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WWE 2005: Raising the Bar.
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post #186
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Getting ignored by SCOTT STEINER
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Re: WWE 2005: Raising the Bar.
WWE Summerslam
Its a black screen before we suddenly cut to a beach where there are dozens of people, shirts off, bikinis on, the sea on display for all as its scorching hot.
Summer time. A time where people all over the world get in the mood to party.
We now see those same people on the beach beginning to dance as theres music playing, drinks are flowing.
The sun, the sea, the sand, all a perfect match as summertime dawns upon us. But tonight? Tonight marks the absolute BIGGEST party of the summer. Tonight we welcome you to Summerslam!!
The theme tune for Summerslam now begins to play and we get a shot of the World Champion Batista roaring to the crowd on top of a turnbuckle holding his title high before we see the exact same shot, only this time of the WWE Champion John Cena.
Tonight championships will be defended
We see a shot of Matt Hardy holding his U.S. Title high before a shot of his challenger tonight Carlito smirking.
We then get a glimpse of Muhammad Hassan standing tall with his Arabian Entity before a shot of Shelton Benjamin, his challenger alongside Benjamins partner, Charlie Haas.
Scores will be settled
We see Randy Orton laying out The Undertaker with a devastating RKO before a shot of the Deadman sitting up, an angered look on his face as Orton smirks arrogantly.
We then get a clip of JBL viciously assaulting the undefeated rookie Bobby Lashley, the Wrestling God grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
Reputations are at stake
We see a shot of Eric Bischoff grinning in his devilish manner before a shot of a dejected Shawn Michaels on his knees. We then get a shot of Batista laying Kane out with a devastating Batistabomb before the footage from this past Mondays Raw which saw HBK lay the World Champion out with some Sweet Chin Music.
Pride is on the line
We see John Cena looking at his WWE Championship, a worried look on his face before we see a shot of an ever intense Kurt Angle locking eyes with the champion himself. We then get a clip of the two men brawling from this past Friday Night Smackdown.
Tonight the heat IS ON!!
The music begins to rise in intensity and we then see Cena appear onto screen, the Summerslam logo behind him and hes the first of many superstars to pop up and speak.
John Cena
Tonight? Its do or die.
The action shots build with the music as another shot of Angle and Cena face to face.
Tonight? Im putting my faith in the hands of one man.
A shot of Shawn Michaels comes into play following those words as he looks up and down at the Animal.
Eric Bischoff
Tonight? Ha. Tonight is the night.
We see Bischoff standing tall over Batista, that smug smirk on his face.
Tonight? I prove myself to the entire world.
We see Edge smashing Chris Jericho with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Kurt Angle
Tonight? We find out the truth.
We see Angle locking in the Ankle Lock on John Cena.
Chris Jericho
Tonight? I get back on top.
We see Jericho rolling Edge up at Vengeance for the victory.
Tonight? I take what is mine.
We see Kane holding the World title in hand, smirking maniacally.
Randy Orton
Tonight? Another legend is killed.
We see The Undertaker completely laid out before Ortons famous Legend Killer pose.
We then go back to the beach with women playing volleyball, the sun scorching
Tonight, its party time, tonight the heat is on, tonight
But the screen suddenly begins to fuzz, nothing but black and white before we see Christian appear.
Tonight? The party doesnt go to plan.
We then see a shot of Christian beating Ric Flair back at Vengeance before a horrific con-chair-to from Captain Charisma to the Nature Boy.
We then see a whole lot of action from the Flair-Christian build up, including Flair coming to the aid of Arn Anderson, fending off Christian and Tomko's savage assault on his long time friend before we get a small tidbit of the emotional promo these two men produced this past Monday Night, including Christians shot at Flair being a role model, how he will be the leader of a New Generation before we get a shot of Flair yelling out his infamous I WILL NEVER RETIRE.
We then get a face to face encounter between the two with the words I will never retire still being sounded through the package.
And now Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown present WWE Summerslam!!
Jim Ross
Welcome ladies and gentleman to the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam!! We are LIVE from the sold out MCI Center in Washington DC. Im Jim Ross, joined by Jonathan Coachman on a night where championships will be settled and careers may be ended.
The Coach
Oh J.R I am PUMPED UP for tonight baby. The World Heavyweight title is on the line, Washingtons own Batista defending against the Big Red Machine Kane with Aitch-Bee-Kay, Shawn Michaels as the Special Guest Referee. Will Michaels do what Eric Bischoff wants him to do? Will Michaels do the right thing tonight?
Jim Ross
I damn sure hope not and tonight folks the career of a legend, the career of the sixteen time World Champion, the Nature Boy Ric Flair is on the line. Flair squares off against Captain Charisma, Christian knowing that if he loses tonight, his career will come to an end.
The Coach
It WILL come to an end cowboy. At long last the Nature Boy rides into the sunset while this generations very own Ric Flair will stand tall! What a beautiful moment we will all be a part of here tonight.
Jim Ross
Well lets head on over now to our broadcast colleagues from Smackdown, Michael Cole and Tazz!!
We cut across to see Cole and Tazz looking on excitedly.
Michael Cole
Thanks J.R and tonight Friday Night Smackdown brings to you two big time championship matches as the WWE Championship is defended, John Cena putting his gold on the line against the Wrestling Machine, Kurt Angle!!
Cole I cant wait another second for that one. Cena and Angle TONIGHT, it dont get any bigger than that.
Michael Cole
Matt Hardy will also put his United States title up for grabs against the Apple Spitter Carlito while Bobby Lashleys undefeated streak is in jeopardy tonight as the self proclaimed Wrestling God JBL looks to put down the Real Deal.
Lashleys toughest test to date Cole and the same applies for Matt Hardy. Those two matches are gonna be off the charts but Cole hows this one for ya? Randy Orton one on one wit The Undertaker!!
Michael Cole
Indeed a huge night for Orton and the Phenom, a huge night set for all the Smackdown superstars but for now lets cross back over to J.R and Coach. Take it away fellas!
Aint No Stoppin me Now
Indeed we are kicking things off with one of Monday Night Raws championship matches as out come the Worlds Greatest Tag Team, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas to a strong ovation with Benjamin chasing Intercontinental glory.
Jim Ross
Thanks Michael and we are kicking things off with the Intercontinental title!! Shelton Benjamin lost his title back at Backlash and has since been screwed time and time and time again by Muhammad Hassan and the Arabian Entity. Tonight it is last chance saloon for Shelton Benjamin.
The Coach
You got that right partner. Tonight is Sheltons final shot, a shot that SHOULD have been his partners, not his. Charlie Haas has beaten Muhammad Hassan what once, twice maybe three times? Benjamin aint done squat to get here!! It was Haas who got him this opportunity. If he takes that title home tonight, he owes it ALL to the man on his right.
Jim Ross
Come on Coach, Benjamins been robbed of a fair shot at Hassan ever since he lost the damn title!! Tonight he finally gets the chance to put that right.
Arab America
Its big time heat as out steps the Arabian Entity leader, the Intercontinental Champion Muhammad Hassan alongside Entity member, The Great Khali.
Jim Ross
He has held the Intercontinental Championship for almost four months and in the process has formed a dominant force known simply as the Arabian Entity. Muhammad Hassan has built his empire Coach but tonight, it may well come crashing down.
The Coach
Crashing down? You gotta be kidding me. Muhammad Hassan aint crashing down tonight, the Entity aint crashing down tonight. This man has been one of the GREATEST Intercontinental Champions of all time and tonights gonna prove exactly why. Charlie Haas may have his number but Shelton Benjamin doesnt stand a chance, mark my words.
The bell rings and the Washington crowd are abuzz as these two bitter rivals stare down one another, Benjamin looking more than ready for this one, perhaps recognising its now last chance saloon for him and the Intercontiental Championship. The two men lock up dead centre of the ring and its Hassan who strikes first, forcing Benjamin up against the ropes before nailing his opponent in the mid section with a hard knee. Benjamin may already be winded here as Hassan nails another knee, Benjamin wincing in pain. Irish whip from Hassan and Benjamin rebounds, clothesline from Hassan! NO! Benjamin ducks it and runs through rebounding off the other side and taking Hassan down with a cross body!! Early cover by Benjamin!!
Kick out at two from Hassan!
Benjamin almost takes the gold early on there and hes quickly to his feet, not wanting to stall on his momentum, setting a tempo here. Benjamin draws Hassan to his feet, smashing the Entity leader with a right hand and again, another big right as Benjamin hammers away at Hassan, the champion having no answer right now. Benjamin whips Hassan into the corner, Hassans back thudding off the turnbuckle as Benjamin comes charging and smashes Hassan with a corner clothesline!
Hassan stumbles out of the corner groggily as we see Charlie Haas applauding his partners good early work. Benjamin now with a kick to the mid section and a suplex attempt incoming but Hassan digs in not letting Benjamin get him up, elbow after elbow trying to fend Benjamin off and Benjamins grip is broken. Hassan catches his breath, taking a step away as Shelton turns round and Hassan now charges but hes caught with a beautiful arm drag from the challenger!! Hassan is floored but Benjamin immediately brings him back up and takes him to the corner once again, SMASH, SMASH, BANG, BANG, Benjamin repeatedly hammers Hassans head off the turnbuckle with the crowd joining in the fun, cheering every hard shot as Hassan appears somewhat dazed right now.
Benjamin lets out a roar to the crowd, all fired up here and the crowd responds with a cheer right back as Hassan is slumped in the corner. Irish whip from Benjamin now as Hassan hits the opposite corner, Benjamin comes charging once more but HASSAN WITH A BIG BOOT!! Hassan showing great wherewithal as he catches Benjamin square in the mouth and Benjamin falls away, Hassan incoming from behind and clubbing Benjamin down across the back. A chance now for the champion to assume control here following a tough opening for him.
Hassan takes a minute or so to regain his breath, taking a rest after the beating taken thus far as we once again see Charlie Haas on the outside encouraging his partner here before Hassan slowly walks over to the fallen Benjamin and begins to hammer away with some vicious looking kicks, Hassan targeting the right ankle of Benjamin, perhaps trying to slow down the high paced, agile, former champion. Hassan continues to hammer away at the ankle before grabbing Benjamins right foot and lifts it up high before SMASHING it down to the mat!! Over and over again, Hassan relentless as the fans boo the champion, Hassan soaking it all in with his usual smug demeanour.
Hassan now runs the ropes, well runs is an overstatement, he simply trots over before slowly, meticulously bouncing off of them and dropping a leg across the ankle of Benjamin once again as the challenger lets out a cry in pain while Hassan dusts himself off and heads to the ropes again and AGAIN he comes off the ropes, dropping another leg brutally onto that ankle as Benjamin again cries in pain as Hassan goes for a THIRD leg drop to the ankle!! Bounces off the ropes and drops the leg, NOBODY HOME!! Benjamin sensed the danger and avoids it, crawling away as Hassan takes a nasty landing right on the tailbone as well as his leg taking some hefty impact.
Benjamin heads over to the ropes, hobbling somewhat as he tries to claw himself up, Hassan turning over and looking to reach his feet also. Benjamin is up now but clinging on to the ropes and is potentially only on one leg here as Hassan is gingerly up, he turns around and Benjamin heads his way, limping however but he strikes Hassan with a right hand, Hassan fights back and a fist fight is on!! Benjamin strikes, Hassan strikes, blow for blow and its the challenger coming out on top!! Benjamin forces Hassan back into the ropes, Irish whip, Hassan rebounds, BIG back body drop from Shelton!! Nice pop from the Washington faithful as Benjamin hobbles into a cover
Shoulder up at two from Hassan as Benjamin winces in discomfort once more before immediately picking Hassan to his feet again. Benjamin strikes with a forearm before yet another Irish whip but Hassan hangs on to the ropes here, Benjamin heads after him, attempting a sprint but its half paced compared to Benjamins usual athleticism and Hassan PULLS THE ROPE DOWN!! Benjamin goes soaring over the top and crashes down to the outside!! Benjamin lands with real impact, potentially on that damaged ankle again as J.R questions Benjamins chances right now, the champion regaining control.
We get a shot of the imposing figure of The Great Khali who is suspiciously wandering over towards Benjamin, the referee keeping an eye however as he begins a count out. Hassan is telling him to go faster but we then see Charlie Haas head around and try to help his friend up. Haas pats Benjamin on the back and tells him You can do this man, giving a glance over at Khali who is ever closer. We then see Muhammad Hassan exit the ring, not wanting Benjamins partner involved obviously as he SHOVES HAAS!! Hassan then yells Hit me then tough guy, the crowd booing, recognising that it would give Hassan the win and Haas proclaims Im not that stupid, backing off as Hassan disappointedly goes back to work on Benjamin, his foolish attempts not working.
Hassan picks Benjamin up, grabbing him by the back of the neck before nailing him with a right hand, a kick to the gut follows that before a strong Irish whip by Hassan and BENJAMIN CRASHES INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Benjamin is floored again as Hassan taunts him and the crowd, the heat deafening for the champion here as the referees count reaches six pushing seven and with that Hassan drags Shelton up again. He then tosses Shelton inside the ring, his confidence clearly growing that hell put Shelton away one, two, three inside the squared circle as he follows right after his challenger. Speaking of which, Hassan does indeed go for a cover here
Kick out at two and a half from Benjamin!!
The crowd pops and begin a small chant of Lets go Shelton which begins to rise and rise, louder and louder as Hassan laughs off their hope. The Entity leader again brings Benjamin up now and nails him with a kick to the gut as Benjamin is doubled over. Hassan now looks to the corner, nobody quite sure what to make of it as he then grabs Benjamins lower back before THROWING BENJAMIN LIKE A DART SHOULDER FIRST THROUGH THE ROPES AND INTO THE RING POST!! Benjamins shoulder smashes into the ring post as he collapses to the mat in agony and Hassan once again laughs at his fallen opponent before going over to Shelton and straightening out that right foot/ankle. Hassan then begins to begins to head up high?!? Hassan going to the top rope, very unusual from the champion here.
Hassan very carefully heads up to the top, he looks shaky, his lack of high flying experience probably showing as he steadily positions himself up high before posing for the crowd, as ever drawing tons of boos in the process before Hassan LEAPS THROUGH THE AIR, FLYING LEG DROP RIGHT ON TO BENJAMINS ANKLE!! CONNECTS!! Benjamin screams out in pain. Cover by Hassan
Hassan cant believe it and pleads with the referee to give him the win, claiming it was a three count but the referee is having none of it, Benjamin hanging on by a thread as Hassan kicks the ropes in frustration. Benjamin is left clutching that ankle as Hassan ponders his next move and begins to communicate with his giant on the outside. The speculation begins on commentary, a buzz in the crowd also as Khali starts to make his way round ringside over towards the announce table, we then see Charlie Haas with a Where the hecks he going? kind of look on his face as Khali heads over to where Lilian Garcia is seated. Khali gives Lilian a death glare and Lilian immediately gets out of dodge, frightened by this monsters presence while Khali grabs the Intercontiental title belt??
Khali takes the belt and heads back over to the ring with the referees attention diverted to the Punjabi giant and this allows Hassan time to plan as the wily champion heads over to the turnbuckle and BEGINS TO TAKE OFF THE TURNBUCKLE COVER!! The fans know Hassans game here but the referee hasnt seen any of it. Charlie Haas however has done and he heads over towards the referee, jumping up onto the ring trying to get his attention but the referee is fussing over the belt with Khali and Haas decides fuck it, moves away from the scuffle before TURNING BACK AND TAKING A RUNNING JUMP FLOORING KHALI!! HAAS HAS FLOORED THE GIANT!!
The referee looks on at the damage on the outside as Haas, Khali and the title belt lay flat out with Hassan asking the referee what happened, the turnbuckle cover now off as the referee explains Haas took Khali down. The crowd are roaring for Haas courage as he takes himself out along with the Entitys powerhouse. Hassan stands, hands on hips, frustrated his giants been taken out before he then heads back to the in ring action as Shelton Benjamin has clawed his way to his knees, using the ropes once again but is clearly in some trouble here.
Hassan grabs him but hes caught with an elbow from Benjamin! Elbow again to the mid section as Benjamin shows some fight here, a right hand now from Shelton and Hassan is reeling as the challenger now strikes with a knee to the gut, Irish whip from Benjamin, reversal from Hassan and Shelton rebounds, Hassan with a clothesline, ducked by Benjamin! Hassan spins round, kick to the gut, DDT!! DDT CONNECTS!! Benjamins foot though!! Benjamin immediately clutches his foot having just kicked the champion and is in real pain once again but he eventually, desperately scrambles into the cover
Kick out at two and a half!! Hassan survives!!
The crowd lets out a groan as Shelton almost pulls it off in some style but this thing rolls on. Benjamin struggles to get to his feet but is just about up first, however Hassan isnt too far behind. Benjamin limps over to the champion but hes met with a stern right from Hassan, Benjamin spins away but comes right back, Hassan again with a right, Benjamin though responds with a HUGE right of his own, knocking Hassan off balance, Irish whip from Benjamin, Hassan rebounds and Benjamin plants him with a back elbow, yelling Cmon as Hassans quickly back up.
Irish whip again from Benjamin and Hassan once again rebounds at a menacing pace, hip toss from Benjamin but Hassan counters and instead whips Benjamin over ss Benjamin smashes into the turnbuckle with the challenger smashing right back out of the corner, REVERSE STO!! HASSAN STRIKES!! NO!! BENJAMIN SHOVES HASSAN AWAY!! Hassan spins round right into a T-BONE SUPLEX!! T-BONE!! BUT HASSAN LANDS ON HIS FEET, WOW!!
Hassan lands, a little shocked by himself almost before he immediately charges, grabs Benjamin from behind, rolling him up, hes got the tights!!
The fans go ape as Hassan cant believe it, he has a look of shock as both men are quickly up with Benjamin hurling himself at Hassan but Hassan immediately kicks the ankle of Benjamin who drops in a heap!! Hassan targeting the injured ankle as he then looks over at Khali who is still down and out of this thing BUT we begin to see Charlie Haas is almost to his feet, using the steel steps as a route back up. Hassan is wary of Haas presence and gives him the eye before turning back to Benjamin and its kick after kick to that injured ankle as the referee pleads with him to show a slight ounce of mercy but Hassan isnt having any of it and continues to pound away, no remorse from the champion.
Hassan takes a second, seemingly calming himself down before SNAPPING OUT OF NOWHERE AND APPLIES AN ANKLE LOCK!! WOW!! Hassan with an ankle lock from out of nowhere and Benjamin is writhing in agony!! Will Benjamin tap here?!? The crowd are willing Benjamin on but his hand is drawing close to the mat almost immediately here..
Benjamins hand is slowly falling, Hassans aggression is evident as he gives it everything he has to try and snap Shelton Benjamins ankle in half here!! The crowd are egging Benjamin on but his hand its slowly dropping even further to the mat is he hes close.. but Hassan just lets go?!?
Hassan lets go and theres absolute shock from J.R and Coach but we then see CHARLIE HAAS IS UP ON THE APRON!! Haas is up on the apron trying to tell the referee about Hassans antics with the turnbuckle as Hassan tells Haas to back off, asking what the hell he thinks hes doing and Haas continues his war of words with the champion, Haas seemingly delaying the inevitable as the referee comes between the two men now. Hassan and Haas having a verbal war, almost coming to blows here, Hassan getting in his face. The referee eventually splits the pair up as Hassan begrudgingly heads back over to Benjamin who is to his feet now, albeit on one leg and Hassan charges right at the challenger BUT IS MET WITH A DROP TOE HOLD!! OH!! HASSAN GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!! THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE!! ROLL UP BY BENJAMIN!!!
Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Shelton Benjamin(11:49
Jim Ross
BENJAMIN GOT HIM!! Shelton Benjamin is the Intercontinental Champion!! After all the hurt, all the pain hes suffered at the hands of Hassan, at the hands of the Entity, Shelton Benjamin has finally won back the title he deserves!!
The Coach
? You gotta be kidding me!! Hassan had the damn thing won, Benjamin was about to tap out!! Charlie Haas helped Shelton Benjamin win that title J.R and you know it!! That is a damn outrage!!
Jim Ross
Charlie Haas did nothing wrong Coach!! He tried to stop Muhammad Hassan from using that exposed turnbuckle and in the end it backfired on the champion, Hassan has shot himself in the foot here tonight in Washington D.C!
Benjamin struggles to his feet, hobbling on one leg as Charlie Haas grabs the Intercontiental title, looking at it like he won the thing, jumping for joy as he then hands it to his partner, both men looking thrilled here as Benjamin realises he pulled it off. The two men then back up the ramp, Benjamins hand raised by the referee, Haas raising the other, Haas looking a little more pleased than Benjamin right now, whos clearly hurt. We then get a shot of a stunned Muhammad Hassan in the ring with Khali now on his knees at ringside, still struggling to get to his feet after being wiped out by Charlie Haas.
We then head off backstage where we see the devilish Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff preparing for tonights World title match clearly as he sits in his office and the camera turns to see Shawn Michaels!! HBK is met with a big pop, some boos however as he has his referee shirt on already, knowing the tricky situation hes in tonight
Eric Bischoff
You ready for this huh? You ready to go out there tonight Shawn and do whats
Bischoff is pacing, clearly anxious as the time has now come. Michaels though isnt responding.
Eric Bischoff:
Shawn, tonight-tonight is the night everything goes to plan. You are under contract to me. That means you do exactly as I say Shawn, you dont work for the WWE anymore,
am your boss and you WILL so help me god, you
do whats right tonight.
Michaels again fails to respond.
Eric Bischoff
All youve gotta do is go down to that ring and when the time is right, when the moment is set, you count Batista down.
Big heat for this from Batistas home crowd.
Eric Bischoff
Its as simple as that Shawn. You do that for me? You do that for me and maybe
we can come to some kind of agreement on this whole thing, you get where Im comin from right?
Michaels looks up now, those words perhaps catching his attention as hes looking Bischoff in the eye.
Shawn Michaels
You expect me to sit here and listen to a single word you say after what happened on Raw? You try and get inside my head, try to tell me it was Batista that attacked me when you knew all along exactly who did this to me.
Michaels points at his head, his aggression quite evident.
Shawn Michaels
Well if thats what you expect then you got another thing comin Eric. Now I dont like Batista and I sure as hell dont like Kane but Im gonna do exactly what I promised I would do out there tonight, Im gonna call it... like I see it.
Bischoff looks a little surprised as the crowd give HBK a big pop.
Shawn Michaels
Hey, if Batista does wanna get in my way tonight? Then and only then have I got no problem doing exactly what I did to him on Raw.
Bischoff now begins to smile as Michaels makes his intentions clear, the crowd booing this statement.
Shawn Michaels
But if Kane gets in my way tonight? Dont expect me to just stand there and take it, cos I aint takin that from anybody here tonight and Eric, you better believe I include you in that.
Nice pop for HBK there as Bischoff is still grinning.
Eric Bischoff
Thats a fine little speech there Shawn, really. But thats where youre wrong, you WILL do what I ask tonight, you will call it how
see it. Tonight Shawn, its my way... or the highway. Because if you dont do it my way? Lets just say the consequences? They arent gonna be pretty Shawn.
Michaels has his hands on his hips now, cutting a frustrated figure.
Eric Bischoff
Think about how you wanna leave Washington tonight Shawn, think about it. Do you wanna leave with a stable job, a pat on the back from your boss and the high life ahead of you? Or do you wanna leave tonight with your future hanging in the balance? Do you wanna leave here tonight not knowing if you even have a job come tomorrow night? Is that what you want Shawn? Is that what your family wants? IS IT SHAWN?!
Bischoff now gets in Michaels face.
Eric Bischoff
Is it?
Eric Bischoff
Shawn Michaels
Eric Bischoff
WELL THERE there is your answer. Do the right thing Shawn, do the right thing.
Bischoff then departs, Michaels looking conflicted as he runs his hands through his hair, looking up at the sky before sighing to himself, a difficult situation hes in tonight
We then return ringside to hear
Theres immediate heat that greets the music of the Wrestling God as out comes that trademark White limousine and out steps the man himself, John Bradshaw Layfield sporting a broad grin as he has his arms outstretched, soaking in the heat from these Washington fans.
Michael Cole
A heck of a start to Summerslam, Shelton Benjamin recapturing the Intercontinental Title!! But we are all set for some action involving the superstars of Friday Night Smackdown and well it was a few weeks ago that this man simply decided enough was enough. JBL had failed on more than one occasion to take home the WWE Championship but instead of fade out of the limelight, the self proclaimed Wrestling God vowed to make an impact and that impact was made in a BIG way as JBL heinously assaulted Bobby Lashley.
It was a brutal ambush from JBL but he did exactly what he promised to do Cole, he made an impact, he made a statement and tonight hes gonna wanna do the same thing. Bobby Lashley, hes undefeated, hes barely broke a sweat, tonight JBLs gonna give him a heck of a test and if were a bettin man Cole, Id put my money on Bradshaw tonight.
Jibbles now waits patiently for the behemoth that is Lashley to arrive
Hell will be Callin your Name
And its a decent pop that greets his arrival as out steps the Real Deal looking very much focused at the job at hand here tonight, immediately eyeing up JBL who watches on inside the ring, perhaps a touch of fear in his eye as this powerhouse makes his way down.
Michael Cole:
Well you might be willing to put it all on JBL but Im sure there are a whole host of people who would bet on this man here tonight. Bobby Lashley, two hundred seventy plus pounds of sheer dominance, a man who has taken Friday night Smackdown by storm and tonight he will no doubt look to continue upon the rampage hes been on since debuting back at Judgment Day.
Absolutely Cole. This is the toughest and this is the biggest test to date for Bobby Lashley. This kid has got it all, hes been labelled the Real Deal and yknow what? I guess we find out the truth tonight. Can Lashley do it on the biggest stage? Huge opportunity for the Real Deal.
Lashley looks like he wants to tear Bradshaw limb from limb as the bell rings, this physical specimen in no mood for the Wrestling God and his games tonight. The two then lock up in the middle of the ring and Lashleys power forces Bradshaw back into the corner with JBL looking shocked at just how strong he is, using the ropes, forcing the referee to break them apart as he then demands to Keep that freak away from me.
