Booker back a little bit but Booker shows real strength as he kicks Carlito away and MAKES THE TAG, HERE COMES HARDY!!

Hardy bursts onto the scene right as Carlito gets up and he’s met with a flurry of fists from the champion!! Hardy coming in strong here as Lito has no answer, Irish whip from Hardy as he runs the opposite ropes and takes Lito down with a flying clothesline!! Hardy laying it all on the line as Lito gets to his feet, kick to the mid section, Northern Lights suplex! Wow, huge move here from Hardy as he heads over towards the top rope, Carlito completely sprawled out here as Hardy roars to the crowd, they sense what’s coming. BUT OH RHYNO SHOVES HARDY OFF THE TOP DOWN TO THE MAT!! Big time heat for the Man Beast…but here comes Booker T!!

Booker charges round the ring and tugs Rhyno off the apron as these two go at each other’s throats again with Rhyno the aggressor this time, clearly wanting some payback on Booker’s earlier dominance as he forces Booker back before taking him down with a thunderous shoulder tackle into the steel ring post!! Booker thuds to the floor as inside the ring Carlito is beginning to stir, Hardy likewise. The crowd are rallying Hardy whilst meanwhile, Rhyno is on the outside contemplating his next move before he suddenly just tosses his hands at Booker in a dismissive manner and he just…he just walks out?? Why has Rhyno just left his rival like that?

Back inside the ring and Carlito is to his feet, Hardy all but there as Lito charges at him but Hardy catches him with a right hand as Carly is sent spiralling, Lito spins right back around into the waiting Hardy WHO DELIVERS BIG TIME WITH THE SIDE EFFECT!! The end is near for Carlito as Hardy wearily fires the crowd up, Twist of Fate incoming as he heads to Lito’s lifeless body, drags him up, kick to the mid section, Twist of Fate time!! NO!! Carlito pushes Hardy away and into the ropes, Carlito with a roll up from behind!! 1...CARLITO’S GOT THE TIGHTS!! 2...3...CARLITO STEALS IT!! CARLITO STEALS IT WITH THE TIGHTS!!


Winners: Carlito and Rhyno(7:51)

Michael Cole: Damn it!! How many times?! How many times over the past few months has Carlito stolen his way to victory?!

Tazz: I can’t keep count Cole but you gotta hand it to him, this kid is picking up victory after victory by any mean’s necessary and he didn’t just beat anybody right there, he beat the United States Champion.

Hardy looks pissed as he asks the referee what happened, that’s how quickly it went from Hardy being in control to Carlito pulling one out of the bag as we then cut to the ramp to see Lito smirking as he backs up the ramp before he motions that he wants that United States title belt Hardy holds. Booker T is still down on the outside, clutching his lower back having taken that shoulder into the ringpost before Rhyno departed, looking worse for wear here before we get another shot of a cocky, confident Carlito at the top of the stage.

We then cut away backstage and we see JBL, suited and booted again, white cowboy hat now on after being absent during his beat down of Bobby Lashley earlier in the night. We then see Josh Matthews appear quickly into the picture
.

Josh Matthews: JBL! JBL, just wanted to get a quick word on what transpired between you and Bobby Lashley earlier on tonight. Could you give us an explanation as to why you targeted Bobby Lashley?

JBL begins smiling.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You never learn do ya kid? You want me to slap the taste out your mouth again just like I did last week? Do ya?

Josh Matthews: N-n-no.

Matthews looks a little worried here after suffering a slap last week from Layfield.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well then why don’t you start treatin’ me with some respect? Why don’t you stop interrogatin’ me week after week?

Josh Matthews: Y-yes, yes sir.

JBL stares a hole through an intimidated Matthews.

John Bradshaw Layfield: That’s more like it. So you want my reasons huh? You wanna know just why I, why I targeted Bobby Lashley? Well I woulda thought that it was real easy for you to understand. I promised last week, I vowed that I would make an impact, that I would send a statement to the Smackdown locker room.

Bradshaw begins beaming again now.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And what do ya know? I did exactly that. What better way is there to make an impact than what I did out there tonight? To take a six foot four inch, two hundred seventy plus pound FREAK OF NATURE, a guy who has yet to be defeated, a guy who has…he’s yet to break a sweat Josh!! To take him and physically dominate him, take him and wipe the FLOOR with him!

Big heat for Layfield now.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I’ll tell ya, no, no there isn’t. There is no better way to make an impact than what you witnessed out there tonight. The boys in the back are on notice, the rise to the top of the mountain has once again kickstarted and it is only a matter of time. It is only…a matter…of time before JBL, before a true American Hero, before the one and only, WRESTLINGGGGGGGGG GODDDDDDDDDDDDD…once again becomes the W…W…E Champion.

Massive heat here for a fired up Bradshaw who now looks directly into the camera.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Bobby Lashley, you might be strong, you might be fast, heck, you might even be good but you are not, I repeat, you are NOT…on my level, you are not in my league. I’ve been at the bottom before but I worked, I clawed my way right to the very top and Lashley, you’re simply gonna be a notch on my belt kid, all you’re gonna be is a bump in the road as I drive all the way back up…to where I belong.

Bradshaw then scowls at Matthews once more before leaving the arena with more boos being aimed his way from the Detroit faithful.

We then head off elsewhere where we once again see Detroit’s own Rob Van Dam. Van Dam is met again with a big time pop as we see he’s on the phone, clearly listening to what this person is saying to him as he nods his head.

Rob Van Dam: Dude that’s just not gonna work. No, no it ain’t happenin’.

Van Dam shakes his head as we have no idea just who he’s talking to or what about.

Rob Van Dam: Look they’ve got away with it for the last time, I know it was them, I just know it was them and Teddy? He knows it too. Did you see the tape?

Van Dam waits for a response.

Rob Van Dam: Yeah look I don’t know how or who they got to do it but it was them. I don’t- I just don’t buy that Teddy Long has seen ALL the tapes, that he’s seen ALL the evidence.

Van Dam looks puzzled now.

Rob Van Dam: I’m not saying Teddy Long’s in on it, no, I’m just saying that those three might be, those three have to be getting somebody to do their dirty work. It’s not as clear cut as Teddy Long makes out that’s for sure.

Van Dam bites his bottom lip before sighing as he has his head in his hands a little bit.

Rob Van Dam: Alright man, alright, I’ll let you know if I get anywhere with all this. Catch ya later dude.

Van Dam then hangs up before huffing and heading off. The camera then heads away from Van Dam and around the corner where we see…MELINA lurking, looking mischievous as she too then heads off rather hurriedly.

Commercials​

We return to Smackdown and we’re all set for more action as we hear…

‘Muy Loco’​

It’s the music of the crazy, high flying trio of the Mexicools who come out on their Juan Deere’s as ever and are greeted with a decent pop.

Michael Cole: Ever since stepping foot here on Friday nights The Mexicools have been out to cause chaos and last week Tazz, it was no different. The Pitbulls came down ringside to assist their associate Chris Masters in his match with Bobby Lashley, only for the Mexicools to come on down and even the odds, fending off Kid Kash and Jamie Noble.

Tazz: These three guys clearly ain’t settled the score yet wit’ Kid Kash and Jamie Noble and this next match is gonna be off the chain, believe me on that one, Super Crazy and Psicosis can go, Kash and Noble can go. These four in the same ring? Potential to blow your socks off Cole.

‘A Country Boy Can Survive’​

It’s then a fair few amount of boos as down come the snarling duo of Jamie Noble and Kid Kash, better known as The Pitbulls, set to take on their rivals here tonight.

Michael Cole: Well here comes those two men and you can see just by the look on their faces that both Kash and Noble are in no mood for the Mexicools antics here tonight.

Tazz: Not at all Cole. Real chance for these two teams tonight as well, I mean MNM don’t have any challengers right now, a win for one of these two teams and they’re gonna be right in contention for the Tag titles.

Match Four: Tag Team Match

The Mexicools vs. The Pitbulls

Jamie Noble begins the match for the Pitbulls with Super Crazy taking charge for his team, the two men going to lock up in the centre of the ring but it’s Noble who strikes with a quick kick to the mid section, catching Crazy a little off guard with Noble now assuming control. The former Cruiserweight champion strikes with right hands, knocking Crazy back before an Irish Whip into the corner as Crazy slams into it with authority, slumping to the mat as Noble keeps up the offense, catching Crazy with some stiff kicks to the chest as Crazy lay in no man’s land early on.

Noble then draws Crazy up and strikes with several forearms to the skull before yet another Irish whip towards the opposite corner and Noble comes charging right behind but Crazy uses the ropes to hoist himself up and over the incoming Noble with the Pitbull going shoulder first into the ring post!! Noble writhes in pain as Crazy now has a chance to gain control. Noble falls out of the corner and spins around right into Crazy’s path, kick to the mid section and a nice snap suplex from Crazy!! Into the cover, 1...2...kick out at two from Noble.

Crazy’s quick to his feet and drags Noble over towards his corner, tagging in Psicosis and the other half of the Mexicools tonight hops on over the ropes and lands right across Noble’s chest with a sweet leg drop!! Cover by Psicosis, 1...2...kick out at two once again from Jamie Noble. Psicosis is quickly up and drags Noble up also, whipping him in towards the corner as Psicosis comes charging but Noble scoops him up and over!! Psicosis lands on his feet on the apron though, great athleticism from the Mexican as Noble spins around and swings a right hand but Psicosis catches it and nails Noble with a right hand of his own! Noble is sent spiralling as Psicosis heads up top and Psicosis flies BUT NOBLE CATCHES HIM WITH A DROPKICK IN MID AIR!! WOW!!

Noble floors Psicosis as he drops to the mat also, both men down, Noble certainly the more aware however as he slowly, very slowly begins to wander over towards Kid Kash. Kash extends an arm and Noble slowly reaches out, tagging in his partner as Kash hops through the ropes, eyeing up and down Psicosis, thinking up his first move and it’s an emphatic kick to the ribs, Psicosis bent over as Kash now unloads with some vicious kicks to the ribs, Psicosis crying out in pain as he drops to the mat and Kash now begins to drop some elbows, again targeting the ribs of the high flier.

Kash brings Psicosis to his feet now and scores with a right hand before a kick to the gut as Psicosis is doubled over and Kash runs the ropes, clothesline! NO! Psicosis ducks under it and Kash spins around right into a leap from Psicosis who takes Kash down with a hurricanrana!! Beautiful from Psicosis who keeps Kash down for a cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Kash just about survives this thing as Psicosis nearly steals it.

Both men are fairly quick to their feet as Kash swings a right but again Psicosis ducks it and spins Kash round, spinning heel kick by Psicosis, Kash catches his boot, swings him away but it’s a 360 spin from Psicosis and he catches Kash right in the face!! Psicosis strolls over to his corner as Crazy is desperate to get in on this, tag is made and Crazy goes up top!! Crazy riles up the fans as he heads up high, what’s he got in mind here? MOONSAULT FROM SUPER CRAZY!! NOBODY HOME!!!

Crazy crashes into the mat as Kash has the wherewithal to see it coming and both men are now down, Kash crawling delicately towards his corner, desperate to tag in Jamie Noble to this contest. Kash is inching, ever closer now as Crazy begins to show life but it’s too late as Kash makes the tag, Noble enters and he immediately brings Crazy up, nailing a kick to the gut before a hard hitting shot across the back, Noble runs the ropes and goes for a massive kick to the head but Crazy dodges it!! Noble misses, he turns around, back suplex by Crazy!! Noble lands on his feet, rolls Crazy up from behind, 1.…2.…shoulder up by Crazy!!

This wild contest continues just about as both men are quick to their feet and Noble strikes first but there’s retaliation from Crazy as a fist fight ensues and it’s Crazy who’s coming out the victor right now, Noble losing out to a flurry of rights but BAM!! KID KASH FROM BEHIND TAKES CRAZY DOWN!! BUT HERE COMES PSICOSIS!! Psicosis takes it to Kash now and tosses him through the ropes, Psicosis takes a step back before running the ropes, what the hell is he doing here?! PLANCHA OVER THE TOP TO KASH!! Psicosis taking both himself and Kid Kash down here in incredible high risk fashion as inside the ring, Noble gathers himself and he heads over to Crazy, kick to the mid section, Tiger Driver!! NO!! Crazy counters, kick now to Noble’s mid section as he looks for a sunset flip but Noble catches him, great strength by Noble!! TIGER DRIVER CONNECTS!! Cover by Noble, 1...2...3, he got him!!


Winners: The Pitbulls(8:13)

Michael Cole: Noble gets him!! Huge win for the Pitbulls!!

Tazz: Wow, that is one hell of a victory for Jamie Noble and Kid Kash right there, the Mexicools, they-they can’t believe it!!

