Monday Night Raw || March 15th 2004
Blue Cross Arena|| Rochester, New York
Instead of beginning the show with the usual Raw opening video, 'Step Up' by Drowning pool plays alongside some highlights of the Raw side of things from last night's Wrestlemania, with the video package ending with Triple H raising the World Heavyweight Title in the air, victorious after defeating Booker T.
***Opening Video***
***Pyro***
Jim Ross: Ladies and Gentlemen, we are only 24 hours removed from the biggest Wrestlemania in WWE history, and here tonight in the Blue Cross Arena, the atmosphere is just as electric as it was last night in Madison Square Garden! What a night it was, King!
Jerry Lawler: You're not wrong, J.R! So much happened last night, it will be hard to get a word in edgeways with the fallout from last night. There's so much to talk about, and I can guarantee you they'll be so much going on tonight!
***Sexy Boy*** hits to a HUGE ovation, in respect for one of the all-time greats, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.
Jim Ross: And this man was in the center of one of the most controversial Wrestlemania matches, and endings in the history of the event. Hell, it was one of the most controversial endings in pro wrestling full stop!
Jerry Lawler: Shawn Michaels had it coming, J.R. He said he was going to break the back of Bill Goldberg; how can you condone that type of violence?! How can you condone Michael's for
wanting to not only end a wrestler's career, but possibly end their life altogether? I'll answer that one for you J.R, you can't. HBK is in the wrong, and he deserved everything he got, in my opinion.
Shawn is dressed ready to compete and he looks like he means business. He climbs in to the ring, and grabs a microphone from Lillian. He waits for his music to stop; he then raises the microphone to his mouth.
Shawn Michaels: STING! I WANT AN EXPLANA...
***Seek and Destroy*** plays before HBK can go any further! The crowd is split, half booing and half cheering, as THE ICON STING makes his way down to ringside. Shawn Michaels motions for Sting to come in to the ring, however Sting just stands outside, with a microphone.
Sting: Shawn, I'm going to get the first, and the last word in here. I did what I did last night, simply because it needed to be done. Shawn, remember when you were the best in the world? Remember when you were on top of the mountain of professional wrestling, and everyone was gunning for you yet you STILL shown respect to whoever decided to step up on that given night? You still managed to maintain a level of respect which is almost invisible in the current Wrestling world, despite the whole locker room out to beat you down. Bill Goldberg was in that position. He wanted, HE NEEDED to do whatever it took to win the Royal Rumble and nearly end your career, simply because he wanted to be at the top.
The crowd and HBK are in confusion?
Sting: I wasn't invited here Shawn, I came here because I felt the need to inject a dose of respect in to the industry. When me and Ric Flair had 5 star matches, week-in week-out, we still had respect for each other whether we liked each other or not. The same with Andre and Hogan,
(pops) Owen Hart and Bret Hart,
(even bigger pops) and Steve Austin and The Rock!
(The BIGGEST pop!) So why can't you Shawn? Eh? Why can't you carry the same respect as you did seven years ago? Why can't you keep your head held high, exactly to how you were 7 years ago? Has all of the respect you've earned got to your head? Has the praise in your ability to perform and entertain expanded your ego, or are you just a disrespectful BITCH!
This draws almost an EQUAL reaction from the crowd. If anything, it's leaning towards more heat for Sting, as HBK shakes his head and bites his bottom lip in frustration as he once again signals Sting to come in to the ring.
Sting: No, Shawn, I'm not going to fight you, because that's exactly what you want. I'm not going to be molded in to your hands and I am not going to give you what you want. Why do you want to fight me anyway, Shawny'boy! You're the Heartbreak Kid god dammit! You're the first ever WWE Grandslam winner, MR WRESTLEMANIA HIMSELF! What have you got to prove by fighting a 'washed up' former champion like me, nothing, that's what. You've got nothing to gain, and neither have I, so why should I!
The fans boo at the dismissal of a fight between the two.
Sting: (
pointing to the crowd) C'mon don't be like that... because I know someone who does have something to gain from facing you, and I suppose you have something to gain by facing him. He's a very talented athlete, one of the best I've seen, and I really do think you'll have a hard time defeating him.
Shawn looks confused, but slightly interested at who Sting has lined up for him. The crowd start cheering, not having the slightest clue who it could be!
....
...
..
.
***I'll show you, YOU'LL SEE*** hits, to an astounding amount of boos as the crowd are awfully let down by the choice of opponent. Shawn Michaels smirks, but seems a little bamboozled by the decision, wondering whether this is a trick or not. Sting is at ringside, clapping enthusiastically, obviously willing Richard's on. A pumped up Richards slides in to the ring, and the match is underway!
Match One | Singles Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Steven Richards
Steven Richards instantly claps his hands, prompting the fans to do the same, but they don't. Richard's looks a little bit gutted, as Sting shouts from the outside... "
GO GET EM' RICHARDS! Michaels looks at Sting on the outside, and smirks as Richards takes the opportunity and leaps for the legs of HBK to take him down, but the Showstopper sidesteps Richards and nails him with five vicious right hands to the jaw. Shawn then whips Stevie in to the ropes, to only elevate him in to the rafters with a HUGE back body drop, causing Richards to writhe in pain on the mat. Shawn locks eyes with Sting once again but not for long, as HBK knows better and gets straight back to work on Richards.