Lashley stands back and invites JBL onto him though!! Lashley says Bring it and JBL looks surprised before composing himself, standing back and nodding as if to say Ok, ok. Bradshaw then psyches himself up before charging at Lashley but hes caught with a right hand!! Lashley going to town on Bradshaw here with a string of stiff right hands as Layfield is caught off guard by this monster of an opponent. Layfield forced up against the ropes now as Lashley opts for an Irish whip, JBL rebounds and Lashley TAKES HIS HEAD OFF!! Thunderous clothesline from the Real Deal. A fantastic start for the powerhouse and theres an early cover by B-Lash
Kick out at two from JBL with Lashley asserting his dominance here. The undefeated star then scoops JBL to his feet, nailing him with another stern right hand before a boot to the gut as Lashley then looks to hoist Bradshaw up high and he does so and he shows HUGELY impressive strength as he holds Layfield aloft before dropping him with a delayed vertical suplex!! Incredible power and strength shown once again as he goes for another cover here
Kick out at two once again from JBL as he seemingly has no answer to this young mans repertoire right now.
Lashley heads right back after Bradshaw, dragging him to his feet but hes caught with a boot to the gut from Bradshaw, a desperate move from the former WWE Champion but one that worked as Lashley is doubled over and JBL now has a chance again as he begins to club away at Lashley, smashing shots across his back as he finally falls the powerhouse. Bradshaws early frustrations seem to have disappeared as he cuts a wry smile here, immediately drawing heat from the crowd who as ever despise the self-proclaimed Wrestling God. JBL then begins to hammer away at the back of Lashleys neck with some stiff kicks, stomping the holy hell out of the undefeated newcomer as he yells How do ya like that kid? The crowd booing the former WWE Champions trash talk.
Jibbles then pulls Lashley up but nails a stiff elbow to the back of the neck before an Irish whip from Bradshaw and Lashley springs back off the ropes where hes caught with a HUGE big boot!! JBL lays Lashley out with a devilish big boot and scrambles into the cover
Shoulder up at two from Lashley as JBL begins to make his mark here, perhaps his experience beginning to play a factor in this thing.
JBL stares a hole through the referee before dragging the big man up again, smashing him with another big time right hand. Irish whip again now, this time into the corner as JBL charges and scores with a clothesline in the corner!! Lashley has the wind knocked out his sails as JBL now goes to town on the Real Deal, smashing a shoulder into the gut of his opponent!! Layfield continues to smash into the mid section of Lashley, using all his near 300 pound frame as a battering ram to the mid section of B-Lash who is in some distress right now, not used to this kind of punishment.
Layfield then whips Lashley from one corner to the opposite with REAL authority as Lashley flies back off the turnbuckle towards the middle of the ring, Bradshaw runs the ropes as he goes for a CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! NO!! LASHLEY WITH A BACK BODY DROP!! Great wherewithal from the Real Deal there as he uses all his strength to scoops JBL up and over before collapsing to his knees also, a match that hangs in the balance right now as Lashley draws himself right back into the mix.
Both men are to their knees now, Lashley looking likely to reach his feet first and he does so very slowly, JBL though is not far behind and he finally does get upright again but hes caught with a stiff right from Lashley. Right hand after right hand, Lashley looking in control again now as he goes for another right hand but Bradshaw blocks it, right hand of his own!! JBL fighting back here as he lands another right but Lashley with a boot to the gut, Irish whip from the big man and JBL rebounds right into a FALLAWAY SLAM!! Beautifully timed from Lashley as the big man heads for a cover
NO!! JBL with a kick out right at the last moment with Lashley realising just how close he was to knocking off the Wrestling God there. Some parts of the crowd also believing that to be over with.
Lashley then begins to sense the end is near as he draws the crowd into this, arms out wide as he encourages them to make some noise, he waits for JBL to rise to his feet, the Wall Street Warrior not sure where he is right now as Lashley is poised, JBL is up, he turns around DOMINATOR!! NO!! JBL escapes the powerhouses clutches and he EXITS THE RING!! JBL hightails it as he signals a time out, he wants no more of the punishment Lashleys dished out here. Lashley looks seething as the crowd boo the crap outta Bradshaw, the former WWE Champion looking exhausted as he rests up against the announce table.
Lashley has had enough and steps through the ropes, Bradshaw firmly in his sights as he hops down but Layfield catches him with a boot to the mid section before SMASHING Lashleys head off the announce table!! Hard impact on the skull of Lashley as he bounces away right into another boot from JBL who then whips Lashley thunderously into the barricade!! Lashley goes shoulder first into the barricade as JBLs little time out appears to have worked a treat, the Wrestling God back in control of this thing, again his experience proving to be a massive factor.
Bradshaw heads over to the fallen machine of a man and brings him to his feet before CLUBBING LASHLEYS HEAD OFF THE BARRICADE!! Hard impact once more from Layfield as he is tearing apart the rookie right now. The referees count is now at 5, approaching 6 as JBL smashes his head one more time off the barricade before tossing Lashley back inside the ring, following him in slowly from behind. Layfield rolls him over into a cover
Shoulder up at two from Lashley!! Great resolve being shown here from the Real Deal! JBL pounds the mat in frustration at not being able to put Lashley away there as he then shows some real aggression as he locks a sleeper hold in!! How will the young upstart be able to fight out now as JBL looks to finish him off once and for all here. The hold is firmly locked in as Lashley tries to wriggle free but its no use as JBL cinches it in, not allowing Lashley room to budge. The crowd begins to rally around the young man, a small but building LASHLEY, LASHLEY chant begins as theres fight still in him, he begins to show INCREDIBLE strength as he gets to his knee with Bradshaw perched on his back!! The hold is still in but Lashley is somehow to his feet here!! JBL has a look of horror before Lashley tosses Bradshaw down like a rag doll!! WOW!!
The crowd are amazed at the strength and power of the Dominator who shakes off the impact of that sleeper and heads into the corner, JBL to his feet and he turns around into the oncoming Lashley, SPEAR!! NO!!
JBL sees it coming and tosses Lashley into the turnbuckle, Lashley rebounds, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! NO!! Lashley ducks it as JBL stops in his tracks, he turns around right into the path of Lashley, DOMINATOR!! LASHLEY HAS JBL UP HIGH!! DOMINATOR INCOMING!! CONNECTS!! The crowd are on the feet here!! Cover by Lashley
Winner: Bobby Lashley(8:51
Michael Cole
Bobby Lashley with another HUGE victory in his young career!! Perhaps the biggest to date, the Real Deal showing he is all that and more here tonight!!
Majorly impressive again Cole. This kid has got it all Im telling ya. JBL, a former WWE Champion, a guy who reigned supreme on Friday Night Smackdown just became another victim at the hands of this freak of nature. I see big, BIG things in the future for Bobby Lashley. Major props right there.
Lashley panders to the fans as JBL slumps out of the ring looking like an upset child as he watches the man who just defeated him parade around the ring, a look of sorrow now etched across the face of the Wall Street Warrior
We then head off backstage where we join Todd Grisham for the first time tonight who is standing by waiting to speak with us.
Todd Grisham:
Ladies and gentleman, joining me at this time please welcome, Captain Charisma, Christian.
Christian appears into shot wearing a broad smile as his Problem Solver Tomko stands beside him and the fans in Washington pour heat upon the Canadian superstar.
Todd Grisham:
Christian tonight is the night that youve been waiting for, your chance to put an end to the career of Ric Flair. Just how confident are you that you will achieve that here tonight?
Confident? Thats an understatement. I am absolutely, positively, one hundred percent CERTAIN that I will finally put an end to Ric Flairs career tonight.
Strong heat ensues for that statement as CC has a fierce look of confidence on his face.
I dont think that there is anything left for me to say Todd. Ive said everything I need to say regarding Ric Flair and just what Im gonna achieve here tonight. Its something that hes gonna remember, that Im gonna remember, that
is going to remember for the rest of their lives.
Christian is intense in his delivery here.
This past Monday on Raw Ric(starts laughing), Ric had the audacity to call himself a good role model and I think I made my feelings crystal clear on that already but yknow what Im gonna do Todd? Im gonna go one better for you here tonight. Good role models
Christian has a thinking position as he crosses his arms and looks up to the sky before refocusing on Grisham.
A good role model, which I gotta remind you, Ric Flair is NOT. A good role model doesnt they dont let people down. At Vengeance Ric Flair let all his fans down, he let himself down, he let
. Let me ask you, would I do that? No, no I wouldnt Todd and see thats the difference between me and Ric Flair. Hes tarnishing his legacy, hes making a fool of himself, making a fool outta all his fans.
Christians pointing in the direction of where the fans are.
Hes held on for far too long and its gonna impact the way these people look at him in years to come. Instead of seeing the man, the Nature Boy, the Sixteen time World Champion, all they will see is a washed up, beaten down,
old man
Strong heat now for CC.
Thats something that I would never let happen to me. Id know when the time is right to call it quits, Id know when Im hanging on for just that little bit too long. And when I know that? When I know that, Id do the right thing and step aside. Id walk away, let the young guys step up, let them make their mark, look towards the future like a good role model does and like Ric Flair has refused to do over and over again.
Its another intense stare from Christian as he eyes up Grisham.
Tonight though, hes got no say in the matter. Tonight there is absolutely nothing he can do about it. Im gonna pave the way, not just for myself but Im gonna pave the way for me and
of the other guys in the locker room to move forward, to make an impact, to lead a new generation. Tonight, it truly is the end of an era, tonight it truly is the end of a legacy, tonight it truly is the end of Ric Flair.
Christian again smiles to himself, patting Tomko again as they up and leave and we then head back ringside to hear
Arab America
For the second time tonight we hear the music of Muhammad Hassan as out step his Entity members, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari, set for their chance at earning a title opportunity.
Jim Ross
Well folks some strong words from Captain Charisma right there and we shall see just how true his words are later on tonight. But back to the action and its now time for a major eight man tag team confrontation here in Washington where the winners of this match will either earn a title opportunity or if its the Dudleyz who come out on top, they can choose their own opponents come Unforgiven. Big time stakes tonight and these two men Coach, Dutt and Daivari have certainly been impressive in looking to make a mark here on Monday nights.
The Coach
Absolutely J.R. Since forming the Entity along with Hassan and Khali, these two guys have shown what theyre all about. Theyre quick, theyre agile and theyre damn sure talented. I wouldnt be at all surprised to see these two get the win and get their shot come the end of tonight.
Its more heat that follows the Entitys arrival as out step their partners for the evening, the Platform to Perfection; Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth.
The Coach
BUT here is my pick J.R. These two guys have been on a roll since comin to Monday nights. Doane and Nemeth, the perfectionists baby. I mean how great are these guys? They provide us each and every week with the platform to perfection and I for one have taken it. You on the other hand? You need to watch these guys a whole lot closer cowboy.
Jim Ross:
For God sakes. Well they may in your eyes be perfect Coach and Ive got to admit theyve so far been very impressive since debuting a month or two ago. Both men are extremely capable inside that ring. You just have to wonder how their egos are gonna be able to deal with having other partners tonight in Dutt and Daivari.
The Coach
: In my eyes? Theyre perfect in everybodys eyes J.R!! What is there to dislike about em? Jealousy doesnt suit you old timer.
The two heel teams acknowledge one another, not looking too pleased about teaming but recognising the shot they have here tonight as they await their opponents.
Whips and Chains
Theres a decent pop that greets the music of the recently turned face duo of Doug and Danny Basham who pander to the crowd as they make their way out.
Jim Ross
The first of the opposing team tonight and a team that were drafted to Monday Night Raw during the draft lottery and have since made their claim for the World Tag Team titles. Could tonight be their night Coach?
The Coach
No. Simple as that. I lost all respect for these two men when they aligned themselves with the Dudleyz. I mean cmon, who does that? These two guys were GREAT over on Smackdown when they were helping out JBL. Now? Pathetic doesnt do them justice.
Jim Ross
Well thats your opinion but Im pretty sure a whole lot of people will agree with me when I say that Doug and Danny Basham are the dark horses here tonight.
Yeah Were Comin Down
Its a rousing response for the current World Tag Team Champions as out storm Bubba Ray and D-Von, the Dudley Boyz.
Jim Ross
High stakes tonight for these two gentleman. Bubba Ray and D-Von returned at Backlash, capturing the tag titles in the process and have since been resilient champions, taking on all comers. Tonight though its a tricky situation, knowing that they MUST pick up the winning pinfall in order to choose their next opponents.
The Coach
Gonna be a heck of an ask for these two tonight. Theyve got the experience, that I dont doubt but I just dont believe these two guys can hang with the speed, the agility, the BRAINS of the Entity, of Doane and Nemeth, hell even the Bashams can get around the ring better than these two slobs.
Jim Ross
Well those World Tag Team Championship belts would suggest otherwise Coach.
The Coach
Watch your mouth J.R.
Theres tension from all eight men involved in this thing as the Dudleyz discuss with the Bashams just who is gonna start this one off whilst the Entity and PTP are clearly arguing already about just whos gonna be kickstarting things from their side. Nemeth yells at Daivari Back of the line shortstack before Dutt gets in his face and the referee has to step in to separate them. Nemeth does eventually step forward, giving Daivari a sarcastic wave while its Doug Basham wholl start this one out for the opposing side.
Doug and Nemeth lock up and Nemeth instantly applies a side headlock, clenching in the hold on his opponent with Doug looking to wriggle free but Nemeth hits a beautiful snap mare take down as Doug is floored and the Perfectionist applies a chin lock, taunting Doug as he yells in his ear You aint a patch on me Douggy boy, look at these while I kick your ass as Nemeth shows off his abs which draws him some mild heat and Doug tries to fight out of his early predicament and he manages to get to his knees, digging in with elbows to those abs of Nemeth, elbow after elbow as he now rises to his feet and the hold is broken. Nemeth clutches his mid section as Doug strikes with a right hand before an Irish whip, Nemeth rebounds and Doug swings an arm, ducked by Nemeth who runs the opposite ropes and comes marauding back but is caught with a dropkick by Doug!! Early cover here
Kick out at two from Nemeth!
The signs are already there of worry however as Sonjay Dutt was just about ready to break the count there but held off, allowing Nemeth to save himself. Doug quickly hoists Nemeth up again and nails a forearm followed by another and another as he now whips Nemeth over towards his teams corner with the Perfectionist smashing into the turnbuckle and Doug tags in his partner Danny to the contest, not wanting the Dudleyz to find their way into this one just yet.
Danny is quickly in and begins to hammer away on Nemeth with kick after kick to the mid section, Nemeth stuck in no mans land here as Danny now takes a run up, eyeing up his rival before striking with a big corner clothesline! Nemeth stumbles out of the corner as Danny now grabs him from behind and looks for a Russian Leg Sweep but Nemeth blocks it, digging his heels in, not allowing Danny to take him down before striking with an elbow.
The grips is broken as Dannys blinded momentarily before spinning round and hes caught with a kick to the mid section, Irish whip now from Nemeth and Danny rebounds right into a backbreaker!! Pinpoint stuff from Nemeth who falls to his knees and trudges slowly over to his corner making it to his feet. Nemeth then ponders who to tag in before shrugging his shoulders at Doane and HE SLAPS DAIVARI!! Nemeth slaps Daivari but it IS a tag, Daivari now the legal man!!
The Entity member storms into the ring but Nemeth drops right out, not wanting the fired up Arabian to take him down as Daivari mouths something to the Perfectionist with Dutt doing likewise and Nemeth hops back up on the apron, staying well away from Dutt. Daivari now sets his sights on Danny Basham and gets on top of him, hammering away with some quick right hands, relentlessly taking it to JBLs former Cabinet member. Daivari drags Danny to his feet, nailing a stiff forearm before whipping Danny towards the corner, his back thudding into the turnbuckle as he rebounds out the corner and is CAUGHT WITH A SUPERKICK BY DAIVARI!! Huge impact as Danny goes tumbling!! Daivari into a cover
Ken Doane, Daivaris TEAM MATE stops him from winning the match, realising that they may be on the same side but that pinfall is oh so important here tonight. Sonjay Dutt then comes charging into the ring and Dutt and Doane, the two team mates begin to go at it!! Dutt is winning the fist fight and its an Irish whip by Dutt, Doane gets caught up in the ropes and Dutt comes charging taking Doane over the top!! BUT NEMETH TOSSES DUTT OVER TO THE OUTSIDE!! Dutt and Doane taken out of the equation here.
Nemeth though is taken down now and its carnage as D-Von Dudley gets some action!! D-Von takes it to Nemeth, right hand after right hand, Irish whip by the big man and Nemeth rebounds right into a SPINEBUSTER!! The crowd pops big time as D-Von lets out a roar but hes clubbed from behind by Daivari!! Daivari smashes into D-Von and now begins to stomp away at the champion, keeping him grounded but he doesnt know whats behind him!! Daivari takes D-Von out of the picture before taunting the crowd, he then spins around and hes met with a DDT from Danny Basham!! Cover by Danny
Bubba costs his own team, not wanting the Bashams to score the pinfall. Bubba holds his hands up before saying Gotta do what you gotta do as Doug Basham confronts him in the ring!! Doug and Bubba are exchanging words here and its getting pretty heated here, the crowd sensing whats in store as BAM!! BAM!! The fight is on!! Doug and Bubba tearing into one another and its the big man whos coming out on top, his size and strength too much for the Basham to handle here as he falls into the ropes, Irish whip by Bubba and Doug rebounds RIGHT INTO A SAMOAN DROP!! Huge impact from Bubba!
J.R comments that he doesnt even know who the legal men are now this has spiralled so much out of control. Bubba is the only man standing right now as he lets out a 3D roar which is met with approval from the Washington faithful. Nick Nemeth is now stirring, as is Daivari and Bubba heads over to Daivari, the referee having lost all control here. Bubba scoops the little man up to his feet before slamming him back down with a venomous scoop slam. Bubba then decides to head off to the top rope, whats the big man got in mind here? Bubba steadies himself, Daivari his target as Bubba flies BUT HES CAUGHT MID AIR WITH A STUNNING DROPKICK BY NEMETH!! WOW!!
The crowd goes crazy despite Bubba being a fan favourite as Nemeth pulls one out of the bag. Nemeth picks himself up as Danny Basham awaits him now, Nemeth turns around, clothesline from Danny, Nemeth ducks it though and Danny spins around, kick to the gut from Nemeth, neck breaker, NO! Danny shoves him away and right into the path of Doug Basham who takes Nemeth down with an Atomic drop!! Nemeth floored again as the Bashams are left standing but both Ken Doane and Sonjay Dutt are up and making their way around ringside.
Dutt is a little dazed as we see Doug scale to the top rope, what the hell is he thinking? Dutt turns around and sees DOUG FLY, CONNECTING!! Dutt and Doug are taken out of it on the outside. Doane now steps through the ropes as Danny looks on at his partners downfall and it costs him as Doane clubs him from behind. Doane now goes to work on Doug and hes joined by Daivari, Daivari and Doug being the legal men as Doane allows Daivari to take over and heads to the outside which surprises Daivari, the Arabian asking him what the hell hes doing before DOANE TAGS HIMSELF IN!! The referee makes it clear that Doane made the tag as Daivari goes ape and DAIVARI BEGINS TO UNLOAD ON DOANE!! The team mates are imploding once again as Daivari whips Doane into the corner before charging but DOANE WITH A BACK BODY DROP AND DAIVARI CRASHES TO THE OUTSIDE!! WOW!
Doane catches his breath as Danny Basham comes charging now but Doane dodges it and Danny hits the turnbuckle BUT D-VON TAGS HIMSELF IN FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! WHERE DID D-VON COME FROM?! D-Von and Doane now the legal men as D-Von storms in and Doane wants nothing to do with him!! Doane backs off as D-Von approaches him but D-Vons spun round by Danny Basham who wants to know what D-Von thinks hes doing, clearly pissed off and Danny throws a right but D-Von catches it and lands a right hand of his own!! THE FACES ARE IMPLODING HERE!!
D-Von getting the better of Danny Basham here, Irish whip by D-Von right into the path of Doane who drops Danny with a high knee!! Doane and D-Von now set to go at it as D-Von charges but NEMETH FROM OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE PAYDIRT!! D-Vons down and Doane heads up high, theres nobody else around, Nemeth is willing him on, desperate for victory here LEG DROP OFF THE TOP!! LEG DROP FROM DOANE!! Cover!! BUBBA LOOKS TO BREAK THE COUNT BUT NEMETH WITH A LOW ANGLE DROPKICK!! DOANE COVERS!!
Doane and Nemeth get the job done!!
Winners: Ken Doane, Nick Nemeth, Sonjay Dutt and Daivari(8:13)
The Coach
I TOLD YOU J.R!! Perfection personified!! Doane and Nemeth headin for Tag Team gold!!
Jim Ross
Indeed the Platform to Perfection are the new number one contenders to the World Tag Team Championships. They took full advantage here tonight in what was a chaotic, crazy tag team contest with BOTH teams simply imploding at times.
The Coach
Dont give me that J.R. The best team won and we both know it!! Doane and Nemeth, the next World Tag Team Champions, what a win.
Doane and Nemeth back up the ramp with Nemeth motioning that theyre coming for the tag team titles. We then get a shot of D-Von still laid out on the mat as the camera shifts back up to the victors who continue to celebrate with real jubilation
We then head off backstage where we see Josh Matthews waiting for his first duties of the evening.
Josh Matthews:
Folks later on tonight the WWE Championship will be defended as Kurt Angle challenges my guest at this time, he is the WWE Champion, he is John Cena!
Cena appears into shot, a stern look on his face as the Washington crowd give the champion a rousing response.
Josh Matthews:
John for weeks, months infact, Kurt Angle has been demanding you go one on one with him for the WWE Championship. Tonight you do exactly that and my question to you is, have Kurts mind games been working? After all, hes continued to call you out and despite accepting his challenge, hes continued to attack you from behind, including this past Friday night on Smackdown.
Cena huffs a little bit at the question.
John Cena:
If by working you mean that Im fired up, Im focused and Im ready to go out and kick Kurt Angles ass ALL OVER WASHINGTON!! Then yes Kurts mind games have worked to perfection. But if you mean am I gonna take my eye off the ball tonight? If you mean, is my head not in the right place tonight? Then no, Kurts games, Kurts plan, it aint worked one bit Josh.
Cena is in no mood for bullshit tonight.
John Cena:
Kurt seems to think that it has though. He seems to think that attackin me when my backs turned is gonna give him the edge here tonight. He seems to think that its gonna put me off my game, that Im not gonna be thinking straight and that BAM just like that hes gonna pick me off. Well lemme assure you and lemme assure Kurt, that aint happenin tonight Jack, not on my watch.
Nice pop for that as Cena points a finger out there.
John Cena:
Dont get it twisted though Josh, I know Im in for a fight tonight. I know that Kurt is one hell of a competitor and he will push me all the way tonight but he seems to be forgetting that Im the WWE Champion.
Cena takes a look at his title belt, a small pop greeting his statement.
John Cena:
He seems to be forgetting that Im on top around here and Im on top for a damn good reason. That reason Josh? That reason is because as much as Kurt likes to think hes the best in this business today,
(holding the WWE title out) this suggests otherwise.
suggests that
the best and until he brings the fight to me, until he beats me, that fact aint gonna change.
Cena is very convincing in his approach here as Josh Matthews nods in agreement.
John Cena:
Tonight? Tonight he gets that chance, tonight he gets that opportunity and despite all his vows, all his claims, all his little mind games, tonight Kurt Angle comes up short. Tonight Kurt Angle doesnt get the job done because the champ is here and Josh, he aint goin nowhere.
Cena storms off to a very loud cheer from the fans at the arena before we head elsewhere in the back to see Teddy Long in his office getting a few bits of paperwork together. Long stops what hes doing however as he looks up and immediately gets out of his seat, cutting a frustrated figure.
Teddy Long:
Look playas, I already explained to the both of ya that the investigation is over wit.
The camera then pans and we see both Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio who both get a very nice ovation, neither man in action here tonight.
Rob Van Dam:
Teddy, Teddy the investigation is
from over with.
Teddy Long:
Rey did he not get the message playa? I thought we underst
Rey Mysterio:
Teddy I got the message, Rob got the message but things have changed since then. We got proof Teddy, we got proof that it
Melina that it
MNM who screwed us at the Bash.
Long sighs a little, not convinced.
Teddy Long:
And what proof is that huh? We looked over all the security tapes dawg, we didnt find any clues that lead to MNM, ya feel me?
Rob Van Dam:
Security tapes? They dont mean anything dude. Your little investigation might not have worked Teddy but mine has. See Ive been following MNM real close these past couple weeks and Ive heard more than enough to know just what went down that night.
Teddy Long:
And whats that?
Rob Van Dam:
Melina, Mercury, Nitro, coulda been any one of em, coulda been all three of em but I can tell you for a fact dude that they paid off whoever it was that cost us that night.
Long folds his arms now, his interest perked up.
Teddy Long:
And how do you know that huh Rob? Now I know how desperate ya are playa for another shot at those titles, but are ya really this desperate?
Rob Van Dam:
Mysterio gets in Van Dams way with Mr.Friday Night about to explode before picking up where his parnter left off.
Rey Mysterio:
Teddy listen, hes right. Hey, I was sceptical too, I thought this whole thing was in Robs head but its not at all. I heard the same thing Rob heard Teddy, you gotta believe us. MNM paid whoever it was that attacked us off, they got somebody doin their dirty work and me and Rob? We arent just gonna sit back and let that slide esse.
Long scowls a little as Van Dam eyes him up.
Teddy Long:
A'ight heres what Ima do for ya. This Friday night on Smackdown Im gonna call out Melina, Im gonna call out MNM to the ring and I promise ya playas that once and for all we gonn get to the bottom of this.
Rob Van Dam:
Teddy, thats all we wanted to hear.
Mysterio gives a respectful nod in the direction of T-Long, Van Dam simply turns his back on the GM who takes a deep breath before letting it all out, clearly stressed here tonight and we head back ringside where theres silence before we hear
Break the Walls Down
Its a big time pop from the Washington faithful that greets the music of the former Undisputed Champion, Chris Jericho.
