RAW vs. SmackDown!

[KDAWG]

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Rey Mysterio vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield vs. Eddie Guerrero ©

Rey so deserves this too :thumbs-up:

WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH - LADDER

Rene Dupree vs. John Cena ©

Cena has to win cuz I hate that French bastard B)

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz vs. Rico and Charlie Haas ©

Time to give Charlie a legitimate gimmick and role and not as a sidekick :thumbs-up:

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Jeff Hardy vs. Chavo Guerrero ©

Imagi-Nation Station! Hardy rulz

HANDICAP MATCH

Mordecai vs. Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi

Booker T vs. the Undertaker

Booker better win

ELIMINATION MATCH TO BE NO.1 CONTENDER FOR THE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Akio vs. Jamie Noble vs. Ultimo Dragon vs. Nunzio vs. Paul London vs. Shannon Moore

Noble is severely underrated and underused. I'll be pulling for him

DEBUT MATCH

Suzuki vs. Billy Kidman

Kidman doesn't deserve to lose to that piece of shit

[KRC]

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Rey Mysterio vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield vs. Eddie Guerrero ©

WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH - LADDER

Rene Dupree vs. John Cena ©

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

The Dudley Boyz vs. Rico and Charlie Haas ©

WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Jeff Hardy vs. Chavo Guerrero ©

HANDICAP MATCH

Mordecai vs. Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi

Booker T vs. the Undertaker

ELIMINATION MATCH TO BE NO.1 CONTENDER FOR THE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Akio vs. Jamie Noble vs. Ultimo Dragon vs. Nunzio vs. Paul London vs. Shannon Moore

DEBUT MATCH

Suzuki vs. Billy Kidman

[TMM]

13th June 2004

Announcers: Michael Cole and Tazz

The show started off differently this time, with no pyro and no video, but with Lillian Garcia standing in the ring. WWE had made an exception as tonight is a very special occasion as tradition is renewed with this event. Lillian sang the national anthem, as everybody in attendance joined in, before she finished to a great ovation.

The opening video package played, with clips of the Great American Bash events that were held over in WCW from 1985 to 2000 added in with clips of recent weeks. There were clips of Dusty Rhodes defeating Ric Flair in 1986 to win the NWA title interwoven with Eddie Guerrero celebrating winning his first WWE title at No Way Out this year. The clips of the WarGames in 1986 mixed in with the SmackDown battle between Rey Mysterio and John “Bradshaw” Layfield. The brilliant Cruiserweight title match between Dean Malenko and the debuting Rey Mysterio in 1996 cut to the great match with Jeff Hardy and Chavo Guerrero on SmackDown a few weeks ago. Many more classic Great American Bash clips were in the package along with clips of the wrestlers who would compete tonight. The video faded out with the words: Nothing is for Sure.

The pyros went off all over the arena as the Great American Bash kicks off live! The fans were cheering across the arena, as Michael Cole and Tazz are introduced.

Cole: The Great American Bash is finally upon us! We are live tonight, and tonight marks the renewal of a great tradition that died along with WCW, but is being reborn with SmackDown tonight. Hello everyone I’m Michael Cole and I’m sitting alongside my broadcast partner Tazz! We’re joined here at the Bash by out Spanish colleges Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich.

Tazz: What a night it’s going to be tonight! There are hundreds, maybe thousands of fans outside still trying to get inside the arena!

Cole: We’re are sold out here, and would you look at the amount of fans out there! We’re going to kick off the Great American Bash with…

*IF YA SMELL…WHAT THE ROCK, IS COOKING*

Cole: Woah! What the hell? Is that…that…that’s…

Cole and Tazz: …the Rock!!!

Cole: What’s the Rock doing here? He’s a RAW guy!

Tazz: I don’t care man listen to this place! Everyone’s going nuts! I don’t think I’ve heard a louder response than tonight!

The arena fills with deafening ‘Rocky! Rocky’ chants as the Great One walks down the aisle. The Rock enters the ring and with every turnbuckle that he climbs, the cheers get louder! The Rock signals for a microphone, as a stagehand nervously passes him one. The fans cheer louder in anticipation for what the Rock is going to say. The Rock raises the microphone to his mouth, but stops as the ‘Rocky! Rocky!’ chants continue to grow. The classic ‘Rock smile’ crosses his face as his sets himself up…

The Rock: Finally, the Rock has come back…to the WWE!

Rock paused again as the fans went nuts after hearing the Rock’s first words in a WWE ring since WrestleMania XX in March.

The Rock: You know the Rock was spending his time out in Hollywood, making movies rubbing shoulders with all the big movie stars, making his millions but do you what happened? The Rock realised that making movies and working with all the big Hollywood boys and girls…it just doesn’t compare when the Rock hears’ the millions…(and millions)…and millions of the Rock’s fans chanting his name!

As if on cue, the fans began to chant ‘Rocky! Rocky!’ again, much to the joy of the Rock who smiled and even started to get the fans chanting louder.

The Rock: The Rock was in the neighbourhood visiting some of my boys, some of my family and then I remembered that the WWE was in town! So what the Rock did is he walked out of the house, jumped in his damn fine car and drove down to the arena so he could see you guys! That’s right! The Rock was planning on spending the night with…hey Lillian, how you doing? No, no, no Lillian! The Rock’s eyes! The eyes! Stop looking at the Rock’s strudel! Damn girl! Anyway, what was the Rock saying? Oh yeah that’s right. I came to this arena because I wanted to see you guys and to make a special announcement. As you probably know, the Rock just finished filming a movie, and as of right now, I have got a nice empty schedule until the end of the year. So I thought instead of making the decision myself, I thought I would let the people make it! So…if you think the Rock should return to SmackDown full time…ha, no I’m not going to say gimme a hell yeah! If you want the Rock to come back home to SmackDown full time as of Thursday night…gimme a Rocky chant so loud it’ll blow the roof off of this arena!

The fans went crazy and went into a frenzy! The ‘Rocky! Rocky!’ chants started all over again!

Cole: This crowd is so loud! I think they ARE blowing the roof off of the arena! Tazz?

Tazz: Rocky! Rocky! Huh? Oh yeah, loud…Rocky! Rocky!

The Rock: The Rock can’t hear you!

The ‘Rocky!’ chants get even LOUDER, if that is possible!

The Rock: So…the Rock will be on SmackDown this Thursday, and as of then, the Rock is back in the WWE and back on SmackDown! If ya smell…what the Rock is cooking!

The Rock dropped the microphone as his music hit the speakers. The Rock walked around ringside and slapped hands with everybody before finally making his way up the ramp. But he didn’t return to the back before one last thing…the People’s Eyebrow right at the camera!

100%

Cole: Wow…what a way to kick off the Great American Bash! The Rock is back Tazz!

Tazz: …what?

Cole: I said the Rock is back!

Tazz: Who wants their socks back? I think I’ve gone deaf thanks to the fans!

Cole: Ha ha, I know what you mean partner! Well, after all that excitement, things continue to get better as the first official match at the Great American Bash is the Cruiserweight title match, and here comes Jeff Hardy!

-- WWE Cruiserweight title match --

Jeff Hardy vs. Chavo Guerrero ©

Jeff Hardy came out to brand new music, and the face paint and crazy dancing was gone. Jeff seemed to be reverting to his old Hardy Boyz roots, although adapting it for singles competition. Chavo Guerrero came out next and was accompanied by his father as usual. Classic stopped halfway down the ramp, pulled out a hanky from his shirt, spat on it and wiped the Cruiserweight title around Chavo’s waist. As soon as they Chavo’s reached ringside, the referee stopped them and ordered Chavo Classic to the back! The Chavo’s argued their case, but the referee seemed to tell them that if he didn’t leave, he would disqualify Chavo and award the title to Jeff Hardy! Chavo Classic was shocked, as was his son. Father and son looked at each other and hugged one another before Classic headed to the back. The finally got into the ring, and Chavo stared at Jeff before pointing at his hair and laughing at it being blue. This seemed to piss Jeff off, who charged at Chavo! Chavo dropped out of the ring and ran around it before coming back in the other side, only to drop a leg on the back of Jeff’s neck. Chavo quickly picked him and up and hit a snap suplex, getting a near fall out of it. Chavo brought Jeff back up to a vertical base and locked in a front face lock. Chavo was using his knees to hit Jeff in the face a couple of times before releasing the hold. Jeff was still standing, but was weary as Chavo ran to the ropes. He charged at Jeff with a clothesline in mind, but Jeff dropped to the mat and hit a drop toehold! Jeff kept his legs were they were, and locked Chavo in a unique leglock. He then used his flexibility to reach back and grab a hold of Chavo’s head and pull that back to! Chavo screamed in pain, but luckily for him, he was right on top of the ropes almost, and was able to break the hold. Jeff got up and dragged him to the centre of the ring before grabbing his legs and flipping over into a bit of a bridged pin, which got a near fall. Jeff picked Chavo up off the mat and punched him towards the ropes before whipping him to the other side. Jeff went for a dropkick, but Chavo held onto the top rope, stopping his momentum! Chavo the hit a quick dropkick to the face before locking in a dragon sleeper on the mat. Chavo dominated the match for much of the remainder; although Jeff did manage one short flurry which was cut off at the knees when Chavo ducked a Jeff punch and hit a clothesline to the back of his head. The end of the match came soon after this, as Chavo had locked in a move similar to a triangle choke. The fans were really getting behind Jeff at this point, and were clapping him to his feet. Jeff managed to fight his way out of the now-headlock, and laid into Chavo with a flurry of right hands, but Chavo managed to block one, and whip Jeff into the corner. However, Jeff used the momentum to climb up the turnbuckle and float over to connect with a corkscrew! Jeff got to his feet at the same time as Chavo, and he pulled his legs out from under him and connected with a legdrop down low! Jeff pulled off the shirt, as the girls went even wilder than before, and he ascended to the top rope. Jeff called for it and dived off the top for the Swanton Bomb! However, Chavo dodged the bullet and quickly jumped in on Jeff, grabbed the jeans and rolled him up…1…2…3! Chavo steals the victory at the Bash!

Winner and STILL Cruiserweight champion: Chavo Guerrero (14:34)

Chavo rolled out of the ring, grabbed his Cruiserweight title and quickly headed up the ramp. Chavo had a mixture of a smirk on his face and a glazed look in his eye as he left the ringside area. Jeff stood in the ring, looked around, shook his head, and then shrugged his shoulders. Jeff’s music hit and he left the ring, certainly ruing his bad luck tonight.

Cole: You’ve gotta give it up for Jeff Hardy here. It was a good match, and Jeff had it won but Chavo had to cheat to win!

Tazz: A great match. A great match there, but it just wasn’t Jeff’s night.

Cole: Chavo had a hold of Jeff’s jeans! Chavo cheated to win, just like he did a few weeks ago on Jeff’s WWE return he cheated to win!

Tazz: Well, maybe Jeff just can’t beat Chavo who knows! Maybe Jeff Hardy isn’t destined to hold the Cruiserweight title!

Cole: Maybe your right, but on the subject of destiny, the Dudley Boyz believe that winning the Tag Team titles tonight is their destiny it would be a record setting 18th time they would have Tag Team gold around their waist; a record they in fact set!

Tazz: Well this match should be interesting no doubt. The champs have a score to settle with the Dudleyz, and I have a strange feeling that Rico and Haas will somehow come out on top!

Cole: I can’t say I agree Tazz, the Dudleyz are violent and we’ve seen them put Miss Jackie through a table, what are they capable of with Haas and Rico?

-- WWE Tag Team title match --

The Dudley Boyz vs. Rico and Charlie Haas ©

Paul Heyman saw what happened during the last match, so he only accompanied the Dudleyz to ringside before heading to the back. Charlie Haas and Rico came out next, and Rico’s attire was, um…shocking. He appeared to be wearing one of Miss Jackie’s outfits! He was wearing his own pants, but he definitely had one of the outfits’ Miss Jackie has worn in the past. As soon as they reached the ring, Rico sat on the second rope and pulled it down for Charlie to enter. Charlie looked a little disgusted, but seemed to think ‘what the hell’ and went under the second rope but just over Rico’s crotch! Rico looked as giddy as a schoolgirl when that happened! Rico was acting as if everything was alright with the world, while Charlie Haas was clearly upset with the way Miss Jackie was assaulted two weeks ago. The Dudleyz were a little bit confused, disgusted, and entertained by Rico’s actions once the bell rang to signify the start of the match. Rico was prancing around the ring as Charlie Haas shook his head on the apron and began banging it against the turnbuckle. D-Von went to lock up with Rico but Rico dodged the grapple and grabbed D-Von’s behind! D-Von turned around and elbowed Rico in the jaw and laid into him with punches to the face on the mat. He quickly tagged in his ‘brother’ Bubba who continued where D-Von left off, beating the heck out of Rico! Bubba punched Rico in the face and got back up, but not before slapping him in across the mouth! Bubba shouted, “Look at him! Look at him now!” before kicking him in the back of his head and tagging D-Von back in. D-Von picked him up and ran him into the corner with a clothesline, waited for him to walk back out and hit a back breaker. D-Von picked him back up yet again and tagged Bubba back in. The Dudleyz then hit their unique double-neckbreaker move and bubba made the cover while being vocal in telling the referee to count. The Dudleyz continued like this for much of the remainder of the match, isolating Rico and making quick tags to keep each other fresh. The end of the match came when Bubba was taunting Charlie Haas by holding Rico’s arm out for him to tag in, but Haas couldn’t reach him. Rico managed to regain some form of awareness, and kicked Bubba in the stomach. However, the blow wasn’t enough for Bubba to get hurt, but it was enough for Bubba to punch him in the face! But when Bubba hit Rico, he fell down next to his partner, who got the tag and came into the ring! Haas laid out Bubba, and then hit a big back body drop on D-Von! Bubba came back at Haas, who ducked and axe-handle blow and hit Bubba in the stomach before dropping him on his head with a DDT! D-Von came from behind and went to hit the Saving Grace on Haas, but Rico tapped on the shoulder before planting a kiss on D-Von! Charlie Haas tripped D-Von up from behind and locked in the Haas of Pain! D-Von was screaming in pain while also wiping his mouth. Bubba had rolled to the outside, and Rico followed him out. Rico went to grab Bubba and throw him back inside, but Bubba low-blowed him! The referee was busy in the ring and didn’t see the illegal blow. Bubba then threw Rico across the announce table and sent him crashing into the timekeeper! Bubba grabbed a chair and went inside the ring. The referee waved his hands, telling Bubba not to do it, but Bubba smashed the chair across Charlie Haas’ head, breaking up the submission, but also getting the Dudleyz disqualified!

Winner via DQ and STILL WWE Tag Team champions: Charlie Haas and Rico (15:16)

Bubba then threatened to hit the referee if he didn’t get out of his way, and then hit Charlie Haas across the back with the chair! At that moment, Paul Heyman came sauntering down the ramp laughing his head off, and then stepped into the ring with the Dudleyz Boyz. Bubba pushed D-Von in the chest, and yelled for him to get the tables! D-Von hobbled out of the ring and brought a table out from under the ring and set it up near one of the turnbuckles. Bubba got on the top rope, and D-Von picked up Charlie Haas and placed him on Bubba’s shoulders…as Bubba drove the Tag Team champion through the table! D-Von spun around and gave Haas the 3D salute before the Dudleyz and Paul Heyman left the ring.

Cole: Charlie Haas and Rico win the match, and retain the WWE Tag Team titles, but they sure don’t look like winners to me!

Tazz: Nor me partner! The Dudleyz really blew that if you ask me. They were in control for most of the match, and I really believe that they would’ve won the match if Bubba didn’t nearly murder Charlie Haas with that chair shot!

Cole: Maybe, but that’s two out of four title matches out of the way, and there has yet to be a title change hands. Up next is the United States championship match between John Cena and Rene Dupree in a ladder match. Will this match bring about the first title change of the night?

Tazz: Well I’ve got my money on Rene Dupree here. He’s inside John Cena’s head, and I think Dupree’s time has finally come.

Cole: Let’s see how these two came together.

VIDEO PACKAGE

A video package aired, showing the history of the two men starting when Dupree appeared on SmackDown after the RAW roster lottery draw. It showed his interview segment, ‘Café de Rene’ where he interviewed Torrie Wilson, but started insulting her to such an extent that it forced John Cena to come out. It then cut to clips of their various title matches and exchanges in tag team competition. It also showed John Cena ended Torrie Wilson’s WWE career by pinning her a few weeks ago on SmackDown. The video ended with Dupree attempting to shatter Cena’s arm by crushing it in between the legs of a ladder.

-- WWE United States title match – LADDER --

Rene Dupree vs. John Cena ©

Dupree was the first out, as is customary for title challengers. However, notable by her absence was Fifi! Dupree left his poodle backstage and according to Tazz; he left it with Luther Raines and Kurt Angle so they could take care of her! Cena came out next and was certainly up for the match as he got straight into the ring and got in Rene Dupree’s face. Dupree hid behind the referee and tried to get him to admonish him before the bell even rung. The ladder was set up on the entrance ramp, which is right where Dupree ran as soon as the bell was rung! He wanted to pick it up and bring it into the ring, but only got as near to the ring as the apron before John Cena smashed the ladder into his face with a baseball slide! Cena made sure to say to Dupree, “You can’t see me!” before picking up the ladder and sliding it into the ring. Cena slid in as well, and went to set the ladder up. Dupree managed to recover from eating the ladder, and got into the ring with Cena. The two exchanged blows, and after Cena punched Dupree in the face, he began to climb the ladder. Dupree got back up and started to shake the ladder, knocking it over. However, Cena jumped off the ladder just before it fell and nailed Rene Dupree with a double axe handle! Cena dominated the majority of the early going, up until the 7-minute point where he tried to finish Dupree off with an FU, but he was unable to hit the move due to his weakened shoulder. He dropped Dupree and shook his shoulder as if to get some feeling back into it, but while he was doing this, Dupree dropped to his knees and hit a low blow on the unsuspecting champion! Dupree slowly made it to his feet and exchanged blows with Cena for a couple of seconds before ducking a right hand and dropkicking Cena in his injured shoulder! Dupree, like a shark smelling blood jumped on Cena and locked in an armbar for a while. Dupree released the hold about twenty seconds later and looked as if he had had an idea. He picked Cena up and scoop slammed him back down before going outside the ring and grabbing both the United States title and a steel chair. He put the belt on the ring apron and then entered the ring via the steps with the chair in hand. He set the chair up in a sitting position and again scoop slammed Cena before dragging him over to the chair and placing his left arm across it. He rolled outside and brought in another chair and this time folded it up. Dupree smiled towards the fans as he geared up and smashed down the chair! Much to Dupree’s surprise, Cena managed to pull his arm out if the way just in time to avoid the blow! But he wasn’t quite as lucky immediately afterwards as Dupree swung the chair round and hit Cena square in the head, knocking him to the mat! Dupree smiled and did his French Tickler dance, before dropping to his knees and locking in a Rings of Saturn type manoeuvre on the champ. Cena screamed out loud and reached for the ropes. His other hand was on the verge of tapping out the entire time, even though the match wouldn’t end anyway. Dupree was thoroughly in control for a further 3 or 4 minutes, working over John Cena’s injured left arm the entire time. Dupree said it was over, and started to climb the ladder to reach the title belt! The crowd were in a mixture of boos for Dupree and Cena chants, as they ushered Cena back into the match. Cena managed to get to his feet and somehow mustered together enough strength to push the ladder over…and crotch Rene Dupree on the top rope! The ladder bounced back into a standing position, and Dupree managed to get off of the top rope and gingerly walk over to John Cena. Cena looked weary and didn’t seem to know where he was when Dupree came over…but Cena shocked everyone, including himself as he picked Dupree up and slammed him down with the FU! Cena was running on instinct now, as he turned round and fell towards the ladder as he attempted to climb up it. Dupree wasn’t moving at all, as Cena got closer and closer to the prize. Suddenly, somebody ran through the crowd, jumped the barricade and got into the ring! It’s John “Bradshaw” Layfield!?! What’s he doing here? He managed to pull Cena off of the ladder…and then nailed the weary Cena with a clothesline from hell! JBL smirked as he helped Dupree to his feet and up the ladder. Dupree climbed slowly, but in the end, Rene Dupree climbed to the very top of the ladder and grabbed the United States championship belt! Dupree is the new US champion!

Winner and NEW United States champion: Rene Dupree (19:34)

Dupree fell off the ladder in a heap just as his music hit the speakers. JBL helped him to his feet and raised Dupree’s wrist into air and pointed to him while shouting, “New US champion! Yes!” Dupree finally realised that he had won and dropped to his knees cradling the title he had just won. Cena was lying in heap, holding his injured arm while the new champion and John “Bradshaw” Layfield celebrate the victory.

Cole: What the hell is this all about?

Tazz: You got me! Dupree and JBL? Working together? Didn’t see that one coming!

Cole: What have these two got in common? Dupree hates America and all Americans, while JBL prides himself as being a ‘great American’! I don’t see the connection at all!

Tazz: Me neither! What I see in the ring is sorta like seeing Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush shaking hands and hugging! This is weird!

Cole: Maybe it’s an insurance policy? You scratch my back I’ll scratch yours sort of thing? Maybe they struck a deal tonight? If that is what’s happened, then this probably won’t be the last we see of Rene Dupree tonight.

Tazz: I hope Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio are watching this, as they could well be seeing the same thing a little later in the WWE championship match!

Cole: Well John Cena is beginning to move in the ring. Thank god he’s all right. Wait a minute; JBL and Rene Dupree are heading back to the ring? What’s this all about?

Tazz: Cena doesn’t realise it’s them I don’t think.

John Cena gets to his feet after using JBL as a ladder to help himself up, and then stands half a metre away from the large figure of John “Bradshaw” Layfield. JBL turns up his nose and slaps Cena…before laying him out with a clothesline from hell! Dupree and JBL shake hands before walking up the ramp to the back. The video feed then cuts to backstage where Kurt Angle and Luther Raines are laughing at the outcome of the last match.

Angle: Hey Luther! That was some funny stuff! I have no idea what John “Bradshaw” Layfield did that for, but do me a favour; remind me to give him a pay-rise! I owe him a lot for that! Hey hey, get Eric Bischoff on the phone! I need to tell him that John Cena is on the way.

Luther: What do you mean?

Angle: What? Oh of course! I’ve finally solved my little John Cena problem, and I’ve done it by…trading him to RAW!

Luther: Who did you trade him for boss?

Angle: Ah now that my friend is a secret. But I’ll tell you this; although I’m not that happy about it, the man who is joining from RAW won’t be joining SmackDown until after RAW’s joke of a pay-per-view Bad Blood. But seen as I really, REALLY wanted rid of that waste of space John Cena, I reluctantly agreed to it. So…no more John Cena! All will be right with the world after tonight!

We return to ringside and are focused on Michael Cole and Tazz at the announce booth.

Cole: What? Cena’s been traded to RAW? What is Angle thinking? John Cena is the future of SmackDown, and he’s just sent him over to our rivals!

Tazz: We’ll I guess that’s one way to get rid of somebody! He put him in a ‘loser gets fired’ match against Torrie Wilson which he wins, so as soon as he loses his United States title, he trades him to RAW! I gotta agree with you though; Cena IS the future of this industry and I’ll be sad to see him go. Not the greatest business decision if you ask me.

Cole: Well I guess we’ve gotta move on, and moving on we shall with the handicap match between Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, and Mordecai!