They can’t as we see Juvi Guerrera cutting a frustrated figure at ringside having seen his men defeated here tonight. We then see the Pitbulls backing up the ramp celebrating as Kash motions that the Tag Team titles may well be next on their agenda. We get another shot of the Mexicools as Psicosis joins Crazy in the ring, helping him up and patting him on the back before they deliver a glaring look up at the Pitbulls, clearly this one isn’t over in their minds.

Michael Cole: Well folks, lets take you over to the newest member of our Smackdown broadcast team, Kristal Marshall!!

We then head over to the lovely Kristal who is waiting in the backstage area, mic in hand to speak to us.

Kristal Marshall: Hi guys!! Kristal here and for my very first interview here on Friday Night Smackdown, it doesn’t get any bigger. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the WWE Champion, John Cena!!

Cena appears, smiling at the over exuberant Kristal, tipping his cap to her. Cena is greeted as ever with a nice reception from the crowd.

Kristal Marshall: John earlier tonight we saw you exchange strong words with Kurt Angle, resulting in you challenging Kurt to face you at Summerslam for the WWE Championship. Now the match is official, just how confident are you that you can beat the Wrestling Machine?

John Cena: Kristal I’m gonna give you a free pass on that one seein’ as it’s your first night on the job. I’m extremely confident that I can beat Kurt Angle at Summerslam, extremely confident. Now I know Kurt’s got it all inside the ring, he didn’t win an Olympic Gold Medal for nothing, the dude’s talented. But Kristal I think people forget this sometimes…so am I.

Nice pop again, a few boos thrown in though as he almost compares himself to Angle.

John Cena: I’m talented too, if I wasn’t then I wouldn’t be standing here holding the WWE title. Now that? That is what gives me all the confidence in the world. As long as I hold this, then I’m on top, I’m the guy to beat and Kurt keeps bringing up this little theory of his, he keeps saying that I until I face him, until I beat him then I’m not a true champion, I’m not a real champion. Well Kristal I say this, until Kurt faces me and until Kurt beats me, then he’s not what he claims to be, he’s not the very best, he’s not the true champion here in the WWE, I am.

It’s pretty strong stuff from Cena here, a determined focus is clear for all to see.

John Cena: So yeah, I am confident and I got every reason to be. Kurt’s claimin’ I’m afraid of facin’ him, that I’m runnin’ scared of his challenge. Well at Summerslam we’re gonna find out who’s really sca-

BAM!! KURT ANGLE FROM BEHIND!! KURT ANGLE CLUBS CENA FROM BEHIND!! Angle begins to hammer away at Cena, repeated right hands to the temple of the champion who has no response. Angle then brings Cena to his feet before smashing Cena’s head off of a wall backstage!! Cena goes tumbling as Angle looks incredibly intense here. Angle again brings Cena to his feet, nailing another right hand before tossing Cena into that wall again!! Cena tumbling into the wall with HUGE impact to his back, the loud thud heard all around the arena as Cena falls to his stomach, face down and Angle gets in his face, breathing heavily as the crowd boos the number one contender. Angle then mouths, ‘Scared? We all know who’s scared Cena’. The Wrestling Machine then smirks but only briefly as he then exit’s the scene as we see Cena laid out cold, his championship spread on the floor next to him.

Commercials​

We return and head into a video package..

Narrator: The biggest party of the summer.

The Summerslam logo appears across the screen as the Summerslam theme plays in the background.

Narrator: High pressure, high stakes.

We see a shot of Batista raising the World title high before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels.

Narrator: Who can overcome these obstacles?

We see Kurt Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on Randy Orton.

We then see Kane chokeslamming Chris Jericho.

Narrator: Who can stand tall?

We see John Cena FU’ing JBL.

Narrator: Who can rise to the occasion?

We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas celebrating.

Narrator: Who can handle… the heat?

We see a smirking Christian before an angered Ric Flair.

Batista: At Summerslam.

Flashing shot of the Animal landing a Batistabomb.

Edge: At Summerslam.

A brief shot of Edge delivering a Spear.

Randy Orton: At Summerslam.

The Legend Killer delivering an RKO is shown.

Ric Flair: At SUMMERSLAM! WOOO!

Flair locking in the Figure Four is then shown briefly.

Kurt Angle: At Summerslam.

We then see Angle locking in the Ankle lock, wrenching the hold in.

John Cena: At Summerslam.

It’s Cena’s turn then as we see the WWE champion deliver a thunderous FU.

Christian: The heat…is on.

A shot of a desert like scene is then shown as the Summerslam logo then appears again before…

Narrator: Summerslam: Can you handle the heat?​


We return back ringside from that video package to hear…

‘MasterPiece’​

And there’s a flutter of boos, no more, no less as we get set for our main event with the Masterpiece himself, Chris Masters making his way down ringside.

Michael Cole: Huge opportunity awaits this young man here tonight Tazz. Chris Masters has endured mixed fortunes since coming to Friday Night Smackdown, being continually toyed with at the hands of the Mexicools but ultimately coming out on top, delivering a very strong display in victory at The Great American Bash and now here tonight a victory could really propel the Masterpiece.

Tazz: Victory here tonight would be the biggest in this kid’s young career. Masters has all the tools to become a big player here on Friday nights and he could make that first step tonight.

Masters waits in the ring, all set to go, a little anxious perhaps as the crowd get on their feet in anticipation of…

'GONG’​

Huge pop already as the infamous gong strikes…

‘Graveyard Symphony’​

Before the oh so familiar eerie feeling overcomes the crowd with The Undertaker making his way from behind the curtain to a crazy pop.

Michael Cole: For the first time since May, the cornerstone of the WWE, the Deadman, the Phenom, The Undertaker returns to action here on Friday Night Smackdown and Tazz we now know that The Undertaker will go one on one with Randy Orton at Summerslam in a mammoth showdown.

Tazz: Cole I’m pumped for this one, the Deadman back on Smackdown but I’m even more ready for Summerslam. The Undertaker, Randy Orton one on one, these two men have been at each other’s throats since back before Wrestlemania and at Summerslam they’ve each got a point to prove, it’s gonna be an absolute classic come Summerslam I’m telling ya.

Michael Cole: Indeed Randy Orton put the Deadman out of action at Judgment Day, the Phenom returning at The Great American Bash to dent the Legend Killer’s WWE Title hopes. At Summerslam The Undertaker will be fired up, he’ll be on top of his game and he will want payback. If I were Randy Orton I’d be a worried man come August 21st.

Match Five: Singles Match

The Undertaker vs. Chris Masters

Masters looks a little overwhelmed as the bell rings, understandably so as he stands a few feet away from the legendary Deadman. Taker has his game face on as the two men then lock up in the centre of the ring with Taker overpowering Masters and forcing him into the corner as the referee comes between them. He tells Taker to move back and he obliges before charging again at Masters but the arrogant youngster ducks his advances, turning the tables and beginning to unload on the Phenom, taking him by surprise perhaps.

Masters establishes control, firing away with right hands before beginning to stomp at the mid section of Taker, taking every opportunity he gets to dish out some punishment but suddenly Taker shows a burst of energy as he overpowers Masters, grabbing him by the throat and tossing him into the corner as Taker now begins to hammer away and the veteran doesn’t let up. Clubbing blow after clubbing blow keeps Masters in the corner as Taker heads away, the crowd right behind him before Taker charges and SMASHES Masters with a corner clothesline!!

Masters stumbles out of the corner but Taker grabs the right arm of Masters and the crowd know what time it is as an ‘OLD SCHOOOOOOOOL’ can be heard. Taker hops up on to the top of the turnbuckle, showing great agility as he tip toes along the top rope, BAM!! CRASHING DOWN ON MASTERS!!

Masters is down and the crowd pops big time, Michael Cole using his ‘Vintage Undertaker’ line as Taker now signals the end may be near, Chokeslam time already!! Masters steadies himself having risen to his feet, turning around right into a hand around the throat!! BUT MASTERS WITH A KICK TO THE GUT!! Taker’s grip is broken as Masters catches his breath before nailing Taker with another kick and he scoops the Phenom up before dropping him with a beautiful suplex! Great strength from the Masterpiece.

Masters now works over the Deadman for a couple of minutes, keeping Taker grounded as he works away with a variety of hard shots, hands and feet before locking in a tight looking sleeper hold as the Phenom’s face turns bright red, Masters really clenching it in as the fans rally around the returning legend. Taker’s arms flap around as he claws out, looking for an escape route as he fights to his knees, Masters just locking it in even harder as the referee lifts Taker’s hand up once….twice…three times BUT TAKER KEEPS IT UP HIGH!

Taker now fights, elbow to the mid section, followed by another as Masters grip loosens, the hold now broken!! Both men are now in a race to reach the other first and it’s Taker who strikes, big time right to Piece and again as Masters tries to fight back but Taker blocks it and continues his assault, Irish whip now from Taker but a reversal from masters, Taker rebounds and Masters swings for him, Taker ducks it, runs through and TAKES MASTERS DOWN WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE!! Classic Undertaker as he rises to his feet, Masters groggily doing the same and he turns around, Chokeslam time!! Masters goes up but he slides round the back of the Deadman!! MASTERLOCK!! MASTERLOCK TO THE UNDERTAKER!! But Taker fights the lock, Masters can’t quite get it in as Taker smashes him away with an elbow, Masters falls away and Taker sends him flying with a big boot!!

Masters is dazed as he gets to his feet and Taker catches him this time, Chokeslam….CONNECTS!! Taker delivers the slash across the throat now as the fans know exactly what time it is! Masters is out of it though, Taker waiting patiently as his opponent eventually begins to stir, Masters now to his knees, he uses the ropes to pull himself up as he spins around right into the waiting Deadman. Taker scoops him up high, Tombstone time!! NO!! Masters rolls down the back again pushing Taker into the ropes as Masters rolls him up from behind!! 1...2...3...NO!! TAKER KICKS OUT!! Masters almost pulls off a shock!!

Both men are quickly up and Masters charges but Taker scoops him up high once again!! THIS TIME HE CONNECTS!! TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!! 1...2...3...Goodnight Masterpiece.


Winner: The Undertaker(8:22)

Michael Cole: Back with a bang, The Undertaker returning to Smackdown with a vengeance! Statement made Tazz, The Undertaker sending a message to the Legend Killer.

Tazz: Hey props to Chris Masters Cole but that is why The Undertaker is regarded as the Phenom around this joint, hell of a performance from the Deadman and Randy Orton better be takin’ notes cos I don’t think this is all that Taker’s got lined up come Summerslam.

Michael Cole: Indeed you have gotta believe tha…

?: Taker!! Hey Taker up here!!

Cole is cut off as the camera shifts from focusing on the Deadman in the ring to go over to the titantron where we see Randy Orton appear for all to see. Orton cuts a fierce and determined look, a Legend Killer T-Shirt on as we only see his top half, the fans already booing at the sight of the former World Champion.

Randy Orton: Taker I know you just had a match but I feel as though this…this just couldn’t wait. Y’see I’ve been back here in the locker room all night long, waiting for your match to be over with so I could just give you a little bit of advice, a word of warning if you will.

Taker has a confused look on his face as we head back up to Orton.

Randy Orton: I’ve been thinking ever since last week about Summerslam, about just what’s gonna happen when me and you come face to face inside that ring on August 21st. But Deadman, that’s not all I’ve been thinking about, see I’ve been thinking about tonight, I’ve been thinking about next week and the week after that, all this build up towards Summerslam and y’know what I figured?

Taker is breathing heavily as we see Orton smiling now?

Randy Orton: I figured that these next few weeks you’re gonna try and make as straightforward as possible right? I mean you’re The Undertaker, the Deadman, the Phenom, it’s gonna be same old, same old from you isn’t it? I’m in that ring, those lights are gonna go out, your little lightening bolt’s gonna hit isn’t it, some kinda fire’s gonna burst from outta nowhere, just like it always does isn’t it?

Orton laughs to himself slightly.

Randy Orton: Well I decided that uhhhh…that is NOT…how this is gonna work Deadman. I’ve had enough of your mind games, I’m tired of all the crap you try and pull on me, try and pull on EVERYBODY! It’s not gonna work this time, it’s not gonna work because two can play those games Undertaker, I can play mind games just like you can.

Taker is leant on the ropes now and sblacks a little bit.

Randy Orton: When you’re trying to get inside my head, trying to get inside your opponents head, they have to be on their guard, they have to be ready, be prepared because at any moment…you could strike. At any moment those lights could go out so you have to be cautious, you have to be careful, you have to watch…your…back because well, when you’re around Deadman, anything…could happen.

GONG, what on earth? The lights go out and there’s a moments confusion before the lights return and RANDY ORTON IS IN THE RING!!! ORTON’S IN THE RING!! The crowd is abuzz as Taker turns around, RKO!! RKO TO THE UNDERTAKER!!

Michael Cole: Randy Orton!! Randy Orton with an RKO to The Undertaker!!

Tazz: Where the hell did Orton come from Cole, I thought he was backstage?!?