Jim Ross:
Major opportunity here tonight for this man Coach. Chris Jericho last held the World Title back in 2002 and it has been a bumpy road for Y2J since then. Victory tonight however would see Jericho take possession of the Money in the Bank contract, guaranteeing himself a World Title opportunity anytime he wants right the way up to Wrestlemania.
The Coach:
It is a huge opportunity, you got that right but its one hes not gonna be able to take, Im telling ya. Edge has stated the cold, hard facts about Chris Jericho. Hes stuck in the past, Jericho is living off his accomplishments, hes not living in the present, hes not living in the future and the present, the future is Edge.
You think you know Me
Its rousing heat next from the MCI Center as out roars the current Money in the Bank holder, the Rated R Superstar, Edge who is all fired up to defend his contract tonight.
Jim Ross:
Well he may be the future in your eyes Coach and theres no doubt about it, Edge IS a heck of a talent but if Edge is right about Chris Jericho then do you not think Chris Jericho is right about Edge? Is Jericho not right that at least he has been a World Champion? That Edge has failed to achieve that?
The Coach:
Jericho is not right, Jericho is nowhere NEAR right. Edge has never been a World Champion but thats because Edge has never had a World title shot, a World title opportunity. Something that Jericho has had TONS of. That changes with Money in the Bank, I guarandamntee it.
Edge hands his briefcase over to the referee, not without giving it a long, hard look, realising that tonight may just be the last night he holds it, the briefcase and contract inside are on the line in this contest. The bell then rings as these two bitter rivals stare down one another, a look of focus on both their faces as Jericho then points at the briefcase telling Edge Your ticket to the top? Its about to expire as Edge replies, Yours expired years ago Chris before bobbing up and down and then charging to the middle of the ring, Jericho doing likewise and these two men lock up.
Its a real power struggle here as both men claw into the other but t no aveil as Edge breaks his grip and tries to get a hold of Jericho from behind but Jericho nails him with elbows to the mid section, breaking Edges grip. Jericho now gains control with a boot to Edges mid section before an Irish whip from Y2J as Edge rebounds off the ropes and Jericho swings for him, Edge runs underneath and rebounds off the opposite side WHERE HES CAUGHT WITH A DROPKICK!! Beautiful stuff from Jericho as Edge is floored, early cover from Y2J
Kick out at two from the Rated R Superstar.
Jericho certainly with the early advantage here, the fans supporting the Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla to the maximum tonight as he seeks to take the MITB contract. Jericho drags Edge to his feet, smashing him with a forearm followed by another stiff shot before another Irish whip, Edge though hangs onto the ropes, good awareness from Mr.MITB as Jericho charges right at him, Edge with a back body drop, Jericho lands on the apron!! Edge spins around, BAM!! Big right hand from Jericho with Edge stumbling away from the ropes, Jericho hopping back in and charging, SMASH, taking Edge down with a clothesline. Y2J very much in control in the opening minutes as Edge struggles to contain the former Undisputed Champion.
Jericho drags Edge to his feet, dishing out a right hand followed by another before smashing Edges head off the turnbuckle! Jericho then spins Edge round and begins to stomp away at the mid section of the Rated R Superstar, Edge in some discomfort here as Jericho fires up the crowd. Y2J then heads out of the corner, riling the fans up again before charging at Edge, BOOT TO THE FACE FROM MR.MITB! Edge saw Jericho coming and gets a boot up as Jericho falls to his knees. Edge now takes a moment before dragging Y2J up to his feet and connecting with another boot, this time to the mid section before Edge connects with a scoop slam, Jericho floored as Edge now runs the ropes and drops a vicious elbow right across Jerichos throat!!
Jericho clutches his adams apple, clearly caught nastily there as Edge now begins to stomp away at the neck area of Jericho, maliciously picking apart the former Undisputed Champion, a sadistic look in Edges eyes as he smashes away continuously, the referee intervening eventually as the crowd boos the current briefcase holders remorseless actions.
Edge then drops to his knees, grabbing Jericho by the back of the head before delivering some devastating blows across the throat, clubbing forearms, over and over again as Jericho appears to be gasping for air now! Edge in a cold blooded manner here tonight as he then locks Jericho into a sleeper hold, the picking apart of the neck and throat perhaps going to pay dividends here as the hold is cinched in. Jericho appears to be in a world of trouble now, nowhere to go and in some pain right now as Edge tells the referee to do his job, willing him to end this as the crowd begin to rally round Y2J.
A strong Y2J chant begins and this appears to horrify Edge who mouths No, no at the fans cheers. It does however seem to be inspiring Jericho who begins to stir slightly. The referee however has raised his arm once now with it falling down again, Jericho having two more bites at the cherry and as the official goes for a second time, Jericho keeps it up and digs an elbow in on Edges gut!! The heart of a champion being shown from Chris Jericho as he keeps digging away, elbow after elbow, Edge surprised to see it coming and its working as Jericho breaks the hold!!
Jericho breaks free as Edge stumbles away, Y2J though immediately holds the throat, hes clearly hurt by the throat attack by Edge but as the Rated R Superstar turns around hes met with a firm right from Jericho!! Jericho going hell for leather now on Edge, hammering away at his bitter rival!! Edge is forced back into the corner as Jericho delivers an Irish whip, Edge falls into the opposite corner as Jericho charges and connects with a corner clothesline, Edge falling out of the corner right back into the path of Jericho who connects with a BEAUTIFUL snap suplex!! Y2J crawls into the cover
Kick out at two from Edge!!
Jericho again grabs his throat, clearly not quite recovered as he gets to his feet, dragging Edge up with him. Jericho then whips Edge across the ring, reversal however from his fellow Canadian and Jericho flies off the ropes AND HES CAUGHT WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK BY EDGE!! Great timing and athleticism from the former Intercontinental Champion as Edge scrambles frantically into a cover
NO!! Jericho just about kicks out to a big pop from the Washington faithful as Edge runs his hands through his hair in disappointment.
Edge draws himself to his feet, taking a moment to think up where he goes next, what his next move will be and he decides that itll be UP TOP!! Edge decides hes gonna go high risk in the hope of reward as he heads to the outside, looking around the arena who boo the crafty briefcase holder as he then scales up towards the top. Edge starts to climb, reaching the top as he steadies himself, Jericho to his knees, slowly at his feet, hes now up and he turns around, MISSILE DROPKICK!! CONNECTS!! Jericho is floored here as Edge crawls into another cover, Jericho seemingly doomed
Kick out at two and a half!! Jericho showing incredible resolve right now as he hangs in this thing once again, a look of real anger on Edges face this time, the disappointment gone as the Rated R Superstar pleads with the referee to finish this thing off, slamming his fist against the mat as he goes for ANOTHER cover
Kick out right on two from Jericho as Edge again smacks the mat before yelling at the official to COUNT IT!! ANOTHER cover from Edge
Shoulder up by Jericho and Edge now realises hes not putting Y2J away that easily. Edge gets to his feet, glaring at the referee who again declares it was only two before Edge brings Jericho to his feet and clubs him with a forearm and again and AGAIN. Edge relentless here before he drives a knee into Jerichos mid section, hes picking Jericho apart right now. Irish whip this time round by Edge, Jericho though gets a hold of the ropes!! Edge sees Jericho poised and he goes for a SPEAR!! BUT JERICHO STEPS ASIDE AND TOSSES EDGE THROUGH THE ROPES!! Edge crashes and burns as Jericho gets a much needed breather and a route back in this contest, his enemy now down and out as Y2J steps through the ropes, heading right behind his opponent.
Jericho hops down, taking a moment before heading over to the man whos contract he seeks as he then smashes Edge with a boot to the side of the head, clearly not wanting to let his rival have any kind of a breather before he draws his fellow Canadian to his feet and delivers a stinging knife edge chop across Edges chest!! WOOOO as Jericho continues the assault, chopping away at a grimacing Edge before a boot to the mid section and then Jericho USES EDGES HEAD AS A BATTERING RAM, SMASHING HIS SKULL AGAINST THE STEEL STEPS!!
Edge looks dazed as he stumbles across the outside, the referee has begun a count out but Jericho doesnt seem bothered as he then goes for an Irish whip and EDGE GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! Jericho yells out Cmon tough guy, whadda ya got? as Edge falls to the floor, the crowd really into Jerichos spell of dominance here. Y2J then draws him back to his feet, the count up at seven as Jericho tosses Edge into the ring, the damage potentially done as he follows right behind. The Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla steps inside and then brings Edge up once again, lining him up in the corner as he goes to work, right hand after right hand, Edge having no answer before he grabs Edge in a side headlock, Jericho then charges out of the corner, BULLDOG!! BIG TIME BULLDOG CONNECTS!! Jericho scores with the running bulldog before running the ropes right after and he hops up onto the middle rope, LIONSAULT!! CONNECTS!! NO!! EDGE GOT HIS KNEES UP!!
Great awareness from the wily briefcase holder as he sensed Jerichos signature move was coming, getting the knees up as Jericho clutches his ribs now, the impact clear for all to see, both men now laid out here. The crowd are given a breather here before they get right back on urging Jericho to his feet as he rolls over clutching his ribs, Edge now showing signs of life also, the fans certainly playing a factor in this thing as both men seem to be spurred on by the cheers. Edge is now to his knees, Jericho though not far behind as he grabs the ropes, trying to hoist himself up but hes CLUBBED FROM BEHIND!! Edge gets to his feet first and delivers a stiff shot across Jerichos back. The Rated R Superstar then shoves Jericho into the ropes, following right up close behind and he ROLLS JERICHO UP FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! EDGE HAS GOT THE TIGHTS!!
Both men are quick to their feet here as Edge charges, but Jericho connects with a double leg takedown!! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Y2J GOES FOR THE WALLS!! Can he roll Edge over?!? Edge is fighting with all hes got, desperate to avoid the hold but Jerichos almost there, hes HES GOT IT!! EDGE IS ROLLED OVER!! The crowd are going ape as Jericho looks set to take the MITB contract, Edge is writhing in agony as Jericho yells out, clearly every ounce hes got being put into this as Edge is being twisted like a pretzel.
Edges hand is up, is he gonna let it drop, is he going to tap out here!?!? Jericho yells Cmon as Edge roars out in pain, he desperately crawls towards the ropes, reaches out an arm, hes within a whisker, can he get there? The crowd are going wild, sensing Jerichos victory as Edge cries out once more, a last big show of effort and HE REACHES THE ROPES!! Jericho cant quite believe it and it doesnt look like Edge himself can as the referee forces Jericho to break the hold, Y2J looking desperately disappointed as the fans groan also, hoping Jericho was to take the contract there.
Y2J perhaps a little drained now takes a moment to figure out what his next step will be before he heads to the top rope!! The fans are on their feet, willing Jericho on as the Sexy Beast makes his way up high, Edge is completely laid out right now, in no mans land, clutching his lower back in some distress following the Walls of Jericho. Y2J steadies himself up high, Edge laid out perfectly here, ELBOW DROP OFF THE TOP!! CONNECTS!! JERICHOS HIGH RISK PAYS OFF!! IS THAT ALL SHE WROTE?! COVER
EDGE KICKS OUT!! The fans cant believe it as Edge survives AGAIN, Jericho now in a state of disbelief as he wonders what hes got to do to put away the Rated R Superstar, he slumps to the mat in frustration, the crowd sharing that sense of Jericho hitting a brick wall here.
Jericho sits there, hands on hips as he stares at Edge, the man hes been to war with ever since Wrestlemania with a look of What do I have to do? before he pulls himself up and makes his way over to the corner where Jericho begins to smirk, what has Jericho got in mind here, he then starts to pander to the crowd, they arent sure whats going down before he does Edges trademark positioning himself for a for a SPEAR HERE?!? SURELY NOT!!? Jericho is begging Edge to get up, urging him to his feet, Edge is almost there as he does finally find his feet, he turns around, SPEAR FROM JERICHO!! EDGE SHOVES THE REFEREE IN FRONT OF HIM!! JERICHO SPEARS THE REFEREE IN HALF!!
Jericho cant believe it as he gets up and looks at the damage done before turning around, KICK TO THE NUTS BY EDGE!! JERICHO IS TAKEN OUT IN A MAJOR WAY!! Jedge using any and every trick in the book he can, saving himself as Jericho tumbles to the ground, Edge now assumes full control of this thing, a twisted grin coming across his face as he takes a breather, the crowd booing the shit out of him.
The Rated R Superstar then heads to the outside, scheming and plotting as ever where he grabs his Money in the Bank briefcase!! Edge grabs the briefcase, tossing it inside the ring, Jericho is in a world of trouble now as Edge pats the briefcase gently, seemingly saying This is my ticket Chris as Jericho rolls around on the mat, trying to get to his knees, in some pain however. Jericho is nearly there as Edge is pacing, Edge is DESPERATE for Jericho to get up and to turn around. Jerichos to his feet, not knowing where he is right now as he holds the rope for leverage before turning round BAM!! BRIEFCASE SHOT!! NO!! JERICHO DUCKS IT!!
Jericho ducks the shot and Edge spins round where hes met with a right hand!! The briefcase falls out of Edges grasp as Jericho scores with a double leg take down once again, WALLS OF JERICHO AGAIN!! WILL THIS DO IT??! NO!! EDGE KICKS JERICHO AWAY!! Y2J stumbles into the corner, Edge to his feet as Jericho turns back around, SPEAR!! SPEAR CONNECTS!! COVER!!
BUT THERES NO REFEREE!! Edge is waving his hand for an official to come down, the match in his eyes over with, has he cost himself by using the referee as a shield!?!? BUT HERE COMES ANOTHER REFEREE!! He slides into the ring, cover on Jericho, Edge is gonna steal it
The arena goes wild as Y2J survives and Edge cannot believe it, he has a crazed look in his eye as the referee tells him it was a two count and EDGE SMACKS THE REFEREE WITH A RIGHT HAND!! The Rated R Superstar then tosses the ref to the outside, the original referee IS now stirring as Edge goes back to work on Jericho, he grabs the MITB briefcase, his intentions perfectly clear here as Jericho begins to surface, hes gingerly making his way up, Edge is stalking, waiting for him to spin round as he makes it to his feet, turns around, BAM!! BRIEFCASE SHOT!! NO!! JERICHO AGAIN BLOCKS IT AND SMASHES EDGE WITH A RIGHT HAND!! CODEBREAKER FROM JERICHO!! NO!! EDGE SHOVES HIM AWAY!!
Back and forth action as Jericho stumbles into the corner before turning round, Edge has got the DAMN BRIEFCASE!! SMASHED ACROSS THE SKULL!! NOBODY SAW IT!! BRIEFCASE SHOT TO THE TEMPLE!! THATS GOTTA BE ALL!! Cover, the original referee is crawling across the mat, Edge is roaring out for him to make the count
1. .
2. .
3. .
Winner and STILL Mr.Money in the Bank: Edge(16:32
The Coach:
YES!! YES, I TOLD YOU J.R!! Edge is the future!! Edge is on the march, hes on the rise, he is on his way to the World Title!!
Jim Ross:
Oh come on!! Edge had to use that damn briefcase to screw Chris Jericho tonight!! Jericho was gonna knock Edge off again for cryin out loud!!
The Coach:
Shoulda, woulda, coulda, he didnt!! Jericho failed, just like he always does, just like Edge NEVER does!! Edge is a future World Champion J.R and Chris Jericho? Well, Chris Jericho just aint got a future.
Jim Ross:
Chris Jericho has got more than a future here in the WWE, believe me on that one. Edge got lucky tonight but theres only so long you can ride your luck and that briefcase sooner or later, whether he cashes it in successfully or not, its not gonna be able to bail him out like it did tonight. Disgusting actions from Edge here at Summerslam.
Edge backs up the ramp clutching his briefcase tight to his chest as he celebrates this HUGE victory while we see Y2J coming around to what has just happened, opening his eyes to see Edge celebrating as he realises that he just got robbed of becoming Mr.MITB
We then cut away to a video package
The first shot we receive is of a church and through the windows we can see its pitch black outside as some candles are lit inside the church and we see a solitary figure but only from behind and they appear to be praying as they are on their knee sat the front of the church. This person is a fairly small man, bald head and a pretty scary look on his face as he begins rocking back and forth and is then heard saying Forgive me, for I have sinned.
Forgiveness does not come easily
We then get a shot of Edge with his maniacal smile, holding his Money in the Bank briefcase close to him.
Certain acts, certain decisions, we can choose to let go
We see a shot of Shawn Michaels standing over Batista following a deadly dose of Sweet Chin Music.
To let slide
We see Charlie Haas cutting a frustrated figure as Shelton Benjamin walks past him.
To put at the back of our minds
We then see this person still on their knees in the church looking up to the heavens as they repeatedly say Forgive me, Forgive me
But then there are other acts, there are other decisions that are simply unforgivable
Theres now fast paced music as we get a glimpse of an enraged Batista who kicks the ropes in frustration as Eric Bischoff smirks cockily.
We then see Chris Jericho holding the back of his head as he watches Edge slither away from his grasp, a furious look on Jerichos face.
Finally we see Christian smirking to himself as he pats Tomko on the chest before patting his own, a devilish smirk on Captain Charismas face.
September 18th, 2005, those that have sinned will seek their forgiveness
We see Kane laughing to himself in his usual monstrous manner.
The next image is of Muhammad Hassan and his Arabian Entity standing tall as Hassan embraces the boos from all around him.
The shot we then see is of Batista, his hands on his head in clear disappointment or frustration.
But for some they will always remain well and truly Unforgiven.
The final image we see is of a desolate Shawn Michaels stood in the ring alone, staring down at this feet. We then return to the church to see the man praying, looking up high to the sky before he stops, looks down and into the camera, a look of despair which then changes before smiling sadistically and we then get a graphic for
WWE Unforgiven: September 18th 2005; Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
We then head immediately backstage where we see the number one contender to the WWE Championship, Kurt Angle. Angle is pacing through the halls, a pretty intense look on his face as ever before that look changes and Angle suddenly stops in his tracks, before smiling?
Kurt Angle:
Well, well, well. Look how the mighty have fallen huh?
The camera then shifts and we see Shawn Michaels!! Michaels is still dressed as he was earlier, his referee shirt on as he gets set to call that World Title match later on tonight.
Kurt Angle:
I knew things had been rough for ya Shawn but wow, this is this is something else.
Angle eyes Michaels up and down before s......ing to himself.
Kurt Angle:
Yknow something? I think I should take a lot of the credit for it too. Yeah, I do. See it was me beating you that drove you to this wasnt it? It was me beating you at Wrestlemania, on the biggest stage, on
stage Shawn that has led you to this.
Michaels turns his head looking the other way as Angle clearly has him rattled here.
Kurt Angle:
ince that night all your career has done is go downhill. Youve gone from being Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid, the Showstopper to to a freakin referee.
Angle again laughs at that.
Kurt Angle:
While I? Ive gone from strength to strength. Since I beat you at Wrestlemania, Ive risen further and further to the top and tonight its mission complete Shawn. While youre out there calling a World title match, Ill be out there
in one. Wait, wait thats thats wrong, Im sorry. While you are out there tonight calling a World title match, Ill be out there
a World title match.
Theres strong heat for Angle here as Michaels hangs his head a little bit, fiddling his fingers, clearly on the verge right now as Angle continues to get in his face.
Kurt Angle:
Ill see ya around Shawn and hey, maybe next time youll actually be worth a second of my time. Then again maybe not.
Angle then pats Michaels on the back as he leaves, smirking to himself again as Michaels simply stands dead still in the same spot, biting his bottom lip and we return back to ringside.
I Spit in the face of people who dont want to be Cool
Theres a wave of heat that generates through the arena as out steps the Apple Spitter, conveniently tossing an apple in hand as Carlito makes his way down set for title action.
Michael Cole:
Well we are all set for some United States title action and Tazz this man has made a real impact ever since back at Wrestlemania, going on to defeat superstar after superstar, could tonight be Carlitos night to wear gold again?
Hes got a heck of a chance, no doubt about it. Carlitos brought his A-Game ever since Wrestlemania, hes hung wit the best of em, hes beaten Rhyno, Booker T, I could name more but if he beats Matt Hardy tonight, itll be the biggest of em all.
Lito awaits his opponent, the anticipation building as he bounds on the spot, psyching himself up before we hear
Oh Yeah
Live for the Moment
And its a big time pop that greets the music of the United States Champion as Matt Hardy bursts onto the stage, clearly ready and raring to defend his title as he fires up this crowd into gear.
Michael Cole:
Carlito mayve been on a roll of late Tazz but Matt Hardy has built just as much momentum as the Apple Spitter. Since coming to Friday Night Smackdown back in the Draft lottery, Matt Hardy has made it his goal to capture the United States title, something he achieved at The Great American Bash. Tonight it really is two men going at it who are both on the top of their game.
Absolutely. Matt Hardys in as good a shape as Ive ever seen him. Carlitos called him a failure, says hes never lived up to the his potential. Hardys thrown it right back at Lito, saying hes let his familys expectations down, that he couldnt live up to the hype. Well I gotta say that neither one of these two dudes is a failure in my book and if they pull off what I think they can pull off here tonight, theyll prove it.
Hardy bounces up and down on the spot, clearly pumped up for his first PPV title defence as Carlito looks on quietly confident, the bell rings and these two meet with a collar and elbow tie up but Carlito finds a boot the gut much more effective as Hardys doubled over and Lito applies a side headlock but is quickly shoved away by Hardy with Carly bouncing back off the ropes and Hardy swings but its a miss as Lito bounces through to the opposite ropes rebounding where hes met with a strong shoulder block by Hardy!
Litos pretty quickly up and Hardy grabs him by the back of his neck as the champion runs full speed ahead and smashes Carlitos skull off of the turnbuckle, Lito stumbling out of the corner clutching his head having clearly been rattled, Hardy spins the Apple Spitter round and delivers a big kick to the mid section before an Irish whip by the champion, Lito rebounds and Hardy goes for an arm drag but Lito holds on and takes Hardy through with an arm drag of his own!!
Carlito now has a route back in as Hardys back up and Lito drops him once more with another beautiful arm drag, Hardy again quick to his feet where hes met with a boot to the gut before a hard, clubbing left hand across the back of the champion knocking him down. Lito now proceeds to hammer away at the lower back of Hardy, stomp after stomp with the crowd booing his every move, Lito soaking it all in with that arrogant smile of his before he scoops Hardy up to his feet again and looks to dish out more punishment dropping Hardy with a nicely drilled side slam, cover by Carlito
Shoulder up at two from the champion.
Carlito scowls a touch before again bringing Hardy to his feet and delivering two vicious left hands as Hardy falls into the ropes and is now whipped across by Carly, Hardy hits the opposite side of the ring but hangs on to the ropes and Carlito comes charging, clothesline BUT HARDY WITH A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP!! Carlito goes flying and crashes to the outside as the champion regains control here, taking a moment however to regroup.
Carlito holds his right arm having clearly taken a hefty fall there as he gets to his knees but theres some commotion from the crowd as HARDY USES THE ROPES TO PULL HIMSELF UP AND OVER WIPING CARLITO OUT!! High risk but high reward for the U.S. Champ as both men are floored, the crowd eating it up with Carlito taking the worst of it. Hardy begins to find his feet, wincing a little bit after that fall as Carlito stretches out, again holding his right arm and Hardy is now up, albeit a little all over the place as he picks Lito back up slowly and tosses him back into the ring, the referees count having reached six here.
Hardy follows right behind Carlito but the challenger is now up, taking his opportunity to get back into it and he strikes Hardy with a left hand but Hardy fights back with a right hand and the two trade blows before a thumb to the eye from Lito!! Trademark Carlito as Hardy is blinded momentarily whilst Lito spins him round and whips Hardy across the ring, REVERSAL! Lito goes forward but uses the middle rope for elevation as HE WIPES HARDY OUT WITH A SPRINGBOARD BACK ELBOW!! Hardys down, cover by Carlito
Kick out at two from Hardy!!
Carlito thought he had it there and remonstrates a little bit with the referee who isnt having any of Litos moaning. Carlito dusts himself off and picks himself back up before bringing Hardy up also, bam left hand, bam another left hand before a vicious knee to the mid section. Carlito now whips Hardy into the ropes with Hardy rebounding and Lito DROPS Hardy with a picture perfect dropkick!! Cover once more by Carlito
Shoulder up once more from the champion! Hardy showing great resolve!!
Hardys survival is greeted with a slam of the fists on the mat by Carly who appears a little ruffled now and begins to turn up the aggression, stomping away at the fallen champion as he shows no remorse. Lito then sits Hardy up, whats he got in mind here? Lito eyes Hardy up before running the ropes and Carlito kicks Hardy right in the face, NO!! HARDY DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT!! Hardy grabs Carly from behind, ROLL UP BY HARDY!!
Hardy comes within a whisker of pulling it out the bag there as both men are back up and Carlito swings, misses, Hardy spins him round, kick to the gut, TWIST OF FATE!! NO!! Lito shoves Hardy away and he spins back around and Lito whips him into the corner and comes charging right behind BUT HARDY STICKS A BOOT UP!! Lito goes spiralling backwards as Hardy heads up high to the top rope, the Coolest Superstar in the WWE in his sights and Hardy comes CRASHING down on Carlito with a Double Axe Handle!! The Apple Spitter is floored as Hardy crawls into a cover off that big time high risk move
Kick out again at two and a half from the challenger!!
Hardy senses that the momentum is right with him now here as he riles the crowd up, it would appear a Twist of Fate is in mind here as he waits for Carlito to rise again. Lito is sluggish as he finds his way to his feet, the Coolest superstar in the WWE is up, he turns around, kick to the gut, TWIST OF FATE!! CONNECTS!! TWIST OF FATE BY HARDY!! Cover
HE GOT HIM!! NO!! CARLITO KICKS OUT!! The crowd are absolutely shocked and so too is Hardy who simply slumps to the mat, looking up at the referee who simply states it was a two count. Carlito stunning just about everyone in managing to survive that Twist of Fate, it takes a minute or so to sink in for the champion before he rises to his feet again.