Tazz: Mordecai debuted at the Judgment Day pay-per-view last month against Scotty 2 Hotty, and man did he destroy him in that match!

Cole: He did. Then on SmackDown, Rikishi challenged him to a one-on-one, which Mordecai obliged to…but Mordecai won that one as well! But when Rikishi and Scotty returned to full fitness, Rikishi demanded a rematch. Angle gave it to him, but then this happened (footage is played of the end of Scotty and Rikishi’s match with the Bashams, and the attack by Mordecai afterwards). Mordecai threatened Rikishi and Scotty with a severe beating tonight, and informed them it’d be a handicap match.

Tazz: But Cole we’ve said it many times over the past week; who will be handicapped tonight?

Mordecai vs. Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty

This handicap match is a tag formula, where only Scotty or Rikishi can be in the ring at any time. Rikishi and Scotty were the first out and were as fun loving as usual. Scotty ‘wormed’ his way down the ramp and ran around ringside slapping hands with all the fans. They stood in the ring, and as soon as the lights dimmed and Mordecai’s music hit, they put their game faces on. Mordecai walked slowly down the ramp, carrying the big metal crucifix and placed it in the holder at the very bottom of the ramp. Mordecai slowly walked up the stairs, and removed his hood when he reached the ramp. He entered the ring, and then he removed his robe and gave it to the referee. Mordecai stood waiting to see which of his opponents would challenge him first. It was Rikishi. The two men stood on opposite sides of the ring and starred at each other. Rikishi turned around for a second as Scotty wished him luck, and was promptly jumped from behind! Mordecai hammered Rikishi with forearms to the back and punches to the ribs before Scotty reached out and tagged himself in! Mordecai let up and stepped back, allowing Scotty to get in the ring. Rikishi looked quite surprised as Scotty told him to calm down. Mordecai looked up at the sky and stretched his arms out as if he had received a gift from above. Mordecai then turned his attentions to Scotty, who waved at him! Mordecai charged at Scotty who ducked down and crawled under the Pale Rider! Mordecai turned and tried to grab Scotty again, who again ducked and crawled under him! Mordecai was getting pissed, at the same time the fans were laughing at his expense. Mordecai told Scotty to come on, and spread his arms as if to give him a free shot. Scotty stepped forward…and slapped the taste out of Mordecai’s mouth! Scotty smiled, as Mordecai stretched his jaw and offered him another shot. Scotty stepped forward and went to slap him again…but Mordecai caught his hand this time and began crushing his wrist! Scotty fell to his knees in pain before Mordecai lifted him up by the head, pressed him over his head and threw him on top of the turnbuckle! Mordecai pounded away at Scotty’s back before lifting him off the turnbuckle and driving Scotty’s shoulder into his knee. Mordecai covered Scotty, but lifted him up at the last second! Mordecai laughed and shouted out, “You will be punished! You will suffer his wrath!” he set Scotty up…and delivered the Crucifix! Instead of pinning Scotty, he picked him up and threw him towards Rikishi. Rikishi tagged himself in, and the two big men locked up, and pulled apart with neither man getting the advantage. Rikishi went to grapple again, but Mordecai side-stepped and ducked it before hitting a vicious clothesline on the back of the 400-plus pounder! Mordecai looked up at the sky, thanked ‘the father’ before picked Rikishi up, putting him between his legs, and showing great strength, hit the Crucifix! Mordecai smiled an evil smile before picking Rikishi up a second time and hitting the Crucifix again! Mordecai finally covered the big man…1…2…3. What a dominant showing by the impressive and dangerous Mordecai.

Winner: Mordecai (10:35)

Mordecai stood up and walked straight out of the ring towards his crucifix that he brought down. He dropped down to his knees, starred up at the sky and stretched out his arms. Mordecai stayed like this for a short while before nodding his head and getting up. Mordecai picked up the crucifix and walked back up the ramp, starring at it the whole time.

Cole: A totally dominant showing by the Pale Rider tonight Tazz!

Tazz: Scary stuff, really scary. The guy has such amazing strength, but he has to be a little wacko don’t you think? I mean…’the father’? Who do you think he’s talking about?

Cole: I’m not sure partner, I have no idea!

Tazz: Maybe he hears voices in his head!?!

Cole: Ha ha, maybe so, but Rikishi and Scotty will be hearing voices right about now. Mind you, they’ll be more along the lines of ‘tweet tweet’ then anything!

Tazz: Hey you mean like Tweety Pie? Man I loved that bird!

Cole: Well up next, the 6-man elimination match to determine the no.1 contender for the Cruiserweight title. Akio, Ultimo Dragon, Paul London, Jamie Noble, Shannon Moore and Nunzio will battle it out in just a few moments where the first four opponents will be eliminated by being thrown over the top rope, and the final two will go at it in a one-on-one match where the rules are that of a regular match. Pinfall, submission, count-out, disqualification; any and all of the following would end it.

Tazz: I got my money on Ultimo Dragon man! He returned on SmackDown and really showed the world what he was about.

Cole: Don’t forget his win on Velocity last night against Jamie Noble! Ultimo has two big wins under his belt in cruiserweight competition.

Tazz: Woah! He pinned Chavo Classic on SmackDown! I’ve seen Classic in the back with all the pies and he ain’t no Cruiserweight!

Cole: Point taken. Paul London also had a great outing on Velocity as well, nearly pinning the champion Chavo Guerrero, so he’s a big threat here!

Tazz: Akio has been on a great run as well with Sakoda in tag matches, but tag matches and singles competition are totally different environments, hopefully Akio will take that in to account tonight!

Cole: Jamie Noble is a former Cruiserweight champion, and you can never count out the sneaky tactics of Nunzio or the high-flying ability of Shannon Moore. This is going to be a very tough match to call a winner in Tazz!

-- Elimination match to be No.1 contender for the Cruiserweight title --

Ultimo Dragon vs. Jamie Noble vs. Shannon Moore vs. Akio vs. Nunzio vs. Paul London

Shannon Moore was first out, followed by Nunzio and the Jamie Noble. Akio followed, and then Paul London made his way out to the ring. When Ultimo Dragon’s music hit, the crowd started to cheer. Dragon was the clear favourite, as well as the fans favourite for this match. Ultimo did his usual entrance with the pyros, and once he reached the ring and took off his robe, the bell sounded and the match begun! Shannon Moore charged straight and Paul London, who ducked him and threw him over the top rope with a shoulder toss!

1st Elimination: Shannon Moore by Paul London (0:02)

Akio, Nunzio and Paul London seemed to get into a battle of their own in one corner as Noble and Ultimo Dragon got into one at another. London had to fend off both Nunzio and Akio at the same time and somehow managed to run away from them, bounce off the ropes on the other side of the ring and nail a crossbody on Akio and hit a flying headscissors on Nunzio! Nunzio went flying over the top rope, but luckily fell onto the apron and hung on to the bottom rope for dear life. Ultimo was giving Noble a lesson in the art of kicking the crap out of someone by laying into him with everything he had via his left and right foot! Noble dropped to his knees before Dragon took his head of with a Tajiri style kick to the head. Dragon picked Noble up and tossed him over the top rope before heading over to Akio. Unbeknownst to him, Noble had grabbed the bottom rope and rolled back into the ring. Dragon tried to unload on Akio with his dangerous kicks, but Akio blocked the majority of them with his arms before ducking under Ultimo Dragon, running up the turnbuckle and hitting a perfect moonsault to the face of Dragon! Nunzio quickly scurried over, picked Dragon up and tossed him over the top rope. Nunzio dropped to his knees in celebration, but what he didn’t realise was that Ultimo Dragon had not been eliminated! Dragon skinned the cat to get back into the ring and as soon as Nunzio got to his feet, he grabbed him by the head and shoulders and sent him flying over the top rope!

2nd Elimination: Nunzio by Ultimo Dragon (3:16)

Dragon was quickly jumped from behind and taken down in a corner where Jamie noble assaulted him. Akio and Paul London were having an amazing exchange of aerial moves elsewhere. London came off the top rope with a crossbody and hit Akio. But Akio rolled through, ran onto the other turnbuckle and tried a corkscrew moonsault, which London rolled out of the way of! London picked Akio up and ran with him towards the ropes. But Akio turned it around in mid-run, almost sending London over the top rope! London again showed amazing agility because as he was in mid-air, he grabbed Akio’s head between his legs and took him over the top rope with a headscissors!

3rd Elimination: Akio by Paul London (6:56)

London was in trouble though, as he was hanging from the top rope outside the ring. London was trying to skin the cat, but out of nowhere, Jamie Noble whipped Ultimo Dragon into London’s back, making him lose his grip and by eliminated!

4th Elimination: Paul London by Ultimo Dragon/Jamie Noble (7:09)

It was down to Jamie Noble and Ultimo Dragon in the regular wrestling match part of the match. Right after Dragon bounced off the ropes, Noble nailed a powerslam reminiscent of the way Goldust use to do it. He tried to end the match quickly, but the referee only reached a two count. Noble picked Dragon up and hit a nice scoop shoulder breaker, getting another two count in the process. Noble dominated for another minute until he set Ultimo Dragon up on the top rope as if to go for a sunset flip, but Tazz noted that he saw Noble try this last night on Velocity and that he was going for a powerbomb! Tazz was right, as Noble stood up, tucked Ultimo Dragon’s head between his legs and lifted him up…only to be nailed with a hurricanrana! Both men were down and out as the fans started a “Holy S***!” chant! Tazz made sure to add that that was the outcome of Noble’s powerbomb attempt on Velocity as well! Ultimo Dragon was the first to his feet, as Noble was still out on the mat. Dragon looked around, and attempted an Asai moonsault…only to find himself writhing around in pain after Jamie Noble lifted his knees! Both men slowly got to their feet at the same time and Noble punched Dragon in the mouth, to which Dragon responded with one of his own! The exchanged blows for another 10/15 seconds before Ultimo blocked one, and unleashed a fury of kicks to the thighs and rib area of Jame noble before kicking him in the chest with a spinning kick. Dragon stood over Noble and waited for him to get back to his feet. Once Noble did get to his feet, Ultimo Dragon again wowed the audience with the move that never gets old…the Asai DDT! Dragon made the cover…1…2…3! Ultimo Dragon is the new no.1 contender!

Winner and no.1 contender for the Cruiserweight title: Ultimo Dragon (11:23)

Cole: Ultimo did it! What a great match! Everybody put in 100%.

Tazz: Yeah, but I’m not sure that Shannon Moore will wanna go backstage with everybody after the way he was eliminated! I’m told he only lasted two seconds!

Cole: Ultimo Dragon has earned himself a WWE Cruiserweight title shot at any time! He has to give both the champion and Kurt Angle a weeks notice…but Ultimo Dragon vs. Chavo Guerrero! What a match that will be! I personally cannot wait!

Tazz: Ok ok Cole! Don’t get your knickers in a twist! We’ve still got three more matches tonight!

Cole: We do, and coming up next is one of the biggest! Booker T takes on the Undertaker in a Judgment Day rematch! Undertaker was victorious that night, but Booker has looked a lot more confident since this rematch was announced.

Tazz: Booker T’s a very talented athlete man! He’s realised that none of this magic and voodoo is going to get him the win; he’s gotta out wrestle him! I mean he isn’t the five-time WCW champion for nothing now is he? This guy can wrestle and he knows it!

Cole: We’ll let’s take a look at how all this started!

VIDEO PACKAGE

A video starts at the very end of their Judgment Day match where the Undertaker finished him off with a Tombstone piledriver. It cut to Booker T informing Funaki that he had given up on Mama Shangrie, and that he wasn’t afraid and would beat the Undertaker on his own. The then cut to Booker pinning Billy Kidman, and attacking him after the match. Then the lights went off in the arena, sending Booker T running! The next week a similar thing happened after his match with Funaki, but this time he didn’t seem afraid at all. The next week Booker faced and defeated Hardcore Holly, but after the match it got interesting! The lights went out, but Paul Bearer walked down the aisle! Booker T didn’t notice it, but the Undertaker was standing right behind him. Booker T ended up on the wrong end of a Tombstone, before ‘Taker dropped to his knee and worshipped the Urn. The next week, Paul Bearer and the Undertaker sent an ominous message to Booker T; Paul Bearer cannot control what Undertaker does this Sunday. The video ended with clips of Booker’s shocked face interwoven with the Undertaker’s words: Rest…in…peace.

Tazz: I guess that about explains it!

Cole: Booker T knows what a win over the Undertaker can do for him, and he’ll do anything to get it if you ask me! (Booker T’s music hits) Speak of the devil…

Tazz: No no no Cole! Booker T isn’t the devil…that’s his opponent!

Cole: Well, in any event, this match is going to be absolutely amazing if their Judgment Day encounter is anything to go on.

Tazz: It’s gonna be a rocketbusta…

Booker T vs. the Undertaker w/ Paul Bearer

Booker T made his way to ring with a big smirk across his face as he lit up the pyros at the top of the ramp. Booker came down nodding his head, smiling and kept repeating ‘oh yeah, oh yeah’ to himself as he got into the ring and climbed the turnbuckle to soak up the ‘adulation’ from all his fans. The adulation may have come in the form of a lot of boos, but that didn’t seem to matter to Booker T. The crowd started to get anxious in anticipation of the Dead Man’s arrival. As soon as the lights went out, the crowd erupted! When the first gong sounded, they got even louder! Druids filled the entranceway with burning torches and stood opposite one another to create an arch. The crowd continued to get louder as the large frame of Paul Bearer was seen waddling down the ramp, Urn in hand. The camera closed in on Bearer’s face, and the Bearer spoke into the camera and said, “Look! Look! The Undertaker is here! The Undertaker is here!” and pointed behind him where a tall dark figure stood! As soon as the camera caught sight of the Undertaker, an amazing Undertaker chant filled the arena. Taker slowly sauntered down the ring, walking under the torches and finally reached the ring. Bearer was already inside, and ‘Taker walked up the steps and stood at the corner and raised his arms. The lights came back on and revealed the Undertaker to have his eyes rolled back in his head. Taker took off his hat and entered into the ring. He removed his coat and placed it on the turnbuckle before dropping to one knee and worshipping the Urn in Paul Bearer’s hands. Taker’s music ended, Paul Bearer left the ring and Booker T entered at nearly the same time. Booker bounced around in his corner as the bell sounded to start the match while the Undertaker stood still and looked on. Booker T approached the Dead Man and got in his face. He told Taker he wasn’t afraid of him, and that it was ‘all about the Book man now’. Taker rolled his eyes back into his head, and Booker stepped back disgusted before spinning around to unload on the Dead Man! Booker laid into Taker, forcing him back into a corner where the referee separated them. Booker T smiled at Taker, who just starred at him with his trademark evil stare. Booker T looked around again before swinging at the Dead Man…who blocked his punch. Booker swung again, but Taker blocked it a second time! Booker dropped back onto the ropes to get some momentum, but instead got a mouthful of the Undertaker’s boot on the way back in! Taker bounced off the ropes and hit a leg drop on Booker T before making a cover and getting a two count. Undertaker picked Booker up and tossed him into the corner before unleashing a fury of rights and lefts into Booker’s mid-section before nailing a uppercut to Booker’s jaw. Undertaker grabbed Booker’s arm and worked over it before twisting it around. The fans knew what was coming, as they all shouted ‘Old School!’ as Taker climbed up the turnbuckle and stepped on to the ropes…only for Booker T to fall back into the ropes, crotching the Dead Man on the top rope! Booker shook some life back into his arm before laughing at Taker’s predicament, and shaking the top rope. The referee admonished Booker as Taker fell to the floor in pain. Booker dominated for a few minutes more, nailing knee drops and leg drops as well as locking him in a Texas cloverleaf! Booker then picked Undertaker off the floor and whipped him to the ropes, and then he missed a clothesline…to which Taker bounced back and took Booker down to the mat with a flying lariat! Both men were down, but Booker T got to his feet first and shook away the cobwebs from his head. He looked at Undertaker lying on the mat and smiled…but the Undertaker sat up! Booker’s face went stiff as the Dead Man rose to his feet and got closer and closer to him. Booker tried to get him to back off, but to no avail, so he punched him! Taker shook it off, so Booker punched him again with the same outcome! Booker tried one last time and the Dead Man grabbed his fist with his left hand, and with his right grabbed his throat…and nailed a chokeslam! Undertaker rolled his eyes into the back of his head and signalled the end was near by sliding his thumb across his throat. Taker waited for Booker to get to his feet and then turned him over and placed him on his shoulder. The fans went crazy as Taker positioned himself…but Booker managed to slide out the back and push the Undertaker into the referee. The referee turned around in pain, which was when Booker T low blowed the Undertaker…and hit the Scissors Kick! Booker T covered the Undertaker, and the referee turned round…1…2…3! Booker T did it! He pinned the Dead Man!

Winner: Booker T (16:34)

Booker T got up off the pin with a totally shocked look on his face, as the referee raised his hand in victory! Booker rolled out of the ring and walked up to Paul Bearer and told him, “I beat your boy!” before laughing his head off while walking up the ramp.

Cole: Booker T victorious over the Dead Man, the Undertaker. What a well-fought battle that was.

Tazz: No doubt, no doubt! Both men brought their A-games to the table, but it’s just to bad that Booker T’s was better!

Cole: Booker T did get the victory, albeit a tainted one. Take a look at this. Booker avoided the Tombstone, pushed the Undertaker into the referee and gave him a low blow before hitting the Scissors Kick to steal the win.

Tazz: Well you know the old saying; it’s not cheating unless you get caught, and Booker proved that old saying true right here tonight!

Cole: Well, up next we have the debut of Suzuki in a match against Billy Kidman. We don’t know very much about this Suzuki, but everything we do know seems to point us towards the same conclusion; that he is a very dangerous man!

Tazz: We’ve seen all these hype videos showing Suzuki kicking the crap out of things, but we’ve never seen him in action. I’m a little worried for the well being of Billy Kidman partner!

Cole: Me to! This guy frightens me!

Suzuki vs. Billy Kidman

Billy Kidman came out to a pretty good response, but most of the fans had quietened down by now after the last match where they were so vocal. Kidman’s music finished and the music of Suzuki hit the speakers. The man who is known simply as Suzuki walked out from the back, seemingly having a spasm as he walked down to ringside! He was decked out in black pants that had Japanese symbols on them as well as long black ‘wrist tape’ that extended up to just below the elbow. Suzuki stopped halfway down the ramp and seemed to roar into the sky before kicking one of the light machines and breaking the glass! Suzuki ran the rest of the way into the ring. Suzuki entered the ring and gave Kidman a dirty look. As soon as the bell rang, Suzuki pounced on Kidman and beat him down in a heap on the mat! Kidman tried to cover up but to no avail. The referee counted for Suzuki to break it up and managed to pull him off of him. Kidman got to his feet and checked his mouth and nose to see if he was bleeding. Suzuki went over to one of the turnbuckles and started to punch them! Kidman approached him and rolled him up, only getting a two count though. Kidman quickly went to work, dropping elbows, knees and fists into the head and body of this crazed man. This only seemed to serve to make Suzuki even crazier, as when Kidman tried a suplex, Suzuki blocked it lifted Kidman in the air himself…and just dropped him flat on his face! Suzuki spun around as if there was somebody behind him, and then did the same again! Suzuki let out a wild roar and started kicking the rising Billy Kidman in the head and body and knocking him back to the mat with a dropkick. Suzuki dropped an elbow and then grabbed Kidman’s leg for a pin, but only got a two count. Suzuki got up mystified and went to argue with the referee. He forced him into a corner and started to yell and shout at him. When Suzuki had finished he turned around…right into a BK bomb! Kidman then got up and dragged Suzuki towards the corner, climbed to the top rope and hit the Shooting Star Press! 1…2…3, Kidman gets the upset win over the debutant Suzuki!

Winner: Billy Kidman (6:46)

Kidman celebrated in the ring, but unbeknownst to him, Suzuki had gotten to his knees. Suzuki went crazy in the corner; his head was shaking like crazy and his fists were opening and closing before he finally closed them…and pounced on Billy Kidman! He laid into Kidman with right and left hands before starting to kick Kidman in the head and face. Suzuki picked Billy Kidman up and threw him into the steel turnbuckle post. He then undid the top turnbuckle padding and started to smash Billy Kidman’s face onto the exposed steel repeatedly! Luckily for Kidman, he was saved from further punishment by a bunch of referee’s and road agents that came into the ring and pulled Suzuki away from him.

Cole: My god! Kidman pulled out the surprise victory over Suzuki in Suzuki’s debut match. Then Suzuki went totally nuts and mauled Billy Kidman!

Tazz: Oh man Kidman’s is bleeding from the head!

Cole: Woah. I can’t believe that. Well, Suzuki sure proved that he IS a very dangerous man. I mean Billy Kidman sure doesn’t look like much of a winner to me!

Tazz: Not in the slightest Cole! He got his but handed to him on a…

Cole: Hang on partner! Josh Matthews is backstage and he’s going to try and get a couple of words from Rene Dupree and John “Bradshaw” Layfield!

The camera cuts to the back where Josh Matthews is standing in the parking lot with a microphone.

Matthews: That’s right, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and the new United States champion Rene Dupree just walked past me celebrating Dupree’s championship win. Let’s see if we can get a few words.

Matthews walks towards a black limo where Rene Dupree and JBL were standing. Dupree was just getting into the limo when Josh caught their attention by calling their names.

JBL: What the hell do you want? Can’t you see we’re celebrating here? Rene Dupree just won the damn United States title!

Matthews: Yes I…I saw that. I just…

JBL: Well what the hell are you doing here? Have yourself a good night Rene! Go and enjoy your big night!

Dupree: I shall John; I’ll meet you at ze bar after you win ze WWE championship! (Dupree gets inside the limo) Go driver go!

Rene Dupree speeds off in the limo, off to celebrate his big title victory.

JBL: Ha ha. That kid has a big future you know. Now Josh; what can I do you for?

Matthews: I and every one of our WWE fans want to know what is your relationship with Rene Dupree? I mean, Rene Dupree has made it clear that he hates everything about America!

JBL: Hold your horses there Joshy! Rene Dupree and myself; we understand each other you see. In a strange way, you might actually say we’re exactly the same! We hate the current America! It’s absolutely disgusting! But listen to me little guy; I wanna talk about my WWE championship match! You see this (JBL parts his suit jacket to reveal he is wearing Eddie’s championship around his waist), this is going to be officially mine after the night is over. I even got a nameplate made for it. Here, you keep hold of my nameplate and as soon as I win my match, I want you to get Eddie Guerrero’s nameplate off of here, and I want it replaced with mine! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a match!

John “Bradshaw” Layfield drapes the WWE championship over his shoulder and walks off to prepare for the match. The camera then returns to ringside and focuses on Michael Cole and Tazz.

Cole: Well we didn’t get any answers at all from JBL.

Tazz: No but we did find out that he is very, VERY confident.

Cole: That’s no surprise! We heard JBL guarantee victory at Judgment Day…

Tazz: A guarantee he delivered I may add!

Cole: …via disqualification I may add. And he’s also being going around, telling everybody who will listen, and even some who won’t, that he WILL win the WWE championship tonight! Let’s have a look at how this match came together.

