text:
Mark Forums Read
Wrestling Forum : WWE, TNA, Debate League, Wrestling Videos, Women of Wrestling Forums
Other Pro Wrestling Forum
Be The Booker
The World Wrestling Entertainment
Page 28 of 37
Thread Tools
Learning to break kayfabe
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Smackdown Review
Good choice of having Orton opening the show. I find some similiraties between this Randy Orton and the "Honest Man" Chris Jericho which is a compliment. I like when he talks about integrity, role model and destiny, it suits him. Typical heel move of accusing Long to be Batista's complice and at the same time, it might be true. Sorry to said this but when you're to close to Wrestlemania, it's impossible for the Royal Rumble to be absent on Smackdown.
I like your way of describing Mercury vs Hardy. They are pretty much equal in speedness but Hardy gets the edge on the wrestling. Melina being used to regain the advantage is classic MNM. Matt fights back but once again Melina is the deciding factor. I thought that Matt would win this one after Jeff's loss of last week. In my opinion, Melina is being too "active", she takes the spotlight away from MNM and mostly the titles. I hope that the Hardyz will find a way to neuttralize her.
The Bluebloods in the Cabinet ?? Nice addition but JBL is an "American Hero", why would he teams with Europeans like Burchill and Regal ? With that being said, The Cabinet really need to be built as a dominant force of Smackdown because they are doing nothing aside from jobbing to Bobby Lashley. I hope to see more of Albright, since destroying the Boogeyman he hasn't done anything.
Matt has an idea, I hope we will see it tonight.
Lashley winning is no surprise but in 6 minutes is a bit too quick. The post-match was good but I would like it more if it was a real beatdown with all members of the Cabinet destroying Lashley. Batista interrupts JBL is surprising considering what happen last week but at least we have a main-event.
Batista's explanation was spot on. It was really interesting to have him wanting to be the leader of Smackdown, it shows responds well to the Orton promo of last week. Batista has
from a bouncer to a leader.
Kennedy taking a shot at Carlito is very Kennedy-like and he's right. Carlito and Kennedy are very similar, two very cocky hosts who really like to talk about themselves, I wouldn't be shocked if one of these two win the MITB. London coming out first is logical but I am disappointed that he didn't made a reference to what happened last week. He could have use it to explain that Kennedy is afraid of him. Finlay has experience but he always been overlooked was nice as his need to be the best fighter of the world. Mark Henry in the end was the best choice to launch the brawl who follows. You really like using the security, don't you ? I would have like to hear the crowd chanting "Let them fight" because that's what we want. Overall a great segment to hype the MITB, superior to the Cabana in my opinion.
I don't know Nunzio but I don't think that Kid Kash will have difficulties to defeat him. Apparently I was wrong becasue Nunzio is here to impress too. But in the end Kash put him away. I like him using all of his big moves, it is good way to show with how many ways he can beat Rey. The staredown wasn't really neccesary but it is a good way to build some tension.
CM Punk has arrived ! But I am disappointed because I would have like a heel Punk for his debut. I don't think this has ever been done. Anyway Booker T was the ideal candidate for Punk. This match is probably the match of the night and having Punk winning by submission is ideal for him but for Booker T, it is the definition of a weak champion. Booker T needs to have some momentum heading to WM so it will be interesting to see what he's going to do next week.
The little segment between Jordan and Benoit was
short but it's okay because those two aren't really the best with the microphone.
The rundown of your card was as usual I can't wait for Wrestlemania and especially the MITB.
Batista beating JBL is fine and for once there wasn't interventions. A clean finish is always welcome in the main-event. Batista ending his lsing streak is positive for him with WM so close, he's not Booker T.
RKO on Teddy Long ?! That is impressive and unexpected even if I would've like more emphasis on the RKO because Orton just attacked his boss, there could be major repercussions so next week is going to be a huge show.
A pretty good show on the road to Wrestlemania. I would also stated that your banners are nice except for the Randy Orton picture, it should have been from 2006 but that's nothing. But I have a question : What about the Hardyz ? Didn't Matt had an idea ?
Remove Advertisements
Sponsored Links
Wrestling Forum
BkB Hulk
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 12,064
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Cheers lads. WrestleMania predictions after the WrestleMania preview (and no sooner plz). The Hardy Boyz have another week to reveal their plan.
March 27th, 2006 | Omaha Civic Auditorium; Omaha, Nebraska
Are you excited? Well you should be, because WrestleMania 22 is now just FIVE DAYS away ladies and gentlemen, with Monday Night RAW set to take their final stop on the way to WrestleMania 22 in Omaha, Nebraska for what is sure to be a huge show. What makes it even bigger? RAW this week is to be headlined by an absolutely massive main event.
Ever since Edge captured the WWE Title back at New Years Revolution, the champion has been doing his all to avoid the challenges of Kurt Angle and John Cena. Last week Edge did it again, attacking Cena before he was set to go one on one with him and putting him in doubt to even appear at WrestleMania thanks to a vicious con-chair-to. Tonight, however, there will be no running for the WWE Champion, as just five days before he defends his title against Kurt Angle and John Cena in a Triple Threat Match, Edge will be going one on one with Angle this week on RAW in not just any match. Oh no, itll be a no DQ, no count out match between these two fierce rivals before they meet with the biggest prize in the WWE on the line.
It isnt just personal for Edge and Angle this week though. Perhaps the most intense rivalry we have seen of late has been between two former friends and now heated enemies, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. The two have said they will do all they can to finish the other at WrestleMania 22; however, before then they will meet one more time in the ring this week on RAW in their final face to face confrontation. RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff has told the two there is to be no physicality, meaning only words will be traded. What will the two have to say to one another come this Monday night? Will this indeed be the final confrontation between the two? Will they finish each other in five days time? This one is personal.
For the past month we have seen both Rob Van Dam and The Undertaker appearing on Monday Night RAW, and this week is said to be no exception. While RVD is not scheduled for a match, one final meeting with The Undertaker on RAW is almost guaranteed. What will go down between the two before they finally meet at WrestleMania when RVD tries to break the streak?
Mickie James will get the chance to get her hands on the woman who turned her back on her a month ago at Saturday Nights Main Event when the two face off in tag team action. Both will have their newfound friends by their side, as Mickie will team with Ashley Massaro, while the Womens Champion Stratus has her former rival Victoria by her side. Will Mickie get her hands on Stratus five days before she challenges her for the Womens Title at WrestleMania 22, or will Stratus manage to delay the meeting between the two?
Also in action on RAW will be Shelton Benjamin against one half of the World Tag Team Champions, Kane as he looks to prove himself to his partner Charlie Haas before they challenge Kane & Big Show in five days time. Haas beat Big Show, so can Benjamin step it up now and snap his losing streak? The four RAW members of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match will also be in action in a Fatal Four Way. Which of Gregory Helms, Carlito, Ric Flair or Chavo Guerrero can gain some momentum ahead of WrestleMania?
For the answers to all of these questions plus so much more, tune into Monday Night RAW on The USA Network at 9/8C, just five days from the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania 22.
steamed hams
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,170
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
I had my first Raw at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, ahh memories. Well it was only posted about 10 days ago but you know, I'm just sayin'.
On a related note I wonder what Helms will be up to on your upcoming Raw? Looks like a good show anyway, I'll be reading.
BkB Hulk
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 12,064
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
March 27th, 2006 | Omaha Civic Auditorium; Omaha, Nebraska
We begin this weeks show with a summary of the major happenings of last weeks show; namely those surrounding the two former members of D-Generation X, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. For those of you who missed last weeks show, that included Triple H coming out to open the show and demanding that Shawn Michaels come out, only for the General Manager, Eric Bischoff to come out and tell Hunter that Shawn wasnt in the building. Triple H refused to leave the ring until he got a fight, leading to Kurt Angle coming out and challenging The Game, setting up the main event for the night in Triple H vs. Kurt Angle.
When main event time came, the two tremendously over faces were allowed to go at it brutally, with things starting off as a straight up fight until Kurt Angle took control and paid special attention to the previously injured quadriceps of Triple H, bringing grave concern to the old injury. Triple H would rally though, and the two would continue to trade their biggest and best moves to no result until Shawn Michaels would show that he was in fact in the building by coming out to the ring. The match quickly became a no contest as Shawn disposed of Kurt Angle and the referee rather violently with Sweet Chin Music, before grabbing a sledgehammer and looking to finish Triple H off once and for all. The crowd looked on in fear as Triple H regained his footing, prompting HBK to charge, only for Triple H to spring to life and nail a spinebuster. Triple H would then level his foe with a brutal shot from the sledgehammer that Shawn himself brought into the ring, leaving The Game standing tall as the show came to its conclusion.
We now get the traditional opening to Monday Night RAW, including a montage that features all of the stars of the show. From there we cut into the Omaha Civic Auditorium to see a huge explosion of pyrotechnics at the top of the stage, firing up an already excited crowd. We then do a circle of the arena, showing the excited fans to be jumping up and down, before finally settling down at ringside where our usual three men announce team sits.
Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW, where we are just SIX short days, yes, six short days from WrestleMania 22! Im the voice of Monday Night RAW, Joey Styles, joined here as always by my colleagues, Jerry The King Lawler and The Coach Jonathan Coachman, and gentlemen, how pumped up is this crowd? We are sold out here in Omaha, Nebraska, and I dont think Ive ever heard a more excited crowd in my life.
Jonathan Coachman:
And theyve got a reason to be excited, Joe. Not only is The Coach in the house, but also we have maybe the biggest show in the history of Monday Night RAW just SIX DAYS from WrestleMania.
Jerry Lawler:
Maybe the biggest show is right, Coach. We just saw what happened between Triple H and Shawn Michaels last week on RAW, and this week it gets even bigger. Eric Bischoff has announced that this week on RAW we will see these two enemies step in the ring with each other once more before WrestleMania for their final confrontation.
Joey Styles:
And while both men have given their word to Bischoff that there will be no contact as punishable by the General Manager should they come into contact sparks are sure to fly in that one. But if you want to talk big, then it doesnt get any bigger than this. In our main event tonight, just six days away from them competing for the WWE Title at WrestleMania, two thirds of the Triple Threat Match will meet one on one as the WWE Champion Edge faces Kurt Angle.
Jonathan Coachman:
But thats not all, Joe, cause that match isnt just any match. Its gonna be no disqualifications and no count outs. What a way to go into WrestleMania with a tremendous match.
Jerry Lawler:
Kurt Angle has been itching to get his hands on Edge for months now, and tonight hell finally get the chance one on one. Will Edge join John Cena the man who Edge himself took out last week and be in doubt for WrestleMania, or will the WWE Champion sneak his way out of another sticky situation?
Joey Styles:
Edge may finally get his comeuppance here tonight, but thats not all, because also in action will be the four RAW superstars competing at WrestleMania in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match in a Fatal Four Way here tonight! Plus we will also see Kane and Shelton Benjamin go one on one, along with Trish Stratus and Mickie James meeting in tag team action before their match at WrestleMania for what is sure to be a huge show tonight.
The music of
Randy Orton
suddenly hits without warning, drawing a surprised pop from the crowd at first, before they then begin to boo feverishly as the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship makes his way out onto the stage, away from his familiar surroundings of Friday Night SmackDown!. Orton looks far from an undercover invader or anything of the like though, dressed impeccably as always, clad in a stylish suit jacket to go over his casual street wear as he makes his way down the ramp with a smirk on his face.
Joey Styles:
Well this this is certainly a surprise. The number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title Friday Night SmackDown!s number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title is here on RAW, and he looks he looks like hes got something to say.
Jerry Lawler:
But what could Randy Orton possibly have to say? Hes a Smackdown! superstar, and so is his opponent this Sunday, Batista. Why is he here?
Jonathan Coachman:
Hes here to top off the show, gents. Just when you thought it couldnt get any bigger, the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title, the 2006 Royal Rumble winner and the
World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton is in the house. What more could you want here tonight?
TLK makes his way down the ramp then swings up into the ring, ignoring the fans for now as he receives a microphone.
Randy Orton:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW.
~ Mixed reaction from the crowd, who are keen to not cheer Orton in any way at all.
Randy Orton:
Now I know I know what youre thinking. Why am I, why is Randy Orton, a member of the SmackDown! roster, a man who hasnt been on this show for the best part of a year, here welcoming you to RAW? I dont belong here. Im a SmackDown! superstar. This isnt my show right?
~ Orton turns, a slight peek of a smirk appearing on his face.
Randy Orton:
~ Heat from the crowd as Orton smirks and looks around.
Randy Orton:
You people, you may be right when you say that I dont quite belong here. You may be right when you say that Im not a RAW superstar, that Im a SmackDown! superstar, but youre wrong, youre dead wrong when you say that this isnt my show, because it is. This
my show.
~ Big heat for the arrogance of Orton, who is unrepentant in his cockiness.
Randy Orton:
Why is this show my show? Its real simple because I said so.
~ The heat grows as Ortons ego grows.
Randy Orton:
Now normally normally this isnt how things work. Normally not just anyone can come out here and claim whatever they like, whenever they like, but this this is a special case. This is something different.
something different, because ysee, in just six days time at WrestleMania 22, I am going to become your
World Heavyweight Champion!
~ More heat from the crowd.
Randy Orton:
And as the next World Heavyweight Champion as the next
World Heavyweight Champion I say that what I want I get. I want the title? I get it. I want to buy myself some more of these beautiful, stylish jackets? I get them. I want to make Monday Night RAW my own? Guess what I get that too.
~ A small BATISTA! BATISTA! BATISTA! chant starts to kick up.
Randy Orton:
As the World Heavyweight Champion, I can get what I want, when I want, and that especially applies to anything here in the WWE. Now I may not be World Heavyweight Champion yet, I may not hold the title that signifies my dominance over the entire WWE yet, but that thats just a matter of time. Because as much as you people may hate it now, as much as you people may hate
now, in just six days time, theres no stopping whats going to happen. Theres no stopping the inevitable. Theres no stopping the age of Orton from beginning.
~ The BATISTA! BATISTA! BATISTA! chant starts to kick up louder and louder.
Randy Orton:
You people may not like it now, but trust me, soon enough, youll be thanking me. Thats right, youll be thanking me for being a World Heavyweight Champion that you can be proud of. Youll be thanking me for finally, for
removing Batista from his unrightful place as World Heavyweight Champion.
~ The chants start to reach a fever pitch as the people of Omaha demand that Batista make his way out to the ring.
Randy Orton:
Thats right, chant his name. Chant it. Come on people! Chant for your hero! Chant for your knight in shining armour! Chant for Batista! Chant with all your might, and maybe, just maybe hell show up.
~ The chant starts to break down as some people revert back to booing Orton.
Randy Orton:
Or maybe he wont. Maybe hell continue the pattern hes set for the past year as World Heavyweight Champion and be a disappointment. Maybe hell show that hes unworthy of being the World Heavyweight Champion.
~ Orton smirks to himself quickly.
Randy Orton:
Of course he will. Of course he will, because ever since Batista defeated Triple H at WrestleMania 21, ever since he became the World Heavyweight Champion, it is
that he has done. Batista may have held that title for a year, he may have defended it for a year, but has he brought prestige to the belt in doing so? Has he brought honour to one of the grandest jewels our industry has ever seen? No no. Batista hasnt. All Batista has brought to the World Heavyweight Title is a thug mentality that has no place in a wrestling ring, that has no place as the mentality of a World Heavyweight Champion.
~ Some more heat from the crowd.
Randy Orton:
And yet for a year now, Batista hasnt just survived as World Heavyweight Champion. Oh no, its been much worse than that. Batista has Batista has prospered. He has prospered as World Heavyweight Champion. For one year now Batista has prospered as a malevolent thug of a World Heavyweight Champion.
~ Another hint of a smirk from Orton as he paces the ring methodically.
Randy Orton:
And yknow, in a way, I dont blame Batista. I dont, because he doesnt know any better. All of his life hes been getting away with acting like a thug. Whether it be thanks to poor parenting, a police force afraid to enforce the law or a certain General Manager who shows clear favouritism, Batista has
been protected, and I, for one, believe it has gone on for long enough.
~ The crowd boos as Orton looks at the crowd and points towards them.
Randy Orton:
You people can deny it all you want, but the fact of the matter is that two weeks ago when Batista attacked Super Crazy like the animal that he is, he shouldnt have just been ejected from the arena, but he should have been fired on the spot. He should have been thrown in jail! And yet what does our esteemed General Manager of Friday Night SmackDown!, Teddy Long do? He
to throw Batista out of the arena. He
to take action. He
to do the job of a competent man, and what happened?
~ Orton creaks his neck to the side.
Randy Orton:
Ill tell you what happened. Batista jumped me, an innocent man, from behind, and he laid me out with a Batista Bomb, all thanks to that
of a General Manager, Teddy Long.
~ Some heat from the crowd.
Randy Orton:
So what did I do? I took action. I stood tall. I did something that should have been done long ago. I gave Teddy Long a taste of his own medicine and I laid him
~ Good heat as Orton looks directly into the camera.
Randy Orton:
Thats one down and one to go, because with Teddy Long gone, Batista is sure to follow.
~ Another smirk from Randy.
Randy Orton:
Theres no one to protect you now, Dave. Theres no one for you to hide behind. At WrestleMania itll be just you and me, and while these people may call you their great hope, their knight in shining armour, when all is said and done at WrestleMania, not only will you have no Teddy Long to hide behind, but youll also have no excuses.
~ Some small heat from the crowd.
Randy Orton:
Ive kept my word. Ive done what I said Id do all along. Ive kept my hands off you, Dave, and now now well both go into WrestleMania at full strength. Now well both go into WrestleMania at our peak. Now well both go into WrestleMania with no excuses, and Dave, I promise, once again, I
deliver on my word. I will prove that I am the better wrestler. I will prove that I am the better athlete. And I will prove that I, not you, deserve to be called World Heavyweight Champion.
~ More heavy boos from the crowd as Orton stands perfectly still and looks at the hard camera.
Randy Orton:
If youre going to know one thing, Dave, know this. This Friday night on SmackDown!, when were both standing in the same ring to sign the contract for our match at WrestleMania, savour the moment before you put pen to paper, because not only will it be the last time that youll be able to enjoy being World Heavyweight Champion, but itll also be the last moment before you sign away your destiny.