Hardy now opts for plan b as he takes a moment to think up his next move and he decides that the top rope is his best option!! Hardy heads to the outside before slowly heading up high, the crowd abuzz as the champion steadies himself before letting out a roar to the Washington faithful who roar right back and HARDY SOARS THROUGH THE AIR, LEG DROP TO CARLITO!! NOBODY HOME!! Lito rolls right out of the way and Hardy crashes and burns!! Advantage challenger once more.
Both men are down and out as Hardy took a heck of a fall there while Carlito showed his wits once more in getting out of dodge, the Apple Spitter holding out an arm, reaching out for anything in sight to try and bring him to his feet here. Carly crawls over and finds the ropes, drawing himself very gingerly to his feet but hes there and he slowly heads over to Hardy, delivering a stomp to the head before picking the champion up and whipping him into the corner as Lito follows right behind and smashes into him with a clothesline! Hardy has all the wind knocked out of him as Carly now stomps a mudhole into Hardy who slumps into the corner, in no mans land right now with Lito relentlessly hammering away with stiff kicks. Lito then lets out a roar of aggression himself here before heading away from the corner right over towards the opposite and he takes a running start, CHARGING at Hardy and taking his HEAD OFF!! NO!! HARDY FLIES OUT OF THE CORNER AND CARLITO GETS CAUGHT UP IN THE ROPES!!
Hardy pulls Lito out of that situation, the fans are going crazy here as he signals for a TWIST OF FATE ONCE MORE!! NO!! Lito shoves Hardy away and he rebounds from the ropes RIGHT INTO A BACKSTABBER!! BACKSTABBER BY CARLITO!! Lito crawls into the cover
Carlito and the Washington faithful cant quite believe it as Hardy kicks out of Carlitos finisher, evening the odds and theres a look of sheer horror on the Apple Spitters face here. He takes a moment or two before getting up, still a shocked look on his face as he remonstrates with the referee, adamant that he scored a three count there but the referee informs him of Hardys kick out.
Carlito now gets up and gets in the referees face here, the official on the backfoot as Carlito loses his cool here and turns away before GRABBING THE REFEREE BY THE SHIRT!! The referee tells Lito to back off or he will ring the bell but Carlito is FURIOUS here and he pulls his left arm back, mouthing words in his native tongue as the crowd boo the Apple Spitter as the officials head about to be taken off but the boos soon turn to cheers as HARDY GRABS LITOS ARM!! Matt Hardy up and back into this contest as he pulls Carlito round back in his direction, Carlito swings for him, ducked underneath by Hardy, Lito spins around, boot to the mid section, TWIST OF FATE!! BAM!! THATS GOTTA BE ALL THIS TIME!! TWIST OF FATE CONNECTS!! COVER BY HARDY
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Matt Hardy(11:08
What a match Cole!! What a win for Matt Hardy!!
Michael Cole:
Incredible back and forth contest right there but its Matt Hardy who retains his title!! I dont think there is any doubting after that Tazz that Matt Hardy IS for real.
No doubt at all Cole. Give credit where credits due though, Carlito was game tonight. These two brought it big time baby but tonight was Matt Hardys night, props to the champion.
Carlito hammers the mat in frustration, unable to get one over on the U.S. Champ while Hardy has his hand raised by the official as he stands just outside the ring, his title raised high as the fans pop big time once more for the North Carolina resident.
We then head off backstage where we are again roaming the halls of the arena and we see Trish Stratus appear!! The beautiful blonde is on crutches having broken her ankle back at Vengeance during her Womens Title defence against Victoria. Trish is talking with some co workers, must be producers or whatnot as they are unrecognisable. Trish is all smiles but that smile soon changes to a look of anger as whoever she was talking to heads off and we hear clapping in the background before into shot comes Victoria, the Womens Champion of course.
Well isnt this a nice surprise?
Victorias sarcastic approach only sees Trish get angrier.
How-how you doing Trish? Looks uh looks like that ankles doing real good right?
The womens champion laughs at her own joke.
Trish Stratus:
Actually, yknow what? My ankle IS doing pretty good. I may be on crutches right now but next week? Next week Im not gonna be needing these any more.
Trish gets in the champions face as the crowd pops for that.
Trish Stratus:
And as soon as I get rid of these, Im gonna start training again, Im gonna start working hard, working my way back to that ring out there, working my way back to that Womens Championship.
Another nice pop as its a defiant statement from Trish.
Oh, oh really? Really? Well I got news for you Trish, the landscape its changed while youve been gone. See at Vengeance I broke your ankle, I broke your spirit AND I took your championship yet still people seemed to doubt me a little bit, yknow?
Victoria now has that crazed look on her face.
But from that moment all Ive done is go from strength to strength. Nobody has come
to taking this away from me(points at her title). Lita, you and her, youve got a history together, a long history. Well just like you did, she tried to get in my path, she tried to get in my way and she ended up just like you.
Boos for Victorias statement.
And tonight, instead of standing in that ring facing me, shes sitting at home with her poor, little ankle torn into pieces because of me.
Trish Stratus
Yeah because you attacked her from behind like the coward you are.
Trish Stratus
You knew damn well that your title was in serious and I mean
trouble here tonight so you did what you always do, you took the easy way out. But guess what? Youve only made things worse for yourself.
Are you kidding me? Worse for myself? Ive got rid of you, Ive got rid of Lita and I WILL get rid of anybody else who gets in my way.
Trish Stratus:
? That is where youre wrong. You mayve put me on the shelf, you mayve put Lita on the shelf but were both coming back and we are
coming after you.
Nice pop for that there as Victorias intense look suddenly changes and she starts to smile?
Trish you may think that scares me, you may think that worries me but believe me, I cannot wait until you come back because next time? Next time, Ill put you down for good.
Victoria then heads off, that sick smirk still on her face as Trish has a fierce look of determination and we head off elsewhere in the back.
We float back to the interview zone almost where Todd Grisham is awaiting us, not for the first time this evening and Grisham is looking a little more upbeat than his earlier interview with Christian.
Todd Grisham:
Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest at this time. He is one of Washingtons own, he is the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista!
The Animal appears on screen and is greeted with a HUGE pop from his home crowd with the World Champ cracking a wry smile.
Todd Grisham:
Batista tonight you enter your home town, your World Heavyweight Championship on the line and the odds firmly stacked against you. Do you believe you can overcome the huge obstacles in your path here tonight?
Oh I know damn well the odds arent in my favour tonight Todd but thats all they are odds. They dont count for anything, they dont mean anything and I am one hundred percent confident that I WILL overcome those odds here tonight.
Small pop for those comments.
Todd Grisham:
Well one of those odds stacked against you is the Special Guest Referee in tonights contest, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. Just how much influence do you believe Shawn will have in tonights outcome?
Batista laughs a touch to himself before responding.
Look if I told you I knew what kinda impact Shawn would make here tonight then Id be lying. I got no idea what role Shawns gonna play here tonight but I do know what Eric Bischoff wants that role to be. I know that he wants Shawn, that hes ordered Shawn to go out there tonight and count me down.
More heat for the thought of that.
Hes got inside Shawns head, I know that and this past Monday on Raw proved it. Shawn believed every word of crap that came outta his mouth and it led to him hitting me with Sweet Chin Music. You might think Im gonna want payback tonight, that Im gonna wanna put Shawn in his place but thats not what Im here to do tonight. All Im here for tonight is to make sure I leave my hometown STILL World Heavyweight Champion.
Nice pop for that stern statement.
But if Shawn
wanna get in my way tonight. If Shawn
wanna try and cost me, wanna try and screw me? Then I got absolutely no problem in making sure I put a
to the Showstopper.
Its an intense stare from the World Champion who has made his point clear.
Todd Grisham:
Well Batista thank you for your time and just one last question. Are people perhaps overlooking Kane here tonight? After all, hes a former World Champion, hes a, well, hes a monster. Just how tough will Kane prove to be here tonight?
I dont care whether people are overlooking Kane. All I know is that Im not. You said it yourself, hes a monster, the guys as strong, as brutal as they come and I know tonights not gonna be anything less than a fight. So yeah, hell prove tough, hell be hard to beat but Todd, so was Triple H and I beat him on
than one occasion. Im the World Heavyweight Champion for a reason and tonight despite what Kane throws me, what Shawn throws at me, what Bischoff throws at me, Ill prove why.
Batista then heads off to a very nice pop and we return back to ringside
Crank it Up
Its a solid pop that greets the music of the 500 pound giant, the former WWE Champion Big Show who steps out onto the stage looking in a determined mood here, his chance at getting one over on his bitter rival.
Jim Ross:
That look right there ladies and gentleman says it all. Tonight is Big Shows opportunity to finally get his hands on Mark Jindrak, to finally teach him a lesson. Jindrak has dominated Big Show over the past couple months alongside William Regal and I think the Worlds Largest Athlete is at breaking point tonight.
The Coach:
Dominated is an understatement J.R. Mark Jindrak has OBLITERATED BIG SHOW!! Jindrak is young, hes fast, hes powerful and hes got the brains behind it all, Mr.William Regal. I dont see how Big Show gets the job done tonight, I really dont.
Jim Ross:
Well as impressive as Jindraks been, will the No Holds Barred stipulation not help Big Show tonight?
The Coach
For a man his size, why would he need No Holds Barred? But the fact is, he DOES need it and it STILL wont cou THERE WE GO!!
There we go indeed as MARK JINDRAK HAS AMBUSHED BIG SHOW FROM BEHIND HERE!! Jindrak, accompanied by William Regal has knocked Show down and is now clubbing the Worlds Largest Athlete with vicious left and right hands.
Jim Ross:
What the hell is this about?! Jindrak taking the damn easy way out here!! The match hasnt even started!!
The Coach:
Hes makin a statement, thats what this is about.
This one is off and ready as Jindrak tosses Show into the ring having ambushed the giant from behind, not allowing him a chance to get going early on in what will no doubt be a punishing contest. Jindrak follows right behind the Worlds Largest Athlete as the bell rings and this is OFFICIALLY underway. Jindrak begins to viciously stomp away at Show, not letting up as he picks apart all of Shows anatomy from head to toe with William Regal urging The Protégé on at every opportunity.
Jindrak now brings the big man to his feet, smashing him with a big left hand before whipping Show into the corner and JINDRAK TAKES HIS HEAD OFF WITH A BIG BOOT!! Huge impact from Jindrak as he rolls Show into the cover
Kick out at two from Show!!
Regal grits his teeth, clearly wanting his protégé to finish this thing early as Jindrak hops up and discusses his next move with his manager. Jindrak then trots over and brings Show to his feet again, smashing him with another big left hand, followed by another before a kick to the mid section as Show is doubled over. Jindrak now runs the ropes and goes for ANOTHER big boot but Show ducks it, Jindrak spins round and hes caught with a right hand!! Show now trying to find some momentum, right hand after right hand to the mid section of Jindrak. Irish whip now from Show and Jindrak rebounds right into a big time clothesline from the giant!!
Show lets out a roar of aggression, clearly angered at Jindraks antics from the off here before he scoops Jindrak up once more, dropping the youngster back down with authority, big scoop slam from Show before showing off his speed here as he runs the ropes and CRASHES down on Jindrak with a big leg drop across the throat!! Show looking fired up right now as the camera gets a close up of the giant who is spewing here.
Show then decides enough is enough and he wants to finish this already as he pulls down the straps on his ring attire and signals its Chokeslam time!! The crowd gets on their feet as its choke slam time already here BUT WILLIAM REGAL HOPS ONTO THE APRON!! Regal steps on and Show simply laughs, he must be at his wits end with all that Regals put him through and Show heads right after him, Regal running away at high speed!! But Show isnt chasing Regal??? Show is GRABBING A STEEL CHAIR!! Show grabs a steel chair and now hes headed William Regals way!!
Regal wants no piece of Show and begins backing up the ramp, holding his hands out pleading for mercy as Shows sadistic smile suddenly turns to an angry look, stalking Regal, hes within a whisker now as he swings the chair back BUT JINDRAK GRABS THE CHAIR!! Jindrak grabs the chair and Show turns around, WHAM!! Jindrak digs the chair into Shows ribs and again before tossing the chair away as Regal breathes a huge sigh of relief, escaping Shows advances. Jindrak now senses an opportunity as Show is doubled over and Jindrak comes flying at him and HITS A STUNNING DTT RIGHT ON THE RAMP!!
Shows head crashes off the ramp as Jindrak really makes a statement there and we see Show has been BUSTED OPEN!! Shows forehead is bleeding here as Jindrak grabs the Worlds Largest Athlete by the back of the neck pulling him up once more before dragging the five hundred pounder, showing incredible strength, back towards the ring but stopping just short, clearly having other intentions in mind here. Jindrak calls Regal over and it would appear a double team is on the cards here. Regal doesnt hesitate and begins to smash away at Show with his stiff left hands, the crowd booing the Englishman for getting involved while Jindrak joins in the beating, hammering away with stiff kicks across Shows chest. Jindrak then looks to move things further forward, picking Show up again but Regal wants in on this as well!! Regal orders Jindrak away and he goes for an Irish whip, Shows going into the ringpost here, REVERSAL, SHOW REVERSES AND REGAL GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST!!
Regal is down as Show spins around and hes met with a big boot!! Jindrak wasting no time here BUT NO!! Show ducks it, Jindrak now spins round and hes caught with a SPEAR!! SPEAR FROM THE 500 POUND GIANT!! JINDRAK IS CRUSHED IN HALF!!
The crowd are going crazy as Jindrak is out of it, clutching his ribs while Show tries to bring himself up but that spear seems to have taken an awful lot out of him also, a crazy moment there as Big Show hurls himself at the Protégé. Its been a chaotic contest thus far and Show, who wants to punish Jindrak here tonight, deciding to up the ante there.
The Worlds Largest Athlete is now to his feet, shaking off a few cobwebs as he makes his way around ringside before he goes to look under the squared circle. J.R questions just what Shows searching for here and it takes him a little bit of time to find what hes searching for before he brings a TABLE out from underneath the ring!! Ooooohs ring around as Show tosses the table inside the ring, nodding his head as he realises this could be payback on the Protégé, the man whos put him through hell these past couple of months.
Show heads back over to Jindrak, stomping away on the youngster before picking him up like a rag doll and tossing him back inside the squared circle, following him right behind. Show then goes and sets up the table, keeping a watchful eye on Jindrak as he starts to stir, on his knees and holding out for the ropes to hoist him up. The table is now set as Show moves back over to Jindrak, bringing him to his feet as Show tosses him into the corner, heading right after him and SLAPPING Jindrak across the chest!! WOOOOS are immediately heard as Show chops away at the chest of Jindrak, the Protégé;s chest turning bright pink almost as Show doesnt even break into a smile, hes relentless in punishing the rising star.
Show then positions Jindrak up on the top rope, what on earth is Show doing here? The giant then starts to scale the ropes himself!! Oh baby!! The crowd rise in anticipation as that table is positioned perfectly here as Show steadies himself on the second rope, SUPERPLEX TIME!! Show is set BUT WILLIAM REGAL STEPS INTO THE RING AND CLUBS SHOW FROM BEHIND!! Regal brings Show down and Jindraks manager begins to stomp away at the left leg of Show, looking to bring him down but Show GRABS REGAL BY THE THROAT!! Regal looks petrified as Show has his fist locked around the wily Brits throat, the crowd rise to their feet, they sense whats coming now!! CHOKESLAM THROUGH THE TABLE!! The crowd goes absolutely wild as Regal is laid out cold!! Show lets out a massive roar but he turns around RIGHT INTO A LOW BLOW FROM JINDRAK!! The crowd boo ferociously as Jindrak sends Show down. Show is doubled over as Jindrak runs the ropes and SMASHES BIG SHOW WITH THE KNEE TREMBLER!! SHOW MIGHT BE OUT COLD HERE!! A THUNDEROUS KNEE TREMBLER!! Cover by Jindrak
Jindrak got him!!
Winner: Mark Jindrak(7:19)
Jim Ross
Sheer brutality from Mark Jindrak!! That knee trembler to Big Show, he may be out cold!!
The Coach:
I told ya J.R!! Mark Jindrak has not just dominated Big Show, hes obliterated him and guess what? Hes done it AGAIN tonight!!
Jim Ross:
But what about William Regal?
The Coach:
What about him? Big Show knew this was No Holds Barred, he knew anything goes. William Regal simply sacrificed himself for the greater cause tonight and that greater cause is Mark Jindrak once again beating this seven foot pile of garbage. Remember the name folks, Mark Jindrak, he is the FUTURE of the WWE.
Jindrak has dragged Regal to his feet and out of the ring, dragging his mentor along, an arm around the shoulder as Jindrak looks his usual stoic self while Regal is in some discomfort but as Coach says it was for the greater cause as Jindrak once again tames the giant here in Washington
We then head off backstage where we join Todd Grisham once again and theres a broad smile on Grishams face as he gets set for another interview.
Todd Grisham:
Joining me at this time, please welcome, the one and only, Sixteen time World Champion, the Nature Boy, Ric Flair!
Flair appears into shot, a smirk on his face as Woooos reverberate around the arena immediately.
Todd Grisham:
Ric in just a matter of moments you go one on one with Christian in what is simply a must win match. If you lose tonight, you will be forced to retire, a stipulation that you offered to Christian in order to accept this match. Ric, I have to ask, are you at all regretting that decision?
Ric Flair:
Ha ha. Todd, I dont regret that decision AT ALL. That stipulation, that decision I made it just ups the ante, it just makes tonight that extra bit SPECIAL!! You can feel it in the air, Washington D.C, the atmosphere ELECTRIC as WOOOOO, the Nature Boy puts it ALL on the line.
Flair is fired up as ever and the crowd are loving it.
Ric Flair:
I know, I know, people are doubting me but Todd people have doubted me all my career, all my LIFE and yknow what Ive done? Ive proved them wrong over and over and OVER AGAIN! Tonight I do it one more time. Christians got talent, hes got fight in him, hes a heck of a competitor but that SON OF A BITCH hasnt got an OUNCE of respect, not an OUNCE of class about him and Im gonna make sure he leaves Washington tonight with the BEATING OF A WOOOOOO LIFETIME!!
Massive pop again for Naitch here.
Todd Grisham:
Ric I dont think theres any doubt just how this match will go and just how much you will leave your mark on Christian here tonight BUT at the same time, everybody knows how crafty Christian can be. Are you at all concerned Christian may have something up his sleeve tonight?
Ric Flair:
Todd incase you forgot IM THE DIRTIEST PLAYER IN THE GAME!! If Christian wants to pull out all the stops tonight, go right ahead cos Ive been there, done it and got the FREAKIN T-SHIRT!!
Flair is intense here as his face has turned bright pink.
Ric Flair:
I know every trick in the god damn book and Christians gonna have to go one better to get one over on the Nature Boy tonight. He wants to play me at my own game? I say go right ahead, I DARE HIM TO!! I guarantee you
that whatever the outcome tonight, Ric Flair will ONCE AGAIN TAKE CENTRE STAGE!! That Ric Flair will WOOOOO, LAY IT ALL ON THE LINE, STYLIN AND PROFILIN LIKE ONLY THE NATURE BOY CAN DO!!
Flair takes a moment to compose himself.
Ric Flair:
Todd, diamonds are FOREVER!! AND SO
Flair gives one more intense stare, the camera really focusing on Naitch as he composes himself, his intensity dying down.
Ric Flair:
So is Ric Flair.
Its a very determined final line from Flair, almost sombre however, perhaps some doubt from Flair? Or was he simply displaying just how focused he is as he heads into this huge contest tonight as we then head back to ringside to hear
Burn in my Light
And there are resounding boos from the Washington crowd as out steps the Legend Killer himself, Randy Orton with a look of determination on his face before the cocky smile soon comes out and his infamous pose.
Michael Cole:
Well we just heard from Ric Flair whose career is in jeopardy tonight but this man Tazz has another mans career in mind. Randy Orton has become well, hes become obsessed with ending the career, ending the legacy of The Undertaker. Tonight Orton has vowed to do just that as he goes one on one with the Phenom in a HUGE grudge match.
Obsessed, thats the exact word Cole. Randy Orton, he just, he just cant focus on anything else except finishin the Deadman. Orton aint afraid anymore, he aint scared of what the Undertaker poses, all Orton cares about is endin the Phenom once and for all but believe me, that aint gonna be easy.
Theres then silence for a brief period as the crowd braces themselves, as does Randy Orton, awaiting the arrival of his opponent
Graveyard Symphony
And its a HUGE pop that greets the eerie sound of The Undertakers music with the Deadman slowly stepping through the smoke, the crowd gearing themselves up for this Wrestlemania rematch.
Michael Cole:
At Wrestlemania the undefeated streak rose to 13-0 when he defeated Randy Orton. Since then Orton has had the Deadman in his sights, defeating The Undertaker at Judgment Day and Tazz, that simply awakened The Undertaker who returned at The Great American Bash with a vengeance.
Damn straight Cole. Undertaker came back with a HUGE bang, costing Randy Orton the WWE Championship and tonight I got a feelin that Undertakers got a point to prove, that hes got a message he wants to send, not just to Randy Orton but to the entire WWE locker room, that he is FAR from finished around this place. I cant wait for this one, gonna be a rocket buster.
The crowd are absolutely electric again here as an UN-DER-TA-KER chant has begun, the Deadman locking eyes with the Legend Killer. Orton surprisingly doesnt look phased here, maybe he truly has overcome the Phenoms mind games in recent weeks. The bell has rung but neither man takes their eyes off one another, both stood still in their respective corners as Taker now puts his boxing like stance up and begins bobbing on the spot, Orton now shaking himself off and it looks like were ready to go as these two charge into the centre of the ring locking horns AND TAKER SHOVES ORTON AWAY AND INTO THE CORNER!! The power of the Deadman evident there as Orton is tossed like a rag doll into the corner and Taker now stalks his prey instantly.
Taker heads into the corner and now goes to town on Orton. Big right hands from Taker, hard shot after hard shot with Orton having no reply here. The Deadman now with a hard elbow shot to the temple!! Orton looks rattled and its more elbows to the head from the veteran, its a very strong start here as the Legend Killer looks on the ropes. Taker with another elbow before he grabs Orton by the arm and whips the former World Champion from one corner of the ring to the other, Ortons back smashing into the turnbuckle as Taker comes charging, BOOT TO THE FACE FROM ORTON!!
Orton with a moments relief as Taker is caught there and stumbles out of the corner, Orton now finding his feet. Taker turns back around and hes caught by Orton, knocking him down with a big clothesline! Undertaker quickly back up however but Ortons right on him again as he connects with another clothesline, the Legend Killer building some steam here as he now draws Taker to his feet, nailing the Phenom with a stiff forearm. Orton continuing to pick the Deadman apart, forearm shots from TLK as Taker is forced back into the ropes, Irish whip now from Orton, Taker rebounds, Orton swings, MISSES! Taker runs through AND COMES BACK WITH A FLYING CLOTHESLINE SENDING ORTON TUMBLING!! As Michael Cole says, vintage Undertaker there as he sends the youngest World Champion in history tumbling.
Orton is floored, Taker throwing himself down in the process but he returns to his feet, Orton not far behind him and its a hard right hand to the stomach of Orton, left and rights from Taker into the kidneys as Ortons forced into the ropes, grimacing in pain as we see an Irish whip from Taker reversal! Taker rebounds off the ropes, Orton ducks his head down nothing? Orton lifts his head back up, BAM!! BIG BOOT FROM THE DEADMAN! Ortons floored and Taker rolls him into the cover
Kick out at two from Orton!
The Washington crowd groans, surprisingly hopeful that Orton was to be finished off there. Taker scowls as he runs his hands through his hair, picking himself back up and drawing Orton up with him as Taker now drags Orton over towards the corner, holding his left arm, the crowd know whats coming here as Taker scales up high!! OLD SCHOOL!! Taker trickles along that top rope CONNECTS!! Orton is floored again, the Demon of Death Valley in full control right now. The Phenom though doesnt wanna let up at that and heads right back to Orton, picking him up to his feet before he takes Orton over into the corner, hard right hand, followed by another with the viciousness of the Deadman evident for all here as he methodically and brutally picks apart Orton with stinging right hands, he lines up one more but Orton ducks it! Orton turns the tables!! Taker now poised in the corner as Orton smashes a shoulder into Takers mid section, followed by another, looking to wind Taker here as he continues to hammer his shoulder right into Takers gut.
Orton now begins using his feet, hammering away with clubbing boots to the gut of Taker, repeated, fast paced shots from Orton as Taker is doubled over. Irish whip now from Orton and Taker rebounds out of the corner, another boot to the gut from Orton before a beautiful uppercut sends Taker spiralling and BAM!! ORTON FLOORS TAKER WITH A PINPOINT DROPKICK!! Hell of a passage from Orton there as he now races into the cover
Kick out at two from the Deadman!! Orton establishing control now though.
The Legend Killer drops down to his knees now and grabs Taker from behind as he wrenches in a sleeper hold!! Orton not dwelling on the two count is looking to wear Taker down all the more as he locks the hold in and Taker gasps for air, the referee poised here to check on the state of The Undertaker as Randy Orton grits his teeth, all the determination in the world right now as he tries to put away his bitter rival.
Taker is somewhat struggling here though and the referee looks concerned as he takes a closer look and hes about to raise Takers arm!! The crowd are rallying round the Deadman, Undertaker chants in full force as Taker shows no signs of life and the official raises his arm!!
The crowds enthusiasm continues, theyre desperate for Taker to keep fighting as we get another look at the sheer will to win on Randy Ortons face. The referee then raises Takers hand once more
Takers in trouble here as Orton yells Come on, urging the referee to hurry up as he goes towards Taker, one more shot left at it for the Deadman as the official raises his arm for a third time
AND IT DROPS, NO!! TAKER FIGHTS IT!! THE UNDERTAKER HANGING IN!! The crowd roars as Taker refuses to be beaten and uses all his power to get to one knee, the hold is still in but a look of concern now from Orton as Taker starts to fight back, his face turned pink almost but he digs an elbow into the gut of Orton!! Another hard elbow and Taker is building some momentum here, Orton losing his grip on the Phenom, another elbow and the grips is broken!! The crowd pops big as Taker breaks free!! Orton stumbles away but hes quickly back round and he charges at Taker but a boot to the gut from Taker now, Irish whip, Orton rebounds and he gets caught side on, SIDEWALK SLAM!! Taker turning things around in this thing, cover from the Deadman, a slow one albeit
A comfortable kick out from Randy Orton but The Undertaker is right back in this thing now as Orton feels the effects of that stinging landing there, clutching his lower back in some pain.