Mr Wrestlemania throws Stevie in to the ropes once more, but as he bounces back he attempts to hit a clothesline which is ducked by HBK! As soon as Richard's turns around...
BOOM! SHAWN MICHAELS HITS A PERFECTLY PLACED SWEET CHIN MUSIC! Shawn goes for the cover, and gets an easy three count over a very capable (8*D) Stevie Richards.
Winner: Shawn Michaels via pinfall @ 1:52
***Sexy Boy*** plays for the second time tonight, as HBK doesn't even allow the ref to raise his arm in victory as the staredown with "The Icon" is THAT intense. The Stinger breaks the awkwardness, and cracks a rather sadistic smile as he backs up the ramp swinging his baseball bat, leaving HBK confused in the center of the ring as Raw goes for a commercial break.
As Raw returns from commercial break, we are welcomed by a "before the break" screen, showing the altercation between Sting and Michaels, more specifically the staredown after the Michaels/Richards match.
Jim Ross: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night Raw and already it's been a night where anything can happen! The Icon, Sting, made his Raw debut, showing up to confront HBK after SCREWING him out of his match against Goldberg last night!
Jerry Lawler: C'mon J.R, Sting said it himself, Shawn Michaels isn't that man he used to be, and it shows. The dam Showstopper went out last night to end the career of a man, how can that be tolerated. Sting only wants to show Shawn what respect means, again, and he explaining that doing what he did last night is the best way of doing that.
Cameras quickly go backstage in to the parking lot, to see a limousine pull up. A man steps out with brown leather shoes, with a grey suit. As the camera moves up from the feet, to the face of the man, we realise it is TRIPLE H! The World Heavyweight Champion is accompanied by The World Team Team Champions, Ric Flair and Batista, as well as the Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton. The arrogant quartet slowly make their way through the arena, as it seems as if they're coming to ringside.They whisper in each other's ear, but whispering far to quietly for the cameras to pick anything up.
Jim Ross: And there they are, King! The four men, which I hate to admit, are the best in this business.
Jerry Lawler: The past, the present and the future; all in one big happy family! And they're in the arena, tonight!
The shot of Evolution fades, as we see a small video package of Wrestlemania, set to the song "Touche" by Drowning Pool.
As the video package ends, we hear ***Jade and Cindrak.*** (nice theme?) The two youngsters burst out of the curtain, receiving a light pop, but nothing too compelling. The two best friends calmly make their way down the ramp, and slide in to the ring, climbing on to two different turnbuckles and posing for the crowd.
Jim Ross: Tonight, these two young lions have got one heck of an opportunity, to become number one contenders for Ric Flair's and Batista's World Tag Team Championships at Backlash. Should Jindrak and Cade win tonight, I believe they will have a great chance of walking out of Edmonton the new World Tag Team Champions.
Jerry Lawler: I don't know J.R. I admit, these two superstars are technically sound and they're both two amazing athletes, but are they better than the mixture of experience and youth, technique and power, and just general chemistry that is Evolution? I don't disagree with you J.R, it's just Evolution seems unstoppable at the moment, and it will take one hell of an effort to put an end to Evolution's reign as tag champs.
***MacMillitant*** hits, as Henry and Mack, accompanied with Jazz enter, to a surprsingly large amount of heat! The trio walk down in unison, ignoring all of the abuse they are receiving from the New York natives! Cade and Jindrak wisely get out of the ring, allowing the trio to get in the ring and do their business; attracting more heat from the crowd, which they successfully do!
Jerry Lawler: I like this team of Mack and Henry, J.R. They have it all; strength, charisma, chemistry, and a woman by their side! Is there anything more they could ask for?
Jim Ross: Well yeah, there is something more they could ask for, and thats to not be as stuck up their own asses as much as they are. If they want to be taken seriously here on Raw, the need to get their head out of the sand and focus, i'm tellin you King!
Jerry Lawler: You're just jealous, J.R.
Match Two | Tag Team Match
Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak vs. Mark Henry and Rodney Mack w/ Jazz
With the fact that the two teams are garnering little to no reaction forgotten, this match is generally entertaining. For the most part, it is back and forth action with both teams gaining, and losing, the advantage. It isn't up until Mark Henry hits a very impressive spinebuster that one team gains a visible advantage.
The match follows the general formula of a tag-team match of the heels picking one man of the opposite team, and grinding down on him, him being the unfortunate Garrison Cade. The match finishes when just as it seems Cade and Jindrak are regaining the advantage, Jazz made her way up to the apron to cause a distraction for the ref so presumably Henry and Mack could cheat. Mack ran to clothesline Cade but HE DUCKS, AND MACK SENDS JAZZ CRASHING TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR BELOW! Jindrak runs in, and crossbodies Henry and Cade rolls Mack up for the three count!
Winners: Lance Cade and Mark Jindrak via pinfall @ 7:51
***Jade and Cindrak*** plays once again, as the crowd pops at the victory of the two young lions. The two scramble to their feet, and have their arms raised in victory as Henry, Jazz and Mack are on the outside arguing about what went wrong.
Jim Ross: They've done it King! Jindrak and Cade are going to live their dream, and in just over a month they are going to compete for the World Tag Team Championships!