Michael Cole: Randy Orton sending a message, making a major statement here tonight! The mind games may have begun from The Undertaker but it appears that the Legend Killer has ideas of his own. Randy Orton has…he’s outwitted The Undertaker Tazz!

Tazz: I’m in shock Cole, Orton got him tonight, Randy Orton GOT The Undertaker. Let the games begin, wow.

Taker is laid out cold as Orton stands over him delivering a very deathly glare, not taking his eyes off the Phenom who lay motionless with Orton clearly ready for the challenge that awaits him before Orton seems to mouth the words ‘Watch…your…back.’

Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

WWE Championship:
John Cena(c) vs Kurt Angle

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair

Randy Orton vs The Undertaker

WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin

Money in the Bank Contract:
Edge vs Chris Jericho

8 Man Tag Team Match:
The Dudley Boyz and The Basham Brothers vs Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth; The Platform to Perfection and Sonjay Dutt and Daivari; The Arabian Entity
 
#151 ·
The opening segment here was wonderful, and I like that you had Cena show a more serious side; shown by the fact that he just jumped right to the point and didn't bother sucking up to the crowd and starting with "Kurt Angle..." Turns into a sort of standard intense Cena from here on out until Angle shows up, but Cena being up for a fight makes him a good champion. Obviously Angle comes out, and Kurt was wonderful here. He's been right the entire time, that Cena hasn't faced him one on one and I am so excited that you're going to set them loose at Summerslam. I have a sneaky suspicion that this could be the match that ends the show at Summerslam, a close call between this and Batista/Kane. Angle running out of the ring was a great move, and did make me chuckle a little bit how he wanted none of Cena right there. Great start to the show and certainly the main talking point already.

I'm liking the reinvention of Gregory Helms, and the alliance with Chavo adds a little something more to this new character. The match itself with Kendrick was brilliant and had me captivated, and I would like to see a lot more of these two in the ring, and this match would have not been hurt by having another three or four minutes added onto it. I'm sensing that Kendrick will still be involved with these two and it leads to the creation of the London and Kendrick tag team, and they can still be competitive in the Cruiserweight division though.

This was really strong stuff here, and I think in the next few weeks a different side to RVD is going to come out; which is brilliant. This was really good here showing the torn emotions from RVD, he is totally obsessed with the whole situation, and I can't wait to see how this whole thing affects his relationship with Rey. Good segment and I'm wondering who that guy was?

LASH! I know some people don't like Lashley but I'm a real big fan of his and I did enjoy watching him just tear through the entire Smackdown roster for months on end. His match with Masters last week was a tough challenge, and getting the win here over Jordan (Former US Champ) is another big step for him to climb up the card. The post-match attack from JBL was good, and it showed that Lashley is in fact human after all, and I wouldn't mind seeing these two mix it up at Summerslam in what will be a huge match for both guys. I know that if they do, Lashley will win, but I can't see what is next for JBL after Summerslam.

:lmao Probably one of the best vignettes ever! I like that Cryme Tyme are headed to Smackdown; the Raw tag team division is a little clustered at the moment. These two are going to be great for a feud with MNM for the titles which I can't wait to see.

Looked like Hardy was going to carry on his momentum and pick up another win against Rhyno, but Carlito and Booker's involvement at some stage was kind of predictable. HOLLA HOLLA! Vintage Teddy Long and a TAG TEAM MATCH PLAYA! Huge score for Carlito, and it was important that he picked up the win here, and it being over Hardy means that he now has that legitimate claim for the US Championship. I think Summerslam is the right stage for this match! Booker and Rhyno continue fighting, and I don't know how this one is going to end; but it seems like this feud has been going on for a while, and you might struggle to keep it fresh the longer it goes.

JBL wanting to get back into the WWE Championship picture is obvious but I think this programme with Lashley means that he is going the complete opposite way. Good interview though (Y)

So many things being left out in the open! A lot of questions emerged from that small RVD segment and I hope we get some answers soon.

A big win for the Pitbulls, and this feud may be close to being put to rest now, but with heel tag team champions, a Mexicools win might have made a little bit more sense. I'm always a fan of the lower card feuds and this one has been booked very well.

DAT KURT ANGLE! Brilliant way to add a lot more heat to this feud with Kurt attacking here and this is a big match and with the short space of time to build it this was a good way to advance it quickly; very good booking.

The whole ending to the show was good; albeit very predictable. Big exposure for Masters which is good, just having a match with Taker is a privilege. Good promo from Orton but I'm afraid I already knew that he was going to attack Taker from behind. Even so, it was a smart booking decision and it makes Orton look like a threat going into Summerslam, and I do think he will get the win there setting up for the rubber match at Survivor Series.

Another highly entertaining show, and you did great advancing everything here as well as creating new angles and routes to go down in most of your storylines. Your Summerslam is going to be big and highly anticipated, and I can't wait. Good jog, mate (Y)
 
#152 · (Edited)
JAM's Review​
Wow, what an open to the show this was! The commentary that Cole and Tazz provide is excellent here I might add. Cole should definitely just go back to his old self because he's definitely one of the better commentators WWE has. As for the segment, I loved it! Although Cena sounded a bit heel here because of his “Not afraid of anyone” mumbo jumbo, but you can definitely feel the intensity in Cena's voice here during the promo. The response by Angle was just as good as well. Not only can Angle go in that ring, but he can talk good so he's definitely a fun character to write for. Not really feeling that they'd make this match on their own, definitely feel that someone would've made it more official. But still, a great way to open the show!

I've always been a fan of both The Hurricane and Gregory Helms. The Hurricane was just awesome and back when people were guessing that Helms was Hurricane was pretty funny to me and I enjoyed it. But with him being Gregory Helms it gives him that extra dimension where not only is he a great competitor but now people can take him seriously. Aligning himself with Chavo is a great idea as both men could be a credible tag team. Gotta agree with TWG that we might be seeing the birth of the Hooliganz quite soon and I can't wait for that.

This segment with RVD, Rey, and Teddy was an interesting one. I don't know why RVD would be this upset though. I would've had him just go out there and perform well for another shot at the tag titles with Rey. But due to this segment, I can smell a heel turn for RVD which wouldn't be bad. Haven't exactly seen him as a heel in anyone's thread, looking forward to this one.

Lashley is definitely a physical specimen but I'm not his biggest fan. This was a huge statement made by JBL. After losing his title to Cena, I think this is the perfect way to use JBL, putting over the potential young main eventers on Smackdown. However, I do think JBL has on more reign in him before getting rid of him completely whether you use him as a commentator or a GM or whatever. But this feud will definitely be something to watch.

Love this video package of Cryme Tyme. They're definitely a good tag team, but please don't screw it up like WWE did. They're very talented and would be a nice addition to the tag team division. You got the powerhouse in Shad and the athletic one in JTG, awesome team with an awesome gimmick.

Maybe this feud has gone long enough but Carlito should definitely be the one coming out on top. I think Carlito has a great chance to main event but he belongs in the midcard right now. Good match between the four here but again, Carlito HAS to come out on top of this one. The midcard scene on Smackdown is quite good actually compared to the midcard in the WWE these days.

Good promo here by JBL. Definitely think he won't be near the WWE Title anywhere soon since he'll be used to put over some younger talent, and that's alright with me.

Another excellent promo here and I was just predicting that Kurt would ambush him from behind. Good booking here for sure as you add more to this already heated feud. Although maybe Cena could have fought back a little then have Kurt really do a number on him, but nonetheless, it was a good segment between the two. They've been on fire since the start of the night!

Wow, defintely a promo heavy show but this segment really takes it for me. I like how you have Orton playing the mind games here instead of 'Taker but we'll definitely see 'Taker get some revenge from that, probably even better than this segment. Not much to say about Masters, but he had a good showing against 'Taker. A really good ending to Smackdown, much better than RAW, I believe.

Overall, a really good show. I don't usually like promo heavy shows but this was just excellent. I definitely think that Cena vs. Angle should close out Summerslam since I know it'll be a spectacular event. You provided some good matches and delivered on the big events like Orton/'Taker and Cena/Angle. Kudos to you man, keep on truckin'.(Y)
 
#154 ·
WWE Monday Night Raw Preview- 8/5/05- New Haven, Connecticut

There are just TWO more editions of Monday Night Raw until the biggest party of the summer comes a calling, Summerslam!! Tonight the stars of Raw head to Connecticut with a HUGE main event in store!

Last week saw the return to Raw of Ric Flair as the Nature Boy came to the aid of his long time friend Arn Anderson. Double A was defeated by Christian and was set to be dealt a devastating post match ambush only for Flair to come down and even the odds, sending a message to Captain Charisma. Tonight he will look to do the exact same thing as he steps into the ring on Raw for potentially the last time where he will take on one of Christian’s long time friends, the current Money in the Bank holder, Edge. Edge has had issues of his own lately with Y2J Chris Jericho, including a backstage brawl that set Raw alight last week. Who will walk out of Connecticut the victor in this mammoth showdown? And what role if any will their respective rivals play in the outcome?

Also tonight we have learned that Eric Bischoff will publicly address Shawn Michaels following the Showstopper’s actions last week. The General Manager’s Personal Employee called out the World Champion last week as both men laid their feelings toward one another out on the table. As it looked like the two were set to come to blows, out came the number one contender Kane only for Michaels to shockingly deliver some Sweet Chin Music to the Big Red Machine. Eric Bischoff will certainly not have taken kindly to that and will kick off the show with punishment surely in mind. Will Michaels have to accept his fate? Will the champion and challenger play their parts in this ongoing saga?

Another big time match has been signed for this week as the entire Arabian Entity will team up to take on the World’s Greatest Tag Team and the World Tag Team Champions, The Dudley Boyz in eight man tag team action. This kind of match will no doubt help the Dudleyz as well as Sonjay Dutt and Daivari for what’s in store come Summerslam but what will this do for Muhammad Hassan and Shelton Benjamin as we draw ever closer to their Intercontinental title showdown? It’s certainly a chance for Benjamin but also for his partner Charlie Haas who will no doubt wanna impress Shelton and prove why they should be chasing the Dudleyz gold and not Hassan’s.

The Basham Brothers will also be in action as they taken on the Platform to Perfection. These two teams will be involved alongside the Dudleyz and the Entity at Summerslam with tonight being the perfect chance to make their mark. Who will make the most of this opportunity here in New Haven?

Plus, after an impressive debut last week Mr.Kennedy will once again look to prove why he is the ‘Game Changer’ of the WWE. Will Kennedy make his mark once more? Or is the arrogant Wisconsin resident simply a one hit wonder?

Find out all this and more LIVE on Monday Night Raw!!


Confirmed for tonight’s show:

Eric Bischoff will address Shawn Michaels;

Edge vs. Ric Flair

The Arabian Entity vs. The World’s Greatest Tag Team and The Dudley Boyz

The Basham Brothers vs. The Platform to Perfection

Plus;

Mr.Kennedy will be in action
!​


Massive thanks to TWG, JamJam and iMac for your Smackdown reviews, greatly appreciated. Show should be up end of the week or so.
 
#155 · (Edited)

WWE Monday Night Raw- 8/8/05- New Haven, Connecticut​

We kick off the show with a video package, highlighting two weeks ago when Shawn Michaels shockingly delivered some Sweet Chin Music to Batista. We then fast forward to last week and the hyped showdown between the Animal and the Special Guest Referee for his title defence against Kane, Shawn Michaels. We get a few lines from the promo and HBK’s reasoning for his SCM on the champion before Batista makes his way down and these two get set to go at it before BOOM, Kane makes his way down and the Big Red Machine goes to blows with Batista, HBK an onlooker as Kane looks set to do some damage but BANG! Michaels delivers Sweet Chin Music to Kane. The package ends with HBK telling Batista he was ‘this close’ and ‘I coulda Dave, I coulda’ with HBK and Tista staring down one another.

We then go to the opening video but no pyro this week as instead we get silence as we head into the arena before…

‘I’m Back’​

It’s rousing heat as Raw’s General Manager makes his way out, Eric Bischoff not looking to be in a very pleasant mood here this evening.

Jim Ross: Welcome ladies and gentleman to Monday Night Raw, Jim Ross joined as ever by Jonathan Coachman and we are kicking things off with the boss!!

The Coach: And he don’t look in too good a mood J.R but I don’t blame him. What Shawn Michaels did last week to Kane, what he didn’t do to Batista, he let down our General Manager last week J.R, he went against our General Manager and I damn sure hope Eric Bischoff makes him pay.

Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels stood up for himself last week and if that’s something to be punished for then that just isn’t right Coach, you and I both know it. Shawn Michaels shouldn’t have to be put in the positions he’s been put in and at Summerslam he needs to call it down the middle, NOT do Eric Bischoff’s dirty work.