Taker drags himself up, bringing Orton up not too far behind him as the Deadman looks to really punish the thorn in his side in recent months. He clubs Orton with a right hand, the crowd cheering every shot as Taker continues to hammer away. Ortons pressed up against the ropes, Irish whip from Taker, Orton rebounds, GOOZLE!! The crowd rise to their feet!! CHOKESLAM!! NO!! Orton wriggles free and he SPRINTS OUT OF THE RING!! The crowd pour heat on the Legend Killer as he ducks underneath the bottom rope and to the outside, desperate for a breather as he tries to regroup in this thing.
Orton wanders slowly around the ring, catching his breath as the crowd hurl insults his way, Orton shaking his head as he now leans against the announce table but as Orton turns around WE SEE THE UNDERTAKER FLYING, SUICIDE DIVE!! A SUICIDE DIVE FROM THE DEADMAN TAKES ORTON DOWN!! A very small Holy Shit chant has begun as the Deadman risks it all there to take both himself and Randy Orton out.
Both men are fallen here as Michael Cole and Tazz play up how big a moment that could prove to be in this match as its now a race to their feet here with Orton seemingly out of it, Taker though is struggling also but is clambering to get to his knees, clearly a little worse for wear as he looks to pick himself back up. The fans are encouraging the Deadman here and he IS now to his feet, flicking his hair out of his face as he looks around at this roaring arena before dragging the lifeless body of Randy Orton back up, tossing him under the bottom rope and following in pursuit. Taker opts to roll Orton over, cover here
Kick out at two again from Orton!! Taker seemed to believe it inevitable but Tazz plays up that Randy Orton had to use all his energy there to kick out, the Deadman wearing him down with every pinfall attempt.
Taker is again up to his feet as Orton scrambles around the mat on his knees. Taker heads back towards the cocky youngster but hes caught with an elbow to the gut!! Orton showing some fight now, regaining his whereabouts and its another elbow as Taker falls away, Orton grabbing the ropes, pulling himself up as Taker turns back around, kick to the gut from Orton before a clubbing shot across Takers back. Orton finding his feet again now, repeated blows across the back of Taker before another boot to the mid section and a STIFF uppercut sends Taker stumbling!! Orton grabs Takers arm, Irish whip, Taker flies back off the ropes right into a hip toss from Orton!! Takers down and Orton crawls into a cover of his own
Kick out at two from Taker, Orton now building his way back into this thing after a spell of dominance from the Deadman.
Orton draws Taker up, clubbing him across the back with another stiff shot, repeated blows from Randy Orton here, hes not letting up. Orton grabs the arm of the Deadman again, another Irish whip but a reversal this time from Taker, Orton uses the ropes to stop himself rebounding and Taker comes charging, BACK BODY DROP FROM ORTON!! BUT TAKER LANDS ON THE APRON!! Undertaker lands on his feet, Orton spins round, boot to the gut, Taker is doubled over here, a look of ruthlessness in the eyes of Orton as he grabs the head of Taker through the ropes AND HE DROPS TAKER WITH A ROPE HUNG DDT!! Vicious move from Orton and he rolls Taker over, hook of the leg
NO!! TAKER KICKS OUT!! The Washington crowd come alive as Undertaker hangs in, Randy Orton for the first time looking a little frustrated here as he fails to put the Deadman away following that devastating move.
Orton glares a hole through the official before beginning to turn his attentions back towards his opponent, realising this one isnt over with. Taker is now beginning to stir but Orton is poised to strike!! The Legend Killer stalking his prey here as he pounds the mat, waiting, ready for Taker to get to his feet, the crowd are on the edge here as Taker is to one knee, he grabs the ropes, pulling himself up but he turns back around somewhat dazed here RKO!! NO!! TAKER SHOVES ORTON AWAY, Orton rebounds off the ropes, GOOZLE!! CHOEKSLAM!! CHOKESLAM FROM THE UNDERTAKER!!
Orton is floored but Takers slow in getting across, he drags himself over, finally into the cover
The groans ring around the arena as Randy Orton survives, Undertaker sitting up, his hands on his hips as he looks just as shocked as some fans do with Orton kicking out of the chokeslam right there. Taker now brings himself to his feet, hands still on his hips as he ponders his next move BEFORE HE SIGNALS FOR THE END, HE SIGNALS FOR A TOMBSTONE!! The crowd pops huge for this as the Deadman has the end in his sights now. Orton is trying to sit up but still in no mans land following that choke slam. Taker is poised as Orton now gets to his knees, Taker inches ever forward Orton is up, he spins around, TAKER SCOOPS HIM UP BUT ORTON SLIDES DOWN THE BACK OF HIM, ROLL UP!! ORTONS GOT THE TIGHTS!!
NO!! TAKER JUST ABOUT SURVIVES!! Orton nearly stealing a victory over the Phenom there!!
Both men are up to their feet and head towards one another, its Orton with a right hand, Taker with one right back, a brawl beginning here and the power of the Deadman is seeing him come out on top, fast, vicious right hands to Orton before he tosses Orton into the corner with authority. Orton is rocked against the turnbuckle, Taker takes a few steps back before charging at Orton, BOOT TO THE SKULL!! NO!! ORTON DUCKS IT AND TAKER GETS CAUGHT UP ON THE TURNBUCKLE!! Taker is in big trouble now and Orton comes racing behind him before SHOVING HIM OFF THE TOP AND TAKER COLLIDES INTO THE BARRICADE!! No remorse from Randy Orton as Taker is dropped to the outside with Orton seizing his moment there and Taker absolutely thundering into the barricade.
Orton catches his breath before heading to the outside where Taker clutches his shoulder having landed awkwardly there, hes sprawling around the outside as Orton drops off the apron and almost studies Taker, looking him up and down before delivering a VICIOUS kick to the skull, Orton not holding anything back. Another hard kick right to the face before another AND ANOTHER as Orton stamps his boot right across the Deadmans face before he drops down and on top of Taker, relentlessly hammering away with right hands, an extremely aggressive side to Orton as he finally lets up, the crowd booing Orton profusely before he gets in Takers face again, NAILING one more right hand before yelling that I WILL FINISH YOU TAKER. Real venom in this attack from Orton, Tazz citing hes not seen this side to him before.
The referees count is now at five as Orton drags Taker up by the hair, bringing him to an upright position before he grabs Takers left arm and he WHIPS TAKER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Taker cries out in pain as Orton continues to make his surge here, a smirk coming across the Legend Killers face now as he watches over the fallen Phenom. Orton heads over to his opponent, the count now at seven, pushing eight as he draws Taker up to his feet, rolling him back inside the ring and following suit. He turns Taker over, into the cover, will this be enough?
Kick out at two from the Deadman!! Orton looks a little peeved but soon smirks again, realising that he is in control right now despite that kick out and heads back to work on the Phenom.
Taker is still down as Orton now takes his time before he runs the ropes and comes storming back dropping a knee right across the skull of Taker. Again Orton runs the ropes and AGAIN Orton drops a knee across the back of Takers head, the Legend Killer not allowing Taker a minutes respite here as he continues this assault. The crowd are now beginning to urge Taker on, willing him back into this contest as they start another UN-DER-TA-KER chant as Orton scoffs at their attempts to encourage before he drops down and reaches towards the Deadman, looking to bring him to his feet once again and he pulls Taker up, goes for a right hand, TAKER BLOCKS IT! The encouragement seems to have paid off as Taker shows his steely side here. Taker blocks it and he now throws a right, connects! Taker now swinging right hands at Orton and the Legend Killer is now on the backfoot, his momentum derailed as the Demon of Death Valley comes fighting back here!
Taker really feeling it now here as he goes for right and left hands to the stomach of Orton, pounding the kidneys, the tables now turned as Taker grabs the arm of Orton, Irish whip, Orton rebounds and hes scooped up high by Taker, TOMBSTONE INCOMING!! NO!! Instead Taker heads to the corner, SNAKE EYES!! Orton falls out of the corner as Taker runs the ropes, BAM!! BIG BOOT FROM THE PHENOM!! The crowd goes wild as its classic Undertaker!!
Orton is now in heaps of trouble as Taker eyes him up, Orton flailing around on his knees as Taker stalks him, perhaps the end in mind for the Deadman now. Orton is up, hes not sure of his whereabouts however as he turns around, boot to the gut from Taker, he puts Orton in between his legs, ORTONS IN TROUBLE!! ORTONS GOING FOR A LAST RIDE!! TAKER HOISTS HIM UP HIGH BUT ORTON SMASHES TAKER REPEATEDLY WITH RIGHT HANDS!! Takers grip loosening and Orton sneaks down the back of him, Taker turns around, RKO!! RKO FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! THE LEGEND KILLER STRIKES FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! Orton into a cover
Orton is genuinely sitting in disbelief, the look on his face says it all as he seems to mouth No over and over, bringing himself up before that look of horror suddenly disappears and a look of anger comes across Ortons face now, his cheeks turning bright red as he looks ready to blow a gasket. Orton puts his hands on his head before gritting his teeth as Taker gets to one knee, Orton not doing anything here as he allows Taker strangely to get to his feet before moving forward and he puts Taker in a headlock, trademark Orton here as he goes for that inverted headlock backbreaker but Taker wriggles out of Ortons grip, twisting Ortons arm away as Orton grabs it in some discomfort before turning round, SCOOPED UP HIGH, TOMBSTONE!! NO!! ORTON SLIDES OUT AGAIN, RKO!! TAKERS SPUN ROUND INTO AN RKO!! NO!! TAKER SHOVES ORTON OFF, ORTON SPINS BACK ROUND, BOOT TO THE GUT, ORTON GOES UP HIGH ONCE AGAIN, LAST RIDE!! LAST RIDE CONNECTS!! A devastating landing as Taker drops to his knees, cover on the Legend Killer
The crowd are in a state of complete shock, The Undertaker is likewise as he simply stares at the body of a resilient Randy Orton, not knowing quite how to react to that. The beating these two men have given each other and yet there is still no winner yet. Taker pulls himself up, again wiping the hair out of his face, perhaps wondering what to do next but it doesnt take him long to think as he calls for the end!! Tombstone incoming!! Orton is in trouble here as he begins to surface, Taker though cant wait and he hoists Orton to his feet, he scoops him up high, TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!! THE CROWD ARE ON THEIR FEET!! NO!! ORTON REVERSES IT INTO A TOMBSTONE OF HIS OWN!! ORTONS PLAYING THE PHENOM AT HIS OWN GAME!! NO!! TAKER REVERSES!!
Taker slips round the back of Orton, Orton spins around, Taker swings for him, Orton ducks it, Taker spins round, RKO!! NO!! TAKER SHOVES ORTON AWAY INTO THE ROPES!! Orton rebounds, the crowd are electric here and right into the path of Taker, GOOZLE!! CHOKESLAM!! RKO!! WHAT THE HELL HAS ORTON PULLED OFF?!? ORTON COUNTERS THE CHOKESLAM INTO AN RKO!! Orton drags himself over to the lifeless Deadman, the crowd are stunned, cover
Winner: Randy Orton(20:35
Michael Cole:
Unfreakinbelievable Cole!! I thought that was it, I thought The Undertaker had Orton beat, I thought Orton was done for and then that, that RKO outta nowhere!! That is a HUGE win for Randy Orton!!
Michael Cole:
But was it the win Orton wanted? Was it the decisive win, was it the win that truly ended The Undertaker? As big as it was for Randy Orton, did the Legend Killer indeed kill the career of The Undertaker tonight?
I dont think so Cole but I gotta admit, I think he mayve killed the aura, he mayve crushed the power of the Phenom right here tonight. Major props to Randy Orton.
Orton celebrates his victory with a cocky look on his face before that changes into a more stern approach, a fierce look on Ortons face now while The Undertaker remain fallen on the mat, seemingly motionless as Orton has pulled one out of the bag here tonight.
We then head off to the back once again where we see Matt Hardy who is walking down the halls, United States Title over his shoulder as he is congratulated by his peers on retaining the gold earlier on against Carlito. Hardy continues walking before hes stopped in his tracks by Josh Matthews.
Josh Matthews:
Matt, Matt if I could just get a quick word. Congratulations on retaining your United States Title tonight against Carlito. Just how tough was tonights contest and just how hard did you have to work in order to keep hold of that title?
Matt Hardy:
Well thanks Josh, I appreciate it and as far as how tough tonight was? It was
tough. There aint no doubt about it, Carlitos a heck of an athlete, hes a heck of a talent and its only once you come up against him that you realise just how hard its gonna be to come out on top. BUT thats
what I did.
Hardy pats his title as the fans give him a nice pop for that comment.
Matt Hardy:
I put it all on the line out there tonight, gave it everything I had and I proved to Carlito, I proved to
that still has any doubt in their minds, that Matt Hardy IS for real and that Matt Hardy is NO fluke. Im the United States Champion, not because I got lucky, not because it was right place, right time but because I
it, because I
to hold this.
Hardy again looks proudly at his championship.
Matt Hardy:
And you better believe Josh that I plan on makin sure this title stays by my side for a long, LONG time to come.
Josh Matthews:
Well Matt, moving on, who do you see as potential challengers to that title? Is there anybody we should keep an eye on that could be in line for a future championship opportunity?
Matt Hardy:
Well theres a ton of guys back there who hav
BAM!! HARDY IS SUDDENLY BLINDSIDED BY CARLITO!! THE MAN WHO LOST TO HARDY EARLIER ON TONIGHT HAS SNAPPED AND AMBUSHED HARDY!! Carlito now battering Hardy with venomous right and left hands, battering away at the U.S. Champion who is in no mans land right now. Josh Matthews watches on in horror, a fair distance away but theres seemingly nobody else around now as Carlito brings Hardy up by the back of the head before SMASHING HARDY FACE FIRST OFF OF A WALL BACKSTAGE!! Hardy immediately staggers backwards as Lito yells JU THINK JURE A TOUGH GUY HUH MATT? before Carlito SMASHES HARDYS SKULL OFF OF THE WALL ONE MORE TIME!! Hardy slumps to the floor, looking almost out cold now as the crowd boos profusely for the Coolest superstar on Friday nights.
Lito then eyes up Josh Matthews who looks scared to death, almost frozen before he grabs Matthews microphone.
Ju..ju think theres gonna be another challenger to dat title? Let Carlito tell ju something Josh. There is NOBODY who gets a shot at dat United States Title BEFORE CARLITO!!
Lito is worked up in a big way here.
Carlito was ROBBED out there tonight!! Dis guy?
Pointing at Hardy before walking over to him.
Dis guy isnt fit to LACE CARLITOS BOOTS!!
Lito then smashes a boot off of Hardys skull once more.
Matt Hardy will ALWAYS be a failure, ALWAYS be a let down, ALWAYS be A JOKE!! Carlito promises, Carlito guarantees dat the joke WILL come to an end, dat Matt Hardys time as champion WILL come to an end and dat Carlito? Carlito WILL be da NEW United States Champion and dat? DAT is cool.
Lito puts the boot in once more on Hardy, a fire clearly burning in him tonight before walking off to a chorus of boos from the crowd, Matthews still looken shaken whilst Hardy remains unmoved in a heap on the floor.
We then return back ringside to the Raw announce desk of J.R and Coach.
Jim Ross:
Folks coming up next, well all I can say is that Washington D.C needs to be prepared for what will be an emotional rollercoaster. Its Ric Flair one on one with Christian and if Ric Flair loses this match, if Christian is victorious then the Nature Boy MUST retire. The career of the sixteen time World Champion could come crashing down here tonight. Lets now take a look at just what the WWE superstars are feeling heading into tonights showdown and just what kind of impact the loss of Ric Flair could have on the entire WWE locker room.
We cut to a video package and it begins showing Ric Flair winning his first World Title, all the way back in 1981 when he toppled Dusty Rhodes. We then see Flair celebrating, holding the World Title up high to rapturous applause. The camera then pans and we see Batista, holding his World Heavyweight title over his shoulder in what looks like a kind of sit down interview.
Sixteen times. Six teen times hes won this championship. Ive won this just once and yknow how hard I had to work, had to fight, had to claw to reach this point? He done that sixteen times, its just incredible. The man in my eyes is the greatest of all time.
Batista now huffs a touch before we get a shot of Flair locking in the Figure Four on old rival Terry Funk.
Ric was my mentor for such a long time and still to this day he gives me advice like nobody else can. If he loses at Summerslam? If he loses at Summerslam then I dont know what Im gonna do, I dont know what the locker rooms gonna do. Our father figure will just just be gone, in the blink of an eye. I dont I dont even wanna think about it.
We then get a shot of Flair taking on Ricky Steamboat back in the day, Flairs infamous To be the man, you gotta beat the man ringing over the action before we now turn to the next in line to speak on Flair and its Y2J, Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho:
Theres a whole lot of people in the locker room on Monday Night Raw, in the entire WWE locker room. Theres a whole lot of egos, a whole lot of attitudes but I think that everybody can agree on the fact that Ric Flair is that guy that we ALL aspire to be like.
Chris Jericho:
Christians a guy Ive had my battles with in the past and hes a hell of a talent but hes no Ric Flair. Ric Flair will always be the man and at Summerslam Christian? He wants to be the man, well he knows he will have to do exactly what Flairs been doing his whole career, hes gonna have to beat the man.
Jericho smirks before we cut away from him and see Flair leading Evolution out to the ring before we cut away to see Randy Orton sat down.
Randy Orton:
Ric has been a mentor to me ever since I set foot in this company. He always, always wanted me to follow in his footsteps, to break out and be the kinda star that he himself was back in the day. But see, thats the problem, Ric WAS a star. Ric WAS the man. But now? Now its time for a new generation, its time for guys like myself, guys like Christian to take the ball and run with it. My message is crystal clear, Ric, thank you for everything youve done for me but its time to pack up and go home.
We get a clip of a bloodied and battered Flair, his trademark crimson mask now before we cut away to the figure of Big Show.
Big Show:
The day will come when Rics gone, I know that, we all know that, but that day? That day hasnt come yet. If Ric loses Sunday night theres gonna be just a huge hole, a huge, huge hole to fill. Theres nobody out there like Ric Flair, there never will be another Ric Flair. I only hope that Sunday night we see Ric Flair stylin and profiling one more time, WOOOOO!! And if we dont?
Show now sighs, looking away.
Big Show:
If we dont then things just wont be the same around here anymore.
We cut back to more Flair action and we see him capturing the World title once again, this time in a legendary battle with Ricky Steamboat at WrestleWar all the way back in 1989.
I grew up watching Ric Flair, idolising Ric Flair, wanting to be Ric Flair. Now? Now all I see is a washed up, shell of his former shelf and it makes me sick. So yeah I DID grow up wanting to be like him but I also grew up and worked my way up in this business with a guy who did the same damn thing.
We then get a shot of Christian before a shot of the early days of Edge and Christian teaming together and their infamous Five Second Pose.
Me and Christian wanted to reach the top of the mountain, we wanted to be in that same spot Ric Flair occupied for so many years. And well, here we are, at Wrestlemania I took that spot when I won Money in the Bank and this Sunday night? Christians gonna take his spot and hes gonna take it from the man himself.
Edge now lets out a smirk of his own as we see a shot of Edge and Christian winning the Tag Team Titles for the first time before we again cut away, this time to the WWE Champion, John Cena.
John Cena:
Yknow Im not even on Raw but it aint just the Raw superstars that Ric Flair influences, its the Smackdown superstars as well. Its the guys just makin their way in the business, its the guys wrestling ALL over the world who are influenced by Ric Flair.
More shots of Flair doing his thing, the infamous Flair strut now being displayed before a shot of Naitch in his robe as he walks down the ramp.
John Cena:
I think I speak for everyone when I say that I hope and I pray that Summerslam is not the last we see of Ric Flair. If it is? Well if it is then thats a huge piece of the WWE jigsaw we all lose.
We now go to a shot of Flair and Christian, face to face in one of their promos from Raw, a lengthy staredown between the two men before the music begins to get faster, begins to build and we get clips of the build to this almighty battle here tonight.
Ric Flair:
You wanna be on top, you wanna be the torch bearer, you want respect? You EARN IT!! You go toe to toe with the very best night after night, and the very best is STILL THE NATURE BOY!!
You gotta face facts old timer. You are FAR from the very best around here anymore. Your time has come and gone, it is MY time to shine and last night damn sure proved it.
We get a shot of Christian pinning Flair at Vengeance thanks to the aid of Tomko
Ric Flair:
Christian Im not askin anymore, Im DEMANDING that you face me one.. more.. time, LIKE A MAN.
Why should I give you another match with me huh? What have you done to deserve it? Whats in it for me exactly?
Ric Flair
What have I done to deserve it? Ha. Christian, this ones real simple. Im RIC FLAIR, THE NATURE BOY, THE DIRTIEST PLAYER IN THE GAME, SIX-TEEEEEEN TIME WOOOOOOOOO, WORLDDDDD CHAMPION. IF THAT DONT DESERVE IT, I DONT KNOW WHAT DOES!!!
Flair is all fired up before we get another outburst from the Nature Boy.
Ric Flair:
And whats in it for you? Hows this sound? Summerslam, one more time, Christian one on one with Ric Flair. You beat me.... and I will GO, I will WALK OUT THE DOOR, I will RETIRE, FOR GOOD!!.
Ric, youre on and believe me, at Summerslam I will bring the image, I will bring the career and I will bring the LEGACY of Ric Flair .. to an end.
We then see all the more from this heated rivalry, including snippets of Christians Peep Show with Arn Anderson before we see the shocking assault from Captain Charisma on Double A. We then get to see Flair come to the aid of Eugene after taking a vicious beating from Christian and Tomko before locking in the Figure Four on Christians Problem Solver. We then get more of Flair hot on Christians heels but Christian managing to avoid the Nature Boys advances every time, Flairs frustrations evident. We then see more from their face to face this past Monday on Raw, the music dying down a touch as it really hits home now.
At long last Im gonna put you and Im gonna put all these people outta their misery when I send you back home to Charlotte, when I send you crawling back to reality, when I send you to the retirement home. I dont want you to lie to these people Ric, they need to know the truth and I give that to all of them. I provide all you people with the cold, hard facts because as the leader of a new generation, it is my duty.
Ric Flair:
You got talent. You got bundles of talent but you wanna be a leader? Ha ha. You wanna lead a new generation? You gotta have a WHOLE LOT MORE than just talent. You gotta put in hard work, day in day out, you gotta aspire to be the best. You gotta be a role model, act a certain way, behave a certain way because when you got guys ALL OVER THE WORLD that look up to you? Thats a heck of a responsibility you gotta shoulder. And Christian, you gotta be humble, you gotta know exactly where you came from and NEVER forget it. You have got to be EVERYTHING that youre not.
A good role model? A good (starts chuckling) A good role model? Coming from you? Are you kidding me? You have got to be one of absolute worst role models for any young kid to look up to. What is it you always like to talk about Ric? What is it you like to brag about? How youre all about livin the high life. About how much money you like to spend, about how many women you like to sleep with, about the fast cars, the private jets. What kinda example is that to all those people who look up to you?
Ric Flair
Im able to lead that life because I worked hard to get to where I am today. I worked my ass off all my life to be in the position Im in right this very second and while Im in that position? While Im in THIS position, Im gonna make the most of EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!
We then get a final shot of both men, dead still staring the other one down before an eerie silence before the final part of the package comes into play.
Ric Flair:
This Sunday, its not about the high life, its not about the money, the women, being a role model. All this Sunday is about is me going out there and KICKING YOUR ASS!! Its about me proving to you, proving to everybody out there that there is STILL LIFE IN THE NATURE BOY YET!! This Sunday I am gonna give you every single ounce of blood, sweat and tears that I have inside o me and I guarandamntee I guaran damn tee that you get EXACTLY whats coming to ya.
Well I guess I guess Ill see you on Sunday Ric but for now, why dont why dont you take this all in huh? Why dont you savour this? Why dont you enjoy this? Take a look around, come on, soak it all in because this (pointing around the arena) this is the very last time you ever step foot on MY show again. August 21st 2005, were gonna remember it for a very, VERY long time as the night a new era begins and the night where the career, the legacy of Ric Flair comes to an end.
The final shot is of Flair doing exactly that and taking in the crowd response who are on their feet as Flair looks around the arena, Christian backing up the ramp as we now fade back to the arena for this mammoth encounter
Just Close Your Eyes
And theres a buzz of excitement as the music of Christian hits. The excited pop soon turns to heat however as they realise this man could end the legendary career of the Nature Boy this evening. Christian marches his way down ringside, surveying the arena for his Peeps, Tomko accompanying him as ever.
Jim Ross:
As big a night it is for Ric Flair, it is just as big a night for this man folks. Christian scored one of his biggest victories of his career back at Vengeance when he defeated the Nature Boy but tonight he gets the opportunity to not just do it again but to end the career of Ric Flair. I mean, how big, how HUGE an achievement that would be for Christian to accomplish.
The Coach:
Itd be absolutely monufreakinmental J.R. Christian has said it himself though, hes this generations very own Ric Flair. Hes gonna get victories like this, victories this big and hes gonna start the wave tonight, the wave for a new era, a new generation and youre lookin at the leader of that.
Jim Ross:
Well the way Christian has acted these past few weeks, months even is not befitting of a leader, that I can assure you. Christian has disrespected Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Flairs home town of Charlotte, Flairs own career and if he finishes that career tonight, I can only imagine what Christians gonna have to say about that.
The Coach:
Hey, you aint gonna be imaginin for much longer baby!!
Christian now waits patiently before beginning to bounce up and down on his toes as the crowd awaits
Also Sprach Zarathrusta
And the pop BLOWS THE ROOF OFF!! Flair steps out to an enormous pop as he has a wry smile on his face, taking in the applause as we see Christian sarcastically applauding also and Flairs smile soon changes to a look of focus as he locks eyes on his bitter rival and begins to realise just whats on the line tonight.