Jerry Lawler: Ahh, I'll hand it to em' J.R, they did well to overcome Henry and Mack. But that still doesn't change the fact that they will have little to no chance at ALL of beating 'Naitch and The Animal at Backlash/
Jim Ross: I wouldn't count them out, King, Cade and Jindrak have all the tools required to win the titles, and they earned that opportunity to do so tonight against a very impressive team. I feel on any given night, the result could have been the other way around, but tonight... it's Cade and Jindrak who are victorious!
... BUT THEY'RE NOT VICTORIOUS FOR LONG! RIC FLAIR AND BATISTA HAVE HOPPED THE GUARDRAIL AND HAVE AMBUSHED THEIR OPPONENTS AT BACKLASH! The champs simultaneously club the back of the head of their opponents, sending them crashing to the mat. They then lay in some vicious kicks to the small of the back, as well as the neck, the shoulders and the head. The crowd CAN'T STAND the sight of two of the most hated men ambushing their number one contenders like this, and they aren't afraid to show it as they rain down on Flair and Batista with an onslaught of boos! Raw goes for it's Second commercial break, as J.R is shouting "GET THESE TWO SAVAGES AWAY!"
As Raw returns from commercial break, we are greeted by the sound of ***Just Close Your Eyes*** which gathers quite a few boos as Captain Charisma trots down the ramp cockily, preparing for the debut of his new segment; The Peep Show!
Jerry Lawler: Oh My God J.R, ITS TIME! ITS TIME FOR THE PEEP SHOW. I CAN'T WAIT!
Jim Ross: The sooner this is done and dusted, the better. All this is for is to boost Christian's ego even more, and many thought that wasn't even possible. What has Christian done to deserve this time? Nothing, thats what!
Jerry Lawler: Don't hate the player, hate the game, J.R, and the rules of the game are bent in the favour of Christian. I can't wait!
Captain Charisma jogs up the steel steps, and leaps the the middle rope, posing, and grabbing a microphone of Lillian Garcia at ringside. He then sorts out his collar on his shirt, as his theme dies down. The crowd are still booing Christian, to no surprise.
Christian: WELCOME...
The boos are far too loud for Christian to carry on, he tries once more but louder.
Christian: WELCOME TO...
Still far to much noise.
Christian: SHUT THE HELL UP!
It doesn't help matters but he does it anyway, only to get even more heat. He waits 20 seconds before the crowd give up and realise he isn't paying attention to them.
Christian: WELCOME TO THE PEEP SHOW! My name is Christian, and I AM your host for the evening. Tonight, we shall be going down memory lane; appreciating what the legends of the past have done for us in this ruthless business we call professional wrestling. Shall we begin?
Heat, as the crowd simply can not be arsed for this.
Christian: Excellent, cameramen in the back, if you will?
A picture of Hulk Hogan pops up on the screen, as the crowd pops at the sight of "The Hulkster".
Christian: Hulk Hogan, the Immortal One! The man that has revolutionized professional wrestling. The man that brought professional wrestling to the mainstream audience, and the man who put this sport on the map. The man, that in 1987 bodyslammed a 505 pound man, I mean, that is impressive! Bu what was Hogan really like? Well my sources tell me he was an asshole. A politician. A mastermind of his own gain. And a selfish, washed up has-been. And ladies and gentlemen, not a thing has changed!
Christian sure is doing a good job at the crowd giving him abuse, he's receiving a tonne of it at the moment. A picture now comes up of The Undertaker.
Christian: Next up, the Undertaker! Has competed in 12 Wrestlemanias, and won every single match! That is unheard of in the WWE! A four time WWE champion. A 6 time tag-team champion. A former hardcore champion and one of the biggest badasses around! But Taker, we all know you aren't dead. We all know you're just an egotistical maniac that gets a buzz of pretending something you're not, need I say more?
The levels of heat are constantly raising, as Christian has gone from being an average heel to being hated within the space of a few minutes. A picture of THE ROCK comes up, as the crowd turns electric, but they are a bit apprehensive as they know Christian is only going to say bad things about him.
Christian: Ahh, the People's cham... Hey, wait a minute, thats not the picture I asked for!?
Christian's right, because it isn't a still image, it's the Rock; LIVE backstage.
Christian: Rock, what the hell do you think you're doing?
The Rock: What the hell do I think I'M doing?! Know you're role and SHUT YOUR MOUTH CHRISTIAN, because there are only two things the people want to hear in New York City...
Cheap pop as the crowd are buzzing, seeing the Rock for the first time since November! As the Rock says this, he does his signature "sniffing" pose.
The Rock: FINALLY... THE ROCK HAS COME BACK, TO NEW YORK CITY!
The crowd is cheering at the top of their lungs, as they chant in unison with the People's champ
The Rock: And the second thing the people want hear, is the sound of your whiny ass crying all over New York City as The Rock sends you from pillar to post all round the Blue Cross Arena.
POP
Christian: Yeah, thats real cute Rocky, but if you don't mind, I've got a show to get on with.
The Rock:OH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH! The Rock hasn't done yet, jabroni. The Rock has got a question for you Christian... Just, who in the BLUE HELL do you think you are disrespecting the legends of this game, HUH!?!
Christian: I am Christi...