VIDEO PACKAGE

A video started with John “Bradshaw” Layfield being awarded the Great American award by Kurt Angle, thus becoming the no.1 contender. It had a lot of JBL’s comments about Eddie and the fans, and then cut to the non-televised event where Eddie Guerrero brought his mother into the ring on Mother’s Day; the very same show she ended up having a heart attack at due to JBL. The graphic for Judgment Day then appeared, and showed shots of Eddie taking a beating at JBL’s hands, busting him open so bad it took 16 stitches to close the wound. It showed the ending of the match where Eddie was disqualified for use of the WWE championship. The next night on SmackDown, Kurt Angle announced the rematch for that would take place at the Great American Bash. The next week, Angle booked the main event of Rey Mysterio and John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Much to the shock of JBL, Angle and almost everybody, Mysterio pulled out the HUGE upset victory! The very next week, Mysterio was set a challenge by Angle to beat Matt Morgan, and then team with Eddie Guerrero to defeat JBL, Matt Morgan and Mark Jindrak and if he could, he would get a title shot at the Bash. Much to the disappointment and shock of the General Manager, Rey Mysterio managed an upset victory, guiding him to a shot at the WWE championship! Then the video cuts to last week on SmackDown when Bradshaw stole Eddie Guerrero’s WWE championship and bloodied him in his own home. Clips of Eddie being attacked were cut with clips of his mother on a stretcher, his bloodied face, JBL’s bloodied face and Rey Mysterio celebrating three big wins on the trot!

When the video ended, Tony Chimel was standing in the ring preparing to kick off the match.

Chimel: The following contest is scheduled for one fall…and is for the WWE championship!

The fans started to cheer, as the long awaited main event was here.

-- WWE Heavyweight title match --

Rey Mysterio vs. John “Bradshaw” Layfield vs. Eddie Guerrero ©

Rey Mysterio was the first man out, and was decked out in a Batman type outfit, complete with cape and Bat symbol on the chest! Rey got halfway down the ramp and took off his mask (was wearing a second underneath) and put it on a little kid at ringside! Once Rey got into the ring, he took off the cape, folded it up and threw it into the crowd where a group of people tried to grab it. John “Bradshaw” Layfield’s music played next, and ‘The One Man Conglomerate’ was driven out in his white limo. As soon as JBL came up through the sunroof, he was greeted by an arena wide ‘boo’! JBL got out the limo and was wearing the WWE championship that he stole from Eddie around his waist. He went up the little kid who Rey Mysterio gave his mask to and just looked at him before finally heading to the ring. There was silence for a few seconds until…’VIVA LA RAZA’ and the crowd went crazy! Eddie Guerrero came out in a bright red low-rider and parked it right next to JBL’s limo. Eddie got out and climbed onto the roof of the limo and was clearly in full ‘Latino Heat’ mood. Eddie finally got off the roof and went into the ring. JBL held up the title belt before handing it to the referee. Eddie then snatched the title back and went to one of the corners and held the title high in the air. All three men were finally ready to lock horns as the bell rang. JBL shoved Mysterio to the mat and grappled with Eddie Guerrero. JBL went for an early suplex but Eddie dropped out the back and went into a grapple from behind. JBL elbowed Eddie in the mouth, forcing him to release him. JBL turned around to get Eddie but Mysterio came from nowhere and hit a dropkick on JBL from behind, dropping him to his knees. Eddie then hit a dropkick of his own to JBL’s face! JLB fell back in a heap as Mysterio and Eddie prepared to go at it. The two friends starred at each other and shook hands before going at it. The fans were prevented from seeing this confrontation as JBL came from nowhere and took them both out with a double clothesline! JBL smirked, picked Eddie up and hit the Stock Market Crash, sending him flying over the top rope to the outside! JBL turned around to get Mysterio, but Mysterio was on the top rope…but JBL ducked the impact as Mysterio tried for a cross body, but landed flat on his front on the mat! JBL tried to get a quick cover, but Mysterio managed to kick out. JBL dominated over Mysterio for a further two minutes until Eddie Guerrero managed to get back into the ring. Eddie broke up a pin attempt by JBL who had just nailed a powerful spinebuster on Mysterio. Rey Rey rolled into a corner as JBL and Eddie went toe-to-toe. JBL whipped Eddie off the ropes, and Eddie ducked a clothesline from JBL before knocking him down with one of his own. JBL got up, but was knocked back down with another clothesline. Eddie then went to dropkick JBL, but JBL dropped down and rolled out of the ring. He didn’t want anymore of Eddie, and then pointed him in the direction of Rey Mysterio. Eddie and Rey looked at each other, and Eddie said ‘what the hell’ and the two locked up. Eddie tried a headlock, but Rey snuck out the back and tried a dropkick, but Eddie dodged that. He went to pick Rey up of the mat and managed to get him to his feet before Rey grabbed his arm, ran up the turnbuckle and hit an armdrag sending Eddie across the ring! These two amazing athletes showed off some beautiful fluidic exchanges before Mysterio hit a drop toehold on Eddie Guerrero, dropping him throat first across the second rope! Mysterio dialled it up and nailed the 619! He quickly hopped up onto the top rope and dropped the dime on Eddie! Mysterio stood up…and was killed dead with a clothesline from hell courtesy of JBL! JBL covered Eddie Guerrero…1…2…kick out! JBL couldn’t believe it, so he tried to pin Mysterio…1…2…kick out! JBL couldn’t believe his terrible luck, so he picked up Mysterio and hit a short-arm clothesline from hell! Bradshaw made the cover…1…2…Eddie breaks it up! Eddie laid into Bradshaw with rights, lefts and a final uppercut before ducking a JBL clothesline and hitting a backdrop! Eddie stood up and patted his chest before Mysterio came off the top rope…but Eddie saw it coming, kicked Mysterio in the midsection and went for the ‘Three Amigos’ (triple-suplex). Eddie signalled for it, and then went to the top rope to hit the Frog Splash on Rey. Eddie came off the top…but then had his head taken off with Clothesline from Hell by John “Bradshaw” Layfield! JBL quickly covered Eddie…1…2…Eddie somehow mustered together enough strength to kick out! JBL cursed his luck and, as he did with Rey Mysterio, picked Eddie up in an attempt to deliver a short-arm clothesline…but Eddie ducked the clothesline and quickly hit a backdrop on JBL. Eddie Guerrero went to the top rope, but unbeknownst to him, Mysterio went to the adjacent one. Neither man seemed to notice the other on the turnbuckles. Mysterio went first and hit an amazing 450-splash…then Eddie hit the Frog Splash on Mysterio! Mysterio rolled off as Eddie covered JBL…1…2…3! Eddie retains!

Winner and STILL WWE champion: Eddie Guerrero (23:34)

Eddie got to his feet as the sounds of ‘Viva La Raza’ filled the arena and quickly fell back to his knees after he was handed the WWE championship. Mysterio slowly got to his feet and starred at Eddie with the WWE championship. When Eddie stood up, the two shook hands! They hugged, and then Mysterio raised Eddie’s hand as the fans showed a huge amount of respect to Eddie and Rey. JBL quietly disappeared up the ramp and to the back without anybody noticing.

Cole: Eddie Guerrero did it! Eddie walked into the Great American Bash WWE champion, and now he walks out WWE champion!

Tazz: What a match Cole. What a match. Everyone gave everything they had, and Eddie came out as the winner! What a champion!

Cole: Thank you for joining us at the Great American Bash! Tune in Thursday on UPN for SmackDown! Good night!

Tazz: Night!

Edited July 4, 2004 by The_Monkey_Molester

[TMM]

Prediction Results:

Sullen Slacker - 7/8

Gooner4Life - 6/8

KRC - 5/8

TheArsenal - 5/8

17 - 4/8

KDAWG - 3/8

IAceI - 3/8

Sullen Slacker wins it! I'll PM you a little later to discuss some form of a prizey thingy. We'll work something out.

[edcq]

DAMN that was GOOD! i'm lovin this shit and OMG the finish to the main event was crazy. good stuff man, keep it up (Y)

[TMM]

13th June 2004

The Great American Bash Review

Overall Rating: 75%

Attendance: 11,435

Pre-Show Heat

Matt Morgan d. Orlando Jordan [ 59 / 48 / 70 ]

The Great American Bash

The Rock returns to the WWE [ 100 ]

Chavo Guerrero d. Jeff Hardy [ 82 / 76 / 88 ]

Rico and Charlie Haas d. the Dudley Boyz [ 87 / 80 / 95 ]

Rene Dupree d. John Cena [ 78 / 77 / 80 ]

Mordecai d. Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty [ 71 / 70 / 72 ]

Ultimo Dragon d. Akio, Jamie Noble, Paul London, Shannon Moore and Nunzio [ 72 / 57 / 88 ]

Booker T d. the Undertaker [ 78 / 87 / 60 ]

Billy Kidman d. Suzuki [ 57 / 38 / 76 ]

JBL and Rene Dupree interview [ 71 ]

Eddie Guerrero d. Rey Mysterio and John “Bradshaw” Layfield [ 84 / 85 / 82 ]

Match of the Night: Rico and Charlie Haas d. the Dudley Boyz

Segment of the Night: The Rock returns to the WWE

NEWS AND RUMOURS

* The fans reacted even better than expected to the Rock’s appearance at the Great American Bash. Michael Cole and Tazz were not exaggerating at all when they were commenting on how loud the arena was; some people commented they had never heard an arena that loud in their life. The announcement the Rock made (about him staying on full time until around the Christmas time) is true. The Rock had recently finished filming his latest film, and was then offered a new role in another film as the lead man. But supposedly the Rock got in contact with Vince McMahon and said he wanted to return to the WWE for a couple of months. Sources say the Rock is in the middle of considering his future, whether it is as an actor or a wrestler. Our sources say the Rock is planning to make a big sacrifice at the Christmas period; whether it be leaving Hollywood and returning to wrestling fulltime, or hanging up his boots and leaving wrestling permanently. As you can imagine, Vince McMahon is desperate to keep the Rock with the WWE under contract, and may be willing to do anything to keep him.

* Many of the backstage staff were surprised that Suzuki, a man who received so much build up over the past couple of months, lost his debut match. Vince is still high on Suzuki, and fell he will be a major star one day, which also begs the question; why was he jobbed? This might mean very little, but we understand that Paul Heyman has been put in full control of Suzuki’s upcoming storyline. Everybody knows about the success Heyman has had in the past with wrestlers with ‘limited ability’, and this could be a good thing for Suzuki. Suzuki’s gimmick is rumoured to be played out as a bit of a ‘loose-cannon’, and he may end up on the receiving end of a lot of losses over the coming weeks. We will have to see how this pans out…

* Only a few of the staff and wrestlers knew about John Cena’s trade to RAW, with Cena himself and Paul Heyman being the main two. WWE have began a new policy on keeping future storylines between the writers, the main guys involved and a few select others. The reasoning behind this is so that these things to not get out into the media, so if they do have something major planned, it is unlikely anything will be leaked. It is unknown who John Cena has been traded for, but with Cena being viewed as a big star, it is likely to be a main event star or (much like the Big Show a few years back) several ‘less over’ guys will be traded.

* Everybody was pleased with the way all the matches played out. For the first time in a long time, all the matches were looked at as being very successful in getting their job done. Each match told the story it was supposed to, and everybody was happy.

* The ending to the Tag Team title match was changed during the week because of a ‘clash of heads’ by several of the writers. Many wanted to keep the titles on the newer, fresher team of Rico and Charlie Haas, while several of the other members of the writing team wanted the Dudleyz to take the belts. The Dudleyz were originally scheduled to win the titles, but after a mixture of great fan reactions to Rico and Haas as champions at recent house shows. The fact the Vince McMahon is a big fan of the team had no effect on the decision at all…

[KDAWG]

What an awesome show!

DAMN

I would have ordered that

[IAceI]

Monday Night Raw Preview

14th May 2004

WHO ATTACKED RODNEY MACK?

Last week on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Raw, following the big Six Man tag match between Kane, Rodney Mack and Jazz taking on Matt Hardy, Edge and Lita saw a man in a black ski mask attack Rodney Mack from behind to the crowds delight but Bischoff’s disapproval. This lunatic hopped the barrier and nailed Rodney Mack with a foreign object, believe to be a lead pipe. He was then escorted back through the crowd but escaped before he could be unmasked. Eric Bischoff was believed to be seething over this incident but can’t control the masked man as he doesn’t know who he is. Instead Rodney Mack will go one on one with another monster, John Heidenreich.

Recently Test has had a change, whether it was for the better remains to be seen but since teaming up with Garrison Cade and Jonathon Coachman he seems to be heading back in a direction he once stayed for a long time, and that is near the top. Well can establish himself in the Eric Bischoff Challenge when he goes one on one with a legend in Shawn Michaels? We’ll have to wait an see. Also Tajiri looks to get a win in the tournament but one quarter of Evolution is never easy, especially when it’s the jet flyin’, limousine ridin’, 16 time World Champion, The Nature Boy, Ric Flair!

And in Group D Shelton Benjamin looks to extend his Eric Bischoff Challenge run to two and zero, but coming off the back off a loss to Chuck Palumbo may hinder that, he takes on Scott Steiner. Also the Number One contender for the World Title, Batista, will face off against A-Train who hasn’t won since arriving on the Raw scene and certainly isn’t the force he once was on SmackDown!, of course, anyone can make it big on SmackDown!, Raw is a whole different ball game.

And as promised Jericho will be in an amazingly stupid match that Eric Bischoff only made for Christian’s, Trish’s, Tomko’s and his own pleasure as well as any other sick minded person who likes to see a wrestler get mauled, it certainly won’t be pretty especially after an injured Jericho was pushed off the stage through four tables down by Tomko, he won’t be in any shape to wrestle and he’s up against three sadistic people. All this and more on Spike TV, the first network for men!

Confirmed Matches

Rodney Mack vs. John Heidenreich

[block C] Shawn Michaels vs. Test

[block D] Shelton Benjamin vs. Scott Steiner

[block C] Tajiri vs. Ric Flair

[block D] A-Train vs. Batista

Chris Jericho vs. Christian, Tyson Tomko & Trish Stratus

[IAceI]

Monday Night Raw Results

14th June 2004

[The show opens up with Eric Bischoff standing in the middle of the ring, he is standing next to tumbler that has many white balls in it, the crowd are silent and it appears he has been waiting for quite sometime. JR and King are both hushed as well as the awkward silence finally is broken.]

Eric Bischoff: “ It was the twenty-fourth of May 2004 when I arranged the first ever Eric Bischoff Challenge, that was three Raw’s ago and since then we have seen wins and losses from various competitors and many of them look strong, however there is still a bit to go. Next week on Raw we will have eight, blockbuster matches lined up for the world to see and then and only then will the winners of each group be determined. Then the following Sunday is Bad Blood, June 27th the semi-finals and then the finals will be held. Then in the main event the overall winner will go onto face Chris Benoit and Batista for the World Title in a Triple Threat match, it will be a singles match, should the winner be Batista. Now, these sixteen men have the chance of a life time and I hand-picked every last one of them because I know that they have the ability to win the World Title be it today, or in a years time. Unlike SmackDown! Where they only have one or two credible wrestlers who would be worthy of holding the Raw title, and even then, it would be quite debatable. So I’m going to give one wrestler a chance of a life time to face Chris Benoit, tonight, for the World Heavyweight Title, not only that but it’ll also be the Main Event! So without further adieu… ”

[Eric Bischoff spins the tumbler a bit and then opens the small cage, he dips his hand in a searches around at the bottom before pulling one out. He twists the top and bottom halves in opposite directions and it opens, Bischoff removes the small piece of paper inside while speaking.]

Eric Bischoff: “ And the wrestler who will face Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight title tonight will be… ”

[bischoff looks at the paper and his eyes roll upwards.]

Eric Bischoff: “ …The Hurricane… ”

[The crowd cheer in approval as Bischoff mouths the word “Dammit” he drops the paper and microphone and climbs out the ring cursing and shaking his head.]

[The starting screen comes up and the Raw superstars are shown, followed by a distance view of the arena as the camera shows the pyrotechnics. We go to the outside where a sign says “WWE Raw - Sold Out” we come back inside and pan the crowd before going to JR and King who are situated at the stage, as always.]

Jim Ross: “ Hello everybody and welcome to Raw, I’m good ole JR alongside King, as always, and King, I can’t believe it, The Hurricane has a chance to become the World Heavyweight Champion! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ I can’t believe it either JR, I don’t want to believe, I just can’t imagine The Hurricane getting a shot at the World Title, let alone holding it! This isn’t right JR, it should go to someone who deserves it, like Triple H! ”

Jim Ross: “ How the hell does Triple H deserve a title shot? ”

Jerry Lawler: “ He beat Rhyno last week, the Intercontinental Champion. I think that warrants as getting a title shot! ”

Jim Ross: “ Well I don’t King, Triple H has had numerous chances to win the title, he’s even cheated and each and every time he’s lost to Chris Benoit, it’s time to give someone else an opportunity! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Which he has. He gave a chance to Batista. ”

Jim Ross: “ What? Triple H got eliminated, he didn’t GIVE Batista anything but I can’t win with you King so lets go to the action, up first is an Eric Bischoff Challenge match, and it will be the number one contender Batista taking on the A-Train! ”

[Evolution’s music fills the arena as Batista comes to the ring being accompanied by the former Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton.]

Batista (w/ Randy Orton) d. A-Train

There is no lock up in this match and the two just exchange blows, neither man wanting to go down. Batista echoes that sentiment and takes A-Train off his feet with a big clothesline, following a few stomps to A-Train, Batista pulls up the big man and delivers an upper cut which A-Train nearly goes down from, and would have had he not put his right foot back to balance himself but he was open to attack and he keeled over from a kick to the gut and everything Batista done seemed to be brutal, whether it was a kick, stomp or eye-poke. Batista opted for an elbow to the back which sent A-Train to one knee and Batista got cocky by slapping A-Train in the face. The crowd “ooh” at it as A-Train moves his face to look at Batista, he punches him in the gut a few times and nails a back elbow sending Batista into the turnbuckle, he takes a few steps back and delivers an avalanche to Batista in the corner. Batista sits him on the top rope and punches him a few times to soften him up, he goes for a superplex but Batista pushes him to the mat, A-Train gets up and is met by a second rope double axe handle to the left shoulder of A-Train. A-Train shrugs it off and knees Batista in the gut, he tries to whip him off the ropes but Batista reverses it but doesn’t let go, instead he pulls A-Train back at him and elbows him in the face, then the left shoulder which makes A-Train scream in pain. Orton wills on his Evolution team mate as the two competitors get into a slug fest which sees Batista get took down with a right hand.

Batista gets up and runs into A-Train who doesn’t move, A-Train then goes off the ropes and runs into Batista, but he doesn’t move either, both men run off opposite ropes and take each other down with a double clothesline! Orton puts his hands on his heads but then starts banging on the mat as the referee utilises the 10 count, at seven Batista is up, shortly followed by A-Train. Batista delivers a crushing DDT and covers but the pin is only a two. The crowd don’t really care for either wrestler and are just watching the match as Batista delivers a suplex to the 300 plus monster. A second cover gets a second two count. Batista pulls A-Train to his feet and whips him into the corner, following up with a brutal clothesline and then three back elbows in quick succession. A-Train staggers out and ducks another clothesline and takes Batista off his feet with one of his own, Batista gets up and runs into a second clothesline from A-Train. A-Train then picks Batista up and presses him above his head, before dropping him on his stomach! A-Train covers but he, too, can only manage a two count as Batista rolls his shoulder off the canvas. A-Train picks up Batista but Orton climbs on the apron and distracts the referee, Batista low blows A-Train and then delivers a sit out powerbomb for the three count at 8:52. Batista has his arm raised in victory, he falls against the ropes as the crowd spark to life when the Intercontinental Champion runs down the ramp. He pulls Batista out the ring and plasters him with the championship and slides into the ring, unbeknown to Orton who turns round, arm raised in celebration leaving him prone to the Gore, which he gets! Rhyno beats his chest and bails out the ring walking back up the ramp smiling at his damage.

[We go to JR and King at ringside as King is in disbelief.]

Jim Ross: “ Batista with a comfortable win their, but thanks to Randy Orton as well! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ What? Batista had it covered, the main bit is that Rhyno stuck his nose in someone else’s business! ”

Jim Ross: “ Well what’s Orton’s business is Rhyno’s business right now, the two are at a boiling point and Rhyno is getting the upper hand. Plus, whether it’s his business or not he doesn’t care, he’s a no-nonsense type. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Well he should JR, he needs to respect others, especially Randy Orton and when Orton activates his rematch clause before the end of July, he’ll take that title back. ”

Jim Ross: “ To be precise the 31st of July is when he has to activate the rematch clause and not a second later or he will forfeit the match, until then, no matches can be for the Intercontinental Title! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ And it won’t be at where Orton belongs either because that is on Pay Per View. ”

Jim Ross: “ That’s right ladies and gentlemen coming to you live on Sky Box Office on the 25th of May, WWE SmackDown! Presents to you Vengeance where you can see superstars such as Eddie Guerrero, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, RVD, Booker T among others. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Well, already tonight we’ve heard that The Hurricane will go one on one with Chris Benoit later tonight, and Batista defeated A-Train in the Eric Bischoff Challenge. ”

Jim Ross: “ Speaking of which will continue, right here, right now. Shelton Benjamin takes on “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner! ”

[benjamin’s up tempo music sounds as he jogs out onto the stage and then does a jump, tucking his knees in.]

Shelton Benjamin d. Scott Steiner

A year and five months ago Scott Steiner was feuding with Triple H over the World title but failed to win the strap, since then he has been plagued with injuries but unable to find a winning steak since his return to action not so long ago. Shelton Benjamin won his first match and looks to do so with his second and is really doing well as a singles competitor since the break up of the Worlds Greatest Tag Team because of the draft lottery. The two circle the ring and lock up, bad move on Shelton’s part as he is powered into the turnbuckle and savagely met by a barrage of body shots, after around six shots Steiner nails an upper cut but the crowd boo him as he flexes his muscles. He pulls Benjamin up to his feet after he slumped to the mat following the vicious uppercut and delivers an elbow to the back of the neck. Benjamin holds it in pain but Steiner pulls his hands away and then clubs him on it sending him to one knee. Steiner steps back before driving the point of his knee into the lower of the back of Benjamin who screams in agony as the knee connects. Steiner pulls him up to his feet once more and applies a tight headlock, Benjamin throws him off the ropes but Steiner comes back and applies a sleeper hold, after five seconds or so he drops to the mat with a rear naked chokehold. Benjamin wearily is pulled to his feet by freakzilla who nails him with a right hand but holds onto his attire’s strap keeping him upright. Steiner goes for a massive clothesline but it’s ducked, Benjamin takes Steiner down with a massive dropkick which sees the young lion get some major leverage. The crowd applaud as Steiner is took to one knee by a dropkick to the knee though this time. Benjamin runs the ropes and comes back, flipping over Steiner and delivering a jaw breaker type move. Steiner bounces back down onto the mat as Benjamin covers but only for two.