Jim Ross:
I dont wanna believe Coach that this will be the last time we hear that music, that we see this legend, this future Hall of Famer walk down the ramp, that glint in his eye and get ready to compete but I know just as well as Ric Flair does, it is a possibility tonight. Ric Flair loses this match folks, its all over for the Nature Boy.
The Coach:
Im one hundred and ten percent convinced that despite what Flairs done in the past, despite what hes achieved, he simply can NOT win this match. Flair is done around these parts, hes past it, over the hill. It is Christians time to shine and tonight he takes that first step when he sends old man river to the retirement home. Flair doesnt stand a chance.
Jim Ross:
Well I beg to differ Coach. Flair stands EVERY chance tonight. Hes not a Sixteen time World Champion for no reason. Hes not the Nature Boy, the Dirtiest Player in the Game for nothing. Flairs experience, Flairs know how, Flairs talent is more than enough to see him over the line tonight. Im expecting an instant classic tonight Coach and Flair will put it ALL on the line to save the one thing he loves most, his career.
The atmosphere is absolutely electric for this one as the fans understand just how important this match is and just what the consequences are should their hero lose. Flair looks absolutely ready and raring to go, a glint in his eye as he looks around the arena, perhaps for the last time before setting his sights towards Christian who looks a little anxious, perhaps nervous ahead of such a huge showdown. The look of anxiousness soon changes to a look of determination as Christian playfully slaps himself, psyching himself up here and the bell rings for this one to get off and running.
The two men begin to circle one another, Lets go Flair chants echoing around the crowd, trying to give Flair the early momentum as the two go to lock up but Christian strikes with a knee right into Flairs kidney as hes the one that assumes control, another knee to the kidney before a big time right hand as Captain Charisma looks to make his mark early on in this one. Christian with another big right before an Irish whip from the former Intercontinental Champion as Flair comes off the ropes and Christian looks for a hiptoss but Flair reverses and sends Christian tumbling with a hiptoss of his own!! The crowd goes into a frenzy as Christians back to his feet quickly but hes met with a stiff chop across the chest, WOOOO as the chops continue and Christians forced into the corner, Flair getting off to the start he wouldve certainly hoped for.
Flair now on top as Christian has no escape route from the corner and Flair dishes out another venomous chop, Christians chest turned bright red now as Flair begins to strut out of the corner, stylin and profilin around the ring like only Naitch knows how, the crowd eating it up before Flair turns back around RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE!! Christian lays Flair out with a brutal clothesline, immediately clutching his chest afterwards, Flair doing his damage but Christian now sitting in pole position as the boos ring round the arena. Captain Charisma now cuts a very serious figure as he begins to stomp away at Flair, hammering away, his right boot smashing off every inch of Flairs body from top to bottom as the referee warns Christian here and Captain Charisma backs off a little wary of a disqualification.
Christian gives Flair a moment to get to his knees before striking with another kick right to the ribs looking then at dragging Flair to his feet and nailing a stinging uppercut. Irish whip now from Christian as Flair comes soaring back off the ropes right into Christians path and CC drops him with a flapjack!! Beautiful move by Christian who rolls into the cover here
Shoulder up at two as we see a few worried faces now, Flairs fans realising just how fine the margin is for his career tonight.
Christian looks a little disappointed as Flair survives but the Captain begins to wonder about his next move as he drops to his knees and pulls Flair up by the back of the neck before VICIOUSLY beginning to club away with strong shots across the throat of Flair!! Real venom and aggression from Christian as he hammers away with forearms across the throat, Flair struggling for breath as Christian tosses Flair down to the mat again, wiping his hands of him like hes a piece of meat as the crowd boos Christians ruthlessness here.
Christian heads back to the Nature Boy once more, a clear focus for all to see as he drags Flair to his feet, nailing him with a boot to the gut before an Irish whip, Flair falls into the corner as Christian follows right behind and begins to unload, right hand after right hand, BANG, BANG, BANG, Flair having no answer as the referee warns CC again who backs up before delivering a MASSIVE right hand that sends Flair tumbling. Christian picking apart the Nature Boy here in impressive fashion as he pounds his chest to all his Peeps, drawing strong heat once more, the odd cheer from his small yet vocal fan base in attendance.
Flairs looking to drag himself up but is clearly struggling as Christian brings him up himself now, again nailing a right hand before forcing Flair into the ropes, Irish whip across the ring and Flair rebounds, no! Flair holds onto the ropes, perhaps just desperate for a breather as Christian comes charging right at him and Flair back body drops him UP AND OVER to the outside!! Christian lands hard on the outside as Flair, out of breath, lets out a deflated WOOOO, the crowd right behind Naitch as he takes a moment to take stock of things, a possible breather for the veteran before heading back after his bitter rival below the ring.
Flair hops off the apron as Christian gets to his knees and Flair clubs him with a right hand and again and AGAIN, Woooo met with every hard shot from the crowd as Flair dishes out some aggression of his own. Christian now the one with no answer as Flair brings him to his feet and lands another stinging chop across the chest!! Irish whip now from Flair and CHRISTIAN SMASHES SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! Christian immediately writhes in pain as he falls down and clutches his injured right arm, Flair hot on his tail here, the ramifications of this match no doubt in mind as he looks to keep up the pressure.
Flair again scoops Christian up and kicks him in the gut, not once but twice before dropping to his knees and DELIVERING A THUMB TO THE EYE!! TRADEMARK FLAIR!! The fans eating it up every step of the way as Christian is blinded and Flair comes from behind and he takes Christian down with a BACK SUPLEX!! Huge impact right on the outside as Flair drops Christian here!! The referees count is now at seven however and Flair realises he cant win this match on the outside. Not wanting to do it the easy way he grabs Christian, tossing him back into the ring, following right behind with his opponent in some distress following that hard impact.
Flair slowly gets back in but hes caught with an elbow to the back of the head from Christian! Christian forgetting the pain hes in, desperate to put an end to Flair tonight as he now finds his feet, using the time he was allowed by Flair to get back into the ring. Flair gets up slowly following that elbow shot and Christian looks for a big right hand but Flair blocks it!! Flair blocks it and lands a right of his own, followed by another, Flair trying to regain control and scores with an Irish whip now to Christian, Naitch heads off one way, Christian the other as both men meet in the middle, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!! Both men taken down and its a real tense situation here in Washington. Flairs career in the balance, Christian maybe feeling his future lies in the balance also. Its a race to their feet as the tension continues to build here. Its nail biting stuff in the arena as both men look out of it right about now, the fans continuing to encourage the Nature Boy.
Both men start to roll around the mat, both worn out from this incredible battle thus far as the referee has started to count. Christian looks taken aback as we get a close up of his face, perhaps not expecting Flair to be this resilient, give him this much fight as we then see the Nature Boy who looks drained as he begins to find his feet also here. Christian to his knees now as a NA-TURE-BOY chant starts up with Flair all but to his feet and hes headed towards Christian but hes caught with an elbow!! Elbow to the mid section, followed by another as Flair winces in pain, Christian now to his feet. Flair stumbles away but Christian spins him back around before tossing Flair through the ropes and INTO THE RINGPOST!! Shoulder first goes Flair, thrown like a MISSILE as he writhes in agony, falling out of the corner and CHRISTIAN GOES FOR THE UNPRETTIER!! UNPRETTIER!! NO!! FLAIR SHOVES HIM AWAY!! Christian turns back around and charges at Flair BUT FLAIR CATCHES HIM WITH AN ATOMIC DROP!! Nature Boy starting to feel it here, the adrenaline flowing as Flair leads with an Irish whip, Christian rebounds and Flair connects with a back body drop!! Christian is down and FLAIR GOES FOR THE LEFT LEG, FIGURE FOUR TIME!! FIGURE FOUR ON CHRISTIAN!! The crowd is eating it up as Flair fights to get the hold in and ITS LOCKED IN!!
Christian has nowhere to go, hes dead centre of the ring, the look of sheer effort on Flairs face says it all as he fights to save his career. The crowd are on their feet as Christians hands are flailing, a look of agony etched across his face, will he tap?? Christians hanging in, Captain Charisma looking desperately for the ropes, trying to edge himself over as Flair fights to keep the hold locked in. The crowd are going wild, they sense the end , however Christians edging over, edging closer to the ropes BUT FLAIR USES ALL HIS STRENGTH TO DRAG CHRISTIAN BACK TO THE CENTRE!!
Chrsitians hand begins to lower, the end is night, J.R is selling this thing like mad on commentary but then WE SEE TOMKO HOP ONTO THE APRON!! Tomko is on the apron as the referee tries to get him away and Flair breaks the hold realising that Tomkos gonna do all he can to prevent him winning. Flair gets to his feet, a little wearily before heading very slowly over BAM!! FLAIR KNOCKS TOMKO OFF THE APRON WITH A HUGE RIGHT HAND!!
The crowd pops massively as Tomko is floored and Flair heads back over to Christian, letting out another WOOO as he goes right back to the left leg, Figure Four time again!! NO!! INSIDE CRADLE FROM CHRISTIAN!!
Flair survives as Christian comes within a whisker of ending Naitchs career! The crowd are left open mouthed having almost lost their hero, some believing the count WAS three. Both men then get to their feet although Christian does so very gingerly, his left leg clearly in some discomfort after that Figure Four. Christian meets Flair in the middle and hes met with a STINGING chop across the chest!! Flair continues laying it all on the line here..
Christian having no answer now as Flair forces him back into the corner, Irish whip from Flair and Christian falls face first into the opposite turnbuckle, Flair follows right behind him and ROLLS CHRISTIAN UP FROM BEHIND!!
Flair looks desperate now as he thought that was three but Christian shows his resolve now as he gets to his knees, crawling away from Flair but Flair suddenly has a look of anger as he heads over to Christian with real force, a real steely look on his face BUT CHRISTIAN WITH A THUMB TO THE EYE!! A page right out of Flairs book!! Christian then grabs Flair from behind, UNPRETTIER!! UNPRETTIER CONNECTS!! CHRISTIAN CRAWLS INTO THE COVER!!!
Christian looks absolutely stunned, both men down, Christian cannot believe it, he looks exhausted as Flair somehow kicks out just in the knick of time and this thing rolls on. Christian slams the mat in frustration as he gets to his feet, hands on hips as he wonders what hes gotta do to put Flair away here. A light switch then seems to go off in his head as he limps a little bit over towards the fallen body of Flair, his left leg still struggling as Christian then begins to smirk?? Captain Charisma then grabs Flair by the legs, NO WAY!! AND CHRISTIAN LOCKS IN THE FIGURE FOUR!! CHRISTIAN LOCKS IN THE FIGURE FOUR!! IS FLAIRS CAREER COMING TO AN END AT THE HANDS OF HIS OWN MOVE!?!
We see some fans with their hands on their heads, they cant quite comprehend this happening as Flair cries out in agony, Christians face is painted of sheer determination, the will to win, the will to end the career of one of the all time greats. Christian yells out TAP! while Flair continues to squeal in pain, his hands all over the place, surely it wont end this way? The referee goes over to Flair who is trying with all his might to fight out of this but its seemingly no use as his hand falls closer to the mat, the crowd are literally in disbelief, some look on the verge of tears as FLAIRS HAND FALLS!! But Flair gives one more burst of energy as he tries to counter the hold!! Flair is looking to turn the tables!! AND CHRISTIANS TURNING!! FLAIR IS HE?!? YES!! FLAIRS SUCCESSFUL!! FLAIR HAS TURNED THE TABLES AND NOW THE FIGURE FOUR IS LOCKED IN AGAIN ON CHRISTIAN!! Surely now, surely this time Christian has no way out!!!
The crowd, the subdued Washington crowd have noW come alive as Flair continues crying out, this time with determination as Christian writhes in agony, holding out an arm, hes within a whisker of the ropes here and with ONE MASSIVE CLAW ACROSS THE RING, HE REACHES THE ROPES!!
The referee forces Flair to break the hold as both men lay down and out, both mens tanks are empty from this gruelling contest, both showing incredible resolve to stay in this thing, wanting to come out of this the victor, the crowd are on the edge of their seats right now.
Both men now struggle up again, Christian nearest the ropes and he uses them to his advantage, bringing himself up but seemingly on one leg as Flair drags himself up also, using the opposite side of the ring ropes and both men are now up and both men stare a hole through the other, the crowd intense as Christian nods, Flair nods, recognition of each others efforts here perhaps, the crowd willing Flair to get the job done as these two eye each other up AND THEY MEET IN THE MIDDLE AND GO HAMMER FOR HAMMER!! Smashing the holy hell out of one another, right from Flair, right from Christian, these two warriors not stopping until that bell rings and its Flair who has the momentum, shifting Christian back into the ropes as he now whips Christian across the ring and Christian rebounds right into a boot from Flair BUT CHRISTIAN CATCHES THE BOOT!! Christian spins Flair around, grabs him from behind, UNPRETTIER!! YES!! HE CONNECTS!! CHRISTIAN CONNECTS!! FLAIR IS FLOORED BY AN UNPRETTIER!! CHRISTIAN CRAWLS DESPERATELY INTO THE COVER!!
Winner: Christian(17:25
Theres absolute silence in the arena as the unthinkable has occurred and Christian has indeed beaten Ric Flair. Christian has indeed retired Ric Flair. Captain Charisma celebrates the victory like never before as he pounds his chest to all his Peeps though nobody is responding and we see shots of people with their hands on their head in disbelief, some are literally open mouthed as we then see Flair, still laid out but he looks up and sees Christian celebrating alongside Tomko.
Jim Ross:
Can..can words even begin to describe what we have just witnessed? Christian has defeated Ric Flair. Christian has ended the career of Ric Flair and I dont I dont quite know what to say folks. Im speechless.
The Coach:
How bout you give some damn credit to Christian? What a performance!! What a victory!! Christian just took Ric Flair to school!! The leader of a new era, the leader of a new generation stands before you and his name is Captain Charisma, his name is Christian.
Christian now heads up the ramp, still celebrating, a jubilant smirk on his face as even he looks slightly shocked he pulled it off, almost asking Tomko if he did it before embracing his Problem Solver. The camera now turns back to the centre of the ring where Ric Flair is still laying down but is now slowly bringing himself to sit up and with Christians music cutting off, Captain Charisma out of sight, a MASSIVE round of applause breaks out as Flair sits up, a look of absolute despair on his face as he realises what the consequences are of this defeat.
Flair then slowly brings himself to his feet, its hands on hips as the crowd are thunderously applauding the Nature Boy who looks close to shedding a tear, having laid it all on the line tonight but having just fallen short. The crowd then begins a small but ever growing chant of THANK YOU RIC, the chant building and building as Flair nods along and now theres a few tears shed as he waves to the fans, acknowledging the ovation hes receiving.
Flair takes one long look around the entire arena, slowly taking in all four sides of the arena as Flair wipes his forehead, wiping some tears away also before another standing ovation comes Flairs way and there are now ENORMOUS WOOOOOOOS to which Flair raises a small smile before exiting the ring, looking back at all who are applauding him as we then see J.R standing at the announce table applauding, even Coach is applauding too as are Michael Cole and Tazz, Lilian Garcia, Tony Chimel, just about everybody is on their feet as Flair backs up the ramp one last time, taking this emotional atmosphere in. Flair finally reaches the top of the stage, standing there momentarily as the WOOOOOOS continue and the THANK YOU RIC chants echo round once more before Flair raises a smile, shaking his head and letting out one last WOOOOOOOO of his own before a wave goodbye.
Jim Ross:
A career spanning SIXTEEN World titles. A career spanning classic match after match, classic moment after classic moment. Tonight that career has come to an end. Ric Flair, one of, if not, THE GREATEST superstar that we have ever seen and I echo the thoughts of all these fans in Washington D.C when I simply say Thank you Ric.
The Coach:
Hey, I wont ever knock what Ric Flair has achieved but tonight was destiny J.R. Youre not wrong when you say that Ric Flair is one of the greatest of all time, hes inspired plenty of these current WWE superstars to get where they are today but the time comes when weve gotta walk away, weve gotta walk out that door and tonight, Ric Flairs time has come.
We then head off backstage where we once again head into the office of Raws General Manager, Eric Bischoff. Bischoff is frantically pacing around his office, his hands by his mouth as he takes a deep breath, clearly on edge here tonight as hes desperate for Batista to lose the World Title. Bischoff then spins round and hes greeted by Mr.Kennedy!!
The crowd actually gives a decent pop for the relative newcomer as Kennedy is chewing gum and gives Bischoff a bit of a freight as he sarcastically waves at the GM.
Eric Bischoff:
For the love of god, would ya stop doin that to me Ken? What is it? Im sorry but now really, REALLY isnt a good time.
Is it-is it
a good time for ya Eric? I mean, when youre not busy worrying about Shawn Michaels, youre busy worrying about Batista and if its not that sack of crap youre worrying about, its Kane. When when are you gonna stop worrying about guys you dont need to waste another second on and start worrying about your one and
TRUE STAR. Start worrying about the man who is the WWES very own game changer, the man who is taking Monday Night Raw, who is taking YOUR SHOW TO NEW HEIGHTS!! The one and only, MISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR KEEEEEEEEEEEEENNEDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
The crowd are loving Kennedy here and join in with the Kennedy. Kennedy goes for the repeat but Bischoff cuts him off with KK looking less than impressed.
Eric Bischoff:
Look I told you on Raw that once Summerslam was over and done with, once this whole deal with Batista, with Shawn was over with that you were gonna be my priority and guess what? Tonight it DOES end which means tomorrow night on Raw youll start getting what you deserve, youll start getting the spotlight and Ken Ive got no doubts youll go right to the very top around here but for tonight? For tonight would you please
just let me focus on the World Title match? Could ya, could ya do that for me?
Kennedy stands, hands on hips, chewing his gum, clearly thinking about Bischoffs statement there before he then looks at the GM who appears incredibly stressed.
I could do that for ya Eric BUT if you dont do what
promised for
? Well I guarantee you that your troubles, your worries, theyre gonna get a whole lot worse. Ill see ya tomorrow night Eric. I hope, I
that Kane walks outta here with the World Title or else Shawn Michaels, Batista, the Big Red Freak, theyre gonna be the very,
least of your problems.
Kennedy then walks out as Bischoff looks at him with a look of despair before he hangs his head, the weight of the world clearly on his shoulders tonight as he huffs and puffs once more..
But its another heart attack for the GM as Kennedy DOES get his second Kennedy in after Bischoff denied him earlier on. The crowd gives a laugh as well as a few cheers, a few jeers also in KKS direction but its general positivity from the Washington faithful as we get one last shot of a desperate Eric Bischoff and we return back ringside.
Michael Cole:
Well we are all trying to come to terms with what just happened in our last match. Christian pulling off the biggest win of his career, doing what he guaranteed he would do, defeating Ric Flair and ending the career of the Sixteen time World Champion. Emotional scenes as we witnessed Flair say a tearful goodbye in the middle of the ring. A heart wrenching moment for everybody here in Washington.
Absolutely Cole. A damn shame to see Ric Flair bow out here tonight but props to Christian. A HUGE win for Captain Charisma here tonight.
Michael Cole:
Well folks our next match from the Smackdown side of tonights broadcast is our main event. The WWE Championship as John Cena defends his title against a very intense, very fired up Kurt Angle. Lets take a look at how this whole thing came about.
With that we head into a small, brief video package for this recent rivalry over the WWE Title and it begins with a shot of a smiling John Cena before the camera lowers to see the WWE Championship around his waist. That shot then changes into one of a fired up, enraged Kurt Angle who has smoke coming out of his ears almost.
Kurt Angle:
Cena you dont fool me. You dont fool me at all.
We see a shot of Cena pinning JBL at The Great American Bash to retain his WWE Title, avoiding Kurt Angle and Randy Orton.
Kurt Angle:
You come out here and you claim to take on any challenge, take on any obstacle thrown in your way and yet here we are, just a little over four months to the day since you won that WWE Championship and in all those four months Ive been pleading my case to get a look in at you, get a look in at that title but but has that actually happened?
We then see Cena standing tall yet again over JBL, this time his triumphs both at Wrestlemania and at Judgment Day.
Kurt Angle:
No, no it hasnt and yknow why that is Cena? Its because you are AFRAID of me.
We then see a shot of Cena looking surprised before clips of Angle over the years, taking down opponents with the Angle Slam, locking in the Ankle lock on several poor victims.
Kurt Angle:
Until you face me Cena, until you beat me, you will always and believe me when i say this, you will always... be seen as the coward that i know you are.
John Cena:
I find it real funny that Im bein called a coward, that Im bein called a false champion, that I supposedly wont take on any and all challenges by a guy who by a guy who attacked me from behind last week, who took me out when my back was turned. THAT was the ultimate act of cowardice. THAT was the act of a man who is truly runnin scared and THAT was the act of a man who knows, who KNOWS that at Summerslam, hes gonn get found out, hes gonn get his ass beat and hes gonn run off with his tail between his legs because the champ will STILL be here.
We see footage of Angle ambushing Cena from behind backstage, taking the cowards way out in Cenas words, leaving the champion completely laid out with a savage attack, smashing Cena into a wall in the corridor.
We then get a shot of Cena and Angle coming face to face in the middle of the ring during a Tag Team Match. We hear Michael Coles commentary saying Here we go, face to face!! Just like Angle wanted!! before BANG!! ANGLE KICKS CENA SQUARE IN THE NUTS!!
Michael Cole:
Kurt Angle AGAIN taking the damn easy way out!! Kurt Angle again escaping from the clutches of John Cena!! I thought Angle wanted Cena one on one Tazz, I thought he wanted him face to face!!
Its all mind games Cole. Angle aint afraid of Cena, Id bet my life on that one but what Kurt is, is hes smart and all this is gonna get inside the head of John Cena come Summerslam. Hey, who knows it may all just work to perfection for the Wrestlin Machine.
We then see a very smug Angle standing tall over the WWE Champion, a sly grin on his face, the mind games evident from the Wrestling Machine.
John Cena:
Kurt, Im done with this, no more games. Time for talk is over, you and me, Summerslam, the WWE Championship. We find out who the true champion really is.
A shot of an intense Cena now, looking in no mood for any of Angles games.
We then see a similar shot, this time of Angle all fired up, the Wrestling Machines true colours being shown once more.
Kurt Angle:
Cena you just sealed your own fate.
Michael Cole:
At Summerslam it WILL be face to face!! It will be man to man!! Kurt Angle will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide this Sunday night. Will the Olympic Gold Medalist prove he really is the true champion? Or will the Doctor of Thuganomics overcome this obstacle, will he overcome the Wrestling Machine? Its Angle versus Cena for the WWE Championship at Summerslam, you wont wanna miss it!!
The final image we see is of the two men face to face, both looking two fired up S.O.Bs as Cena raises the WWE Championship aloft, Angle eyeing up the prize and the camera then simply shows that championship, the prize these two men do battle for in mere moments. This contest having a real big time feel about it.
We return to ringside to hear the music of the challenger as out steps Kurt Angle to a pretty mixed response. Theres an initial pop but the cheers Angle receives do soon turn to jeers and its more resounding heat for the Olympic Gold Medalist who, intense as ever, aims to take home the gold tonight.
Michael Cole:
Well the actions of this man in gaining a title shot have been questionable. Kurt Angle has practically goaded John Cena into this match here tonight. The mind games from Angle, well theyve worked to perfection Tazz.
Absolutely Cole. Angles called Cena out, hes played up the victim card when fact of the matter is, Angle aint been no victim, Angles been makin Cena his very own victim. I dont like the sneak attacks, I dont like the way Kurts gone about this whole thing BUT so far its worked for him and if he leaves Washington with the WWE Championship then he aint gonna be complainin.
Angle now awaits the champion, this face to face showdown all set to transpire as the crowd rise to their feet in anticipation.
My Time is Now
And its a BIG time pop for the current WWE Champion as John Cena storms out, not taking his eyes off of Kurt Angle for one second as he takes along, hard look at his challenger tonight with this one having a real big time feel about it.
Michael Cole:
The look on John Cenas face says it all. Cena has continually told Kurt Angle that if he wants some, he can come get some but Angle has only ever seemed to want some when Cenas back is turned. Angle claims he is the best superstar in the WWE and that Cena isonly holding that title because hes never faced him. Well tonight Angles got a lot to prove because John Cena is the WWE Champion for a reason and over the years Tazz weve learned, dont bet against John Cena overcoming the odds again tonight.
Damn right Cole. John Cenas as tough as they come, make no mistake about it. Angle may very well be the most gifted superstar on the entire roster but you put that up against the guts, the heart, the talent of John Cena, you got a heck of a match and I got no doubts, thats what were in for here tonight.
The bell rings and both men wander towards the middle of the ring, a fierce look upon both their faces, the crowd are geared up big time for this showdown. The two come right up against one another, Angle beginning to smirk, Cena remaining stoic before saying Face to face Kurt, just like you wanted. Angle nods his head before replying right back at the champ with Its about damn time before SLAPPING CENA!! Ooooooh, the champion takes a hard slap across the face from the challenger as Cena then smirks and BAM!! Cena with a right hand!! Angle and Cena trading blows here!! A big time fight ensuing at the MCI Center and the crowd cant get enough of it.
The blows continue and its the champion who looks to be coming out on top as Cena is relentless in taking it to the Wrestling Machine. Angle is forced back into the ropes, perhaps a bit surprised by this before an Irish whip from Cena, reversal by Angle as Cena rebounds off the ropes and takes Angle down with a flying shoulder block!! Angle is floored and Cena jumps right on him, hammering away with more right hands!! Cena is all fired up as he hops up and lets out a HUGE roar, the fans in Washington respond with one of their own, a few boos however as some are supporting Angle here tonight.
Tazz comments how hes never seen Cena so worked up before as the champion drags Angle to his feet before another Irish whip from the Doctor of Thuganomics, Angle comes back off the ropes as Cena swings for a clothesline but Angle ducks underneath it, stops in his tracks as Cena turns around right into a kick to the gut from Angle. Angle now with clubbing shots across the back of Cena, stinging rights as Cena is floored and Angle now begins to pick apart Cena, stomping away head to toe across Cenas body, a vicious approach here from the challenger, his usual intensity on display.