The Rock: IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE! All that matters is that at some point in your pathetic little life, someone is going to whip you'r ass so hard even Momma Christian won't wanna touch it! And believe me when I say this Christian, that someone could easily be...
(whispers) THE ROCK!
Oh dear! Christian is getting shat on with the stereotypical Rocky catchphrases
Christian: Oh yeah, well why don't you come down and prove it, big shot?
"OOOOOHH" is all that is heard throughout the arena, as the Rock raises his eyebrow as if to say "y'serious?" ***Know Your Role*** hits to a STANDING ovation, as Rocky struts the only way The Rock can, unbuttoning his shirt on the way down. By the time he gets to the foot of the ramp, he throws his shirt to the floor, still looking in great condition as he slides under the bottom rope. As soon as he gets in, CHRISTIAN DIVES OVER THE OPPOSITE TOP ROPE. The Rock doesn't look impressed, but he doesn't look surprised either as Captain Charisma hightails it over the guardrail.
The Rock, in frustration, tears down the set for "The Peep Show". Bringing down TVs, flipping chairs and sofas over and all sorts of stuff! Christian is in a sea of fans, with his bottom jaw almost touching the floor in horror of how close he was to being confronted, face to face by The Great One. The Rock then picks up Christian's dropped microphone and climbs to the top rope.
The Rock: IF YOU SMEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLL
Silence
The Rock: WHAT THE ROCK...
Silence, and a longer pause again as Rock looks down on Christian, doing the "Just Bring It" taunt. He whispers...
The Rock: is cookin'!
The electric crowd fade in to a chorus of boos, as we now see a shot of The WWE Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton backstage. The 3rd generation superstar looks in to the sky, before Johnathan Coachman steps in to the shot.
Johnathan Coachman: Randy, first off, congratulations on your tremendous performance last noght, defending your Intercontinental title against a very hard challenger in Chris Benoit.
Randy Orton: ... Thanks
Johnathan Coachman: I understand you have requested some time to make an announcement?
Randy Orton: Indeed I have Coach
(snatches mic off of Coach) Y'see, i've been the Intercontinental champion since what? Armageddon? And i've defeated all there is to defeat; Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Christian, Chris Benoit, Mick Foley... EVERYONE! And quite frankly, it's not only becoming boring, it's becoming DISGUSTING! It's becoming disgusting that no-one has the skill to even CHALLENGE me. Back in my father's and even my grandfather's era of wrestling, the talent were exactly that, talented. They had guts, skill and charisma and were ALL worthy of competing for this prestigious prize. But now? No-one in that locker room, outside of Evolution, are worthy of shining my shoe!
With that said, my announcement. Tonight, there are no number one contenders. I am going to go to that ring later tonight, and the first man to join me, will have the opportunity to compete for this very title.
(slaps belt) So whoever it turns out to be, i'll see you out there.
Randy walks off of the shot, before popping back in again a few seconds after
Randy Orton: Oh and just a word of advice; DON'T MAKE A MISTAKE
Randy goes for for real this time, leaving a bamboozled Coachman standing there, aimlessly. Before a "Wrestlemania Recall" package plays, highlighting the Women's title match between Victoria and Trish Stratus, which saw the champ retain over the Toronto born diva. Raw then goes to commercial break.
As Raw returns ***Time To Rock and Roll*** plays, to a standing ovation. Trish, who has been on the losing end of things recently skips down the ramp, ready to fight. She rolls in to the ring and grabs a microphone
Trish Stratus: Okay, so as you may have heard, a new diva is here on Raw, yet nobody knows who she is. And we ALL know Monday Night Raw... that's my territory! No new female athlete walks on to my show without being put through her paces. So if this "new" girl wouldn't mind showing up and fighting me, I would certainly appreciate it.
Silence, until ***Mean Machine**** hits and Smackdown's Shaniqua enters the arena, to many people's surprise! The 6ft monster casually walks down the ramp, as Trish is as shocked as everyone else!
Jim Ross: OH MY GOD! SHANIQUA IS ON RAW!
Jerry Lawler: Oh no, J.R, I have a feeling is in a hell of a lot of trouble here!
Match Three | Singles Match
Trish Stratus vs Shaniqua
Neither of these women are getting a negative reaction, despite Shaniqua being heel on Smackdown, and to many's surprise, thre newbie puts on a very technical match with a game Trish Stratus. The match starts off with a good few minutes of impressive chain wrestling, the complete opposite of what everyone thought! But it doesn't take long before this match turns in to a good ole' fashioned brawl, as Shaniqua shows a great deal of strength, lifting Stratus over the top rope and on to the floor. The advantage Shaniqua then had carried on with several brutal punches and forearms to the head of Trish, and a couple of throwings in to the barricade and steel steps, causing Trish to yelp in pain.
The match finishes with Trish still trailing, however after ducking a clothesline from Shaniqua, she jumps on her back and locks in the sleeper hold! Shaniqua manages to last a good 30 seconds or so before collapsing on her knees, as Trish hopes to gain a victory over the newcomer through choking her out. Shaniqua then falls on her back, with no movement. The referee lifts Shaniqua's arm once, twice and three times!? NO! Shaniqua manages to keep the arm, and fights the vicious choke Stratus has locked in. Trish tries her best to keep the hold in, but Shaniqua grabs the ankle of Trish and LOCKS IN THE ANKLE LOCK!