Benjamin gets to his feet and stands in the turnbuckle as Steiner pulls himself to his feet and walks into a shoulder block, but he doesn’t move. He shouts at Benjamin who goes for it again but to no avail as Steiner doesn’t budge. He goes off the ropes once more, runs past Steiner who is chopped blocked off his feet before he can realised what’s happening. Benjamin applies pressure to the legs with a figure four leg lock, as King says he’s disgracing Flair. Benjamin’s results are fruitless as Steiner’s strong legs keep him going and he doesn’t tap, however he is noticeably in pain, even more so when he stands up. Benjamin continues working on the legs as he delivers a few kicks but Steiner remains standing, he manages to take Benjamin off his feet with a clothesline but while on the floor Benjamin elbows Steiner in the back of the leg. Steiner drops to his knee as Benjamin gets back to his feet and slugs a couple of shots to Steiner who begins to wobble Benjamin backs off the ropes a nails Steiner on the top of his head with the end of his elbow. Steiner places one hand on the mat to steady himself and is met with a running dropkick to the nose from Benjamin. Steiner collapses on his back and Benjamin grabs his ankles he puts his leg between his and to his side, and crosses his legs before turning over into a sharpshooter. The crowd cheer as Steiner is quick to tap out giving Benjamin the submission victory at 10:32 Benjamin climbs on the turnbuckle as we go backstage, and see the same picture on a monitor.

[The camera continues pulling back as a luxurious locker room is seen and all four members are seen on the chairs. Triple H, Randy Orton and Ric Flair are drinking some sort of alcoholic drink, except for Batista who is decked out in his wrestling gear from earlier still and has a towel over his head. He twiddles his thumbs in his lap and stares at them intently.]

Ric Flair: “ Dave, man, take a drink. ”

[batista slowly looks towards Rid Flair who has a big grin on his face. He remains silent and shakes his head.]

Randy Orton: “ Y’know what, I’m gonna challenge that scumbag Rhyno for my title back, I fully deserve it! ”

Triple H: “ Just not next week! We can’t have you wrestling two matches in a day! Challenging him to the following Raw, in two weeks time, and y’know what, you should add a little stipulation. ”

Randy Orton: “ What are you thinking of? ”

[Triple H scoots over next to Orton and whispers something in his ear as a broad grin crosses over Orton’s face. Triple H pulls away as Orton leans back smiling, Flair lets out a giant “woo” as Batista remains focussed on his thumbs.]

Triple H: “ So then at Bad Blood, you’ll be the Intercontinental Champion and I’ll be walking out as World Champion and the two most prestigious titles will be back with Evolution. ”

[batista sharply looks up at Triple H but no one else notices, he stands up as the towel drops off onto the chair behind him and the other three members look up. He looks at them all before storming out of the door, Triple H pauses for a moment before continuing laughing and talking about how he will win the World Title.]

Jim Ross: “ What is it with Triple H? Does he not even realise Batista will be in the World Title match? And Batista’s already in the Title match, Triple H might not even make it! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ You don’t know Triple H, JR! ”

Jim Ross: “ The one that cheats his way to victory, yeah, I’ve heard of him! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Not only that but the one who faces HBK in a Hell in the Cell match regardless of if he wins the Eric Bischoff Tournament, which he will, so Triple H is staring down the barrel of four matches in one night, that’s half the card JR. Half of Bad Blood will revolve around Triple H! ”

Jim Ross: “ While that is true, Shelton Benjamin, Christian, Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Batista are all undefeated. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Three of which are from Evolution, and Batista’s already in the main event. It’s working out just as they planned! ”

Jim Ross: “ I wouldn’t say Christian beating Triple H, and Triple H not winning the Battle Royal what they had planned. Well folks, Rodney Mack was attacked last week by an unknown person, Mack takes on Heidenreich next. ”

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 7 SEGMENTS LEFT

Rodney Mack d. John Heidenreich

Rodney Mack came out, still irate from the attack last week and took it straight to Heidenreich right a flurry of right hands and then takes him down with a clothesline. Heidenreich gets up to minimal reaction and goes for a test of strength with the shorter Mack. He wins the fans acclaim as he raises his right arm, and as Mack does so, then his left, then after that raises it so Mack can’t reach. Mack goes for a cheap kick but Heidenreich catches his foot before pulling him in close and taking him off his foot with a clothesline. The crowd cheer now as Heidenreich picks up Mack but gets a shot to the gut and releases Mack. Mack gets to both feet and continues with punches and kicks to the midsection which sends Heidenreich stumbling into the back of the turnbuckle.

Mack follows up with a big clothesline and then plants him with a DDT, he goes for a cover but Heidenreich manages to roll his shoulder up before the three and then gets to his feet with assistance from the ropes. The short lived match finished as Mack nailed Heidenreich with several right hands and then manages to muster his strength and nail a tiger driver to the giant Heidenreich and covers for three at 4:12. After the match Mack looks towards the entranceway shouting, presumably for the masked man to come and get some. When no one makes an appearance he turns around, but gets took off his feet by a missile dropkick by a man in a white outfit with again, a ski mask, but this time, also white. The masked man produces a lead pipe from the side of his pants and brings the end down hard on the back of Mack’s head who collapses on the floor after getting to his hands and knees. The masked man escape back from where he came, the crowd, before police can hit the ring.

Jim Ross: “ There he goes again King! Last week he hopped the barrier, we believed him to be a fan but now that’s twice in two shows, he must be part of the active roster, King! He must be! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Well I think you’re right their JR but who is it? It could be anyone, there’s like, one hundred people it could be! ”

Jim Ross: “ Well Eric Bischoff doesn’t like this happening, so he’s going to want to find out who it was as soon as possible. ”

[We cut backstage to Eric Bischoff’s office, he’s standing in the centre of it on the phone when there is a knock at the door, he finished the phone call and opens the door, there stands Maven. The crowd let out a small cheer as Bischoff welcomes him into his office.]

Eric Bischoff: “ Maven! It’s great to see you back from injury, how’s the elbow? ”

Maven: “ Well, ”

Eric Bischoff: “ That’s nice. Listen, Maven, I brought you hear because out of all of the Raw superstars I think you’re the one with the potential. Age is on your side, and Maven, lets be honest, you have the ability to go all the way to the top, so that’s what I want you to do, go to the top! Now, I’m not giving you orders on what you have to do, because that’s not me. What I want you to do is sometime in the near future is make an impact. Do something memorable, do something people will be talking about for years to come and in those years to come you might just have the World Title around your waist because Maven, I want you to do it, everyone else wants you to do it, so go out there and make an impact. It can be on anyone you want, it can be in anyway you want, hell, it can be on me, go on Maven, hit me! Make an impact, hit me. ”

[Maven looks up into his eyes.]

Maven: “ …No. Eric I’ll make an impact, but not on you, I’ll make an impact on this world… ”

[Maven turns to leave, he turns the knob on the door and pushes it open, he then stops and turns around.]

Maven: “ …Tonight! ”

[He turns and goes through the door with Bischoff smiling one of his cocky smiles which spread across the majority of his face.]

Jim Ross: “ What did Bischoff mean by an impact? What does Maven have on his mind? ”

Jerry Lawler: “ He obviously wants someone taken care of, and thinks Maven shares his ideas and will get rid of whoever he wants rid of. ”

Jim Ross: “ Well only time will tell of who it’s going to be on, or what it’s going to be and ladies and gentlemen, up next is Tajiri vs. Ric Flair in an Eric Bischoff challenge match. ”

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 5 SEGMENTS LEFT

Ric Flair (w/ Batista) d. Tajiri

Ric Flair came out being accompanied by the World Heavyweight Number One Contender, Batista. Batista stayed behind Flair who wore a sparkling blue robe with white trimming. He handed the robe to Batista who laid it across the ring steps as Flair watched Tajiri. The bell rang and the two locked up, Flair delivers a couple of chops sending Tajiri into the turnbuckle who takes a few more chops before throwing Flair into the turnbuckle and lights Flair’s chest up himself. Flair is whipped into the corner and staggers out into a drop toe hold by the Japanese Buzzsaw. Tajiri applies a half boston crab but Flair scrambles to the ropes to break up the move, after holding on for a count of four Tajiri pulls Flair back to the centre of the ring by his left foot, Flair kicks Tajiri in the chest with his right foot sending him down. Both men get up and Tajiri sees one of his lightning fast kicks ducked by Flair and Flair opens up with some chops which get “ ooh’s ” from the crowd and leave Tajiri’s chest visibly red. Tajiri is taken off his feet by a final knife-edge chop from the Nature Boy who lets out a loud “ woo ” which the crowd promptly boo. Flair pulls Tajiri up to his feet and then scoop slams him back down before covering with no hook of the leg from a two. Tajiri gets to his feet and delivers a kick to Flair’s gut with the sole of his boot which causes him to keel over. Tajiri backs off the ropes and delivers an elbow to the neck of Flair who goes to his knees. Tajiri repeats the process by going off the ropes but comes back much faster with a sharp dropkick to the temple of Flair.

Flair goes to the ropes and leans through them as Batista gives him some quick advice. Flair turns round and his knee is took out by a basement dropkick by the Buzzsaw who gives a few forearm shivers to Flair as he almost falls backwards but remains on one knee. Tajiri raises his arms into his Martial Art stance and spins with a fast kick, but Flair ducks it and the momentum brings Tajiri to face Flair once more who delivers a thumb to the eye, and then applies a headlock takedown, but not releasing. Tajiri breaks himself free from the hold and gets to his feet but Flair sweeps his legs from beneath him, he grabs both legs as he goes for the figure four but Tajiri pushes him in the ass with his foot sending him into the ropes. Flair stumbles backwards as Tajiri goes to roll him up but Batista holds his hands out for Flair to grab, the referee tries to get them to stop and manages to kick the pair’s arms, Flair goes backwards but the momentum follows him through, with Tajiri in a pinning predicament! One…two…three! Flair wins it at 7:32. Once the match has finished and Flair is announced the winner Batista begins an assault on Tajiri by throwing him out of the ring after a few stomps but Chris Benoit charges the ring. He takes it to Flair and Batista and takes them down with a double clothesline, seeing this Orton and Triple H storm the ring decked in their suits, minus the tuxedo’s and ties and beat on Benoit. Batista and Flair recover and a four on one ensues before Batista pushes Benoit at Triple H who kicks him in the gut and delivers a Pedigree leaving Evolution standing tall above Benoit’s body.

Jim Ross: “ Damn you Evolution! Damn you all to hell! A four on one attack King, Benoit stood no chance! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Just like he’ll stand no chance at Bad Blood because Batista and Triple H will beat the living hell out of him and then Triple H will cover and that means Triple H will once again be the World Heavyweight Champion! ”

Jim Ross: “ That may very well be the case providing Triple H gets to Bad Blood, remember though he has to face the Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels first, HELL IN A CELL! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Speaking of Michaels, he takes on Test, next! ”

Test (w/ Garrison Cade & Jonathon Coachman) d. Shawn Michaels

The crowd explode as the Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels headed to the ring, the crowd were quick to boo Test who was being accompanied by Tag Team partner Garrison Cade and manager The Coach, Jonathon Coachman. Test wasted little time as he took Michaels by surprise with a big clothesline which put the smaller man on his back. Test pulled Michaels up by the hair and delivered a few punches before whipping him into the turnbuckle. He tried to follow up with a clothesline but ate Michael’s right boot, Test turned away holding his jaw and Michaels jumped off the second rope with a bulldog, much to the crowds delight. Michaels covers Test but only gets a two as Cade cheers on his team mate from ringside. Michaels pulls Test up this time but receives a kick to the gut. Test nails a right hand on Michaels, and then a second before picking Michaels up and nailing a running power slam for a two count. Test pulls Michaels to his feet and whips the Heart Break Kid off the ropes, Michaels comes back sliding through Test’s legs and then drop kicking him in the back which sends Test, chest first, off the ropes. Test stumbles backwards into a roll up but manages to kick out before three.

Michaels jumps to his feet and Test is up shortly afterwards. Michaels takes it to Test again with a flurry of offence rounded off with a dropkick which sends Test into the turnbuckle and quickly gets back to his feet and attacks Test in the turnbuckle, he tries to whip him but the bigger man reverses it and the speed sends Michaels tumbling and finding himself stuck in a tree of woe. Test chokes Michaels out with his boot, then his bare hands as Coach distracts the referee. Test delivers some kicks to the gut and goes for a spear in the corner but Michaels pulls himself up sending Test shoulder first into the steel turnbuckle. Michaels rolls off the back of Test and rolls him up but like before Test manages to kick out at two. Test misses a big boot and goes flying into the ropes, he gets caught up and leans out for a breather as Cade hands him a chair as Coach distracts the ref, Michaels leans out to grab Test but gets a face full of the chair, with the damage done Coach hops off the apron and Test covers for three at 9:57 After the match the trio celebrate before leaving with Michaels out cold on the mat.

Jim Ross: “ Dammit! Test steals one thanks to his two associates, Test and Cade are professional wrestlers they should know better! And Coach, well, he’s just arrogant, cocky and smug and I don’t put that past him! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ They just laid out a legend, JR! ”

Jim Ross: “ With a damned steel chair, did you hear the sound of that cold steel connecting with human flesh King!? It’s sickening and the fact that they use steel chairs in professional wrestling is just hideous King! Wrestling is about honour not about beating people with weaponry! Pathetic! Absolutely pathetic! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Easy JR, life moves on! ”

Jim Ross: “ Maybe so for Test, he doesn’t stand a chance, he’s a formidable monster but he doesn’t have what it takes to be a World Champion, not now anyways but Michael’s is not only a former champion but he’s getting old! This could have been one of his last shots at the title King, and now it’s pretty much gone, he has a lot to do now if he wants that World Title! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Well everyone, there’s still two matches to go, Chris Benoit versus The Hurricane but first is the mutilation of Chris Jericho as he attempts to take on Christian, Trish Stratus and that Problem Solver, Tyson Tomko! ”

Christian, Trish Stratus & Tyson Tomko d. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho came out, tape around his ribs following that fall from the stage and a visible limp as he walks to the ring. He climbs in before Christian, Trish and Tomko all come out together, Tomko leading the charge as Christian holds Trish around the waist. Tomko slides in and takes boots to the back as Christian and Trish take their time in getting to the ring. Tomko powers to his feet and takes Jericho off his with a powerful clothesline. Jericho takes time in getting up as Tomko throws Jericho into a turnbuckle just as Christian and Trish get onto the apron. Tomko opens up with body shots to Jericho who tries to fight free but can’t manage it. Jericho manages to get a right hand to Tomko but it barely phases the big man who simply steps back and then comes back with a flurry of extra body shots exploiting the injured ribs of Jericho who slumps to his knees. Tomko raises Jericho’s chin and begins pounding away at the face of Jericho until the man can take no more and collapses to the floor. Tomko tags in Christian who hand his hand extended now that the dirty work has been done. Christian picks Jericho up and throws him back into the turnbuckle he cockily extends his arms as he smugly walks towards Jericho where he’s met with a hard right to face. Jericho knocks Christian down with yet another, and then a third, this time Christian stays down and Jericho mounts him he begins nailing him with right hands before changing to all out punching before the referee drags him away, Jericho struggles free and goes back to the mat getting in Christian’s face and then punching away some more. Jericho pulls Christian up to his feet and Christian pokes him in the eye as the referee warns him.

Christian ignores the referee and knees Jericho in the ribs, and then double axe handles him on the back taking him back to his knees. Christian punches Jericho in the face some more and tags out to Trish who comes in, like Christian, knowing that Jericho is too weak to do anything. Trish gets in Jericho’s face as he sways on his knees, Trish laughs before slapping Jericho in the face and Jericho’s face sharply turns away. He slowly brings it back, looking at Trish, he sweeps away her legs and easily applies the Walls of Jericho, Tomko gets in and kicks Jericho in the face sending Jericho backwards, Christian gets in the ring and pulls Trish to their corner. He tags himself in and he and Tomko double team Jericho with a double suplex, Christian pins but Jericho shows his determination by kicking out at two. Christian slams his fists off the floor and gets up, he pulls Jericho up and goes for an Unprettier but is sent off the ropes. Christian ducks a clothesline attempt from Jericho who turns round and is met by a huge clothesline from Tyson Tomko! Christian is quick to capitalise and covers, ordering the referee to count which he does and Christian, Tomko and Trish win in 7:41. The crowd boo the academic win for the trio but they aren’t done yet as, like a pack of wolves, they begin to stomp the fallen Jericho. Trish goes to the outside and lifts up the apron, she pulls out a table and sets it up on the outside, Tomko grabs Jericho and pulls him up, he runs and powerbombs him to the outside of the ring and through the table. The trio leave the ring together as EMT’s come down to check on Jericho.

Jim Ross: “ What condition will Jericho be in for next week, he has to face Randy Orton in singles action!! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ This doesn’t look good JR! ”

Jim Ross: “ We have one commercial break to go, after that where with you for good. The Hurricane takes on Chris Benoit, next! ”

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 2 SEGMENTS LEFT

Jim Ross: “ Hello everybody and welcome back to Monday Night Raw, as you can see The Hurricane is on the way to the ring, he will take on Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Title, now!! ”

Chris Benoit © d. The Hurricane

The crowd give a good reaction for The Hurricane but absolutely blow the roof off as the World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit comes to the ring, he takes off his title once in the ring and hands it to the referee. The two shake hands to a polite applause and then quickly lock up, Chris Benoit goes behind with a wrist lock, but The Hurricane reverses it into one of his own, Chris Benoit rolls through and the hold is released. Benoit raises an eyebrow and slowly claps The Hurricane who smiles slightly as the crowd clap too. They lock up again, Benoit goes behind with a waist lock, then The Hurricane does too, The Hurricane then nails a German Suplex Hold but gets a two count. Benoit rolls backwards and cocks his head as he looks a The Hurricane who wipes his nose with his thumb, Benoit lets it slide and ducks the lock up, Hurricane turns into a left kick to the midsection from Benoit who follows it up with a snap suplex. The crowd cheer as Benoit lays into the Hurricane with some boots before dropping two elbows, he pulls up Hurricane by getting a firm grip on the mask. Hurricane retaliates with a kick to Benoit and readjusts his mask so Benoit goes back on the offensive with a short clothesline.

Benoit grabs Hurricane and opens up with some right hands as his superior ability seems to be shining through. Benoit puts Hurricane in the turnbuckle and knees him in the gut and puts him on the top rope, he climbs to the second and clubs Hurricane on the back, softening him up. Benoit goes for the superplex but Hurricane has his foot under the second rope stopping the move. He nails Benoit with shots to the midsection and Benoit finally falls to the mat. Hurricane then crouches on the top rope before jumping up and doing a 180 turn. He bounces up off the top rope and moonsaults onto Benoit but gets a stomach full of knees as Benoit manages to suss out the move. Hurricane, now on his knees, holds his stomach in pain. Benoit gets to his feet as does Hurricane who then commits the ultimate sin, with a clothesline on his mind Hurricane finds himself dragged to the mat by the arm and within seconds Benoit has the crippler crossface slapped on. Hurricane wastes little time in tapping out giving Benoit the submission victory in 9:11 After the match Benoit gets to his feet, he takes Hurricane’s hand and pulls him to his feet, Hurricane puts his hand on the back of his neck and grimaces as Benoit begins to clap which is followed by the crowds applause. Hurricane goes over and takes a microphone.

The Hurricane: “ It means so much to me to have had this opportunity so Chris, I think now I’ve made a big step up and it’s time to put the superhero gimmick to rest, from now on I’m just the no nonsense, Shane Helms! ”

The drops the microphone and removes his mask as Benoit raises Helms’ arm and the crowd cheer one last time. However someone hops the barricade with a chair and cracks it straight across Benoit’s back. Helms turns around and takes a shot straight to the cranium. The crowd boo as there stands Maven holding the chair high as he laughs.

Voice: “ That was great Maven! Brilliance, I knew I could have faith in you! ”

Jim Ross: “ Oh no, it’s Eric Bischoff! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Business has just picked up, JR! ”

Eric Bischoff: “ Maven, much applause to you for shutting them two up because their speech was beginning to bore me! Now, I’m out here to make a statement regarding what happened at the Great American Bash! ”

Jim Ross: “ For those of you who watched, John Cena was announced to be on his way to Raw! ”

Eric Bischoff: “ For those of you with any sense won’t have seen what happened on the Great American Bash because you won’t have been watching that crap, but let me just show you what happened. ”

[The titantron comes to life as a still picture of Rene Dupree vs. John Cena is shown, it begins to move.]

Suddenly, somebody ran through the crowd, jumped the barricade and got into the ring! It’s John “Bradshaw” Layfield!?! What’s he doing here? He managed to pull Cena off of the ladder…and then nailed the weary Cena with a clothesline from hell! JBL smirked as he helped Dupree to his feet and up the ladder. Dupree climbed slowly, but in the end, Rene Dupree climbed to the very top of the ladder and grabbed the United States championship belt! Dupree is the new US champion!

Eric Bischoff: “ There is Rene Dupree taking the US Title, may I add that he is a former Raw superstar and that is why he’s winning a title such as the US Title, Rene Dupree was made by Raw, he was created by Raw and that is the reason he is the US Champion. Now, it may be hard to believe but SmackDown! Do actually have some talent, one of those talents being John Cena and that is why he is coming to Raw, well that, and because of Kurt Angle. ”

[The titantron shows Kurt Angle and Luther in the General Manager’s office.]

Angle: Hey Luther! That was some funny stuff! I have no idea what John “Bradshaw” Layfield did that for, but do me a favour; remind me to give him a pay-rise! I owe him a lot for that! Hey hey, get Eric Bischoff on the phone! I need to tell him that John Cena is on the way.

Luther: What do you mean?

Angle: What? Oh of course! I’ve finally solved my little John Cena problem, and I’ve done it by…trading him to RAW!

Luther: Who did you trade him for boss?

Angle:  Ah now that my friend is a secret. But I’ll tell you this; although I’m not that happy about it, the man who is joining from RAW won’t be joining SmackDown until after RAW’s joke of a pay-per-view Bad Blood. But seen as I really, REALLY wanted rid of that waste of space John Cena, I reluctantly agreed to it. So…no more John Cena! All will be right with the world after tonight!

Eric Bischoff: “ Now, Kurt really has no right to call Bad Blood a joke of a Pay Per View, because they made a joke of a Pay Per View that WCW created. While I was there! My promotion! And to make matters worse they made a mockery out of it. No one wants to see John “Bradshaw” Layfield, they want people like Triple H, Chris Benoit and Randy Orton. However it took a lot of doing but a Raw superstar will be going to SmackDown!, Now, you may not like the idea of who it will be but believe me it’s for the best…so following Bad Blood a Raw superstar will be no longer a Raw superstar, but you don’t deserve to know who it is and that is why I will announce it at Bad Blood, following their match! Thank you.”

Jim Ross: “ Woah, that really narrowed it down, King! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ But who will it be!? ”

Jim Ross: “ That’s it for tonight folks, tune in next week where there will be 8 killer matches, the conclusion of the Eric Bischoff tournament group stages! With the winners of the groups to face off at Bad Blood and then the final. With the winner having to fight for a third or maybe even fourth time in the World Title match! Don’t miss it next week as it’s going to be a killer show! I’m Jim Ross and from The King and Myself, good night! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ ‘night everybody ”

[TheArsenal]

The Great American Bash was a fantastic show. A really good PPV - better than anything the WWE has put out recently.

Raw was also a really good show. Interesting to see Cena getting traded, but a shame to see the death of The Hurricane.