Angle then methodically drops a knee right on Cenas lower back followed by another stiff knee and again as the pressure mounts from Angle. Cena looks in some pain here as he cries out a little bit, Angle wearing that twisted grin of his before he drags Cena to his feet, boot right to the gut as he then scoops Cena up and DROPS him across his knee with a backbreaker!! Cenas lower back taking some punishment right now as the challenger stamps his authority on this one, some silence now echoing through the arena as the champion struggles to his knees, Angle again looking supremely determined as well as confident in this clash.
The Olympic Gold Medalist goes right back to work on Cena, again stomping away right across the back of the champion, particularly the lower back as Cena reaches for that spot, clearly somewhat hindered right now before Angle again drags Cena to his feet and connects with a STIFF uppercut!! Cenas taken aback as Angle now with another firm Irish whip, Cena bombards into the turnbuckle as Angle comes charging, thunderous clothesline BUT CENA GETS A BOOT UP!! Cena gets a boot up and catches Angle in the face as Angle stumbles out of the corner. Cena struggles a little to get out of the corner, clutching his back but as Angle turns around hes met with a big right from Cena! The champion now finding his feet once more as he lays another right on Angle, kick to the mid section now as Cena hoists Angle up and CONNECTS WITH A FISHERMAN BUSTER SUPLEX!! A big pop greets the move as Cena, clutching his back, sprawls into the cover
Kick out at two from Angle!
Cena sighs a little bit, thinking(stupidly) that he couldve put Angle away there as he gets to his feet, bringing Angle up with him also and pressing him into the ropes, Irish whip from Cena, Angle rebounds and Cena ducks down looking for a big back body drop but Angle reads it and SMACKS CENA WITH A KICK TO THE FACE!! Cena staggers backwards as Angle spins him right back round, kick to the mid section and a beautiful vertical suplex from the challenger!! Cover by Angle now
Shoulder up at two from Cena, greeted with strong cheers here as Angle is denied this time around.
Cena again clutches his lower back as he gets to his feet, dusting himself off as Angle awaits him, Angle swings for the champion but Cena blocks it!! Cena smashes a boot into Angles mid section, he now looks to scoop Angle up high but Angle fights out of it!! Angle rolls behind Cena and looks to get Cena up and over from behind but Cenas now the one who jostles out of it, these two cant find the right way to go about their business here as Cena spins Angle round and whips him across the ring, reversal though by Angle as Cena falls into the ropes but he hangs on, Angle charges, CENA WITH A BACK BODY DROP AND ANGLE FALLS TO THE OUTSIDE!!
The Wrestling Machine is floored but Cena drops to the mat, holding his lower back, damage done with the back body drop taking it out on him before he slides under the bottom rope slowly and heads back after the fallen challenger. Cena grabs Angle by the back of the neck and SMASHES his face off the announce table!! Angles face used as a battering ram with the Olympic Gold Medalist stumbling away and Cena going right back after him, a game of cat and mouse as Angle tries hurriedly to get away from Cena but the champ is on his tail and again grabs Angle by the back of the neck as Cena goes to club Angles head off of the barricade BUT ANGLE BLOCKS IT!! Elbow to the ribs from Angle and another as Cenas momentarily winded. Angle takes a second to recover from the blow to the head before another boot to the gut and another STIFF UPPERCUT KNOCKS CENA BACK!! Angle then grabs Cena from behind and A GERMAN SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE!! CENAS LOWER BACK AGAIN TAKING A POUNDING!! Angle letting out a roar of adrenaline as he reassumes control, Cena clutching his back in agony right now as there are a few worried expressions on some fans faces.
Angle delivers a hard kick across the back just for good measure before dragging Cena back up and tossing him back inside the ring, following right behind as he looks to continue wearing down the champion here. Angle perhaps surprisingly rolls Cena over into a cover, hooking both legs here
NO!! Cena just about kicks out as Angles surprising cover nearly pays dividends.
Angle cuts that twisted grin of his again as he draws Cena to his feet, the champion looking somewhat out of it right now again clutching his lower back as Angle nails him with a right hand, another right from Angle, relentless aggression here before a boot to the gut as Angle then whips Cena hard into the turnbuckle, his back again taking the impact before Angle grabs the arm of Cena and LAUNCHES him from one side to the other, again Cenas back colliding with the turnbuckle as Angle charges right at the champ this time, BOOT TO THE FACE FROM CENA!! Cena showing his wherewithal as Angle is caught out there and stumbles out of the corner as Cena shows signs of life, Angle spins back round and hes met with the oncoming champion who scoops Angle up and drops the Olympic Gold Medalist with a SPINNING SLAM!! Angle is down, Cena a little wearily but the focused look in his eye runs the ropes, comes right back dead centre of the ring, YOU CANT SEE ME, FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! CONNECTS!!
The challengers in trouble here as Cena stalks his prey, the MCI Center is alive as Angle makes it to his feet, he turns around, Cenas positioned, he scoops him up high, FU!! NO!! Angle fights out, elbows to the side of Cenas head, rapidly Angle strikes as Cenas grip is broken, Angle sliding down the back before he grabs Cena from behind, BAM!! ANOTHER THUNDEROUS GERMAN SUPLEX TAKES CENA DOWN!! FROM OUT OF NOWHERE ANGLE REGAINS CONTROL!! Cenas momentary recovery is put to a halt.
The crowd groans, some portions however pop big time as Angle floors the champion again and once more targets that lower back of Cena. Angle holds his face a little bit, the impact of the Five Knuckle Shuffle having knocked him a tad before Angle drags Cenas lifeless body further towards the turnbuckle, whats the Wrestling Machine got lined up here? Cenas not moving at all here as Tazz ponders why Angle hasnt made the cover. BUT ANGLE IS HEADING UP HIGH!! The crowd begin to rise to their feet as Angle heads up to the top rope, Cena down as ANGLE FACES INTO THE CROWD!! ANGLE GONNA GO FOR THE MOONSAULT HERE!! HE FLIES OFF THE TOP, CONNECTING!! MOONSAULT ONTO JOHN CENA!! HE HIT IT!! Angle scurries into the cover
KICK OUT AT TWO FROM CENA!! WOW!! Some fans cant believe it and neither can Angle as he looks disgusted by the decision, the crowd popping big time for Cenas resolve there. Angle gets to his feet, questioning the decision before looking back down on Cena who rolls over onto his front before Angle starts the assault once more, vicious stomps across the back of Cena, Angle not letting up until the referee gives him a final warning, one that Angle just about heeds to before storming off into the corner to rethink strategy, unable to believe Cenas still in this.
Angle quickly paces back over to Cena, drawing the champion to his feet, boot to the mid section, Angle going for a vertical suplex here, the back being targeted again, he scoops Cena up high but Cena fights out, Cena claws down the back of Angle before nailing his opponent with a kick to the gut, Cena goes for an Irish whip, reversal by Angle BUT CENA EXPLODES WITH A FLYING SHOULDER BLOCK!! A burst of life, a burst of energy from John Cena!! Angle is quickly to his feet as Cena runs the opposite ropes and NAILS Angle with another flying shoulder!! Cena finding a second wind here, he again clutches his back however which is slowing him down as Angle lay fallen before he heads right back over to his bitter rival. Cena brings Angle to his feet whipping him into the turnbuckle, Cena heading right after him as he delivers a clubbing clothesline into Angle who has the breath knocked out of him there. Cena now begins to hammer away, relentless right hands before he positions Angle on the top rope!! Oh what the hell is Cena doing here?!
The crowd begin to rise again, theyve already seen Angle pull something out the bag, can the weary champion do likewise? Angle looks in a world of trouble as Cena begins to scale up high, holding that lower back however as he drags himself up, he puts an arm around the neck of Angle, HOLY CRAP, SUPERPLEX OFF THE TOP!! A SUPERPLEX FROM JOHN CENA!! Angle is completely taken out of it but Cena is crying out in agony also, both men landing with HUGE impact, Angle taking the brunt of it whilst Cenas back takes more punishment, both men down and out here following that high risk move from the WWE Champion. The crowd are electric as that high risk move allows them a breather as well as the two competitors.
The referee starts up a count, will either man make it in time, Angle is grimacing in pain, Cena likewise but it is the champion who is showing more signs of life right now. The count is up to four here as Cena attempts to sit up and he does so but very gingerly, Angle meanwhile is still floored from that huge fall just taken as Cena now is to his knees. Angle begins to stir as the count reaches six, Cena using the ropes to hurl himself up as Angle sits up for the first time. Cena is now up and he slowly trudges over to Angle who is to his knees and ANGLE WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKE DOWN!! ANKLE LOCK!! WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM?! A remarkable burst of energy, burst of speed from Kurt Angle and John Cena is trapped!! Nowhere to go for the WWE Champion as Angle cinches that deadly ankle lock in!!
Cena roars out in pain, his hand outstretched as Angles face is painted of sheer intensity, Cenas dead centre of the ring as Angle yells TAP!! TAP!!, the crowd look concerned, some excited as Angle draws close to taking the gold. Cenas hand again reaches out but theres nothing to grab, the champion begins trying to claw his way across the ring, bit by bit Cena edges over, the ropes drawing ever nearer as Angle yells out a roar of determination before yelling TAP once again, Cenas almost there now, will he ma ANGLE DRAGS HIM BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING!! CENAS HOPES CRUSHED!!
Cena cant take much more, the hold has been locked in for far too long surely by now as Cena then lets out at hunderous roar of his own before SHOWING INCREDIBLE POWER TO KICK ANGLE AWAY!! Unbelievable strength from Cena as he clutches the ankle now, the damage mayve already been done as Angle stumbles into the corner, he turns back around and Cena takes him down BEFORE APPLYING AN STF!! WHERE DID CENA PULL THIS SUBMISSION FROM?!(Bare in mind we hadnt seen the STFU yet)
Can Cena beat Angle at his own game here?! Cena with the STF locked in, Angle now writhing in pain, his hand inches from the mat as Cenas the one to portray sheer intensity right now, the champion desperate to retain his title. Angle tries dragging himself towards the ropes, hes an arms length away but Cenas strength is preventing him. Angle tries one final push, the crowd going crazy believing the champion is to retain his gold, Angle crawls, grasps, fights AND HE REACHES THE BOTTOM ROPE!! The referee forces Cena to break the hold as both men look exhausted, both men down on the mat, the victim of their opponents respective moves, still no outcome in this whirlwind match, the crowd literally on the edge of their seats here.
Both Angle and Cena are struggling here as they try to get back to a vertical position. Cena now having to deal with a potentially injured ankle as well as the lower back injury, Angle having to overcome the pain from that STF hold. Cena appears to be getting to his feet, again using the ropes to help him up, Angle however is doing likewise and it appears both men are gonna get up almost identically. Its Cena whos up and round first, Angle though is right behind him and Cenas on him like a flash, big right hand from the champion followed by another as Angles pressed into the ropes, Irish whip from Cena, Angle rebounds AND CENA SCOOPS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS!! FU!! NO!! CENAS BACK GIVES OUT ON HIM!! Cenas back caved in and he drops to his knees, Angle rolling down behind AS ANGLE CATCHES CENA FROM BEHIND, ANGLE SLAM!! ANGLE SLAM TO THE CHAMPION!! CENAS BACKS GONNA COST HIM!! COVER!!!
Kurt Angle looks absolutely stunned as the referee informs him it was only a two count, Cena hangs in and Angle cannot believe he didnt get the victory there. Angles eyes bulge out of his head as he fails to put Cena away again and Angle has had enough!! The Wrestling Machine pulls the straps down on his vest and lets out a roar before he goes back in for the Ankle Lock!! ANKLE LOCK TO CENA!! NO!! INSIDE CRADLE FROM THE CHAMPION!!
NO!! ANGLE SOMEHOW KICKS OUT!! Angle hops up, taken aback by Cenas nerve almost to try that, Cena gets to his feet fairly sharpish too as Angle charges at him, intentions clear but Cena ducks it, Angle runs through, Cena spins the challenger round, scoops him up high onto his shoulders, FU!! FU CONNECTS!! CENA FIGHTS THROUGH THE PAIN BARRIER THIS TIME!! HE SCURRIES INTO THE COVER..
Cena is the one to be shocked now as the leader of the Chain Gang lays on his back, holding towards his tailbone, still in some pain, now entering the phase of exhaustion as Angle is laid out and Cena collects his thoughts, the crowd appearing fairly drained here too, not believing Angle kicked out. Cena then gathers himself, bringing himself to his feet, Angle crawling around the ring now as Cena heads right back after his opponent, he grabs Angle by the back of the neck, drawing him to his feet BUT ANGLE WITH A RAKE OF THE EYES!! Angle raking his hand across Cenas face, Cena stumbling away as Angle grabs him from behind, ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX!! NO!! CENA SMASHES KURT WITH AN ELBOW! The challengers grip is loosened as Cena scoops Angle up again, ANOTHER FU!! NO, ANGLE CRAWLS DOWN THE BACK, GRABS CENA FROM BEHIND, ANGLE SLAM AGAIN!! ANGLE SLAM!! NO!! CENA LANDS ON HIS FEET!!
Incredible athleticism from the champion as he now drags Angle round, Irish whip, reversal, Cena crashes into the turnbuckle as Angle charges BUT CENA CATCHES HIM, LIFTS HIM UP HIGH, FU TIME!! NO, HAS CENAS BACK GIVEN WAY AGAIN?! OR NO WAIT CENAS SCALING THE ROPES, HES NOT DOING WHAT WE THINK SURELY?!? The crowd are on their feet, Cenas giving it one last hurrah here, his back looks like its gonna cave in, FU OFF THE TOP ROPE!! HO-LY-SHIT, HO-LY-SHIT, the Washington faithful are on their feet!! Cena almost falls off the damn top, his back giving him sheer hell here as Kurt Angle crashes and burns courtesy of a HUMONGOUS FU!! Cena drops down, slowly crawls over, hook of the leg
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena(22:35
Cena simply lays fallen on the floor, this match having taken everything out of him and Kurt Angle here tonight, the crowd showing their appreciation for both Cena and the Wrestling Machine as they rise to their feet for this gruelling contest.
Michael Cole:
You have got to hand it to John Cena!! The heart, the guts, the sheer will to win of the WWE Champion here tonight. An incredible match, an incredible victory for John Cena!!
Cole look!! That victory werent as damn clear cut as it may seem!! Look at Angles foot!!
We do then indeed get a camera shot of Angle laid out but HIS FOOT IS ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!! Cena has absolutely no idea that this is the case and the referee doesnt either as he simply goes to grab the WWE Championship and he hands it over to Cena, raising the champions hand in the air as he celebrates a major title defence tonight but at the same time, a controversial one.
Michael Cole:
Well I know I didnt see Kurt Angles foot on the bottom rope and quite clearly Tazz, the referee didnt either. Lets uh lets take a look at the replay here
We do indeed see the replay of the finish to that match, Cenas incredible FU off the top rope, followed by the cover and we then get a different camera angle which shows Kurt Angle put his foot on the bottom rope at the count of 2 and a half.
There it is Cole!! Kurt Angle may well have been robbed of becoming WWE Champion here tonight. Huge let off for John Cena. Hey, take nothing away from Cena, a hell of an effort from that young man but I know he aint gonna be happy about winnin this way and I know for sure Kurt Angle aint gonna be happy neither.
The final image we see is of Cena backtracking up the ramp, holding his WWE Championship aloft to a rousing response from the Washington faithful before we see Kurt Angle now beginning to stir in the ring, his foot now removed from the bottom rope as he comes to his senses, realising what has transpired tonight
We then cut backstage where we see Randy Orton, still in his ring gear but wandering around backstage, that stern look on his face from earlier still on the face of the Legend Killer after knocking off The Undertaker here tonight, perhaps the biggest win in his young career. Orton is then stopped in his tracks however by that pest that is Josh Matthews.
Josh Matthews:
Randy, Randy if I could just grab a quick word. You once again defeated The Undertaker here tonight, picking up one of the biggest victories of your career. Is this rivalry now over between you and the Deadman?
Randy Orton:
Josh my aim here tonight was NOT to
The Undertaker, it was to
him. I dont I dont think I did that tonight. So yeah, Im happy I won, I once again showed that The Undertaker is NOTHING compared to me. But Im still not, Im still not
with simply beating The Undertaker. I wont be content until I send him packing once and
for all
Orton pauses, a real glare of determination in his eyes before he suddenly seems to have a light switch go on in his head.
Randy Orton:
But yknow what? That can wait. That can wait because I think what I did tonight was enough to keep him away, to send him back into hiding for a little while. I think that what I did tonight will have
The Undertaker more than you can imagine, more than anyone can imagine. What I did tonight, it hurt his pride, it
his pride and like he always does, when his pride is hurt, when his legacy takes a hit, he goes away. Wait, let me rephrase that Josh, he RUNS away.
Big heat for that comment.
Randy Orton:
He did it when I beat him at Judgment Day, hes done it in the past before and Im willing to bet he does it again after what I did tonight. Which means that, well, it means I got nothing to do until he comes back and I can finish what Ive started. But other than Undertaker, theres somebody else in the back of my mind right now, there is
else in the back of my mind and those two things... are John Cena and the WWE Championship.
Theres a buzz around that statement as Orton makes his intentions known before he stares directly into the camera.
Randy Orton:
So John Cena, I am officially putting you on notice. I saw what just happened out there with you and Kurt and I know how this is gonna go down. Kurts gonna come out on Smackdown, claim he was screwed and demand a rematch. Well that is NOT the way I see things. The way I see it is that Kurt you LOST tonight. I dont give a damn if your foot was on the ropes or not, you lost and guess what? I I
Orton now smirks somewhat.
Randy Orton:
I beat The Undertaker one, two, three in the middle of that ring and now that hes taken a backseat, John Cena you are
Orton now turns back to Matthews.
Randy Orton:
Josh there is nobody who can touch me right now, not on Smackdown, not on Raw, not in this entire industry. Ive knocked off the Phenom and youd better believe that Im gonna knock off John Cena too. The WWE Championship? It is mine for the taking and hey, if and when The Undertaker wants to make his
comeback, his
Orton pauses
Randy Orton:
He can challenge me for that title because I will gladly take him on and I will gladly finish him off
for good
Orton heads off, his attitude evident for all to see here after a mammoth victory tonight, the WWE Championship now in his sights.
We then head off elsewhere and we see Shawn Michaels, not for the first time tonight as he wanders through the halls, all set for our imminent main event with HBKs facial expression one of real concern right now, the pressure mounting on HBK to Do the right thing tonight and we now go back ringside.
Jim Ross:
Well folks the pressure on that mans shoulders right now is off the charts. What will Shawn Michaels do here tonight, we are about to find out. Folks it is indeed time for our main event, Batista defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane, Shawn Michaels as the Special Guest Referee. Lets take a look at how this all came about.
And with that we head right into a video package, highlighting this dramatic feud involving three of Raws highest profile superstars. The video begins with footage from back at Wrestlemania where we see Batista delivering a brutal BatistaBomb to Triple H and capturing his first World Heavyweight Title before J.Rs epic commentary.
Jim Ross
That image then shifts and we see the closing stages of another Wrestlemania match, this time its Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle where we see Angle forcing Michaels to tap out in a Mania classic.
Jim Ross
We then see a shot of a deflated Michaels clutching his ankle following that devastating Ankle lock from the Wrestling Machine before we head to an edition of Raw where we see Shawn Michaels standing in the ring, microphone in hand.
Shawn Michaels
Since Wrestlemania its all Ive been able to think about, each and every day just wantin to get my hands on Kurt Angle again. Vince McMahon wouldnt give me it, the draft wouldnt give me it, Eric Bischoff wouldnt give me it and even Kurt himself wouldnt give me it.
We see clips of all those rejections, including Angle signing an extension to his Smackdown contract.
Shawn Michaels
Well I guess its time for me to turn my attention elsewhere and I came here tonight to confront one man.
We see a shot of a grinning Eric Bischoff who now joins HBK in the ring
Shawn Michaels:
See last week Eric ya didnt deliver whatcha promised to do. Ya told me, ya told these people that Kurt Angle was gonna sign on the dotted line, he was gonna jmp ship to Raw and we were gonna get HBK/Angle, the rematch. But what a shocker people. Eric Bischoff couldnt get the job done!
Bischoff shakes his head.
Shawn Michaels:
So Eric, I think ya owe me, I think ya owe me big time. So I figured, what better way for me to move on than by moving on to the World Heavyweight title?
An image of Batista now flashes up.
Eric Bischoff:
Shawn arent you forgetting the fact that you damn near kicked my head off a couple weeks back or is that all a blur to ya?
A shot of HBK delivering some Sweet Chin Music on the boss is now shown.
Eric Bischoff:
Now I am tired of you callin the shots Shawn. I think youre forgetting that Im the general manager of this show, Im YOUR general manager. But I think I can come to some kind of deal for ya, so hear me out on this one.
We now see Bischoff all fired up
Eric Bischoff:
At Vengeance Im gonna throw you a little challenge down. See Im sick of the Sweet Chin Musics, the threats, the out of control Shawn Michaels and at Vengeance I want that to all come to an end. So Shawn at Vengeance, how about this for ya? You go one on one with a superstar of MY choosing and if you win, ya get your championship match. BUT.. if MY superstar wins then Shawn I want this all to stop. I want the raging lunatic Shawn Michaels gone and the best way of doin that in my mind is this. You lose at Vengeance then you become MINE. You lose Shawn and you become Eric Bischoffs assistant here on Raw, you become MY property
We then go to Vengeance and we see Michaels standing in the ring, Bischoff on the outside as Michaels awaits his opponent before
BOOM!! The arrival of Kane and we then witness what transpires in that match and see Michaels defeated at the hands of Bischoffs pick, the Big Red Machine before a shot of a dejected Michaels, his future now in the hands of Raws General Manager
Eric Bischoff:
I told everybody that this was the starting point, it was only the very beginning of me taking back control of MY show. The first piece of the puzzle is complete Shawn, youre here and youre gonna fulfil whatever it is I want, whatever it is I need.
We then see a shot of the World Heavyweight Title before more from Uncle Eric.
Eric Bischoff:
So now we move onto the next problem and we move on to another man whos stuck his nose in business that doesnt involve him. And that man is the World Heavyweight Champion, that man is Batista.
Batista then makes his way out and Bischoff confronts the champion, Shawn Michaels by his side looking an emotional wreck.
Eric Bischoff:
Im gonna get what I want with you. I want my show back, it began with Shawn Michaels and its going to end with you and that World Heavyweight Title. Dave Batista, welcome, to your very own...personal hell.
With that its fireworks as we see Kane come out and absolutely dismantle Batista, ripping apart the World Champion in a battle of the behemoths. We then see the devilish GM make yet another statement.
Eric Bischoff:
BATISTA!! I TOLD YOU, YOU SON OF A BITCH, I TOLD YOU!! You wanna get in my way? You wanna cross the boss? Well August 21st, at Summerslam, youre gonna get EXACTLY WHATS COMIN TO YA! Summerslam, the World Heavyweight Championship, Batista you will go one.. on.. one .WITH KANE!!
A sick smirk comes across the face of the Big Red Machine now before theres more
Eric Bischoff:
And the special guest referee for that match, will be SHAWN MICHAELS!!
A sheer look of horror appears on Michaels face before a twisted smile on the GMs face as his plan becomes evidently clear
Bischoff wants to put Shawn as guest referee in my match at Summerslam, I got no issue with that whatsoever and yknow why? Because I believe in Shawn Michaels and I believe hes gonna see the light.
We see Michaels staring up to the heavens, his emotional rollercoaster continuing as this video highlights the tough spot hes in for this clash.
We then go to see more highlights from this feud including the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho and him questioning Shawns actions.
Chris Jericho
Why Shawn? Why did ya do it? Why are ya still doin this? Doin Eric Bischoffs dirty work, sinking to his level, dealing with the devil himself. Shawn this..this just its not you, its not you at all and I want you to stand here and I want you to tell me the truth. Why?
We then see Michaels walking away from Batista, walking away from tough situations, going along with Eric Bischoffs orders
Shawn Michaels:
I need to be in this ring, I need to walk through those curtains back there every Monday night, I need to be here Chris and its not just for me, its for my family. I walk out, I hit Eric Bischoff with some Sweet Chin Music and I dont just lose my passion Chris, I lose my job, my family loses everything its got. Chris, I dont have any other choice.
We then see Bischoff ordering Michaels to jump off the top rope onto a steel chair, right onto the leg of Big Show. We see the look on the faces of fans as they witness Michaels scale the ropes, hes gonna go along with it before BATISTA COMES OUT AND CLEANS HOUSE!! The Animal makes his mark and ambushes his challenger at Summerslam in Kane before he goes one further and shocks the world, delivering a Batista Bomb to Michaels!!
Last week was the only way I thought I could get through to Shawn Michaels, the only way I could send a message to Shawn Michaels. So now, here I am, one week on and Im dyin to know, did Shawn Michaels get the message?
We then get the conclusion of a brawl between Batista and Kane, Tista delivering a Batista Bomb on his rival before BAM!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO BATISTA!! Michaels returning the favour!!
Eric Bischoff:
You may not realise it Shawn but youre starting to turn things around. Really, you are. Youre starting to see the light, youre starting to see things the Eric Bischoff way.
Michaels has an awkward look on his face, he doesnt even seem to know whats going on his head right now, Bischoff getting inside it clearly. We then go to footage of Michaels in the ring, explaining his actions on Batista.
Shawn Michaels:
Dave, nows your chance. The scores tied. One against one, you had your moment, Ive had mine. Way I see it is this, we got two options here. Number one, you can come out here and we can let this all slide, water under the bridge and we can move on, we can focus on what the real problem around this place is, we can focus on Eric Bischoff.
Another shot of a smirking GM.
Shawn Michaels
Or option number two, you can come down to this ring and we do this the hard way.
We then see Batista come down to the ring and take his shirt off, his answer clear for all to see!! BUT KANE then appears and it turns into yet another Kane and Batista battle before MICHAELS HITS KANE WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC, SHOCKING BATISTA!! Michaels then goes one better and FEIGNS Sweet Chin Music on Batista, citing that he couldve if he wanted to, sending a message to the World Champion.