The Coach: Woah, woah, woah cowboy, slow down there. Shawn Michaels is Eric Bischoff’s ‘Personal Employee’. He works specifically for that man there and if he goes against him, if he goes against his wishes then he loses his job, he loses everything. Eric Bischoff can click his fingers and Shawn Michaels had better come calling.

Bischoff now has a mic, scowling as the crowd continue to boo the mischievous GM here
.

Eric Bischoff: Alright let me cut to the chase here tonight because quite frankly I’m not in the mood. Last week Shawn Mich-

‘You Suck’, ‘You Suck’

Eric Bischoff: Last week Shawn Michaels came down to this ring with my permis-

‘You Suck’ chants continue and stop the GM in his tracks with Bischoff now looking seriously pissed off.

Eric Bischoff: You people…you people need to SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!! I can have each and every single one of you REMOVED FROM THIS ARENA!! Oh I can make it happen and there ain’t a DAMN THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!!

Huge heat for Bischoff here who calms himself down now.

Eric Bischoff: So where was I? Last week Shawn Michaels came down to this ring with my permission to confront Dave Batista. Now two weeks ago Shawn Michaels made his first real step towards the Eric Bischoff way, he made that step when he delivered some Sweet Chin Music to Batista.

Boos for that.

Eric Bischoff: When that happened I thought Shawn had taken that first step forward but last week when he came down to this ring to face up to Batista, he took two steps back. I held out hope, really I did. When Shawn had finished his little speech, Batista walked down that ramp and it looked like it was gonna happen, it looked like Shawn was gonna kick Batista’s teeth down his throat again.

Bischoff looks bitterly disappointed here.

Eric Bischoff: But then? Then Kane came down and I thought wow, this is about to get real interesting. Shawn Michaels, a man I despise, a man who has put me through sheer HELL the last few months was gonna join forces with this…this monster Kane. They were gonna dismantle another guy who has tried to take it to me, who has tried to bully his own boss, they were gonna dismantle Batista. Two on one, Batista was about to get his ass kicked all over Detroit, he wasn’t even gonna make it to Summerslam but uh, that, that didn’t happen did it?

Bischoff shakes his head in disappointment.

Eric Bischoff: No instead Kane and Batista go at it while Shawn just…he just stands there. Shawn just stands there, watching, not doing anything at all. I was sitting backstage watching and I was waiting, willing, urging Shawn on to do the right thing and then, then he finally makes his move, the move I’d been waiting for, the move we’d all been waiting for, he stands back, takes one step, Sweet Chin Music to…to…to Kane? To Kane?

Pop for that.

Eric Bischoff: That was NOT part of the plan. Shawn knew, he knew all too well that he was under NO circumstances to do anything to Kane, his only objective last week was to tell Dave Batista how it is and when all was said and done, kick his teeth down his throat... one more time. So congratulations Shawn, really, you went against my wishes, you went against my demands and you know as your boss, with you being my ‘Personal Employee’ and all, you're really startin' to push me now.

Bischoff now sblacks a little.

Eric Bischoff: So Shawn, how about you come on down to this ring and just like last week, we do the ‘right thing’?

Bischoff plays his hand very sarcastically before waiting for the arrival of the Showstopper.

Nothing…


‘I Walk Alone’​

It’s a surprised reaction that comes across the face of Eric Bischoff and it’s a surprising reaction from the crowd also which soon turns into a nice pop as the Animal, the World Champion, Batista heads down to the ring, suited and booted, title draped over his shoulder, an angry look on his face as he eyes up the GM.

Jim Ross: Well that is NOT Shawn Michaels, that is the World Heavyweight Champion Batista and Coach I don’t think either he or Eric Bischoff are gonna happy seeing each other here tonight.

The Coach: You’re damn right they’re not, I know Eric Bischoff was wanting Shawn Michaels but J.R, I think Batista wants the same thing too! HBK’s bitten off more than he can chew, he’s got the boss, he’s got the Animal and he’s got the Big Red Machine all on his tail, if I were Shawn Michaels I’d be a worried man right about now.

Batista takes a mic with Bischoff still scowling, looking unhappy with the arrival of the Animal on the scene.

Eric Bischoff: What the hell are you doing out here huh? I don’t need you down here, I don’t want you down here. I asked for Shawn Mi…

Batista: Hold on just a second there Eric. I know, I know, I’m not Shawn Michaels, I’m not who you wanted to see but for the very first time I actually want the same thing that you do and that’s why I’m down here.

Bischoff looks a little confused.

Batista: I want Shawn Michaels and I want him tonight.

Nice pop for that.

Eric Bischoff: You want Shawn Michaels, I want Shawn Michaels, hell I’m sure Kane probably wants Shawn Michaels too but I can’t just give everybody what they want. My priority around here is to make sure this show runs smoothly, to make sure this show runs the way I want it to run and while you have that World Title, that just ain’t gonna happen.

Batista laughs to himself as the crowd boos.

Eric Bischoff: I need that World Title on somebody who understands the Eric Bischoff way, somebody who doesn’t go against me, somebody who’s their own man and that is most definitely not you. At Summerslam I need you to lose that World title and I need Kane to win that World title.

More boos for the GM’s clear bias here.

Eric Bischoff: And as much as I can’t stand Shawn Michaels, as much crap as he’s put me through including last week, I know, I know that he can play a huge role in that dream becoming reality.

Batista: Look I get it, you don’t want me holding this championship. You don’t want me anywhere near this championship but Eric, you don’t quite get it do you? No matter what you throw in my way, no matter how much you try and keep me down, no matter how many times you try and take me out, fact of the matter is, I’m not goin’ anywhere.

Nice pop for the Animal here.

Batista: I’m not goin’ anywhere for a long, long time and I plan on makin’ sure the World Heavyweight Championship does the same. You can throw Kane at me, you can throw Shawn Michaels into things but it just doesn’t matter because when all’s said and done, I will walk into Summerslam the World Heavyweight Champion and I will walk out of Summerslam STILL the World…Heavyweight…Champion.

Batista gets in Bischoff’s face now.

Eric Bischoff: Tough talk Dave, really tough talk but like I said, at Summerslam Shawn Michaels could very well play a big, big role in you losing that title which is why I just…I just can’t allow, I can’t afford for you to get your hands on him here tonight, I can’t allow Kane to do so either. Shawn Michaels, hey he WILL be reprimanded here tonight but Dave, he’s still valuable to me, he’s still got a lot to offer me which is why you will be going nowhere near the Heartbreak Kid. Not tonight, not at all until we head to Washington D.C.

Batista grits his teeth here, looking pissed at the decision.

Batista: That’s the way you wanna play it huh? Well I guess there’s nothing I can do right?

Bischoff seems to mouth ‘Right’ as he smirks and Batista looks around the crowd.

Batista: Wrong. If I can’t get to Shawn Michaels here tonight, if I can’t get my hands on your own ‘Personal Employee’, then I’m gonna get my hands…on the employer.

Ohhhhh. Bischoff suddenly gulps as the crowd realises what he means by that.

Eric Bischoff: Dave, Dave look you don’t wanna do that. Really I mean, please, please, DAVE, NO!!

Bischoff begins shouting as Batista inches ever closer towards him…

‘BOOOOOOOM’​

‘Slow Chemical’​

But he immediately takes his eyes off of Bischoff as we hear the music of the Big Red Machine, the Number One Contender Kane as he steps out the curtain and down the ramp, Batista looks on inside the ring, waiting, stalking, poised for Kane to step into the ring. Batista mouths ‘Come on’, urging Kane in and the Devil’s Favourite Demon appears to be set to oblige.

The camera angle then shifts however and we see Eric Bischoff drop to his knees and LOW BLOWS BATISTA!!! BISCHOFF WITH A LOW BLOW!!

Jim Ross: WHAT THE HELL?!? What the hell is that for?! Eric Bischoff just low blowed the World Champion!! And now…and now Kane has easy pickings!!

The Coach: Ha ha!! J.R. this man is just a genius, plain and simple. Batista’s been warned!! Time and again, do NOT cross the boss.

Kane now steps in the ring as Bischoff can’t quite wipe the smile off his face, Kane neither as Kane scoops the Animal up to his feet. Kane nails him with a right hand, followed by another, Irish Whip by the monster as Batista rebounds, HAND AROUND THE THROAT, CHOKESLAM!! CHOKESLAM WITH AUTHORITY!! Batista is completely floored as the number one contender sends an emphatic statement to the World Champion.

Jim Ross: Kane just showing sheer dominance here tonight. An emphatic choke slam, straight to hell for the World Champion and the Big Red Machine along with that…that weasel Eric Bischoff have made their points here tonight.

The Coach: Hey who are you callin’ a weasel? Eric Bischoff is no weasel J.R, Eric Bischoff is a genius and Kane? Well Kane is just a freakin’ monster and come Summerslam he’s gonna be the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. Batista’s days are numbered!

We see Kane backing up the ramp with that twisted smile across his face, delighted with his work there as we see Batista begin to open his eyes, looking a little shocked at first before that shock turns to anger as looks ready to blow a gasket, sitting up and immediately laying eyes on the Big Red Machine before diverting his attentions to Eric Bischoff who wanders around the ring and up the ramp, waving sarcastically to the fallen champion.

Commercials​

We return from the break and immediately hear…

‘Arab America’​

It’s heat instantly as the familiar theme of the Arabian Entity hits and out steps their leader, the Intercontiental Champion Muhammad Hassan followed by the remaining three members, Sonjay Dutt, Daivari and the giant that is The Great Khali.

Jim Ross: Well two weeks ago Muhammad Hassan due to the consequences suffered one of the worst nights to date in his WWE career as he was once again defeated by Charlie Haas. Those consequences? He must now put that Intercontinental title on the line at Summerslam against Shelton Benjamin!

The Coach: I’m still not worried J.R. Hassan’s beaten Shelton on more than one occasion and when it matters most, Hassan will do it again. Sure Charlie Haas has beaten him, so what? Haas beat him in a non title match J.R. Let me reiterate Charlie Haas has beaten him, NOT Shelton Benjamin.

Jim Ross: We shall certainly find out as Summerslam rolls ever closer but tonight a big eight man tag team match up as the entire Entity come together in a bid to take down their rivals.

‘Yeah We’re Comin’ Down’​

It’s a pretty rousing response as out step the World Tag Team Champions, the Dudley Boyz, looking ready and raring to go here.

Jim Ross: Speaking of which! The Dudley Boyz have it all to do come Summerslam as they must team with the Basham Brothers to take on two of their opponents here tonight, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari as well as Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth in an eight man tag team contest, a contest they MUST win in order to determine their next challengers. The Dudleyz don’t win, they don’t score the winning pinfall and that fate goes to the winning team. Big time stakes come Summerslam.

The Coach: Big time stakes for sure J.R and it’s gonna be the night where the fall of the Dudleyz begins. Be it the Entity, be it the Platform to Perfection, hell even the Basham Brothers, one of em’s gonna win it at Summerslam and one of ‘em is gonna go on to become the next Tag Team Champions.

‘Heroes'​

It’s a very nice pop that greets the music of the World’s Greatest Tag Team as down come Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, both looking in pretty buoyant mood.

Jim Ross: Two men here Coach who are the very best of friends, however they’ve got different agendas right now.

The Coach: Absolutely and it’s gonna tear ‘em apart. Charlie Haas wants tag team glory, Shelton Benjamin only has eyes for the Intercontinental Championship, a championship that without Charlie Haas’ help, he wouldn’t even have a shot at winning. Benjamin’s selfish J.R and if I were Charlie Haas I’d be seriously regretting winning that match two weeks ago.

Jim Ross: Oh come on Coach, you can’t blame Shelton Benjamin for wanting the Intercontinental title, he’s been screwed time and again out of it. Tonight though IS a chance for Charlie Haas to maybe prove a point, prove to Shelton Benjamin that they are still the World’s Greatest Tag Team, that they are perhaps better off chasing tag team gold. I don’t personally believe that but we may find out first hand tonight.

The Coach: Charlie Haas is better off alone, that’s my opinion cowboy. This man should be the one facing Muhammad Hassan at Summerslam, not Shelton Benjamin.

Match One: Eight Man Tag Team Match

The Arabian Entity vs. The Dudley Boyz and The World’s Greatest Tag Team

Charlie Haas kicks this thing off whilst Daivari opts to start things out for the Entity and the two men immediately lock up but Haas takes the initiative and applies a side headlock, Daivari though shoves Haas away, the WGTT member rebounding and knocking Daivari down with a shoulder block. Haas continues to keep the pressure up, working over Daivari with a series of holds followed by several stern kicks to the fallen Arab before finally bringing Daivari to his feet, whipping him over to his team’s corner and bringing D-Von Dudley into the match. D-Von is quickly in and hammers away with right hands, Daivari stuck in the corner as D-Von pounds away with some stiff elbows now before dragging Daivari away and he scoops the Cruiserweight up high, suplex incoming but Daivari rolls out the back and drops D-Von with a reverse DDT!! Beautiful stuff by Daivari but he struggles to go for the cover and instead crawls towards his corner looking for a tag. Daivari reaches out and here comes Sonjay Dutt!