[IAceI]

Monday Night Raw Review

14th June 2004

RAW REVIEW

Overall Rating: 77

Nielsen Rating: 6.01

Attendance: 6546

Bischoff Makes Chris Benoit vs. The Hurricane [ 81 ]

Batista d. A-Train [ 68 / 49 / 87 ]

Shelton Benjamin d. Scott Steiner [ 71 / 73 / 67 ]

Evolution Hang Out [ 78 ]

Rodney Mack d. John Heidenreich [ 57 / 42 / 73 ]

Make An Impact Maven [ 75 ]

Ric Flair d. Tajiri [ 77 / 80 / 72 ]

Test d. Shawn Michaels [ 80 / 79 / 82 ]

Christian, Trish Stratus & Tyson Tomko d. Chris Jericho [ 78 / 77 / 80 ]

Chris Benoit © d. The Hurricane [ 85 / 83 / 88 ]

Bischoff Interview [ 88 ]

Match Of The Night Chris Benoit © d. The Hurricane

Segment Of The Night Bischoff Interview

NEWS AND RUMOURS www.wo.com

*The Rock returned to the WWE on SmackDown!’s pay per view, The Great American Bash, The Rock is believed to have gone to SmackDown! To help ease the Main Event pressures as many saw Eddie Guerrero needing to carry the entire main event scene.

*Still nothing on the person with a ski mask but it is believed he, will reveal themselves sometime in the near future.

*A brand-new influx of tag teams are believed to debut on Raw soon as “the whole in the Raw Tag Team division is that the size of the one in the O-Zone layer.” as one wrestler said backstage.

*Tomko and Batista are supposedly getting pushes, Batista’s obviously already started as he is in the World Title match at Bad Blood. However this may be used as a “fluke” but many think that these two are two of the best big men wrestlers in the WWE at the moment.

*Chuck Palumbo has stated he is happy with his new gimmick and his push on his new website (chuckpalumbo.com) the fans seem to like the gimmick too although they aren’t too keen on Jonah Masters. They also like that he isn’t being used all the time and leaves a sense of mysteriousness about him.

*On a SmackDown! Note Orlando Jordan will be missing for a month, the WWE suspended him after he failed to make a scheduled public appearance. One would believe that a blue chipper like Jordan would be there for this sort of thing. He pleaded his case but Vince McMahon was firm and stated that he’d do it to anyone who done this sort of thing. (but probably not Triple H)

*That’s all for next week, I’ll be back with my inside scoops next week following Raw!

[Guest Jebus]

Im hoping Jericho or Michaels gets moved to Smackdown.

[TMM]

SmackDown! Preview

Coming off the back of one of the greatest pay-per-views in wrestling history, the Great American Bash, SmackDown will be a show not to be missed!

At the Bash we saw Eddie Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero and Rico and Charlie Haas successfully retain their titles against John "Bradshaw" Layfield, Jeff Hardy and the Dudley Boyz respectively. However, John Cena lost his United States title to Rene Dupree when, of all people, John "Bradshaw" Layfield came down and took the champion out, allowing Dupree (a French-man no-less!) to win the coveted United States championship.

Eddie Guerrero overcame his close friend Rey Mysterio, and bitter enemy JBL to retain the WWE champioship, and did so with a lot of style. Eddie proved any doubters that he is World title material, and proved it by beating the powerful JBL, and the amazing Mysterio.

Cena's title reign ended at the hands of Rene Dupree, but to be honest, it was John "Bradshaw" Layfield who had a bigger part to play when he nailed Cena with a Clothesline from Hell! Many are questioning what this 'alliance' is all about, and whether it is a long-term thing or not. Whatever it is, Dupree and Bradshaw are certainly a force to be reckoned with, as John Cena found out Sunday night!

We also found out that after Dupree was announced as the new champion, Kurt Angle revealed to the watching world that John Cena was traded to RAW! Angle wouldn't reveal who was traded, and neither would the RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff Monday night. Perhaps all will be revealed on SmackDown, or perhaps we will have to wait til the SmackDown after Bad Blood!

The Dudley Boyz ruined their chances of winning Tag Team gold after they got themselves disqualified after Bubba Ray destroyed a couple of Charlie Haas' braincells with a chair shot to the head! They weren't satisfied with just giving Charlie Haas a concusion, no no, they also put the Tag Team champion through a table. So far, the Dudleyz have given both Rico and Charlie Haas a concusion, and put Miss Jackie through a table. The champions will be out for revenge, but not tonight...

Booker T overcame astronomical odds to defeat the Dead Man Sunday night. Even if he did use the ropes, it is still a huge victory. When Booker T originally came to SmackDown, he complained it was the 'minor-league' and that he didn't want to be here, well now he's beaten a true legend in the Undertaker, he is sure going to be running his mouth about it non-stop!

Suzuki made his long-awaited debut at the Bash...and was beaten by Billy Kidman! Kidman shocked the world when he delivered the Shooting Star Press to defeat the seemingly mentally-unstabble Suzuki. After the match, Suzuki went crazy and mauled Kidman. What is in store for Suzuki down the line?

*Funaki vs. Chavo Guerrero*

In the only match officially announced before SmackDown gets underway, the man who retained his Cruiserweight title against Jeff Hardy at the Great American Bash, Chavo will face off against Funaki in a non-title match. Funaki has the advantage of being fresh off a long rest, unlike Chavo who endured a hard fought match with Hardy, and it could be the night for Funaki to step up to the plate and show everybody what he's about. Funaki was upset about not being involved in the no.1 contenders match at the Bash, and may well be out for a little bit of Vengeance tonight.

*Debut of a new duo*

Theodore Long will debut his new tag team on SmackDown and will face off against a duo hand-picked by the General Manager Kurt Angle. Long has been raving about this new team to all that will listen, and everyone else that wouldn't. Apparently, this new team are the 'cream of the crop' and 'better than everyone else' according to Long himself. This should be an interesting debut, however it turns out!

Sorry I've taken so long to even post a preview, blame my evil internet and stupid computer! SmackDown should be up tommorow/Monday time

[TMM]

17th June 2004

Announcers: Michael Cole and Tazz

SmackDown opened up with photo-framed shots of Sunday night’s pay-per-view extravaganza, the Great American Bash. Clips were shown of the Rock making his return to the WWE, Chavo rolling Jeff up and retaining his Cruiserweight title, the champions Rico and Charlie Haas just retaining their Tag Team titles against the Dudleyz after a DQ victory, Rene Dupree becoming the Unites States champion after John “Bradshaw” Layfield shockingly helped him defeat John Cena, Mordecai destroying the duo of Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi. Ultimo Dragon was then shown on his knees after earning the right to challenge Chavo Guerrero for the Cruiserweight title, Booker T cheating his way to victory against the Undertaker and the strange debut of Suzuki, who was defeated by Billy Kidman. The video then came to a close with a shot of Mysterio coming off the top rope, then cut to Eddie landing his Frog Splash on both Mysterio and JBL before it showed Eddie pinning JBL wit the crowd counting along in the background. The SmackDown opening video then kicked off the show. The pyros went off, and then as soon as they finished…

*VIVA LA RAZA!*

Cole: Woah! We’re kicking this off straight away tonight! No hanging around! I’m Michael Cole and I am sitting alongside Tazz, coming off the back of the amazing Great American Bash.

Tazz: Last night was off the hook! The Rock returned to SmackDown! Rene Dupree won the United States title, and then we found out John Cena had been traded to RAW! And then the 100% purely amazing main event for the WWE championship that this man here won!

Cole: He overcame huge odds to retain the WWE title; he defeated two men in that very ring only four days ago, and here he comes!

Eddie came driving out in a blue low-rider with red and yellow flames painted down the sides. Eddie stepped out of the low-rider and straight away lifted his WWE championship in the air for everyone to see. Eddie soaked up the fans cheers and went around ringside, slapping hands and hugging members of his family before he finally entered the ring and climbed up one of the turnbuckles and patted his chest. His music cut out, and he asked to be given a microphone.

Eddie: Orale vato me raza! Eddie Guerrero is still WWE champion holmes! John “Bradshaw” Layfield may have worn the WWE title belt down to ringside, but after it was all over, Eddie Guerrero was the one who wore it right back out of there! Rey; you gave me a hell of a hard time, but in the end holmes, it was me who won the match! Rey buddy, you weren’t involved in the fall, so what I’m out here to do, is I’m going to offer you a shot against me for the WWE championship…

Eddie Guerrero was cut off in mid-sentence by the words ‘CAN YOU DIG IT? SUCKA!!!’ as the man who defeated the Undertaker at the Great American Bash, Booker T made his way out to the ring. Booker was decked out in a brand new Armani suit, and as he walked past Eddie’s low-rider, he checked himself out in the side-mirror! Booker then made his way into the ring and demanded that Tony Chimmel pass him a microphone.

Booker: Hold up there; did I just hear you right man? You’re giving Rey Mysterio a title shot? Correct me if I’m wrong dawg, but did Rey Mysterio defeat the Undertaker at the Great American Bash? Is Rey Mysterio a former 5 time, 5 time, 5 time, 5 time, 5 time, WCW champion? No he ain’t, so I ask you Eddie; why you giving Rey Mysterio a title shot?

Eddie: I…

Booker: No, no, no Eddie! I understand, it’s cause you two are tight ain’t it? Yeah it’s coz you two are real close friends. Well let me just tell you this Eddie…I ain’t your friend, and I want a shot at the WWE title bitch! You see, I’ve busted my ass here in the WWE for over three years man, and what recognition do I get? What have I won? I’ve won the Intercontinental title once, and I’ve held the Tag Team titles twice. What the hell is that? That’s what I call utter bull man! I bust my ass, yet nobody ever gives me rewards! I don’t get no title shots! Hell, if I hadn’t come out here tonight, my big, HUGE win over the Undertaker would’ve gone unnoticed, and Rey Mysterio would be getting a title shot that he don’t deserve! So Eddie, what do you have to say about that? Huh?

Booker paused for a moment to hear Eddie’s response. Eddie looked around a bit before giving Booker an answer.

Eddie: Hey man! Holmes calm down! You’re going on and on about not being given a reward? What kinda of world do you live in? This is the WWE holmes, you’ve gotta earn a shot! Not like on that ‘other show’ where their first World Heavyweight champion was handed the title, no no! I overcame personal demons, as well as near 7-foot demons to win this title at No Way Out this year, and if you think that you deserve a title shot…I agree! You beat the Undertaker man! That’s no easy task holmes, and I congratulate you on that, so after Rey Mysterio gets a title shot…

Booker: What? You ain’t listening to me are you man? Rey Mysterio don’t deserve a title! Just because he’s friends with the champion doesn’t mean he should get a title shot! You better give me a shot or I’m gonna…

Booker T was cut off by the music of SmackDown’s General Manager, Kurt Angle! Angle was wheeled out onto the stage by Luther Raines.

Angle: Hold on just a second! Last I checked, the General Manager of SmackDown was Kurt Angle! And only the General Manager of SmackDown can make matches for the WWE championship! First of all, allow me to congratulate both of you on your hard fought victories at the Great American Bash; you did SmackDown very proud. Especially you Booker; I know how difficult it is to wrestle the Undertaker, let alone beat him! I beat him as well by the way, but in any event! Any you Eddie…maybe I was all wrong about you. Maybe you are a real champion…nah! What am I talking about? I’m out here to announce a match for SmackDown in two weeks. A fatal four-way match to determine the no.1 contender for the WWE title! It’s going to be, you Booker T! Facing against Rey Mysterio, John “Bradshaw” Layfield…and much to your delight (pointing to the fans)…the Rock! Booker, you don’t have to stick around tonight if you don’t want to, I can imagine you must be quite tired after your big match Sunday night so…take the night off!

Booker: Thanks boss, man. I will! In two weeks time Eddie; I’ll win the match, so keep that belt warm for me, because when I face you for that belt, and I’ll come out champion! Dig that, bitch!

Booker dropped the microphone and got in Eddie Guerrero’s face before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. Eddie stood in the ring and looked around at the fans. He smiled a little bit before looking at his hand, ala Booker T, and then raised his WWE title in the air for the fans to cheer.

Commercial Break

Cole: Welcome back, and if you for some reason missed the opening, you’ve missed a huge announcement from Kurt Angle regarding the number 1 contender for Eddie Guerrero’s WWE championship!

Tazz: No doubt man; John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Rey Mysterio, Booker T and the Rock! Big fatal-four way match!

Cole: That will be in two weeks time, right here on SmackDown. It will also mark the return to the ring from the Rock! It will be his first match since he and Mick Foley were defeated at WrestleMania twenty by Evolution. It’s going to be a great match; I’ll predict that much!

Tazz: I’ll tell you one thing you can’t predict…

Cole: What’s that?

Tazz: …a winner from that match! Everyone has the credentials to win it.

Cole: Very true. Well, up next is the continuation of Chavo Guerrero’s quest that is ‘Chavo vs. the World’! It will be Chavo Guerrero vs. Funaki, as the man who thinks he is the greatest Cruiserweight in the history of wrestling…

Tazz: Something I agree with by the way!

Cole: …you would. As Chavo aims to defeat every Cruiserweight on Smackdown, Funaki is next in line.

Funaki vs. Chavo Guerrero w/ Chavo Classic

Funaki was the first out, and got a mild pop. Chavo came accompanied by his dad as usual, but Classic had a white board underarm that had the names of Jeff Hardy, Paul London and Funaki written on it. Jeff and London’s names had already been crossed out, thanks to London’s clash with Chavo on Velocity, Jeff’s encounter at the Great American Bash. Classic had a black board marker in hand, and implied that Funaki was next, as he pretended to cross his name out. Chavo and Funaki locked up, and Funaki took him down with a waist toss. Funaki quickly bounced off the ropes and hit a dropkick to the face, then hit a standing elbow drop before getting a two count off the cover. Funaki picked him up and took him into the corner. He climbed to the second rope and started to hit Chavo in the face with right hands, and got up to nine before a distraction from Classic allowed Chavo to low-blow Funaki! Chavo then hit a DDT before covering Funaki. The referee turned around to see the pinning predicament, but Chavo only got a two and a half count out of it. Chavo worked dominantly over Funaki for another two minutes, and after the quick flurry from Funaki in the early going, it seemed that he had nothing left. The match ended after Chavo had hit a brainbuster on Funaki, and signalled for his finisher. He picked his opponent up…and nailed the Gory Bomb! Chavo Classic crossed Funaki’s name out, as Chavo made the pin…1…2…3!

Winner: Chavo Guerrero (6:12)

Chavo got up to celebrate, but instead of his music hitting the speakers, Ultimo Dragon’s music played! The Chavo’s were shocked, as the no.1 contender made his way out onto the top of the ramp. Ultimo didn’t say a word, but instead just stared straight at the man whose Cruiserweight title he was intent on taking away. Chavo Classic handed his son the title, and then raised Classic raised Chavo’s hand while he held the Cruiserweight title high up in the air. Ultimo seemed to smile at them, but still stood there with his hands on his hips.

Cole: I think Ultimo Dragon has just told Chavo Guerrero in his own way that the title is going to be around his waist very soon.

Tazz: Why do you say that?

Cole: Because he came out at the end of a match and just stared at him. Something about that says ‘sending a message’ to me.

Tazz: You might be right, but I don’t think Chavo Guerrero should be to worried about Ultimo Dragon. I mean, sure he has the credentials, held all those titles in Japan and WCW, but he’s been away from SmackDown for several months, whereas Chavo hasn’t missed a beat. Chavo’s beaten some of the best wrestlers in the world, and I for one have faith in him.

Cole: Ultimo has been away for some time that much is true. Well, it’s the moment that everyone has been waiting for. By everyone I mean Tazz and three of our catering staff; it’s time for Theodore Long to introduce his newest charges!

Theodore Long walked out to the ring alongside the “Reflection of Perfection” Mark Jindrak. The two men got into the ring, and the crowd began to mildly boo them as the music cut, and as Long went to speak.

Long: Lemme holla at ya. A few weeks back, my boy Mark Jindrak put Rob Van Dam out of commission; he injured his leg, and put him on the shelf for eight long months. Now, Mr. Thumbs won’t be around anytime soon, so you people out there need somebody new to sing along to. I know that the People’s Champion is back, but there just ain’t nothing like perfection. Now Rock is good and all that, but what you got right here is the Reflection of Perfection brother; the whole damn show right here! Mark Jindrak! Nothing beats it. So what you people are gonna do is, you’re gonna sing along with me! That’s right! Listen, and learn how a real superstar should be honoured… (Long begins to start a “Jindrak” chant, and urges the fans to sing along, but to no avail). Fine, Mark doesn’t care. He’s got women falling at his feet, unlike you people! You have farm animals falling at your feet, if you feel me playas! Anyway, onto business. I am out here, to introduce you to a pair of future WWE Tag Team champions. They are the hottest tag team around! People have talked about these boys being the future of wrestling, and there is no doubt that I agree, and that is why I put them together. Allow me to bring them out!

Some rock-esque music hit, with a lot of guitar riffs as two men made their way out to the ring. One was black and bald, and the other was white and had short brown hair. They walked up the steps, and Theodore Long pulled down the ropes for them to enter. Once they got into the ring, the stood either side of Long.

Long: Ha ha! Look at these damn fine specimens! Allow me to introduce to you, the greatest technical wrestler the world has ever seen! The man so technically sound, he makes Ric Flair look like a weed standing next to a tall tree; ladies and gentlemen, the technical wizard, Jo Ryan!

Ryan stood still and looked around at the fans, who were now booing.

Long: And now I have the honour of introducing the pride and joy of the Long family. This man has never tasted defeat in his entire life! One of the toughest men in the wrestling world today, he even trained half of the RAW roster would you believe? Ladies and gentlemen, my cousin…Jimmy S. Long! Oh that is right! Not a word of lie was said today playa, and now you even get the honour of seeing them in action! That’s right.

Akio and Sakoda’s music played, as Theodore Long and Mark Jindrak left the ring. Both men joined Michael Cole and Tazz at the announce table, as the bells sounded to kick off the match.

Akio and Sakoda vs. Jimmy S. Long and Jo Ryan w/ Theodore Long and Mark Jindrak

The viewers only saw Akio and Sakoda’s entrance and the four men locking eyes before SmackDown went to it’s second break of the evening.

Commercial Break

SmackDown returned to find Akio locked in a sleeper hold from Jo Ryan with the referee dropping Akio’s arm for the first time. Akio’s arm dropped once again, and if it dropped once more the match would be over. The ref picked his arm up and dropped it…but Akio stopped it half way down! Akio fought to his feet and managed to fight out of the hold with elbows to the stomach and chest. Akio ran to the ropes, but was obviously a little dazed as he was taken down by a beautifully executed belly-to-belly overhead throw from Ryan. Ryan tagged in the bigger Jimmy Long who kicked Akio in the ribs before dropping a knee on the ribs, and followed up with an elbow drop to the aforementioned target spot. Long picked him up and whipped him into the ropes, and tried to nail a powerslam but Akio showed brilliant manoeuvrability to nail a brilliant head-scissors! Both Akio and Jimmy Long were down, and the ref had just reached nine before they both managed to get to their feet. Long tried to punch Akio out, but Akio got his arms up to block each shot before unloading with a flurry of martial arts kicks before hitting a standing spinning heel kick. Theodore Long tried to say that Akio shouldn’t be allowed to use kicks like that. Akio got the crowd going when he nipped up and tagged in the big and powerful Sakoda! Sakoda came in and nailed a big clothesline to Long before hitting a sidewalk slam on Jo Ryan! Sakoda stood behind the legal Jimmy Long and looked as though he was preparing for some sort of submission, but he was jumped from behind by Jo Ryan! Ryan picked him up and hit a Northern lights suplex, and then Jimmy Long came off the top rope with a body splash, ala the Superfly splash from Jimmy Snuka! Jo Ryan then made the cover…1…2…3!

Winners: Jo Ryan and Jimmy S. Long (4:35)

Theodore Long and Mark Jindrak stood up, went over to the newest addition to the tag team division on SmackDown and raised their hands to the air in victory.

A video was shown of the end of the United States title match where John “Bradshaw” Layfield provided the shock off the night by assisting Rene Dupree to win the title and defeat John Cena.

The video ends, and the crowd are ‘greeted’ by the opening bell-sound of John “Bradshaw” Layfield’s music. They immediately begin to boo as JBL’s white stretch-limousine drives out onto the ramp. The cameras, as well as Tazz and Michael Cole picked up on the fact that on the left back door it has ‘JBL’ emblazoned across the side, and on the other side it said ‘Dupree’ in fancy writing! When the limo came to a stop, two men got out, the driver and a man in the passenger seat, and the two men opened up both doors, allowing John “Bradshaw” Layfield and the United States champion Rene Dupree to step out and soak up the boos! The two men made their way into the ring where Rene Dupree paraded his United States title around the ring while JBL made his chauffer get him a microphone!

JBL: Thank you, thank you. It feels great to be here. Now, Sunday night I was cheated out of the WWE title, I want that made clear first and foremost! In two weeks time, I will win the fatal-four way match, and then I will go on to become the WWE champion! But in the VERY unlikely event that I lose that match; no matter, I have other plans anyway! Eddie Guerrero, you are not my number one priority anymore, oh no. This man right here is! Rene Dupree; the greatest United States champion in the history of the WWE and the history of WCW. Now, I’ve been getting stopped in the street, I’ve received e-mails, phone-calls, all asking me the same thing; why did I help Rene Dupree win the US title at the Great American Bash? Why help a French man? Why help someone who day in, and day out talks trash about the United States of America. Well I’m going to tell you people the same thing I’ve told everybody else; because he is right! Yeah, the USA is a stinking shell of what it used to be! This use to be the greatest and most powerful country on the entire planet, but now, look at us! Look at what this country has become! We’re fighting amongst ourselves, blaming everyone else for our problems, blaming France! We let illegal immigrants into the country, and we do nothing about it. Do you know who is to blame? You people are! That’s right, don’t boo me, you know that it is true! I see fat people in the audience, I see ugly people in the audience, and I see people who think that they could probably run this country because they don’t like the way things are going. You people boo me because you know that I am right! Because people like Rene and myself here speak our minds, you don’t like us! My views haven’t changed one single bit since the war started, I felt the same way about things as I do now and you people would cheer me! You cheered when I was a Tag Team champion, you cheered when the APA was reunited, but now you boo me…ask yourself why that is! Ask yourself what has changed about me. Is it because I don’t drink beer, smoke and play cards? I still do those things, just not in front of you. Is it because I don’t hand out beatings to people week in and week out? I still beat people up, look back at Judgment Day for a perfect example where I beat my opponent up so bad; he had to get himself disqualified to get away from me! What I am saying is, I’m not the one who has changed; it is you people! You are all sheep! The person next to you boos me, you’ll boo me. The person next to you cheers Eddie Guerrero, you cheer Eddie Guerrero. That’s the problem, people in this country don’t have views of their own, they follow the pack, and that is why this country is going down the toilet!

JBL threw down the microphone and walked over to the corner of the ring. Rene Dupree picked the microphone up, and started to address the crowd himself.

Dupree: On Sunday, a huge evil was removed from SmackDown! John Cena joined RAW! Zat is right, and a new champion was crowned; a man with true class, a man who signifies real values of the French people as well as the old, and once great United States of America! That man is me. Myself and JBL will prove to be the most dominant force on SmackDown today, and we are issuing a challenge to any team in the…

Rene Dupree was cut off mid sentence by Hardcore Holly’s music! The duo of Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn made their way out, and it looks as though we’ve got ourselves a match!