~ More heat.
Randy Orton:
Theres no stopping me, Dave. I was born for this. I was born to win the main event of the grandest stage of em all. I was born to be the best wrestler in the world. I have WrestleMania main events in my blood. I have the drive, the talent and the total package in my blood. And that thats not arrogance.
~ Orton smiles and looks at the mat, before looking directly at the camera.
Randy Orton:
~ Heat from the crowd as Orton remains still and basks in his moment, until
The crowd gives a mixed reaction, the cheers only coming in due to the interruption of Orton as the
General Manager, Eric Bischoff
walks out onto the stage, a microphone already in hand. Bischoff is quickly down to business, stopping at the top of the stage and holding his hand up.
Eric Bischoff:
Alright alright alright alright alright. First of all, Randy I just want to congratulate you. Congratulations on your upcoming title victory this Sunday night. Trust me, Im with you. I think SmackDown! will be a
better place with you as champion.
~ Heat from the crowd.
Eric Bischoff:
Theres a few other things that you said that I agree with too. First of all, Teddy Long? He is a joke of a General Manager and SmackDown! is much better off without him. As a matter of fact, some people some people might consider what you did last week a service to Friday Night SmackDown!. I know I do.
~ Heat from the crowd as Orton nods in the ring.
Randy Orton:
Thank you, Mr. Bischoff, I-
Eric Bischoff:
Whoa, dont get too carried away there, Randy. Like I said, I agreed with some of the things you said but I also disagreed with others, like just picking a random example here when you said this was
your show
~ Orton raises an eyebrow in the ring and looks to go to speak, only for Bischoff to beat him to the punch.
Eric Bischoff:
Yknow Randy, of late weve been having some trouble over here on RAW with some others thinking the same thing as you, thinking they run the show. And while I appreciate that as the next World Heavyweight Champion, youre a very, very important person, what youve got to understand that this isnt your show. This is
show, and you? Well, you can be my special guest, okay?
Randy Orton:
I understand loud and clear, Mr. Bischoff, and let me just say-
Eric Bischoff:
Im glad that you understand that, Randy, because that means you understand that right now, since youre on
show, youre also under
power. I trust you brought your wrestling trunks, Randy?
~ Orton tilts his head to the side, a little confused.
Randy Orton:
Theyre in my bag.
Eric Bischoff:
Good. Youll be needing them tonight, because youre going to be in action.
~ Orton can be seen mouthing What? in the ring.
Eric Bischoff:
Thats right, the next World Heavyweight Champion is going to be in action here tonight, and as a SmackDown! superstar, I feel its only fitting that tonight youll be going one on one with a man who is preparing to face a SmackDown! superstar at WrestleMania.
~ A pop from the crowd, who know where this is going.
Eric Bischoff:
Itll be Randy Orton going one on one with Rob Van Dam!
~ A big pop.
Eric Bischoff:
So Rob, if youre watching and I trust you are think of this as a chance to prove yourself, a preview of WrestleMania, if you will. You get your chance against a SmackDown! superstar here tonight, and just know that Ill be watching
~ Bischoff smirks and goes to turn on his foot, only to hear Orton stop him.
Randy Orton:
Mr. Bischoff, no disrespect meant, but tonight, RVD isnt going to be getting a preview of anything. As a matter of fact, instead RVD will be getting the whole damn show.
And with that Orton drops his mic with a thud, sharing a quick look with Eric Bischoff, who then takes off backstage. We get one more look of a confident Orton standing in the ring, before we cut to our announce team.
Joey Styles:
We thought this show couldnt get any bigger, but boy, did it just get bigger. Not only is one half of the WrestleMania main event Randy Orton in the building, but he will be going one on one with Rob Van Dam live here tonight on Monday Night RAW!
Jerry Lawler:
And what a match that is gonna be. RVDs got a big chance to prove himself one final time before WrestleMania, although you heard what Eric Bischoff said. Hell be watching that match very closely. What could that mean?
Jonathan Coachman:
Trust me, Mr. Bischoff knows what hes doin, so it doesnt really matter if you understand it, King. But Joe, youre right; that match is gonna be huge and it only adds to a huge show.
Joey Styles:
Also coming up later tonight we will see Shawn Michaels and Triple H meet in the ring one final time before their match at WrestleMania 22. These two have a long history as both friends and foes, and tonight we will be looking through those times, seeing what brought us to where we are today, beginning with the formation of D-Generation X as we first knew them back in 1997.
D-Generation X, including Triple H and Shawn Michaels, officially forms when Triple H, Rick Rude and Chyna cost Davey Boy Smith the European Championship against Shawn Michaels at One Night Only on September 20th, 1997 in front of Smiths hometown crowd in Birmingham, England. This begins an era where DX, led by Shawn Michaels, runs rampant over the WWF.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break back at ringside.
Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night RAW, live here from Omaha, Nebraska with just six days to go until WrestleMania 22. Tonights show is absolutely massive, and still to come includes an in-ring confrontation between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title from SmackDown!, Randy Orton going one on one with Rob Van Dam and the WWE Champion, Edge and one of his WrestleMania opponents Kurt Angle meeting in a no DQ no count out match, all later here tonight.
Silence for a moment
The crowd gives a nice pop as a focused
Shelton Benjamin
bounces his way out onto the stage, ready for action. Shelton jumps up and down on the spot, showing that hes full of energy before he makes his way down the ramp.
Lilian Garcia:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Orangeburg, South Carolina, weighing 248 lbs, SHELTONNNNN BENNNNNJAMINNNN!
Joey Styles:
Shelton Benjamin is looking fired up tonight, and boy does he need to be. Last week we saw his partner Charlie Haas defeat one half of the World Tag Team Champions, the Big Show, leading to Shelton accepting Haas as his team-mate for the first time since Haas return, only for Haas to tell Benjamin he would have to prove himself tonight.
Jerry Lawler:
And he doesnt have to prove himself against just anyone. Tonight Shelton Benjamin is going one on one with the other half of the World Tag Team Champions, Kane!
Jonathan Coachman:
Shelton may be on a losing streak as a singles competitor, but if he turns it on, who knows, he could be in with a shot tonight. Hes got a lot on the line, thats for sure.
As Shelton makes his way down the ramp and into the ring, were shown a brief clip of
Charlie Haas
watching from backstage on a monitor.
Joey Styles:
There are the judgmental eyes of Charlie Haas, the man who put Shelton in this position tonight. Can Shelton pull it off?
Shelton bounces on the spot and waits now.
The crowd gives a good pop now for
World Tag Team Champion, Kane
, who unlike Shelton is accompanied by his partner and fellow
World Tag Team Champion, Big Show
. The intimidating twin towers begin their march down the ramp, with Benji looking on from in the ring.
Lilian Garcia:
His opponent, weighing 317 lbs, he is one half of the World Tag Team Champions, Kane!
Joey Styles:
Well if he wants to pull it off, Shelton is going to have to beat this man Kane, and that is no easy task.
Jerry Lawler:
Through hellfire and brimstone, Joey, Kane is one of the scariest superstars weve ever seen here in the WWE. He can back it up in the ring too, and that gold proves it.
Jonathan Coachman:
This is a big match for Kane too. Hes gonna wanna get his team back on track ahead of WrestleMania after Charlie Haas got the best of Big Show last week. Hes comin into this match with almost as much on the line as Shelton Benjamin.
Kane climbs up into the ring over the top rope and stares Shelton down, readying himself for action as he warns Benjamin about both tonight and WrestleMania.
Match One Singles Match:
Shelton Benjamin
vs. World Tag Team Champion
w/World Tag Team Champion Big Show
Knowing how much is riding on this, Shelton cant keep still as the bell rings, continuing to bounce up and down on the spot. Kane, meanwhile, readjusts his glove, attempting to intimidate his opponent. This seemingly has no effect though as Shelton begins to circle around the ring, before eagerly rushing into a lockup. Despite being against a man who is humongous, Benji is able to hold his own at first, perhaps due to his enthusiasm, although Kane is able to ultimately win out, forcing Shelton back to the corner. Kane then, much like his partner did last week, swings for a right hand, but like Haas did last week, Benjamin quickly ducks it, then hammers Kane with some big right hand blows.
The crowd cheers as Benjamin reels the rights off in quick succession, before attempting to whip Kane into the opposite corner, only for Kane to reverse. Its now Kanes turn to go on the attack as he charges the corner to run right into a raised boot from Shelton Benjamin! The former Intercontinental Champion quickly lifts himself up to the second rope as Kane reels back then comes down with a crossbody block into a hook of the leg Kane kicks out forcefully at two!
Benjamin is quickly back up onto his feet, waiting as Kane gets back up to meet him with some stinging kicks to the ribs. Once Kane gets all of the way up, Benjamin is quick to send him back down courtesy of a snapmare, before cracking his boot off the back of Kane with a scintillating kick! The Big Red Machine is reeling, and Shelton knows it, taking off to the ropes, then coming back with a straight boot to the face of Kane! Shelton makes the cover two!
This time the kickout isnt so forceful, and this perhaps causes Benjamin to become a little more confident as he waits on Kane to start to get up. Once the current World Tag Team Champion does, Benjamin approaches him and starts to go to town, reverting back to the big right hands to force the monster back into the corner. After taking a quick glance across to the opposite corner, Shelton sends a dazed Kane across there with an Irish whip, before leaving him to sit there for a moment as he measures his next move. A smile on his face, the now confident Benjamin charges stinger splash time no! Kane gets out of the way, leaving Benjamins face and the ringpost to get better acquainted! Benjamin then staggers back right into the clutches of Kane, who scoops Shelton up, then introduces him to the top turnbuckle now with snake eyes. Shelton staggers back into the middle of the ring and is met with a running big boot by Kane!
From here Kane opts to slow things down, going at a more methodical pace to show that hes not a mindless monster, but rather a quite intelligent wrestler. Shelton is continually looking for a way back into the match, but the World Tag Team Champion simply wont allow it, absolutely smothering him. Finally Shelton is able to get some form of attack in when he blocks a right hand from Kane in the corner, then reels off a rapid fire series of his own. This sends The Big Red Machine stumbling back, giving Shelton some time before he charges at Kane right into a huge uppercut!
Benjamin goes down like a tonne of bricks, prompting a staggered Kane to slowly head to the corner, then go up to the top rope. Still dazed from Benjis right hands, Kane is moving perhaps a little slower than usual, allowing Benjamin to get to his feet then run over to the corner and jump to the top rope to take Kane crashing down to the mat with him with a belly to belly suplex! The crowd applauds the insane showing of athleticism from Benjamin as both men remain down for a moment, before struggling back up to their feet with assistance from the ropes. Despite being on jelly legs, Kane is the first to take a swing, going for a right hand, only for Shelton Benjamin to duck and take off to the ropes then come back with a jumping clothesline!
The crowd cheers as Kane gets back up to be taken down with another jumping clothesline, courtesy of Mr. Benjamin. Big Show starts to look slightly worried on the outside as Benjamin builds some more steam, landing a third jumping clothesline before heading out to the apron and roaring to the crowd. Unaware of Benjamins positioning, Kane gets up and gives his back to the former Intercontinental Champion, before turning right into an amazing springboard somersault neckbreaker from Benjamin! Shelton makes the cover TWO!
Benjamin cant believe it, looking up at the referee in shock, having thought he had ended his losing streak. The referee confirms that it was only two though, forcing Benjamin to get back on with business as he turns and boots a rising Kane right in the chest. Benjamin then looks to follow up, whipping Kane into the corner and charging in for the stinger splash again but Kane gets his boot up, meeting Benjamin in midair! Benjamin falls to his knee as Kane goes to the top rope before coming off with a flying clothesline and it hits! Benjamin goes down and Kane signals for the end! The crowd pops as Benjamin starts to get back to his feet, before turning right into the hand of Kane, which grabs Benjamin by the throat CHOKESLAM TIME NO! Benjamin slips out and lands behind Kane!
Kane turns to meet Benjamin kick to the midsection but Kane catches it and spins his opponent DRAGON WHIP! Benjamin takes Kanes head off with the dragon whip! Kane falls back into the corner, prompting Benjamin to charge in stinger splash finally connects! The crowd cheers as Kane falls to his hands and knees, prompting Benjamin to this time go up to the top rope and he comes off with a diving bulldog! Shelton makes the cover TWO! Kane just kicks out! Benjamin absolutely cant believe it this time, having given Kane just about everything hes got, only for the World Tag Team Champion to narrowly kick out.
As we see Charlie Haas still watching stoically on a monitor, Benjamin decides to finish it, calling for the end! Kane starts to struggle back to his feet AND BENJAMIN GOES T-BONE NO! Kane elbows his way out! Benjamin staggers back, giving Kane time to recover as he goes for a big boot, but Benjamin ducks under it, then runs off to the ropes and springboards back RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF KANE, WHO GRABS BENJAMIN AND CHOKESLAMS HIM IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING! Kane makes the cover and gets the three!
Winner: Kane via pinfall @ 7:26
Lilian Garcia:
Here is your winner, KAAANNNEEEEE!
Cheers come in for the World Tag Team Champion as he sets off his ringpost pyro, before celebrating the victory by raising his title alongside his tag team partner. Shelton Benjamin, meanwhile, remains down in the ring, his chance at impressing his partner seemingly blown.
Joey Styles:
Shelton Benjamin gave it all he had and it was a heck of a match, but in the end, Kane gains his team not just some major momentum ahead of WrestleMania, but perhaps also keeps that wedge between Haas and Benjamin.
Jerry Lawler:
Shelton was impressive though. I think its the best hes looked in months, and if I were Charlie Haas, Id at least be impressed by his effort.
Jonathan Coachman:
Effort means nothin, King. Charlie Haas doesnt want to try to win the World Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania. He actually wants to win them. Puttin in a good effort isnt gonna get that done.
We get a look at where Haas was standing backstage to now see no one in front of the monitor, which shows Shelton writhing on the mat.
Jonathan Coachman:
Haha, whatd I tell ya, babyboy. No one wants to be associated with a loser, and thats what Shelton Benjamin was tonight.
We remain set on the monitor for a moment longer
Before cutting away elsewhere backstage, where we see
, dressed in his casual Caribbean gear, on the phone.
Cmon cmon ah! Piece, ju know who dis is if you get dis message, call me back please?
We cut from there back to ringside to see our announce team.
Joey Styles:
Carlito is still having problems with his buddy Chris Masters, but on that theme, tonight well be looking at the history of Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Earlier tonight we saw how DX formed, but now, lets take a look at how this relationship was first strained.
Shawn Michaels walks out on the WWF after losing to Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, prompting Triple H to call Michaels weak and take over leadership of D-Generation X. Triple H and DX continue to run rampant over the WWF, perhaps proving Michaels wasnt required.
Were now backstage, where we see
Mickie James
walking down a corridor with
Ashley Massaro
, the caption at the bottom of the screen informing us their tag team match is next.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break to see
Rob Van Dam
warming up backstage with some air boxing, drawing a big pop from the crowd. Todd Grisham then walks into shot, almost getting drilled by a huge kick from Van Dam, who notices Grisham and stops.
Rob Van Dam:
Whoa, dude, warn me before you step in front of me next time, okay?
Todd Grisham:
Its its okay, Rob. I was just wondering if I could get a few words before your match tonight?
Rob Van Dam:
Sure, go ahead.
Todd Grisham:
Right, well, earlier tonight saw Randy Orton appear here on Monday Night RAW, resulting in Eric Bischoff setting a match between the two of you because hes a SmackDown! superstar, saying he would watch it very closely. Your thoughts?
Rob Van Dam:
Well dude, quite simply, I think Bischoffs talking out his ass.
~ A big pop from the crowd.
Rob Van Dam:
I dunno if hes tryin to mess with me in some way or if the paranoia to do with my match with The Undertaker is setting in, but comparing Randy Orton to The Undertaker? Apart from them both being SmackDown! superstars, those two dont have a whole lot in common. I mean, just an example here, I actually
The Undertaker.
~ OH! The crowd pops for the backhanded comment towards Orton. Van Dam, meanwhile, just presses on.
Rob Van Dam:
Randy? Not so much. This isnt the first time Randy and I have crossed paths. In fact, we have a little history together. Yknow, I was the one who Randy beat to become the Intercontinental Champion back in December 2003. And yknow what I thought about Randy back then?
~ Grisham shakes his head as Van Dam looks at him.
Rob Van Dam:
Talented kid. Heck, he said it earlier. This business is in his blood. He had the world in the palm of his hand, and with Triple H tellin him how good he was every week, he knew it too, and he took it for granted. His arrogance his arrogance prevented him from gettin where he should have been. Hes headin into a world title match this Sunday at WrestleMania, but do you remember the last time Randy held the world title? The last time Randy held the world title, he held it for just four weeks. Could he not keep it because he wasnt talented enough? No way. The reason Randy lost is so quick was because of his attitude, and if ya ask me, this Sunday is gonna be no different.
~ A nice pop from the crowd.
Rob Van Dam:
You wanna talk about all the differences between Batista and yourself, Randy? Well how about this one: when Batista left Evolution, he got his head screwed on straight. Thats why hes been World Heavyweight Champion for the past year, and you youve been watchin.
~ Another decent pop.
Rob Van Dam:
You walk into WrestleMania with your little attitude again, Randy? I dont care how good you are, Batistas gonna kick your ass. You show me that attitude tonight?
~ RVD smiles to himself.
Rob Van Dam:
Im gonna do more than kick your ass Im gonna
~ Big pop from the crowd.
Rob Van Dam:
So Eric Bischoff can watch as closely as he likes, cause like Orton said earlier, tonight, youre gonna see the whole damn show in action. All Ortons gonna be seein is stars though, courtesy of everybodys favourite superstar, R V D!
~ A pop from the crowd as Grisham goes to talk, only for Van Dam to interject.
Rob Van Dam:
Oh, and Deadman, just so you know, after last week this thing
personal and Ill be waiting.
~ Another good pop from the crowd as Van Dam nods, prompting Grisham to leave the shot
Before we cut back to ringside.
Joey Styles:
RVD sure is confident heading into his match with Randy Orton tonight, not that youd expect anything else from Mr. Monday Night.