D-Von is to his knees as Dutt hops over the top rope and runs the ropes before taking D-Von back down with a low angle dropkick!! D-Von is floored as Dutt crawls into a cover, 1...2...kick out at two from one half of the tag champs. Dutt then works over D-Von, crashing down on him with several jumping elbows before bringing D-Von up and smashing him with several devastating kicks before finally taking D-Von down with a spinning heel kick! Dutt again goes for a cover, 1...2...kick out once again at two from D-Von as he struggles to get back into this contest.

Dutt continues taking it to D-Von, knocking the veteran down again following an Irish whip, the point of his elbow taking his opponent down before Dutt decides to head up high here, potentially looking to finish this thing. Dutt steadies himself on the apron as the anticipation rises in the arena and Dutt soars off the top, MOONSAULT!! NOBODY HOME!! D-Von rolls out of harm’s way and towards his corner, a turning point perhaps here as D-Von heads over, looking on are his partner Bubba as well as the outstretched arms of Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Dutt meanwhile is in some discomfort on the mat but begins to try and crawl to his knees as D-Von makes the tag and here comes Bubba Ray!!

Bubba immediately grabs Dutt and tosses him like a rag doll into the corner where the infamous Bubba jabs begin, the 300 plus pounder’s power looking all too much for Dutt here as Bubba now whips him from one corner to another and Bubba comes charging and SPLASHES right into Dutt!! All the air is knocked from his sails as Bubba immediately scoops Dutt up once more before dropping him again with a nice side slam. Dutt is down, Bubba into the cover, 1...2...kick out at two. Bubba looks a tad disappointed as he runs the ropes before slowly trudging towards Dutt and methodically dropping an elbow!! DUTT MOVES!! Dutt gets out of dodge and Bubba crashes to the mat, catching his elbow quite awkwardly as Dutt senses a chance now. Dutt uses the ropes to drag himself up as Bubba does so with one arm and he’s caught with a kick to the mid section and again, Dutt now runs the ropes as Bubba swings but Dutt ducks underneath, Bubba turns around and Dutt throws another kick, Bubba catches it but DUTT WITH AN ENZIGURI!! Bubba is down as Dutt crawls towards his corner, desperate to get out of this one and he tags in Khali!!

The seven foot three inch monster bounds over the top rope as Bubba gets to his feet and realises the giant awaits him, a nervous look across his face as Bubba decides fuck it and heads right for Khali but he’s immediately sent tumbling with a devastating chop!! Khali strolls around the ring like he owns the place as he picks Bubba to his feet with ease before whipping Bubba across the ring, Bubba rebounding into a thunderous big boot!! The crowd all wince as Bubba’s head is almost taken off here and Khali drops down to a cover, 1...2...D-VON BREAKS THE COUNT!! D-Von breaks the count, kicking Khali but Daivari storms into the ring and begins taking it to D-Von!! Chaos ensuing as Daivari and D-Von begin a fist fight and we see Muhammad Hassan send Sonjay Dutt in there!! Dutt joins the assault on D-Von as the two double team the champion, double Irish whip before a clothesline up and over but the pair turn around RIGHT INTO A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE FROM CHARLIE HAAS!! Haas takes both men up and out of the ring, joining D-Von on the outside!! Haas turns around, BAM!! Khali floors Haas with a devastating chop to the skull!!

Khali then turns his attentions back inside the ring as Bubba begins to stir but we see Muhammad Hassan desperate for a tag, calling his partner to bring him into this thing and Khali begrudgingly heads over. Khali tags his leader in and Hassan charges in, stalking his prey as he lines up Bubba, the champion to his feet, REVERSE STO!! NO!! BUBBA FIGHTS BACK!! Bubba with sharp elbows as Hassan can’t quite connect and Bubba turns around right into a back body drop but Hassan lands on his feet!! Bubba spins round right into an Irish whip as BENJAMIN MAKES A BLIND TAG!! Bubba rebounds and Hassan drops Bubba with a fall away slam!! Cover by Hassan but the referee doesn’t count!! The referee doesn’t count as he tells Hassan Bubba isn’t the legal man as Hassan turns around right into the waiting Benjamin!!

Benjamin hammers away at Hassan with stiff right hands, getting him some on the man he meets at Summerslam!! Benjamin now with an Irish whip as Hassan rebounds, kick to the gut, T-Bone Suplex!! NO!! Hassan fights out of it and nails Benjamin with an uppercut, Hassan now with an Irish whip, the pace building here as Benjamin rebounds, Hassan with a clothesline attempt but Benjamin ducks underneath it and CHARGES AT KHALI!! BENJAMIN KNOCKS KHALI OFF THE APRON!! WOW!! The seven footer is floored as Benjamin lets out a roar but he’s rolled up from behind!!! HASSAN WITH THE ROLL UP!! 1...2...HE GOT HIM!! HASSAN STEALS IT!!


Winners: The Arabian Entity(9:04)

Hassan beats his bitter rival as he exit’s the ring to jubilant scenes!! Hassan immediately brings Dutt and Daivari to their feet, dragging them towards the ramp where the trio pick Khali to his feet and head back up the ramp, beaten and bruised but victorious here tonight as we see Bubba and D-Von both down and in some discomfort before a shocked Shelton Benjamin realises what occurred and Charlie Haas looks on from the outside at his defeated partner.

The Coach: Get a real good look at that picture J.R cos Summerslam this is exactly what we’re gonna see, the Arabian Entity standing tall!

Jim Ross: Don’t jump the gun Coach. Muhammad Hassan has it all to do come August 21st, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari have it all to do and I’m betting that Shelton Benjamin and the Dudley Boyz will have a thing or two to say about it.

The Coach: One thing, two things, ten things it doesn’t matter. Muhammad Hassan will walk outta Washington D.C still the Intercontinental Champion and Charlie Haas is gonna be proved right. While we’re gonna have new number one contenders for the World Tag Team titles and Sonjay Dutt and Daivari right now are my pick.

We see the Entity at the top of the stage as they all lock hands and raise their arms in victory, Hassan delivering a sinister glare back in the direction of Shelton Benjamin who is inside the ring, snarling right back at the champion, clearly desperately disappointed at defeat here tonight.

We then cut away backstage where we see Todd Grisham standing by ready for his first duty of the evening
.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman please welcome my guest at this time, the man who at Summerslam will face Edge for the Money in the Bank contract, Chris Jericho.

Jericho appears into shot, greeted with a nice pop from the crowd. Jericho is sporting his usual attire worn down ringside and cuts a wry smile as Grisham introduces him.

Todd Grisham: Chris things between you and Edge have become more and more heated in recent weeks with last week’s tag team match ending in both of you brawling backstage, having to be separated by officials. Can you describe to us exactly what you’re feeling towards Edge right now?

Chris Jericho: How do I feel towards Edge? Hmmm, good question Rod.

Todd Grisham: Todd.

Chris Jericho: Whatever.

A few laughs as Jericho strokes his chin contemplating his response.

Chris Jericho: Y’know what, the more and more I think about it the more I seem to feel…I seem to feel sorry for Edge. Now I know that might sound strange to a whole lotta people but I do because Edge is desperate. He’s desperate to prove a point, both to me and to everybody in the back.

Jericho nods as he continues.

Chris Jericho: He wants to prove that he’s as good as he seems to believe. Infact, I’ll go one better and say that he needs to prove that he’s good as he believes. He needs to prove it to himself, and hey I know I speak for a ton of people when I say he DEFINITELY needs to prove to everybody else he’s as good as he really believes.

Nice pop for that.

Chris Jericho: See Edge seems to think he’s got a God given right to stroll around here as though he’s this big star. He seems to think that his Money in the Bank contract makes him out to be, well, to be almost untouchable but that? Junior, that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Jericho smiles to himself before carrying on.

Chris Jericho: Edge’s desperation? It’s gonna be his downfall. That Money in the Bank contract doesn’t make him a star, it doesn’t make him untouchable, it makes him vulnerable, it makes him a target. Edge knows that he’s got that target on his back and he’s scared, believe me. Edge is scared at the thought of that contract being taken away from him. He’s said it over and over and over again, that’s his ticket to the top, well where does he go without that huh? I’ll tell you exactly where he goes without it…nowhere.

Pop for that.

Chris Jericho: Without that contract, without that little briefcase, Edge will always be stuck in the shadows, stuck in the background and come Summerslam I plan on making sure that comes true when I beat him and I take home the Money in the Bank contract. So yeah, I feel sorry for Edge, he’s trying to put on a brave face, he’s trying to act like he’s the man around here, like he’s the tough guy but I can promise you, deep down all Edge really is, all Edge remains is the Chris Jericho wannabe that we all know he is and come Summerslam, Edge’s fear of failure, Edge’s fear of not reaching the very top of the mountain, those fears? Those fears WILL become reality.

Nice pop again for Y2J who heads off, a fierce look across his face as we head back ringside and join J.R and Coach.

‘LoveFuryPassionEnergy’​

It’s a nice pop that greets the music of the Daredevil Diva herself, Lita who bursts out onto the stage full of energy set for action
.

Jim Ross: Well it has been a heck of a ride for Lita since she returned to Monday Night Raw, staking her claim for the Women’s Championship and tonight is another chance for her to take a step in that direction. Folks stay tuned when we return, it’ll be Lita going one on one with Christy Hemme!

Commercials​

We return to Raw and Lita’s opponent for tonight Christy Hemme is just setting foot in the ring and we’re all set for this Divas action.

Match Two: Singles Match

Lita vs. Christy Hemme

Lita looks very aggressive from the get go, no messing around from the Daredevil Diva here tonight as she takes it straight to Christy with the fiery red head having no answer to the former Women’s onslaught. Lita works over Christy with several stern right hands before an array of stomps in the corner as Christy tries to fight back but her efforts are in vain as Lita clubs her with a big time clothesline into the corner.

Lita continues to dominate, taking Christy down with several variations of slams before a leg drop crushes Christy across the throat. Christy finally begins to show some hope as Lita whips her across the ropes, rebounds and Lita swings but Christy runs through and Lita spins around right into a flying shoulder block as Christy scrambles into a cover but it’s a kick out at one and a half.

Christy can’t build on that momentum though as she brings Lita to her feet and is immediately met with a strong right. Lita then keeps up the pressure, riling up the crowd in the process as she stakes her clami to the Women’s Championship in a BIG way here, finally nailing Christy with a Twist of Fate!! Cover by Lita, 1...2...3...mightily impressive win from Lita
.

Winner: Lita(3:26)

Jim Ross: Surely by now Coach, SURELY Lita has done enough to earn a Women’s Championship opportunity. Impressive showing once again from the Daredevil Diva.

The Coach: She’ll never be able to do enough to take on Victoria. Our champion is too strong, she’s too good for anybody in the Women’s division, Lita included so no is the answer to your question and no’s the way it’s gonna stay.

Lita now has a mic, breathing a little heavy as she gets set to make an address here.

Lita: Victoria, I think I’ve proved my point by now don’t you? I mean I’ve come out here week after week and I have WON week after week. If that’s not proving myself then I don’t know what is.

Little pop there.

Lita: So why don’t you come down to this ring and give me exactly what I want? Give me the words I wanna hear, give me a shot…at the Women’s Championship.

Lita await’s a response as the crowd are a little anxious awaiting Victoria’s arrival.

‘I ain’t a lady to mess with’​

Lita nods her head as Victoria’s music hits and she receives exactly what she wanted as out comes the Women’s Champion, smirking quite sinisterly as we wonder what her answer will be.

Victoria: Lita you uh…you just don’t understand do you? I asked you to earn a shot at this title, I asked you to prove yourself worthy of facing me, to go out and impress me. Well allow me to let you in on a little something, it takes a LOT to impress me.

Lita rolls her eyes.

Victoria: And you haven’t…you haven’t quite done enough for me. You’ve won a couple of matches sure, but I don’t just win matches Lita, I dominate matches. You? You don’t do that, you don’t hurt your opponents like I do, you don’t brutalise your opponents like I do, you don’t…

Lita: You don’t stop talking do you?

Nice pop for Lita’s jokey comment.

Lita: Maybe I’m not as strong as you, maybe I’m not as brutal as you are but I am as good as you are, I am as talented as you are and Victoria? I’d go one better and say I AM better than you and I AM more talented than you will ever be.

BIG time pop for the plucky challenger.

Lita: Maybe you’re just afraid huh? Maybe you’re just scared that I’d take that title from you, that I’d make you out to be exactly what you are and that’s a bully who can’t quite live up to her word. Maybe you’re ju…

Victoria: ENOUGH!! I’m not afraid of you Lita, I’m not scared of you, I fear NOBODY!! Ask Trish Stratus how scared I was of her, ask her what the consequences are when you step inside that ring with me. You wanna feel what she felt? You wanna experience what she experienced? You got yourself a deal! You and me Lita, Summerslam and I promise you…I promise you won’t know what’s hit you.