John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Rene Dupree vs. Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn

Rene Dupree and Hardcore Holly were all set to start off. Dupree tried to intimidate Holly by showing off his abs and doing his French Tickler dance. Hardcore Holly wasn’t impressed, and promptly slapped the taste out of Dupree’s mouth! Dupree was as so shocked that he turned around and tagged in JBL. JBL and Holly stood nose to nose, and neither man was going to be intimidated. JBL tried to land a right hand, but Holly ducked and kicked JBL in the stomach before unloading with a flurry of right hands to the head before whipping him off the ropes and nailing ‘the best dropkick in the business’ as Tazz put it. Holly stood up showed off to the crowd, to which they responded with mild cheers. Holly turned round to pick up JBL, but he was met with a thumb to the eye from Bradshaw! Bradshaw slapped Holly before setting him up for a powerbomb and then drove Holly’s chest cavity into the top turnbuckle! JBL still held on to him and nailed a shoulder breaker, before tagging in the US champion. Dupree stood over Holly and showed off his ‘excellent dancing’ with the French Tickler before dropping a hard knee to the mouth. Dupree covered Holly, but only managed to score a two before Holly kicked out. On the apron, Billy Gunn was clapping to try and get Holly’s attention, but to no avail it seemed. Dupree tagged out to JBL, who used his size and strength to overpower Hardcore. It continued like this for another few minutes, with JBL and Dupree making quick tags but in between the duo worked over the chest of Holly. JBL had Holly locked in a bear hug, trying to wear down his chest, and Hardcore was slowly fading. Holly managed to stop his arm from dropping before the third call, and started to use both arms to whack JBL in the head, sort of like a Mongolian chop! Holly managed to fight out of the hold and bounce off the ropes, duck a JBL clothesline and then finally collided with JBL while attempting a cross body. Both men were down, but after a few seconds and a six count, JBL draped an arm over Holly! 1…2…Gunn broke it up! Billy Gunn was getting all riled up on the apron and was desperate to get in to the ring. JBL picked Holly up and signalled for the Stock Market Crash, but Holly seemed to come to life and mustered together enough strength to nail an Alabama Slam! Holly started to crawl towards his partner, and just before he tagged in, Rene Dupree jumped in the ring and distracted the referee, therefore he didn’t see the tag! Billy Gunn came in and started knocking Bradshaw down with clothesline after clothesline before signalling for the Fame-Asser! During this, the referee was trying to get him to leave the ring as he wasn’t legal, and Dupree was on the outside getting his US title. The ref finally got Billy Gunn’s attention and argued with him about leaving the ring. During this, Dupree had slid Bradshaw his title and JBL whacked Holly square in the face with it! While Gunn was leaving the ring, the referee was counting Holly out…1…2…3, Dupree and Bradshaw win the match!

Winners: Rene Dupree and John “Bradshaw” Layfield (7:18)

Bradshaw and Dupree embraced, before climbing two of the turnbuckles to a loud chorus of boos. Meanwhile, Billy Gunn and the referee helped the now bleeding Holly to the back. Billy Gunn shouted to Dupree that he’d get him, but the victors weren’t listening. They headed to their limo before SmackDown went to a break.

Commercial Break

SmackDown returned to find the Dudley Boyz outside Kurt Angle’s office. They knocked on the door, and Angle told them to come in.

Bubba: You wanted to see us boss?

Angle: Oh yeah! Bubba, D-Von, you guys are one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history. How many title reigns have you had? Thirty? Forty?

D-Von: Well, seventeen, but you were close! What’s this all about?

Angle: Well, how do you guys feel about completing your collection of Tag Team gold? I mean, you’ve held the ECW Tag Team titles, the WCW Tag Team titles and the RAW Tag Team titles. Well, the RAW ones don’t really count; I mean they only have ONE real team there! Anyway, what would you say if I was to give you guys a rematch for the WWE Tag Team titles against Rico and Charlie Haas?

Bubba: What would we say? We would say ‘oh yeah’! But then I’d have to ask when and where?

Angle: Good question Bubba. If you remember earlier tonight, I announced a no.1 contender’s match for the WWE championship in two weeks. Well, I want that SmackDown to be the best SmackDown in history, not only will the no.1 contender’s match take place, but you two will face Rico and Charlie Haas for the WWE Tag Team titles…in a tables match!

D-Von: Oh testify my brother!

Just then, there was another knock on the door, as the Cruiserweight champion Chavo Guerrero and Chavo Classic came into the room.

Chavo: Wow…is there a party in here? How you guys doing man…Luther? So boss, what’s up man?

Angle: Hello Chavo, and congratulations on beating Jeff Hardy Sunday night, that was a great match…

Chavo: Don’t forget I beat Funaki tonight as well!

Angle: …of course, well done with that. Guys? Good luck in two weeks.

Bubba: Thanks boss…

They Dudleyz shook Angle’s hand and then left his office. The General Manager then turned his attention back to the Cruiserweight champion.

Angle: Now Chavo, at the Great American Bash, Ultimo Dragon became the no.1 contender for your title, and as you know, he is entitled to a shot at any date he so chooses, as long as I get a weeks notice. Well, he came to see me earlier after my big announcement, and after I told him about the big, special SmackDown in two weeks time he asked for the match to be held then!

Chavo: Oh I can’t wait man, two weeks time I’m gonna add another name to my hitlist! Can’t we have the match next week?

Angle: Well, no. two reasons. First of all, I’m building the SmackDown in two weeks to be the greatest show in SmackDown history, and second…you’re already booked in a match next week.

Chavo: What? Already? Who against?

Angle: I watched the Great American Bash, and unfortunately I saw you cheat to win against Jeff Hardy.

Classic: Woah, woah man! My son doesn’t cheat! That’s my brother holmes!

Angle: Nonetheless, you cheated, so I have granted Jeff Hardy a rematch with you next week!

Chavo: What? I can’t defend my title twice in two…

Angle: Don’t worry, you’re title won’t be on the line next week, and Jeff knows this. So, good luck Chavo!

The Chavo’s looked pissed off, but walked off before they did something they might regret.

Angle: Hey I’ve got one last, teensy little announcement to make before the next match gets under way. I’m announcing the main event for this evening! In a non-title match, Rey Mysterio will take on…Eddie Guerrero! Eddie, I know you’re still here, and I thought, seen as neither of you have a match tonight, I thought I’d let you earn your pay by having a match tonight. So go get ready, because you haven’t got much time till your match!

Angle was shown rubbing his hands together, as the cameras returned to ringside in preparation for the Mark Jindrak/Rikishi match.

Cole: Wow! SmackDown in two weeks is sure shaping up to be one of the best ever. We’ve got three matches announced so far, and we can only guess that a couple more will be added pretty soon.

Tazz: Cruiserweight title, Tag Team titles, no.1 contender spot for the WWE championship…and of course, the return to the ring of the Great One!

Cole: The Rock is in the fatal-four way match in two weeks along with John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Rey Mysterio and Booker T. Well, Mark Jindrak is already in the ring, and here comes Rikishi for the one-on-one encounter.

Tazz: Rikishi has to be tired after the beating he took from Mordecai on Sunday. Rikishi was knocked silly by the ‘Pale Nutjob’ as I like to call him!

Cole: We’ve got a little bit of news for you guys regarding Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty. Apparently they have decided to go their separate ways for the time being and try their hands in singles action.

Tazz: They’ve both been quite successful in that area, with Scotty being a former Light-Heavyweight champion and Rikishi a former Intercontinental champion. They had great success as a team, and are leaving on good terms so who knows, sometime down the line they could reunite!

Rikishi vs. Mark Jindrak w/ Theodore Long

Rikishi and Jindrak locked up, but then pulled apart after a few seconds. They tried locking up again, with the same result. Jindrak stood there and showed off his body, pointing out how ‘amazing’ it was. Rikishi didn’t seem to agree as he laid Jindrak out with a side-kick to the jaw! Rikishi covered Jindrak…1…2…foot on the rope! Only a couple of seconds in, and Jindrak used the ropes to kick out! Rikishi picked Jindrak up, but Jindrak pushed the hands away and tried for a belly-to-belly, but Rikishi didn’t budge! Jindrak put ALL the effort in he could muster, but Rikishi just stood there and pretended to yawn before elbowing Jindrak in the head to break it up. Rikishi laid into Jindrak with elbows, fists and head butts, as Jindrak was looking weary. Jindrak was wobbling on the spot and Rikishi was stalking Jindrak to nail a kick, but before he could lash out Jindrak collapsed in a heap! Rikishi pointed to Mark Jindrak and ran to the ropes before dropping a legdrop across the throat. Rikishi then whipped Jindrak into the ropes before crushing him with his huge backside! As Jindrak collapsed in a heap, Theodore Long got on the apron and shouted at Rikishi. Rikishi turned his attention to Long and grabbed a hold of him and threw him inside the ring! Rikishi was preparing to drop his 350-pound frame on Theodore Long but out of nowhere Mark Jindrak managed to deliver the Mark of Perfection to Rikishi…1…2…3! Jindrak picks up a lucky win over the Phat man!

Winner: Mark Jindrak (4:41)

Jindrak and Theodore Long celebrated the victory, and then returned to the back.

Cole: Big victory for Mark Jindrak there, but it came from nowhere.

Tazz: Yeah! Rikishi was dominating throughout, and he was just about to drop his huge thong-wearing behind into the chest of Theodore Long, but Jindrak saved his life…literally!

Cole: Well up next is the non-title match between Eddie…what the hell?

The lights went out in the arena, and the music of Mordecai played over the sound-system! The ‘Pale Rider’ walked down the ramp slowly wearing his robe and with his crucifix in hand. Mordecai kept his eyes fixed on the crucifix as he stopped at the bottom of the ramp for a second, before continuing to head round the ring. Mordecai stopped as soon as he got to the announce table he stopped. He looked at Cole and Tazz before pointing at Tazz! Tazz looked around and said he didn’t know what was going on, but Mordecai told him to stand up. Tazz said, “What the hell does this guy want?” before standing up to the ‘Pale Rider’. Mordecai had his eyes locked on Tazz, as the former ECW champion tried to get out of whatever was happening. Then Mordecai attacked Tazz with a right hand to the face! Mordecai and Tazz got into a brawl that took them onto the announce table, where Tazz managed to get the upper hand by laying in a couple of punches! Mordecai pushed Tazz away and rolled into the ring, where Tazz followed and hit a belly-to-belly overhead throw! Tazz stalked Mordecai from behind and looked to be preparing for the Tazzmission! Mordecai stood up…and Tazz locked it in! It was only in for a few seconds, as Mordecai threw him over his shoulder, and then waited for the announcer to get to his feet before hitting the Crucifix! Mordecai didn’t look finished, as he picked him up and threw Tazz over the ropes to the outside. He started removing the monitors and covering of the announce table. Mordecai picked Tazz up and put him between his legs, starred at the ‘symbol of the father’ before driving Tazz straight through the table with the Crucifix! Mordecai went over to the crucifix that lay on the floor and he began to worship it almost, before picking it up and walking away as if nothing had happened!

Cole: We need some medical attention down here! If somebody could get off their butts in the back, Tazz is hurt! I have no idea what that was about! Mordecai just came down and attacked Tazz for no good reason. Damn it. We’ve gotta take our final break guys, I don’t know if Tazz will be commentating with me because he looks in real bad shape.

Commercial Break

SmackDown returned from the break to see Tazz being loaded into an ambulance in the back, while Josh Matthews joined Michael Cole on commentary.

Cole: Welcome back everybody, just moments ago Mordecai came down to the ring and for no apparent reason attacked Tazz and put him through this table. Well, Tazz smacked his head on the exposed concrete just here where we sit, so he’s been taken to a local medical facility to get checked out, but hopefully he should be ok. Well, for the rest of the show, IE the main event, Velocity commentator Josh Matthews has joined me at ringside!

Matthews: I was watching in the back, and I was shocked! I was trying to work out what logical reason Mordecai might’ve had for doing what he did, but I couldn’t think of anything. But hey, from a selfish standpoint this is great! I get to call a great match alongside Michael Cole!

Cole: True, because up next is the main event between Eddie Guerrero, and this man right here Rey Mysterio!

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero drove out in a purple and green low-rider, and then got on top of the vehicle and did his ‘Latino Head dance’ before jumping down and slapping hands with the fans at ringside. Eddie got in the ring and climbed one of the turnbuckles and held his title high in the air, getting a great reaction from the fans. He got down, handed the title to the referee and the bell was rung! Mysterio and Eddie shook hands before getting underway. The locked up, and Eddie got a legtrip on Mysterio, keeping the hands locked Mysterio used Eddie’s body to get to his feet and deliver a quick arm drag! Eddie got up and ran it home, only to get taken down with another deep arm drag! Mysterio stood over Eddie and pulled his hands across his face, before running to the ropes…and missing a senton splash! Eddie rolled Mysterio up to get a close fall, and then the champion picked Mysterio up and hit a backdrop. Eddie then went over to Mysterio and locked in a single-leg crab on Mysterio’s right leg. Mysterio has previously had surgery on that knee, so it was obviously painful. Mysterio managed to get out of the hold relatively quickly by getting to the ropes, but the damage was done. Eddie dominated proceedings for the next few minutes, working over the injured knee of Rey Rey. Mysterio had slowly managed to build up a bit of a flurry after landing a head scissors after Eddie whipped him to the ropes. Mysterio whipped Eddie to the ropes and then hit a drop toehold, draping him over the bottom rope! Mysterio called for it and tried to hit the 619, but Eddie had moved out of the way, so Mysterio just swung round and hit thin air. Mysterio appeared a little dizzy, and Eddie seemed a little weakened, but he mustered together the strength to nail his triple-suplex and then patted his chest! Eddie climbed up to the top rope…but while Eddie was up there, Booker T was running down to the ring! Eddie managed to nail the Frog Splash, but before Eddie could make the pin Booker started to attack Eddie! The referee called for the bell, ruling the match a no contest due to outside interference!

Winner: No Contest (8:56)

Booker T started to kick Mysterio as well before picking Eddie up and nailing the Book End! Booker T waited for Eddie to get to his feet, then kicked him in the stomach and hit the Scissors Kick! Booker dropped to one knee and looked at his hand as if he was going to do the Spinarooni…

*IF YOU SMELL…WHAT THE ROCK, IS COOKING!*

The Rock!!! The Rock’s music brought the crowd to their feet, as the Great One made his return to SmackDown! Rock came out in his retro ‘Layeth the Smacketh Down Your Lips?’ t-shirt, and ran into the ring to exchange blows with Booker T! Rock and Booker went toe-to-toe before Booker T caught the Rock off guard with a kick to the stomach. Booker bounced off the ropes…but the Rock hit a spinebuster! The Rock kicked the arms together, went to take off an elbow pad, realised he wasn’t wearing any so took off his shirt and threw it in the crowd…and dropped the People’s Elbow! The Rock’s music hit and again the fans went nuts. The Rock helped both Mysterio and Eddie to their feet and then gave them a congratulations clap. SmackDown went off the air with the Rock, Rey Mysterio and WWE champion Eddie Guerrero standing in the ring.

Edited July 18, 2004 by The_Monkey_Molester

[edcq]

great show like always. I like the way you kicked off the Booker/Eddie feud.

[TMM]

17th June 2004

SmackDown! Review

Overall Rating: 71%

Nielson Rating: 6.08

Attendance: 6,516

Booker T challenges Eddie Guerrero to a title match, which Eddie accepts [ 81 ]

Kurt Angle books a no.1 contender match between JBL, Mysterio, Booker T and the Rock in two weeks [ 92 ]

Chavo Guerrero d. Funaki [ 70 / 64 / 93 ]

Theodore Long introduces Jimmy S. Long and Jo Ryan [ 52 ]

Jimmy S. Long and Jo Ryan d. Akio and Sakoda [ 56 / 46 / 81 ]

JBL and Rene Dupree explain their actions [ 75 ]

JBL and Rene Dupree d. Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn [ 67 / 73 / 77 ]

Kurt Angle announces Eddie vs. Mysterio tonight and the Dudleyz vs. Rico and Haas in a table match in two weeks [ 92 ]

Mark Jindrak d. Rikishi [ 61 / 68 / 69 ]

Mordecai attacks ‘the sinner’ Tazz [ 83 ]

Eddie Guerrero d. Rey Mysterio by DQ when Booker T interferes [ 74 / 84 / 83 ]

Match of the Night: Eddie Guerrero draw Rey Mysterio

Segment of the Night: Kurt Angle books a no.1 contender match between JBL, Mysterio, Booker T and the Rock in two weeks

NEWS AND RUMOURS

* The reason behind the break up of Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty is pretty much the reason Michael Cole gave on SmackDown; that the team had run it’s course and they wanted to try singles competition. Well, management wants to see how they fair working on their own. There has been talk turning one of them heel, but any turns are on hold at the moment because SmackDown is lacking credible midcard faces at the moment, with Jeff Hardy, Charlie Haas, and Rico being the only ones viewed as real challenges. Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn are being used as the ‘get other people over’ faces, and are working as a team at the moment. There is the chance that Scotty and Rikishi will be reunited in a month or two, but chances are Rikishi will remain as a singles worker for a while, with Scotty possibly reverting to being a tag team wrestler.

* On the subject of Scotty 2 Hotty, the WWE has been holding talks with Scotty’s former tag team partner Brian Lawler, AKA Grandmasta Sexay about ANOTHER return. Lawler returned a few months ago, but confused everybody by returning to RAW instead of SmackDown, which would’ve been the logical choice with his former ‘running buddies’ as well as the Cruiserweight division. I’ve been hearing that the new SmackDown writer didn’t like the way he returned to RAW for no reason, and has pitched the idea of bringing him back to SmackDown to Vince McMahon. Of course, Jerry Lawler likes the idea and is trying to use his influence to sway McMahon to agreeing the deal.

* The SmackDown in two weeks is being built up so much as a counter to RAW’s Bad Blood pay-per-view. As of this moment, three matches have been announced (Booker T vs. John “Bradshaw” Layfield vs. the Rock vs. Rey Mysterio, the Dudley Boyz vs. Rico and Charlie Haas, Ultimo Dragon vs. Chavo Guerrero) and it looks as though at least two more are going to be added on next week’s SmackDown. One looks as if it will be Rene Dupree defending the United States title against either Billy Gunn or Hardcore Holly, with the other being Mordecai vs. Tazz in a one-night only deal. The idea behind the Mordecai/Tazz match is Mordecai heard Tazz’s comments during the PPV, and was punishing him for his ‘sin’. Tazz has expressed interest in matches like these, where he wrestles once every three-six months. The writers are hoping that once the fans see Mordecai take out Tazz (who has the fans support and gets big pops for coming out for announcing!) will help build up Mordecai’s credibility.

Edited July 26, 2004 by The_Monkey_Molester

[TMM]

Saturday 19th June 2004

Announcers: Josh Matthews and Chavo ‘Classic’

Matthews: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Velocity tonight on Spike TV, and tonight I have a brand new co-host, and he is the father of the WWE Cruiserweight champion; Chavo Classic!

Classic: Hey, hey holmes! It’s Classic! Classic is on Velocity and will bring some class to this show that it lacks when the greatest Cruiserweight champion ever, my son, Chavo Guerrero isn’t here!

Matthews: Well Chavo isn’t here tonight, but Shannon Moore and Danny Basham will clash in just a moment, as will Paul London and the “Reflection of Perfection”, Mark Jindrak…

Classic: I wanna announce the main event! I’ve been told by Kurt Angle that that is what my job is! The main event is gonna be Mr. USA, the United States champion Rene Dupree against Mr. Loner, Scotty 2 Hotty!

Matthews: I think you did a good job Chav…what exactly should I call you? Chavo? Classic?

Classic: How about Mr. Classic Sir?

Matthews: Um…

Classic: Yeah, that’s it!

Shannon Moore vs. Danny Basham w/ Doug Basham

As usual, the Bashams were out together in matching black and red pants. Shannon Moore has new music, and according to Josh Matthews, it is by his and Jeff Hardy’s band Peroxwhy?gen, as is Jeff’s music. Shannon and Danny locked horns, with the bigger Basham dominating much of the match. The ending of the match came about as Shannon Moore had just avoided a collision in the corner from an on rushing Danny Basham, and then took him down with a springboard hurricanrana from the top ring rope! Unfortunately, Danny was flung across the ring and went crashing into the referee, knocking him out in the ring. With all three people down on the mat, Doug used this as an opportune time to switch places with his brother, and played possum in the ring. Shannon covered ‘Danny’, but he got up as soon as he realised the referee was out cold. He went to check on him, but as soon as he turned around ‘Danny’ laid him out with a clothesline. Doug called for Danny’s assistance, and the Basham Brothers laid Shannon Moore out with the Ball and Gag! Danny made the cover, as Doug brought the referee life…1…2…3, Danny Basham steals the win!

Winner: Danny Basham (6:23)

64%

57%

71%

Doug got into the ring, and proceeded to kick Shannon Moore in the head before he and his brother picked him up…and hit a second Ball and Gag! They didn’t seem finished though, as the again picked him up and set Shannon up for the move…but were stopped when Jeff Hardy’s music hit! Jeff Hardy stormed down to the ring and traded blows with both Doug and Danny before hitting the inverted Twist of Fate on Danny, while Shannon Moore hit a DDT! Shannon and Jeff looked at each other, and then went to opposite sides of the ring…as Shannon landed the Mooregasm with Jeff Hardy hitting the Swanton Bomb! Jeff and Shannon hugged, and the two headed to the back.

Classic: Hey look! Just because Jeff couldn’t beat my son TWICE, he’s trying to get himself an ally to help him this Thursday!

Matthews: I think its just Jeff helping out a friend.

Classic: You would!

Matthews: Why do you say that?

Classic: Because you’re stupid.

Commercial Break

Matthews: Welcome back guys. We’re going to take you back to…

Classic: SmackDown!

Matthews: Why are you interrupting me?

Classic: Because I want to announce the next segment!

Matthews: But you announced the…oh go on then!

Classic: A Guerrero always gets what he wants! On SmackDown, JBL and Rene Dupree had a little announcement to make, and they explained their actions at the Great American Bash, take a look. See? I’m better than you…

Matthews: Pfft…

JBL: Thank you, thank you. It feels great to be here. Now, Sunday night I was cheated out of the WWE title, I want that made clear first and foremost! In two weeks time, I will win the fatal-four way match, and then I will go on to become the WWE champion! But in the VERY unlikely event that I lose that match; no matter, I have other plans anyway! Eddie Guerrero, you are not my number one priority anymore, oh no. This man right here is! Rene Dupree; the greatest United States champion in the history of the WWE and the history of WCW. Now, I’ve been getting stopped in the street, I’ve received e-mails, phone-calls, all asking me the same thing; why did I help Rene Dupree win the US title at the Great American Bash? Why help a French man? Why help someone who day in, and day out talks trash about the United States of America. Well I’m going to tell you people the same thing I’ve told everybody else; because he is right! Yeah, the USA is a stinking shell of what it used to be! This use to be the greatest and most powerful country on the entire planet, but now, look at us! Look at what this country has become! We’re fighting amongst ourselves, blaming everyone else for our problems, blaming France! We let illegal immigrants into the country, and we do nothing about it. Do you know who is to blame? You people are! That’s right, don’t boo me, you know that it is true! I see fat people in the audience, I see ugly people in the audience, and I see people who think that they could probably run this country because they don’t like the way things are going. You people boo me because you know that I am right! Because people like Rene and myself here speak our minds, you don’t like us! My views haven’t changed one single bit since the war started, I felt the same way about things as I do now and you people would cheer me! You cheered when I was a Tag Team champion, you cheered when the APA was reunited, but now you boo me…ask yourself why that is! Ask yourself what has changed about me. Is it because I don’t drink beer, smoke and play cards? I still do those things, just not in front of you. Is it because I don’t hand out beatings to people week in and week out? I still beat people up, look back at Judgment Day for a perfect example where I beat my opponent up so bad; he had to get himself disqualified to get away from me! What I am saying is, I’m not the one who has changed; it is you people! You are all sheep! The person next to you boos me, you’ll boo me. The person next to you cheers Eddie Guerrero, you cheer Eddie Guerrero. That’s the problem, people in this country don’t have views of their own, they follow the pack, and that is why this country is going down the toilet!