Jonathan Coachman:
RVD may be Mr. Monday Night, but hes steppin into the ring tonight with one of the best of the business. If you ask me, Randys right. RVD is gonna be gettin the whole damn show tonight, and hes not gonna like it.
Slight pause, before
The crowd cheers as
Mickie James & Ashley Massaro
make their way out onto the stage. Mickie isnt her usual bouncy self, instead walking down the ramp quickly with a purpose while Ashley tries to fire up the crowd, pointing out to them.
Lilian Garcia:
The following contest is a divas tag team match, and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, the team of ASHLEY MASSARO AND MICKIE JAAAAMMMEEESSS!
Joey Styles:
In just six days time Mickie James will be going one on one with her hero, with the woman she aspired to be Trish Stratus for Stratus Womens Championship at WrestleMania, but tonight Mickie gets her chance to get her hands on Trish before the contest, something shes been unable to do since Trish viciously attacked her back at Saturday Nights Main Event four weeks ago.
Jerry Lawler:
Mickie James is a woman on a mission. Shes been dreaming of getting her hands on Trish for weeks now, and if she does, who knows, Trish mightnt even make it to WrestleMania!
Jonathan Coachman:
Dont forget, King, Mickie James might have a friend, but Trish Stratus does too, and somethin tells me youre
gonna wanna mess with Trishs friend.
Mickie & Massaro climb up into the ring, Mickie primed and ready to kick some ass.
Mickie James eyes immediately flare in the ring as
Trish Stratus
makes her way out onto the stage confidently, showing off the Womens Title. Trish goes to walk down the ramp, then mock laughs and stops, waiting for her partner.
Lilian Garcia:
Their opponents, first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, she is the WWE Womens Champion, TRISH STRATUUUSSSSSS!
Joey Styles:
Trish has indeed found herself a friend, Coach, and it doesnt look like shes willing to go anywhere without her.
Jonathan Coachman:
Well would you be, Joe? Mickie James is absolutely crazy! Shes concocted some crazy story just to get a title shot against Trish, and now shes wants to ruin Trishs pretty face. Id stop her myself, but Im above hitting women.
Jerry Lawler:
Oh will you stop it, Coach? You can believe what you want, but Im getting sick and tired of you questioning Mickie James. You sound almost as bad as Trish, which is a shame considering how good she looks.
Trish waits
The crowd continues to boo as
now steps out to join her partner on the stage. After glancing at Trish and seeing her nod, the duo make their way down the ramp.
Lilian Garcia:
Her partner, from Los Angeles, California, VICTOOOORRRRIIIAAAA!
Joey Styles:
What a friend it is that Trish Stratus has found. It wasnt all that long ago that these two were enemies and that Victoria was challenging Trish for the Womens Title, which begs the question of what exactly has happened to change Victorias tune?
Jerry Lawler:
I dont know, but it is odd. I cant say I mind though. Two beautiful divas is better than one!
Jonathan Coachman:
Victoria has grown to respect Trish, and so she should. Those two right there are the best that the womens division has to offer.
The two vixens make their way down the ramp with Victoria then climbing up into the ring. Trish Stratus, however, walks around ringside to take up her spot on the apron.
Match Two Tag Team Match:
Mickie James & Ashley Massaro
vs. Womens Champion
Trish Stratus & Victoria
Ashley is quick to make her way out to the apron, leaving Ms. James and Victoria as the two in the ring. James is far from happy with this situation, demanding Trish come into the ring. Trish, however, remains on the apron, much to the delight of the Womens Champion and her partner. Mickie James eventually decides she cant do anything about it as she instead charges and drills Victoria with a huge forearm, taking her down! Mickie follows up by going absolutely to town on Victoria, pushing her back into the corner to nail her (hot) with some right hands.
Victoria tries to escape, but she cant do anything to stop Mickie, who just continues to smash her in the face until the referee finally interjects himself. This prompts Mickie to turn and take a sudden swing at Trish, who narrowly avoids it, dropping off the apron. Mickie then turns back to see Victoria charging, having seen an opening although Mickie hits a huge right hand that sends her down! Victoria gets back to her feet holding her jaw, allowing Mickie to charge her back into the corner to hit some hard shoulder thrusts. Perhaps accepting that she cant get her hands on Trish right now, Mickie then tags Ashley, bringing the winner of the 2005 Diva Search into the ring.
Ashley is right to work on Victoria, hitting her with a kick to the midsection, before sending her off with an Irish whip and scoring with an arm drag! Thats right, the match has become less physical all of a sudden, but Ashley is doing all she can without totally stinking up the ring. The fat free, talent free blonde reels off another few arm drags, then grabs a side headlock, only for Victoria to push her off to the ropes with ease right into a raised knee from the Womens Champion! Ashley then reels forward into the clutches of Victoria, who immediately scores with a swinging neckbreaker.
From here it is all the heels for the time being, as Trish, who is now willing to become involved in the match, and Victoria exert their dominance over the quite frankly awful Ashley. Ashley is so bad in the ring that Trish even manages to find time to continually taunt Mickie James to no consequences; at least not for the heels, as the attempted interference from Ms. James allows them to work together on Ashley illegally. Ashley finally gains a look in when Trish takes too long taunting Mickie, allowing Ashley to hit a few right hands to the midsection and then a jawbreaker, stunning Trish. Ashley is quick to follow up too, charging across to take Trish down with a faceplant by the hair, smashing her pretty face off the mat. With both women down, the crowd starts to clap on as they start to regain their footing, Ashley headed for her corner while Trish gets to the ropes and Ashley makes the tag!
Mickie James comes charging into the ring and immediately rocks Trish with some huge right hands, sending her into next week. Mickie then lands a big kick to the midsection, before whipping her off to the ropes and scoring with a back body drop on the rebound! Trish struggles up as Mickie roars huge discus clothesline! The crowd continues to cheer as Mickie demands Trish gets up THEN SETS UP FOR THE STRATUSFACTION! Mickie has Trish WHEN THE REFEREE COMES ACROSS AND STOPS HER! The referee intervenes TELLING MICKIE JAMES THERE WAS NO TAG! VICTORIA DISTRACTED THE REFEREE!
Mickie starts to argue her case, when BAM! VICTORIA HITS A SUPERKICK! Mickie James goes down like a sack of potatoes, leaving Victoria to then lift a hurt Ashley up spinning sidewalk slam! Victoria now leaves the ring, allowing Trish to get up and grab a reeling Ashley BEFORE NAILING HER WITH THE STRATUSFACTION! Trish makes the cover the three is counted!
Winners: Trish Stratus & Victoria via pinfall @ 4:56
Lilian Garcia:
Here are your winners, VICTORIA AND TRISH STRATUUUSSSS!
Trish holds the cover for a moment later, before seeing the face of Mickie James and quickly scurrying from the ring. Not one to stick around, Trish backs up the ramp with her title in possession and Victoria by her side as Mickie tends to Ashley.
Joey Styles:
A tough break there for Mickie James, but come WrestleMania there will be no tags and there will be no running. Can Trish Stratus possibly survive when she and Mickie finally meet in the ring one on one?
Jonathan Coachman:
Hey, Joe, what are you doin? Trish just beat Mickie James, and I think its time you gave her the recognition she deserves.
Jerry Lawler:
Trish beat Ashley, not Mickie James. At WrestleMania shes going to have to beat Mickie if she wants to retain her title, and if tonight is anything to go by, then Trish may be in for a hard time.
Trish continues to back up the ramp as Mickie gives her the death stare from the ring
Before we cut backstage to see the
WWE Champion, Edge
walking down a corridor, having just arrived in the arena. His bag behind him, his title over his shoulder, and his girlfriend
by his side, Edge is quickly making his way through the backstage area when Maria steps into view.
Edge, I was just wondering if I could ask-
~ Maria is interrupted as Edge takes the microphone from her, with Lita shoving her from view.
Is that is that a camera? Good, good. Get up here real close. Ive got a message for Kurt Angle.
~ Edge motions for the cameraman to step forward, resulting in a close-up of the champs snarling face. The champion remains serious at first, before starting to smile and even sblack a bit.
How ya going, Kurt? I hope youre good. Really, I do. Because after tonight after tonight, youre not gonna be feelin too good for much longer.
~ Edge now turns serious.
You seem to think youre some kind of hero, dont ya Kurt? Huh? What is it you called yourself the The Olympic Hero? Well lemme tell you somethin, Kurt you see you see this title?
~ The camera shows the title quickly, before going back to Edges face.
This title is
title, youre not saving it from anyone, you got it? Youre not stopping me, Kurt. Youre not stopping me. Because if I dont put you on the heap with John Cena tonight, then Im gonna do it to you at WrestleMania.
~ Heat from the crowd.
No ones stopping me.
~ Edge now shoves the camera back, resulting in the cameraman presumably falling on his ass as we look up at the roof. Edge & Lita step out of view
Leaving us to cut back to ringside.
Joey Styles:
The WWE Champion looks determined as ever, but hes not the only one wanting to put someone on the heap. As weve seen, tonight well be looking through the history of Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Last we saw Shawn had left the WWE, but that was before his triumphant return in 2002.
Shawn Michaels makes his return to the WWE, drafted to Monday Night RAW in July of 2002, where hes reunited with his old buddy Triple H. Triple H tells Shawn that the two should reform DX, only to turn on Shawn and attack him. This results in an Unsanctioned Match between the two at SummerSlam 2002, which Shawn ends up winning. Triple H, however, has the last laugh quite literally as he walks out smiling, having attacked Shawns back that took him out in the first place after the bout.
We now see
Rob Van Dam
walking down a corridor ahead of his match which were told by a caption is next on Monday Night RAW.
*Commercial Break*
The crowd immediately erupts into a huge pop as we return from the break to see
Rob Van Dam
walk out onto the stage, arms outstretched. Van Dam looks as calm and confident as ever, nodding out to the crowd as he walks down the ramp, before stopping to do his signature thumb taunt as Lilian says his name.
Lilian Garcia:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing 235 lbs, ROB VAN DAM!
Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night RAW, where right now were about to see a match that would usually be a main event level match, but not tonight. RVD is set to go one on one with the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title, Randy Orton, and RVD looks calm and confident like always.
Jerry Lawler:
Youre right when you say this is a main event level match, Joey, and if anyone can deal with the pressure, itll be RVD. Hell be facing even greater pressure this Sunday at WrestleMania, but he looks to be dealing with it well.
Jonathan Coachman:
It doesnt matter how well you can deal with the pressure if youre just not up to it, and as good as RVD is, he just isnt on the level of a guy like Randy Orton, the next World Heavyweight Champion, or the level of The Undertaker. It pains me to say that too, cause RVD isnt just lettin himself down. Hes lettin the whole of RAW down, and that includes not just me, but also Mr. Bischoff!
Van Dam rolls into the ring and spins around, posing for the crowd before we wait.
The reaction now does a complete 180 as heavy boos come in for the hated 2006 Royal Rumble winner, The Legend Killer
Randy Orton
. TLK swaggers out to the top of the stage to throw up his signature destiny pose, setting off the pyro to fall behind him, before walking down the ramp with his arm raised in the air.
Lilian Garcia:
His opponent, from St. Louis, Missouri, weighing 245 lbs, The Legend Killer, RAAANNNDDYYYY OOOOORRRRRTON!
Joey Styles:
If you ask me, even against a man like this, even against a man who in six days will be main eventing WrestleMania, RVD wont be letting anyone down. Even if this was about Bischoff which it isnt RVD can go with the best of them, and hes proven it time and time again over the past month, including against Shawn Michaels.
Jonathan Coachman:
That was nothin but a fluke, Joe. Tell me, if RVD is so good, then how come hes never been world champion?
Jerry Lawler:
RVD may not have been world champion, but that doesnt mean he cant compete with the best of them. If RVD can beat The Undertaker this Sunday, no ones going to be thinking about him never winning a world title anyway. Theyre going to be thinking about how he was the man to beat the streak!
Orton climbs up into the ring to eye Van Dam off on his way to doing a little more posing, ahead of his match
A collective groan can be heard from the crowd as they turn to the stage to see the
General Manager, Eric Bischoff
walk out. Bischoff has no microphone, instead insisting that the referee start the match, which he does.
Match Three Singles Match:
Rob Van Dam
Randy Orton
While Orton stands back confidently, RVD looks across at Bischoff, who is walking down the ramp, and wonders out loud what hes doing. Bischoff doesnt respond though, instead taking up a position at ringside as RVD turns, then locks up with Orton. Orton is able to easily overpower RVD thanks to not just being bigger, but also RVDs distracted state, allowing him to manoeuvre RVD back to the corner. Orton leaves it there though, not pressing his advantage as he instead backs away with a smirk on his face. RVD looks away from that smirk to ringside to see Eric Bischoff, before turning back to Orton and rushing forward into a lockup. Orton again looks to push Van Dam forward, but Mr. Monday Night is one step ahead of him, ducking through the clutches of Orton to look in a side headlock.
Van Dam cranks on the hold, keeping Orton under control so that he can again question Bischoffs presence at ringside. Bischoff seems to say that hes just there to watch Van Dam, but its too late as the distraction has allowed Orton to get a look in as he pushes Van Dam off to the ropes, then takes him down on the rebound with a shoulder tackle. Proud of himself, Orton smiles cockily, then takes off to the ropes and comes back to jump over RVD, who drops flat on his front. Orton then bounces off the opposite ropes, only to again jump over Van Dam who does the splits then comes right back into a monkey flip from RVD!
The crowd cheers as an agitated Orton gets up and charges at Van Dam, moving right into a smooth arm drag from RVD. Van Dam then follows up with a headlock takedown, going back to that side headlock he used at the beginning of the match, this time grounding Orton with it. Orton writhes back and forth on the mat, trying to struggle free, although Van Dams grip is tight, unrelenting in his want to hold Orton down. Slowly but surely, TLK starts to fight back, getting back to his feet as he tries to grab at the face of RVD. Having gotten to a vertical base, Orton is able to break free of the headlock by pressing back against the ropes, then pushing Van Dam off to the opposite ropes although Van Dam holds onto the ropes, rather than rebounding back.
TLK suddenly becomes frustrated, wanting to attack Van Dam, causing him to charge across and get thrown up over the top rope with a back body drop! The crowd cheers as Orton hits the mat with a thud, then begins to struggle back to his feet WHEN VAN DAM SUDDENLY TAKES HIM OUT WITH A PHENOMENAL SOMERSAULT PLANCHA! The Omaha crowd goes absolutely nuts as RVD gets back to his feet and raises his hands, leaving Orton to roll around on the floor in pain. Van Dam doesnt ease up for long though, lifting Orton up, then getting him in a suplex position to land some stinging punches to the ribs. Having softened Orton up, Van Dam drops him rib first across the crowd barrier, then goes up to the apron to do his signature thumb taunt with the crowd before coming off with a twisting guillotine legdrop to the back of Ortons neck! The crowd continues to cheer Van Dam as he gets back up again and raises his arms, showing us the final image we see before heading off to an ad break.
Back from the break and Randy Orton is now in control, focusing on the previously injured leg of RVD. We see how the momentum shifted in the break, with Van Dam paying attention to Eric Bischoff at ringside before going for a kick, allowing Orton the time to duck under it, then take Van Dam down with a chop block. Orton continues the work on Van Dams leg, not doing anything particularly fancy at all, instead just sticking with a methodical offense that gets the job done. Deciding that a submission victory over Van Dam is a possibility in his weakened state, Orton even goes as far to pull out the figure four leglock, the signature move of his old mentor, Ric Flair.
Van Dam yelps in pain, his leg having been focussed on almost every week since he has made his return to RAW. Orton is unrelenting in the pressure, continuing to try to break Van Dams pain threshold and force him to tap. Van Dam has more guts than brains though, refusing to quit as he begins to inch himself closer and closer to the ropes. Despite having to pull both himself and Orton across the mat, Van Dam persists as he gets closer and closer to the ropes, before raising his hand
and grabbing the bottom rope! The crowd pops big as Van Dam survives, although Orton does as much damage as possible, keeping the hold locked in to the count of four. An angered number one contender then gets back to his feet and storms around the ring, before motioning for RVD to get up. Van Dam complies with Ortons request, using the ropes, before turning RKO NO! Van Dam pushes Orton away! Orton then turns and quickly goes for a kick to the midsection, only for Van Dam to catch it stepover windmill kick to the face from Van Dam!
The crowd cheers as both men go down and the referee starts his count due to both men struggling. They slowly begin to fight back up to their feet, getting back up on opposite sides of the ring before staggering forward towards one another, with Orton looking to strike first, only for Van Dam to block his right. Mr. Monday Night then reels off a quick series of his own rights before sending Orton off with an Irish whip and scoring with a back body drop on the rebound! Orton gets back up and quickly gets Irish whipped again, with Van Dam this time going for a spinning heel kick on the rebound, only for Orton to duck under, then bounce off the opposite ropes right into a dropkick from RVD!
A dazed Orton staggers across to the corner where RVD quickly follows him to greet him with a series of shoulder thrusts, before backflipping back and hitting one final one. Van Dam grabs at his knee momentarily, showing the pain is still there as he Irish whips Orton off to the opposite corner, then charges in to hit a corner spinning heel kick! Orton falls to the mat like a sack of potatoes, allowing Van Dam to dash off to the ropes and come back with rolling thunder! Van Dam hooks the leg just two!
The challenger to the streak is quickly back up to his feet, motioning for Orton to get up, which he lackadaisically does SUPERKICK FROM VAN DAM NO! Orton ducks then nails Van Dam with an inverted backbreaker! The Legend Killer makes the cover TWO! Van Dam just kicks out! Orton cant believe it, questioning the referee before he climbs back to his feet and once again calls for the end. The crowd tries to warn RVD as he struggles back up RKO! NO! RVD again pushes Orton off THEN ROCKS HIM WITH A HUGE SUPERKICK!
The crowd erupts as RVD falls to his hands and knees, the pain seemingly too much for him despite having knocked Orton into next week. RVD is eventually able to fight up, before heading to the corner as Orton starts to regain his footing
The crowd suddenly erupts as the lights go out in the arena
The lights come back on and nothing has changed, except for Eric Bischoff warning Van Dam about The Undertaker. Van Dam tells Bischoff theres nothing to worry about, that The Undertaker isnt in there but Orton takes advantage, knocking the ropes and crotching Van Dam! Van Dam tumbles down to the mat in a heap! The crowd boos as an out of it Van Dam starts to struggle back to his feet RKO! ORTON NAILS THE RKO! Orton makes the cover and gets the three!