Both women are screaming in the center of the ring in pain... BEFORE BOTH WOMEN TAP AT EXACTLY THE SAME TIME! IT'S A DRAW!
Winners: Shaniqua vs Trish Stratus ends in a draw via double submission @ 6:30
The two immediately let go of their respective holds simultaneously, almost as a sign of respect. The referee then tells Lillian Garcia the result and she announces it. The crowd are cheering both women, with "Lets go Stratus, SHANIQUA!" chants. Both women make their way to their feet, Stratus favoring the right ankle and Shaniqua holding her chest gasping for air. The two look at each other dead in the eyes in the center of the ring, and Trish reaches out her hand for a handshake! Shaniqua accepts, obviously as a sign of respect, as the two raise each others arm in the center of the ring as ***Mean Machine*** hits once again.
Jim Ross: What a great sign of respect from both women here tonight, and what a great outing by both women! Y'see King, this is why professional wrestling is the best sport on this planet, for scenes exactly like this!
Jerry Lawler: But will handshakes and friendly embraces win you championships and earn you success? No it doesn't J.R, one day these women are going to clash again and it won't be as pretty; I can assure you!
As a shot of Shaniqua and Trish making their way up the ramp fades out, we are faded in to a video package.
***Video Package***
A clip of Triple H hitting the pedigree on a bed of nails on Cactus Jack at the Royal Rumble in 2000
Narrator: For every action...
A clip of Mick Foley hitting Triple H around the head with a barbed-wire baseball bat
Narrator: There is an opposite and equal reaction.
Jim Ross: OH MY GOD, THAT IS INSANE!
A clip of Triple H squaring up to HBK
Narrator: For every argument...
Clip of Shawn Michaels hitting the Sweet Chin Music on Triple H
Narrator: There is an equal and opposite argument
Clip of Victoria hitting the Widows Peak on Molly Holly
Narrator: And for every ounce of force and impact...
Rapid-fire clips of Benoit hitting the headbutt, Booker T hitting the Scissor Kick and Goldberg hitting the Jackahmmer
Narrator: There is backlash!
MONDAY NIGHT RAW PRESENTS: BACKLASH
APRIL 18 2004
REXALL PLACE - EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Commercial Break
As Raw returns from the commercial break, we are in the parking lot with CHRISTIAN walking away. Johnathan Coachman follows.
Johnathan Coachman: Hey, Christian! Can I get a word for a second?
Christian: (nervously) Uhh, yeah, make it quick though.
Johnathan Coachman: What do you think of The Rock, after the things he said tonight?
Christian: What do I think of The Rock? Put it like this Coach; I may get a lot of stick for running away, but I ran away FOR THE PEOPLE! The "People" wouldn't be able to live their everyday life without The Rock, hence why I didn't stay. Y'see, if I stayed, The Rock would be in the nearest medical facility, having a fat nurse licking his wounds clean.
Johnathan Coachman: Alriiiight, so why're you off in su...
Christian: OH SHIT...!
Oh shit indeed! Christians face looks like its been slapped round the face with a wet fish, as on the other side of the car park we see THE GREAT ONE!
The Rock: Come here and get the beatin of yo' life by The Rock!
The crowd pops, as Coachman sidesteps out of the way of an incoming Rock, and Christian sprints faster than you can say Captain Charisma in to a neighboring taxi cab! The cab instantly speeds of in to the distance, as Rocky tries to keep up with it but he eventually gives up. Out of breath, The Rock slams a near car hood in frustration
The Rock: Son of a bitch!
Elsewhere, we see HBK SHAWN MICHAELS! We see The Showstopper climbing a thin set of steel steps.
Shawn Michaels: STING! Come out, now! C'mon Stinger, don't play games with me, I know you're up here.
Michaels makes his way up the stairs, and is now on the rafters above the ring! Michaels then glances across the other side of the rafters, to see a man with a black cloak facing the other way! HBK sprints towards him
Shawn Michaels: You've got hell to pay, come here!
The man doesn't react, and stays perfectly still. Michaels comes steamrolling across the rafter and NAILS "STING" IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! BUT ITS NOT STING, IT'S A CARD BOARD CUT OUT!
???: Hey, Shawn! Over here
We hear a voice, from the other side of the rafters, the same side HBK just came from! Michael's turns around and realizes its Sting!
Sting: You've gotta work harder than that to get me Shawn. Trust me when I say that, ahaha!
Michaels puts his hands on his knees, resting, visibly exhausted from sprinting across the rafters, especially after his match earlier tonight. Sting then goes back down the steps from once Michaels came, as the cameras go back to ringside with J.R and Jerry Lawler.
Jim Ross: Oh my! What else can happen tonight! The Raw debut of Shaniqua, We've seen the return of the Rock, the television debut of Sting and we still have an intercontinental title match, and a 15 man battle royal to come!
Jerry Lawler: I can't wait J.R, and the Intercontinental title match is just about...
What perfect timing! ***Line In The Sand*** hits to an astounding amount of boos, as The Intercontinental Champion, The Legend Killer, Randy Orton enters the arena with his belt wrapped firmly around his waist.
Jim Ross: He doesn't seem at all scared, King. Which is quite surprising considering he has issued an open challenge to ANYONE in the locker room and I tell you, the Raw locker room is stacked full of incredible talent!