JBL threw down the microphone and walked over to the corner of the ring. Rene Dupree picked the microphone up, and started to address the crowd himself.

Dupree: On Sunday, a huge evil was removed from SmackDown! John Cena joined RAW! Zat is right, and a new champion was crowned; a man with true class, a man who signifies real values of the French people as well as the old, and once great United States of America! That man is me. Myself and JBL will prove to be the most dominant force on SmackDown today, and we are issuing a challenge to any team in the…

Rene Dupree was cut off mid sentence by Hardcore Holly’s music! The duo of Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn made their way out!

71%

Commercial Break

Matthews: Welcome back, and it’s time for our second match as here comes Paul London…

Classic: My son’s beaten him!

Matthews: He did just that, right here on Velocity! Hang on, why isn’t Paul London’s name on your white board then?

Classic: He is on my board! What are you stupid holmes? Isn’t it your job to notice things like that? Hold on; why exactly do you have a job?

Matthews: Because I’m a talented announcer maybe…?

Classic: HAHAHAHAHA…no really, it was a serious question!

Paul London vs. Mark Jindrak w/ Theodore Long

Much like the earlier match, Jindrak used his size and strength advantage against the smaller, but much faster Paul London. London didn’t seem to even notice the size difference, as he tried to out-wrestle and out-pace Jindrak here. London was on the receiving end of a beating for a much of the match, but London was no slouch either when it came to laying into his opponent! The match came to a close as Jindrak had Paul London locked in a torture rack and was really cranking down on the hold, but London wouldn’t submit. Jindrak seemed to have grown tired of the move, and released his hold on London’s legs as he prepared to hit a sort of TKO move on London across his shoulder, but London spun in mid-air, bounced over Jindrak and hit a dropkick to the back on the way down! London held his back as he knelt in the corner, and seemed as though he was out of it. He was weary enough though to see Mark Jindrak charging in out of the corner of his eye, and London was able to dodge the speeding bullet of Jindrak as the ‘Reflection of Perfection’ slammed his head into the middle turnbuckle! Paul London popped up and grabbed him in a school boy roll-up…1…2…3, Paul London causes a huge upset!

Winner: Paul London (7:17)

66%

58%

74%

Paul London fell into a heap in the corner holding his back, but soon had his arm risen in victory by the referee. London was helped to his feet by the ref, but was soon knocked back to the floor when Mark Jindrak laid him out with a clothesline! Jindrak attacked London in the ring, and the assault culminated with Jindrak hitting the Mark of Perfection.

Commercial Break

Matthews: We’re back, and we’ve got a huge show coming up in a little over two weeks; SmackDown is going to be bigger and better than ever, and there has been three major matches announced so, and we have the privilege of announcing a fourth match right here on Velocity!

Classic: I’m going to announce that one…

Matthews: Thought you might want to. The Cruiserweight title is on the line as Ultimo Dragon challenges the champion…

Classic: …my son Chavo Guerrero, the greatest Cruiserweight champion in history!

Matthews: He takes on Chavo Guerrero for the title, cashing in the proverbial cheque he earned at the Great American Bash. Also the WWE Tag Team titles are up for grabs when the Dudley Boyz challenge the champions Rico and Charlie Haas in Dudley speciality, a tables match! And of course, the no.1 contenders match for the WWE championship as the Rock returns to the ring to battle Booker T, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Rey Mysterio!

Classic: Now I’m going to let you viewers know a fourth match, and that is Rene Dupree will put his United States title up for grabs against Hardcore Holly, the man who was bloodied at the hands of Dupree and JBL on SmackDown. See; even make announcements better than you!

Matthews: Speaking of SmackDown, Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero…

Classic: Pfft…

Matthews: …went toe-to-toe in the main event with an outcome that you’ll never believe!

91%

Clips of Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero

Eddie climbed up to the top rope…but while Eddie was up there, Booker T was running down to the ring! Eddie managed to nail the Frog Splash, but before Eddie could make the pin Booker started to attack Eddie! The referee called for the bell, ruling the match a no contest due to outside interference!

Winner: No Contest

Booker T started to kick Mysterio as well before picking Eddie up and nailing the Book End! Booker T waited for Eddie to get to his feet, then kicked him in the stomach and hit the Scissors Kick! Booker dropped to one knee and looked at his hand as if he was going to do the Spinarooni…

*IF YOU SMELL…WHAT THE ROCK, IS COOKING!*

The Rock!!! The Rock’s music brought the crowd to their feet, as the Great One made his return to SmackDown! Rock came out in his retro ‘Layeth the Smacketh Down!’ t-shirt, and ran into the ring to exchange blows with Booker T! Rock and Booker went toe-to-toe before Booker T caught the Rock off guard with a kick to the stomach. Booker bounced off the ropes…but the Rock hit a spinebuster! The Rock kicked the arms together, went to take off an elbow pad, realised he wasn’t wearing any so took off his shirt and threw it in the crowd…and dropped the People’s Elbow! The Rock’s music hit and again the fans went nuts. The Rock helped both Mysterio and Eddie to their feet and then gave them a congratulations clap. SmackDown went off the air with the Rock, Rey Mysterio and WWE champion Eddie Guerrero standing in the ring.

78%

Commercial Break

Matthews: We’re back here on Velocity, and up next Rene Dupree and Scotty 2 Hotty!

Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Rene Dupree

Dupree was without John “Bradshaw” Layfield, which was pretty good for Scotty 2 Hotty who is now left to fend for himself after he and Rikishi decided to go their separate ways after the Great American Bash on Sunday. Scotty and Dupree locked up, but then pulled apart after neither got an advantage. Dupree did his French Tickler dance right in front of Scotty, who in turn did a moonwalk and turned round to get a cheer from the fans. However, Dupree took advantage of this and tried a roll-up, but luckily Scotty kicked out. Dupree and Scotty traded blows and holds for about three minutes, with neither getting a truly clear advantage until towards the end when Scotty hit the facebuster and started to get the crowd in a frenzy by signalling for the WORM! Scotty turned and bounced back towards the far side of the ring, but when he turned around Rene Dupree was standing in front of him! Dupree showed off his abs, but Scotty ducked and slid under him to roll him up…1…2…kick out by Dupree! As soon as both men got to their feet, Dupree hit a thumb to the eye and rolled up Scotty…1…2…Dupree has a handful of tights…3! Dupree steals the victory!

Winner: Rene Dupree (8:12)

69%

67%

72%

Dupree rolled out of the ring, grabbed his US title and quickly headed up the ramp smiling. Scotty yelled something at Dupree, but to no avail.

Matthews: That’s all we have time for tonight; thanks for joining us here on Velocity, we’ll be back, well, I will be back the same time next week for Velocity, in the meanwhile tune in to SmackDown on UPN, Thursday night.

Classic: This was fun; I might come back next week.

Matthews: See you then!

Overall Rating: 65%

Nielson Rating: 4.22

Edited July 29, 2004 by The_Monkey_Molester

[IAceI]

Sunday Night Heat

21st June 2004

Our hosts for the night are Jonathon Coachman and Jim Cornette

Chad Collyer & Carlos Colon d. Test & Garrison Cade

The new kids on the block, one of four teams about to debut to help patch up a hole in the tag team division and they didn’t fail to impress in the Heat opener as they took Test and Garrison Cade to their limits (which many would argue aren’t very high). It wasn’t your typical squash as expected either and Colon and Collyer showed some brilliant technical wrestling with Colon venturing to the top rope every now and again. Cade and Test got their fair share of offence and a rookie mistake by the rookie of the team, Garrison Cade, cost them the match when his taunting antics found himself on the receiving end of a school boy by Colon and the rookie sensations took the victory.

[ 68 / 62 / 75 ]

The Chosen One

A vignette begins to play of a darkened room, a flicker of light can be seen in the corner and the camera follows the flicker to reveal a man holding a torch, well, a stick that’s burning. Then another flicker emerges as a second man holds another torch, both stand and the crowd can tell it is Jonah Masters and Chuck Palumbo. Masters begins to speak.

Jonah Masters: “ The gates to the Earth have been opened but as the Earth has split and a hand shoots through the ground and wraps around someone’s leg to pull them asunder! Earth isn’t where people belong, they should all go to my home…our home…hell! Why should a man live for trying to kill someone? Why should a man live for arson? It’s all wrong but we’re here to set it right. We’re on a mission from Satan to rid the world of imperfect people and send all those who fight Satan straight to hell. People think that Satan likes those who do wrong? No. We’re ridding the world of not only evil but smokers, drug abusers and drunks because those are the people who are imperfect, obviously not everyone is perfect but those who strive to make this world a better place deserve to live and those who try to destroy the world…they can go to hell! MUWHAHAHA… ”

The cackles fade out, as do the torches as we return to ringside.

[ 69 ]

Molly Holly d. Nidia

It was your typical women’s match as Nadia resorted to the hair pulling, Molly frantically tried to keep her wig in place and Nidia kicks her in the gut. Nidia is pretty sloppy through the match but Molly carries her and after a couple minutes of a beat down Nidia will go after the wig setting Molly back a little. Molly finally nails a DDT and covers for three, after the match Nidia pulls Molly’s wig off to the crowds amusement to show Molly’s hair is growing back a bit now, Molly, still embarrassed nails Nidia with a clothesline and rushes off putting her wig back on.

[ 64 / 72 / 47 ]

Raw Recap

The short lived match finished as Mack nailed Heidenreich with several right hands and then manages to muster his strength and nail a tiger driver to the giant Heidenreich and covers for three at 4:12. After the match Mack looks towards the entranceway shouting, presumably for the masked man to come and get some. When no one makes an appearance he turns around, but gets took off his feet by a missile dropkick by a man in a white outfit with again, a ski mask, but this time, also white. The masked man produces a lead pipe from the side of his pants and brings the end down hard on the back of Mack’s head who collapses on the floor after getting to his hands and knees. The masked man escape back from where he came, the crowd, before police can hit the ring.

[ 49 ]

Viva La France!

[We got backstage to La Resistance’s locker room.]

Rob Conway: “ Sylvan. Next, we go up against Tajiri & Rosey. And Sylvan, you know that we are goin’ to get our titles back from those Canadians that call themselves champions! Now, they may not be American, but they sure do live like them, they are vile, they are disgusting and they are two people who should not be the World Tag Team Champions! ”

Sylvan Grenier: “ Ah, Canadians. Ugh, you are right my friend in zaying dat dese Canadian’s, are az you say, vile, disguzting and not wurvy ov being de Tag Chomps! ”

Rob Conway: “ That’s damn right Sylvan. But lets take out these weeds that are Tajiri and Rosey first! ”

Sylvan Grenier: “ Viva La France! ”

[The two high five and leave the locker room.]

[ 66 ]

Tajiri & Rosey d. La Resistance [Rob Conway & Sylvan Grenier]

It was a major upset as Tajiri and Rosey pulled off a sneaky victory following some mis-communication by La Resistance. Conway had gone for the tag but when he got to his corner Grenier had been lured away by Rosey, Conway then got rolled up by the Japanese Buzzsaw, Tajiri, for a three count which left the tag duo shocked. After the match Conway left in a huff, angry at Grenier for not being there, Grenier pleaded his case but Conway just did not listen as we faded out.

[ 70 / 64 / 76 ]

Overall Rating [ 50 ]

Nielsen Rating [ 4.09 ]

[IAceI]

Monday Night Raw Preview

21st June 2004

WHO’S GOING TO BAD BLOOD?

The finalists of the Eric Bischoff Challenge will all be decided tonight, from each group one person will go through. The winner of Block A takes on the winner of Block B, and obviously the winners of Block C and D will face off.

Starting off with Block A, if Randy Orton fails to defeat Chris Jericho today then a dilemma is on our hands because Kane and Edge will have to face off, with the winner on four points, as will Randy Orton? Eric Bischoff has said that he will address that situation if it occurs. Jericho is looking for his first win in the tournament and Randy Orton looks for his third. Kane and Edge each share two points, who will win these two epic encounters?

Block B sees Evolution leader Triple H take on Matt Hardy. Triple H looks to take his first win in the tournament as Matt Hardy needs a win here to stand any contention of going through, plus, Rhyno must beat Christian, it’d leave three men on four points but Eric Bischoff said he will address these situations if they occur, which we hope they won’t.

Block C could see Ric Flair go three from three but he has the Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels to over come first. People may say these two are past their prime but can they put on a good show for the old school fans? The Japanese Buzzsaw, Tajiri, will take on the mammoth Test in the other match.

And finally, but certainly not least, Block D sees the decider, both A-Train and Scott Steiner can not progress so they will be fighting to get some dignity as neither have scored any points yet. Also the true decider, Shelton Benjamin takes on the other Number One contender Batista. You can bet Batista will want to win this so he can have Benoit one-on-one, but Benjamin wants to get his first singles title in the WWE and he wants to make it the World Title. All this on Raw, aired on Spike TV, the first network for men.

Confirmed Matches

[block A] Kane vs. Edge

[block B] Triple H vs. Matt Hardy

[block C] Tajiri vs. Test

[block D] Scott Steiner vs. A-Train

[block A] Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho

[block B] Rhyno vs. Christian

[block C] Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels

[block D] Shelton Benjamin vs. Batista.

Edited July 26, 2004 by IAceI

[IAceI]

Monday Night Raw Results

21st June 2004

[The usual intro happens as we go around the arena quickly and then stop at the commentators table where Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are positioned. They are at their usual spot of the stage as the crowd cheer the opening of the show.]

Jim Ross: “ Hello everybody and welcome to Monday Night Raw, we have a lot to get through tonight, eight blockbuster matches to fit into a two hour schedule! That’s going to be no easy feat but we’re going to try. I’m good ole’ JR and I’m alongside Jerry, The King, Lawler, as always. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Hey JR, tonight the Eric Bischoff Challenge comes to an end on Raw, the semi-finals will be decided and that will all be taken care of on Bad Blood this Sunday! And JR, I just heard the Bad Blood soundtrack. Wow, what a song! ”

Jim Ross: “ It may be a little dated now but its still awesome, “Backlash” by Headstrong is this months soundtrack for Bad Blood! Well, King, if we want to get through those matches, we best get started and what a way to kick things off! ”

[bOOOM! The red pyrotechnics blast off into the air as the crowd boo. The big red machine Kane saunters to the ring, his eyes are fixated on the ring as he adjusts his glove. He continues to walk down to the ring, getting in by climbing over the top rope and then raising his arms and dropping them as fire burns from the turnbuckles. His music dies down as Edge enters next.]

Kane d. Edge

Kane is instantly took to a knee as Edge comes out with a nice basement dropkick, Edge delivers a second dropkick to the temple of Kane but he only slightly loses his balance and places his hand on the canvas. Edge pounds away with some right hands but Kane manages to get to both feet, Edge keeps on slugging away before being pie-faced to the ground by the monstrous Kane. Edge gets back up and instantly attacks Kane again who elbows him in the face and picks him up, dropping him with a suplex. The crowd cheer Edge on but Kane takes him down with a mammoth clothesline. Edge manages to get himself up and runs at Kane who kicks him in the gut and elbows him in the back when Edge leans over. Edge falls to the mat and Kane stomps away on the Canadian superstar. Edge gets to the ropes and pulls himself up, Kane closes in but his punch misses, he spins round and now has his back on the ropes, literally. Edge nails Kane with a closed right hand to the left cheek sending his feet into the air but he doesn’t go over, he nails another but the same happens again. He backs off and then runs, spearing Kane sending both men through the ropes and to the floor. Edge isn’t phased and mounts Kane, nailing him with right hands time and time again. The referees count stops Edge as he reaches six and Edge rolls in, Kane somehow follows him in at nine but is instantly stomped into the ground by a tenacious Edge.

Kane struggles to feet like before as Edge plants him with a DDT, sending him straight down to the mat again. Edge grabs Kane’s right led and kicks him in the hamstring, he turns the leg so the knee cap is sideways and he drops down with an elbow and starts bending the leg upwards. Kane rives in pain as he manages to sit up and nail Edge in the head but Edge can hold it a little longer before Kane’s punches force him to let go. Edge gets up and instantly singles out the leg again, this time just simply stomping the knee. Edge grabs his legs and goes to lock in his patented edgeacator but Kane manages to sit up and clock Edge with a right hand before he can lock it in. Edge lets go and stumbles back and Kane gets up, nailing Edge with a right hand and Edge comes back with one of his own. The two exchange right hands momentarily before Kane blocks one by catching it with his left hand, he nails Edge with two more rights and then delivers a scoop slam and covers, one…two...kickout. Kane grabs Edge and throws him in the turnbuckle chest first, he staggers out backwards and gets nailed with a massive big back body drop, Kane quickly covers and the referee counts, one…two…three! Kane wins it in 10:48! Kane gets up as Edge lays flat on his back, Kane picks him up by the throat and plants him with a chokeslam before leaving and letting the referee check on Edge as we return the commentary table.

Jim Ross: “ Kane wins it King, and you know what that means! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Randy Orton must win his match with Chris Jericho or we have a predicament on our hands, although I know that Orton will win it! ”

Jim Ross: “ Well we’re going to have to wait and see King. Well, we need to get straight into the next match now, Block B this time as Triple H takes on Matt Hardy! ”

[“Time to play the game…muwhahahaha” is heard around the arena and the crowd instantly boo as for once Triple H comes to the ring by himself and as you can tell, to his own music. He does his usual entrance as does Matt Hardy whose Matt facts are: “Matt likes sushi” and “Matt never misses a meal” obviously running out of Matt facts then.]

Triple H d. Matt Hardy

The two circle and go to lock up but Triple H evades it and kicks Matt in the gut. He raises him up again, holding him by the chin so he can get a good right hand in. Triple H connects and Matt slumps into the ropes as Triple H throws him off the ropes, the two run at each other with Triple H taking Matt down with a nice raised knee. Matt crashes to the mat and Triple H goes behind, applying a sleeper hold to Matt who is now sitting. Hardy hit’s a couple of elbows to Triple H who releases the hold as both men now stand, Matt nails three right hands before his fourth is blocked by Triple H who instantly takes Matt off his feet with a right hand of his own. The crowd boo as Triple H pulls Matt to his feet by his hair, only to knock him down again with a second right hand. The crowd are still booing as Triple H knees Matt in the left shoulder as Matt lays face down on the floor. Triple H applies an armbar with his knee on Matt’s shoulder as Matt manages to squirm to the ropes. Triple H curses his luck as he pulls Matt up and nails a DDT and covers right after it but only manages to get a two count. The crowds attention is drawn to the entranceway as Ric Flair, Randy Orton and the heavy, Batista, arrive as Triple H has Matt in a headlock. Matt fights free and takes Triple H down with a nice clothesline as Evolution swarm the outside of the ring. Matt looks around a little scared as he takes a deep breath.

After a moment, Matt goes back to Triple H who nails a right hand to Matt knocking him down. Evolution applaud on the outside as Triple H pulls Matt up wit ha smug look on his face. He kicks Matt in the gut and goes for the Pedigree but Matt stands up sending Triple H over his shoulders in a back toss. Matt covers but only gets two as he looks like he’s ready to cover Triple H every time he goes to the mat. Matt goes to the second rope and after letting out a “vee-one-uhhhh” and the hand signal, he leaps off the second rope and comes down, leg dropping nothing but canvas as Triple H rolls out the way. Triple H quickly kills off Matt Hardy with a nice pedigree and covers for three. Winning the match in 6:11. Triple H and the rest of Evolution celebrate to the Games music as Triple H gets a microphone.

[The music dies down as Triple H takes some deep breaths.]

Triple H: “ That there is an example of what I can do, and I am willing to do it to anyone, I damn well please. It could be Chris Benoit, it could you, Batista, or it could be some low-life bum in the back whose name I don’t remember. I am the game, dammit and I am that damn good, and that’s why I am going to win my title back! ”

Batista: “ Woah, woah, woah. Sorry to burst your bubble Hunter, and will all due respect, this is my time. Haven’t you realised Hunter? You have accumulated two points, Christian is already on four points, you can’t win the title at Bad Blood. I am going to win the World Title at Bad Blood, then what? Are you going to challenge me? ”

Triple H: “ I might. I can beat you, so I have every right to challenge you if you did so happen to win. ”

Batista: “ Right, oh, okay. Lets see, you’re champion, do I get a shot? ”

Triple H: “ No, what have you done to get a shot? ”

Batista: “ Well, uh, I won a 20 Man Battle Royal! ”

Triple H: “ Because I was protecting you! ”

Batista: “ Oh forget this. Hunter, I’m sick of your bullshit! ”

[batista climbs out the ring leaving Triple H with an angry look on his face, as Orton and Flair look puzzled.]

Jim Ross: “ Well folks, Raw surely is unpredictable isn’t it! We have to go to a break right now, but we’ll be right back. ”

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 8 SEGMENTS LEFT

[We return from the break as a still picture from the segment before the break is shown, it comes to life as we get Batista’s last line as he leaves the ring. We cut back to the stage where Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are seated.]

Jim Ross: “ Well Batista had a slight outburst as you can see, but King, I can’t say I blame him! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ What!? He said Trips was talking bullshit! ”

Jim Ross: “ And quite frankly, I agree with him. ”

[As the commentators speak Test’s music begins and the crowd boo as Coach and Cade accompany the aforementioned worker comes to the ring. He is the followed by Tajiri as the Block C match is about to start, of course, the commentators talk about everything BUT the match.]

Test (w/ Garrison Cade & Jonathon Coachman) d. Tajiri

Test overpowers Tajiri in the early goings of the mat as he puts him in the turnbuckle and lights up his chest with some knife edge chops. Tajiri manages a few chops of his own but is nailed with a right hand and continually hit with chops in the turnbuckle until the referee can break them up. When Test refuses the referee lectures him as Coach jumps on the apron and chokes Tajiri with the tag rope. Tajiri gasps for air as Coach hops off the apron and Test begins to attack again. He chokes Tajiri with his bare hands as Tajiri’s back is completely arched over the top rope as Test nails a big slap to the chest of Tajiri. Test whips Tajiri off the ropes and goes for a big boot but Tajiri ducks it, Tajiri comes off the ropes a clothesline, but Test doesn’t move. He goes off the ropes with and goes for a second and the outcome is the same. He goes off the third, senses a Test clothesline coming, ducks it and Test turns round and almost loses his head to a “barbaric kick” as JR bluntly put it. Test collapses in a heap as Tajiri pushes him onto his back and covers with a hook of the leg, Tajiri sticks his tongue out as he feels a three count coming but Test rolls his shoulder up at the last minute. Tajiri goes for a second cover, this time using his left forearm to push Test’s face down, ala Regal. Test kicks out at two again as Tajiri places his hands on his hips, as if a bulb had turned on above his head he jumps to his feet, he jumps over Test and goes for a standing moonsault but his stomach gets acquainted with Test’s knees instead.