Winner: Randy Orton via pinfall @ 12:25
Lilian Garcia:
Here is your winner, RAAANDY ORTTTTOOOONNNN!
The crowd immediately boos the outcome of the match as Orton gets back to his feet and has his hand raised by the referee. Despite Van Dam making a comeback, Orton is still in relatively good shape, having not being put in a position to be put away, allowing him to revel in his victory in the ring for a moment.
Joey Styles:
You have got to be kidding me. I know Eric Bischoff probably thought The Undertaker was in the arena, but come on! Did he really need to be out here?
Jonathan Coachman:
Of course he did. Someone needed to protect Van Dam from The Undertaker.
Jerry Lawler:
And when you think Eric Bischoff, you think protection do you Coach?
Sexual pun. Nice.
Jonathan Coachman:
Mr. Bischoff was just trying to do the right thing. Dont blame him for Van Dams shortcomings.
Orton now rolls from the ring, leaving Bischoff to climb into it as Van Dam starts to struggle up
The arena again plunges into darkness
The lights come back on AND
Joey Styles:
Oh my God! The Undertaker is in the arena, and he he hasnt forgotten about last week!
Jonathan Coachman:
Jerry Lawler:
Lets see how good Eric Bischoff is against The Undertaker now, Coach.
The Undertaker continues to grasp Bischoff by the throat as he begs for help but RVD remains still AND THE UNDERTAKER GETS BISCHOFF UP FOR A CHOKESLAM
The crowd erupts as The Undertaker falls in a heap while Bischoff lands on his feet AND RVD GOES TO THE TOP ROPE! The crowd looks on in awe as RVD looks around THEN NAILS THE UNDERTAKER WITH THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!
Joey Styles:
Five Star Frog Splash! RVD just nailed The Undertaker with the Five Star Frog Splash!
Jonathan Coachman:
No way!
A mixed reaction rains in from the crowd as RVD looks around, then rolls from the ring, leaving a fallen Undertaker and Eric Bischoff still in the ring. Mr. Monday Night quickly walks up the ramp, not stopping to look back until he reaches the stage when he turns to see The Undertaker still down in the ring.
We now cut backstage to see
Shelton Benjamin
, now dressed in casual gear, grabbing his bag. The crowd gives a good pop as Shelton turns to see
Charlie Haas
. Haas stands still, almost emotionlessly as Benjamin shakes his head.
Shelton Benjamin:
Go on.
~ Haas says nothing, staying still, causing Benjamin to shake his head.
Shelton Benjamin:
Go on, Charlie, take your shot. Call me a loser. Say Im not up to it. Say-
Charlie Haas:
Lets do this.
~ A big pop from the crowd as Benjamin looks shocked.
Shelton Benjamin:
Charlie Haas:
Me and you at WrestleMania. The World Tag Team Titles. Lets do this.
~ Benjamin still looks shocked.
Shelton Benjamin:
But I thought I thought you wanted me to prove myself?
Charlie Haas:
I just needed to know you care like I do. Now I know, theres nothing thats gonna stop us from showin at WrestleMania why were why were the
worlds greatest
~ Benjamin smiles, then gets in on the
punny action.
Shelton Benjamin:
Aint no stoppin us now.
~ The two then engage in a bro hug
Before we cut back to ringside to see our announce team.
Joey Styles:
What a show weve seen thus far tonight, where weve just found out that the band is indeed back together. The Worlds Greatest Tag Team
be on the same page at WrestleMania. Two guys that wont be on the same page at WrestleMania are Shawn Michaels and Triple H though. Through the night weve looked at their history, and right now were going to continue that, picking up once again in late 2002.
Triple H is awarded the World Heavyweight Championship the night after SummerSlam by Eric Bischoff and starts to dominate Monday Night RAW until Shawn Michaels returns again and wins the title off him in the very first Elimination Chamber at Survivor Series 2002. This triggers a series of wars between the two over the next few years, seemingly concluding at Bad Blood 2004 in Hell in a Cell. As we would later find out though, that wasnt the end of it.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break in the locker-room of
Kurt Angle
. The crowd gives a huge pop as Angle faces away from the camera, putting something in his mouth, before turning and opening his mouth to reveal a mouthguard with the word PAIN etched on it in red.
Kurt Angle:
I heard what you said earlier, Edge. You wanna take me out tonight? You wanna hurt me? You wanna damn near freakin kill me?
~ Angle shakes with intensity, clenching his jaw shut.
Kurt Angle:
Fine because itll be your funeral. YEAH!
~ The crowd cheers as Angle stares straight into the camera, continuing to shake with intensity
Before we cut back to ringside to hear the sound of the bell ringing.
Lilian Garcia:
The following contest is a Fatal Four Way Match, and it is scheduled for one fall!
The crowd boos as the cool Caribbean,
swaggers his way out onto the stage. Despite what seems like some problems with his absent buddy The Masterpiece, Carlito shows no signs of unhappiness as he tosses his apple up and down in the air on his way down to the ring.
Lilian Garcia:
Introducing first, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, weighing 225 lbs, CAAARLITO!
Joey Styles:
Kurt Angle intense as ever ahead of our main event later tonight folks, but right now were about to get a little preview of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match when the four RAW competitors face one another in a Fatal Four Way Match.
Jerry Lawler:
And what a momentum builder this could be for any of these four men ahead of WrestleMania. What better way is there to show the other guys in the match that you mean business by beating them here tonight?
Jonathan Coachman:
And if ya ask me, this guy Carlito is one of the favourites. Dont let the absence of The Masterpiece fool ya. Carlito is one tough hombre himself, and he has no problem showin it.
Carlito climbs up into the ring as we hear
A decent pop can be heard through the arena as
Chavo Guerrero
steps through the curtain and motions for the crowd to get to their feet. Chavo is all business as he walks down the ramp, getting his game face on ahead of the match.
Lilian Garcia:
From El Paso, Texas, weighing 215 lbs, CHAVO GUERRERRRROOOOO!
Joey Styles:
Tonight isnt just a chance for Chavo Guerrero to build momentum. Tonight is also about revenge for Chavo Guerrero. Chavo was not at all happy with Gregory Helms last week after Helms attacked Ric Flair during Carlitos Cabana, and if he can pin Helms en route to a win tonight, Chavo will be a very happy man.
Jonathan Coachman:
Pinning Gregory Helms is next to impossible though, King. Tell me, how many times has Gregory Helms been defeated over the past three months since he took off his mask? The answer is none, and King here knows it. Hes beaten him before.
Jerry Lawler:
Ill admit Helms is impressive, but dont count out Chavo. Hes part of the legendary Guerrero family and can certainly go in his own right. He said this Money in the Bank Ladder Match was his chance to step out of his familys shadow, and he could start that tonight.
Chavo makes his way down into the ring to join Carlito, who he doesnt so much as acknowledge.
A large pop rings through the Omaha Civic Auditorium as the legendary
Intercontinental Champion, Ric Flair
steps out onto the stage. Clad in a classy robe, Flair shouts out to the crowd, who return the favour, before walking down that aisle.
Lilian Garcia:
From Charlotte, North Carolina, weighing 248 lbs, he is the Intercontinental Champion, The Nature Boy RIC FLAIR!
Joey Styles:
If Chavo wants revenge on Gregory Helms, well then this man Ric Flair wants revenge times ten. For weeks now Gregory Helms has been in the face of Ric Flair, calling him a mockery and telling him he should just retire. What better way would there be to prove Helms wrong than winning both tonight and Money in the Bank in six days time?
Jonathan Coachman:
There would be no better way, Joe, but the fact of the matter is that Flair isnt gonna do it. Hes not gonna beat Carlito and hes not gonna beat Gregory Helms. Flair is just like Helms has been sayin: washed up. He shouldve retired long ago.
Jerry Lawler:
Coach, I thought youd know better than to count out Ric Flair. First Chavo, now The Nature Boy? Ric may be older than the others in this match, but that doesnt mean he cant go anymore. The Intercontinental Title is proof of that.
Flair makes his way up into the ring to share a quick handshake with Chavo Guerrero, before waiting
After making his opponents wait,
Gregory Helms
now steps out onto the stage and crouches down in the lone spotlight, before raising his hand up into the air and moving down the ramp with the sound of the beat.
Lilian Garcia:
And from Raleigh, North Carolina, weighing 215 lbs, GREGORY HEEELLLLMMMSSS!
Joey Styles:
Hes brash, hes arrogant, and he may well have a God complex. Gregory Helms has been impressive since taking off the mask, but theres no denying that the man is slightly delusional, even branding himself the voice of the people, despite the people, well, not liking him.
Jonathan Coachman:
What are you talkin about, Joe? These people LOVE Gregory Helms, and why shouldnt they? This man is the future of the company. Hes the future Mr. Money in the Bank.
Jerry Lawler:
Gregory Helms has been the breakout star on RAW thus far this year, theres no doubt about it, but if he continues to rub people like Ric Flair in the wrong way, then he may find he has a problem when the whole locker-room turns against him, Money in the Bank or not.
Helms is a little more cautious in climbing into the ring, staying in his corner as his eyes dart from Chavo to Flair.
Match Four Fatal Four Way Match:
Chavo Guerrero
vs. Intercontinental Champion
Ric Flair
Gregory Helms
Helms continues to look cautious as the bell rings before suddenly exploding out of the corner to ambush Ric Flair, blasting him right back into his corner with right hands. Chavo goes to attack Helms, rushing across to club him in the back, only to be pulled away by Carlito, who tries to go to work on Chavo. Chavo, however, knocks Carlitos hands away and pushes him back into the corner opposite to where Flair now corners Helms. The recent partners in Flair and Chavo, perhaps without knowing it, then start to fire away with tandem chops, Chavo striking Carlito while Flair strikes Helms.
Having heard the noises, the two glance across at one another and nod, before they drag their man across the ropes and slam their head into a new turnbuckle. Still across from one another, the two start to go to town with some more chops until Helms and Carlito both come out with thumbs to the eye. The pair smirks and glances across at one another, before both go for the Irish whip. Flair and Chavo are sent running towards one another, narrowly avoiding a collision before they both duck a clothesline then score with a thumb to the eye of their own! Helms and Carlito back off into the ropes, allowing Flair and Chavo to send them off with Irish whips, then score with a pair of back body drops on the rebound, sending their opponents rolling from the ring.
Were now left with just Chavo and Flair in the ring, and the two realise it, locking eyes. A playful smile then crosses the face of both men as they come forward and shake hands, before circling around the ring. The two come forward and lock up, although only momentarily as Chavo swings under Flair and gets him in a waistlock. Flair is quick to turn it though, going behind Chavo with a standing switch to get a waistlock of his own locked in.
Flair quickly flows it into a side headlock, keeping his friend under control momentarily until Chavo shoves him off. Bouncing back off the ropes, Flair looks for a clothesline, but Chavo ducks and swiftly rolls him up two! Both men get up with Flair this time first to the punch, grabbing Chavo and taking him down into an inside cradle two! Flair is a little sluggish getting up this time, allowing Chavo to jump over him and catch him with a sunset flip two! The exchange continues as Chavo looks for a right when both men get up, only for the Intercontinental Champion to see it coming and make use of a backslide two!
The crowd applauds both men as they get back to their feet and smile at one another, clearly impressed by what the other can do. They look set to come forward and shake hands until Flair shows why hes The Dirtiest Player in the Game, coming out of nowhere to rock his friend with a knife edge chop. Chavo is sent staggering back, but Flair is far from done yet, continuing to reel off chops until Chavo turns the tables, pressing Flair back into the corner to hit some chops of his own. With Flair on the defensive, Chavo continues his offense by whipping The Nature Boy off to the other corner with as much force as possible. Flair comes off the turnbuckle holding his back as a result, allowing Chavo to then take him over with a back body drop! Flair gets back holding his back, leaving his face wide open as Chavo nails a picture perfect dropkick! Chavo makes the cover but Helms drags him off at two and flings him into the crowd barrier!
Flair starts to regain his footing in the ring, unaware of what has transpired when hes suddenly surrounded by Gregory Helms and Carlito, who simultaneously roll into the ring. The two up and comers nod at each other then rush Flair, forcing him back into the corner with some vicious shots! The crowd boos as the two heels work together for an extended period of time, isolating Flair and just plain picking him apart. There are numerous instances where Chavo attempts to come to the aid of his friend, but every time he climbs up onto the apron Helms and Carlito, who are systematic in their destruction of Flair, knock him back off.
However, being an every man for themselves style match, partnerships are never bound to last, and this is shown when Carlito attempts to get the win for himself by going for a cover after a double suplex. An outraged Helms pulls Carlito off it and starts to berate him, leading to some bickering between the two until theyre suddenly both taken down by a beautiful springboard dropkick by Chavo Guerrero, with each man taking a boot to the face! The crowd cheers as Chavo tosses Carlito from the ring, taking aim at the man he despises, Gregory Helms. Helms tries to beg off, but Chavo will have none of it, booting him in the midsection before whipping him off to the ropes and catching him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on the rebound!
Helms struggles to the corner, grabbing at his back in pain, unaware as Chavo then charges in and lands a corner dropkick to the jaw! A dazed Helms falls to a seated position in the corner, allowing Chavo to back off, then charge back in and nail a crazy running hilo into him in the corner! Chavo is clearly feeling it as he gets back up, shaking his hips while he waits on Helms, before grabbing him and nailing a vertical suplex. Chavo isnt done there though, holding on and nailing a second and then a third! CHAVO NAILS THE THREE AMIGOS! The crowd cheers as Chavo springs to his feet and heads up to the top rope, ready to finish things when Carlito climbs up onto the apron and shoves Chavo sending him down to the floor in a heap!
The crowd boos as Lito smiles cockily only for Flair to suddenly grab him under the arm and throw him into the ring! Carlito gets up and is immediately attacked with some scintillating knife edge chops by Flair, who then starts to kick the knee of Lito. With Carlito struggling, Flair goes for an Irish whip now, only for Carlito to reverse, sending Flair off to the ropes. Flair is going into fifth gear now though, and he shows it by ducking under a clothesline on the rebound with ease, before taking Carlito down with a chop block! Carlito struggles back to his feet, holding his knee and moving right into a shinbreaker from Flair. The Intercontinental Champion then trips Carlito up and grabs him by the leg LOCKING IN THE FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!
The crowd erupts with a huge pop as Carlito jerks around, showing the excruciating pain that he is surely going through. Flair leans right back, applying as much pressure as possible, causing the pain to shoot through Carlitos legs as he tries to roll around, looking for a way out when Gregory Helms comes from nowhere to land a legdrop across the throat of Flair! Flair instantly breaks the hold and rolls from the ring in pain, as does Carlito, leaving Helms to look around when Chavo Guerrero comes from nowhere to take him down with a flying crossbody block, into a hook of the leg TWO!
Both men get back up to their feet in a rush, Helms looking for a right only for Chavo to duck and land a kick to the midsection, setting up for a suplex! The crowd cheers as Chavo rolls the hips hitting a second and then a third! CHAVO NAILS THE THREE AMIGOS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE MATCH! The crowd erupts as Chavo heads to the top rope and points to the sky THEN GOES FROG SPLASH NO! Helms rolls out of the way but Chavo sees him and rolls through too, then gets up and cops a huge running knee to the jaw from Helms, sending Chavo back into a seated position in the corner! Helms charges in running knee to the head!
Chavo rolls from the corner, looking just about out of it as he sits up by the ropes AND HELMS CHARGES FOR THE SHINING WIZARD BUT CHAVO DUCKS! Chavo then grabs Helms by the waist and brings him back into the middle of the ring with the OConnor roll ONLY FOR CARLITO TO NAIL HIM WITH THE BACKCRACKER OUT OF NOWHERE! Carlito looks to dispose of Helms WHEN HES SUDDENLY PULLED FROM THE RING BY
, allowing Carlito to hook the leg of Chavo and gets the three!
Winner: Carlito via pinfall @ 8:27
Lilian Garcia:
Here is your winner, CAAAARRRRLITO!
The crowd boos as Carlito gets back to his feet looking absolutely ecstatic as Chris Masters rolls into the ring to join him. Carlito jumps at Masters, grabbing him in over enthusiastic bro hug, absolutely elated at grabbing the victory and having Piece back by his side.
Joey Styles:
Well Ill be damned. Carlito pulls out an impressive victory, but not without a little help from a man who I thought was done helping Carlito.
Jonathan Coachman:
The Masterpiece knows where success is, babyboy. Piece and Lito are the future of this company, and together there isnt anyone who can stop em!
Jerry Lawler:
Well they-
Joey Styles:
Wait a minute! Whats he doing here?
We see what Joey is talking about as all of a sudden
The crowd boos as KK II lays Carlito out, while Chris Masters rolls from the ring.
Joey Styles:
Thats Mr. Kennedy! SmackDown!s Mr. Kennedy just laid Carlito out, and, wait-
Kennedy looks around at the crowd arrogantly BEFORE SUDDENLY TURNING INTO A HUGE SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK FROM
! The crowd cheers as London gets back up to his feet and turns towards the ramp
WITH THE SHILLELAGH! The crowd gives a mixed reaction as London falls in a heap
SLIDES INTO THE RING BEHIND FINLAY! The Northern Irishman turns THEN SWINGS THE SHILLELAGH BUT HENRY MANAGES TO GRAB FINLAY, THEN SEND HIM DAMN NEAR THROUGH THE MAT WITH THE WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM!
The crowd boos as Gregory Helms rolls into the ring BAM! WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM!
Chavo is the next in, coming at Mark Henry with a running crossbody block BUT HENRY CATCHES HIM, THEN DRILLS HIM WITH THE WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM!
Ric Flair then rolls in AND HES INSTANTLY CAUGHT TOO! HENRY NAILS FLAIR WITH THE WORLDS STRONGEST SLAM!
The crowd erupts into heat as Henry roars out to the crowd, having shown his dominance by taking everyone out when Chris Masters rolls into the ring behind him Henry turns AND GETS HIS HEAD DAMN NEAR TAKEN OFF BY A MASTERS LARIAT! MASTERS TAKES THE BIG MAN OFF HIS FEET, DAMN NEAR TAKING HIS HEAD OFF IN THE PROCESS!