Jerry Lawler: Of course he's not scared, J.R, he's the Legend Killer, he's a third generation superstar, he's the Intercontinental Champion, and he is the future! If you were all of them things, JR you wouldn't be sweating it either. If anything, i'd be scared for the person challenging Orton tonight, simply because he can end your career like ... THAT!
Orton does his 'Legend Killer' taunt on the middle turnbuckle before getting down, untieing his title belt and giving it to the ref. Orton signals at the top of the ramp for his challenger, whoever it is, to come down. Line In The Sand comes to an end, as we await the arrival of his opponent.
..........
........
......
....
...
..
.
BOOM!
Fire comes out at the top of the ramp, as well as from the turnbuckles scaring Orton and the ref, as ***Slow Chemical*** plays to a HUUUGE reaction. Kane, who we haven't seen since October has made his Raw return, and what a way to do it! Orton looks like he's just seen a ghost, as he instantly jumps through the middle ropes on the opposite side of the ring.
Jerry Lawler: I take it back JR, I would be scared if I were Orton! He's back!
Jim Ross: Damn right he's back, King! Through hell, fire and brimstone, The Big Red Machine Kane makes his return after nearly 5 months. Oh my King, I bet Orton regrets issuing this open challenge now.
Jerry Lawler: N'ahh, who I am I kidding JR. Orton is one of the smartest, young superstars in the WWE, i'm sure he'll know what to do.
Match Four | Intercontinental Championship Match | Singles Match
Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton vs Kane
As Kane does his taunt and pyro in side the ring, The Legend Killer snuck around the back and has AMBUSHED THE BIG RED MACHINE FROM BEHIND! The bell sounds, and we are officially underway. After gaining the advantage, the ever-opportunistic Orton keeps piling on the offence with kicks to the ribs of a grounded Kane. Orton keeps pummeling Kane with the stiff kicks before dropping an elbow to the back of the head of Kane.
Orton then picks up Kane before whipping him in to the corner, which Kane reverses. Orton floats over the 300+ pound monster and tries to get a quick one with a schoolboy roll-up, but he only just scrapes a two count. The two then quickly get to their feet, and Kane comes rushing towards Orton to really get this one started! However, the ever-wise Randy falls to the mat and rolls out of the ring underneath the bottom rope. Kane follows The Legend Killer, wanting to get his hands on not only Orton, but the Intercontinental Gold, also. Orton runs around the ring and slides back under the bottom rope on the opposite side. As Kane follows, the witty Orton kicks the head of Kane as he is sliding in.
Kane backs out, reassessing the situation, which allows Orton to vault over the top rope and HIT A FLYING CROSSBODY OVER THE TOP ROPE! BUT KANE CATCHES HIM! Orton is in a world of trouble here, as Kane is just carrying him like a bag of sugar. Kane slams the small of the back of Randy in to the apron of the ring, before doing it again, and again, AND AGAIN before finishing off with a snake eyes on the barricade! Kane then rolls back under the ring to break the referees ten count.
Kane looks to continue the offence by picking up Orton, however Randy hits some stiff rights and lefts to the stomach of Kane, before dropkicking the knee of the challenger, causing him to fall to one knee. Orton then removes the padding on the floor of the outside, exposing the bare concrete floor of the Blue Cross Arena, before Orton goes behind Kane and RKO's HIM ON TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR! Orton then swiftly makes his way up and rolls back under the bottom rope on the referee's 9 count... BUT ORTON SHOCKINGLY COMES BACK ON TO THE OUTSIDE FOR MORE! Orton lays in with some kicks to Kane, and he picks him up and rolls him in to the ring, knowing if it came to a brawl he'd lose.
Randy flings Kane across to the other side of the ring, to which Kane bounces back, and connects with a vicious big boot to the jaw of Orton! Orton crawls back in to the turnbuckle, as Kane follows. Kane lifts Randy so he's standing up right and hits him with almost a dozen different strikes! From elbows, to shoulders, to kicks to uppercuts, Kane hits them all as the Champ seems to be fading out of it!
BUT ORTON SNAPS AND TURNS KANE AROUND, BACKING HIM UP IN TO THE CORNER! Orton strikes Kane several times, before stepping up on to the second turnbuckle and hitting him with the ten punch, well more like the 15 punch, as it takes the referee physically interfering for Orton to quit. However, he eventually does and lets Kane out the corner... or so they think. Orton immediately hits an impressive dropkick, nailing Kane in the jaw just as soon as he takes a step out of the turnbuckle. Randy then climbs to the top rope, looking for some more high risk offense... Kane staggers up and Orton goes for a crossbody, BUT KANE CATCHES HIM AND THROTTLES HIM! HE RAISES ORTON HIGH IN TO THE AIR FOR THE CHOKESLAM...
But Orton squirms out of it, ad dashes towards the ropes and launches himself over the top rope, getting his head round from the fact he was seconds away from being Chokeslammed to hell and losing his title. Orton gestures to slide in to the ring at the referees 6 count, but he doesn't and stays on the outside, getting himself counted out! Kane wins that match, but Orton retains the title!
Winner: Kane via Count-out @ 8:01. Randy Orton retains
Randy Orton has sneakily crept out of a very sticky situation. Kane seems pissed off, as ***Slow Chemical*** as despite him winning, he is walking away title-less. The fans are boo'ing Orton a fair bit, as he makes his way back up the ramp with a grin across his face.