We then see a shot of Michaels completely laid out backstage, surrounded in a pool of his own blood before a sinister shot of Kane standing tall over him, a twisted smile on his face but not all was as it seemed
Who says I got there before Shawn Michaels had that sweet taste his own blood? Ha ha.
We then get an image of Batista, his name thrown into the equation before we see him and HBK face to face on the go home Raw.
Really? You really think I woulda done that to you last week Shawn?
Shawn Michaels:
I know that just like Kane, you were after me last week. You did wanna piece of me and if it comes down to it at Summerslam and you find yourself standin exactly where you are right now and you got just one shot, just one opportunity at getting that payback on me, youre gonna take it arent ya?
A shot now a smiling Eric Bischoff, rubbing his hands at this sight before back to the verbal war.
Shawn Michaels:
Well I got news for ya, if thats what youre planning, if thats what youve got in store on Sunday then I have got absolutely no problem in kickin your teeth straight down your throat.
We then see Michaels deliver a STINGING Sweet Chin Music to the World Champion, Michaels convinced it WAS Batista who ambushed him, that it was a cover up from the champion as we see a smirking Eric Bischoff
Eric Bischoff:
I told you all that this would happen, that Shawn Michaels would finally see the light. All of you watching this at home are now starting to see what I already knew was gonna happen!! See I know for a FACT that it was Kane who attacked Shawn last week on Raw, what? You REALLY thought i didn't know? Please. But guess what? The mind? Its a powerful thing and when youve got all kinds of thoughts runnin through your head, you dont know what to believe anymore.
Bischoff chuckles to himself.
Eric Bischoff:
Tonight, Shawn Michaels? He didnt know what to believe. He didnt know what was true so you know what he did? He went with his gut, he went with his instinct and his instinct told him Batista. This Sunday his instinct is gonna be the exact same. When he has a choice to make on Sunday and he can only pick one of those two men to hit with some Sweet Chin Music, hes gonna choose Batista and when he does?
Eric Bischoff:
When he does, the Animal will at long last be put down and Monday Night Raw will finally finally become Eric Bischoffs again.
The final image is of Shawn Michaels standing over the fallen World Champion, Kane laughing maniacally and Eric Bischoff with that twisted grin of his and we head back ringside.
Sexy Boy
And there is a very mixed response to the music of the Special Guest Referee here tonight as out steps Shawn Michaels. The emotion on the Showstoppers face says it all as he steps out, head down, not wanting to face what hes up against tonight as the Washington crowd wonder just what is going on inside his head right now with Michaels very slowly plodding down to the ring, eventually raising his head to look around the crowd, a stoic expression before he steps inside the ring, head down once more before a deep breath as he awaits the two participants.
Jim Ross:
A night not quite like any other in the career of Shawn Michaels. A man who is used to the spotlight but not in this fashion. Shawn Michaels is used to stealing the show, hes used to coming out to this ring and competing, hes used to standing ovations for his efforts inside this ring but tonight? Tonight Shawn Michaels must call this World Title match and he must call under an EXTREME amount of pressure, pressure put on him by Raws General Manager, Eric Bischoff.
The Coach:
The pressure is on, youre damn right J.R and I just hope he doesnt crack under it. I hope Shawn Michaels does whats right tonight and he counts Batista down and he crowns us a new World Heavyweight Champion, a World Heavyweight Champion that is FITTING of Eric Bischoffs Monday Night Raw.
Michaels begins pacing round the ring before we hear that infamous explosion
Slow Chemical
And theres a bit of anxiety now around the arena as the challenger makes his way out, that sick, twisted look on his face as Kane marches down, eyeing up Shawn Michaels, the man he ambushed two weeks ago on Raw.
Jim Ross:
Well it is the opportunity of a lifetime for the Big Red Machine tonight. Kane has been a World Champion before but that reign lasted for just twenty four hours. Tonight he gets the chance to finally climb to the top of the mountain once more and well, hes got one hell of an advantage in having Shawn Michaels in his corner tonight, in having Eric Bischoff right behind him. Tonight could very well be this mans night.
The Coach:
Could? Wrong J.R, it WILL be Kanes night tonight. This man has been unstoppable, hes been an absolute force since beating Shawn Michaels at Vengeance. Shawn knows first hand just what Kanes capable of and Im betting he doesnt wanna cross the Big Red Machine again tonight. Batistas experienced what hes capable of and tonight could be a repeat story for the Animal.
Kane and Michaels lock eyes, a look of sheer hatred from Michaels while Kanes demented look turns into a sick smile as he looks the Special Referee up and down, the crowd rising to their feet for the arrival of their champion
I Walk Alone
The roof comes off the arena as Washington ERUPTS for its home town hero with Batista storming out on stage, ready and raring to go as he fires up the crowd. The Animal looks fiercely determined as he eventually sets his sights on both Kane and Michaels, knowing the task at hand for him tonight.
Jim Ross:
Well it was six nights ago that Shawn Michaels laid some Sweet Chin Music on that man, Batista. Michaels fell for Bischoffs mind games and Batista suffered the consequences, tonight you have to wonder, will Batista snap when it comes to the Special Guest Referee?
The Coach:
I think he will J.R and I think its gonna cost him. Shawns already said it, hes gonna call it down the middle unless someone gets in his way. Well Id put my life on Batista bein that man tonight, he cant control himself and after tonight he aint gonna be in control of that World Title either.
Jim Ross:
You can only hope this turns out to be a fair fight for the World Heavyweight Champion tonight. The odds are stacked against him but if anybody can overcome those odds, its Batista. Folks, strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride, this ones gonna be a slobber knocker.
The bell rings and home field advantage for Batista is evident here, this raucous crowd are firmly behind him, a BA-TI-STA chant ringing round as the Animal and the Big Red Machine lock eyes before surveying this hot crowd. Shawn Michaels watches on, the man in the middle here tonight as he could very well play the deciding factor in this big time match up. Michaels and Batista then exchange a glance, the tension after what went down on Raw clear for all to see. Michaels then shifts his attention to Kane, the man who attacked him two weeks ago, the man who defeated him at Vengeance as Kane simply chuckles in his usual demeanour while Michaels shakes his head in sheer frustration at what hes been put into tonight.
Kane and Tista then lock eyes again and this thing is set for action, both start to circle each other before they lock up in the centre of the ring, a watchful eye from Michaels and its a stalemate. These two bulls cant quite get the better of the other despite the jostling and were back to square one here. Again Batista glances at HBK who is eyeing up both men, his expression unchanged from the second the bell rang and we go for round two here. Tista and Kane charge again at each other and this time we have a winner as Kane scores with a knee to the mid section! Advantage to the number one contender now as he goes on the front foot with a brutal right hand to the champion. Another stiff right follows before his trademark deadly uppercut sends the Animal spiralling!!
Batista has tumbled towards the turnbuckle now and its another big time right from the Devils Favourite Demon, Batista stuck in the corner as Kane goes to work with a VICIOUS elbow across the throat of the Animal! Relentless elbows from the challenger, Batista grimacing in pain as Kane now sinks his elbow methodically into the throat of the champion!! Batista is gasping for air as HBK now steps in, giving Kane the five count to break this assault up
Kane finally lets go, Batista squealing for breath here as Kane and Shawn Michaels now exchange a glare and the Showstopper gets right in the face of Kane!! Things getting heated here already as Michaels stares down the man who attacked him two weeks ago, who left him bloodied and battered, the Washington crowd cheering Michaels on wildly as he grits his teeth. Kane decides to back away. shifting his attention back onto the World Champion AND BATISTA DELIVERS A RIGHT HAND FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!!
Kane is rocked now as Batista capitalises on Kanes change of attention there and its now the champion whos on the front foot, Batista taking it to Kane. Big time right hands from the Animal here as Kane is in a world of trouble, on the back foot and theres a big boot to the gut from Batista before a thunderous Irish whip, Kane rebounds and Batista sends him tumbling with a HUGE shoulder block!!
The crowd are pumped now as the home town hero builds some momentum. Kane is back up to his feet fairly sharply and Batistas right there to meet with him with another mammoth right hand. Irish whip once again by the champion with authority and Kane is sent up and over!! Kane drops to the outside as Batistas power is displayed, whipping the seven footer over the top, the crowd loving every minute here as Tista seems pumped up in a big way and looks set to follow his opponent to the outside only to stop for a split second and once again lock eyes with the official here, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. Its only brief but the glare from one another says it all as HBK shows Batista where the ropes are, willing him to take to the outside and take to dealing with his fallen challenger.
Tista steps through the ropes, Kane now the only thing on his mind with the Big Red Machine up to one knee now as the Animal hops down to confront him. He takes a moment before he spins Kane round but Kane catches him from out of nowhere with a stinging uppercut!! The World Champion clutches his jaw in some discomfort after that stinging shot as Kane uses this breather to get back to his feet, he does just that before launching another stinging right hand but Batista blocks it and catches Kane with a kick to the gut. Kane is doubled over as the Animal, now back on the front foot, grabs Kane by the waist and TOSSES HIM INTO THE BARRICADE LIKE A DART!! The crowd erupts as Kane has no answer to the ferocity of the Animal right now with Batista letting out a roar of aggression to his home crowd. Its advantage to the champion here with Kane quite simply having no response to the Animal.
We get a shot of Shawn Michaels watching on from inside the ring and he is NOT counting either of these men out. J.R is quick to point that out on commentary, noting that Michaels doesnt seem at all phased with these two trying to tear one another apart. The Showstopper not afraid of bending the rules slightly here as he allows these two gladiators to go to war. Batista now heads right back after the Big Red Machine, bringing him to his feet, Kane struggling right now, the impact of that hefty fall evident and Batista grabs the left arm of the big man, Irish whip incoming, REVERSAL AND KANE SENDS BATISTA FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! The champion floored as the challenger now regains control, albeit taking a moment to recover from that heavy impact off the barricade. The balance in this match is topsy turvy right now as Kane manages to shift it in his favour.
Kane now begins to realise hes got the upper hand again but theres a scowl that comes across the monsters face and he heads towards the STEEL STEPS!! Whats the Big Red Machine got in mind here? Kane tosses one set of steps off the other, in the direction of the Animal and it doesnt look good for Batista now, the crowd on Kanes back here. Kane then goes to grab the steps, Batista beginning to stir now, trying to get to his knees, before Shawn Michaels hops down to the outside!! Michaels hops down and spins Kane round from behind, getting in the monsters way!! Michaels points a finger at the steps, telling the monster that he cant use them as a weapon, maybe he is playing by the rules a little here, before he notes that he wants this to be a clean fight. Kane puts the steps down and simply laughs in HBKs face before a stern look comes across, Kane murmuring So thats how its gonna be huh Shawn? Before suddenly Batista comes charging from behind, BUT KANE SEES IT COMING AND DODGES IT AND BATSITA .NEARLY .NEARLY TAKES MICHAELS OUT!! The World Champion manages to stop in his tracks, a sigh of relief from the crowd as both men share a stare, realising how close a call that was, Batista spins back round, RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM KANE!!
Kane begins to laugh maniacally again, getting the better of the World Champion here as Michaels continues to watch on sternly, before not sure what to make of that close shave Kane then drags the deadweight of Batista up and tosses him back into the ring, following right behind. Michaels is not far off either and Kane goes for a cover here
Kick out at two from Batista with Kane delivering a deathly glare at Michaels who calls it like he sees it with that first cover of the match, Coach shouting on commentary to count faster.
Kane takes a second, delivering another chilling glare at Shawn Michaels who remains surprisingly calm despite the situation, despite the predicament hes in here tonight. The Big Red Machine then rises to his feet, dragging the champion up with him before he delivers a clubbing shot across the back of the Animal and he then begins to go to work. Stinging, stiff, repeated shots across the back as Tista yells out in pain, Kane smirking having heard that, before a MASSIVE knee to the gut, really looking to knock the stuffing out of the Washington native, perhaps knocking the stuffing out of the Washington crowd in the process also.
Another knee from Kane right into the champions mid section as the Animals eyes tell the story, struggling for breath here as Kane now whips Tista across the ring, he rebounds but its right into the waiting path of the number one contender who shows all his strength in scooping Batista up and dropping him with a pinpoint sidewalk slam!! Impressive stuff right now from Kane and he drops down for another cover, Michaels in place to make the count once more
Kick out again at two as Batista shows hes not going down without a fight here, Kane looking a little disgruntled while the Showstopper remains the epitome of cool, Coach however questioning whether underneath it all he is beginning to feel the pressure as much as the two men competing are feeling it right now.
The Big Red Machine again gets to his feet, placing himself in the corner as he awaits Batistas rise to his feet. The World Champion appears somewhat groggy as he gets to his knees, the crowd trying to energise Batista here but hes wincing in discomfort as BAM!! KANE FROM OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A LOW ANGLE DROPKICK!! Great agility from the near seven footer as he sends Tista back down to the mat, the crowd a little surprised at Kanes athleticism with their champion in trouble at this stage.
The Animals head is nearly taken off there as Kane rises again, a smirk coming over his face, he knows that hes got Batista right where he wants him here as the monster now drops a HARD elbow across the chest of Batista!! Another big time elbow now from Kane, hes slowly crushing the upper body of the World Champion here and he goes for a third elbow CONNECTS!! We get another look at Shawn Michaels who is watching this onslaught right now with real focus. Kane now runs the ropes, slowly rebounding, eyeing up the fallen champion before a HUGE leg drop across the chest!! All three hundred plus pounds trampling onto Batista there as Kane scrambles into another cover, Michaels in position once more
Kick out at two once again!! Kane now giving Michaels daggers as the crowd pops for their fellow Washington native staying in this thing, albeit its edge of the seat stuff for them here, Batista in some trouble with the Big Red Machine dominating this showdown.
The monster returns to his feet, wandering across the ring as he keeps his eyes firmly fixed on Shawn Michaels, almost as if to say You will count him down before Kane begins heading to the corner and begins scaling to the top rope!! Things about to get high risk here as Batista starts to stir, hes nearly at one knee now as Kane begins to climb, hes up to the second rope, we know whats coming as its trademark Kane here. Batista is now to his feet, he stumbles a touch before spinning around, FLYING CLOTHESLINE FROM KANE BUT BATISTA CATCHES HIM!! WOW!! The crowd cant believe it as Batista catches the Big Red Machine, incredible strength from the champion and he drops Kane with a TWISTING SPINEBUSTER!! The pop is through the roof as even Shawn Michaels looks taken aback, the champion crawls into a cover, shifting the momentum in this contest and that may be all she wrote
NO!! KANE SURVIVES!! Kane hangs in just about as Batista comes within a whisker of retaining his World Heavyweight Championship there. Shawn Michaels gulping here as he almost counts Kane down, he potentially couldve lost his job right there and then as Batista begins to realise his whereabouts again now. Despite all the dominance Kanes shown in the last passage, its Batista who almost comes out with the victory. The crowd however are now beginning to boo as Batista turns around, albeit still fallen but he sees whats happening, Shawn Michaels likewise and we see ERIC BISCHOFF STROLLING DOWN RINGSIDE!!
Bischoff is storming down and he does not look impressed with how this has turned round, perhaps not impressed with Shawn Michaels making that count as Batista gives him the eyes, not wanting to see the GM down here, Michaels simply looks away, not even wanting to acknowledge that his boss is now ringside, now watching like a hawk over the Heartbreak Kid.
This thing rolls on though and the Animal gets to his feet, nodding at Michaels, recognising that he did whats right there and counted Kane down. Tista grabs Kane by the back of the neck, drawing him to his feet before a burst of energy, a burst of power from the champion as he charges into the corner, taking Kane with him and Batista goes to work with vicious shoulders into the gut, Kanes back being rammed into the corner as Tista shows his brutality here, Kane letting out roars of pain here. Massive shoulders from Tista right into Kanes mid section before he finally lets up, the crowd on fire right now as Tista heads towards the opposite corner, whats he got in mind here? Tista then charges at Kane and WHAM!! THUNDEROUS CORNER CLOTHESLINE!!
Kane stumbles back out of the corner, the impact having taken its toll and Batista is awaiting him right in the middle of the ring, Kane comes towards him, kick to the mid section, Batista places Kanes head between his legs, BATISTABOMB time!! Batista looks to lift him up but Kane digs deep, Kane digs his heels in and doesnt allow it!! The crowd groan a little there, hoping for a finisher from the champion but instead its a big BACKBODY DROP FROM THE BIG RED MACHINE!! Impressive strength from the challenger as the champion lands stiffly on his back, Kane shaking off a few cob webs before he goes right back after the champion as we again get a shot of HBK watching these two tear each other apart right now before he glances over at Eric Bischoff who now has a wry smile on his face, the Big Red Machine back in control.
Kane trickles over to the fallen Animal. He scoops Tista up to his feet, the champion stuck in the corner now as Kane goes to work with a strong elbow across the throat, similar to his earlier assault, Kane delivering these devastating elbows, he goes for one more but Batista dodges it!! Kane falls into the corner and Batista turns the tables!! Batista now going to town on Kane!! Stiff right hands from the champion here and Kane has no answer right now. Irish whip from the Animal, reversal!! Batista flings into the corner, Kane comes charging but so too does Batista SPEAR!! SPEAR FROM THE CHAMPION!! THE TWO BULLS COLLIDE AND ITS THE ANIMAL OUT ON TOP!! The crowd give a massive pop as the champion crawls into the cover
NO!! AGAIN KANE GETS THE SHOULER UP!! Much to Batista and the crowds dismay, Kane kicks out and Batista now eyes up Shawn Michaels, questioning his decision, What? the question on Batistas lips as Michaels shrugs his shoulders, pointing at Kane and stating it was only two as Batista pounds the mat in anger, unable to put away the monster there. Eric Bischoff meanwhile has his hands on his head, realising he was a whisker away from witnessing Shawn Michaels do the unthinkable in his eyes. Bischoff then yelling out WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Tista continues eyeing up Michaels as he rises to his feet, Michaels however is remaining calm and composed as he stares Tista right back square in the eye. The World Champion then turns his attentions back to the challenger, Kane showing signs of life now as Batista delivers a THUMBS UP!! The crowd know whats coming and theres a real buzz in the air as Kane is now to his knees before we see A THUMBS DOWN!! Kane slowly to his feet, he turns around, boot to the gut, BATISTABOMB TIME!! KANES UP HIGH!! BAM!! CONNECTS!! Batista into the cover, Michaels is gonna count it
Theres nothing??? The crowd are booing the holy hell out of this as we see ERIC BISCHOFF HAS ORDERED HBK TO STOP THE COUNT!! J.R is going ape shit on commentary, Batista was all set to retain his gold here but we see Michaels has dropped to the outside, he and Bischoff now remonstrating with one another. Bischoff is asking Shawn What the hell are you thinking? Do your damn job Shawn, I told you what to do as Michaels looks around the arena, hes torn here, not knowing what move to make, knowing the repercussions whatever he decides tonight as he hops back up on to the apron, not taking his eyes off Bischoff who is demanding Shawn to Do the right thing. The crowd are egging Michaels on to deck Bischoff here but Michaels fights the temptation.
Michaels finally re-enters the ring where Batista is awaiting him!! Tista gets in Shawns face here, the crowd are riled up now as Michaels looks the other way, he cant look Batista in the eye here, he knows what Bischoff has prevented as Batista asks just what the hell hes playing at, Michaels though is not responding and Batista now yells ANSWER ME before the Showstopper turns and looks at Bischoff, implying it was the GMs antics there. Batista simply laughs it off, he says its Your call Shawn, not his but Shawn simply looks away ONLY FOR BATISTA TO SHOVE HIM!!
Theres oooooooohs and aaaaaaahs from the crowd here as Michaels grits his teeth, Bischoff barking instructions on the outside at Michaels while Batista is snarling at the Heartbreak Kid here, he asks Shawn What are you gonna do then huh? BAM!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO BATISTA!! THATS EXACTLY WHAT SHAWN MICHAELS IS GONNA DO!! THE ARENA HAS ERUPTED INTO HEAT AS MICHAELS KICKS TISTAS HEAD OFF WITH SOME SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!
Eric Bischoff is jumping for joy as Michaels has done Bischoff the favour he desired. Batista is completely floored as Bischoff now storms round ringside, barking at Kane to cover him and Kane IS stirring. Kane is crawling gingerly across to Batista, Michaels is simply staring at the damage done, the damage HE has done!! The crowd are about to freakin riot if this goes down and Kane covers Batista!!
NO!! BATISTA KICKS OUT!! WHAT THE HELL?!? THE ARENA EXPLODES AS BATISTA KICKS OUT!! Shawn Michaels simply calls it how he sees it, his expression unchanged but Kane has his eyes wide open here, hes in disbelief while Eric Bischoff has his hands on his head, hes in a state of shock that the Sweet Chin Music didnt finish off the job. Theres now a THUNDEROUS BA-TIS-TA chant, the crowd sensing that the momentum has again shifted as we see a close up of Shawn Michaels, his expression unchanged from when he hit Sweet Chin Music, a penny for his thoughts right now.
Theres a real air of disbelief around the arena but a sense of excitement also as the fans start to believe that despite all the adversity, this may indeed be Batistas night. Kane rises to his feet now and theres a look of anger that comes over the Big Red Machine as he eyes up Shawn Michaels. Michaels doesnt seem at all concerned though as Kane begins remonstrating with the stand in official, the monster telling him, THAT WAS THREE! but Michaels simply holds out two fingers which draws a small cheer from the fans, theyre not sure whether to cheer or boo the Showstopper here following these last few minutes and what has transpired.
Kane now looks all set to completely lose his temper before we hear a bit of a clang in the background and the camera shifts before we see that BISCHOFF HAS TOSSED A STEEL CHAIR INSIDE THE RING!! Kane has turned his head to see what lay slightly behind him, Michaels can see the weapon also and has a real look of confusion on his face now, Kane likewise but the Big Red Machines expression soon changes to a broad smile and that demonic laugh is let out as he looks at Michaels then heads over to the chair. Bischoff is barking orders, demanding that Kane FINISH HIM before yelling at Michaels You cant do a damn thing about it!! Michaels is torn here as he takes a deep breath, Kane walking over to the chair, he picks it up, looking at it with sheer joy as he holds it up high, hes eyeing up Batista who is now stirring. Bischoff again yells at Michaels to WATCH THIS SHAWN, WATCH IT REAL GOOD. Kane now looks ready to swing here, the crowd cant believe whats taking place before their eyes BUT MICHAELS STEPS IN FRONT OF KANE!!
The crowd are now going absolutely WILD as Michaels steps in front of the challenger, Kanes got the chair swung back, he was all set to smash the hell out of Batista there but Michaels steps in front!! Kane drops the chair now and has a look of What the hell are you doing? on his face. That look soon changes to one of sheer anger, Kane is pissed off here but Michaels is simply standing there, his head down, he doesnt even seem to believe what hes doing right now and neither can his boss!! Eric Bischoff is going absolutely ballistic on the outside and he hops up on the apron!!
Bischoff is on the apron and is yelling SHAWN, SHAWN, WHAT IS THIS?! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOURE DOING!?!. The Washington faithful have gone from booing the Heartbreak Kid to cheering him like HE was their home town hero as Michaels simply glances in his direction. Bischoff is still barking at him as KANE NOW GETS RIGHT IN MICHAELS FACE!! The Big Red Machine is squaring up to the Special Guest Referee and Michaels now looks Kane in the eye, the look of depression evading him as the focus appears back on HBKs face!! That glint is back in the eyes of Shawn Michaels BUT KANE GRABS MICHAELS BY THE THROAT!! CHOKESLAM TIME!!
The MCI Center has again exploded!! Batista sends the GM flying and Bischoff looks out cold on the outside as Kane breaks his grip, shoving Michaels away, Batista spins around, GOOZLE!! KANE IS GONNA SEND BATISTA TUMBLING, CHOKESLAM, NO!! BATISTA SHOVES KANE AWAY!!
SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!! SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO KANE!! MICHAELS EVENING UP THE SCORE!! Kane stumbles away, his teeth damn near knocked down his throat as he falls right into the path of the World Champion, boot to the gut, Kanes going up high!! What goes up must come down!! BATISTABOMB CONNECTS!! THE CROWD ARE ELECTRIC AS BATISTA ROLLS HIM INTO A COVER
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Batista(17:11)
Jim Ross:
The Coach:
Shawn Michaels has kissed his career goodbye!! What the hell is Shawn Michaels thinking J.R!!?? All he had to do was count Batista DOWN!! Thats all he had to do!!
Jim Ross:
He didnt have to do it Coach and I, along with all these people here in Washington D.C are damn sure glad he didnt!! Shawn Michaels showing the man he really is tonight, Shawn Michaels has shown his class tonight, hes shown Dave Batista the respect he deserves, the respect he has earned and would ya would ya look at this? It appears as though the respect is being shown right back at him!
Indeed Shawn has the World Title in his hand as Batista eyes him up, Michaels hands over the title to a nice pop, nodding his head at the champion. Batista nods his head in Michaels direction also, looking exhausted after that gruelling test here tonight. Tista holds the title up high as Michaels raises the Animals other hand up in victory, both men receiving a hell of a pop as Tista again delivers a nod of appreciation before wandering to the top rope to celebrate whilst Michaels simply heads up the ramp, perhaps knowing that his future is now in doubt following his actions tonight.
The Coach:
Makes me feel sick J.R. Michaels is under contract to Eric Bischoff, he does what Eric Bischoff tells him to do and he went out there tonight under STRICT ORDERS to count Batista down. Shawn Michaels is gonna regret what he did tonight and Im willin to bet that Batistas gonna regret it too.
Jim Ross:
Well the consequences are inevitable but if thats the way Shawn Michaels is gonna bow out then he can walk away with his head held high. Tonight it is Shawn Michaels night, tonight it is Batistas night. Despite all the odds, despite all the adversity, despite all Eric Bischoff has thrown his way, Batista has come through and he has come through STILL World Heavyweight Champion!! Goodnight everybody!!
We get a glimpse of Eric Bischoff completely fallen on the outside before a shot of Batista standing on top of the turnbuckle, holding his World Title up high, the crowd on cloud nine as one of their own ends the night victorious and we slowly fade to black
Last edited by cp954; 10-01-2012 at
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