Joey Styles:
Oh my God! Mark Henry took damn near everyone out, but he forgot about Chris Masters, and what a lariat from The Masterpiece!
Jerry Lawler:
Im Im lost for words, Joey.
Jonathan Coachman:
Haha, told ya. With Chris Masters by his side, not even
Mark Henry
can take out Carlito.
Masters looks around, finding Carlito and lifting him up to raise his hand in the air, leaving him the only participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match standing, even if only through help by Masters.
We dont dwell on that too long though, now cutting backstage to see a split screen of both
Triple H
Shawn Michaels
walking down separate corridors.
Joey Styles:
Chris Masters with an absolutely insane showing of power, but ladies and gentlemen, up next well see these two men, The Game and Shawn Michaels go face to face just six days ahead of their meeting at WrestleMania. Throughout the night we have seen what these two men have gone through, but lets finally see what has truly brought us to here and now, when Shawn Michaels turned his back on Triple H.
Triple H intervenes in Shawn Michaels issues with the McMahons, trying to help him, reforming D-Generation X in the process. Shawn, however, wasnt on the same page as Triple H, and he showed it by turning on The Game at Saturday Nights Main Event with a vicious beat down, blindsiding Triple H with Sweet Chin Music before decimating him with Triple Hs signature sledgehammer.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break to silence
The crowd immediately breaks out into a huge chorus of boos, although there is also a smattering of cheers there as
Shawn Michaels
walks out onto the stage. A dark, almost empty look on his face, Michaels pays no heed to the crowd, simply walking down the ramp to the ring.
Lilian Garcia:
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAAAEEELLLSSSS!
Joey Styles:
Weve seen the videos all night, and now its all about to come to a head. Just six days from their No Holds Barred Match at WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels and Triple H will meet face to face in the ring to engage in a war of words; no physical action is to occur.
Jerry Lawler:
Im not sure thats even possible with these two. I mean, I know theyve been friends in the past, but right now they hate each other so much that they just cant wait to tear each other apart.
Jonathan Coachman:
And I cant wait to see it. This one is gonna be huge at WrestleMania.
Michaels makes his way down the ramp and climbs up into the ring to grab a microphone. Michaels remains still in the ring, not saying anything at first, instead waiting for the reaction to die down.
Shawn Michaels:
Triple H
~ Big pop from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels:
Come down here so we can do this.
~ A big mixed reaction as we wait for a moment, until
The crowd erupts with a MASSIVE pop as The Game
Triple H
storms out onto the stage. Trips is dressed like a total badass, the normal jeans and denim jacket over his WWE merchandise shirt, and he looks like a badass too, throwing his water bottle into the crowd aggressively as he storms down the ramp. The Game wastes no time in climbing up into the ring, taking a microphone on the way before stopping and staring Michaels down. Electricity flows through the air as the eyes of the two enemies lock, neither moving a muscle. Shawn Michaels is the one to finally break the silence, lifting his microphone up.
Shawn Michaels:
You dont have anything to say, Hunter? Nothin at all? Yknow what? Thats fine. Ill be the bigger man here-
Triple H:
The bigger man? Youll be the bigger man? Shawn, you have no right to try to make any kind of moral high ground, no right to get up on your high horse and pretend that youre some kind of good person after what you did to me at Saturday Nights Main Event.
~ Michaels just smirks at this, setting Hunter off even more.
Triple H:
You think somethings funny?
Shawn Michaels:
Yknow what, Hunter? Youre right. Youre absolutely right. I do have no right to try to take the moral high ground. I do have no right to get on my high horse and pretend that Im a good person after what I did to you. And guess what I
~ The crowd doesnt respond kindly to this, giving a very heated reaction as Michaels smirks away to himself.
Shawn Michaels:
For four years I did have that right. For four years I played the good guy. I played the role of someone who represented all that was right, someone who was willing to stand up against the injustices of the world. I didnt have any limits. I stood up to anyone, whether it be someone like you, Hunter, someone like Kane, someone like Kurt Angle, or even someone like Vincent Kennedy McMahon.
~ Big mixed reaction from the crowd for the mention of Vince.
Shawn Michaels:
It didnt matter who it was because I was the good guy and I was willing to stand up to anyone. And it came at a cost. Mr. McMahon did all he could to make my life hell, and why? Because I told him to grow up.
~ Mixed reaction from the crowd as Michaels pauses.
Shawn Michaels:
Kurt Angle tried to snap my ankle in two. Why? Because I wouldnt tell him he was the best wrestler of this generation. Kane Kane kept attacking me from behind, doing all he could to hurt me. Why? Because I tried to stop him from attacking a woman. But do ya know what the worst of em all was? Huh? Do ya, Hunter? Well you should, because the worst was
~ Heat from the crowd as Shawn speaks with a newfound intensity in his voice, attacking Triple H.
Shawn Michaels:
Back in 1998 I left this company not just because I had lost my smile. I also left because I had broken my back. Thats right. I broke my back. All the hits I took, all the matches I competed in, all the things I did for this company resulted in me breaking my back. And do you know where that left me, Hunter? Do ya? It left me without a job. At the time, the picture that was painted was that I walked away from this company. That I packed it in and went home. But that isnt how it really went. Oh no. I broke my back for this company, and what did this company do? It turned its own back on
~ Small mixed reaction from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels:
I was told when I had surgery that I would never be able to do anything physical, let alone wrestle ever again. Do you have any idea how that feels? Do you have any how it feels to be told you will never wrestle again? Wrestling was my
. It was everything I knew. It was
I knew. I couldnt just leave. Not like that. It was eating me up inside. I
to come back.
~ Michaels pauses, a sick smile crossing his face.
Shawn Michaels:
Four years, Hunter. Four years it took me to get back here. Four years of painstaking rehab, of excruciating pain. They were the worst four years of my life, but I got back here, and do you know what I saw? I saw a familiar face. I saw the face of a friend. I saw you, Hunter. I saw you and I thought we could get the band back together, start up somethin that ended on a bad note four years prior. D-Generation X!
~ A mixed reaction for the DX mention from Michaels.
Shawn Michaels:
So whatd you do when I reached out to you? What did you do when I came to you as a friend? You didnt just attack me, Hunter you tried to end my career. You took my broken back, and you tried to break it all over again. Why? Why did you do that? Was it because I stood up for someone? Was it because I tried to do the right thing? No. You were worse. You were my friend, but you tried to end my career all because I had the audacity to come back and try to do what I loved, to wrestle.
~ The crowd remains silent as the intense HBK continues.
Shawn Michaels:
In the four years since, Ive tried to do the right thing by these people. When you first attacked me, Hunter, I tried to turn the other cheek. I wanted to prove to be a positive role model to these people so that maybe, just maybe I could regain that smile that I lost when I left this place in the first place. Every time you attacked me, every time you stepped it up a notch, I tried to do the right thing. I tried to be the good guy. I tried not to do to you what you did to me. But that wasnt for these people, Hunter. That wasnt for them. Truth be told, I couldnt give a damn about these people.
~ Cheap heat from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels:
All I was doing was living through them. Ultimately, I did it for me. I did it to get
smile back. I did it to make
happy. But did that work? Did I make myself happy? Did I get my smile back?
~ Michaels glares at Triple H.
Shawn Michaels:
You tell me.
~ More heat as Michaels continues to eye Triple H.
Shawn Michaels:
A month ago I still wasnt happy, and thats when I realised I wasnt gonna get my smile back pandering to these people no. I was going to get my smile back if I got back what I had when I still had my smile the only way the
only way
I could get my smile back was if I was to become W W E Champion.
~ Heat from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels:
Originally, you were nothing more than an obstacle in my plan. Drop my issue with the McMahons and get rid of you, and then I could be on my way to the title with no more obstacles. But then I thought I thought back to Saturday Nights Main Event, and I thought back to the feeling of slamming that sledgehammer into your body over and over and over again, and do ya know what?
~ Michaels pauses and leans in.
Shawn Michaels:
It felt good it felt
~ Heat as Michaels smirks.
Shawn Michaels:
These people might make me out to be the bad guy for that, but Im not. What I got was revenge, no matter how much you or these fickle fans may think otherwise.
~ More cheap heat.
Shawn Michaels:
Saturday Nights Main Event that was four years coming. The only difference between what you did to me back in 2002 and what Im going to do to you this Sunday is that you never finished the job. Dont think for a second that Im going to make the same mistake.
~ Heat from the crowd.
Shawn Michaels:
This Sunday, Hunter Im going to end you.
~ Some big heat as Michaels rests the microphone down by his side, prompting Triple H to now pique up.
Triple H:
Youre going to end me? You really believe that?
Shawn Michaels:
Im going to-
Triple H:
Shut your damn mouth.
~ Pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
Your time for talking is done. Its my time now, so how about you shut your mouth and listen?
~ Triple H waits as Michaels remains silent.
Triple H:
Thats better. What you said before? Thats nothing but a load of crap.
~ Big pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
You wanna pretend that its only recently become all about you, Shawn? Do you think Im stupid? Ive been there with you, Shawn. When we first formed DX back in 1997? I was there. When you walked away from the WWE back in 1998? I was there. And when you walked back in here in 2002? Yeah, I was there then too, and through all of those times, Shawn Michaels has always been about one person and one person only: Shawn Michaels.
~ Some heat from the crowd.
Triple H:
Now normally, I wouldnt have a problem with that, because I agree with that. You should be out for yourself. Its probably why we became friends in the first place. But when you being out for yourself gets in the way of me? Now
when Ive got a problem with it.
~ A nice pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
Now I know this has only gotten really personal since youve returned, but why do you think it got this way in the first place? Shawn, for as long as Ive known you, youve been getting in my way. For as long as Ive known you, youve always been that same person. Youve always been that same selfish son of a bitch.
~ Big pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
You wanna know why I tried to end your career back in 2002, Shawn? It wasnt just because you came back. It was because I
knew you
. I knew the type of person you were. I knew what youd be doing. I want you to think back, Shawn. Think back to 1997. Think back to the original D-Generation X, and think who it was all about. It wasnt about me, Shawn. It wasnt about Rick Rude, and it sure as hell wasnt about Chyna. It was all about you, Shawn. Now sure, you may have thrown me the European Title like you were throwing a bone to a dog, but that was only because you had bigger and better things on your plate. You had the WWE Championship. And it wasnt my matches we were interfering in to make sure I kept my title, Shawn. It wasnt about me. It was always you. It was all about you.
~ Small mixed reaction from the crowd.
Triple H:
I was forced to live in your shadow while we all watched the Shawn Michaels show. And even though we were friends, even though we had fun, yknow what? I hated every minute of it.
~ A pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
So yeah, I was happy when you left, because I finally got to step out of your shadow, and I got to create my own legacy, a legacy better than anything youve ever done, Shawn. Think about it: you think DX, and what do you think? You think of DX invading WCW. You think of DX imitating The Nation. You think of DX imitating The Corporation. And who led all those things, Shawn? Who was the leader of DX then? Ill give you a clue: it wasnt you it was
~ Another pop.
Triple H:
It wasnt just the skits either though. That European Title that I held when you were around? I turned it into a world title. I became the number one guy around here. I became the WWE Champion, and all because I was allowed to be. But then you decided to come back into the picture in 2002. Then you decided to make your return, with not even a broken back being enough to keep you away. So what did I do? I tried to put you back on the shelf.
~ Big mixed reaction from the crowd.
Triple H:
I tried to end your career, because I know you, Shawn. I know the type of person that you are. Youre a selfish son of a bitch just like me, and I knew that when you came back in 2002, youd be out to hog the spotlight once again. And while you managed to hide it pretty well for four years, in the end, I was right to try to end your career. I was right to try to take you out, buy yknow what? I couldnt do it.
~ Michaels smirks to himself, proud of himself for surviving.
Triple H:
I couldnt do it, but not because you were too good for me, because believe me, you couldnt stop me no matter how hard you tried physically. I couldnt do it mentally. In the back of my mind, there was always that voice asking me What if he really has changed? What if youre doing the wrong thing?
~ Triple H pauses momentarily.
Triple H:
Now like I said, Im a selfish son of a bitch just like you, but Im not heartless. I didnt want to take the chance of ending your career in case I was wrong. But now, four years later, I guess theres no chance of that. Youre right when you say I didnt end your career last time, but mark my words, I will at WrestleMania.
~ A huge pop from the crowd as Shawn raises his eyebrow.
Shawn Michaels:
Really? You wanna make sure about that?
Triple H:
I know I will.
Shawn Michaels:
How about we make it our last match then? Lets face it, weve done all we can to each other except for kill each other. And since Im gonna do all but kill you this Sunday, I see no reason why we should ever face again.
~ The crowd buzzes with anticipation.
Triple H:
Youre on!
~ A big pop from the crowd.
Triple H:
Trust me, the only reason Im not finishing you right now is because I
I will this Sunday. Then after that, you wont be having any other matches ever.
~ Michaels again raises an eyebrow.
Shawn Michaels:
The only reason? Cause I thought Mr. Eric Bischoffs little threat would be stoppin you too. Funny that though
~ Michaels smirks and drops the microphone by his side, before raising it again, a newfound intensity in his eyes.
Shawn Michaels:
Because its not stoppin me!
The crowd goes nuts with boos as Triple H goes down, quickly followed by Shawn Michaels, who drops to his knees beside The Game to hammer away on him with some big right hands.
Joey Styles:
Aw damnit! That slimy son of a bitch Shawn Michaels has Eric Bischoff in his back pocket again!
Jonathan Coachman:
Haha, this is great! Finish him now, Shawn!
Michaels continues to hammer away as Triple H rolls towards the ropes, before grabbing him by the hair AND TRIPLE H KNOCKS HIS HANDS AWAY!
The crowd erupts as Triple H hammers away on Michaels with some right hands, before ducking a desperate clothesline attempt from him and running off to the ropes RUNNING KNEE LIFT! The crowd goes nuts for the running knee lift!
Jonathan Coachman:
No! Get outta there, Shawn! Triple H is out of control!
Joey Styles:
Payback is a bitch, Coach!
The Game roars to the crowd, then bends over to pick up Michaels PEDIGREE TIME NO! SHAWN MICHAELS DROPS DOWN AND ROLLS FROM THE RING!
The crowd boos as Triple H goes to chase him, only for Shawn to quickly dash up the ramp, leaving Triple H to be left in the ring.
Both men now stare each other down, electricity flying through the air as they both mutter the same word WrestleMania.
*Commercial Break*
Back to ringside where I Dare You by Shinedown plays in the background.
Joey Styles:
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night RAW where we are just six days from WrestleMania 22. The sound you can hear in the background is indeed our theme song for WrestleMania 22, I Dare You by Shinedown, and gentlemen, what a show it promises to be.
Jerry Lawler:
Everything that has happened for the past year has been leading to this Sunday. It sure has been a wild ride, but this Sunday its certainly going to be worth it.
Jonathan Coachman:
You said it, King. For a lotta guys, just getting to WrestleMania is half the battle, but no matter what theyre gonna be competing for this Sunday, theyre gonna leave it all out there in the ring.
Joey Styles:
Thats right, Coach, and there are a lot of superstars battling for titles, for briefcases, and some even for respect, including in this match as the undefeated youngster Bobby Lashley takes on the former WWE Champion, JBL.
Jerry Lawler:
Well this all began when JBL gave himself an award as a true American hero that Bobby Lashley found disrespectful to actual true American heroes. JBL found a youngster like Lashley interrupting him disrespectful, and from there it has just escalated into a personal battle.
Jonathan Coachman:
And JBLs gonna be the man to win that battle. Bobby Lashley may be undefeated, but he hasnt ever stepped foot in the ring with a man like JBL. Add in that its WrestleMania and that Lashley has never been there, and that means that, if ya ask me, JBLs got this one.
Joey Styles:
The World Tag Team Titles will be on the line, as the recently reformed and now on the same page Worlds Greatest Tag Team as were being told theyre once again referring to themselves as challenge the dominant champions, Kane and the Big Show.
Jerry Lawler:
Kane and Big Show have been champions for going on six months now, but this could well be their toughest challenge yet. The Worlds Greatest Tag Team on the same page could be too much. They are, after all, the worlds greatest.
Jonathan Coachman:
But how do we know theyre truly on the same page? What we saw earlier could have just been a front? Kane and Big Show to prevail over a team that just cant get along.
Joey Styles:
SmackDown!s WWE Tag Team Titles will be on the line as The Hardy Boyz, in search of their big WrestleMania win, challenge the champions, MNM.
Jonathan Coachman:
It doesnt come much easier than this. MNM have been champions for the majority of the past year, and over the past two weeks theyve beaten BOTH of The Hardy Boyz in singles action. MNM to pick up an easy win.
Jerry Lawler:
MNM have been working the numbers game to their advantage, but we saw Matt Hardy say he had a plan this past week on SmackDown!. What that plan is exactly, I dont know, but I think The Hardy Boyz may just have come up with something to get them their WrestleMania win.
Joey Styles:
In perhaps the most personal womens match weve seen ever here in the WWE, the Womens Champion Trish Stratus will defend the title against the woman who used to idolise her until Trish turned her back on her, Mickie James.
Jerry Lawler:
Trish barely survived by the skin of her teeth earlier tonight in a tag team match. Can she survive Mickie one on one? I dont think so.
Jonathan Coachman:
What are you talkin about, King? Trish Stratus
earlier tonight, and shes gonna do the exact same thing at WrestleMania, then itll be out to the curb for that fraud Mickie James.
Joey Styles:
Not just the Cruiserweight Title is on the line, but also the title as the greatest cruiserweight of all-time as the dominant champion faces the legendary challenger. Kid Kash and Rey Mysterio go one on one at WrestleMania.
Jerry Lawler:
This has all been a game of one-upmanship, and this past week on SmackDown! it seemed that Rey Mysterio may just have the psychological edge over Kid Kash.
Jonathan Coachman:
Psychological edge or not, Kid Kash has beaten everyone there is to be beaten in the cruiserweight division on SmackDown!, and Rey Mysterio is gonna be no exception. Double K to retain.