Victoria delivers a deathly glare down at Lita in the ring as Lita smiles.

Lita: Me and Trish have had our battles over the years, I’ve won some, she’s won some but there’s one thing we have in common and that is that we give it everything we’ve got and at Summerslam, I promise YOU that you WILL know exactly... what’s hit you.

Another nice pop as Lita drops the mic, Victoria looking furious as Lita’s music plays and the staredown between these two divas says it all.

We then head off backstage where we see the camera shot of simply a floor, the camera then works its way up as we see the legs of somebody before the mid section and we rise all the way to the face of none other than…Shawn Michaels! Michaels cuts a frustrated look as we then see that standing beside him is of course, Raw GM and Michaels personal employer, Eric Bischoff
.

Eric Bischoff: Shawn I…I need answers okay? What exactly was going on in your head last week? What was running around in the mind of Shawn Michaels? What…WHAT THE HELL…were you thinking?!?

Bischoff is clearly pissed off as Michaels turns and looks Bischoff up and down, not answering.

Eric Bischoff: Well?

Shawn Michaels: I wanted to send a message.

Bischoff laughs.

Eric Bischoff: A message!! Ha ha. A message? What kinda FREAKIN’ MESSAGE WAS THAT?! Kicking Kane‘s head off his shoulders, yeah that’s a real message Shawn. Your job at Summerslam is to make sure he walks out with the World Heavyweight Title, not make sure he leaves with no teeth!

Michaels looks up, bobbing on the spot a little, clearly losing his temper.

Shawn Michaels: My message was just as much for you as it was for both of those guys Eric. I know I’m under contract to you but I just can’t sit back and do your dirty work night after night, week after week, I just can’t take it anymore, ya understand?

Bischoff begins to laugh.

Eric Bischoff: Oh I understand alright, I understand clear as day but do you understand Shawn? Really I mean it…do you understand? You said it yourself, you are under contract to.. me. You are my ‘Personal Employee’, you don’t work for Vince McMahon anymore, you work for ME AND I’LL BE DAMNED…I’ll be damned if you go against my orders.

Big time heat again for Bischoff as Michaels hangs his head.

Eric Bischoff: Are we clear Shawn? Are we? You do the wrong thing at Summerslam and your job…your job is in serious jeopardy. What would your wife make of that huh Shawn? What would your kids make of that? All you have to do is make the right call, do the right thing and me and you? We won’t have any problems.

Shawn Michaels: Oh Eric we will always, always have problems.

Small pop for Michaels standing up to his boss a little bit.

Eric Bischoff: Y’know it’s lucky you’re important to me Shawn, it’s lucky you’re an important piece in the Eric Bischoff jigsaw and that’s why I’ve gotta protect you, that’s why I’ve gotta look out for you. I can’t let Kane get his hands on you after last week, I can’t let Batista get his hands on you after what happened two weeks back. I can’t take that risk but Shawn I wish, I really, REALLY wish that I could.

Shawn Michaels: You wish you could? If only you knew what I wished I could do…to you.

Michaels delivers a sinister glare at the GM before heading off, still clearly frustrated at the position he continues to remain in as Bischoff slams his paperwork down on the table in his office.

Commercials​

Narrator: The biggest party of the summer.

The Summerslam logo appears across the screen as the Summerslam theme plays in the background.

Narrator: High pressure, high stakes.

We see a shot of Batista raising the World title high before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels.

Narrator: Who can overcome these obstacles?

We see Kurt Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on Randy Orton.

We then see Kane chokeslamming Chris Jericho.

Narrator: Who can stand tall?

We see John Cena FU’ing JBL.

Narrator: Who can rise to the occasion?

We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas celebrating.

Narrator: Who can handle… the heat?

We see a smirking Christian before an angered Ric Flair.

Batista: At Summerslam.

Flashing shot of the Animal landing a Batistabomb.

Edge: At Summerslam.

A brief shot of Edge delivering a Spear.

Randy Orton: At Summerslam.

The Legend Killer delivering an RKO is shown.

Ric Flair: At SUMMERSLAM! WOOO!

Flair locking in the Figure Four is then shown briefly.

Kurt Angle: At Summerslam.

We then see Angle locking in the Ankle lock, wrenching the hold in.

John Cena: At Summerslam.

It’s Cena’s turn then as we see the WWE champion deliver a thunderous FU.

Christian: The heat…is on.

A shot of a desert like scene is then shown as the Summerslam logo then appears again before…

Narrator: Summerslam: Can you handle the heat?​


We return ringside to see Maven inside the ring before we hear…

‘Kennedyyyyyyyy’

‘Turn up the Trouble’​

There’s a flutter of boos but nothing major as the still somewhat unfamiliar sound of Mr.Kennedy’s music hits and out struts the newcomer with the boos growing a touch heavier.

Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and last week we witnessed the debut of this man, Mr.Kennedy-

The Coach: Kennedyyyyy.

Jim Ross: Yeah we get it Coach. Kennedy picked up an emphatic victory over Eugene and certainly looked impressive as he looks to pick up here tonight from where he left off.

The Coach: Oh he will pick up exactly where he left off. Kennedy has got it all J.R. In the ring, on the microphone, he calls himself a game changer and that’s a freakin’ understatement.

Kennedy now looks up to the heavens as the spotlight shines down on him, the lights out as he gets ready for his pre match introduction.

Mr.Kennedy: Last week you people witnessed the single greatest debut in the HISTORY of this business.

Boos already.

Mr.Kennedy: I took to this ring, grabbed this very microphone and I welcomed you into my world and what you heard was a statement of intent and well, whadda ya know? I lived up to every single word of that statement.

Kennedy chews his gum vociferously before continuing.

Mr.Kennedy: I took on Eugene…I say ‘took on’ Eugene but in actual fact, I walked all over him. I walked all over poor little Eugene and I demonstrated to each and every one of you people why I am the rising star of Monday Night Raw, the game changer this show, this entire company so desperately, desperately needs and tonight? Tonight the trend continues and you lucky folks get to be a part of it all so without further a due.

Kennedy positions himself now, ready to get ‘proceedings’ underway.

Mr.Kennedy: Ladies and gentleman this next match is scheduledddddddddddd for one fallllllllllll. This evening I weigh in at two hundred forty four pounds, yeah I know, dropped a pound…

Kennedy winks before continuing.

Mr.Kennedy: I hail from Greeeeeeeeeeeeeen Bayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, Wisconsinnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…

A few fans are already on the Kennedy bandwagon whilst others are booing the brash youngster.

Mr.Kennedy: Misterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Kennedyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy…

It’s coming but Kennedy instead heads up to the top rope.

Mr.Kennedy: KE-NNE-DYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Kennedy then tosses the microphone back up high before spitting his chewing gum out and hopping back down as Coach proclaims it was beautiful listening to that.

Match Three: Singles Match

Mr.Kennedy vs. Maven

The bell rings and Kennedy looks on cockily, smirking as he chews his gum and Maven looks on with a look of determination, a chance for him to get a momentum building win here.

Kennedy gains the initiative immediately, picking Maven apart with some stiff knees to the ribs before whipping Maven into the corner and Kennedy smashes a boot to the face!! Maven tumbles down, slumped in the corner as Kennedy begins to stomp the hell out of his opponent. The referee warns Kennedy before starting a count to 5. The referee gets to 3 before dragging Kennedy away with the arrogant newcomer proclaiming ‘I’ve got til five moron’ as he lands one more stiff kick to the temple.

Kennedy then puts a boot right in the neck of Maven, putting all his weight down as the referee begins a count again, Kennedy choking Maven here who’s face turns bright red. Evenually Kennedy breaks his hold, laughing to himself as the crowd boos. Kennedy soaks it in however, arms out wide as he yells that ‘I’m the Game Changer folks, get used to it’, drawing him more heat.

Kennedy then whips Maven into the ropes, Maven responding well though with a shoulder tackle sending Kennedy down. Kennedy is quickly up and he’s caught with a boot by Maven, Irish whip now and Kennedy rebounds, back body drop!! Kennedy lands on his feet however as Maven turns around and he’s met with a boot to the gut before Kennedy tosses Maven shoulder first through the ropes and into the ring post!! Maven used like a dart there as he falls out of the corner and Kennedy takes him down with a nice Russian Legsweep!

Another arrogant smirk comes across Kennedy’s face before he wipes his hands together as if to say ‘Job Done’ before bringing Maven to his feet again, the final nail in the coffin it would appear as Kennedy NAILS MAVEN WITH THE MIC CHECK!! Cover by Kennedy, 1...2...3.


Winner: Mr.Kennedy(4:09)

Jim Ross: Very impressive once again from Mr.Kennedy, polishing off Maven with relative ease I must say which certainly isn’t an easy task.

The Coach: Nothing’s easy in this business J.R but Mr.Kennedy is makin’ it look exactly that. A walk in the park, a piece of cake, throw all the clichés in the world at it and you’d be right. Kennedy has got it all and it’s only a matter of time before this kid is on top around here.

Kennedy now has the microphone lowered from the rafters again, no spotlight this time however.

Mr.Kennedy: The winner of this matchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh to absolutely nobody’s surpriseeeeeeeeeeeeee, MISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR KEEEEEEEEEEEENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY…

Boos as well as cheers can be heard.

Mr.Kennedy: KENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

The mic is then tossed back up as Kennedy raises his arms up high in celebration of his decisive victory.

The Coach: It don’t get no better than that J.R!! Mr.Kennedy, the rising star, the game changer, the FUTURE of the WWE.

Jim Ross: Well I’d say it’s still far too early for those kinda statements and I’d like to think Kennedy’s attitude is gonna change if he’s gonna get on top here on Monday Night Raw.

The Coach: Attitude? There’s no attitude about this man cowboy. If you knew you were the best, you’d call yourself the best but you know you can’t do that, that honour belongs to me. Mr.Kennedy though? He can do it J.R. He has every right to do it.

Kennedy poses on the top of the stage as we head off backstage and see Todd Grisham waiting in the wings.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman joining me at this time please welcome the Arabian Entity.

The Entity, lead by Muhammad Hassan appear into the shot to a chorus of boos.

Todd Grisham: Guys earlier on tonight you defeated The World’s Greatest Tag Team along with the
World Tag Team Champions, The Dudley Boyz. How much momentum and how much belief have you gained from that result here tonight?

All four men look around at each other.

Muhammad Hassan: Momentum, belief, they’re two things we took nothing from here tonight. Momentum doesn’t play a role in this business as far as we’re concerned, we don’t need it, all that’s needed is the talent to win, the talent to succeed and the four of us? The four of us have all the talent in the world. Come Summerslam we’re gonna showcase it for the everybody to see. As far as belief goes Todd? I think that just about says how much belief we already have.

Hassan seems very focused and intense here as he tells Grisham exactly how it is.

Muhammad Hassan: That belief comes with the talent we possess but that belief also comes from what we already know about those…those losers that like to call themselves the ‘World’s Greatest Tag Team’.

Pop for the mention of the dynamic duo.

Muhammad Hassan: We know that they can’t get the better of us and that is a simple fact. I’ve beaten Shelton Benjamin what, two, three, four times? I’ve proved myself time and time again against him and that’s why I firmly believe that come Summerslam I’ll do it again. Charlie Haas on the other hand…hmmm.

Hassan holds his chin pondering something.

Muhammad Hassan: Y’know Charlie Haas is a different kinda case. As much as I don’t like to admit it, Charlie’s had my number, he’s beaten me twice, that doesn’t happen every day but Todd, I am NOT defending my title against Charlie Haas. They like to call themselves the World’s Greatest Tag Team and we as an Entity laugh at that claim.

We see Daivari and Dutt doing exactly that.

Muhammad Hassan: They are not the greatest tag team in the world, they are not the greatest tag team in the WWE, they are not the greatest tag team on this show!! Todd they are…they are not even a team. When was the last time Shelton Benjamin even showed ANY interest in teaming with Charlie Haas?

Grisham doesn’t respond.

Muhammad Hassan: Exactly and come Summerslam it’s gonna be what tears them apart. Charlie Haas wants tag team glory, he wants his partner back, he wants his buddy back but Shelton Benjamin? Pffft, Shelton Benjamin wants nothing to do with him and at Summerslam I’m gonna once again put a dent in his title dreams. August 21st and every single day moving on from that will showcase Shelton Benjamin’s true colours, will showcase that he’s a liar, that he is selfish, that he doesn’t give a DAMN about Charlie Haas and that more importantly than alllllllll of that, it’ll showcase that Shelton Benjamin, like he proved once again here tonight, is nothing more… than a failure.

Hassan delivers a stern stare before he and the Entity depart, their message evident here tonight.