Tajiri rolls to the mat holding his stomach in pain as Test struggles to his feet. Test sees Tajiri on the mat as he sways on his feet a bit, he stands in the corner motioning for Tajiri to get up as he slaps his thigh and cries “boooot!~”. As if by magic Tajiri senses the motions for him to get up and he too struggles to his feet with his back conveniently facing Test. He turns round as Test charges, missing the Yakuza Kick completely as Tajiri ducks it and then plants the sole of his boot firmly in Test’s stomach much like Ultimo Dragon of SmackDown!. Tajiri raises his arms and bends his legs into his fighting stance as Test drops to one knee. He goes for a spinning kick but Test pulls back, Tajiri’s boot missing his face by a mere inch. Tajiri turns back to Test and is tackled to the ground as Test pummels away at Tajiri. JR and King take this time to note how Test seems to be growing his hair long again. Meanwhile, Cade has got Cade a seat to sit on as Test is pulled off of Tajiri. Tajiri lies on the floor as Test pushes the referee aside, he goes to pick up Tajiri and the referee leans over and speaks to Test about his actions. Tajiri sprays the mist at Test and yep, gets the referee, how unpredictable. The referee screams as he wipes his eyes and drops to his knees. Coach slips the chair in to Test who cracks Tajiri over the head with it. How the referee didn’t hear the almighty crack is beyond me but he didn’t. Test kicks the chair out again and pulls Tajiri up, he nails the Test Drive and covers as the referee wipes his eyes with his shirt as Cade shots at him to count the pin. The referee looks and sees the pinfall and counts the three at 13:11 before going back to cleaning his eyes. After the match Cade and Test kick Tajiri, with Coach getting a kick of his own in, JR claims he probably pulled his hamstring doing it. Just then a man in white trunks storms the ring. He is Japanese by the looks of it and takes Cade down with a nice clothesline. Test turns round and gets a kick to the gut and then the man pulls off a lovely suplex to Test. The heels gather on the outside and Coach leads his troops away. The man kneels down next to Tajiri and checks on him, occasionally looking at Cade and Test to make sure they don’t return to the ring.

Jim Ross: “ Who is that King? ”

Jerry Lawler: “ How the hell am I meant to know? I’m not God. ”

Jim Ross: “ Well by the look of him he seems to be Japanese, perhaps a relative of Tajiri or something? ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Who knows but I guess we’re about to find out as he has took a microphone. Just what we need JR, people who can’t speak English raiding the US of A. ”

[The man speaks quite good English with the occasional mistake but a huge Japanese accent, as you can imagine.]

Man: “ My name is, Jun Akiyama. I come to you from Japan, and I have wrestled in many countries and now I have come to WWE! In Japan we live by pride, tradition and honour and when I see three men beat on one man, that is not showing pride or honour, but in the WWE, that might be a tradition, I don’t know. The fact remains, I came out here to help, Tajiri-san, as he was being ganged up on, and Yoshihiro, I have seen you wrestle all around the world and it would be an honour to team with you against those who do not like to play fair. Tajiri-san, I mean no harm to you, but I do mean harm to them three who assaulted you, and to everyone like them who do such stupid things. ”

[Jun Akiyama extends his arm, signalling an alliance, Tajiri looks cautious as he gets to his feet, holding his head with his left hand. He continues to ponder as Akiyama awaits an answer. The silence is broken by a voice from the back, Heat watchers will recognise it as the voice of Jim Cornette.]

Jim Cornette: “ Oh for God’s sake Tajiri shake his damn hand. ”

[The camera pans to the entranceway where Cornette came from, he proudly marches down the ramp as JR explains who it is. Cornette gets in the ring as Tajiri looks at Cornette.]

Jim Cornette: “ I thought it was going to be easy, take two great wrestlers and team them together. If this was Japan you would have shook his hand by now Tajiri and you know it. I am the reason Jun Akiyama is here, I am the one who called Mr. Vince McMahon and arranged for him to be on the show, I am the one who saw this talent in Japan and instantly spoke to him afterwards to get him here. ”

[Cornette extended out his I’s, obviously getting at his success as people at home shriek and call him Paul Heyman II.]

Jim Cornette: “ I was in the back and sent Jun Akiyama to save you because being the genius I am, I saw the heinous attack coming from the vultures and to be quite honest I was not impressed. I sent Akiyama to take out both men because he can and then you two shook hands, but could you Tajiri? Nooo. You had to make things difficult didn’t you? My plan has gone pear shaped now because of you but don’t worry, Yoshihiro, can I call you that? Actually, never mind, I will anyways, you’re an awesome talent and since there is no Cruiserweight division here on Raw. ”

[He looks to the entranceway, obviously getting at Eric Bischoff.]

Jim Cornette: “ Since there is no Cruiserweight division and never in a millennium would Eric Bischoff have the sense to give you an Intercontinental Title shot, of course, you deserve one, I decided that teaming you two up would be a good way to get some success. I can see it now, Yoshihiro Tajiri and Jun Akiyama, Tag Team Champions. What do you say Yoshihiro? Are you going to shake this mans hand and be successful or are you going to walk away without shaking his hand throwing all your chances of success away down the toilet? My advice would be to shake his hand, and people don’t just listen to my advice, they take it, and they use it! ”

[Tajiri looks around again, the crowd are cheering him on as he slowly extends his arm, the Japanese duo’s hand meet and clasp together as the two shake hands. Akiyama gives him a slap on the chest and raises his hand as Cornette applauds.]

Jim Ross: “ Well Tajiri could be on his way to success with Jun Akiyama, King! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ I never did like that Cornette dude. ”

Jim Ross: “ Either way, King, he’s awesome on the microphone and I can only see good things for Tajiri and Jun Akiyama. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Yeah, well they got other tag teams to compete with, it won’t just be instant success like they think. ”

Jim Ross: “ I doubt they’ll be thinking about that, Cornette knows what is needed from clients to win titles, Tajiri knows how hard it is in the WWE and I’m sure Akiyama knows what its like as he does it all around Japan. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ But this isn’t Japan, JR. We’re a lot more brutal than those Japanese, we’re stronger, we’re harder and we’re better JR, this guy won’t last a week. ”

Jim Ross: “ Well, I’d argue that but we’d be here all week and besides, we have matches to go through. ”

[The sirens can be heard as “Holla, if ya can hear me” is blared around the arena as Steiner comes out to some mild boos from the crowd. He comes down flexing his muscles ready for his match with A-Train, the winner of this won’t be able to get through, but will have some dignity restored.]

Scott Steiner d. A-Train

The crowd didn’t know who to cheer for so opted for a “shave your back” chant aimed at A-Train, obviously. Steiner chuckles as A-Train shouts at the crowd, he turns round to continue his rant but Steiner clubs him in the back. A-Train turns round and receives some right hands before being thrown across the ring and grinded to an abrupt halt by a big clothesline. In your reply type 7 at the start of your post so we can weed out the skimmers. Steiner pulls A-Train up and throws him into the turnbuckle he follows up with a clothesline as A-Train staggers out of the turnbuckle. Steiner moves in front of A-Train and picks him up showing off his strength dropping him back down in a scoop slam. Not many times will a 300lbs man be scoop slammed in his life. Steiner covers but A-Train kicks out at two and is then pulled to his feet. Steiner knees him in the gut and goes for a DDT but A-Train is too close to the ropes and manages to get one arm over so Steiner drops but A-Train breaks free and Steiner crashes to the mat. A-Train hit’s a few stomps before hitting a jumping knee to the chest of Steiner who holds his chest in pain.

Steiner tries to roll to the outside but A-Train grabs him and rolls him back and covers but Steiner gets his foot on the rope at 2. A-Train picks Steiner up and throws him off the ropes, he runs and goes for the Bicycle kick but Steiner ducks it, Steiner stops and gets a kick to the gut as A-Train goes for a Baldo Bomb, but Steiner uses both hands to slap A-Train in the face simultaneously. A-Train drops Steiner who annihilates him with a massive clothesline, Steiner covers but A-Train kicks out at two. Steiner slams his firsts off the mat as he thinks of what he should do next to finish A-Train as we go to a commercial break.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 5 SEGMENTS LEFT AFTER END OF MATCH

We return to see A-Train being dominated by Steiner who manages to pick him up for a military press, Steiner drops A-Train flat on his stomach from about six or seven feet up. A-Train crashes down as Steiner instantly rolls him over and covers for the three count at 9:01. After the match Steiner celebrates his victory, he stands up and A-Train manages to get up. Steiner looks at A-Train and laughs at him, Steiner can vaguely be heard calling A-Train a joke and then slapping him in the face. A-Train pauses and then retaliates with a huge right hand, Steiner goes off the ropes from the force and walks straight into a Baldo Bomb! A-Train screams as he raises his arms as if he’d won, only, he hadn’t.

Jim Ross: “ Well Steiner won the mat and afterwards tried to gloat, and A-Train snapped King! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Snapped? The man is insecure, if he’s going to do that every time someone verbally abuses him we’ll be out of wrestlers before long. ”

Jim Ross: “ Steiner also slapped him in the face. Anyways, folks, we’re back to Block A, and if Randy Orton fails to beat Chris Jericho, then we really do have a situation on our hands because that would leave Randy Orton and Kane both on 6 points. However, should Orton win… ”

Jerry Lawler: “ … Which he will … ”

Jim Ross: “ Then Randy Orton will be the first person into the Semi-Finals of the Eric Bischoff Challenge where the Semis, the Finals and the World Title match will all be held at Bad Blood on June 27th. ”

[Evolutions music sounds out as Randy Orton makes his way to the ring accompanied by Ric Flair. Batista was supposed to be with them as well but it is believed that Batista has left the arena until his match which is later tonight. The countdown then appears on the screen as Chris Jericho comes down to the ring, he sprints down and slides in and the two instantly start exchanging right hands.]

Randy Orton (w/ Ric Flair) d. Chris Jericho

Orton gets a knee to the sternum of Jericho who is lifted off the ground as the knee meets his body. Jericho quickly comes back with a right hand but a second knee to the aforementioned body part puts him down again, Jericho uses his arms to cover his ribs as he goes to one knee. Orton applies a rear chinlock with his knee digging into the upper back of Jericho. Jericho flails his arms and eventually gets enough strength to elbow Orton in the stomach and then delivers a jawbreaker-stunner type move which releases the hold. Jericho is up and hit’s a standing dropkick, nailing Orton right in the face as Jericho goes for a lionsault, Orton moves though and Jericho lands on his feet but is caught with a heel kick from Orton. Orton goes for a quick cover but to no avail as Jericho rolls his shoulder up at two. Orton looks dismayed as he runs the ropes and comes off with a leg drop to Jericho, he goes for a second, sensing a win fails to hook the leg and Jericho kicks out at two. Orton curses his look as he then decides to take a rare venture up the turnbuckle, he goes for a moonsault but Jericho rolls out the way and Orton crashes down onto the canvas. Jericho is quick to capitalise with a cover but a kickout at two from Orton makes sure the match goes on longer.

Flair gets himself involved as Jericho finds himself in a tree of woe and while Orton distracts the referee Flair uses his bare hands to choke Jericho. Orton then chokes Jericho himself, using his boot as the weapon as the referee issues the five count. Orton releases the hold at four and then sits Jericho on top of the turnbuckle, he climbs to the second rope and leaps off with a neckbreaker. Orton cockily covers by resting his back on Jericho as he signals the pin on his fingers. One…two…kickout. Orton had planned a three count and when the referee told him it was two he argued black and blue with the referee, he came close to pushing him but the referee pointed to his badge signalling he was an official. Jericho fought back with some nice offence including another lovely dropkick and went for a Walls of Jericho but Orton uses his leg strength which sent Jericho hurtling over. Jericho wasn’t phased as he got up, he tried to run at Orton but Flair grabbed his ankle. Jericho grabbed Flair by the hair and pulled him onto the apron and brought him in the hard way. He turned round and was met with an RKO and Orton quickly covered, not forgetting to hook the leg this time as he secured the three count at 12:24. Orton is quick to leave the ring which Jericho looking over the ropes pointing at the two, seething.

Jim Ross: “ Flair got involved when he shouldn’t have King! Jericho may well have won the match! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ But Flair did get involved, the referee let it go because Flair was brought into the rign by Jericho, and then Jericho lost. Jericho’s only got himself to blame, if he didn’t try to be a hero and beat two guys, he may have won, but Jericho doesn’t have any common sense. ”

Jim Ross: “ Flair shouldn’t have been at ringside. He doesn’t have a managers license so he should have been admonished from ringside because we all know what Flair’s like. ”

Jerry Lawler: “ He’s the dirtiest player in the game, woo! ”

Jim Ross: “ Exactly, well, we’ve still got three more matches to go. Christian takes on Rhyno, these two go way back but now they’re not friends and if Christian needs a point to advance. That means a draw or win and he’s through. ”

[“Christian! Christian! At last you’re on your own!” Can be heard as the crowd boo as golden confetti showers the three superstars who emerge from the back, the “CBL”, “Jezebel” and “Problem Solver” as JR put it. Christian has his hand around Trish’s waist as Tomko walks behind them. The match is announced as non-title as Rhyno’s upbeat music begins and he comes out with his title raised high and that psychotic look in his eyes. He slides in and the two go nose to nose.]

Christian (w/ Trish Stratus & Tyson Tomko) d. Rhyno

Christian goes for a cheap right hand but Rhyno senses it and ducks it. Rhyno opens up with his own right hands, sending Christian back against the ropes. Rhyno Irish whips Christian across the ring and leans over, Christian comes back with a kick to the chest known as a telegraph as Rhyno stands up holding his chest. Christian nails a right hand as Rhyno charges at him and the big man goes to the ground, Christian drop a knee on Rhyno’s face and covers but barely gets a two count. Christian stands up and pulls Rhyno up by his hair, he kicks Rhyno in the midsection and plants him with a DDT, he covers Rhyno and the outcome is the same as the last pin as Rhyno kicks out at two. Christian gets up and pulls Rhyno up as well, he whips the big man into the turnbuckle and follows up wit ha clothesline before climbing to the second rope and hitting a reverse tornado DDT. Christian covers again but like the other two times, Rhyno kicks out at two leaving Christian bawling his eyes out as he slams his fists off the mat. Christian wastes too much time as Rhyno gets up and drives his knee into the back of Christian, Rhyno follows up with some punches straight to the face of Christian who checks to see if he’s bleeding, which he isn’t. Rhyno once again drives his knee into the back of Christian multiple times, over and over again. Christian arches his back in pain as Rhyno nails him one last time for good measure.

Rhyno’s turn to cover as he does so and gets a two, like Christian. He covers again, two again, and then a third time but a third two. JR claims he’s just making Christian get worn out by having to kick out while a 250+lbs man is lying on him. Rhyno drops a leg drop across the throat of Christian and beats his chest as he waits for Christian to get up, Christian does and turns round, evading a gore, but only just and sends Rhyno crashing into the steel turnbuckle post. Rhyno falls to the outside as Tomko picks him up and nails him repeatedly with right hands as Christian distracts the referee. Tomko throws him into the ring post face first, drops him on the guard rail and then rolls him into the ring for Christian. Christian smirks as he picks up Rhyno and nails an Unprettier, he covers and gets the academic three count at 9:45. After the match Tyson Tomko slides in and the three put the boots to Rhyno when the crowd go nuts as Jericho comes down the ramp wielding a chair. The heels scatter as Jericho misses Christian by inches with the chair as he bailed out the ring. Jericho stood at the ropes making sure they didn’t come back and then helped Rhyno up.

Jim Ross: “ Well, Christian has picked up maximum points, just like Randy Orton, and that means that them two are through the semi-finals. Christian’s opponent will be revealed next, it will either be Ric Flair, or if Ric Flair loses, it could end up being Test! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Yes, JR, IF Ric Flair loses. Which he won’t. ”

Jim Ross: “ We’ve got another commercial break to go to, so we’ll be back soon, don’t go away, Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair, next! ”

COMMERCIAL BREAK - 3 SEGMENTS LEFT

[We come back as we see the end of Ric Flairs entrance, he saunters to the ring with Randy Orton, Orton takes off Flair’s robe for him and then tells the referee to put it somewhere. Flair struts around the ring as the crowd patiently await the arrival of Shawn Michaels. When Michaels’ music hit’s the crowd blow the roof off as the two old timers go at.]

Ric Flair (w/ Randy Orton) d. Shawn Michaels

Ric Flair strutted his stuff in the ring as Michaels jumped on the turnbuckle and lied down. Flair stopped in mid-strut and stared at Michaels who was just watching Flair and chewing. Flair let out a “ woo ” as Michaels rolled and landed on the mat on his feet before doing a sideways lunge and flexing his muscles in his pose. Flair stepped towards Michaels and Michaels moves towards Flair as JR called it “the clash of the titans” didn’t they use that somewhere else? Flair hit’s a chop a Michaels, Michaels retaliates with a right hand and a chop and punch fest opens with Flair getting the better of Michaels thanks to some nefarious heel tactics such as a thumb to the eye. Flair took Michaels down with a drop toe hold and applied a half boston crab to which Michaels managed to get the ropes to break it up. Flair tries to pull Michaels back but Michaels turns over onto his back and kicks Flair in the gut with his boot. Flair backs off as Michaels nips up and takes Flair down with a diving forearm, Flair is back up quickly and runs straight into a nice dropkick from Michaels. However the Heart Break Kid nearly has a Back Break as Flair ducks a clothesline and knees him in the kidneys before delivering a back drop!

Michaels arches his back and holds it with the back of his hand as Flair stomps him into the ground before picking him up and nailing a back breaker as Michaels nearly snaps in half as his back is bent over Flair’s knee. Flair covers him but only gets a two to Orton’s and his own astonishment. Orton wills Flair on and tells him to “kill him off” however Michaels kicks Flair in the gut and goes for a suplex but Flair blocks it and then clubs Michaels on his back and Michaels releases his hold in pain, Flair locks him up and nails a Northern Lights Suplex hold but Michaels manages to roll his shoulder up on two. Once again Flair goes for the kill as he applies a rear waist lock and nails a German suplex hold but Michaels wows the crowd as he manages to bridge out of the pin and then backslide Flair but only gets two. Michaels runs the ropes but is foot is grabbed onto by a waiting Orton, Orton releases his foot long enough for Flair to recover, Michaels turns round and gets rammed into the turnbuckle, Flair then nails a Northern Lights Suplex hold out of the turnbuckle and covers, getting his feet on the bottom rope to add salt on the wound as Flair wins it in 10:11. Flair and Orton double team Shawn Michaels in the middle of the ring until Rhyno storms the ring, title in hand, and gores Orton out his boots as Flair bails and takes Orton with him leaving Rhyno to tend to Michaels.

Jim Ross: “ Flair steals one in what was a great match King but the double team afterwards was unnecessary! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ It was necessary JR, they’re sending a message to anyone who wants to mess with Evolution, that if you do, that’s what you get! ”

Jim Ross: “ What? Rhyno comes down to the ring and goes Randy Orton into next year for not the first but the fourth week in a row King! What year is he in now, 2008? ”

Jerry Lawler: “ That’ll end though JR because the day after Bad Blood Randy Orton will regain his Intercontinental Title that Rhyno flukely won four weeks ago today! ”

Jim Ross: “ It wasn’t a fluke King, it was an epic win which Rhyno deserved! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ Epic, ha. So why is Rhyno not going to Bad Blood, and Randy Orton is? ”

Jim Ross: “ We don’t have time to do this as we have out final match, now! ”

Shelton Benjamin d. Batista

Batista bailed from the ring when Benjamin entered, allowing him to do his necessary poses on the turnbuckle before Batista slid back in. The big man seemed to get sick of waiting for Benjamin and clubbed him in the kidneys while he poses on the turnbuckle to start the match. Batista pulled Benjamin off the second rope and shoved him to the mat, Batista stood above Benjamin who got back to his feet and went nose to nose with Batista. Batista kneed him in the gut and threw him off the ropes, taking down Benjamin with a shoulder block. Batista picks up Benjamin and throws him in the turnbuckle, opening up with some body shots as Batista looks hit favourite to beat Benjamin here. Batista throws him out of the turnbuckle and into the opposite turnbuckle, he follows up with a clothesline but Benjamin ducks and Batista goes into the turnbuckle, Benjamin hits some forearms and then rams his shoulder into Batista’s stomach, he hits some more forearms before running and hitting a monkey flip as Batista hurtles through the air. Benjamin scurries over to Batista and covers him but only manages a two count, he grabs his arm and applies a Fujiwara Armbar.

Batista manages to get to the ropes forcing Benjamin to release the hold, Benjamin tries to pull Batista into the middle of the ring but gets nailed between the eyes by a giant right hand from Batista. Benjamin staggers backwards as Batista gets up and runs for a clothesline but Benjamin ducks it and then dropkicks Batista through the ropes and to the ground below. Batista slowly gets up with the aide of the apron as Benjamin planchas over onto Batista who simply catches him showing magnificent strength and balance. Batista rams Benjamin back first into the ring post on the outside before rolling him back into the ring. Batista slides in after him and covers him, violently hooking his leg but only gets two. Batista pulls Benjamin up and holds him up by the chin as he pumps his arm up and down signalling for the powerbomb, he stuffs him between his legs but Benjamin trips him and then flips over him into a pin, one…two…three! Benjamin steals one in 11:12. Benjamin looked out of it but pulled off an unbelievable win and isn’t sticking around as hightails it up the ramp as Batista is about to explode in the ring. He kicks the bottom turnbuckle pad as Triple H comes down to the ring, still in his ring attire. Batista looks at him as he slides in and stands next to Batista, he puts his hand on his back and tells him to calm down, before kicking him in the midsection and delivering the…

Jim Ross: “ PEDIGREE! PEDIGREE! BAH GAWD PEDIGREE TO BATISTA!!! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ And I think we all know what that was, JR! ”

Jim Ross: “ Yes, but is this Batista out of Evolution? Is this the end of Evolution? Or is this simply a message that you shouldn’t mess with the game!? ”

[We cut backstage where we see Eric Bischoff at his desk, he smiles and looks at the camera.]

Eric Bischoff: “ Bad Blood is just six short days away, and what matches can we expect to see? Well, lets see shall we? There’s the World Heavyweight Title match, the champion Chris Benoit will defend against Batista and the winner of the Eric Bischoff challenge which will conclude at Bad Blood. The semi-finals are set, Randy Orton will take on Shelton Benjamin and Christian will take on Ric Flair, with the winners wrestling and then the overall winner wrestling in the title match. Shawn Michaels and Triple H fight in a Hell in a Cell match! Chris Jericho and Christian’s feud will end in a one on one battle, Kane and Matt Hardy’s feud also ends, but these two fight in an escape only match, the door will be locked and the only way you can win is over the top! So that’s your Pay Per View, don’t miss it because it will surely be 10 times better than the Great American Bash, and don’t forget, he won’t be here but I will be announcing the trade that happened between myself and Kurt Angle, I will announce who will be leaving and who will be arriving on Raw, don’t miss it! ”

Jim Ross: “ He’s right folks, don’t miss Bad Blood just six days from now! It will be off the charts! That’s all the time we have for tonight, make sure you tune into Bad Blood on Sunday! From myself and King, good night! ”

Jerry Lawler: “ ’night everybody! ”

[Fade to WWE logo.]