Joey Styles:
Another of SmackDown!s titles will be on the line when the United States Champion, Booker T defends against long-time enemy Chris Benoit, and former protégé Orlando Jordan in a Three Way Dance.
Jerry Lawler:
Elimination rules apply here too, meaning this could be anyones match. Chris Benoit has been on a hot streak of late, but who knows? With elimination rules it all depends on who goes out first.
Jonathan Coachman:
Booker T has worked so hard to get that title and been such an honourable champion that I cant possibly see him losing it. This past Friday against CM Punk was just a blip on the radar. Expect The Book Man to retain.
Joey Styles:
It may not be for a title, but this match means just as much as any other, if not more. The Game Triple H and The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels meet in a No Holds Barred Match, which, as weve learnt tonight, after both men promised to finish each other, will be the LAST TIME theyll ever wrestle each other one on one.
Jerry Lawler:
Theyve both promised that theyre going to finish one another. Personally, Im not sure whos going to win, but I do know that this Sunday is going to be violent.
Jonathan Coachman:
I cant wait for this one. Theres gonna be blood, theres gonna be sweat, and there may even be tears. This is gonna be THE match of WrestleMania.
Joey Styles:
Perhaps the only other match with as much on the line possible without it being for a title is RVD going one on one with The Undertaker. We all know how much it means to both men The Undertakers undefeated WrestleMania streak being on the line. Which of these two men will prevail?
Jerry Lawler:
RVD made a big statement earlier tonight when he laid The Undertaker out with the Five Star Frog Splash. Can he do it again this Sunday? I dunno, but I sure do hope so.
Jonathan Coachman:
RVD may have gotten the upper hand earlier tonight, but unfortunately hes gonna embarrass Mr. Bischoff this Sunday. I just dont think hes good enough.
Joey Styles:
Eight hungry superstars will race to the top of a ladder to try to retrieve a briefcase that guarantees them a world title match any time over the next twelve months. Who will win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and earn themselves a shot at a world championship whenever they want it?
Jonathan Coachman:
Gregory Helms and Carlito have been my favourites all along, and that hasnt changed after earlier tonight. With Chris Masters now back by his side, Carlito may just be too good to beat.
Jerry Lawler:
I agree. Carlito is good alone, but with Chris Masters by his side, hes deadly. We saw the lariat from Masters to Mark Henry earlier. If Chris Masters can take out Mark Henry, then he can take out anyone.
Joey Styles:
The SmackDown! main event will feature the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista facing his old friend and now enemy, the 2006 Royal Rumble winner, Randy Orton.
Jerry Lawler:
We saw Randy earlier here tonight, and he looked as good as ever. If you ask me, even though hes been champion for a year, at WrestleMania its gonna be tough for Batista to retain.
Jonathan Coachman:
Thats exactly right, King. Batista may have dominated all comers up until this point, but Randy Orton knows him better than anyone, and more importantly, Randy knows all his weaknesses. Randy himself doesnt have any weaknesses either, meaning this one really cant go any other way.
Joey Styles:
And finally from here on RAW, the WWE Title will be defended in a Triple Threat Match as the champion, Edge faces off with the former champion, John Cena and Kurt Angle.
Jerry Lawler:
Edge has been running for months now, but he could well win this Sunday. It all depends on what happens tonight in our main event. If he can do the same thing to Kurt Angle as he did to John Cena last week, then he might just have the easiest WrestleMania title defence of all-time.
Jonathan Coachman:
do the same thing to Angle, and he will walk out of WrestleMania 22 as WWE Champion. Mark my words, babyboy, Edge is gonna be champion for a long time here on RAW.
Joey Styles:
Thats all at WrestleMania, however, the night before WrestleMania we will see our Class of 2006, featuring Eddie Guerrero, Sherri Martel, Arn Anderson, Verna Gagne and J.R Jim Ross will all be going into the Hall of Fame. Thats this Saturday night, the night before WrestleMania.
Silence, for a moment, until
The crowd explodes into a MONSTROUS amount of heat as the
WWE Champion, Edge
emerges through the smoke on the stage, a crazed look in his eyes as his girlfriend
caresses his arm.
Joey Styles:
Well here comes the WWE Champion, Edge, ahead of his no DQ, no count out match with Kurt Angle. Thats our main event and thats next on RAW.
Off we go.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break to see a very psyched up Edge standing in the ring, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waits
The crowd gives perhaps the biggest pop of the night as
Kurt Angle
storms out onto the stage. Roaring out to the crowd, Angle marches halfway down the ramp, then throws his arms up into the air to set off a litany of pyrotechnics.
Lilian Garcia:
His opponent, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weighing 225 lbs, KURT ANNNGGGLLLLEEEEE!
Joey Styles:
For Kurt Angle, tonight is all about inflicting pain upon Edge. We saw the mouthguard earlier tonight, and we know Angles intentions. In six nights time at WrestleMania, Kurt Angle will be going out to win the WWE Title, but tonight he is going out there to hurt the WWE Champion. Picking up the win would just be the icing on the cake if he can do it.
Jonathan Coachman:
Angle isnt climbin in the ring with just anyone though. Hes getting in there with Edge, whos the WWE Champion for a reason. If ya ask me, Angle might be the one on the receiving end of some pain.
Jerry Lawler:
Thats if Edge doesnt run away, Coach. Its all hes seemed to do thus far.
Angle rolls into the ring AND EDGE IS INSTANTLY ON HIM, DROPPING DOWN TO HAMMER AWAY! The crowd boos, but due to the nature of the match, the referee calls for the bell.
Match Five No Disqualification No Count Out Singles Match:
WWE Champion
w/Lita vs.
Kurt Angle
Edge is immediately all over Angle, drawing the ire of the crowd. Edge though, being the badass that he is, doesnt give a damn as he follows Angle into the corner and begins to kick away at him. Angle fights through the pain to a vertical base, although hes still on the defensive, as shown by Edge whipping him off into the opposite corner but when Edge charges forward Angle explodes from the corner with a clothesline! The crowd goes up as Angle lifts Edge back up and rocks him with a couple of European uppercuts, forcing him back into the corner.
Once there, Angle is happy to swing for the hills, letting loose on Edge with some absolutely massive right hands. Unrelenting, Angle just pounds away on the forehead of Edge until the WWE Champion finally falls away to a seated position with a faraway look in his eye, prompting Angle to come from the corner and roar out to the crowd. Meanwhile Edge tries to pull himself up with the ropes, moving across them to the middle of them as Angle turns, causing Angle to charge across and clothesline him over the top rope to the floor.
Edge slowly struggles up on the outside, looking around, before turning to see Angle on the apron, charging towards him BEFORE FLYING INTO HIM WITH AN AMAZING HILO! The crowd gives a massive pop for a move that Angle rarely if ever busts out (at least in these days), showing the intent that Angle has come into the match with. Wanting to get on with things in a hurry, Angle lifts Edge up and begins to batter him around the ringside area, using absolutely everything he can to inflict some damage to his foe. Finally the pair come to the ringpost, which Angle, as youd expect, looks to use as a weapon, grabbing Edge by the hair to force him face first into it, only for Edge to block. Angle tries again, but Edge has it well and truly blocked, before he goes for a shot of his own, only for Angle to again block.
Deciding he has to take the momentum somehow, the opportunistic WWE Champion rakes the eyes of the challenger, sending him walking away, holding his eyes. The champion then grabs one of his opponents for WrestleMania by the head and looks to launch him into the ringpost but Angle reverses and instead sends Edge flying into it! The crowd gives a great pop as Angle takes another moment to tend to his eyes, before rolling Edge back into the ring, but oddly not following him in himself. Instead Angle remains on the outside before going under the ring in search of some goodies!
Content with a garbage can full of fun that hes found, Angle hurls the can up into the ring, then slides in himself and finds his first weapon to use a baking tray. Content that it will do some damage, Angle waits for Edge to turn to him then absolutely cracks the tray off his head! The crowd cheers as the tray folds up upon impact, making it basically useless after just one shot. Deciding to step it up a notch, Angle this time grabs a street sign from the garbage can, before waiting as Edge climbs up bam! Angle gets him with a shot to the stomach, double the champion over, before he slams the sign down across his back!
Edge writhes in pain on the mat as Angle holds the sign and goes in search of more weapons, finding himself another street sign. Disposing of them, Angle continues to burrow until he finds himself a steel chain! The crowd cheers along as Angle flashes a sick grin, before again waiting on Edge to get back up WHEN LITA SUDDENLY GRABS HIM BY THE FOOT! The cheers now turn into boos as Angle looks down at a desperate Lita, who continues to grab Angles boot as he shakes it. Perhaps not wanting to overstep the boundary of hitting a woman, Angle continues to try to get a painless release when hes suddenly clubbed in the back of the head by an Edge forearm, sending him down!
The crowd boos as Lita quickly retreats from the ring, allowing Edge to lift Angle back up to his feet and send him off with an Irish whip, only to miss with a clothesline on the rebound. Edge then turns and gets smashed in the gut by an Angle fist, which is still wrapped in chain! The crowd cheers for the sound of the impact of steel on skin as Edge reels back, and Angle takes a swing for his head but Edge ducks then rocks Angle with a huge boot to the head, sending him down!
The WWE Champion stumbles around for a moment after the shot, attempting to get himself back together as Angle struggles on the mat. Edge finally stumbles across to Angle, and, seeing the chain that has fallen by his wayside, Edge decides its time to inflict more punishment steel style. The WWE Champion slowly lifts the chain up, then gleefully wraps it around his fist as Angle starts to get up smash! Edge caves the jaw of Angle in with a shot from the chain, sending him falling from the ring in a heap! The crowd boos as an arrogant WWE Champion now raises his arms up in the air, celebrating the shot as we go to our final commercial break.
Back from the break and we see that the WWE Champion is still in control of the match, and hes still making use of the steel chain. In fact, hes more than making use of it, in fact, hes just plain choking Angle with it! The crowd boos as Edge continues to choke the life out of his enemy, ignoring the pleas from the referee to stop until Angle finally starts to fade, prompting the WWE Champion to release and go for the cover two!
The next portion of the match is all Edge. Despite a few spot fires, the WWE Champion is able to keep control of Angle and utilise the no DQ environment to the match to do some major damage to his opponent. He can never quite do enough to finish the match off though, with Angle refusing to allow himself to be pinned for a three count, driven by the thought of inflicting more pain upon Edge. A careless Edge finally leaves Angle a window of opportunity when he goes out of the ring to get a table. In spite of his experience with tables in the past, Edge struggles to get it up into the ring, and realises that he has no time to set it up once he finally gets it in, seeing Angle getting up.
The champion hammers away on the back of Angle as he starts to climb back to his feet, scoring with a stinging forearm to the back that sends Angle back. The WWE Champion next whips Angle into the corner, then charges in and squashes his opponent with a corner spear! Angle keels over in pain, causing Edge to smirk as he stands over Angle, even raising his hands for a moment before sending him off to the opposite corner and trying for the same thing again, only for Angle to dodge, leaving Edge to go shoulder first into the ringpost! The champion painfully peels his body away from the steel, feeling at his shoulder when Kurt Angle suddenly grabs him from behind and dumps him with a German suplex!
The crowd explodes as both men remain down for a moment, although with no count outs in this match, theyre free to slowly struggle back up to their feet. Both on jelly legs, the two stumble forward to the centre of the ring to meet, with Edge throwing the first bomb, striking with a right to some boos. Those boos change to cheers soon though, as Angle strikes back, only for Edge to dizzily return the favour. The two go back and forth, slowly picking up the pace until they finally reach a frenzy, right hands flying everywhere until Edge scores with a knee lift! The crowd boos as Edge runs off to the ropes but he gets caught on the rebound with a belly to belly suplex!
The crowd erupts as Edge struggles back to his feet to immediately be caught with a couple of European uppercuts, rocking him back to the corner where Angle then meets him with a corner spear! Edge struggles out, holding his ribs back suplex! Angle is now feeling it, roaring out to the crowd as Edge starts to struggle up, before going in from behind him and grabbing him by the waist then nailing the German suplex! The crowd goes nuts as Angle maintains his grip, allowing him to hit a second then a third! Angle nails the release, dumping Edge on his dodgy neck before going for the cover two! The WWE Champion just kicks out, causing a quick grimace from Angle as he gets back up to his feet then calls for the end!
The crowd goes bonkers as Edge starts to slowly struggle up AND ANGLE QUICKLY SWOOPS WITH THE ANGLE SLAM NO! Edge lands behind Angle TO QUICKLY SCORE WITH THE EDGE-O-MATIC! Edge hooks a leg TWO! Angle just kicks out, much to the elation of those in Omaha. Edge, however, is far from happy with the kickout, arguing with the referee for a moment. Realising hes getting nowhere, Edge sees Angle rolling towards the corner, setting a light bulb off in his head. A wide smile on his face, Edge backs off to the corner opposite to Angle, then crouches down, demanding he get up. Knowing Angles in trouble, the crowd attempts to warn the Olympian as he slowly struggles up THEN TURNS INTO A SPEAR NO! Angle sidesteps the move, sending Edge face first into the corner turnbuckle BEFORE GRABBING HIM AND SCORING WITH THE ANGLE SLAM! Angle makes the cover TWO!
Neither the crowd nor Angle can believe it as Edge JUST kicks out. The Olympic Hero is quickly back to his feet though AND HE PULLS THE STRAPS DOWN! The crowd goes nuts as Angle yells out THEN GRABS THE ANKLE! ANGLE HAS THE ANKLE LOCK NO! Edge rolls through, sending Angle tumbling head over heel. The fan favourite regains his footing and turns RIGHT INTO THE EDGECUTION! Edge hooks the leg TWO AGAIN! This time the champion is in disbelief again, asking the referee how it could possibly be two, before heading back to the corner. Edge starts to wait on Angle to get up before he has a brighter idea seeing the steel chairs on the apron!
The crowd shits all over the champion as he grabs the pair of steel chairs and makes his way over to Angle, placing one under his head, before slowly lifting the other one up
WHAT? The crowd absolutely explodes AS
STEPS OUT ONTO THE STAGE! The crowd is in absolute shock as Cena eyes Edge off, causing Edge to stop and look in disbelief as Cena charges down the ramp AND IS MET IMMEDIATELY BY A STEEL CHAIR WHEN HE SLIDES INTO THE RING NO! Cena ducks it THEN GRABS EDGE FOR THE F-U NO! Edge frees himself with elbows to the likely concussed head of Cena, before bouncing back off the ropes SPEAR! SPEAR! EDGE SPEARS CENA!
The crowd goes nuts with boos as Edge stands over Cena, mouthing off WHEN HES SUDDENLY TAKEN OUT BY A FLYING THRUST KICK FROM
! A huge pop comes from the crowd as RVD sends Edge down, then turns RIGHT INTO SWEET CHIN MUSIC!
STRIKES WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC! Michaels looks down at Cena coldly, when the crowd suddenly explodes with cheers AND
SLIDES INTO THE RING! Michaels and Triple H start trading bombs in the middle of the ring, moving towards the corner as RVD starts to stand up
The lights go out, sending the crowd into a frenzy
The lights come back on AND
IS IN THE RING, ALREADY TRADING BOMBS WITH RVD! The two WrestleMania opponents tumble from the ring, brawling around ringside as Triple H sends Shawn Michaels staggering back to the middle of the ring, then grabs a steel chair CRACK! TRIPLE H CRACKS KURT ANGLE! MICHAELS DUCKED, AND TRIPLE H HITS KURT ANGLE!
Michaels quickly rolls from the ring, with Triple H in hot pursuit as Cena and Angle are left down in the ring, with Edge slowly crawling towards Angle, draping his arm across him for the cover and he gets the three!
Winner: Edge via pinfall @ 16:26
Lilian Garcia:
Here is your winner, EDGE!
The crowd doesnt pay too much attention, just plain continuing to buzz as Triple H & Michaels and Taker & Van Dam continue to brawl around ringside. Meanwhile Edge rolls from the ring and stumbles around, using the ring apron to hold him on.
Joey Styles:
Its absolute pandemonium in here, but through the chaos, through the carnage, Edge has defeated Kurt Angle! What does this mean for WrestleMania? Will Edge retain against Angle and Cena? What about The Undertaker and RVD, or Michaels and Triple H? These two sets of men are just plain going at it, and theyre going to be doing the same this Sunday at WrestleMania 22! Ladies and gentlemen, I am telling you, you do not want to miss this Sunday! The chaos, the intensity it will all be there this Sunday! Titles on the line, streaks on the line, possibly
on the line at WrestleMania 22 this Sunday night! Ill see you then, until then, good night and thank you for watching Monday Night RAW!
Our final shot of the WWE Champion clutching his gold with chaos occurring around him fades to black, ending our RAW journey towards WrestleMania.
April 2nd, 2006 | Allstate Arena; Rosemont, Illinois
World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Orton
Batista ©
WWE Championship; Triple Threat Match:
John Cena
Kurt Angle
Edge ©
Interbrand Match:
Rob Van Dam
The Undertaker
No Holds Barred Match:
Triple H
Shawn Michaels
United States Championship; Three Way Dance:
Chris Benoit
Orlando Jordan
Booker T ©
World Tag Team Championships:
The Worlds Greatest Tag Team
Kane & Big Show ©
WWE Tag Team Championships:
The Hardy Boyz
Womens Championship:
Mickie James
Trish Stratus ©
Cruiserweight Championship:
Rey Mysterio
Kid Kash ©
Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
Gregory Helms
Mr. Kennedy
Paul London
Ric Flair
Chavo Guerrero
Mark Henry
Singles Match:
Bobby Lashley
John Bradshaw Layfield
i do it for the ratchets
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: 308 Negra Arroyo Lane
Posts: 1,486
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
As promised, your review for Monday Night Raw!
RAW Feedback
-First off, I'd like to say I am loving the recap section at the beginning since I missed the last episode of Raw, and it seems to be a pretty cool scenario between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, I'm guessing Triple H being the face and Shawn Michaels being the heel which is weird to me as I always think of it as the other way around, but none the less, sounds good, and hopefully HBK will be here (in scheduled competition) tonight! Last week sounded like a pretty big event, and Triple H standing on top of Michaels can lead to controversy this week, and I hope it does
@ "This is my show because I said so", reminds me of because Stone Cold said so. Like it as it was quite nostalgic for me. Any who, the Orton promo hyping up 'Mania and Bischoff on his side seems to be pretty good and realistic, but I think Orton should have been a little more disrespectful and just say "Eric" instead of "Mr. Bischoff", as it may just show Orton's character a little bit more. Good job though.