We then head back ringside to hear…


‘Whips and Chains’​

It’s a nothing like reaction as the Basham Brothers make their way down, a few cheers in there however for the recently turned fan favourites as they get set for action.

Jim Ross: Well folks when we return it’ll be these two men, the very capable, very talented Basham Brothers taking on the young, brash duo of Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth, don’t go anywhere!!

Commercials​

‘Perfection’​

We return and immediately hear the theme of the Platform to Perfection with Doane and Nemeth heading down to the ring, looking as arrogant and cocky as ever, Nemeth pandering to the crowd while Doane struts his body off to a few fans before mouthing words at the waiting Bashams who watch on in the ring.

Jim Ross: Huge opportunity for both of these teams here tonight to make a statement heading into the big 8 man tag team showdown come Summerslam. The Platform to Perfection have looked very impressive since debuting on Monday nights while the Bashams have done likewise since being drafted over to the Red brand. Should be a heck of a match here Coach.

The Coach: Yeah I got no doubt about it J.R. but it’s gonna be a match that Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth win. These two are STARS in the making and I’d put them right up there as favourites come Summerslam.

Jim Ross: What happened to the Entity being your pick?

Coach is silent…

Jim Ross: Well…

The Coach: I don’t have to answer to you barbeque boy. Lets just enjoy the beating Doane and Nemeth are gonna dish out here to these two morons.

Match Four: Tag Team Match

The Basham Brothers vs. The Platform to Perfection

It’s Doane and Danny Basham who start this thing off with Danny coming out looking big time fired up as Ken Doane has no answer for the aggressive Basham’s quick start. Danny works over Doane with some strong right hands followed by a couple of nice forearms as Doane looks for a way into this contest but instead Danny whips the young perfectionist into the corner and charges right at him, smashing him with an elbow to the head before tagging in Doug Basham.

Doug’s quickly in and picks up where Danny left off delivering some clubbing shots to Doane before a kick to the mid section and a nice snap suplex from Doug! Into the cover, kick out at two. Doug is quickly after Doane again, bringing him to his feet and smashing with another right hand, Irish whip from Doug and Doane comes off the ropes, Doug bends over, back body drop, NO! KICK TO THE FACE FROM DOANE!! Doane read Doug’s move and then drops him with a neck breaker before plodding over to his corner and tagging in Nemeth.

Nemeth struts into the ring, confident is ever and begins to pick apart Doug, stomping away at the Basham from head to toe as his partner Danny watches on in frustration, Nemeth delivering a wink in his direction, only furthering Doug’s frustration. Nemeth continues to keep the upper hand, dropping Doug with a nice scoop slam before a leg drop across the chest, cover from Nemeth, kick out at two once more. Nemeth then looks to try and really force this one to be over with as he SMASHES Doug to the canvas with a beautiful jumping DDT! The crowd ooooohing and aaaaahing as Doug hit’s the mat like a sack of potatoes. Another cover from Nemeth but Danny Basham breaks the count at two!

Ken Doane doesn’t take too kindly to this however and hops through the ropes, Doane charging at Danny but Danny dodges it and catches Doane with a nice dropkick! Doane’s quickly back up as Danny swings for a clothesline but Doane ducks underneath as Danny falls into the ropes, Doane running the opposite side before charging and clothesline to Danny, NO!! Danny pulls the ropes down and Doane goes tumbling!! The crowd eats it up as Doane hit’s the outside but DANNY’S TOSSEED OVER THE TOP BY NEMETH!! Payback from Nick Nemeth as the crowd boos the cocky blonde here.

Nemeth though is caught from behind, roll up by Doug!! 1...2...kick out at two and a half as Doug almost steals it. Both men are quick to their feet now as Nemeth charges but he’s caught with a clothesline from Doug and again, Doug on a roll here. Irish whip from the Basham as Nemeth falls hard into the corner, Doug charges but Nemeth gets an elbow up, Doug spirals out of the corner as Nemeth hops on up to the top rope, dangerous intentions in mind here, MISSILE DROPKICK!! WOW!! Nemeth crawls into the cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Doug somehow kicks out!!

Nemeth can’t believe it as the crowd give a nice pop for Doug’s resilience. Nemeth pounds the mat before dragging Doug to his feet, what’s he got in store here? Doug is to his feet as Nemeth goes for a bulldog but Doug shoves him off and into the ropes, Nemeth rebounds and throws a right hand but Doug ducks it, Nemeth spins round and Doug goes for a flapjack!! Nemeth blocks it though and tosses Doug into the ropes, Doug goes to rebound but DOANE CLUBS HIM FROM BEHIND!! RIGHT INTO THE PATH OF NEMETH!! ZIG ZAG!! Nemeth scores with a vicious Zig Zag as Doug is floored, DANNY BASHAM hops onto the apron, trying to break it up but Doane takes him down at the legs!! Cover by Nemeth, 1...2...3...Big win for PTP!!


Winners: Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth; The Platform to Perfection(7:54)

The Coach: I told ya J.R!! These two guys looking DAMN sure impressive!! Go back home Doug and Danny, you guys don’t stand a freakin’ chance.

Jim Ross: Have some respect Coach. The could’ve just as easily been victorious in this one here tonight and come Summerslam it’s anybody’s ball game. Doane and Nemeth are two bright, talented kids and on August 21st they’ve got a hell of a test in store for ‘em.

The Coach: A test they’ll pass with flying colours!! They provide the platform baby and at Summerslam they show us why.

Doane and Nemeth back up the ramp, celebrating their victory with real passion, clearly thrilled at beating one of their rivals come Summerslam as we head off backstage where we see RIC FLAIR!! Flair appears to be getting ready for his big main event later on tonight and the crowd goes wild before we see Flair’s eyes widen and a smile come across Naitch’s face!!

Ric Flair: WOOOOO!! Well if it isn’t the MAN himself, the ANIMAL, the World… Heavyweight… CHAMPION!! WOOOOO!! DAVE BATISTA!!

Batista appears into shot, not looking in the best of moods as he and Flair embrace one another, this is met with Woooos and cheers from the crowd once more.

Ric Flair: How’s it going big man? Good to see ya.

Batista huffs and puffs a little.

Ric Flair: Oh c’mon Dave, don’t be like that, Bischoff getting inside that head o’ yours huh?

Batista: Getting inside my head is an understatement. That son of a bitch is pushin’ me Ric, I’m just about ready to blow here. You see what he did out there tonight?

Flair chuckles to himself.

Ric Flair: Oh yeah i saw it but thing is, Bischoff will never change Dave, he will always be after you, always be targeting you, pulling off crap like that as long as you hold that World title BUT that’s the sacrifice you gotta make. You gotta WELCOME the challenge, WELCOME the pressure, WELCOME the fight he’s gonna take to you. Be it Kane, be it Shawn Michaels, HELL he might even throw THE NATURE BOY in your way!! WOOOO!!

Wooooos ring around the arena once more.

Ric Flair: You gotta welcome it Dave because YOU are the man and you know how it goes down buddy, to be the man you gotta BEAT the man and there’s a whole locker room who wanna be…that…guy. You can deal with Bischoff, I know you got it in you champ and I know come Summerslam you aren’t gonna let Kane, you aren’t gonna let Shawn Michaels keep ya down.

Batista nods his head.

Batista: There’s a reason you were my mentor Ric and that’s exactly it. I appreciate it. You uh, you all set for your match tonight?

Ric Flair: Sure am, sure am. Edge is gonna get a small dose out there tonight, just a small TASTER of what that punk Christian’s gonna feel come Summerslam. I know Christian’s gonna try and pull something off here tonight but I am ALWAYS ready, I am ALWAYS prepared and tonight? Tonight it ain’t gonna be any different.

Batista has an intrigued look on his face here, a light bulb going off inside his head perhaps.

Batista: Ric, Ric hold on just a second. You know how desperate I am to get my hands on somebody here tonight, you know I am DYING to beat the crap outta somebody and to be honest I don’t give a damn who it is. So I know you’re your own man and all but uh, if Christian tries any funny business tonight, if Edge tries any of his little games out there, I’ll be down to that ring quicker than a heartbeat and I will KICK THEIR ASS!!

BIG time pop for the World Champion as Flair nods his head.

Ric Flair: Ha ha, now THAT sounds like a plan, WOOOOO!!

Flair and Tista shake hands once again before Batista heads off in the opposite direction to the Dirtiest Player in the Game and the picture heads off.

Commercials​

We return to Raw and we see Eric Bischoff once again here this evening, Shawn Michaels stood next to the boss who is sitting down in a chair, filling out something while Michaels looks beyond bored here, appearing very agitated, very frustrated. Bischoff then looks up and looks a little uneasy as the camera then turns and we see Big Show appear into shot!

Eric Bischoff: Show uhhhhh what can I do for ya?

Bischoff tries to be putting on a tough guy act here as he stands up and gets in Show’s face(chest more like).

Big Show: Oh I think you know damn well what you can do for me Eric. Me, Mark Jindrak, Summerslam, make…it…happen.

Show is in no mood for messing around here.

Eric Bischoff: You really think you deserve another shot at Jindrak? Really? He’s beaten you …I don’t know how many times now and he’s beaten you with EASE each and every single one of ‘em so tell me what yo…

Big Show: With ease? You call Regal using the brass knucks last week with ease? He may’ve beaten me Eric, hell he may’ve beaten me on more than one occasion but with ease ain’t the words you’re lookin’ for and I want payback, SO YOU BETTER GIVE IT TO ME!!

Show is growling almost in Bischoff’s face as the boss cowers.

Eric Bischoff: Shawn a uh... a little help here pal.

Michaels steps in, albeit very begrudgingly as Bischoff wills him into it and stares down Show as the crowd give an ooooooooh and Bischoff backs up ruffling his jacket, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Eric Bischoff: What are ya gonna do now then Show? What are ya gonna do now?

Show looks ready to hurl himself at the GM here.

Big Show: Oh what am I gonna do? Well seein’ as you’re so sensitive about your little investment here for Summerslam(looks at Shawn), your special referee here, how about I make sure he ends up in a wheelchair? How’s that sound Eric?

Show then puts a fist up as Michaels looks a little taken aback before he stares at Show as if to say ‘Bring it on’.

Eric Bischoff: Alright, alright, I‘m not gonna let that happen, I give in. You want Jindrak at Summerslam, you got him and just so nothing is left up in the air, just so there are no more excuses from you Show, that match? That match will be a No Holds Barred match. How’s that sound for ya?

Show smiles and the crowd pops big time.

Big Show: Eric that sounds perfect. And as far as you go…

Ooooooh. Show gets in Michaels face.

Big Show: I’m getting pretty sick and tired of all this crap now Shawn. Last week was the first sign of spark I’ve seen in you since this whole thing happened. Do NOT let Batista down come Summerslam, do NOT let these fans down at Summerslam and Shawn do NOT…let yourself down August 21st. If ya do? (Show sblacks) If ya do Shawn, you’ll be no better than this piece of crap we have to call our General Manager.

Show then heads back out as Michaels now smirks, what does the Showstopper find amusing?.

Eric Bischoff: HEY YOU WATCH YOUR MOUTH SHOW!!

Bischoff then goes and sits down again getting back to his paperwork while Michaels remains dead still, the smirk still on his face.

Eric Bischoff: What are you just gonna stand there all night?

Silence as Bisch then puts his head down and continues his work.

Eric Bischoff: Shawn…

Nothing.

Eric Bischoff: Shawn, hey, answer me would ya. I haven’t got all ni…

Bischoff then looks up to see that HBK has left!! Shawn Michaels has headed out of Eric Bischoff’s office but where the hell has he gotten to? Big Show’s pep talk may’ve set something off inside the Showstopper as Bischoff looks horrified and immediately jumps out of his seat and sets out to find the Heartbreak Kid.

We then return ringside…


The Coach: Where the HELL does Shawn Michaels think he’s going? Kane and Batista are after him!! Eric Bischoff can’t afford to lose Shawn Michaels J.R!

Jim Ross: Well I don’t think the Heartbreak Kid can afford to lose another minute stuck in Eric Bischoff’s office and I’m pretty damn sure Shawn Michaels is headed off somewhere to make an impact.

‘You think you Know Me’

‘Metalingus’​

The music of the Money in the Bank contract holder then hits to a chorus of boos as out struts the Rated R Superstar himself, Edge, a broad smile across his face as he taps his briefcase.

Jim Ross: Back to the action however and folks do we have a main event in store for you or what here tonight. Edge, the Money in the Bank contract holder taking on the sixteen time World Champion, Ric Flair and it’s a real opportunity for Edge to prove just why he believes he is on his way to the very top here on Monday Night Raw and here in the WWE.

The Coach: He’s already proved it to me and it’ll only be a matter of time before he proves to you and all the other morons who boo him that he IS the future of this show, of this company and Chris Jericho’s gonna find out exactly that at Summerslam while old man Flair’s gonna find that out first hand here tonight.

‘WOOOO’​

It’s an almighty pop next as the Nature Boy heads on down to the ring, looking as good as ever, yelling ‘Woooo’ at every opportunity as he soaks in potentially one of his final nights on Raw.

Jim Ross: Listen to this ovation!! The Nature Boy, the Dirtiest Player in the Game, SIXTEEN time World Champion Ric Flair back in action Live on Monday Night Raw. It doesn’t get much bigger than this Coach.

The Coach: It gets a lot bigger believe me, having the Coach in the main event would be bigger than this. I hope to god that this is the last time we see Ric Flair in a Raw ring and y’know I’m pretty confident it will be too cos come Summerslam Christian’s gonna send him PACKING back to Charlotte and to where he belongs, a freakin’ retirement home.

Jim Ross: For cryin’ out loud.

Match Five: Singles Match

Edge vs. Ric Flair

It’s a pretty hot atmosphere in the arena as these two major players on Raw get set to square off, both men looking more than ready to go toe to toe here as they lock up in the centre of the ring and Edge shoves Flair away into the ropes but Flair rebounds and knocks Edge down with a shoulder block! First ‘Wooooos’ of the match from the crowd as Flair smiles and immediately draws Edge to his feet before the trademark knife edge chops!! ‘WOOO’, ‘WOOO’ after each and every one of them as Edge is backed into the corner, his chest bright red now before Flair nails a big right hand and Edge is floored, Naitch making his mark here in the opening.

Flair then does his trademark stlyin’ and profiling’ around the ring, the infamous Flair strut as more ‘Woooos’ greet the veteran’s every move before he heads back to Edge but he’s met with an elbow to the gut! Edge gets to his feet and now begins to get the upper hand, knocking Flair down following some strong right hands as a clothesline does just the job and Edge now begins to feel it, stomping the hell out of Flair before letting out a ‘Woooo’ of his own which wasn’t greeted too kindly by the Connecticut faithful.

The Rated R Superstar then brings Flair to his feet, nailing a boot to the gut before dropping a beautiful suplex right on Naitch, Edge rolls into the cover, kick out at two from Flair. A slight bit of disappointment from Edge before he drags Flair up once again, this time whipping Flair across the ring as Flair bounces into the corner and Edge comes charging smashing an elbow right across the face!! Flair stumbles out of the corner as Edge then drops Flair with a nice snap mare takedown before applying a modified dragon sleeper!! Edge looking to finish this thing as Flair struggles for breath, the referee asking the 16 time World Champion if he wants to give in here but Flair is fighting, fighting with all he’s got. Edge keeps the hold locked in but Flair fights it, elbows to the gut of Edge, hammering away as he breaks the hold!! Edge holds his mid section as Flair with another boot before a stinging knife edge chop once again!! ‘WOOOS’ all around the arena as Flair grabs Edge by the knee and hoists Edge up high delivering a devastating knee drop!!

Edge grabs his knee in some discomfort here as Flair struts his stuff around the ring, all fired up as Flair goes for the leg of Edge, FIGURE FOUR TIME!! Flair twists around, he’s got it locked in!! NO!! Edge kicks Flair away as Flair almost trips over and Edge gets to his knees, Flair goes back over to Mr.MITB but he’s caught with a knee to the boot, EDGECUTION!! EDGECUTION FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! Edge slowly crawls over to the fallen Flair, cover, 1...2...3...NO!! Flair just about survives!!

Edge can’t believe it as Flair kicks out and the Rated R Superstar goes into a frenzy, demanding the referee count to three as he covers again, 1...2...shoulder up once more!! Edge pounds the mat, realising it simply wasn’t enough as he runs his hands through his hair and heads over to the corner, poising himself, waiting for Flair to return to his feet, Edge has a Spear in mind here!! Flair stumbles to his feet, using the ropes to bring himself up as he turns himself round RIGHT INTO THE ONCOMING EDGE!! SPEAR!!! NO!! FLAIR DODGES IT AND TOSSES EDGE THROUGH THE ROPES!! Edge hit’s the outside as Flair survives and takes a small breather, Edge down and out before Flair heads to the outside to join him.

Flair hops down and works over the MITB holder, stomping away at the right leg of Edge before working over the left leg also as Flair then scoops Edge up before dropping him again with another rough knife edge chop!! Edge’s chest is still bright red, all the impact of these chops as Flair with the count at 7 drags Edge back up and tosses him inside the ring. Flair follows right behind but he heads for the top rope!! What’s Flair got in store here? Edge grasps out for something, anything to bring him to his feet, he gets to his knees as Flair lets out a ‘Woooo’ on the top rope, steadying himself as Edge turns around into a DOUBLE AXE HANDLE OFF THE TOP!! Edge is floored as Flair rolls into a cover, 1...2...3...NO!! EDGE WITH THE SHOULDER UP!!

Flair is now the one with a look of disappointment as he asks the referee ‘Was it three?’ Flair brings himself to his feet as the referee fills him in, Edge is to his knees as Flair goes to drag him up, he does so and nails a right hand on Edge knocking him aback, another right hand and now a left hand, right hand, left hand combinations from Flair, Irish whip now from the Nature Boy as Edge rebounds and Flair throws a clothesline but Edge ducks underneath it and stops his tracks, he goes to turn around BUT FLAIR WITH A CHOP BLOCK!! Flair floors Edge and lets out another loud ‘WOOO’ before the FIGURE FOUR!! FLAIR LOCKS IN THE FIGURE FOUR!! The crowd is going absolutely crazy as Flair has it locked in and Edge has nowhere to go!!

Edge is writhing in agony here, his hand close to falling as Flair looks like he’s putting every ounce of effort into this, desperate to put away Edge, desperate to send a message to Christian as Edge’s hand falls slowly down, further and further it goes and Edge at…

‘Just Close Your Eyes’

WHAT ON EARTH?! The music of Christian hits!! Flair breaks the hold!! Flair was moments away from getting the victory but he gets to his feet and awaits the arrival of Christian and HERE HE COMES!! Flair wants Captain Charisma but Christian is simply strolling down to ringside, looking out for his peeps as he smirks at Flair, Tomko is beside CC but the two men are going at a leisurely pace as Flair looks ready to blow a gasket. BUT FLAIR IS ROLLED UP FROM BEHIND!! 1...2...3...NO!! FLAIR KICKS OUT AS EDGE ALMOST STEALS IT!!

Both men are quick to their feet and Edge swings but misses and Flair takes Edge down at the legs, FIGURE FOUR TIME ONCE AGAIN!! NO!! INSIDE CRADLE FROM EDGE!! 1...2...3...NO!! FLAIR KICKS OUT AGAIN!! Both men are quick to their feet once more as Christian and Tomko continue to stroll around the ring, J.R. proclaiming for the ref to throw them out as Flair charges at Edge, back body drop by the Rated R Superstar!! Flair lands on his feet and Edge turns around RIGHT INTO A SHINBREAKER!! We see Christian headed over towards Lilian Garcia now as Tomko heads the opposite direction and Flair goes ONCE AGAIN for the Figure four, will it be all this time?! YES!! LOCKED IN!! FIGURE FOUR LOCKED IN AND EDGE IS ALL BUT READY TO TAP!! BUT TOMKO!! TOMKO IS ON THE APRON!!

The referee sees Tomko and tries to get the big man down, pleading with him and arguing but Tomko’s having none of it as EDGE TAPS!! EDGE IS TAPPING OUT BUT THERE’S NO REFEREE!! Flair breaks the hold thinking he’s won but sees the ref’s back is turned, Flair then gets to his feet before he turns around, BAM!! CHRISTIAN WITH A STEEL CHAIR!! STEEL CHAIR ACROSS THE SKULL!! Flair is floored as Tomko now finally drops down, the referee turns back around as Edge crawls and claws his way over, clutching his leg in agony as he drapes an arm over the Nature Boy, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!! EDGE WINS IT!!

Winner: Edge(13:04)

The assault then begins as Tomko and Christian like a pack of wolves come and take it to Naitch!! The veteran is floored and vulnerable as these two show no remorse, hammering away with vicious kicks to Flair as Tomko brings Edge to his feet and despite the fatigue, Edge joins in the assault!!

Jim Ross: DAMN IT TO HELL!! Edge just stole the victory thanks to Christian!! A-a-and now look at this!! It’s two on one, hell, it’s three on one with Tomko in there!!

The Coach: Put the old man outta his misery fellas!! Don’t wait til Summerslam, do…it…NOW!!

Jim Ross: Somebody’s gotta stop this, somebody’s gotta sto- YES!! JERICHO!! CHRIS JERICHO COMING TO GET HIM SOME ON EDGE!! COMING TO THE AID OF THE NATURE BOY!!

The Coach: Jericho’s even stupider than I thought!! It’s still three on two!!

Jericho is of course sprinting down to the ring and hops inside, immediately taking it to Edge!! Christian and Tomko are pummelling Flair while it’s Jericho and Edge trading blows, scenes similar to last week here and these two AND JERICHO TOSSES EDGE TO THE OUTSIDE!! This thing’s spilling all over the place AGAIN!! Christian meanwhile tells Tomko to hoist Flair up, the Problem Solver doing just that as Christian boots Flair in the gut, Unprettier time!!

BUT HERE COMES BATISTA!!!


Jim Ross: THE ANIMAL!! THE ANIMAL COMING TO THE AID OF RIC FLAIR!! BATISTA IS HEADED THIS WAY AND HE’S HEADED FOR CHRISTIAN!!

The Coach: Get ‘im Tomko!!

Tomko does indeed charge at the World Champion but he’s cut in half with a DEVASTATING SPEAR!!

Jim Ross: Thanks for coming Tomko!!

And now the Animal has his sights set on Christian!! Christian has left Flair fallen and looks like he’s about to shit his pants as Tista huffs and puffs, the crowd abuzz as Batista makes the move BUT CHRISTIAN SHOWS SOME FIGHT!! Christian and Batista going to war here!! A fist fight between the two men but the power of the Animal sees him come out on top, forcing him back as Tista now with an Irish whip before a SPINEBUSTER!! Christian is in a world of trouble now as the ropes begin to shake, Batistabomb time!! We get a quick glimpse of Jericho and Edge once again fighting off up the ramp, going hell for leather with one another, nobody quite getting on top before we cut back to the ring and Batista delivers the thumbs up before…thumbs down… Christian’s in a world of trouble here!! Boot to the gut, up goes Christian!! BATISTABOMB CONNECTS!!

Jim Ross: Captain Charisma meets his match here tonight!! A fired up, pissed off animal!! The World Heavyweight Champion came tonight looking for a fight and if he wasn’t gonna get Shawn Michaels, if he wasn’t gonna get Kane then he was gonna get anybody he could!!

The Coach: Disgusting J.R Batista had no right to do that to Christian!! Christian’s none of his business, Ric Flair isn’t any of his business and I don’…

Jim Ross: Christian wasn’t a part of Ric Flair’s business here tonight!! Christian cost Flair the match for cryin’ out loud!!

The Coach: But Christian IS a part of Ric Flair’s business, he’s the man who in thirteen nights time ENDS the Nature Boy’s career and Batista will NOT be there to save him.

Tista lifts Flair to his feet, the Dirtiest Player in the game embraces his former protégé as the crowd goes insane. The show then closes with Tista and Flair raising one another’s arm as the Animal’s music plays…





But we then go backstage where we see….nothing?? There’s nothing but the camera gradually moves further and further forward and we see what appears to be a body on the floor, the camera then gets right up towards this laid out body and we see SHAWN MICHAELS!! The Heartbreak Kid is completely out cold with a small amount of BLOOD laying right beside him, Michaels completely busted open here as there’s nobody in sight of him.

Jim Ross: SHAWN MICHAELS!! SOMEBODY GET SOME HELP BACK THERE!!

Batista and Flair don’t know what’s going on as they celebrate still with the crowd before our attention is turned back to the titantron where we see Michaels again flat out but the camera then shifts to the left of Michaels where we see KANE!! The Big Red Machine begins to smirk and let out that devilish laugh of his before he walks away, his work obviously done and Eric Bischoff’s word of warning was clearly not heeded by the Showstopper. Has Shawn Michaels put the General Manager’s plans in jeopardy? Has Kane taken out the Heartbreak Kid? The final image is once again of Michaels laying in his own blood as we fade to black.

Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC

World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane

WWE Championship:
John Cena(c) vs Kurt Angle

If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair

Randy Orton vs The Undertaker

WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin

Money in the Bank Contract:
Edge vs Chris Jericho

8 Man Tag Team Match:
The Dudley Boyz and The Basham Brothers vs Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth; The Platform to Perfection and Sonjay Dutt and Daivari; The Arabian Entity​

No Holds Barred Match:
Mark Jindrak w/William Regal vs Big Show

WWE Women's Championship:
Victoria(c) vs Lita​
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top