As Raw returns from commercial break, 10 men have already entered the ring. Test, The Dudley Boyz, Matt Hardy, La Resistance, The Hurricane, Tommy Dreamer, The Hurricane and Val Venis the ten men. Five more competitors are expected to join the ten already in the ring, to start the match.
***Whatever*** plays to a fair reaction, as The Rabid Wolverine Chris Benoit, intense as ever, makes his way down the ramp. When he gets in to the ring, he climbs the second turnbuckle and raises both arms. ***Rap Sheet*** Then hits to an even bigger reaction, as Booker T has the chance to earn a title shot for the second PPV in a row. He does his usual entrance, and gets in the ring. ***Holla*** plays, causing a bad reaction for Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner, as he makes his way down the ramp, flexing his muscles and generally doing stuff thats not impressive, and that no-one gives a shit about.
With only two men left, ***INVASION*** hits as Goldberg enters the arena, getting an impressive reaction of both pops and boos. Berg' does his usual entrance, however he SPRINTS down the ramp and slide in to the ring. As soon as he gets in to the ring, he SPEARS The Hurricane straight out of his boots. As the match starts to get underway, with one competitor yet to make an entrance. There is a huge 14 man clusterfuck of a brawl in the center of the ring for a good 30 seconds before...
SMASH!
***I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME***
The crowd rises to its feet giving the biggest pop heard in years! Steve Austin hasn't been seen on-screen for over 6 months, and hasn't been in a WWE ring for double that. Stone Cold, looking in great shape, struts down the ramp with his usual attire, knee-braces and all, climbing up the stairs, climbing the top rope and uncharacteristically delivering a diving crossbody on to at least 6 men, as the match is now officially underway!
Match Five | Main Event | 15 Man, Over The Top Rope Battle Royal
Test vs. D-Von Dudley vs. Bubbah Duddley vs. Rico vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Chris Benoit vs. The Hurricane vs. Rene Dupree vs. Sylvain Grenier vs. Scott Steiner vs. Val Venis vs. Matt Hardy vs. Goldberg vs. Booker T vs. Stone Cold
With the bell going after the match has already started, the official beginning of the match is hectic! Austin wiped out the jobbers of the match with an uncharacteristic crossbody to get things rollin' properly. Then separate brawls start to take place all over the ring. Goldberg and Scott Steiner hitting each other with stiff rights to each other's jaw, Benoit and Booker nailing cringeworthy chops to the chest, causing WOOO reactions throughout the crowd,and Steve Austin just generally running roughshod through the rest of the jobbers. And as if this match couldn't get any more hectic, ***Line In The Sand*** plays, as Evolution (HHH, Batista and Flair***) enter the arena! Triple H sits with JR and King to joining them on commentary, as Flair and Batista stand at the top of the ramp looking down on the match.
Mean while, in the ring, the crowd pops as The Dudley Boyz manage to find space to hit a 3D on Rene Dupree. Sylvain Grenier comes in to try and save his partner, but both Bubbah and D-von duck the double clothesline attempt, and hit their own clothesline on Sylvain, eliminating him from the match. On the other side of the ring, Chris Benoit is trying to push Booker T over the rope, but Val Venis comes over and starts trading blows with Benoit, which doesn't end up being too much of a smart idea because as soon as Venis swings, Benoit ducks, gets the back of Venis and GERMAN SUPLEXES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE! Triple H on commentary plays down the spot saying Benoit would never be able to do that to someone the quality of a Ric Flair of Triple H.
As if things could get any worse for The Hurricane, after only just getting up and recovering from a devestating Spear from Goldberg, he gets knocked over the top rope by The Dudley Boyz, who seem to be using each other very well to earn themselves a shot at Triple H at Backlash. The cameras pan to the top of the ramp, to see Flair and Batista making their way to ringside, but from behind Cade and Jindrak blindside them, in revenge of what they do to them earlier in the night! Triple H is going ape on commentary!
In the ring, we see The Dudley Boyz go for the "WAAZZAAAP" off the top rope, however GOLDBERG HITS A DEVESTATING HIGH KICK TO THE JAW OF D-VON, SENDING HIM CRASHING DOWN TO THE FLOOR BELOW! Bubba then goes and tries to get payback for his brother's elimination, but Goldberg' uses his AMAZING strength, lifts a near 300 pound Bubbah Dudley over his head and throws him over the top rope, to the outside to crash and burn on top of his brother! Within the space of a few seconds, Goldberg has eliminated both of the Dudley Boyz!
On the opposite side of the ring, Scott Steiner joins in the melee between Benoit and Booker which has been ongoing since the outset of this match. The three connect with lethal rights and lefts before Rene Dupree of all people swings Steiner round AND CLOTHESLINES HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE! RENEE DUPREE HAS ELIMINATED BIG POPPA PUMP! Steiner is fuming on the outside! Dupree turns around, and does a celebratory dance in the center of thing ring, before Stone Cold spins him around, raises both middle fingers, hits a toe kick... BAM, STUNNER! STUNNER! STUNNER! The crowd go crazy for the sight of Austin's signature move, which Dupree oversells, and falls over the top rope, comically.
Matt Hardy and Val Venis, now the visible underdogs of this match are keeping to their own business, hammering each other with rights and lefts, before Hrdy ducks on and hits the Side Effect on Venis. Benoit manages to get out of the brawl and turns his attention to Hardy. Chris goes to deck Hardy, but Matt ducks and hits A SIDE EFFECT ON BENOIT! Hardy is on a roll, as Booker makes is way over to Hardy. V1 gets the first kick though, burying his foot in to the sternum of Booker and attempting the twist of fate!... but Booker pushed Hardy away straight in to the grasp of Goldberg, who overhead, belly to belly suplexes Hardy over the top rope, ending all of the momentum of Hardy. Berg then turns his attention to the two men who have been quiet all match, Dreamer and Rico. The two see Goldberg looking at them, and they glance at each other, before running in unison to double clothesline Goldberg, but the big man runs straight towards them, and hits a double spear! He picks Dreamer up, and tosses him over the top rope with ease. He then picks Rico up, and goes to throw him over, but he stops... he lifts him up in the air before nailing Rico with the Jackhammer! He then throws a lifeless Rico over with ease.
The cameras go back on to the ramp, which sees Cade and Jindrak still getting the better hand of Evolution, as the four men who will battle at Backlash brawl their way in to the back. The cameras turn their attention back to the ring, which now only has Goldberg, Chris Benoit, Stone Cold and Booker T. The impressive Goldberg now turns his attention to the Rabid Wolverine, and lines him up for the deadly spear. Goldberg lowers his head and sprints towards Benoit at a rapid pace, and just as Goldberg is about to connect, BOOKER T HITS THE SCISSORS KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD OF A RUNNING GOLDBERG! The fans go crazy for Booker, as he saves Benoit from a vicious spear! Benoit and Booker then, as a team, pick Goldberg up and collectively throw him over, eliminating one of the favorites!
As Booker and Benoit turn around, proud of what they just accomplished, it is BENOIT WHO TURNS AND INSTANTLY LIFTS THE LEGS OF BOOKER AND THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE! Booker falls backwards over the top rope, but lands on his feet on the floor, shocked that Benoit would do such a thing! Booker curses Benoit, as the referee surrounding the ring tell Booker he must leave the ringside area.
The final two, Stone Cold and Chris Benoit, meet each other in the center of the ring with a very intense staredown. The tension builds and builds and builds... until its AUSTIN WHICH LAUNCHES BENOIT WITH A HARD RIGHT! Benoit doesn't back down, however, as he replies with an equally hard right hand, as the two reply with even harder shots several times. Austin then runs to the rope bounces off and Benoit attempts a clothseline which Austin ducks. SCSA bounces back off of the opposite ropes and hits the Lou Thesz press! Austin then gets back up and hits a knee drop to the bridge of the nose of Benoit, WHICH SPLITS HIM OPEN! Stone Cold then picks up Benoit, waits for a second AND HITS THE STUNNER! He then throws Chris over the top rope, however BENOIT HANGS ON AND LANDS ON THE APRON! With Austin on the inside, and Benoiut on the outside of the ropes, the both start exchanging heavy fists.
HHH all of a sudden rips off his headset, and sprints down the ramp. He slides in to the ring, grabs the legs of Austin and THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE! Austin, unaware of whats going on, tumbles over the tope rope...
BUT HE DRAGS BENOIT DOWN WITH HIM, AND THEY BOTH IT THE MAT AT THE SAME TIME! Both men's feet have touched the floor, at exactly the same time! Triple H seems happy, though, simply because he feels he got rid of Austin and made Benoit win the match! The referees are arguing on the outside of the ring about who's feet touched the floor first. The crowd are near enough silent, unsure of what to say or do until...
***NO CHANCE***
Vince McMahon's infamous music hits, and the Chairman of the WWE walks out on to the top of the ramp, with a microphone in hand.
Vince McMahon: Hunter, you may have thought you've outsmarted Mr Bischoff, and you may have though you have outsmarted these fans, but by god you haven't outsmart Vincent Kennedy McMahon dammit. There was not a winner tonight, to determine a number on contender for your title, however at Backlash there shall be a winner.
Pop
Vince McMahon: Because at Backlash, on April 18th, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada... for the World Heavyweight Championship... it shall be Triple H...
BOOOOO
Vince McMahon: versus The Rabid Wolverine, Chris Benoit!
Great pop for Vince, giving Benoit a well deserved shot at the title
Vince McMahon: VERSUS STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!
The crowd go NUTS AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH AT BACKLASH! Hunter's face looks amazingly pissed off. Benoit and Austin, who are on the outside, look at each other before looking at HHH in the ring and grinning at the champ. ***No Chance*** hits again, as Raw fades to black.
***End Show***
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This is my second ever show, my first full show, so please bare that in mind. I know it isn't top quality, and I know you will find shows 100x better than this, but please bare in mind what I just said. Also, i'd like as much advice and feedback as possible, simply because I want to grown and progress as a booker as much, and as fast as possible. So any advice, whether it be storyline wise, vocabulary wise or even lay-out wise would be amazing, as long as it isn't pointless and it has some reason.
Also, I will return any feedback you give me, and I will try and do the same for your show as i'veasked of you for mine. Thankyou.