-Kane gets a clean victory here and proves his dominance, heading into the match this Sunday for the championships on the granddaddy. I think it hyped the match, but Haas not being with Benjamin kind of threw me off as they are partners, but maybe something happened last week that I don't know about, so mehh.
-Carlito had a mini-segment for sure, but it meant a whole lot. He having problems with Chris Masters is clear, and his dialogue was right on the bullseye. I like how youre doing with this, and I can't wait for you to dish up whats next for these two.
-RVD basically showing his disrespect to Orton prompts the main event, and I like that, as he also proceeds to hype his match at Wrestlemania, which looks to be pretty big if RVD is going to go on and call it personal, because that usually means that the rivalry can continue on past Wrestlemania, and I hope that it does as these two are both good and still sort of in their prime...I guess... and I'd love to see you do something good with them.
-Well in the diva's match it looks like Trish Stratus is a heel? Anyway, I liked the ending, and the diva's division looks like it could be heating up as well, Loved this match, Stratusfaction is a favorite of mine as well, so good job here as well
-Edge shoving the mic, Lita shoving Maria was a good thing for them as they seem strong and in control of this situation, but "How's ya goin'" probably was meant to be "How's it doing" or something like that, as it just didn't make sense to me. Anyways Edge claiming he'll still be the champion is normal, no big thing here, decent here.
-The main event as the third match? I didn't think that'd happen, but I'm going to guess there will be more promos after this to fill the 2 Hours. I like the mind games The Undertaker pulled on RVD, costing him the match, and then getting the two finishers on him, and I'm sort of taking this as Undertaker being heel after the pops from the fan for RVD...? If not then uh-ohh. Glad to see Orton win as I'm a fan, and I can't wait to see what goes on next in this rivalry.
-Ahhhh, now I see what is going on in the Haas/Benjamin situation, and they are now geared up for Wrestlemania, good little promo, and they are faces also? So many mix ups in this BTB, but yet I'm loving every second of it. It's something new, and I like. Good job once again.
-A lot of short promos as now Angle is set to compete, the mouth guard obviously resembling pain as stitched, and I cant wait to see if he can crack the pain down come Sunday.
-Masters and Carlito at it again, Carlito taking the victory was a good choice as it proves he is doing something right for the spot to be Mr. Money in the Bank with only one week left until the match actually happens, and Masters making his appearance known tonight was also a good one. Like what you did here as usual, and the match was exciting.
-Let me tell you, that Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels promo is definitely my favorite promo ever written on this site, or any other site. It was amazing, it had length, and for some would be a long read, but it was the most entertained moment I have ever read in any BTB and for that I thank you. Im a little disappointed that this match will be their last match, because their feud looks like it could go on for a while, but I cant wait to see what happens, hopefully neither careers will end, but only time will tell.
-The final match of the night was surely an explosive one, and boy can I not wait until WM22. This was a good match because it brought out a lot of superstars and got them all involved while people somewhat forget about the match, but then remember during the pin. Undertaker with the lights again was also a favorite by me, and this was a pretty good match as well, Cena being concussed possibly? Wonder how that happened? Anyways, I cant wait to see how all these rivalries explode, and my predictions will be casted next week.
-This was a great show, and I liked it more than SmackDown of course, basically because I like Cena, Edge, Trips, and HBK. Ill be reading SD! And then making my predictions, and then Ill try to leave some feed for Mania, but I dont know if Ill have time. Ill be reading for sure though.
Good Job, and Happy Booking,
The Knight
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: England
Posts: 1,746
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Raw Feedback
Loving the summary. Makes it really easy for me to pick right up from where we left off last week. Just a small point. Likewise, the opening commentary was really on the money, it all worked sweetly to hype up the show. Good stuff.
If you were going for the surprise factor with Orton, it certainly worked. I'm not entirely sure about his reasoning, it felt a bit odd that he'd go to the other brand just to gloat and hype up a SmackDown feud. It also might have been nice to see him say he could take what he wanted because of who he IS, not who he'll be on Sunday, that's the cocky guy he is. "Because I said so" seemed a bit weak to me, especially when he could go into who he was and the credentials that might suggest
show was his, you know. Rant over about why he's here, the content itself was great. In particular, I loved the imagery you got across with Batista being a "thug", in contrast to Orton being an ideal World Champion, it really fitted in with both characters. It's a good follow-up to the Teddy Long thing last Friday to have Orton treat him as an 'obstacle' of sorts, it fits in with Orton's idea of trying to make it 'fair' at WM, it was good characterisation to have him pretend he was doing the right thing. Bischoff was well-written here, I could picture the entire speech from him, especially his putting the foot down on whose show it was. Orton/RVD makes it seem incredibly convenient that Orton arrived on Raw so you could have that contest, but regardless I'm sure it'll be a good one, so that's fine. It's just another match on to a stacked card for tonight too. Strong opening segment.
DX history recaps is a great move. Really builds up the history between these two.
Benjamin/Kane was a solid match to start. Benjamin's utilising of the kicks was very like him, and you got both men's ring style down to a tee. I'd be wary of repeating your sentence style/vocab on occasion, as well as maybe using a nickname here and there to make things a little less tale on that front too (so it's not just Benjamin, Kane, Benjamin, Kane), but otherwise it was good. Kane winning was actually a good way to save some of Show and Kane's momentum and attention, which has been a little sparse recently, and actually it keeps the situation a little more interesting with the WGTT, because I look forward to seeing how Haas reacts. Booking-wise especially, this was perfect.
Reminder for the whole Carlito/Masters thing was good thinking. Logic would suggest a Masters face turn but it's still early days I'd imagine.
RVD was on the money tbh. Talking down to Orton because of his attitude, etc, it really worked for me. Maybe a little more focus on Undertaker might have been nice, but otherwise, good stuff. Chuckled a bit at Grisham nearly getting his head taken off, too.
Small thing with the entrance and the beginning of the Divas tag match, you kept the theme of Trish not wanting to take Mickie on, and even though it's not a huge deal, it's a bit of extra psychology in there, it's a little effort that shouldn't go unnoticed. Anyway, despite your repeated verbal burial of Ashley (
), this was good, you followed a good formula, didn't let it drag on too long, and you had a good finish to keep Trish heeling it up. On the flip side, be careful with how you describe people on occasion (par exemple, when Trish put her knee up to Ashley to give the heels the advantage, you called her the Women's Champion when usually the obvious thing would just be to call her Trish. Seeing as Trish hadn't been mentioned for a while, it took me a second to figure out that it wasn't Victoria using HER knee, and also that she wasn't Champion, because obviously she's not. Hope that made sense). Also, I wasn't feeling the shock factor from having the referee announce their was no tag so late into the hot tag momentum-bit. Mickie had already hit about three or so moves by this point, I was already buying into the legal hot tag, to just wipe out that idea and tell me Victoria distracted the referee by that time made me have to rearrange all the imagery in my head. Small thing, but at the same time it was a bit weird to me, it would have been fine if the distraction had been mentioned a few sentences beforehand. Other than that (jeez I wrote a lot, hope you understood it all, I know I wouldn't have) it was a good match, hypes up that title match at Wrestlemania pretty well, too. I won't lie, it's not exactly the match I'm looking forward to the most, but you've given the division a real, meaningful feud, and for that I applaud you.
Although I'm not sure how Kurt could 'save the title' from anyone by being an Olympic Hero, I was really feeling the intensity from Edge here. Short but oh so sweet, it really got across Edge's character brilliantly, the joker mixed with the intense, title-obsessed freak. Loved Lita shoving Maria out the way, too, great little bit to show the attitude that they
Wow, RVD/Orton as the third match of the evening, you have a seriously stacked card tonight. I liked how you stuck with the RVD/Bischoff theme by having Van Dam distracted throughout, it's that kind of booking consistency which is always great to see. I read the whole match, which I'm not proud to say I don't always do, but I really loved the action you had going. The back-and-forth was brilliant, once again you had both men's ring styles down to a tee, contrasting RVD's entertaining moves to Orton's slow, methodical pace, and frankly, I thought the contest for what it was, was absolutely great. I could imagine it on TV, I could imagine sitting on the edge of my seat as I watched it, and even if they wasn't going to be a strictly clean finish, I'd be getting my money's worth... even if Raw is free, I suppose. Btw, I have no idea how Takes Kane over Women can question your vocab skills when you put "lackadaisically" in there, I'm impressed. The gong moment was good to keep both the RVD/Taker feud rolling as well as giving Orton a reason to escape with a win which does him a whole world of good, while the aftermath was similarly great, not forgetting about the whole Spirit Squad thing last week. While I'm surprised RVD saved Bischoff, I suppose it makes sense that his character would just go straight for Undertaker when he sees him. RVD leaving with the upper hand this week seems like a solid plan, I wouldn't mind seeing them both on the mic one more time this Friday, though. Maybe to start the show? Oh, and this whole segment was great. Booking-wise, match-wise, whatever-wise, this was really good.
Oh the closure. This was probably the best way to keep both teams looking good - have Kane win, but have Haas agree to team with Shelton regardless. The WGTT angle has been one of my consistent favourites in your thread - I look forward to reading as it comes to a head at Wrestlemania.
Angle with 'PAIN' on his mouthguard, nice. Short, sweet, intense. Makes for an explosive environment later, good brief segment.
First of all, liking the thinking in having this match, it's a good way to hype up the Money in the Bank match on Sunday. While I think it's a bit odd that Flair was taken out for the finish by a simple Leg Drop, the finish was certainly entertaining and innovative. You even got a Masters swerve in there too, so props to you for that. I wasn't expecting Masters to side with 'Lito again, but it's a good mini-swerve, imo, it's the right call to stick him with Carlito for the moment. Loved the chaos after the match, mainly because it's what I enjoy watching in real life, the chaotic moments, and you put over each man individually well. I liked how you picked Mark Henry out from the crowd, considering he was fighting for the World Title at NWO, and of course Masters looks like a million bucks for taking him out at the end. Really boosts Carlito's credibility by having him there, too. Cracking contest, can't wait to see where you go with the MITB match on Friday, and I'm waiting with baited breath to see who wins at WM.
Small thing, but you've utilised Joey Styles really well so far. Everything he's said had linked really well to the next segment, it's really helped to keep the show flowing.
Promo of the year? I know there hasn't been all that much activity this year bar a few select people, so there's not all that much else competition-wise, but seriously, this promo blew me away. You took this entire HBK/HHH feud to a whole new level of intensity, it was brilliant. Enough ass-kissing, I'll go into just
this was so good. Everything that HBK's heel turn was about, came across loud and clear here. It summed up everything about the friendship and the rivalry these two have had, you showed how HBK is sick of getting shit back in his face for only doing good or doing what he believed in, you showed how HBK is a human character, he works by his feelings and he's not just a one-dimensional guy. You wrote this promo like two human beings with real feelings and motives, and that's what made it feel so real. HHH attacking Michaels from their old days together was also good, including how he said he was worried he was wrong about HBK, only to realise that HBK really deserves what he gets, I thought it was excellently written. I hope that all made sense. To summarise, I thought it was an all-round brilliant promo - every line meant something, it got me hyped for their match like little else would. Especially liking the 'last ever match' concept btw, really builds up the importance of their match on Sunday. Overall, probably the promo of the year. I can't really think of much else to rival it this year, so yeah.
Oh the Wrestlemania 22-age. I can't wait, should be a cracking moment for the section.
Once again, a highly enjoyable contest to read as a big fan of your work, but obviously the focus is on that climatic ending, which sets the scene for WM22 perfectly. I'm not entirely sure why RVD would attack Edge, or why HBK would attack him, but the ends justified the means and you had Edge capitalise on it all to keep in with the whole Ultimate Opportunist thing, so that's perfect. Though I felt Cena's mini-return was rained on a bit by the immediate pwnage from Edge, it was otherwise an ideal ending to the show, I loved it. Perfect send-off ending for Raw into WM22.
Overall, apart from a couple of niggles here and there, this was a great, great read. You always deliver, weekly shows or otherwise, and you've really solidified your place at the top of the section this year with this tremendous Road to Wrestlemania. The positives in this Raw far outweigh the negatives here, especially in your promos, which were pretty much spot on throughout, especially that brilliant HHH/HBK segment which really lit the fire for their feud, well, even more so than before. Congrats on nearly getting to WM22, James, I wish you the best of luck. Hope the feedback was helpful, you've certainly given me enough to merit the favour being returned from the section's laziest reviewer.
In New Talent We Trust
Raw NOW POSTED
Total Divas Marks Just Suck
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 9,700
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Sorry it's taken a while, but you know I've been busy writing Smackdown and getting ready for Unforgiven.
Smackdown Feedback
Randy Orton's speech was believable and in line with his character. It was a different way to open a show, but given what happened at the end of last week's show, it made sense to start with it. It was incredibly heelish and would have the fans booing like mad in the arena. It'll also be interesting to see if anything comes out of the comments made about Teddy Long helping Batista. I did like that Orton made out he had the contract in place for WrestleMania and that he was untouchable in that sense. However, we've seen so many works where the heels make out they're staying away but turn up. I'd be surprised if this wasn't the case.
It's good to see the tag champs getting some momentum going in their feud with the Hardys. After Nitro's win last week over Jeff, Mercury following that up with a win over Matt, and a dirty win at that to add some more spice to it. The Hardys need to get some back though heading in to Mania as their return as a team has fallen a bit flat.
Intriguing promo with The Cabinet & The Bluebloods. Obviously JBL needs all the help he can get right now with Lashley, but considering he has Brent Albright, he shouldn't need to get more help for one man. What did stand out for me was that they too aren't happy with Teddy Long, and it appears that you could be in the process of getting rid of him, something not even SIIIDDLLLE could do to Cooky in two whole days
. Seriously though, with Orton's comments about Teddy at the top of the show, there's some nice suspense building as to whether Teddy could be in trouble.
After Matt's loss earlier, it was good to see you address their drop in momentum. I like that you're making us see that they're, well Matt's not happy about it and he's going to do something about it. I can only think that involves Shannon Moore as Lita & Gregory Helms are a bit tied up right now and I can't think of anyone else other than Michael Hayes.
The Cabinet/Bluebloods combination wasn't strong enough to stop another Lashley win, and I did prefer that he did get the clean win instead of a DQ as it shows he can overcome the odds. The beatdown after was I think the best thing to do, and the Batista appearance might have seen a little random & forced with the main event announcement, but after his whole snap episode last week, you can understand why he would be up for a fight, and this was a way to get one. I thought it worked quite well and it gives us a big main event. Somewhere not so far away, Orton will be on his way!
The follow up interview from Batista was good and showed us that he's not in the mood for taking it easy going in to Mania and that he's not happy with how things have been going as of late. Seeing him this fired up & focused on the main event tonight also sells the match with J.B.L. that bit more too as everyone is going to want to see Batista beat the hell out of him.
Like I said with the Raw feedback, it was good that the Money in the Bank match got some much needed attention. It was a bit samey as what happened on Raw, but at the same time it was a sensible reaction to it. Mr. Kennedy was the right man to get it going, and he was awesome. I loved his arrogance and how dismissive he was when Paul London came out and went over his defeats that he ignored earlier. For me, Finlay stole the show here as we rarely get to hear him speak for that length of time and in the middle of the ring. He sold his intensity & determination to finally get a world title, and I loved that he went right after Mark Henry after Henry knocked the shillelagh out of his hand. It showed that he isn't intimidated by anyone, but I didn't like that Kennedy got owned again by London. Had he not been on a major slump since No Way Out and had a few wins, this wouldn't have mattered, but he's getting owned pretty much every week. Finlay for Money in the Bank after this by the way. I would've wanted Kennedy looking at the card without the shows, but he's been booked very poorly from the loss to Rey Mysterio at No Way Out.
Kid Kash came over as an absolute cock, and getting Chimel to re-announce him along with all the nicknames was smart as it would get so much heat. I also liked that you had him go back to address the crowd's reaction. That was a nice touch, as was trying to better Rey's open challenges. Nunzio coming out was a bit of a lead balloon but in the grand scheme of things it wasn't important as the only thing that mattered was Kash gaining an impressive clean victory. Doing that with Mysterio also watching did him a lot of good, and with Rey there the whole time it kept us interested in to whether something was going to happen. The coming together after the match was handled well and sold the heat between them, and the saying "less is more" was very accurate here.
Oh my word, CM Punk made one hell of a debut! I loved his shoot like persona, telling Booker exactly how it is, although I would've like Booker to have at least said something as he pretty much got owned by Punk. Punk's character was great, although I didn't really like the slap and didn't think it was necessary. Reading it as I did, it just came out of nowhere and didn't seem right at all. It did set up the match though as Booker was never just going to accept a challenge. The finish was booked well for everyone, especially Punk with Benoit getting involved, and it just reminded me of how this is all about Benoit & Booker and that Jordan just got thrown in needlessly or way too soon. The promo after with Jordan & Benoit just added to that. Jordan was just there and given what he did to Benoit at Saturday Night's Main Event, Benoit should be pissed with him.
JBL's interview was okay, nothing out of ordinary and it didn't need to be as the whole purpose was clearly just to hype the main event and what happened earlier with Batista. It did that, as did Teddy's brief chat with Batista. It looks like you're pushing their friendship a bit tonight, and that it could be heading somewhere for Teddy.
The main event was a solid contest, and although I was a bit surprised not to see Lashley, it was for the best to give this a clean finish and put Batista back on the right track. The Orton appearance obviously came as no surprise, but in taking out Teddy Long, that was a surprise. It's a different way to get to Batista and it's sure as hell going to get Orton in some serious hot water. It's a puzzle as to why Orton would go after him for next to no reason. I'm sure we'll get answers next week though!
One thing that I liked about this show was that it definitely felt more like a two hour show, unlike the majority of your shows I've read, and it didn't drag like our second innings
! It was more of a wrestling heavy show tonight which is nice for a change. The CM Punk debut was great and probably stood out along with Orton's RKO on Teddy. There's nothing I can think that I disliked about the show, and I really enjoyed it. I'll get to Raw tomorrow hopefully as it's 12.30am and I'm in serious need of sleep after the Ashes and then Raw last night.
Until then. . . COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK!
Raw Feedback
Randy Orton opening Raw was a total surprise to say the least. It was a real eye opener, and when you see someone from either Raw or Smackdown on the other show, it immediately grabs your attention. I was glad in a way that this gave Orton the opportunity to vent on Teddy Long and explain his actions without comeback. His character was great all the way through, and calling Raw his show just showed how arrogant he is and why he was best at this time. One thing I did pick up on was that the contract signing will be on Smackdown this week, and last week on Smackdown, Orton said that he was okay to stay at home as there was nothing to do because he had the title match signed, or something like that, yet the contract's not signed yet. I enjoyed the interaction with Eric Bischoff too, and the build up to him telling Orton it was his show was well done, as it showed despite their respect for each other, Bischoff was in charge. I didn't like how you acknowledged Orton had his trunks. I mean why would he just bring them by chance? It just seemed too easy and was best off left unmentioned. The idea of a match between him & RVD is very appealing, however the last line from Orton was very cheesy and didn't really make sense aside from just mentioning RVD's nickname. Good promo to start off, and different too.
I'm liking the DX flashbacks. They're always a good way to hype up a feud.
I was expecting a whole lot more from the Benjamin/Kane match to hype up the title match at WrestleMania. It was a decent effort from Benjamin, and in a way, Kane & Show needed the win more than Benjamin & Haas did after ubersquash last week. Having Haas backstage watching really undersold how important this was as it's not just an ordinary match, it was the last chance to prove something & hype it going in to WrestleMania. I think there's a chance we're not done with this for the night, mainly because this was weak heading in to the biggest show of the year and everything that's gone before it, we needed something big here.
More good work here to build the tension between Carlito & Masters. As short as it was, you got the message across, but would the ultra cool Carlito be so worried about Masters not being there? If they have a match fair enough. Otherwise it's a bit odd.
I love how you write RVD. He was one guy I always had problems had just thinking about it. You make it look so easy, as it's all smooth & natural. The introduction to it was clever too as it allowed him to be his true self without any awkward speech. His comments on Orton were good too, all believable and helped sell the match for later on. I just hoped Randy heard them to fire him up some more.
The women's tag match was pretty good and had a nice little ending. I thought it was clever to have the heels gain a cheap win, although I wish you'd wrote that Victoria was distracting the referee when Ashley was about to make the tag to avoid confusion, and it was missing detail out by adding it later. If Ashley was already hurt in the corner, there was no need for Victoria to lay her out with the sidewalk slam after taking Mickie down. Plus, surely the ref wouldn't be too happy about it. Trish pinning Ashley was the odds on outcome before the match but was the right choice to send her in to Mania all cocky and fire Mickie up even more.
Edge's makeshift promo was just brilliant. The urgency of it made it that bit better by having Edge that wound up out of nowhere instead of just standing by waiting to give Maria his thoughts about the match with Angle, which should be amazing. Reminding everyone of what he did to Cena last week is also important as it makes us aware that Edge is a desperate & dangerous man right now, and that Cena will come back fighting tonight. There's no doubt about that is there?
I didn't expect to see the RVD/Orton match so soon, but with Edge/Angle coming up later, I shouldn't be. Bringing Eric Bischoff out in to the mix from the get go created some intrigue as to just what he may do. I was hoping & praying that the RVD steam train wouldn't run over Orton, and thankfully Orton got the win he needed heading in to his huge match Sunday. The Undertaker playing mind games made sense and worked well to see RVD fall short thanks to Taker. What I wasn't so keen on was that when Taker did appear, he went for Bischoff and wasn't focused on RVD when he was coming round as he should be. It worked great for RVD (Again!) but made Taker look like a bit of a tool. I know RVD needs the momentum given he's the underdog, but Taker has taken too many hits along the way.
I thought that the Haas/Benjamin interaction was really good. It was simple but effective. It didn't feel forced at any point. It all felt believable and that they were ready to team together again, but like the Orton "whole damn show" line earlier, the wrap here was very cheesy too and this line wasn't needed.
I really don't know what to think about the Money in the Bank participants fatal fourway. My first impression was that the whole Carlito/Chris Masters storyline is overshadowing the Money in the Bank match as far as the Raw participants go. Then when Smackdown's guys all came out one by one, which just seemed very odd and all too convenient, just to get laid out by Mark Henry in the end. Well that was until Chris Masters, who isn't in the Money in the Bank match to take out the big man who's caused all this destruction, and that was after Masters left the ring to allow Henry take down Carlito. The Masters push now has completely overshadowed the Money in the Bank match tonight, and that is not good at all. I've felt all along like you probably know from my previous feedback that something's not just clicked with the Money in the Bank match all along, and this topped it all off with Masters standing tall above them all.
Now I do know what to say about the Triple H/Shawn Michaels promo. . . incredible. It was so intense & personal, but more importantly it was completely & totally believable. The characters were amazing, the intensity of Michaels in particular. I did enjoy Trips saying he wasn't that heartless though when we all know he is. Everything about this worked, and for me I finally understood Michaels' heel turn. You described it perfectly, and I can believe his reasoning. The killer line that hasn't worked with Orton or Benjamin did with Michaels' here. It flowed perfectly in to the moment he snapped, and the fact it was back & forth brawl with neither man gaining the advantage works well to keep things as level as they can going in to what will now be an amazing contest. I do also like the 'last time' stipulation that's been added in as they can move on from it too, as well as giving this some more significance. This was just brilliant from start to finish. Truly amazing promo buddy.
Oh my god! Just put the cricket on. What is Strauss doing leaving that? Unbelievable! Just when I was getting to the end of the show and thinking about what cheeky comment I could leave after yesterday's play. Damn! Oh well, Cook time!
While the main event was a great spectacle, full of intensity and had the expected but necessary John Cena interruption, the whole thing became a massive clusterfuck. The ending worked well for Edge and was typical of his character to win after all that, but the Michaels/Triple H angle was so good before it didn't need to continue. The same goes for RVD & Taker. It just seemed so force, and after the same thing happened with the Money in the Bank match earlier, it came off looking worse than it was. Don't get me wrong, I can totally understand why you would want to end the final Raw before WrestleMania in chaotic fashion and highlight everything going on, but like I said last time, less is more. The HBK/HHH promo was awesome and the job was done there & then. Bringing them out kind of no sold it for me.
Overall, again like Smackdown, this felt like a two hour show, not like a three hour one I've become used to. Aside from the main event finish which is right in my mind, there was only the Money in the Bank/Chris Masters angle that I really didn't like. I'll mention it again, but the HHH/HBK promo was amazing.
'Beefy' Botham just bigging up AFL. Get in! Fast & furious it certainly is. Great sport, love it. One of the main reasons I'll be moving over to Melbourne instead of New York in the next 12/18 months.
Anyway, this is probably one of my favourite shows of yours. The Haas/Benjamin angle worked itself out later on in the show thankfully, and the Mickie/Trish storyline was booked well with Sunday in mind. I really can't wait for WrestleMania, even though I prefer TV's as I don't particularly enjoy the match side of BTB. It'll be a great show that's for sure and I wish you all the best of luck with it.
Donations for Kris Travis, top British wrestler fighting cancer.
Last edited by Nige : 12-03-2010 at
. Reason: Adding Raw feedback
BkB Hulk
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 12,064
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Thanks for the reviews, lads. I've been a little more pressed for time than expected despite it being holidays, but this show should be up soon. It just needs polishing off. Then onwards to WrestleMania.
March 31st, 2006 | Kemper Arena; Kansas City, Missouri
This Friday we see Friday Night SmackDown! come rolling into the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri for possibly the biggest SmackDown! of the year. Why? Because SmackDown! this week will come to you just TWO DAYS before WrestleMania! However, after the events of past Friday night, what SmackDown! has in store for us this week is up in the air.
Those events, or more specifically, that event was at the closing of the show when Randy Orton snuck into the ring and hit not his WrestleMania opponent Batista with his lethal RKO, but rather the General Manager, Theodore Long. With the General Manager recovering at home and thus NOT being at the show this week, this leaves a lot of things up in the air. Rumoured matches have swirled around, but have remained unconfirmed, and will likely continue to do so until Friday night. What we do know is that, as we heard on Monday Night RAW, Teddy Long did organize a contract signing between Randy Orton and the World Heavyweight Champion Batista for their match at WrestleMania, just two nights out from their clash for the title. Much like with the rest of the show, what we can expect to see between these two is a mystery, but after Ortons actions of last Friday night and his disparaging remarks on Monday Night RAW, we can be sure that Batista will be out to kill.
The Undertaker has previously been kept away from SmackDown! by the General Manager, with his issues with RVD being kept to Monday Night RAW. However, with no Long in sight, The Phenom could well be there on SmackDown!, meaning we could see RVD too. Will these two make appearances? If so, what can we expect to see between them after RVD laid out The Undertaker this past Monday on RAW?
One man to make a real impact last week on SmackDown! was the debuting Straight Edge Superstar, CM Punk. Punk came out and interrupted the United States Champion, Booker T before Booker could even get a word in, saying he was sick of hearing Booker complain. This led to an impromptu match between the two, with the upset of the youngster Punk being able to knock off the experienced champion. While Punk isnt headed to WrestleMania, Booker is to face off against his rival, Chris Benoit, who in recent months has looked to be at the top of his game, and his former protégé, Orlando Jordan, in a Three Way Dance for the United States Championship. Can Booker possibly get his head back in the game ahead of WrestleMania? This Friday night will be crucial if he wants to. What will we see between the three men vying for the gold at WrestleMania?
Over the course of the past few months we have seen quite the rivalry build out of a simple question: who is the greatest cruiserweight of all-time? The current Cruiserweight Champion, Kid Kash, claims that he is, having taken on all comers. A former six-time champion who brought cruiserweight style wrestling into mainstream America, Rey Mysterio, disagrees, bringing about a game of one-upmanship to attempt to prove who is truly better. Last week it was Kid Kash trying to prove his superiority, copying Mysterio in his open challenges to open one up of his own. While he did struggle at first, Kash ended up being able to negotiate his way past Nunzio in convincing fashion, allowing Kash to continue to brag on the way to WrestleMania. This week, it may just be Mysterios turn to once again try to one up Kash. What will Rey-Rey do, or will Kash have something of his own in mind?
This past week on RAW we saw a SmackDown! invasion, as not only did Randy Orton make an appearance, but also did all four of the SmackDown! competitors from the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. While Carlito, with help from his buddy Chris Masters, came out standing tall, there is no doubting that SmackDown! made an impact, meaning we could well see a RAW invasion to seek retribution this week on SmackDown!. With eight men all trying to get an advantage ahead of one of the biggest matches of the WWE year, to what lengths will these eight men go to gain not just a psychological advantage, but also a physical one?
Last week on SmackDown! we saw the announcement of what seems to be the final piece to our WrestleMania puzzle, as JBL vs. Bobby Lashley was set for the big event. While Lashley has been able to constantly embarrass JBL over the past few months, JBL has found himself some new back up to perhaps add to his Cabinet in the form of The Bluebloods. With The Bluebloods knowing Lashley so well, could this be a key to JBL not just winning at WrestleMania, but also having the last word before it?
Finally, after finding themselves on the receiving end of losses to MNM in singles action over the past few weeks, the frustration boiled over for The Hardy Boyz, as they declared it couldnt happen like this at WrestleMania. Desperate to finally get their first win as a team at WrestleMania six years after making their WrestleMania debut, The Hardy Boyz are looking for a way to counter the numbers advantage that MNM has through their manager, Melina. Matt declared last week that he had a plan, so this week we expect to find out exactly what it is? What does Matt have in mind? Can it truly swing things in The Hardy Boyz favour, or will MNM prove that theyve overtaken the likes of The Hardy Boyz as WWE Tag Team Champions to become the greatest team of the 21st century?
For all of this and more just two nights out from WrestleMania, tune into The CW Network from 9/8C. It is guaranteed to be a huge show, and certainly one you dont want to miss.
Learning to break kayfabe
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
RAW Feedback
Opening with the show with Randy Orton is very interesting. It gives this show a special feeling like anything can happen. The promo was good with Orton continuing to verbally destroy Batista and in a way he's right since the debut of this fued it seems like Batista is the heel, the criminal that Orton is describing. It's a nice change from the usual heel/face segment with Randy presenting himself as the saviour of the World Heavyweight Champion. Bringing the friendship between Long and Batista was logical to explain his actions of last week. The contract signing should be an interesting moment, with an angry Batista, an "humiliated" Teddy Long and the "untouchable" Randy Orton. Bischoff interrupting Orton showed how much he is an egomaniac he can't let somebody said that Monday Night Raw is his show. RVD/Orton sounds like a PPV match so it's regrettable that you didn't advertise it. Anyway a nice opener adding an another match to an already stacked card for tonight.
Those Shawn Michaels/Triple H vignettes are a good way to hype their meeting tonight and their match at Wrestlemania. It remind us of their history.
I liked your characterization of Benjamin in the beginning ot the match. For the first time in your thread, he's focused and determined to win a match so he knows that he has to keep a high pace to win. Kane coming back with a mistake of Benjamin was a good way to show how Benjamin is an hot-head he can't stay focus and that's maybe why he lost all of his matches. Except that this time he will not give up and the final parts of this match shows it. Kane getting the win is the best choice in my mind and I would've liked an another Chokeslam from the Big Show too to show the domination of rhe champions but that's a minor thing.
Masters not answering to Carlito is a way to create the suspense in this storyline. Will Masters help Litp to win the MITB ?
I think that RVD has had an interview in every of your show since No Way Out and like the other one this one was pretty good. Talking about his history with Orton was okay and the part on the Undertaker was short but straight to the point so it gives us a nice interview.
Trish and Victoria getting the win was predictable with Mania so close Trish needs to look like a dominant champion.
This segment of Edge is maybe the best you've made with him. It shows every part of his personnality. Disrespectful, crazy, deranged, intense, obsessed, quite frankly this has been my favorite segment of the night so far.
RVD/Orton so early in the night is a bit surprising. A potenial PPV main-event as the third match on Raw is questionnable but with the addition of Bischoff it should be an interesting match. Van Dam being distracted by Bischoff allowing Orton to take control of the match isn't surprising but I don't really understand Bischoff. Is he with Van Dam or against him ? Anyway the lights out is a sign that Taker is here. I like how you show Van Dam isn't afraid of the Undertaker when he told Bischoff that there's nothing to worry about. Orton using the distraction to win is something I don't really like, he won the Royal Rumble and since then he has won all of his matches with an interference. He should an unstoppable force being the most dangerous threat to Batista's title.
The attack of RVD on Taker was a good way to show that it is personal for Van Dam, he doesn't care about Bischoff, it's about him and Taker, streak on the line.
Angle being intense, nothing new.
The F4W was a good way to have few matches in one like Flair vs Chavo, Helms/Carlito vs Flair, Helms/Chavo. The alliance of Helms/Carlito to take out Flair while keeping Chavo outside was a symbol to the Old School vs New School. Carlito getting the win with the help of Masters is surprising after what happened earlier. It gives Carlito a lot of momentum and now with Masters at his side, he's looking like the odds-on favourite. The attack from the SD guys after the match to hype the unpredictability of the MITB was nice and Chris Masters taking out Mark Henry makes him look like the x-factor of the match.
First of all I thought that the security would've been there to make sure that this confrontation stays non-physical. Michaels's explanations were very good talking about the past, it is great because there isn't the good guy and the bad guy. You can't blame HBK because he's right and you can't blame HHH because he's right. It feels like there's no kayfabe anymore which I believe is better. Anyway I don't really understand the "last match" stipluation because if the two are in a tournament and are in the finals what are we doing ? But that's a small complaint. The attack of Michaels at the end wasn't necessary but it gave the crowd a reason to be excited.
I already said that before but your card is unbelievable and I have no doubts that Wrestlemania will deliver. The matches I am the most looking forward to is the MITB, Hardyz/MNM and Batista/Orton.
The main-event was the icing on the cake of a great night. Crazy start, crazy action and crazy finish, it was exactly what it needed to be. The interventions of all the main-eventers were great and I particularly like the fact that Van Dam was fighting Taker before the lights came back, he's not afraid. Edge standing tall at the end makes him look like The Man.
The last Raw before Wrestlemania and it didn't disappoint. An awesome show to end the Road to Wrestlemania for Raw and now I'm really excited about Smackdown and for Wrestlemania.
That Guy
Meltzer said I'm a good worker
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,372
Re: The World Wrestling Entertainment
Smackdown looks to be of epic purportions. And with it being the last stop before Wrestlemania I am definately giving it a look-see. I may not have been up to date as much as I would like to have been with this thread but I do pop in every couple of posts to see how things are and this thread has come leaps and bounds since it first started and I cannot wait for the PPV. I do'nt see Undertaker at Smackdown however, I could see him send some mind games like a burning efergee (however you spell that word) of him like he did to Orton before his mania match with him. Great to see CM Punk on Smackdown, I am going to read up on that debut.
Hope to see it bein' posted soon.
Page 28 of 37
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Thread Tools
Show Printable Version
Email this Page
Posting Rules
may not
post new threads
may not
post replies
may not
post attachments
may not
edit your posts
vB code
code is
HTML code is
Mark Forums Read
User Name
Remember Me?
Web Hosting
- Find Affordable Web Hosting Providers
Baseball Forum
Golf Forum
Boxing Forum
Snowmobile Forum
Basketball Forum
Soccer Forum
MMA Forum
PWC Forum
Football Forum
Cricket Forum
Wrestling Forum
ATV Forum
Hockey Forum
Volleyball Forum
Paintball Forum
Snowboarding Forum
Tennis Forum
Rugby Forums
Lacrosse Forum
Skiing Forums
About Us
Contact Us
Wrestling Forum
Privacy Statement
Search Engine Friendly URLs by
Powered by vBulletin Copyright © 2000-2009 Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
v1.4 Copyright ©2007,
PixelFX Studios
-- WrestlingForum 3.6.x
-- WrestlingForum_2014
-- test test test
Terms of Use
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks