World Wrestling Entertainment 2004

[punky]

WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER

Rumors are circulating as to why Jerry Lawler left his announcers position this past weekend. We have confirmed with our sources that the reason is because he had an argument with road agents Fit Finlay and Arn Anderson. Apparently, they told King to calm down a little on Raw. They said the overly hyper act has grown stale and they want him to play a normal color commentator. King was rather upset over this situation and apparently blew up in front of these two (and people who were standing around). Vince McMahon got word of it and tried to talk to Lawler about it, but he was not going to listen. He said if he couldn’t keep his act going, then he wouldn’t want to be apart of Raw. McMahon tried reasoning with him, but King got up and left. Word has it that no one tried to stop him once he left McMahon’s office. WWE posted a comment on their website saying “WWE and Jerry Lawler have agreed to part ways. We wish “The King” the best in his future endeavors.”

As many of you know by now, Brock Lesnar has left World Wrestling Entertainment to pursue a football career. Lesnar will begin his workouts for the upcoming training camp within the next few weeks but he will first have a meeting with Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. No word on what the meeting is about but one can only assume that it is to try to talk Brock into staying with the company, which looks pretty helpless given Brock's issues with the intense schedule of working for the WWE.

The Draft Lottery which took place nearly a month ago seemed to cause some problems between management and talent. Apparently no one in management informed any of the wrestlers that were going to be switching shows ahead of time and forced some talent to make some last minute change of plans to get out on the road to join their new brands. Not only that but many of the talent on Smackdown seemed to feel like the RAW brand was being looked at more than them. With the departure of The Undertaker and Edge, Smackdown have lost their "locker room leader" and a man that many thought would help boost their sagging ratings. Some talent said that management announced that they have a long term plan to help Smackdown out of their funk but many are skeptical and who can blame them?

Following NWATNA’s last Wednesday’s PPV, Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger, Glenn Gilberti, Sonny Siaki, and Trinity were all notified of their releases. Of those five, WWE has shown interest in Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger. Enough of an interest that this past Monday, during a dark match, Diamond and Swinger took on Rene Dupree and Rob Conway. La Resistance did, however, pull out the victory, as per usual with dark matches. Diamond and Swinger were said to be impressive in bringing La Resistance to a watchable match. Some notable “ECW” chants were heard towards the former ECW tag team, as well. Sonny Siaki has been contacted by WWE talent relations member Arn Anderson and may be offered a contract for a development deal. But that is not set in stone, and may not even happen. Fans of Siaki can see him this Saturday night working for NWA Wildside. Trinity is expected to continue her role as a stunt double in movies. Glenn Gilberti is not going to be contacted at all by WWE and as it stands right now, looks to be heading into semi-retirement.

As you have probably seen, AMW has left TNA due to failure to sign them to a long term deal (yes, their homegrown stars don’t even get re-signed. I know. Real smart). We have just learned that the reason for this is Bob Ryder simply forgot to sign them up for another year. What a bonehead move that was. What’s even more odd about this situation is that many look at AMW as “Ryder’s boys” so we’d like to know how this could even slip right by him. You can expect to see Bob Ryder get reprimanded for this slip, possibly even fired. WWE offered AMW a great deal that simply couldn’t be matched by TNA even if they tried. AMW has accomplished a lot in TNA in under two years, and instead of even approaching TNA, they first went to WWE to see if their was any interest. Surprisingly, there was. This is surprising because it was rumored that Chris Harris was too bland and James Storm was not in shape enough to get a contract. They are expected to debut following Backlash. Currently, vignettes are being aired on Raw each Monday night. Look for them to be placed right in contention for the tag team titles. With the shortage of babyface tag teams, they are expected to get a serious push as the top babyface team.

You may also have seen on WWE's website that A-Train was released from the company yesterday. We have no official word as to why but many reports say that A-Train seemed to increasingly despondent with other workers and rumors are that he has some personal issues to work out. WWE has left the door open for a return down the road but as of right now, he is through with the company.

Speaking of dark matches. Alexis Laree also had a dark match. She took on Gail Kim. Look for Laree to debut following Backlash sometime. As well on the Smackdown side of things, Nova has been doing dark matches over the past two weeks. Recently WWE began airing vignettes for his upcoming debut which could happen anytime in the next few weeks.

Val Venis is working through a minor injury. Nothing to worry about. Just a deep bruising in the right thigh. I don’t expect him to take any time off, especially now with one of his bigger pushes as of late, working with Chris Jericho against the Canadians of Christian and Lance Storm.

Over the past week WWE have signed some talent to developmental contracts with the big name being Joey Matthews. Matthews has been rumored of getting a WWE deal many times over the past few months and finally it has happened. Joining him will be John Walters, Keven Martel and Seth Skyfire. Walters was said to have impressed many people with his recent independent work for Ring of Honor and his recent outing in ECWA's Super 8 tournament. Martel is a six year veteran at the age of 20 and is the nephew of former World Wrestling Federation star, Rick "The Model" Martel. Skyfire has been working for Ohio Valley Wrestling for the past few months and was given a deal after a recommendation by Jim Cornette. All four men will be reporting to OVW within the next week.

Joining the four new talents in OVW will be Tough Enough 1 winner, Nidia Guenard for further training and the fact that with her former client Jamie Noble currently on RAW, the Smackdown creative team have nothing for her.

There are talks of giving Rico a body guard. Rico’s new gimmick, which is him being a “role model” to everyone, debuted this last Sunday night on Heat. He has added the Constantino to his name, too. Names being tossed around are recent Raw draftee’s Sean O’Haire or Matt Morgan. Another could be Travis Bane from OVW. Horshu, who goes by the name Inspector Max Impact in OVW, is also being considered.

Finally we have a Hulk Hogan update. Yeah, I know. Hogan was backstage at last week's Smackdown tapings with his daughter, Brooke Hogan. He was in the area on business about his daughter's singing career but we're told he also had a meeting with Vince McMahon. Take that for what it's worth.

[Local Star]

I like the look at this diary.. it seems well done.. ive saved this diary. keep up the good work..

[punky]

ANGLE WANTS REVENGE

April 8th, 2004

Last week, WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero arrived at the end of the show on crutches. It appeared as though Eddie had suffered a fractured foot and GM Paul Heyman said, that since Eddie would be unable to compete, he was stripped of the WWE Title! The fans were shocked to hear this and even more shocked that Eddie actually handed his belt over to the new champion, Kurt Angle! However, Angle didn't even have a chance to celebrate because Eddie cracked him over the head with a crutch and then revealed that he was perfectly healthy! It was all an April Fool's Joke! Kurt Angle will no doubt be looking to get his hands on Eddie after that April Fool's prank. What will happen? Tune in and find out.

Things heated up last week between the WWE United States Champion John Cena and one of SmackDown!'s newest members, Test. It was supposed to be a tag team match between Bradshaw/Cena and Big Show/Test but it turned into a brawl before they even got to the ring. It ended with Bradshaw & Show battling to the back and Cena laid out from a chairshot from Test. This week, the tag match WILL take place and Cena has a score to settle.

Ultimo Dragon defeated Billy Kidman, Paul London & Tajiri last week to become the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Title! However, Dragon will not recieve his title shot this week because he will go one-on-one with the Cruiserweight Champion's father, Chavo Classic.

Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty managed to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles last week over the World's Greatest Tag Team, when Benjamin delivered the Dragon Whip to Haas by mistake. However, the champions will not have any rest between matches because they will take on Kyo Dai in a non-title match this week. Can Kyo Dai score another big upset or will Rikishi & Scotty prove why they're the champs?

All this and more, so be sure to tune in Thursday night at 8/7 CT on UPN, to SMACK your TV!

[Boulder]

Great stuff here, guys, but I'd expect no less from posters of your caliber.

On the Raw side, I'm digging the handling of Edge thus far, and the buildup between HBK and Benoit. I liked Rico's old gimmick, but I also want to see where you head with this. The bodyguard should be interesting, too.

It seems like Smackdown really got shafted in the lottery, but in a way, it can be kind of liberating to have such a thin uppercard that you can really push anyone. On the other hand, you could push the new talent (like Test), and that'll be quite a challenge. As it is, Grenier's new gimmick is a definite improvement.

Keep it up, I'll be reading.

[Fitzy]

Just a quick update. CM Punk has quit the diary. So now it will be a solo Raw diary. I am not going to do any Smackdown (not sure just yet how I will do split PPVs. I will most likely just write Raw and not even mention Smackdown at all. If I did mention Smackdown, I'd have to book Smackdown's shows and such and that is too much time wasted if I am not going to even bother writing the shows.

Now, on with Sunday Night Heat a little over a month later.

---------------------------

Sunday Night Heat

Taped on Monday, April 5, 2004

Aired on Sunday, April 11, 2004

Houston, Texas

Toyota Center

The Sunday Night Heat video package begins to play and then the fireworks display in the ring goes off. The camera pans the crowd for various signs. And this signaled the start of Sunday Night Heat.

Jonathan Coachman: Hello everyone and welcome to Sunday Night Heat! I am the Coach and as always joined by the Snowman.

Al Snow: How does it feel to lose your commentating spot on Raw this past Monday night, Coach?

Coachman: Real funny, Al. Anyways, lets not waste anymore time and get straight to the ring for the opening match.

Match One – Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak vs. La Resistance: “The French Phenom” Rene Dupree and Rob Conway with Fifi

La Resistance’s music begins to play and out comes Rene Dupree, holding the French flag in one hand and walking Fifi the dog on a leash with his other. Beside him is the French sympathizer Rob Conway, also carrying his own French flag. The two of them get into the ring when the generic rock music of Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak begins to play.

Coachman: These two fine young athletes have been held down too long, and tonight they will do as the Boss told them to do last week, and that is get the job done and gain that valuable experience to be the top tag team they truly will be one day.

Snow: Right you are, Coach. Kindrak and Jade have the potential to be top players in the tag team ranks here in the WWE. They just need to realize that potential and utilize it to there best of their ability.

Cade and Jindrak get into the ring, going on the middle ropes, posing for the crowd when from behind them Rob Conway and Rene Dupree attack them with their French flags. Referee Mike Chioda quickly breaks up this and tosses the flags aside, and forces Rene Dupree and Mark Jindrak out of the ring, and calls for the bell to signal the start of the match.

Rob Conway and Garrison Cade circle each other and lock up. Cade grabs Conway in a side headlock, and backs him up against the ropes, but Conway uses this to his advantage as he pushes Cade off of him. Cade runs to the ropes and comes back, hitting Conway hard, sending him down to the mat. Conway quickly gets up, and Cade grabs him by the neck, locking up with him again. Cade hooks him for a Vertical Suplex and drops him to the mat, and goes for a quick cover, too. Billy Silverman makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Rob Conway. Cade drags Conway to his corner, tagging in his tag team partner Mark Jindrak.

Mark Jindrak comes in, leaping over the top rope, and then dropping a leg drop on the neck of Rob Conway. Jindrak tries for a cover of his own, but he only gets a one count, as Conway quickly kicked out. Jindrak grabs Conway, lifting him up by the neck and tosses him up against the ring post. He gets up on the middle rope and begins to punch the forehead of Rob Conway. One … Two … Three … Four …. Five … Conway grabs hold of Jindrak’s legs, and then walking out of the corner, dropping down to the mat, and Jindrak’s head comes crashing down on the top turnbuckle pad. Both Conway and Jindrak were down and out. Billy Silverman begins to count them out. One … Two … Three … Four … Rob Conway shows signs of movement, crawling towards his corner, Five … Six … He is very close to his corner, Mark Jindrak reaches up and tags in Garrison Cade, Seven … Cade runs for Conway, but Conway dives, making the tag, just as Silverman says Eight. The crowd was less than into that tag. Usually the “hot tag” is supposed to pop a crowd, but it’s Rene Dupree for god sakes.

Rene Dupree comes in. Garrison Cade punches Dupree, and goes for another, but Dupree blocks it, and delivers a right hand of his own. Dupree whips Cade into the ropes. Dupree ducks a Barry Windham-like lariat attempt by Cade, running off the other ropes, and comes back with a flying cross body. But Cade catches him and tosses him over his head for a fall away slam. Cade covers Dupree. One … Two … kickout by Rene Dupree. Garrison Cade picks up Rene Dupree and whips him into the ropes and hits a back body drop on him. Cade goes outside onto the ring apron and begins climbing to the top. But a shake of the ropes from Rob Conway causes Cade to crotch himself onto the top rope, and fall down, landing on the mat, sitting in the corner. Rene Dupree gets up, shaking away the cobwebs and begins stomping away at Cade as he is propped up against the corner. Dupree picks up Cade and slaps him across the face. Dupree grabs Cade by the head and drops him down for a body slam and then goes to the corner and helps himself up to the middle rope. He sits on it, and then leaps off; going for what looks to be a knee drop, but Cade gets the boot him in time, causing Dupree to come in contact with it.

Garrison Cade gets up. He looks ready as he waits for Rene Dupree to get up. As Dupree stumbles to his feet, Cade runs off the ropes, and just as Dupree turns around he is met with a stiff Windham-like lariat from Garrison Cade, knocking the wind right out of him, sending him down to the mat. Cade covers Dupree as Silverman makes the count. One … Two … Thr … no! The pin attempt was broke up by Rob Conway who dove into the ring just in time to break the hold. Mark Jindrak runs in and runs right for Conway, delivering a excellent looking Dropkick that sends Conway flying over the top rope. Garrison Cade gets up and goes to the corner. He gets on the apron and climbs the cage again. He leaps off, hitting a beautiful Elbow Drop and makes the cover. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak in 6:54

(69, 62, 75) * ¾

Coachman: That’s what I’m talking about! [Coachman stands up, clapping.] Way to go fella’s! Way to go!

The Coach points to Cade and Jindrak in the ring as he still claps.

Snow: Will you sit down?

Coachman: What? Why? I was just showing appreciating to the future of this business, Al.

Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade walk up the aisle and across the stage to the left of the screen and down the steps. The Coach stands up again and the Coach shakes hands with both Cade and Jindrak. They leave as the Coach sits back down.

Coachman: They are my boys, Al! I got to show them some love and support! You have done that plenty of times with your boy Maven and Tommy Dreamer.

Snow: We’ll be right back!

Snow just shakes his head at Coach as the show cuts to a commercial break.

[Commercial.]

Backlash – One Week Away!

Coachman: Welcome back. Al, in just seven days we will be live from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for the Backlash Pay-Per-View! And what a card we have in store for you!

Snow: Right you are, Coach! This is a loaded card that could even top WrestleMania XX! And you are listening to “Eyes Wired Shut” by Edgewater, off of The Punisher Soundtrack, the official theme of Backlash!

Coachman: Just look at the main event! We have Chris Benoit stepping back into his hometown to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against the number one contender Shawn Michaels!

Snow: This will mark Benoit’s first title defense, and what a special one it should be, as he gets to do it in front of his fans, friends, and family in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada! This is going to be something special, Coach!

Coachman: We also have “The Game” Triple H and the World Tag Team Champions of the legendary “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and Batista taking on the returning Edge, who will make his in-ring return at this event, and the former World Tag Team Champions Rob Van Dam and Booker T.

Snow: The Undertaker will make his Raw in-ring debut as he takes on Kane! And as ordered by Mr. McMahon, the loser will be fired, Coach! [snow looks around all shifty-eyed] Can we add you to that match?

Coachman: Funny, Al. Real funny. Also on the card is the WWE Women’s Championship as the WWE Women’s Champion, Victoria defends against Molly Holly.

Snow: Last month Molly got her head shaven by Victoria. Next week she tries for revenge when she takes back what she believes is rightfully hers, the Women’s Title.

Coachman: We will also see the WWE Intercontinental Championship be defeated as Randy Orton defends his title against Mick Foley.

Snow: Evolution will be banned from ringside and this will be fought under hardcore rules, Coach. That means no disqualification, no countouts, and falls count anywhere! Mick Foley could revert this his old ways of mutilating other people’s bodies, including his own, too, to get that title from Randy Orton. He wants to beat some respect into this young kid, and at Backlash, he will get his chance.

Coachman: Foley doesn’t stand a chance! Randy pinned him one, two, three at WrestleMania XX and come Backlash next week, he’ll do the same! Just watch, Al!

Snow: Whatever you say, Coach.

Coachman: Also on the card will be another WrestleMania rematch as Chris Jericho and Christian will do battle.

Snow: These two have been at each others throats, dating back to before WrestleMania. We say Chris Jericho and Christian make a bet, for $1 Canadian that who ever could sleep with there girlfriend first would win. Trish heard over this. She freaked out about this with Trish, and Christian was right there to comfort her. Jericho tried to do everything to fix it, and finally realized that Christian was coming onto his girl when Christian attacked Jericho from behind. But this was all a plan, leading up to WrestleMania where Christian tossed down Trish, only for her to get up and slap Jericho, allowing Christian to get the win and the two were together.

Coachman: And then of course, Chris Jericho brought back that annoying catchphrase of calling Trish a “dirty, disgusting, brutal, bottom-feeding trash-bag ho” in front of millions. Chris Jericho tried at every chance he could get to get his hands on Christian, and Trish, but they always got away.

Snow: But, Coach, Jericho finally did get his hands on Christian. He was able to punch Christian down last week during a match between Lita and Trish. Trish got behind Jericho, but Jericho turned to face Trish, grabbing her by the hair. Christian was able to get up and low blow Jericho. Also later that night during the Val Venis vs. Christian match, Jericho tried to get his hands on Trish and Christian again, but Johnny Nitro, who Bischoff appointed referee for that match, got in Jericho’s way. But he got the Walls of Jericho for his troubles.

Coachman: That’s what I am talking about, Al. Lets take you all back to last week to watch all of what the Snowman just said for you can see for your very eyes that Chris Jericho is a mad man and should be locked up! You don’t put your hands on a WWE official! Johnny Nitro was the referee, making him an official, so it was illegal for Jericho to do that and should face the repercussions.

(78)

Jericho Almost Gets Revenge

This took place just as Trish got the win over Lita following blatant interference from Christian.

Lita picks up Trish and whips her into the ropes. Trish ducks a lariat attempt by Lita and runs off the opposite rope, coming back, and hitting the Lou Thesz Press on Lita, punching her several times. Trish picks up Lita and whips her into the ropes and runs for the corner, putting her arms on the bottom rope and lifting her legs up for what should be the Stratusphere, but Lita pushes her over and turns around on the ropes, leading off, hitting a moonsault, nearly hitting her head on the mat in the process. Mike Sparks makes the count. One … Two … Christian rushes over and places Trish’s leg on the bottom rope, getting Sparks’ attention and he breaks up the pin. Lita jumps up and begins to argue with Christian. Trish gets up. Christian tells her to turn around, and when she does, she is met with the Chick Kick from Trish and she goes down. Trish makes the cover. One … Two … Three.

Christian climbs into the ring and Christian grabs Trish by the hair and then brings her close to him and gives her a long kiss.

Winner: Trish Stratus in 3:45

(57, 52, 63) ½*

Ross: Come on that was blatant cheating.

Coachman: What are you talking about, JR? Trish defeated Lita. How was that cheating?

Ross: Give me a break.

The Y2J Countdown quickly appears and “Break Down the Walls” begins to play. Christian and Trish look shocked as they look up the ramp and wait for Chris Jericho to appear. But he doesn’t. He is standing behind them as he came from the crowd. He pushes Trish down just as she was about to slap him. Christian goes to attack Jericho, but Jericho ducks the punch and grabs Christian. He begins to punch him and then grabs him by the legs, dropping him to the mat, and he was going to lock him in the Walls of Jericho, but Trish got up and goes behind Jericho. Jericho drops the legs of Christian, turning around and grabs Trish’s hand just as she was about to try and slap him again and he drops her to the mat and goes to lock in the Walls of Jericho on her, but Christian crawls behind him, hitting a low blow, and then gets up, turning Jericho around, and planting him with the Unprettier. He and Trish quickly get out of the ring as they walk up the ramp, looking at Jericho down and out on the mat.

[Fitzy]

Backlash Is Right Around The Corner

April 12, 2004

We are only six days away from Backlash, live and only on Pay-Per-View. And what a week we have in store for you.

Last week on Raw we saw that explosive eight man tag team match that could be a lead candidate for a match of the year. Evolution got beat in the match by Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam. How will Evolution take that loss?

Well, we can’t tell you how they will react, but what we can tell you is that two members of Evolution will be in action as Triple H and Ric Flair are set for singles competition. Triple H will take on Rob Van Dam as Ric Flair takes on Booker T. These two matches will be previews for what could be in store for you at Backlash as the team of Triple H and the World Tag Team Champions of Ric Flair and Batista take on Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and making his in ring return, Edge in a six man tag team match. And speaking of Edge, by order of the General Manager, Eric Bischoff, he will return to the broadcast booth and to keep him from interfering in Evolution’s matches, especially Triple H’s, if he does, he will be suspended, without pay, for as long as he was out previously with a broken neck.

With just six days to go until the highly anticipated match between Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit for Benoit’s World Heavyweight Championship, how will these two react? What is in store for Benoit and Michaels this coming Monday on Raw? We will find out.

Randy Orton, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, is also scheduled to be in Chicago as Raw comes to you live on Monday night. What will the self-proclaimed “Legend Killer” have to say? Will Mick Foley be there? All we know is that come Backlash, this is going to be a hard-hitting hardcore match that could see careers made and careers ended.

Last week we saw Lance Storm return to Raw to Superkick his former partner and align himself with his former tag team partner and the man he has held tag team gold with in Christian. Christian, Trish Stratus, and Lance Storm all stormed off after their match before Chris Jericho could get his hands on them. But Jericho wasn’t satisfied with that so he put the Special Guest Referee, Johnny Nitro, in the Walls of Jericho. What will go down on Raw? Will Jericho be able to get his hands on Christian before Backlash rolls around?

All of this and more on Raw at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

[Fitzy]

RAW

LIVE! Monday, April 12, 2004

Chicago, Illinois

Allstate Arena

After the WWE opening video plays we go straight to a recap of last week’s eight man tag team match featuring Evolution against Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam. It is at the end were Batista gets the Ax Kick from Booker T and a Five Star Frog Splash from Rob Van Dam. It shows Ric Flair tapping out to the Crippler Crossface and Triple H getting taken down by an Ax Kick from Booker T, to which Booker T saved Shawn Michaels from getting the Pedigree from Triple H. Benoit broke the Crippler Crossface on Flair. Benoit grabs Triple H and locked him in the Crippler Crossface. RVD hit a Five Star Frog Splash on the back of Triple H while he was tapping out. Earl Hebner told Benoit he wasn’t the legal man. Flair and Batista were rolled out of the ring and RVD, Benoit, and Booker T were forced out of the ring. This left Michaels and Triple H in the ring as the legal men. Michaels hit the Sweet Chin Music on a groggy Triple H to score the win. The rest of the footage shows Mick Foley chasing Randy Orton through the crowd and into a bathroom stall were Orton tossed a fan into Foley and ran out of the bathroom. Foley chased after Orton, but Orton dove into Evolution’s limo and the show came to a close.

“Across The Nation” by Union Underground begins and the Raw opening video package cues up. The pyrotechnics display goes off and the camera focuses on Jim Ross, who once again, starts off the broadcast sole.

Jim Ross: Hello everyone and welcome to Raw! We are at a sold out Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois and what a loaded show we have for you! Triple H and Ric Flair of Evolution will both be in action tonight as the 16 time World Heavyweight Champion, Ric Flair, takes on the five time World Heavyweight Champion, Booker T, in a one-on-one match! Also, Triple H will take on Booker T’s partner, Rob Van Dam in the main event!

The Game versus Edge … Tonight?!

“Evolution” by Motorhead begins to play and out comes Triple H along with the World Tag Team Champions Ric Flair and Batista. Randy Orton, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, is noticeably missing from this segment. The gold pyrotechnics display shows off in the background as Batista poses, facing the pyro, and showing off his muscles while Triple H and Ric Flair pose facing forward. They all meet back at the end of the stage, right before the ramp, with Triple H in the middle. Batista and Ric Flair are off to the side of him and both of them raise their World Tag Team Championship with one arm while Triple H raises their other arms in the air. They all get down to the ring with Ric Flair getting in first and Batista following him in next. Triple H goes around to the front of the ring, taking one last sip of his water and then tosses the bottom into the crowd. Triple H then hops up to the ring apron and leans up against the ropes and faces the crowd. He raises his arms in the air as he spits out his water and then gets into the ring, taking the microphone from ring announcer Lillian Garcia.

Triple H: Cut the damn music! [The music takes a while before it finally cuts.] I said cut it! [As Triple H said that the music just shut off.] Edge, get your lanky ass on down here! I don’t want to wait until Backlash, I want to beat the hell out of you tonight! You see, Edge, I have come to really get sick and damn tired of seeing you around here. Ever since your ass returned to the WWE, you have been nothing but a pain in the ass. You act like some big shot around here, but news flash, Edge, while you were away for 14 months, your name hasn’t been mentioned at all. No one cared that you were gone.

And with that, “You Think You Know Me?” begins to play and the smoke fills the entrance way. Edge comes out running and then runs to the left first, rallying up the crowd, and then rights to the right, rallying up that side. It calms down as he stands at the center of the stage with a microphone in hand.

Edge: Triple H, you say that I was forgotten about while I was away for those 14 months? Is that really anything new? Why focus on a guy that isn’t around for a while? You see, Triple H, the world doesn’t revolve around you. I know that is something hard for you to grasp, but that’s the fact. News flash, Triple H, I am here, and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it.

Triple H: Like hell there isn’t, Edge. Tonight. Me versus you. You want to settle this right now, Edge? I am all set. Let’s see if you still have it, Edge.

Edge pulls off his newly designed T-Shirt and drops it on the stage as he begins to walk down the ramp. And with that “I’m Back” begins to play and out comes the General Manager Eric Bischoff along with his apprentice Johnny Nitro.

Triple H: Bischoff, what the hell do you want? This is between me and Edge. This has nothing to do with you!

Eric Bischoff: That’s where you are wrong, Triple H. Do you really think I would allow such a money-making match such as Edge versus Triple H to take place in Chicago, Illinois?! [The crowd boos loudly. Chants of “Asshole” at Eric Bischoff begin. Bischoff laughs.] Come on, Triple H. Give me a break! Not to mention the fact that Edge is still not cleared to wrestle until this Sunday, live on Pay-Per-View, at Backlash! H, you have Edge at Backlash, when you team up with your friends Batista and Ric Flair against Edge, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam.

Triple H: You know damn well that he is cleared to wrestle, Bischoff! Don’t be such an asshole. Give me the match that I want! Tonight!

“One of a Kind” by Breaking Point hits and out comes Booker T and Rob Van Dam. RVD and Booker T walk past Bischoff and Nitro and stop by next to Edge. Edge hands over the microphone to RVD.

Rob Van Dam: Triple H, dude. You shouldn’t be worried about someone else right now, man. You got your hands full with me tonight, dude.

Triple H: [Talking in a mockingly manner at RVD] “Dude, you got me tonight, man.” RVD, you are making a huge mistake by stepping into the ring with me tonight. I will show you, [Triple H points to Edge.] Edge just what will happen to you come Backlash! RVD, you are just going to have to be an example tonight.

Van Dam: Whatever you say. Dude, these fans know that I am gonna smoke your ass tonight. Because tonight, everybody’s favorite wrestler, and mine too, [RVD does the thumb points as the fans say it along with him and do the thumb points, too.] Rob … Van … Dam is going to step into that ring and show you just why they call me Mr. Monday Night!

“One of a Kind” by Breaking Point begins to play again as Booker T, Edge, and Rob Van Dam all shake hands. Eric Bischoff and Johnny Nitro head to the back and Edge picks up his T-Shirt and puts it back on. He walks to the left side of the screen and then walks down the steps, picking up the headseat, and then sits down next to Jim Ross.

Jim Ross: Nice to have you again on commentary, Edge!

Edge: It’s great to be back, JR. But there isn’t anything in the world that could keep me here past tonight. Sorry, JR, but tonight is the last night, ’cause come Backlash, I will be back wrestling.

Edge stands up as Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista walk up the aisle. Flair goes crazy. He tosses down his jacket and he wants a piece of Edge. Triple H calms him down. Triple H points in the direction of Edge, mouthing “Backlash, you’re mine.” And then Evolution head to the back.

Ross: Easy, Edge. You don’t want to get suspended, now do you? Don’t let him provoke you like that. Folks, we’ll be right back.

Edge remains standing, watching as Evolution leaves to the back.

(87)

[Commercial.]

An All Canadian Tag Team Match~!

The show comes back from a commercial. The cameras are inside the office of the General Manager, Eric Bischoff, who is talking with is apprentice, Johnny Nitro.

Bischoff: Did you remember to remove Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels from the card tonight?

And the crowd just boos the hell out of that announcement. Johnny Nitro pulls out his PDA and checks it out.

Johnny Nitro: Yup! Sure did, EB. Both Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels have been unscheduled.

Bischoff: Good. I don’t want to risk the main event of Backlash for this Sunday to be messed up if either were to get injured.

Nitro: Good thinking, EB. We can’t risk that.

Bischoff: Now, as for other business that I need to take care of. I never con –

Just as Bischoff was about to say something, the door to his office slams open and in walks Chris Jericho. He looks pissed off.

Bischoff: Do you ever knock?

Chris Jericho: Bischoff shut the hell up. I didn’t come here to get lectured. I came here to demand a match! You see, I want Christian in a match tonight! That ass-clown deserves a beating that only Y2J can deliver. The CLB and the Dirty, Disgusting, Brutal, Bottom-Feeding, Trash Bag Ho deserve to get a beating that they will never … eveeeeeeeer, forget, a-gain.

Bischoff: You don’t come in hear making demands and threats. Jericho, you are threatening to harm two of my star employees, and that just doesn’t sit well with me. But if it is Christian you want, then it is Christian you’ll get. But of course, you will still need to wait until Backlash for that singles match you seemingly can’t wait for. So, tonight, it will be you and your new found buddy, Val Venis, taking on Christian and his new partner, Lance Storm in a tag team match.

Jericho: Who the hell cares what the match is, Bitchoff … I mean, Bischoff. The fact is Christian is getting a brutal beating tonight and at Backlash!

Chris Jericho goes to leave.

Bischoff: And now before I was so rudely interrupted. Johnny, I want to congratulate you on a job very well done last week. You made for one hell of Special Guest Referee.

Chris Jericho turns right back around.

Jericho: How in the hell can you possibly say that, Bischoff? Johnny Nitro screwed Val Venis out of the match last week when he purposely allowed Lance Storm to attack Val Venis and those slow counts. Thanks to that ass-clown over there.

Chris Jericho points to Johnny Nitro.

Nitro: Hey! Who are you calling an ass-clown? Just look at me! I am Johnny Nitro! I am the fastest rising Superstar that Raw has ever seen! Who cannot like this great face of mine?! I have superstar written all over me!

Jericho: You have brown all over your face is more like it.

Bischoff: Forget what he says, Johnny. You are indeed a Superstar.

Bischoff shakes the hand of Johnny Nitro. For some reason, Johnny Nitro wants to shake Chris Jericho hand. Jericho goes to back hand him, but doesn’t, and walks off.

Nitro: I only wanted to wish the man luck. Meh. Who cares? I don’t need to sink to his low. I am, after all, a great, and respected, man here on Raw.

Bischoff: You sure are, Johnny. You sure are!

(76)

[Commercial.]

Ross: What a tag team match we just got signed for tonight, Edge!

Edge: Chris Jericho and Val Venis taking on my brother Christian and Lance Storm. That could be a potential classic, JR.

Ross: Indeed it can, Edge. And with that, let’s head down to Lillian Garcia for the opening match.

Match One – The Hurricane and WWE Women’s Champion Victoria vs. “The Redneck Messiah” Jamie “By God” Noble and Molly Holly

‘Stand back, there’s a hurricane coming through” is heard as “Eye of the Hurricane” begins to play. The Hurricane comes out and poses on the stage when “I thing I’ve lost my mind” is heard and “All the Things She Said” by TATU begins to play. The WWE Women’s Champion, Victoria, comes out and she and The Hurricane walk down to the ring together. They get in the ring, posing for the crowd. Jamie Noble’s theme music begins to play and out comes Noble with Molly Holly. Molly has a long, curly blond wig on and the two of them walk down to the ring. Noble gets into the ring and goes to the corner and stands on the second rope, raising his arms in the air. Molly and Victoria exit the ring as The Hurricane and Jamie Noble start things off. Referee Billy Silverman calls for the bell.

Jamie Noble and The Hurricane circle each other and eventually lock up. Noble backs Hurricane back into the corner and still has the lockup on him. Billy Silverman steps in between them, breaking it apart, but Noble moves Silverman aside and begins to kick right at the left leg of The Hurricane. Billy Silverman once again pushes Noble back. The Hurricane comes out of the corner and he and Noble lock up again. Noble goes for a single leg take down and then drops down, wrapping the left leg around his own leg, and then hammering away at it with his elbow while swatting Hurricane away from him. Hurricane continues to fight it, trying to break the hold, and finally reaches for the ropes. But Noble quickly breaks the hold. He grabs the left leg and places it on the bottom rope. Noble grabs the top rope, leaps up into the air, and comes crashing down upon the left leg, hard. He does it again, and does it for the third time. Noble drags him around from the corner and hooks the leg for a cover. One … Two … kickout by The Hurricane.

Jamie Noble gets up and picks up Hurricane in the process. Noble whips Hurricane into the ropes and runs at him with a shoulder block and takes Hurricane down to the mat. Noble grabs the left leg again and wraps his own leg around it, but once again Hurricane is able to reach the ropes. Noble gets up and goes to grab Hurricane, but when he reaches down to grab him, Hurricane pulls down on the tights of Noble, and pushes him out of the ring. This buys Hurricane some time to move. He begins to move slowly towards his own corner while Noble is back to his feet. But by the time Noble gets up, Hurricane has already tagged in Victoria. So Billy Silverman forces Noble to tag in Molly Holly.

Molly Holly comes in and Victoria goes right for her, but Molly ducks and Victoria runs into the corner. She stops herself, but when she turns around she is met with a swift kick from Molly to the midsection, backing her into the corner. Molly begins to chop the chest of Victoria and then with a hiptoss brings her down to the mat. Molly then puts her into a hammerlock position, and yanks back on the hair. Silverman warns her about the hair pulling. Molly points out The Hurricane trying to get in and quickly breaks the hold and tosses Victoria into her own corner. Molly goes over to antagonize Hurricane, distracting referee Billy Silverman, while Jamie Noble uses the tag rope to choke out Victoria in their corner. Noble breaks the choke and Molly comes back and quickly puts Victoria into an STF. But being too close to the ropes, she is able to reach them to break the hold.

Molly Holly pulls her away from the corner and then she grabs the left arm of Victoria and quickly twists it and drops down to the mat. Molly gets up, twists the arm again, and falls to the mat quickly. Molly goes for a quick cover. One … Two … kickout by Victoria. Molly picks up Victoria and goes to chop Victoria, but Victoria fires back with a chop of her own. She goes to kick Molly, but Molly catches the foot. But with her free foot, Victoria delivers an Enzugiri. Both women fall to the mat. Molly is the first to be able to move to her corner, but Victoria is closer to her own corner. She begins a slow crawl. Molly makes the tag to Jamie Noble and he comes running in, but just as he bends down to grab Victoria, Victoria tags in The Hurricane. Noble drops Victoria, and begs off. Hurricane fires back with fists. Molly gets up, and Victoria runs for her, hitting a Lou Thesz Press on her and the two roll to the outside. Hurricane goes to whip Noble into the corner, but Hurricane reverses it. Noble hits the ring posts sternum first and then Hurricane grabs him by the neck and hits the Eye of the Hurricane. One … Two … kickout by Jamie Noble.

The Hurricane goes to the top rope, perched. He waits for Noble. Noble stumbles to his feet. He leaps off and hits the Blockbuster on Jamie Noble. One … Two … T … kickout by Jamie Noble, again. Hurricane gets up and slaps his knee. He signals for the Shining Wizard. Jamie Noble gets up, but drops down to one knee, holding his neck. Hurricane runs for him, Shining Wizard! One … Two … Three!

Winners: The Hurricane and Victoria in 8:45

(78, 77, 79) ** ¾

While Victoria and The Hurricane celebrate their victory in the ring, we cut to the back where Kane is walking down the hallway.

Ross: Kane is walking towards the ring, Edge, and we have to take a break!

[Commercial.]

Match Two – Matt Hardy vs. Kane

The sounds of the keyboard strokes are head as the computerized loading of Matt Hardy’s entrance video begins and “OOOOOOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEEEAH!” is heard as “Live for the Moment” by Monster Magnet begins to play and out comes Matt Hardy. He raises his right hand in the air, giving the “V1” sign. Matt Hardy gets into the ring and gets on the second rope, raising his arms up in the “V1”position again. He jumps down right as the fire on the stage goes off.

“Slow Chemical” by Finger Eleven begins to play as Kane emerges from the back and walks down the ring. He gets into the ring, raising his arms up and then down swiftly as the fire goes off on the ring posts. Referee Brian Hebner calls for the bell and the match begins.

Matt Hardy runs for Kane, but Kane quickly raises his boot up and delivers a kick right to the mouth of Matt Hardy. Kane bends over, grabbing the throat of Hardy and begins to lift him up. Kane stands Hardy up, still holding the neck and then lifts him up into the air and quickly drops him to the mat for a impactful chokeslam. Kane goes to the outside and Lillian Garcia hops over the guardrail, fearing that she could be next, but all Kane does is grab her chair and folds it up. He tosses it into the ring and picks it back up, placing it around the neck of Matt Hardy. Brian Hebner warns Kane not to do this, but Kane doesn’t care. He shoves Hebner away from him and he falls to the mat. He motions for the bell to ring.

Winner by Disqualification: Matt Hardy in 0:23

Kane, obviously DQed, goes to the middle rope and jumps off, causing the chair to crush the throat of Matt Hardy. Blood begins to pour out of the throat of Matt Hardy as he know has, what JR likes to always say, internal bleeding. The EMTs, Arn Anderson, Fit Finlay, and Dean Malenko rush out to the ring checking on Matt Hardy. Kane is laughing in the ring and calls for a microphone.

Kane Will End The Undertaker’s Career At Backlash – Just Like He Might Have Ended Matt Hardy’s.

Kane: Last week, Mr. McMahon came out here and demanded that I take on my brother, The Undertaker, at Backlash. At first I was against this decision to even have my brother on the same show as me. And I was again the decision for me to step into the ring against my brother again. But I began to think of a WWE without my brother. A Raw without the Deadman sounds great, doesn’t it? Who needs the Deadman around? No one. What good does my brother bring? Nothing.

The crowd chants for The Undertaker. The camera pans over to where Matt Hardy is being moved over onto the stretcher now.

Kane: Undertaker, I will not be afraid of this match for any longer. I will not hide like all of your opponents before. I am not going to back down from this chance to finish you off once and for all. Just like I took out Matt Hardy tonight, come Backlash this Sunday, I will do the same thing to you! You should have remained buried, but come Backlash, your career will be OVER! There will be no more Undertaker for which you to cheer. There will be no more Undertaker for anyone of you anymore. The Undertaker, my brother, will be FINISHED!

The fans boo Kane, and continue to chant for The Undertaker. Kane is getting pissed off in the ring. They camera shows Matt Hardy getting strapped onto the stretcher and moved away from the ring now.

Kane: Stop chanting that name! The Undertaker is not someone you should cheer for! The Undertaker will be no more come Backlash! Mr. McMahon told me that I would be fired if I couldn’t finish off the Undertaker. [Loud cheers for that.] BUT THAT WON’T HAPPEN! The Undertaker is the only one you won’t be seeing around here anymore! The Undertaker will be finished because I won’t allow the Deadman to roam around the WWE any longer! And I will make sure that my brother, The Undertaker, will not rest in peace!

The lights shut out. Thunder is heard. An eerie sound fills the air. A cold fills the arena. And dark smoke fills the arena and the ring. The camera focuses in on Kane as he is freaking out in the ring. The lightning strikes on the Titantron and the voice of The Undertaker is heard. He is talking in tongues again. And the “Ministry” theme begins to play. But The Undertaker isn’t in sight. A spot light shines up on the Titantron where a large black cross is set on fire. Kane is freaking out as The Undertaker’s presence is felt. Kane backs out of the ring, watching his back and every step he takes. He heads off to the back. Undertaker chants fill the arena as the lights go back on and Kane is not around anymore.

(79)

[Commercial.]

Christian’s music begins to play and out comes Christian followed by Trish Stratus and Lance Storm. Christian points to the crowd like he normally does and then grabs Trish on the stage, close and in tight, and then gives her a kiss while Storm proceeds down the ramp. Christian and Trish follow him and they get in the ring after Storm. Lance Storm has the microphone in his hand just as Christian and Trish enter the ring. Christian’s music quickly stops.

Lance Storm: If I could be serious for a moment. Two weeks ago you all saw me frustrated and walking out on Val Venis. And then just last week, I returned to Superkick Val Venis helping Christian win. You are all probably wondering why I turned on Val Venis like I did. It’s quite simple, really. I was being portrayed as a comedy act. You all cheered me on when I was doing those shenanigans. You all chanted “Dance Lance, Dance.” And I danced for you. And I was getting some respect around here. But even that little ounce of respect couldn’t keep me doing that. I have pride. I have to look in the mirror and respect myself. And I couldn’t respect myself. I was a comedy act. I was a joke. I was a joke to all of you people. I’d walk down the street and those same people would keep telling me to dance. And I’d do it. I’d do it for my fans. But if you can’t respect me when I am serious, then I can’t respect you. I will no longer dance. I will no longer look for your cheers. You will respect me for my wrestling, not for my dancing. I’ve had enough of it all. I am from Calgary … [dramatic pause] …, Alberta, Canada. Where I come from, we wrestle. We don’t dance. I’m a wrestle, not a dancer. That’s what we do best. And I want to wrestle again. And with Christian I felt that this was the right time to do so. You are looking at a true Canadian …

And before Lance Storm could finish it off, he is cut off by Chris Jericho’s theme music. Lance Storm gives a quick, cold stare with his head, without moving his body, towards the entrance way where Chris Jericho and Val Venis made there entrance. Chris Jericho’s music stopped as he began to talk.

Jericho: What we are looking at is a true Canadian Jackass! [The crowd cheers for Jericho.] No one wants to listen to Lance Storm or Christian speak. They all came out here to see Chris Jericho and Val Venis kick your asses up and down that ring.

Chris Jericho drops the microphone and he and Val Venis run down to the ring.

Match Three – Chris Jericho and Val Venis vs. Christian and “The Canadian Superstar” Lance Storm with Trish Stratus

As soon as Chris Jericho and Val Venis hit the ring they begin to brawl with Lance Storm and Christian. Chris Jericho goes straight for Christian while Lance Storm and Val Venis brawl. Chris Jericho whips Christian into the ropes after several chops to the chest when he had him up against the ropes. Jericho whipped him towards the opposite ropes and when Christian reached it, he held onto the top rope ad then slide out underneath the bottom rope. Lance Storm, however, didn’t have that same luck with Val Venis. When Val whipped him into the ropes, Storm returned and Val grabbed him on the rebound and tossed him right out through the ropes into Christian. Lance Storm and Christian stumbled around on the outside and crashed up against the ramp. Trish Stratus ran over to check on them.

[Commercial.]

After that quick commercial break, everything looks underway. We return just as Lance Storm enters the ring. So nothing was missed during that quick commercial break except for Christian, Trish, and Lance all talking on the outside and recuperating. Referee Brian Hebner called for the bell and the match was officially underway with Lance Storm and Chris Jericho starting things off.

Chris Jericho and Lance Storm lock up in the center of the ring, but Lance Storm pushes Jericho back. Jericho gets up in the face of Lance Storm and Storm slaps him right across the face. Jericho backs off, rubbing his face, and then fires back with a slap of his own. Storm rubs his face as a huge red mark begins to show on both of their faces. And then Jericho lunges for Storm and they lock up again. Storm gets Jericho in a side headlock and backs him up against the ropes. But as he does this, Jericho pushes Storm off of him and sends him into the ropes. As Storm returns, Jericho quickly drops to the mat and Storm leaps over him and runs off the ropes again. Jericho gets up and leap frogs over Storm as he comes back towards him. And Storm hits the ropes again and when he returns Jericho hits a nice dropkick sending Storm back to the mat. Storm quickly gets to his corner from his knees and tags in Christian.

Christian comes in, pounding his chest and pointing to Jericho. He motions with both of his hands in a “break you in half” type manner. Jericho laughs it off. They lock up. Christian Suplexes Jericho down to the mat and floats over for the cover. Referee Mike Chioda makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Jericho. Christian gets up and picks up Jericho by the hair and whips him into the corner. Christian runs into the corner, but Jericho kicks Christian in the mouth, backing him off. Jericho gets up on the second rope, facing the crowd, and then leaps off, backwards, twisting in the air and hitting a nice crossbody block on Christian. Chris Jericho gets up, picking up Christian and locking up with him. Jericho grabs Christian by the arm and locks him in a hammerlock position and then pushes him from behind and then slaps him in the back of the head. Christian, rubbing his head, complains to the referee. Chris Jericho walks over to his corner and tags in Val Venis.

Val Venis comes in and goes right for Christian but Christian takes him down with a drop toe hold. He wraps up the leg in a grapevine and then pulls back on the neck of Venis for a modified version of the STF. Val Venis reaches for the ropes to break the hold and does so. Christian holds on a little while longer until Mike Chioda steps in and forces the break by pulling apart Christian’s hands from Val’s head. Christian pulls Val Venis into the center of the ring and covers Val. Christian places his elbow right across the face of Val, rubbing his elbow up against the face, grinding it into the mat. Mike Chioda makes the count. One … Two … T … kickout by Val Venis. Christian gets up and drags Val Venis over to his corner. He tags in Lance Storm.

Lance Storm enters the ring as Christian rolls out to the outside. There he and Trish embrace, with Trish consoling him. Christian finally gets back up onto the ring apron. Storm places Val’s foot on the bottom rope and then leaps up and drops a knee right down upon it. Storm drags Val out of the corner and then begins kicking away at Val. Storm picks up Val and whips him into the corner. Lance Storm gets up to the middle rope and begins to punch Val Venis. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven, Val Venis grabs Storm by the legs and gets himself out of the corner and drops to the mat with Storm’s head crashing on the top turnbuckle pad. Both he and Val Venis are out. Trish Stratus is backing on the mat to encourage Storm to get up. Storm moves first, with Val Venis moving slowly behind him. Storm opts not to go to the corner and quickly turns around and grabs Val Venis by the leg and pulls him back to the corner of he and Christian. Storm goes over to Chris Jericho, taunting him, and Mike Chioda breaks this up by keeping Jericho out of the ring. While this is going on, Christian comes into the ring and begins pounding his fists right into the face of Val Venis. Christian quickly exits the ring and Storm turns back around and grabs Val Venis. He lifts him up and twists the arm of Venis and then tags in Christian.

Christian climbs the ropes and leaps off, hitting a double ax handle to the arm of Val Venis and then Storm leaves. Christian grabs that arm and places it behind Val Venis in a hammerlock and then lifts him up and hits a nice backdrop Suplex, causing the arm to land first with the body mass of Val Venis crashing down upon his own arm. Christian makes the cover to Val Venis. One … Two … Thr … kickout! Christian looks frustrated. He runs over to Chris Jericho and knocks him down with a forearm. Chris Jericho quickly gets back up to the ring apron, furious with that cheap shot, but Mike Chioda will not allow him to get back into the ring. Christian grabs Val Venis and whips him into the ropes and Christian takes him down with a back body drop. Christian grabs Val Venis and when he gets up, Christian has him in an inverted DDT position, but opts to drop him neck first onto his knee instead of dropping to the mat. Christian makes the cover again on Val Venis. One … Two … Thr … kickout! Val Venis is still alive. Christian drags Val Venis to his corner and tags in Lance Storm.

Lance Storm comes back in and picks up Val Venis. He whips him to the ropes and Lance Storm runs for him, sliding through the legs and grabbing hold of Val’s own leg and applying the single leg Boston Crab, the Straight Shooter. Chris Jericho tries to run in to break the hold but Mike Chioda forces him back out. Christian runs in and runs off the ropes and then drops a leg to the back of the neck of Val Venis. He quickly leaves and Chioda turns around, warning him. Lance Storm still has the Straight Shooter applied. And Val Venis is inching closer and closer to the ropes! He does! And a loud pop is heard as Val Venis forces the break on the submission. Lance Storm applies several kicks to Val. He pulls Val up and goes for an Irish Whip! Val Venis reverses it. Back Body Drop by Val Venis! He and does and so is Lance Storm. Val Venis makes the tag to Chris Jericho to a tremendously loud pop from the Chicago crowd. Christian comes in and Jericho decks him with a right hand, knocking him down. Lance Storm is back up and Jericho takes him down. Christian is back up and Jericho grabs him by the legs. Walls of Jericho! Storm gets up and goes to attack Jericho but Val Venis hits a lariat on Storm! Christian is seen tapping out, but he isn’t he legal man. While Mike Chioda is trying to separate Val Venis and Lance Storm, this allows Trish Stratus to come in.

Trish Stratus comes in and jumps on the back of Chris Jericho but Jericho grabs her by the head and tosses her down in front of her. He grabs her by the legs and goes for the Walls of Jericho on him, but Christian gets up and takes down Jericho. Christian picks up Chris Jericho and hits the Unprettier on him! Christian checks to see if Trish is alright. And they leave. Mike Chioda forces Val Venis out of the ring. Lance Storm and Chris Jericho are both out. Lance Storm begins to move and makes the cover. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Chris Jericho. Christian, Trish, and Lance Storm are all shocked. Chris Jericho gets up and goes for Storm, but Storm grabs Chris Jericho and takes him down with a Suplex and then grabs him by the leg and locks him in the Straight Shooter. Christian, still on the outside, grabs Val Venis and tosses him up against the barricade, making him a non-factor in the match. Lance Storm sits down basically on the neck and shoulder region of Chris Jericho, pulling back hard on the leg, and Chris Jericho is forced to tap out to the Straight Shooter!

Winners: Christian and Lance Storm in 18:43

(89, 86, 93) **** ¼

The place is booing the hell out of Storm and Christian. Christian picks up the helpless Chris Jericho and hits another Unprettier on him. Christian picks him back up, holding him in place and Trish Stratus delivers a Chick Kick to him. Lance Storm goes to the outside and rolls in Val Venis and then locks him in the Straight Shooter while Christian begins to kick the hell out of him while he is down. Trish Stratus pulls up the head of Val and slaps him hard across the face. Storm breaks the hold as Trish grabs his and Christians hands and raises them in the air to a course of boos from the crowd.

[Commercial.]

Backlash Rundown

Ross: What a despicable act that was! Trish Stratus, Christian, and Lance Storm all attacking the helpless Chris Jericho and Val Venis!

Edge: I have come to lose a lot of respect for Lance Storm after that. But I always knee it was in my brother Christian to do that. Nothing has changed with him. But Storm has changed. And I don’t like it.

Edgewater’s “Eyes Wired Shut” begins to play in the background as the WWE Backlash graphic appears on the screen followed shortly by the Christian vs. Chris Jericho graphic.

Ross: Well, Chris Jericho will be able to get revenge on Christian in only six days from now as Backlash comes to you live this Sunday Night from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Edge: Christian and Chris Jericho will step back in that ring in a WrestleMania rematch. This isn’t going to be good for Christian, JR, as Chris Jericho is sure going to be ready for anything this time. He will be ready to kick my brother’s ass.

The Lance Storm vs. Val Venis graphic appears on the screen now.

Ross: Lance Storm will also be in action, Edge. Storm takes on Val Venis. These two are two former partners and recently, a change of heart by Storm caused him to turn on his former partner. He made mention that he wants to be taken seriously earlier tonight and won’t be seen as a comedy act no more.

The Women’s Championship Match graphic featuring Victoria, the WWE Women’s Champion, and Molly Holly is shown next.

Edge: Also on the card is Victoria defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Molly Holly.

Ross: Molly Holly got her head shaven by Victoria last month. This month she tries to extract revenge on Victoria and reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship in the process.

Next the graphic for the WWE Intercontinental Championship is shown.

Edge: Randy Orton has made claim to being the Legend Killer. And at Backlash, he tries to kill off another legend in the Hardcore Legend, Mick Foley.

Ross: This brash superstar, Randy Orton is so full of himself. He will be defending his title against Mick Foley in Foley’s own environment, the Hardcore Match!

Edge: What is going through Orton’s mind that made him even accept that as a stipulation?

The graphic for the Loser Leaves WWE Match, as stated by Mr. McMahon, between Kane and the Undertaker.

Ross: Last week, Mr. McMahon has stated that he is sick of seeing Kane being afraid of The Undertaker and made this rematch for Backlash. But with an added stipulation. The loser, as ordered by Mr. McMahon, will be fired from WWE!

Edge: The Undertaker has made Kane’s life a living hell for the past few months and at Backlash, someone is leaving because of it. But who will it be?

And next is the graphic for the six man tag team match featuring Evolution, Edge, RVD, and Booker T.

Ross: And next up is your match, Edge! You will step into the ring with Rob Van Dam and Booker T at your side to take on Evolution. You have returned to issue a challenge to Triple H and what you got was a six man tag team match with Ric Flair and Batista, the World Tag Team Champions as his opponents. This is going to be one intense match, and the intensity has been showing for several weeks now between the two of you.

Edge: I can say right now, JR that this match is going to be hell. But not for me, only for Triple H and his flunkies. You see, JR, Triple H makes claims to be the end all, be all of professional wrestling. I am only doing my part to shut this man up. I am sick and tired of listening to him. And come Backlash, I will get this opportunity.

And the final graphic, featuring Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels, for the World Heavyweight Championship, is shown now.

Ross: And the main event of the evening will be for that all important World Heavyweight Championship. Everyone wants a shot at that belt and come Backlash, Shawn Michaels will be getting his shot.

Edge: This title is very important. And at Backlash, we will see just why it is so important as one hell of a competitive match will happen between the champion, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels. This is going to go down in the record books, JR, as one classic match.

Ross: Both Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels have stated that this is a dream match for the two of them. And speaking of which, later tonight I will head down to that ring and I will conduct an interview with both men. I will get their thoughts and feeling heading into this all important World Heavyweight Championship match for the champion and challenger.

(81)

America’s Most Wanted – Coming Soon?

Thunder and Lightening is heard and on the screen the flashing images of lightening and thunder lighting up the dark sky. The sky goes black due to no lightening striking, but when it hits a shadowy image of a man with long hair is shown, facing at the camera. The screen goes black again. Lightening strikes the sky once more and another man’s face, with shorter hair, but still long, shows up on the right side.

The lightening stops and the screen goes to a white background. The sounds of footsteps are heard. They are at a distance. Lightening strikes again and the white screen appears once more. The footsteps are closer. More lightening and they get closer. Two guys dressed in black jeans and black t-shirts appear. Both noticeable big. The one on the right standing at 6’1” and the one on the left standing at 6’3.” The screen quickly cuts out the man on the right and the video editing fades him away. The one on the left also gets faded away. The lightening strikes.

A “Wanted” poster is shown. Underneath the “Wanted” logo is “America’s Most Wanted.” The two men appear on the screen. “Wildcat” appears under the man on the left and “Cowboy” appears under the man on the right. The screen fades to black. Gun shots are heard with bullets piercing through the image, each of the two bullets spell out the word “Coming Soon.”

(70)

[Commercial.]

Orton – The Hardcore Legend?

“Evolution” by Motorhead begins to play once again. Randy Orton, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, makes his way out from behind the entrance way and poses in front of the gold pyrotechnics display in the background. Orton makes his way down the aisle and gets into the ring. He takes the microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Randy Orton: In just six days, Mick Foley’s career will be over. [Foley chants start.] I will be the one that finally puts this fat ass out of a job come Sunday. You see, Mick, I have grown sick and tired of you these past few months. You are nothing, Mick. You have all of these people cheering your name, but for what? Because you try to kill yourself for these morons? What good does that do, Mick? Mick, Sunday, you won’t be able to kill yourself for these people because I am going to do it for you.

“Asshole” chants begin as Randy Orton grows frustrated with this crowd.

Orton: Chant that all you want, but the fact of the matter is that your poor hero, Mick Foley, will be around no longer. I don’t care if I am an asshole or not. At least by the time I am his age I won’t be a broken down piece of crap. Hell, in my short career I am already a star. It took him a long time to become a star. In fact, it was only because of one fall that even made him. He didn’t do anything in this ring that made him that star. I have become this business. I am the future and present of this business. Nothing can stop me. Not even your precious Mick Foley.

And with that, the sound of a car crash is hit and sure enough it is Mick Foley who makes his way out. He is dressed in his red and black torn flannel shirt and lack sweat pants. Foley walks down the ramp to tons of “Foley” chants. Foley cracks a smile at the bottom of the ramp and then rolls into the ring. He goes over to the opposite side of the ring and is handed a microphone. Orton looks worried that is now out there, and can easily kick his ass if he wanted to.

Mick Foley: Why are you cowering away, Orton? I thought you said you could kick my ass? I thought you would be flushing my damn career down the toilet. Where is that intensity you showed in those speeches, Orton? Huh? Where the hell are they? You see this, Orton? [Mick Foley points to his cheek.] You see that? That is where you spit on me several months ago. [Orton cracks a smile.] You think that’s funny, kid? You think by disrespecting a legend, someone who has made it in this business, someone who will be forever remembered as a Hardcore Legend unlike some people who will never be remembered twenty years from now. In fact, they ill only remember you as being the son of a famous wrestler. “Hey, wasn’t that kid in WWE, that son of Cowboy Bob Orton Jr.?” “Yeah, what happened to him?” Those are the types of questions people will ask. But you want to know why? Come Backlash, Randy, your ass is mine. You want to parade around this ring like some Legend Killer. Like hell you are. You haven’t done anything in this business. You are just the errand boy for Triple H and company. You are getting a free ride, kid. Enjoy it will it lasts. God knows you can’t get by on wrestling alone.

Orton: Screw you, Mick! You see this?! [Orton points to the Intercontinental Championship.] This, Mick, this signifies I have made it! Me pinning Shawn Michaels means I’ve made it! Me pinning you after kicking yours and Rock’s ass at WrestleMania means I’ve made it! I have made it, Mick, whether you would like to admit it or not. Admit it, Mick; you are just jealous of the success that I have achieved so early in my career. And come Backlash, Mick, I will be the new Hardcore Legend. Screw you and your pathetic little career, Mick. You are nothing. You never amounted to a damn thing in this business. You really think by telling me that I will never amount to a damn thing in this business hurt me, Mick? Look at me. I am a Superstar already. These people wish they were half the man that I was. And Mick, you just wish you had half the brain and half the looks that I already have.

Foley: Randy, you need to quit fooling yourself. You need to stop pretending to be a wrestler. You are just a wrestler’s son. Sure. I said you would never amount to a damn thing in this business. And I still stand by that statement. You will be long forgotten in twenty years, Randy, while people will still consider me a legend in this business.

Orton looks pissed. He is making a fist. He wants to attack Foley.

Foley: Go ahead. Punch me. Hit me, Orton. Do yourself proud. Make a name for yourself by knocking out Mick Foley. Go ahead! Try it! I SAID DO IT! HIT ME! Come on you piece of shit, hit me!

Orton makes these faces like he wants to punch Foley. He pulls back. He looks ready to punch Foley when the crowd begins to make noise as someone is running through the crowd. It turns out to be Batista, closely followed by Ric Flair. Batista rolls into the ring and blindsides Foley.

Orton: Pick that son of a bitch up! I want to hit that piece of crap right now!

Ric Flair and Batista pick up Mick Foley and hold him. Firstly, Orton spits right in the face of Foley again. He goes to punch him when the crowd begins to cheer as Booker T and Rob Van Dam rush! Randy Orton runs out of the ring and Ric Flair and Batista back off, slowly. Flair wants a fight. Batista pulls him out of the ring, though. RVD and Booker T attend to Mick Foley when “I’m Back” begins to play. Eric Bischoff comes out.

Bischoff: So it seems like Booker T and Rob Van Dam want to save poor old Mick Foley. That’s so nice of you to do so. But as of right now, Booker T, your match is taking place. I don’t care if you are still in your nice clothes or not. You won’t be needing them. I am sure Ric Flair will make easy work out of you right now.

Flair, who was looking for a fight moments ago, rolls into the ring. Rob Van Dam helps Booker T out of the ring. Booker T takes off his jewelry and hands them to RVD on the outside. He is still in his nice clothes, and might not be in the best clothes to wrestle in, either. But before the match begins, a quick commercial break interrupts.

(83)

[Commercial.]

Match Four – Booker T vs. ½ World Tag Team Champion “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

We come back from a commercial break and Ric Flair looks to be in control. Referee Mike Sparks looks to have ordered Batista, Randy Orton, Mick Foley, and Rob Van Dam to the back. Eric Bischoff is already gone, too. Ric Flair has Booker T in the corner and is chopping him like crazy. The crowd is yelling out “WOOOOOO!” following each one. Flair continues to chop the chest of Booker T and eventually rips off the t-shirt off of Booker T and begins to slap and chop the chest of Booker some more. Flair grabs Booker out of the corner and hooks the arm and takes him down with a Suplex. Flair goes for the cover. One … Two … kickout by Booker T.

Ric Flair picks up Booker T and whips him off the ropes. He returns and Flair catches him in a sleeper hold. Booker T tries to fight for the ropes, but he can’t make it. Referee Mike Sparks raises Booker’s arm once. It falls. He raises his arm again. It falls for the second time. Mike Sparks raises Booker T’s arm for the third time, but it doesn’t fall all the way. The crowd is alive and cheering on Booker T. He elbows Ric Flair and breaks free. He runs off the ropes and takes him down with a Houston Side Kick and makes the cover on Ric Flair. One … Two … kickout by Ric Flair.

Booker T picks up “The Nature Boy” and whips him off the ropes. Booker T ducks down, looking for a back body drop, but Flair stops and kicks Booker in the face. Flair then picks up Booker and body slams him. Ric Flair grabs the legs of Booker T and locks him in a variation of the spinning toe hold. He then eventually drops to the mat and grabs the other leg and locking them together and then using his free leg, he is pushing down on the knee of Booker T. Booker tries to sit up and fight it, but Flair chops him back down. But this only fires up Booker T. He keeps using his muscle mass to move closer to the ropes. He finally reaches the ropes and breaks the hold. Ric Flair, however, isn’t ready to break the hold. So Mike Sparks steps in and breaks it. Booker T is still in a little pain from that. Ric Flair stands up and targets the knee. Softening him up for that Figure Four Leg Lock to win him this match. Flair keeps stomping away at it. He pulls Booker away from the ropes and towards the center. He picks up the left leg and drops some elbows in on the knee and thigh area. After several of those, Flair drops down, holding the knee in place, wrenching on it and elbowing the knee area. Booker looks in pain, but is sitting up, and trying to reach for Flair. Booker hits Flair, but it is a weak punch. Flair doesn’t budge. He just pulls back tighter on the hold. But Booker, once again, punches Flair, and this time catches him with a solid punch. Flair gets up and drops down right and grabs the neck, locking him in a headlock while he is down. But Booker T fights out of this, lifting himself, and Flair, up and taking Flair down with a back body drop. Both of them are down and out. Mike Sparks begins to count. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Ric Flair begins to move, Seven … Flair is up and Booker T is on his knee. Flair goes over to him, but Booker T stands up. Ric Flair begs off, but Booker T comes for him, and Ric Flair hits a thumb to the eye. Flair body slams Booker and makes the count. One … Two … T … kickout.

Ric Flair runs off the ropes and then begins his strut. But this only serves to waste time as when he goes to drop the knee across Booker’s neck, Booker moves out of the way, and Flair knees the mat instead. Booker T grabs Ric Flair by the hair and pulls him up. He fires back with several of his own knife-edge chops and slaps, backing him into the corner. Booker grabs Flair and whips him into the opposite rope. Flair runs into the ropes and runs upside down into the corner and falls to the ring apron. Booker T runs at him, but Flair drops to the apron and Booker T crotches himself attempting a Houston Side Kick. Ric Flair gets back up onto the ring apron. Ric Flair pushes Booker back into the ring and he falls in a good position for Flair to climb the ropes. But as he is on the top rope, Booker T gets up and tosses him off. Ric Flair gets up, but only on his knee. As he begins to move, Booker runs for him, Ax Kick! He takes Ric Flair down. Booker T is on his knee. He stares into his hand, not wearing his gloves this time, though, and begins to shake his head. He waves them to the side and it is time for the Spinaroonie! The place pops as Booker T finishes that off. Ric Flair is standing up and Booker T grabs him, Book End! Booker T covers “The Nature Boy.” Mike Sparks gets down for the count. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Booker T in 12:14

(82, 89, 69) **

Ross: Booker T just defeated Ric Flair just days before Backlash! Can his partner RVD continue this momentum as you guys head into Backlash, Edge?

Edge: Booker T pulled through big time tonight, JR, and RVD has a tough test against Triple H tonight, but RVD will be able to hold his own against “The Game” tonight, JR.

Ross: Folks, when we come back from this commercial break, I will be in the ring interviewing the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit and the Number One Contender Shawn Michaels! Don’t go away!

[Commercial.]

The Crossface or the Sweet Chin Music?

Jim Ross is standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in his hand.

Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the World Heavyweight Champion, “The Crippler” Chris Benoit!

“Whatever” by Our Lady Peace begins to play and the place goes insane with cheers for Chris Benoit. Benoit comes out, raising his arms at the stage. He takes off the title and goes to the right of the stage, raising the belt in the air, and then goes to the opposite side and raises the belt there. Benoit then goes down the ramp and gets into the ring, going up onto the turnbuckles, pounding his chest with one hand and raising the belt with another. He meets in the center with Jim Ross.

Ross: Chris, it’s great to have you out here. Now let’s get down to business. This Sunday, live on pay-per-view you have a match against Shawn Michaels for your World Heavyweight Championship. You got tough opposition in front of you, Benoit, but you have overcome the odds at WrestleMania XX by winning the World Heavyweight Championship when you made Triple H tap out to the Crippler Crossface. Do you think you can overcome the odds again and retain that World Heavyweight Championship?

Chris Benoit: JR, I have worn this title with pride since I have overcome the odds of defeating both Shawn Michaels and Triple H at WrestleMania. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that I cannot defeat Shawn Michaels to retain this title. You see, JR, Shawn Michaels is one hell of a wrestler. He is one tough opponent, but the fact of the matter is I am the World Heavyweight Champion. And I did it by making Triple H tap. And come Backlash, Shawn, I will make you tap out!

“Oh, Oh, Shawn!” is heard as “Sexy Boy” begins to play. Shawn Michaels makes his entrance with flashing lights and the pyrotechnics going off while he is on his knees on the ramp. He jumps up and heads to the ring. His music cuts. Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels stare eye to eye.

Benoit: Shawn, Backlash is only six days away. Are you truly ready to step into the ring with THE best damn technical wrestler in this business today?

Shawn Michaels: Chris Benoit, I have all the respect for what you have done in this business. It took you 18 years to finally live your dream of holding that title, and I respect you for that. I respect you for earning that title and making Triple H tap. But the fact of the matter is Chris Benoit, come Backlash, all of this – this friendship – will be tossed out of the window. It will be me versus you for that World Heavyweight Championship.

Benoit: Like I’ve said before, Shawn, friendship is always out the window on matches. I don’t bring friendship into matches. It is business. It isn’t personal. What I do in the ring is wrestle. I don’t go out there to make friends. I go there to wrestle. And wrestle is what I do best. But friendship remains in the back.

Michaels: Come Backlash, Benoit, there will be only one thing you will see coming, and that is the Sweet Chin Music. That title will be mine once again at Backlash, and there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it, Chris. Maybe I should refresh your mind. Maybe I should show you and help out remember just exactly what happened the last time we met one on one, Chris. Do you remember that night? There were no titles on the line, but the outcome this Sunday will be no different, except for me walking out as the World Heavyweight Champion. Let’s go back to February 16th, Chris.

The Titantron shows the footage of Raw from February 16th. It picks up just as Shawn Michaels made it to the ropes after being locked in the Sharpshooter. A few moments later, Triple H made his way out to the ring, with the World title over his shoulder. It is clipped again and it shows Chris Benoit getting hit with the Sweet Chin Music and Shawn Michaels pinned Chris Benoit for the win.

Michaels: See, Benoit, two months ago I defeated you with the Sweet Chin Music. Come Backlash, Benoit that is exactly what will happen to you once again.

Benoit: It seems that you conveniently left out the part that Triple H had me distracted.

Chris Benoit countered the Sweet Chin Music into a Crippler Crossface, which Shawn Michaels fought out of. It is clipped to when Chris Benoit ended up locking the Sharpshooter on Shawn Michaels, who eventually made it over to the ropes. A few moments later, Triple H made his way out to the ring, with the World title over his shoulder. Chris Benoit was distracted by Triple H, turned around and got hit with the Sweet Chin Music by Shawn Michaels! Shawn Michaels pinned Chris Benoit for the win.

Benoit: I don’t make excuses, I got distracted, but it does seem to me that you want to forget that you did need help to beat me, Shawn. But come Backlash, there will be no help. It will be just me versus you, Shawn, and this [benoit points to his World Heavyweight Champion] … this is what will be on the line this time. My World Heavyweight Championship will be up for grabs, Shawn. But unlike February, the outcome will be me making you tap out in front of my home town fans!

Shawn Michaels gets up in Chris Benoit’s face. Jim Ross gets in between the two, and tries to separate them, but they won’t budge. But neither come to blows as they do back off.

Michaels: I can wait ‘til Backlash to take what will be mine, Chris. In six days, Chris, that title will be mine.

Shawn Michaels wants to shake Chris Benoit’s hand. They do, Benoit drops the World Heavyweight Championship as they draw each other close to each other again, but neither man wants to break the handshake. They are mouthing off to each other, and the words “World Heavyweight Championship” comes up a lot if you can read lips. Shawn Michaels goes to back off, but Benoit drags him back in, still holding onto the handshake. Michaels looks kind of pissed about this. But eventually Benoit breaks the hand shake and goes to pick up the title that was dropped earlier, and just as he turns around he is met with the Sweet Chin Music. Benoit lay flat out. Shawn Michaels picks up the World Heavyweight Championship. There are some scattered boos from the crowd, and a cheers, too. This crowd is torn between their allegiances to either wrestler.

Ross: What did you do that for, Shawn?

Shawn Michaels pushes JR away, grabbing the microphone from him. Ross checks on the World Heavyweight Champion as he is down and out.

Michaels: Chris, like you said, what happens in this ring is business. It wasn’t personal, just business.

“Sexy Boy” plays again. Shawn Michaels tosses the World Heavyweight Championship down across the chest of Chris Benoit and leaves.

(77)

[Commercial.]

[Fitzy]

Ross: What a despicable act by Shawn Michaels! He just laid out the World Heavyweight Champion just days before that match! This is sick! I cannot believe what I just witnessed.

Edge: Shawn will do anything to get that title back, JR. You better believe that. And tonight he showed just that.

Ross: I can’t talk about this. It makes me sick that Shawn would do such a thing. Let’s head to the ring for the main event! This is sickening!

Match Five – Main Event – Rob Van Dam vs. “The Game” Triple H

“One of a kind!” is heard as the loud pyrotechnics go off and “One of a Kind” by Breaking Point begins to play. Rob Van Dam makes his entrance and stands at the top of the stage. He does the thumb points to himself and then walks down the ramp. He rolls underneath the bottom rope and then pops right up as Lillian Garcia announces his name he begins to point to himself with his thumbs as the crowd says ihis name alone with Lillian Garcia and point to themselves as well. “It’s time to play the game … Time to play the game!” is heard as “The Game” by Motorhead begins to play. Triple H makes his way down to the ring with ½ of the World Tag Team Champions, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair at his side. Triple H gets down to the ringside area and walks around to the side facing the camera and takes one last sip of his water before tossing away the bottle into the crowd. He hops up onto the ring apron and as the music hits the guitar solo he spits out his water and gets into the ring. Earl Hebner calls for the bell and the match is official.

Rob Van Dam and Triple H lock up and they grapple with each other, trying to get the advantage to start off the match. RVD gets Triple H in a side headlock, and then brings him down with a headlock takedown. RVD gets up, followed by Triple H, and he looks pissed that he just got taken down by RVD. He locks up with Van Dam again, and gets him in a side headlock and backs him off to the ropes. He then whips RVD into the ropes and when he returns RVD ducks a punch from Triple H and runs off the opposite rope and comes back with a flying crossbody block. RVD lands on top of Triple H for a cover, but Triple H quickly tosses RVD off of him, not even for a one count. Triple H rolls to the outside.

On the outside, Ric Flair is offering words of encouragement for him. RVD looks into the crowd and then runs for the opposite ropes and bounces off of those and then runs for Triple H and hits a no-rope touch plancha onto Triple H and Ric Flair. RVD quickly props up to his feet and rolls into the ring, posing for the crowd as they cheer him on. RVD rolls to the outside and goes to pick up Triple H, but Triple H pulls down on his singlet and RVD rams his head into the steel ramp. Ric Flair gets up and runs around to the opposite side of the ring, getting up on the ring apron, and distracting Earl Hebner while Triple H picks up RVD and drops his throat first across the barricade. Triple H then picks up RVD and tosses him into the steel ring steps as RVD rams into those, ribs first. Triple H reaches underneath the ring, and he pulls out a steel chair. But before he could use it on RVD, Booker T comes running down to the ring to a huge pop. The Booker Man grabs the chair from Triple H but then is blindsided by the leviathan Batista. Ric Flair jumps down off of the ring apron and allows Earl Hebner to turn around. Triple H rolls into the ring and Hebner begins to count out RVD. Flair and Batista attack Booker T, fighting him off to the back. At eight RVD manages to get back into the ring. Triple H grabs RVD and whips him into the ropes and lifts him up, Spinebuster! He makes the cover. One … Two … Th … kickout by RVD.

Triple H picks up Rob Van Dam and whips him into the corner. Triple H goes over there and lays in several knife-edge chops and then goes up onto the middle rope and begins to punch Van Dam. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Nine … Ten. Ten punches in succession by Triple H and he jumps off and RVD falls to the mat. Triple H makes the cover. One … Two … Th … kickout. Triple H is growing a little frustrated. He runs off the rope and drops a knee right across the face. He makes the cover. One … Two … T … kickout by RVD. Triple H picks up RVD and whips him into the corner. He runs in and hits a high knee into the corner and then RVD stumbles out of it. Triple H runs off the ropes and hits another knee on him. RVD falls to the mat. Triple H makes the cover again. One … Two … T … kickout. Triple H complains about a slow count, even though it was clearly not one. Triple H picks up RVD and whips him into the ropes. He catches him on the return with a Sleeper hold. He has RVD right where he wants him now. RVD is fighting to stay up. He is waving his arms around like a mad man. He is reaching for those ropes. But he is still in the center of the ring. Earl Hebner steps in and raises the arm of RVD. It falls once. Earl Hebner raises the arm of RVD again for the second time. It falls twice. Earl Hebner raises the arm again but it stays up and RVD grabs the neck of Triple H and drops down to the mat hitting a jawbreaker on Triple H. Triple H’s neck snaps backwards and he falls to the mat. Earl Hebner begins to count them both down. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … RVD begins to move, Seven … Eight … He covers Triple H to break the count out. One … Two … kickout by Triple H.

RVD picks up Triple H. He whips Triple H into the ropes and then runs for him and hits a lariat that sends them both flying over the top rope and onto the outside. Spike TV use this time to take the final commercial break.

[Commercial.]

When they come back from a commercial break, Triple H was back in control. In the split screen it shows that RVD had picked up Triple H on the outside, but Triple H rammed RVD back up against the ring post and tossed him back into the steel ring steps and then rolled him in where he took control of the match again. Triple H had RVD down in a Figure Four Leg Lock now. RVD kept sitting up, reaching for those ropes, but every so often he would fall to the mat for a pin fall. But he would raise it at two. RVD moved to the ropes, getting closer and closer. Triple H tried to move away from the ropes, but RVD rolled over, causing pressure to be added to Triple H instead of himself and reached the ropes. Earl Hebner stepped in to break the submission up.

Rob Van Dam got up, limping, and Triple H got up, too. RVD began to punch Triple H and then went for some kicks, but Triple H eventually got the leg of Van Dam. RVD then hit the step over back heel kick and then got up. He looked around and ran fast for the ropes and then rolled along the mat, leaping up and then hitting a senton bomb onto Triple H for the Rolling Thunder. RVD made the cover as Earl Hebner counted. One … Two … Th … kickout by Triple H. RVD picked up Triple H again and whipped him into the ropes. RVD ducked down, split legged, and Triple H leaped over him. One the return Triple H was sent flying over RVD via a monkey flip from RVD. RVD made the cover. One … Two … T … kickout by Triple H. RVD went to the top rope, waiting for Triple H to get up and when Triple H got up, RVD hit a top rope heel kick to him, knocking Triple H back down. RVD went for the cover again. One … Two … T … kickout.

Several near falls for RVD, but it still wasn’t enough to beat “The Game.” RVD sat down on Triple H and began punching his head. He then got up and pointed to the corner. The place popped as they knew what was next. RVD got up onto the top rope. He leaped off, but missed! Triple H moved out of the way of the Five Star Frog Splash! Triple H reached for the ropes to pull him up. RVD was rolling on the mat, in pain from missing the move, holding his stomach. Triple H walked slowly towards RVD, picking him up. He kicked him in the midsection, hooking the arms, and planted RVD with the Pedigree! One … Two … Three!

Winner: Triple H in 15:58

(78, 81, 72) **

Triple H is lying flat out on his back along with Rob Van Dam.

Ross: Damnit! I can’t believe Triple H just pulled out that victory! Damnit it to hell!

Edge: Triple H might have won tonight, JR, but at Backlash, I can guarantee you that I won’t be losing and that it will be Triple H and the rest of Evolution heading home with a huge loss.

Ross: I can’t stand Triple H! He didn’t deserve to win this match! But he will get what he deserves come this Sunday! Folks, we are out of time, join us this Sunday night, live from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada when we go live for Backlash!

The show comes to a close as Triple H is just getting to his feet, getting his hands raised and Jim Ross still can’t believe that he won the match.

---------------------------

Overall: 79

TV Rating: 4.1

[Fitzy]

Backlash Preview

This Sunday night, Raw presents Backlash live on Pay-Per-View. Backlash comes to you from the beautiful Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And from top to bottom, this looks like a loaded show.

Chris Benoit will be stepping into the ring in front of his hometown friends and family as he defends the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time since winning it at WrestleMania XX when he defends it against Shawn Michaels. Shawn Michaels is no stranger to championship gold, having defeated Triple H back at SummerSlam 2002 for the very belt that “The Crippler” wears so proudly as well as his many times as WWE Champion, too. But he is stepping into the ring with Chris Benoit for the first time in a singles match since February 16th when he defeated him, with a little help from Triple H. For the past few months Michaels and Benoit have been the best of friends, teaming up on several occasions and delivering some great matches. But his biggest challenge will come when Benoit makes his first title defense this Sunday night. Will Michaels be able to go two and zero against “The Crippler” and this time take the title from him? Or will Chris Benoit deliver on his promise to make Shawn Michaels tap out in front of his hometown?

Edge will be making his in-ring return at Backlash as he teams up with Rob Van Dam and Booker T to take on Evolution, consisting of Triple H and the World Tag Team Champions Batista and Ric Flair. Edge returned and immediately made his mark when he interrupted Triple H’s speech and berated him. Triple H challenged him to a fight right there, to which Edge agreed upon, but it was all a set up as Ric Flair and Batista attacked Edge and beating him three on one, until Booker T and Rob Van Dam, still upset about losing the World Tag Team Championship just one week previous to Ric Flair and Batista and saved Edge from further injury. Eric Bischoff later booked this match. For the past few weeks, Edge has been made commentator so Eric Bischoff could easily keep an eye on him and so Edge wouldn’t attack Triple H, if he did, he’d be suspended, without pay, for the same amount of time he was just out for with a broken neck. With Edge finally able to step into the ring in well over 14 months, will Triple H be ready for him? Edge is furious with Triple H and Edge wants to make his return a memorable one and make an immediate impact. With Booker T and Rob Van Dam still furious about not being World Tag Team Champions at his side, he has a big shot at defeating Evolution. But Evolution has Batista, Ric Flair and Triple H, all of whom are big players here on the Raw brand, and will stop at nothing to win this match. Triple H sees this as a stepping stone to getting his World Heavyweight Championship back. Will it be a stepping stone? Who knows?

The WWE Intercontinental Championship will also be on the line as Randy Orton will defend against Mick Foley in a match that Foley is no stranger to, a Hardcore Match. Evolution will be barred from ringside and there will be no countouts and no disqualification. Will Randy Orton be able to overcome these odds and retain his precious title? For months, Orton has been claiming to be the Legend Killer. And has disrespected the Hardcore Legend, Mick Foley, at every chance he could get. By spitting in his face, beating the hell out of him with Evolution, and pinning him and the Rock in a handicap match at WrestleMania with Batista and Ric Flair on his team. But in recent weeks, all of this has awakened the hardcore maniac within side Mick Foley. Will Orton be in for a career threatening beating from Mick Foley? Or will Foley be just another notch on the Legend Killers Checklist T-Shirt? Orton says he is ready for this, but really, can he be when he is stepping into an environment that he has never faced before? Will the Intercontinental Championship end up in the hands of Mick Foley for the first time ever?

Kane has been furious, and some could say afraid, of the recent addition of The Undertaker to the Raw brand. Eric Bischoff drafted him and Kane couldn’t stand this. But last week Mr. McMahon had enough of Kane being afraid of “The Deadman” and told Kane straight up, that if he couldn’t defeat The Undertaker at Backlash that he’d be fired. And also promised that if Kane won, that The Undertaker would be no more. In this all important match, careers are on the line. Will we see the last of “The Deadman” or will we see the last of Kane? No one knows for sure, but come Backlash, someone is leaving.

On the March 29th edition of Raw, following Val Venis losing to Jamie Noble, when Val returned to the back, he saw Lance Storm, bags and all, leaving. Val Venis had no clue why his partner was just leaving until Lance Storm gave his slow turning serious-looking stare back at Val Venis and then leaving. The next week, on April 5th, during Val’s match with Christian, Lance Storm came out and hit the Superkick on Val and then helped Christian get the win. Christian, Lance, and Trish escaped before Chris Jericho could get his hands on them. Christian instead attacked special referee Johnny Nitro. This past Monday, on Raw, Lance Storm explained his actions by saying that he was sick of playing up to the fans and dancing for them. He was sick of hearing the fans say to him “Dance Lance, Dance.” And on Raw, he said he gave it up for a better place. He is a wrestler. And with Christian and Trish, he felt he would be able to showcase his wrestling talents better. And Bischoff awarded Storm a match with Venis this Sunday night. How will Val Venis be able to react to his former partner abandoning him and then attacking him, costing him the match? We will find out as Val finally gets his one on one match against his former friend and partner.

Chris Jericho and Christian have been the best of friends and now the worst of enemies. And it all began with a simple little bet. But Christian turned it all around on Jericho and sided with the girl Jericho loved, Trish Stratus, at WrestleMania, when Trish came out and attacked Jericho. And in the past few weeks, Jericho even brought back the old catch phrase for one Stephanie McMahon, now used for Trish, the Dirty, Disgusting, Brutal, Bottom-Feeding, Trash-Bag Ho. On March 29th, Chris Jericho came out, chasing away Christian all the way to the back. Christian and Trish ended up getting away from Jericho. The following week, on April 5th, Chris Jericho came out following the Trish Stratus vs. Lita match, and tried to attack Christian, and nearly put Trish in the Walls of Jericho, but Christian got up and attacked Jericho and hit the Unprettier on him. Christian and Trish left after that, until later that night when Christian had a match. Christian defeated Val Venis with help from Lance Storm and Jericho tried to attack Christian, but Christian, Trish, and Lance ran through the crowd. Johnny Nitro got in Jericho’s way, and paid for it with the Walls of Jericho. And this past Monday, Christian and Lance Storm pull out the victory over Jericho and Val Venis when Jericho tapped to the Straight Shooter. Will Jericho be able to get revenge on Christian? Christian won at WrestleMania. Will he win again at Backlash?

And the WWE Women’s Championship will also be on the line as Victoria defends against Molly Holly. At WrestleMania XX, Molly Holly lost the match to Victoria. It was title vs. hair, and Victoria retained her title, and thus Molly lost her hair. She got it all shaven off, but according to Molly, her hair grows back fast and changes color weekly. Sporting a new hair style each week, from short to long, from blonde to brunette, she has it all. But what she doesn’t have is the WWE Women’s Championship, and she wants it back. And at Backlash, she gets her rematch. Will she be able to defeat the psycho Victoria and capture what she believes is rightfully hers? Or will Victoria once again defeat Molly?

Backlash – Raw – April 18, 2004 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – Rexall Place

Chris Jericho vs. Christian with Trish Stratus

WWE Women’s Championship Match: Victoria © vs. Molly Holly

The Loser Is Fired As Ordered By Mr. McMahon: The Undertaker vs. Kane

Val Venis vs. Lance Storm

WWE Intercontinental Championship Hardcore Match: Randy Orton © vs. Mick Foley

Edge, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam vs. Evolution: Triple H and the World Tag Team Champions Batista and Ric Flair

World Heavyweight Championship Match: Chris Benoit © vs. Shawn Michaels

[Fitzy]

WWE Backlash

Live! April 18, 2004

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Rexall Place

All throughout the night on Sunday Night Heat Jonathan Coachman and Al Snow hyped up the entire card for the evening. After the first ten or so minutes of hyping up the main event first, the cameras cut to the back where Johnny Nitro was in his and Eric Bischoff’s office. But he is alone, eating some fruit.

Johnny Nitro: [Apparently, he is talking to himself.] There is no doubt in my mind that I am the coolest thing to happen to Raw in some time. Without me, Raw would not nothing. You know what? I should be the World Heavyweight Champion. I am just that damn good and everyone knows it. [He pauses and takes a sip of what probably is water.] EB needs me, and he knows it.

Just then, Nitro springs to his feet as the door slams in, scaring the hell out of Bischoff’s apprentice. He spilled his entire glass of water all over himself. The “swoosh” sound is heard and suddenly The Hurricane appears on camera.

The Hurricane: I heard someone talking in here. I thought it was Eric Bischoff. Eric Bischoff doesn’t appear to be here. So I’ve come to the conclusion that you were talking to yourself. What’s up wit dat?!

Nitro: [Fumbles around with his words before he finally begins to speak.] What?! I don’t need to explain myself to you. Now what the hell do you want?

The Hurricane: What do I want? I want Eric Bischoff so I can tell him I want a match tonight! I want Jamie Noble in a match.

Nitro: You versus Jamie Noble, huh? I like it. EB is no where to be found, but with that, I am left in charge. So you and Noble will have that match tonight, and it will be on in less than an hour.

Hurricane stands there, arms folded. He unfolds his arms and then gives Johnny Nitro the thumbs up, smiling, and then again disappears with the “swoosh” sound just as fast as he appeared on screen.

Nitro: You know what? I hate that Hurricane. He thinks he is some kind of cool superhero. He SO wishes he was cooler than me, Johnny Nitro~!

Johnny Nitro tosses the fruit off of the shinny plate and stares at his reflection. Apparently he is too lazy to walk on over to his mirror. A few minutes pass by with a commercial break and Al Snow and The Coach go over more of the card for tonight. Before the next commercial, a split screen shows that Randy Orton is warming up in the dressing room with Ric Flair in there as well, and on the right hand side is Mick Foley arriving to the arena. After the commercial break, even more highlight videos are played to show off the card. This continues and they highlight Randy Orton versus Mick Foley next. When it comes to an end, the cameras go to the back into the dressing room of Evolution.

Ric Flair: You have nothing to worry about, champ! You have it all. Youth, talent, energy. It is all you, baby!

Batista walks into the dressing room and Orton stops doing his stretches.

Randy Orton: Just the person I was looking for. I was watching the video tape of me calling Mick Foley out two weeks ago and what did I come across? You talking to Ric Flair.

Batista smirks and Randy Orton gets into his face. Orton looks pissed off.

Orton: It was you talking about how you think I am going to get my ass kicked by Mick Foley. How you have no confidence in my ability to defeat Foley tonight.

Batista: If their was one smart thing that you ever do in your life... [batista stops smirking and is visibly pissed off now] ...It’s that you get the hell out of my face.

Randy Orton won’t back down, but Ric Flair steps in between the two.

Flair: Dave, we are Evolution. He is Randy Orton. The Game is out getting ready. You are Dave Batista. We don’t need to be starting any kind of trouble within Evolution. Be positive about this whole thing, Dave.

Batista: Be positive about what? This guy is getting in my face about a silly comment I made about him. Talk to him about being positive about this whole thing. You know what, Randy? You are only proving my point even further. You seem to be too focused on me for some reason rather than getting your head straight and focusing on the man you need to beat tonight. You have Mick Foley to worry about. But if you ever get in my face like that again there will be much more for you to worry about than having to deal with Mick Foley. Get your head straight. You’ll need all the luck you can get tonight, now, more than ever. Keeping your focus on me is a bad mistake, my friend.

Batista storms out of the locker room while Ric Flair slaps Randy Orton on the chest.

Flair: Don’t worry about him man, keep your head focused on Foley. You can beat him. Foley is nothing. You’re Randy Orton. You're the Intercontinental Champion. We beat him at WrestleMania XX, you pinned him with the RKO. You’ll do it again tonight. RKO. That’s it. It's over. You’ll walk out as Intercontinental Champion just like you walked in. Come on, champ, don't let Batista get to you.

Randy Orton still is pissed over what just went down two weeks ago with Batista and what just transpired tonight. The scene cuts to a commercial break and when it returns Coach and Al Snow continue on with their hype of the show. They cut to their final commercial break and Coach and Snow sign off for the evening and they hand it on over to Jim Ross.

Jim Ross: Hello everyone and welcome to the main event of Sunday Night Heat! I am Jim Ross.

Don Callis: Go ahead, Jimmy ol’ boy, you can introduce me.

Ross: Why not just do it yourself?

Callis: You all might remember me as the Jackal or as Cyrus the Virus, but, [mocking JR] “bah Gawd,” I am your host of the night, Don Callis!

Ross: Where’s Edge when you need him? Can you believe what just went down in Evolution’s dressing room? Batista and Randy Orton looked like they were going to get into a brawl right then and there. It looks like Orton has other things on his mind instead of his fight with Foley, and I can’t believe I am going to say this, but I actually agree with Batista. Randy needs to get focused on Mick Foley and not Batista.

Callis: You need to worry about yourself and not what Evolution is doing, Jimmy. Randy Orton will take care of Mick Foley. It was just a little misunderstanding between two mature men. Nothing more, Jimmy.

Ross: What are you now, a member of Evolution’s Public Relations department? Let’s send it to Lillian Garcia for our Sunday Night Heat main event!

Sunday Night Heat Main Event Match – The Hurricane vs. “The Redneck Messiah” Jamie “By God” Noble

Jamie Noble’s music begins to play and out he walks. He looks focused in on this match and passes on right down the aisle, not even stopping to argue with the fans as they boo him. The lights go out and “Stand back, there’s a hurricane coming through!” is heard and sure enough it is the Hurricane who makes his entrance to a very good reaction from the crowd. The Hurricane slaps the fans hands as he walks the aisle to the ring. Referee Brian Hebner calls for the bell and the match begins.

Jamie Noble and Hurricane lock up. Hurricane ducks out of the collar and elbow tieup and immediately goes behind and wrestles Noble to the mat. Hurricane floats over to the top of Noble’s head and locks in a front facelock. Noble reverses out of it, sending Hurricane onto his back and Noble gets to a standing position. However, Hurricane kicks the legs out from underneath him and gets back to his own feet. He pulls Noble whip and whips him into the ropes. Hurricane lunges forward and hits a nicely executed lariat. Hurricane makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Jamie Noble.

Hurricane picks up Jamie Noble and bodyslams him to the mat. Hurricane points to the top rope. He goes to the ring apron and starts climbing the ropes. But Noble quickly gets up and rushes to the ropes and crotches Hurricane on the top turnbuckle. Noble climbs to the top rope and hooks the arm of Hurricane and hits a Superplex. Noble lands on top of him for the pinning attempt. One … Two … kickout by Hurricane.

The Redneck Messiah picks up Hurricane and attempts and Irish whip and sends Hurricane into the ropes. Hurricane and Noble collide in the center of the ring with neither man budging. Noble tells Hurricane to try that again. Hurricane singles he is going for the win as he normally does and runs off the ropes. He ducks a lariat from Noble and off the ropes he goes. He leap frogs over Noble. Noble turns around and he is met with a pair of fingers to the eyes to a pop from the crowd. Hurricane acknowledges the pops and gives them a thumbs up. He grabs Noble on the neck and turns him around. He gives another thumbs up and twists around, landing the Eye of the Hurricane. Hurricane makes the cover. One … Two … kickout.

Hurricane climbs to the top rope. Noble gets to his feet and Hurricane leaps off with the Overcast. He makes the cover again. One … Two … kickout by Noble. Hurricane backs off into the corner and he singles he is going for the Shining Wizard. Hurricane runs for Noble who is on one knee now, and misses the Shining Wizard as Noble was able to duck to the mat. Noble kicks Hurricane and locks his arms in a double underhook. He tries to flip him for the Tiger Driver, but Hurricane blocks it and breaks out of the hold. Hurricane kicks Jamie Noble and turns around, facing away from him. Hurricane locks his own arms around Noble’s arms and turns around and lifts Noble into the air, upside down on his back. He has him up for the Vertebreaker! The crowd pops for this move, but Noble somehow manages to get out of it. Jamie Noble kicks Hurricane and gets him back in the double underhook. He lifts him up and executes the Tiger Driver perfectly. He remains in the position for the cover. One … Two … Hurricane’s foot is under the ropes … Three!

Winner: Jamie Noble in 5:02

80, 76, 85 *** ¼

Brian Hebner did not notice that Hurricane’s foot was under the rope. Jamie Noble quickly rolls out of the ring. And just as you probably could expect, another Hebner gets treated with a “you Screwed” chant. This time they substitute “Bret” with “Hurricane” Hebner raises the arm of Noble and Hurricane stands up, kicking the bottom rope. He is yelling at Hebner, pointing at the bottom rope and his foot, telling him his foot was clearly under the ropes. Hebner pointed to his eyes saying he couldn’t see it. Clearly, he was out of position.

Ross: I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come with any more screw jobs. The Hurricane clearly had his foot under the ropes. If Eric Bischoff really is a fair General Manager, he will book a rematch between these two real soon. It’s just sad to see a good match like this end this way.

Callis: Jamie Noble would have beaten Hurricane either way. You just like to complain, Jimmy.

Ross: There is nothing to complain about. The referee was just out of position, but it is still a damn shame. Folks, there is still time to order Backlash which is only a few minutes away. Let’s take a final look at how the World Heavyweight Championship match came out. We will see you right back here tomorrow night at nine/eight central for Raw and the fall out of Backlash! We hope you join us for Backlash, next!

The show comes to a close and the WWE logo fades out. Sunday Night heat has ended and Backlash is now ready to begin.

WWE Backlash

“Eyes Wired Shut” by Edgewater begins to play and the pyrotechnics display goes off and we are live for Backlash. The camera pans the crowd for the various signs in the crowd and then zooms in onto Jim Ross and the new color commentator, Don Callis.

Ross: Hello everyone and welcome to WWE Backlash! I am Jim Ross.

Callis: And I am Don Callis!

Ross: Folks, what a show we have in store for you. And what a way to kick things off!

Match One – Chris Jericho vs. Christian with Trish Stratus

Christian’s theme music begins to play and making his entrance is Christian. Christian is accompanied by Trish Stratus. Being Canadian, the crowd loves these guys. Though they are not in Toronto, Trish and Christian still get a nice reaction from the crowd. The two of them stand at the top of the ramp with Christian pulling Trish Stratus close to him and then pulling back on her hair and the planting a kiss on her. Trish and Christian walk to the ring as the Y2J logo flashes on the screen. Soon “Break the Walls Down” begins to play and out comes Chris Jericho. Jericho stands with his back towards the ring doing his pose and then turns around and walks to the ring. Jericho gets a huge reaction from the crowd and it is clear who the fan favorite in this match is, though there should have been no doubt about that. Chris Jericho gets into the ring and awaits the sound of the bell to start off the match.

The bell rings and Christian and Chris Jericho circle each other and then meet in the center of the ring where they lock up. They circle the ring still in the collar and elbow tie-up and reach the ropes. Christian holds onto the ropes and puts his head between the ropes. Referee Mike Sparks forces the break of the hold. Christian is told to come back into the ring. He brings his head back into the ring and then they lock up again. Christian breaks the tie-up and pushes Chris Jericho back. Jericho backs off, a little stunned. But he comes back and pushes Christian. Christian backs off from the shove, but comes back to the center of the ring and goes right up to Jericho. They bump chests and Christian looks down at Jericho. Not by much, but still enough to make fun of Jericho being smaller than he is. Jericho backs off and then slaps Christian, hard, right across the face. Christian rubs his face and then slaps Jericho. Jericho fires back with another slap and then begins to chop the chest of Christian. Christian begins to feel the chops and the sound of the fans yelling “WOOOOOO!” after each chop.

Chris Jericho backs Christian up against the ropes with more chops and then grabs the left arm of Christian and Irish Whips him into the ropes. Christian runs towards the ropes, but grabs hold of the top rope and then slides underneath the bottom rope. Trish Stratus runs over to Christian and they embrace. Christian looks a little nervous, but then waves off the match and he and Trish begin heading to the back. Chris Jericho begins to question Mike Sparks, and Sparks begins to count out. Chris Jericho steps out of the ring and runs up behind Christian, giving him an axe handle to the back, bringing him down to the ramp. Trish begins to stumble, but she catches herself before falling over. She runs out of harms way while Jericho threatens her with a punch. Chris Jericho picks up Christian by the head and whips him into the barricade on the side of the ramp. Jericho grabs him again and whips him towards the ring and Christian rolls into the ring instead of crashing up against the ring. Chris Jericho walks to the ring and then rolls in. He picks up Christian and then begins some more chops on him. Jericho backs Christian up against the corner and places him on the top rope. Christian is seated on the top rope and Jericho gets up onto the middle rope and hooks the arm of Christian. He goes for a superplex, but Christian lifts up Jericho instead and drops him face first to the mat. Christian jumps off of the top rope and shakes his head.

Christian picks up Chris Jericho and begins berating him. He is holding Jericho’s hair and forcing him to look at Trish. “Don’t you ever touch my little flower, again, Jericho” yells Christian to Jericho. Christian slaps Jericho and then drops him with a body slam and makes the cover. Mike Sparks makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Jericho. Christian picks up Chris Jericho and whips him off the ropes. Christian runs for Jericho and takes him down with a lariat. He makes another pin attempt on Jericho. One … Two … kickout by Jericho. Christian picks up Jericho and runs with him while holding the hair and tosses Jericho over the top rope and onto the floor. Christian drops to one knee, grabbing referee Mike Sparks, complaining about an injury to his knee. Christian points to his right knee cap, saying it is bothering him. Trish Stratus runs over to Jericho. Jericho is on his hands and knees, trying to catch his breath, but Trish uses her high heels and kicks Jericho right in the midsection. Jericho clutches his ribs while on his back now. Trish bends down and slaps Jericho right across the face, yelling at him. Trish runs back to her corner just as Christian tells Mike Sparks his knee is feeling much better.

Christian rolls to the outside and grabs Chris Jericho and rolls him into the ring. Christian covers Jericho. One … Two … T, kickout by Jericho. Christian is a little frustrated that he couldn’t get the win, but the fact is, he hasn’t done a whole lot to Jericho to make him win the match. Christian grabs Jericho by the hair and whips him into the corner. Christian runs in and collides with Jericho, crushing him in the corner. Christian then gets up onto the second rope and begins to punch him. The crowd counts along with him for the punches to the head. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Nine … Christian then makes a fist, kissing it and then nailing Jericho right in the forehead for the tenth punch to the head and jumps off, letting Jericho fall face first to the mat. Christian rolls Jericho onto his back and makes the cover. One … Two … T, kickout by Jericho, again.

Christian still cannot believe this. He just begins to stomp away at Chris Jericho while he is down. Christian drops to the mat and gets up in Jericho’s face, yelling at him. Christian sits on Jericho’s chest and begins punching Jericho while yelling at him. “Come on, Jericho, get up. Give me a challenge, Jericho!” More punches from Christian. Christian grabs Jericho by the hair, pulling his head off of the mat and then smashing it back down against the mat. Christian makes the cover. One … Two … Th, kickout! “Jericho!” chants are getting loud. Christian stands up and tells the fans to shut up. Trish Stratus gets up on the ring apron and Christian runs to her. She grabs Christian and covers his ears from the sound of the crowd cheering on Jericho. Mike Sparks is arguing with Trish to get down. Sparks forces her down and Christian turns his attention back to Jericho. He lifts up Jericho and whips him off the ropes. He bends down, and lifts Jericho over his head and down to the mat for a back body drop and then covers him. One … Two … Th, kickout by Jericho again.

Christian picks up Jericho and whips him off the ropes. He catches him in the return and locks him in a sleeper hold. Christian decided to not keep it on long and hits a backdrop Suplex on Jericho. Christian covers him for the pin, again. One … Two … Thr, kickout Jericho. Trish is banging on the mat and the crowd is chanting for Jericho. Christian is banging the mat himself in frustration. Christian goes to pick up Chris Jericho and Jericho rolls up Christian to a huge pop from the crowd. One … Two, kickout by Christian. Christian seems embarrassed by this and goes to work on Jericho. Punching him furiously. Christian picks up Jericho and grabs him by the arms and twists him around. He is trying for the Unprettier but Jericho manages to push him off of him. Christian turns around and dives onto Jericho. The two of them roll around on the mat with Christian coming out on top and punching Jericho. Chris Jericho pushes Christian off of him and gets up. Christian, though, grabs Chris Jericho and goes to whip him into the ropes, but Jericho reverses it and sends Christian running into the ropes. Jericho follows right behind him and goes for a roll up, but Christian is Trish’s hands against the ropes and won’t let go. But the harder Jericho pulls back, he begins to lift up Trish Stratus and she is onto the ring apron. Christian manages to force Jericho to break the hold on him. Jericho charges back for Christian, but Christian elbows Jericho in the face. Jericho turns around and falls right on top of referee Mike Sparks. Jericho and Sparks are both down. This gives Christian some much needed rest. Trish is attending to him, rubbing his back for him.

Trish begins to scream for Christian to turn around and when he does, Christian is met with a flying forearm from Jericho that takes Christian down. Christian runs for the ropes and leaps up onto the middle rope, flipping backwards, and lands right onto Christian for the Lionsault. Jericho rolls out of the ring and points to Trish, to which the fans begin to cheer for. Trish runs around the ring and Jericho chases after her. She rolls into the ring and tries to get out the other side but Jericho grabs her by the leg and pulls her back in. He grabs her by the legs and locks her in the Walls of Jericho, kneeling down in the process to turn into his old Liontamer move. Christian begins to move and he charges for Chris Jericho, but Jericho breaks the hold and trips Christian and he falls right onto his girl, Trish. Chris Jericho grabs Christian and locks him in the Walls of Jericho. Christian is tapping like crazy, but the referee is knocked out. Chris Jericho breaks the hold and grabs Mike Sparks, waking him up.

Sparks wakes up and when Chris Jericho turns around, he is almost caught with a right hand from Christian, but Jericho blocks it and slaps Christian. Chris Jericho uses Christian’s knee to help him up and hits the step up Enzugiri on Christian and then rolls him around and makes the pin. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Chris Jericho in 19:53

(93, 90, 96) **** ½

Chris Jericho sees Trish Stratus in the corner and grabs her, picking her up. He goes to slap her across the face, but decides against it, and drops to one knee, with Trish over his knee, and begins slapping her ass to humiliate her in front of the crowd.

Ross: That jezebel Trish is getting what she deservers, and probably wants!

Callis: Chris Jericho makes me ashamed of being a Canadian. Christian had this match won! He should be the winner, not that cheater and women beater, Chris Jericho.

Ross: Women beater?

Callis: Don’t act dumb, Jimmy, you saw her get hit by Jericho.

Ross: He slapped her on her bottom. That isn’t really beating her, Don. Let it go. Chris Jericho won this match, and folks, let’s head back to the locker room where Chris Benoit, the World Heavyweight Champion, is standing by with … the Coach.

Jonathan Coachman is standing by in the back next to the locker room of Chris Benoit.

Jonathan Coachman: Thanks, B-Team. I am standing here in the back besides the locker room of the World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit. In a moment, I am going to get an attempt to talk to the hometown hero. [Coach knocks on the door and enters.] Chris, are you in here? [The camera pans the room and there is Chris Benoit, wrapping up his hands with his white tape. Beside him is the World Heavyweight Championship. Benoit notices the Coach and stands up, still taping his wrist.] Chris Benoit, I want to know what is going through your mind. What thoughts are you thinking right now as we are only a few hours away from your big moment? Your first title defenses and in your very own hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The crowd cheers as Benoit begins to speak.

Chris Benoit: I think this could very well be the best moment of my career. I thought winning this title in the main event of WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden was the top of it all – the pinnacle of my career – but nothing will ever compare to wrestling in front of my hometown fans. My family – my wife Nancy and my two children are here watching me. My friends, my fans, they are all here supporting me. And what a moment it is going to be when I step out of this arena walking down that aisle, and stepping into that ring and defending this – my World Heavyweight Championship – for the first time.

It is going to be an honor to wrestle in front of these great fans. And it is going to be a dream come true to do it in my hometown. And what a memorable moment it will be when these fans hear the sound of Shawn Michaels [Chris Benoit uses his right hand to tap the top of his left hand a few times] tapping out? [The crowd pops big time for this. They’d love nothing more than to see Shawn Michaels tap out to Chris Benoit.] Tap, tap, tap. That is all that will be heard come the end of the match. Shawn Michaels, this is going to be one hell of a match, but I am not walking out of my hometown a loser. I am walking out as the World Heavyweight Champion. Tonight, all my doubters [A tremendous thundering sound of “boos” come from the crowd booing the doubters.] will be proved wrong and they will all find out that Chris Benoit IS FOR REAL!!!

The cameras go back to focusing on Jim Ross and Don Callis.

Ross: Chris Benoit will attempt to prove to everyone that he is for real tonight when he steps into the ring with Shawn Michaels. That will be coming a little later, but lets get down to business and head to the ring for our next match.

Callis: Randy Orton is finally going to put that useless piece of crap, Mick Foley, out of wrestling for good.

Ross: Useless? Mick Foley is a legend in this business. He has scarified his body, for what? For Randy Orton to try and make a name for himself off of? I don’t think so. Tonight we will see Randy Orton get what he deserves, a good old fashioned beating.

Match Two – WWE Intercontinental Championship Hardcore Match – Evolution Barred From Ringside, No Countouts, No Disqualification, and Falls Count Anywhere – WWE Intercontinental Champion “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton vs. “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley

The sound of the car crash is heard and Mick Foley’s theme music plays. Mick Foley comes out in his trademark blue and black torn plaid shirt and grey sweatpants. Mick Foley has, in one hand, his barbed wire wrapped wooden baseball bat. And with his other hand he is giving the thumbs up to fans. On his way down the aisle he alternates switching the bat so he can slap the fans hands on either side of the aisle. He rolls underneath the bottom rope and gets into the ring. He goes to the ropes and stands on the bottom rope with one foot and the middle rope with the air and raises his barbed wire wrapped baseball bat in the air. “Evolution” by Motorhead begins to play and out comes the self-proclaimed “Legend Killer” Randy Orton. Randy Orton is wearing his WWE Intercontinental Championship and stands right in front of the entrance way as the wall of gold pyrotechnics display is shown off in the background. Orton makes his way to the ring and is about to enter the ring when Mick Foley takes a swing with his barbed wire baseball bat. Randy Orton wants no part of that. Newly signed referee Todd Sinclair from the Chaotic Wrestling promotion in New England, forces Mick Foley back away from the corner. But Orton still want enter the ring. Orton tells Sinclair that he won’t defend his title unless Foley disposes of his barbed wire bat. Mick Foley of course takes a swing for Orton, but once again Orton backs off. Todd Sinclair talks Foley into putting the barbed wire bat aside to get this match underway.

As Mick Foley turns around to put the barbed wire bat on the outside, Randy Orton rolls into the ring and runs right up behind Foley and hits him with a double axe handle and then continues to punch away at the Hardcore Legend. Todd Sinclair calls for the bell and the match is officially underway. Orton with the cheap shot to start off the match. Orton grabs Mick Foley and turns him around so he is facing him, up against the corner. Orton grabs Foley by the chin and then slaps him right across the face. Orton grabs Foley and whips him into the opposite corner. Orton runs in and hits a lariat into the corner. Foley falls to the mat, seated upright against the corner. Orton runs off the ropes and then runs for the corner and hits a knee right into the face of Foley. Randy Orton gets up on the second rope in that corner, holding the top rope with his hands, and then jumps off, and slams his knee right into the face of Foley again.

Randy Orton gets out of the corner and poses in the center of the ring with his arms spread apart, smiling like he did something great. Orton is getting a lot of heel heat. “Orton sucks” chants cue up as well as “Foley” chants. Orton grabs Foley out of the corner and locks up with him in the center of the ring. He knees Foley in the midsection and then grabs him by the arm and takes him down with hip toss. Orton gets down and sits across the chest of Foley and holds up the head of Foley. He looks into his face and then you can hear Orton clearing his throat, maybe to spit in his face again, but Orton decides against it and just slaps him for good measure. Randy Orton picks up Mick Foley and whips him off the ropes and Orton leaps into the air and hits a beautiful dropkick that sends Mick Foley stumbling back up against the ropes and bounces off. Orton gets right up and takes Foley down with a single leg takedown. Orton grabs the leg of Foley and twists it around, grabbing the other leg in the process and locking that in place. And he has Foley in a submission hold and pushing up against the knee of Foley. Foley looks to be in some pain, and is sitting up, to avoid a pin fall. He tries to hit Orton, but Orton punches him back down. One … Two, Foley sits up. Orton punches him back down. One … Two, Foley sits up, again. Orton punches him two more times and Foley goes down. One … Two, Foley sits up for a third time. Orton breaks the hold, leaping across Foley, and grabbing him by the neck in a headlock. But Orton isn’t able to keep Foley on the mat as Foley begins to sit up, lifting up Orton in the process, hitting a back body drop on him and the both of them are out. Todd Sinclair begins to count them both down. One … Two … Three … Four … Five, Orton is closer to the ropes than Foley is, and begins to use them to get up … Six … Seven, Orton is on his feet, holding the ropes to keep him up, while Foley is showing signs of movement … Eight, Foley is on his knees and Sinclair stops the count.

Orton runs for Foley, taking him down with a kick to the face and then makes a cover. One … Two, kickout by Foley. Randy Orton picks up Mick Foley and whips him into the ropes. He catches him in a sleeper hold on the return, but Foley manages to get out of it and hits a go-behind and then pushes Orton into the ropes. But Orton grabs hold of the ropes and pulls himself out of the ring. Foley goes over to the ropes and goes to exit, but Orton grabs his ankles and drops Foley to the mat. Orton gets up to the ring apron and slingshots himself into the ring with a legdrop across the neck of Foley. Orton makes the cover again on Foley. One … Two … T, kickout by Foley. Randy Orton picks up Mick Foley and whips him into the corner. Orton runs in to the corner with a Stinger Splash, but Foley moves out of the way. Orton collides with the top of the ring post. Foley turns Orton around and begins pummeling him with repeated right hands to the head. Foley forces Orton down onto the mat with punch after punch. Foley runs into the corner and hits a knee to the face of Orton and comes out yelling “Bang, Bang!” with the hand gesturing gun point as the old Cactus Jack use to do. The crowd is cheering for Foley.

Mick Foley grabs Randy Orton and tosses him over the top rope and onto the floor. Foley gets out and is on the ring apron. He looks around, with a smile on his face and runs off the ring apron connecting with an elbow drop right onto the fallen Randy Orton. He stands up and the fans continue chanting “Foley.” He slaps the fans hands near by, but motions for them to move. Foley grabs Orton and lifts him up and tosses him over the barricade. He climbs over the barricade himself and then picks up Orton and drops him with a vertical Suplex onto the cold hard floor. Mick Foley grabs Orton and tosses him into several rows of open chairs as the fans have already moved out of the area. Orton topples over several dozen chairs and ends up upright in one of them. Mick Foley grabs an open chair and folds it up and then goes right up to Randy Orton and swings, bashing it right up against the head of Randy Orton. Orton falls out of his chair and down onto the chairs surrounding him. As the camera pans in, Orton is busted open, wide; blood is flowing badly down his forehead. The fans are still chanting “Foley.”

Mick Foley picks up Randy Orton and begins punching him in the open wound. Orton falls to the ground, and is on his hands and knees, trying to find his way out of this match. But with all the blood loss, he has no clue where he even is. Mick Foley picks up Randy Orton and pushes him up into what should be the penalty box and then slams his head against the boards, blood splattering everywhere, including a few drops hitting the camera. Foley tosses Orton out of the penalty box. Orton begins to crawl again, but with the blood loss, he isn’t getting anywhere. Foley grabs another chair and tries to hit Orton. Orton, somehow, manages to evade the chair shot. Orton gets up, looking lightheaded from the blood loss. He reaches around, grabbing Foley by the throat, getting himself off of the ground, still holding onto Foley, but Foley pushes him away. Orton, attempting the RKO, gets sent flying into the open rows of chairs. He crashes over three rows of chairs before ending up on the ground, under a pile of the chairs. The fans are chanting “Foley.” Mick Foley walks over to Orton and clears the chairs off of him. Mick takes a chair, folds it up, and raises it into the air with a smile on his face. He proceeds to slam it down, hard, across the back of Randy Orton to a loud pop from the fans. Foley plays to the crowd some more. Mick Foley grabs Randy Orton and begins pulling him. Several fans follow behind the Hardcore Legend, slapping him on the back while yelling into the camera from behind Foley. Foley leads them, while dragging the helpless Orton, closer to the barricade. Foley reaches the area where the time keeper and Lillian Garcia are sitting and leans Orton up against the corner. But of course she runs away from the area, like the other staff members do. Foley slaps Orton across the face, much like Orton did, twice, earlier in the match. But Orton returns spit, as well blood, to the face of Foley, something he didn’t do earlier when he had plenty of chances to do.

Foley laughs it off and goes to punch Orton, but I guess the time Foley was playing to the crowd and pulling Orton along that gave Orton some much needed breathing time. And he kneed Foley right in the groin. Foley was tossed over the barricade and Orton fells to the floor again. Both Foley and Orton were down. Todd Sinclair, even though he knew he couldn’t count people outside of the ring, leaped over the barricade into the stands and went to check on the tremendous blood loss of Randy Orton. He thought about calling the match for the safety of Orton so he could get that huge cut checked on, but he doesn’t give the “X” single, so he is allowing Orton to continue. Orton grabs hold of Sinclair and pulls himself up and then dumps himself over the top of the barricade and lands on Foley, even if he didn’t mean to. Sinclair jumps over the barricade and makes the count, slapping his hand hard onto the mats placed over the concrete floor. One … Two, kickout by Foley. Foley tosses the self proclaimed Legend Killer off of him and begins crawling to the corner and you can see Foley eying his barbed wire baseball bat. Orton uses the stairs to help him up and rolls into the ring. Orton is flat on his back, breathing heavy, and blood still flowing from his deep cut on his forehead. His face and chest covered with blood to match his red tights.

Mick Foley grabs his barbed wire bat and rolls into the ring. He uses the ropes to stand up and then takes a swing at Orton, catching him right in the cut on the forehead with the barbed wire. Orton screams in pain, but you can see him kicking at Foley, pushing him back. Foley only was able to get in one swing as Orton tripped him up. Orton began to move, blood dripping from the forehead onto the mat as he bent over, and he grabbed the barbed wire bat himself. Orton swings it at Foley, catching him in the midsection and tearing off the flannel shirt in the process. Orton takes another swing and catches Foley in the face, cutting him open, too, and pulling out a clump of hair from Foley’s head. Orton drops the barbed wire bat and falls on top of Foley. Todd Sinclair makes the count. One … Two … Thre, foot on the ropes! The places cheers on Foley with that. Foley is still in it. Orton freaks out. And picks up Foley and goes to whip him into the ropes, but Foley reverses it, sending Orton into the ropes. Orton takes him down with a lariat and then runs off the ropes and hits a leg drop on Orton. He makes the cover. One … Two … Thr, kickout by Orton. Foley stands up, blood dripping from his head, and reaches into his sweatpants and pulls out Mr. Socko to a huge pop! He puts it on his hand, waiving it, waiting for Orton to get up. Orton gets on his knees, looking so dead from this match, but manages to stand up. Foley comes running for him and applies the Mr. Socko Mandible Claw! He has the move on Orton! The fans are on their feet, standing for Foley. But Orton drops down to the mat and pulls Foley down with him. Foley connects with the turnbuckle. Randy Orton covers Mick Foley. One … Two … Thre, kickout by Mick Foley! Orton cannot believe this and needs to finish him off.

Orton rolls to the ring apron, and in an absolutely dumb move, begins to climb the ropes with all of that blood loss. He looks so disoriented, nearly loosing his balance on the top rope. He finally manages to steady himself and Foley is on his feet and Orton jumps, and he actually connects with the Flying Crossbody Press! But it isn’t a pin as he connects, but rolls off of him on the land. Orton and Foley begin to move at the same time, and Foley begins punching Orton. He backs him off into the corner and goes to do his punches again, but Orton ducks out of that and runs off the ropes. He runs for a lariat on Foley, but Foley ducks and applies the Mr. Socko Mandible Claw again! But Orton kicks him in the groin and turns it into the RKO! He cannot make the pin though! The fans are cheering for Foley to get up. Randy Orton goes for the cover on Mick Foley. He crawls over, blood filling the ring as he moves. He finally lands across Mick Foley and Randy Orton hooks the leg. Referee Todd Sinclair makes the count as Orton covers Foley. One … Two … Three!

Winner and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Randy Orton in 23:14

(85, 90, 80) *** ½

Ross: What an incredible brawl we just witnessed there! Orton took one hell of a punishment, and suffered tons of blood loss, but in the end, he was able to hit the RKO and retain his WWE Intercontinental Championship!

Callis: Was there any doubt in your mind, Jimmy that Randy Orton was not going to retain the title? This man in the present and future of this business. He is the man to watch and is an incredible talent and just proved it by beating Mick Foley at his own game!

Ross: Of course there was a doubt in my mind. I didn’t think he could beat Foley at his own game, and he did just that.

Randy Orton is passed out on the ground and Ric Flair and Batista run out. Todd Sinclair places the belt on the chest of Randy Orton. Batista helps up Randy Orton as Flair grabs the Intercontinental Championship. They both help Orton to the back. Mick Foley eventually gets up and raises his arms as this could be his last time he ever steps foot in a WWE ring. He walks off and at the entrance makes one last “Bang, Bang!” before leaving the arena.

Ross: Enough about Randy Orton, let’s talk about the next match. A rematch from WrestleMania XX that will see The Undertaker take on Kane.

Callis: But it will be the last time we ever see The Undertaker inside a WWE ring, Jimmy!

Ross: Why do you say that? The Undertaker defeated Kane at WrestleMania and could very well do it tonight.

Callis: Don’t kid yourself, Jimmy, Kane is a changed man. He is physically ready for this match and he knows his career is on the line. He will win this match, just watch.

Ross: I would if you could just shut up for a minute. Let’s send it down to Lillian Garcia for the ring introductions.

Match Three – The Loser Will Be Fired As Ordered By Mr. McMahon – The Undertaker vs. Kane

The lights turn red and “Slow Chemical” by Finger Eleven begins to play and Kane makes his entrance. Kane comes walking down the aisle and grabs hold of the top rope and pulls himself up to the ring apron. Kane enters the ring and gets to the center of the ring, raising his arms, slowly, in the air and then drops them fast to let out the pyrotechnics in the ring post. And then the lights turn off. And The Undertaker begins talking in tongues and his old Ministry music begins to play. The Undertaker comes out to a tremendous reaction from the crowd and he stands at the entrance way. He has his long black jacket and cowboy hat on as he walks down the aisle. He walks up the steps and gets into the ring. He lights come back on.

Kane and The Undertaker stand eye to eye in the middle of the ring. Neither backs off of the other one, as they know that if they lose, it is all over for them. Kane actually does back off first, but then comes right back and hits a thrust punch to the throat and The Undertaker stumbles backwards, but, of course, it isn’t enough to take the Deadman down. Kane grabs The Undertaker and locks up with him and then whips him into the ropes. The Undertaker ducks a lariat from Kane and bounces off of the ropes and comes back on the return with a flipping lariat that takes Kane off of his feat. Kane rolls out of the ring and looks pissed off. The Undertaker stands in the middle of the ring, waiting for Kane to return as the fans are chanting for him.

Referee Brian Hebner begins to count Kane out of the ring. One … Two … Three … Four … Five, Kane grabs the ropes and pulls himself up onto the ring apron … Six, Kane enters the ring and The Undertaker goes right for him. He begins to punch him in the face and then begins to punch him in the midsection. The Undertaker has Kane against the ropes and delivers a solid punch to the ribs that has Kane unable to block any of the punches that The Undertaker continues to toss at him. The Undertaker grabs Kane by the head and pushes him against the rope. The Undertaker runs in, but Kane, somehow, manages to side step and The Undertaker runs into the corner, shoulder first.

Kane grabs The Undertaker again and rams him shoulder first, one more time, into the ring post. The Undertaker goes down and Kane begins stomping on the Deadman as he is down. But The Undertaker sits right up and Kane is wondering how. He just got tossed into the ring post twice and sits up. Kane kicks The Undertaker back down, but The Undertaker has none of this and gets right up. Kane begins to punch and kick his brother. The punches rock The Undertaker, backing him off a little, but by each and every punch he takes, he won’t fall down. The Undertaker hits the ropes with a punch that sent him up against the ropes and he bounces off and runs for Kane hitting him with a big boot that takes Kane off of his feet once again. The Undertaker drops down and makes the cover. One … Two, kickout. Kane sits up and The Undertaker beings to punch his brother. The Undertaker goes to whip Kane into the ropes, but Kane reverses it and sends The Undertaker into the ropes. Kane takes The Undertaker off of his feet with his own big boot and covers The Undertaker. One … Two, kickout.

The Undertaker sits right up and he and Kane go eye to eye. Kane hits another throat thrust, but The Undertaker takes it and hits own of his own. He hits another on Kane and a third and then whips Kane off of the ropes and hits another flipping lariat. The Undertaker grabs Kane and picks him up and signals for the end. He grabs Kane by the throat and goes to lift him up for a Chokeslam, but Kane elbows The Undertaker and gets out of the Chokeslam. But Kane grabs The Undertaker by the throat and lifts him up and slams him down onto the mat for a Chokeslam of his own. Kane drops down and makes the cover. One … Two … kickout. And The Undertaker sits right up. Kane is freaking out and begins kicking The Undertaker again, but The Undertaker sits right up and whips Kane off of the ropes and grabs him by the throat on the return and hits him with a Chokeslam. But The Undertaker is not finished with him just yet.

The Undertaker signals for the end and picks up Kane and lifts him upside down and with his arm he makes a thumb down point and drops Kane for the Tombstone. The Undertaker grabs the arms of Kane and folds them across his chest and then sticks out his tongue as his eyes roll into the back of his own head and all you see are The Undertaker’s white eyeballs. Referee Brian Hebner makes the count. One … Two … Three!

Winner: The Undertaker in 8:45

(76, 80, 70) * ¾

Ross: Kane is gone from the WWE for good! The Undertaker has sent his brother out of the WWE!

Callis: I can’t believe this! This is a travesty. The Undertaker should have ended his career tonight! Not Kane! The Undertaker doesn’t deserve anything he’s ever gotten.

Ross: Oh will you stop it? The Undertaker beat his brother and earned his stay here in WWE. How you cannot believe this, I’ll never know. But what I do know is that Kane is no longer with us!

The lights go black and then turn back on to a dark blue eerie color. The Undertaker is on his knee, raising his arm outright. He then stands up and gets out of the ring. He walks up the aisle way and then when he reaches the entrance, he turns around and looks as his brother Kane, is still lying on the mat in the ring. The Undertaker turns around and leaves.

Callis: And up next is my boy Lance Storm! He’ll be wrestling Val Venis, but Storm is going to out-wrestle him.

Ross: This is going to be a good wrestling match, Callis. You got that right, but Val Venis will be able to hold his own in there. He will be right up there with Lance Storm the whole way though.

Callis: Don’t kid yourself, Jimmy. Lance was stretched day in and day out at the Dungeon in Calgary. He knows every hold and counter hold there is. He WILL out wrestle Val Venis. And there is only one word that can describe how that will be. Tremendous! It will be Tremendous, Jimmy! Just watch!

Match Four – Val Venis vs. “The Canadian Superstar” Lance Storm

Lance Storm’s music, which is a rip-off of “El Phantasmo and the Chicken-Run Blast-O-Rama” by White Zombie, begins to play. Storm is out alone, as Trish is still feeling the affects of the Walls of Jericho put on her by Jericho in their match. And when Storm comes out, the Alberta crowd goes insane. They are cheering on Lance Storm. He gets into the ring and stands on the middle rope and raises his arms as the crowd is cheering for him. “Hello, Ladies!” is heard and Val Venis makes his entrance. The girls in the crowd go crazy for Val Venis. Since he is from Canadian, he also gets a good reaction from the crowd, but it is clear that these fans want to cheer on Lance Storm. Val Venis gets into the ring and removes his towel.

Lance Storm and Val Venis lock up in the center of the ring and try to grapple for the advantage. And it is Lance Storm who has a go-behind on Lance Storm. Storm steps on the calf muscle of Val Venis, pushing him down to the mat. Storm still has the hammerlock on Val Venis and then drops him to the mat. He breaks the hammerlock and has Val Venis in a facedown front chancery. He is rubbing the face of Val Venis into the mat. Lance Storm breaks the hold and stands up to a huge pop from the crowd. Val Venis gets up and goes right for Storm, but Storm grabs him by the arm and hits another go-behind. He has him in the hammerlock position and then lifts him up and drops him on the back, causing Val Venis to land on his own hand in the process. Storm makes the quick cover. Referee Billy Silverman makes the count. One … Two, kickout by Val Venis.

Lance Storm picks up Val Venis and whips him off the ropes. Lance Storm goes for leg lariat, but Val Venis manages to duck that and runs off the ropes. Lance Storm gets up and is met with a dropkick from Val Venis that takes Storm off of his feet and onto the mat. Val Venis picks up Lance Storm and whips him into the corner. Val Venis charges in with a shoulder to the midsection and then ascends the ropes and stands on the middle rope. He looks into the crowd while holding up a fist and then begins to punch the head of Lance Storm. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Nine … Ten. Ten punches to the forehead of Lance Storm and Val Venis jumps down letting Storm hit the mat face first. Val Venis rolls Lance Storm over onto his back and covers him, remembering to hook the leg in the process. One … Two … kickout by Lance Storm

Val Venis picks up Lance Storm by the head and begins punching him again and locks up with him. Val tosses the arm over his shoulder and lifts up Storm in a Vertical Suplex position. But he holds it in place. Val Venis holds Lance Storm, vertical, for twenty seconds exactly and then drops him to the mat. But Val doesn’t stop there. He still holds onto Storm and lifts him back up and drops him for another Vertical Suplex, but this time without the stalling. And then Val Venis floats over for the cover. One … Two … kickout by Lance Storm. Val Venis sits across the chest of Lance Storm and begins to punch him in the forehead. Val Venis picks up Lance Storm and whips him off the ropes. On the rebound, Val lifts up Lance Storm and drops him to the mat for a devastating spinebuster. Val Venis covers again, hooking the leg. Silverman counts. One … Two … Th, kickout. Val Venis cannot believe this. The fans are chanting Lance Storm’s name, though, and it is causing Val to getting rather pissed off.

Val Venis picks up Lance Storm and whips him off the ropes. But Storm ducks a lariat from Val Venis and runs off the opposite ropes and leaps in the air and connects with a perfectly executed leg lariat that sends both he and Val Venis down onto the mat. Billy Silverman looks around and begins to count them both down. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six, Storm begins to move … Seven, Storm covers Val Venis. One … Two … T, kickout. Lance Storm picks up Val Venis and goes to whip him into the corner, but Val Venis reverses it, sending Storm into the corner. Val Venis charges in, but Storm lifts up his legs and rolls up Val Venis. One … Two … kickout. Storm picks up Val Venis and takes him down with a dragon screw leg whip. Lance Storm grabs the right leg of Val Venis and begins kicking the calf muscle. He then grabs the leg, and pushing off of the left leg, Storm drops to the mat, separating the legs as far apart as he could go. Storm gets back and grabs the leg and drops an elbow right across the leg. Storm hooks the leg and makes the cover again. One … Two … Th, kickout.

Lance Storm cannot believe this. He picks up Val Venis and whips him off the ropes. As Val bounces off the ropes, Storm runs for him, sliding through the legs, catching the right leg as he falls through, dropping Val Venis to the mat, face first. Lance Storm pulls back on the leg! He has him in the Single Leg Boston Crab, the Straight Shooter! The crowd is making tapping motions. But Val Venis won’t tap. He is inching closer and closer to the ropes. He is trying his hardest to reach those ropes. He is still in the center of the ring, but he is moving. He is closer to the ropes now, and Storm is trying to pull him back, and keeping him in place by pulling back harder on the leg, but Val Venis crawls to the corner. Val Venis reaches for the ropes and he is so close. The fans around him are motioning him to tap out. They want Lance Storm to win this match. But Val Venis will have none of that. He reaches for those ropes. He is so close. He is just an inch away, and with that, Lance Storm sits up a little bit and drags Val Venis over the center of the ring, and really close to the ropes on the opposite side, making Val Venis not close to any ropes in reaching distance. Storm sits back and Val Venis taps out! The Canadian crowd cheers loudly as Lance Storm wins the match. Lance Storm finally breaks the hold and gets up on the second rope and raises his arms as the fans cheer him on, even though he is the heel of the match, he was portrayed as a face.

Winner: Lance Storm in 13:34

(80, 74, 86) *** ¼

Callis: Tremendous! Just listen to these fans! They love Lance Storm! And how can you not? This guy is amazing!

Ross: I give Lance Storm all the credit in the world. He is a talented individual, and he proved that tonight in front of fans of his country.

At this point, Callis is standing up, clapping for Lance Storm.

Callis: Just listen to these guys, Jimmy! They love him! Tremendous job Lance, Tremendous! Come on, Jimmy, stand up. Clap for this man. He deserves it.

Ross: Would you please sit down?

Lance Storm exits the ring as he embraces the love of his home-country fans here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

America’s Most Wanted – Coming Soon?

Thunder and Lightening is heard and on the screen the flashing images of lightening and thunder lighting up the dark sky. The sky goes black due to no lightening striking, but when it hits a shadowy image of a man with long hair is shown, facing at the camera. The screen goes black again. Lightening strikes the sky once more and another man’s face, with shorter hair, but still long, shows up on the right side.

The lightening stops and the screen goes to a white background. The sounds of footsteps are heard. They are at a distance. Lightening strikes again and the white screen appears once more. The footsteps are closer. More lightening and they get closer. Two guys dressed in black jeans and black t-shirts appear. Both noticeable big. The one on the right standing at 6’1” and the one on the left standing at 6’3.” The screen quickly cuts out the man on the right and the video editing fades him away. The one on the left also gets faded away. The lightening strikes.

A “Wanted” poster is shown. Underneath the “Wanted” logo is “America’s Most Wanted.” The two men appear on the screen. “Wildcat” appears under the man on the left and “Cowboy” appears under the man on the right. The screen fades to black. Gun shots are heard with bullets piercing through the image, each of the two bullets spell out the word “Coming Soon.”

The scene cuts to the back inside Evolution’s dressing room again.

Batista: That’s how you do it, man! I knew you had it in yourself.

Orton, still blood soaked from his match with Foley, is sitting down with Flair standing in the corner, putting on his ring robe.

Orton: I showed Mick Foley that I am better than he ever was.

Batista: I told you exactly what I needed to tell you in order for you to get your head straight. You listened, you were focused, and you pulled through. You did exactly as I knew you would do. Good job, man.

Batista and Randy Orton seem to have made up with each other as Batista passes by Orton and they slap hands.

Flair: That’s right, Dave! Now it is our time to shine tonight. Edge, RVD, Booker T, we are coming for you tonight! Evolution is riding high tonight! WOOOOOOOOO! Let’s get the Game and get this match under way! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The cameras cut back to the commentators table.

Ross: Now the match that a lot of people were looking forward to, myself included.

Callis: Speak for yourself, Jimmy. I wasn’t looking forward to this at all. Why, you might ask? Because Edge is a disgrace to Canadians everywhere. No one respects this man.

Ross: What? No one respects Edge? These people love the guy. He is a star. Who, besides you and your friends, doesn’t respect Edge?

Callis: Obviously Triple H and Evolution. Why? Because they think he is a waste of space. He is taking time away from Triple H. Triple H deserves to get another World Heavyweight Championship title shot. He shouldn’t be stuck with this waste of live, Edge, in a six man tag team match.

Ross: Give me a break. Edge is every bit of a star. He deserves to be in this match, and he got put into this match because he deserves a big match upon his return. Edge is going to be a World Champion some day, and it all stars tonight with a win over Triple H. I guarantee it, Don.

Callis: Your guarantee’s are worthless, Jimmy. No one respects your opinions, either. Triple H and Evolution are going to walk all over Edge, Booker, and RVD tonight.

[Fitzy]

Match Five – Edge, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam vs. Evolution: “The Game” Triple H and the World Tag Team Champions Batista and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

“Line In The Stand” by Motorhead begins to play and out walks the Triple H with a bottle of water in his hand. He takes a sip of it on the stage and soon he is followed by Ric Flair and Batista, the World Tag Team Champions. Batista does his bodybuilder-like pose on the stage as Ric Flair stands beside him, clapping. Triple H stands in front of them while the gold pyrotechnics display comes down behind them. Triple H, Batista, and Ric Flair head down the aisle and Batista and Ric Flair get up into the ring with Ric Flair motioning to referee Mike Chioda to hold the ropes open for him as he enters. Ric Flair goes around to the other side of the ring facing the camera and takes a sip of water and tosses the bottle into the crowd. He gets up onto the ring apron and spits it out into the crowd and then enters the ring with the rest of Evolution.

“You think you know me?” is heard and then some unfamiliar music begins to playing. No one has a clue what the song is, until the words appear in the left hand corner. It is by the band Alter Bridge, and it is called “Metalingus.” Edge comes out running through the smoke filled stage and runs from side to side on the stage hyping up his fans. He rushes down the aisle and slides into the ring. He gets up and gets on the turnbuckle and hypes up the crowd even more until “One of a Kind!” is heard and Breaking Point’s “One of a Kind” begins to play. Rob Van Dam and Booker T come out together with RVD doing his thumb pointing and Booker T looking at his hand and then the red hot fire goes off for Booker T’s pyrotechnics display. Van Dam and Booker T walk down the aisle and enter the ring where Edge is standing waiting for them.

The bell rings and referee Mike Chioda orders both sides to get out of the ring. We start off with Rob Van Dam and Ric Flair. They look up in the center of the ring and Ric Flair grabs a side headlock to start things off. Flair backs RVD up against the ropes and RVD pushes Flair off of him towards the opposite ropes. RVD bends over, but Flair doesn’t fall for that this early and kicks Van Dam in his mouth. Flair grabs RVD in another side headlock and begins punching the face of RVD. Flair picks up Van Dam and executes a quick body slam and goes for a cover. Chioda makes the count. One … Two, kickout by RVD.

Ric Flair picks up Van Dam and whips him into the corner. Flair walks up to RVD and delivers a quick chop to his chest. The crowd responds with a loud “WOOOOOOOO!” chant. Flair pushes RVD back against the corner again and hits another chop. Even more “WOOOOO!’s” from the crowd. But RVD quickly absorbs the chops and grabs Flairs head and switches positions. RVD lays in a few of his own chops and slaps, but stops and hits a swift kick to the chest of Ric Flair. He backs off a little and then runs right for Flair and hits a shoulder block right into the ribs of the Nature Boy. Flair comes out of the corner looking right at RVD with his heads up looking for a fight but quickly flops to the mat to a loud pop from the crowd. RVD grabs Flair by the hand and drags him to his corner.

Booker T slaps RVD off the back and tags himself in. RVD picks up Flair and he and Booker send him to the ropes. Upon Flair’s return, RVD and Booker T duck down and lift Flair up and over for a scary back drop where Flair lands right on his hip, as per usual. Booker makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Flair. Booker T picks up Flair again and locks up with him. He hooks Flair’s arm around his neck and drops him for a Vertical Suplex. He floats over for the cover. One … Two … kickout by Flair again. Booker T gets up and tags in Edge.

Edge comes into the ring to a very good reaction from the Canadian fans and grabs Flair. He begins to chop the shit out of Ric Flair, but Ric Flair lays in some of his own trademark chops. Edge blocks a chop from Flair, turns him around, and lifts him into the air. Edge drops Flair down across his knee for a nicely executed Atomic Drop. Edge makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Flair. Edge grabs Flair and sends him into the ropes and hits a Drop Toe Hold on him. Edge ties the legs up and then pulls back on the neck for a nice STF. Flair, however, was close to the ropes and was able to escape the move rather quickly. Edge stands up and tags in RVD for the second time.

RVD leaps into the ring and grabs Flair. He body slams him to the mat and lays in a few kicks to the body before running off the ropes and rolling around on the mat. RVD leaps into the air and comes down for a senton across the back for the Rolling Thunder. RVD turns Flair over and makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Flair. Van Dam picks up Flair again and whips him into the ropes. RVD runs into the ropes, looking for a shoulder block again, but Flair side steps, but RVD was able to put on the breaks before anything could happen. Flair did a little strut, pointing to his head like he was smart all while the fans where chanting “RVD” and doing the thumb point. But considering RVD didn’t ram his shoulder into the ring post (which Triple H and Batista were trying to tell Flair about), he does the thumb points along with them and Flair turns around slow. He quickly drops to his knees, begging for RVD to stop. RVD laughs it off, going to pick up Flair, but Flair every the dirty player, puts a thumb to the eye of RVD. Flair quickly makes the tag out to big Dave Batista.

Batista came into the ring and quickly grabbed RVD. Batista stood RVD up and delivered a solid right hand to the face, but RVD didn’t fall, as Batista quickly grabbed him and tossed him, two hands around the throat, into the corner. RVD grabbed the middle ropes and rammed his shoulder right into the midsection of RVD. He did this two more times and then grabbed the head of RVD and pushed him to the mat. Batista grabbed the left leg of RVD and began kicking at the thigh muscle. He kept yanking at it, trying to dislocate something it seemed. Batista grabbed the left leg again, and fell to the mat, dropping an elbow into the inner left thigh of RVD. He stood up, still holding onto the leg, and dropped another elbow. This time, he remained on the mat, yanking at the left leg, trying to stretch it. Batista broke the hold on his own and stood up. This seemed like it was a mistake, as RVD, with his own good leg, his right leg, tried to hit a mule kick or something, but as he went for the kick, Batista ducked out of the way, and then just turned the leg around, causing RVD to do a rotation and then dropped the leg to the mat. Batista stomped on it for good measure. Big Dave tagged out to Triple H.

“The Game” came into the ring, looking as cocky as ever, and pulled RVD up. He had him by the left leg, reaching down and grabbing a hold of the neck and pulling up. RVD, hopping around on his right leg, tried to do punching towards Triple H, but nothing came of that. Triple H pushed him backwards, and then dropped an elbow to the leg like Batista did earlier. Triple H grabbed the right leg and wrapped his own leg around it, for a spinning toe hold, however, he added his own twist to that, as he grabbed the injured left leg, locking it around the right leg, and with his own free leg he pressed his foot against the left knee. He kept kicking at it, causing RVD to writhe in pain. RVD tried to use his hands to punch his way out of it, but Triple H would just push him backwards. Mike Chioda was checking on RVD to see if he wanted to give up, and this allowed Triple H to use Flair to help add some extra pressure. They broke it and Flair walked back to his corner as if nothing happened. Chioda warned them. He went back to check on Van Dam and Flair moved back towards Triple H and grabbed his hands, pulling back on it. RVD was screaming in pain. Chioda checked again, Flair moved away. Chioda checked back on RVD and Flair tried this once again. He grabbed Triple H’s hand and Chioda finally caught this and kicked the arms away and forced Triple H to break the hold. RVD quickly grabbed at his left leg in obvious pain. Triple H tagged the Animal, Dave Batista back into the match.

Batista came in and grabbed Van Dam. He whipped him into the corner. RVD obviously forgot to sell the injured leg and he seemed to run into the corner with no problem. Batista ran into the corner and RVD leaped up and rolled Batista up. One … Two, kickout. Batista, looking rather embarrassed that an injured RVD could even do this, grabbed RVD and locked him in a big bear hug. He squeezed hard and then dropped him, throat first, across the top rope. Batista tagged Flair back into the ring.

Ric Flair grabbed RVD and taunted him by hopping around on one foot. Flair whipped RVD into Evolution’s corner (again, RVD had no trouble running there. Ugh.) and began to chop him. He gave RVD three chops to the chest and quickly grabbed Chioda and began taunting Edge and Booker T. They couldn’t get in because Chioda wouldn’t allow it. While this went on, Batista and Triple H where hitting forearms on the chest of RVD and choking him with the tag rope. They stopped just as Mike Chioda turned around. Flair grabbed Van Dam and tossed him to the mat. He yelled out a little “WOOOO!” and applied his patented Figure Four Leg Lock. RVD looked hurt and Chioda wanted to see if he would tap out. Flair made the little mistake of not doing this closer to his corner so he couldn’t reach Triple H to add that extra pressure. RVD said he wouldn’t give up and Edge and Booker got the fans to clap for RVD. This was the motivation RVD needed and he was able to turn Flair over, to escape pain on himself, and transfer it to Flair. Flair quickly rolled to the ropes himself to break the hold. One … Two … Three … Four … Five, Flair began to move first … Six … Seven, he tagged in Triple H. Chioda stopped the count as Triple H grabbed RVD’s leg to keep him from his own corner, but RVD hit his twisting kick, causing Triple H to fall to the mat. RVD dove to his corner and tagged in Edge to a thunderous roar from the crowd.

He pointed at Triple H and grabbed him. He whipped him into the ropes and hit a back body drop. Ric Flair came running in. Edge ducked a lariat attempt and grabbed Flair from behind and hit the Edge-O-Matic. Flair came up from behind Edge and kicked him in the back. This caused a loud boo from the crowd, but Triple H couldn’t have cared less. He grabbed Edge and pulled him up by his hair. He turned Edge around and went to slap him, but Edge blocked it and chopped Triple H’s chest. He ducked a punch from Triple H. Triple H turned around and Edge kicked him and grabbed him for a DDT position and hit his elevated DDT, the Impalar. Edge made the cover. One … Two … Th, no! Batista made the save. Batista dragged Triple H to Evolutions corner. He got out and tagged himself in.

Batista got into the ring and grabbed Edge. He whipped him off the ropes and hit his devastating Spinebuster. Batista made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Edge. Batista picked up Edge and whipped him into the ropes. Edge ducked a lariat attempt by Batista and ran off the opposite ropes with a dropkick to the knees of Batista. Batista dropped down right on his knees and Edge dropkicked him again, sending him completely on his back. Edge got to his corner and made the tag to Booker T.

Booker came in and began kicking Batista while he was down. Ric Flair came running in, again, and Booker T bent over, lifting up Flair up and over his head for a back body drop. Flair came crashing down upon his hip again. Booker T went over to the corner and climbed to the top rope. He sat, perched, on the top rope waiting for Batista to get up. As he did, he dove off hitting his Missile Dropkick. Booker made the cover. One … Two … T, kickout!

Batista waited for it. He wanted to hit the Ax Kick. Batista was slowly getting up, and as he was bent over, Batista looked for the Ax Kick. Batista managed to avoid it, backing off. Booker landed on his feet. Batista ran at him, but Booker side stepped him, and was able to grab him in time to toss him right into the ring post. Batista stumbled backwards and Booker T grabbed him, Book End! One … Two … Th, no! Triple H made the save. This caused Edge to come running into the ring and he nailed Triple H with the spear to a loud pop from the crowd. Flair got back into the ring and was standing behind Edge. Edge went to turn around and when he did, Flair hit the thumb to the eyes on him. This brought in RVD who ran at Flair. He obviously, again, was no selling his left knee injury and dove for Flair, taking him down. He began to punch him. RVD picked up Flair and tossed him out of the ring while Edge tossed Triple H out. Booker T was up first, with Batista slowly getting to his feet, Ax Kick from Booker T! He went for the cover, but Edge grabbed him and pointed to RVD to go up top. The crowd popped huge. RVD looked around and leaped to the top rope and dove off with the Five Star Frog Splash, clutching at his ribs as he connected and bounced off.

Edge pointed for Booker T to make the cover, which he did. Triple H was getting up and got onto the apron but Edge speared him off to a huge pop. Mike Chioda dove over to make the count where Booker was pinning Batista. One … Two … Three! The crowd popped huge for Booker T pinning Batista.

Winners: Booker T, Edge, and Rob Van Dam in 24:08

82, 85, 79 ** ¾

Ric Flair got up on the apron, shouting at the winning team. He was complaining about the loss. Edge decked him with a right hand causing Flair to fall onto his back on the ring apron and roll off. “Metalingus” by Alter Bridge began to play as Edge, RVD, and Booker T all shook hands in the middle of the ring. They celebrated in the ring while Triple H slowly got to his feet. He helped Flair up and they dragged Batista out of the ring and headed to the back. RVD and Booker pointed at Flair and Batista, and made motion of titles around their waist. It looks like they want a rematch for the World Tag Team Championship.

The scene cuts to the back where we are in Eric Bischoff’s skybox over looking the event. This is our first visit to Bischoff’s room for the entire night and he is joined by Johnny Nitro.

Eric Bischoff: What a great night of action we have had tonight.

Johnny Nitro: EB, it was awesome. We still have Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels, but who cares about those two? I mean, if it doesn’t have Johnny Nitro involved, it isn’t worth watching. Am I right?

Bischoff: Yeah, sure.

Nitro: Aw, come on EB. I was only kidding. Sure, Benoit and Michaels is going to be a good match, but I couldn’t care less. I already saw Lance Storm beat that piece of crap Val Venis. It sucks that Christian couldn’t beat Chris Jericho and get revenge for me, though.

Bischoff: I doubt he was out for revenge on you. I mean, his girl, Trish, got put in the Walls of Jericho a few weeks back. That is who he was out fighting for.

Nitro: [Fumbles on things to say] Uh … forget it. It’s not important. What is important is that RVD, Edge, and Booker T need to pay for beating Evolution. Evolution was unfairly beat.

Bischoff: You know what? I think I have the perfect match for tomorrow night on Raw. Look at this: The World Tag Team Championship will be on the line. Batista and Ric Flair will defend against Booker T and Rob Van Dam.

Nitro: EB, you’ve outdone yourself. That’s an awesome match. Batista and Ric Flair will destroy those pieces of crap RVD and Booker T. RVD and Booker T wish they were half as cool as me and half as good looking as me.

Nitro is shown checking himself out in the wall mirror off to his right. He goes from looking in a silver fruit platter earlier in the evening to finally looking into a real mirror this time.

Bischoff: As for Edge, though, I am not too sure right now. I will have a match for him by tomorrow night … [EB turns his attention to Johnny Nitro.] … would you cut that out?

Johnny Nitro turns his attention away from himself and looks at Eric Bischoff.

Nitro: EB, I got a match for Raw for you to make. It’s huge. It’s the winner of the World Heavyweight Championship match against … me. Johnny Nitro~! Who doesn’t want to see that awesome match?

Bischoff: You’ve got to be kidding me, right? Johnny, I like you and all, you’re a great apprentice, but what’s up with you, man?

Nitro: You know you want to see it, EB. Johnny Nitro equals ratings, baby~! Just imaging, me, Johnny Nitro, the World Heavyweight Champion. It would be awesome. It would be a ratings hit!

Bischoff just shakes his head as we head back to the ring for the Women’s Championship match.

Ross: Johnny Nitro is so delusional. Does he actually believe in his mind that he truly would be a great champion? But forget him,can you believe that match that Eric Bischoff just made? Batista and Ric Flair defend the World Tag Team Championship against Booker T and Rob Van Dam. What an awesome match!

Callis: I, for one, would love to see Johnny Nitro be champion. He’d be better than Chris Benoit or Shawn Michaels, that’s for sure. I hate Chris Benoit. He leaves Canada for Atlanta, and expects us Canadians to welcome him back with open arms? And as for RVD and Booker T against Evolution, wow do those two jackasses deserve a title shot? They are wasting everyone’s time. They don’t deserve it.

Ross: Were you even watching the match we were calling? Booker T pinned one half of the World Tag Team Champions in Batista. He and RVD, being the tag team that they are, most certainly deserve a title shot now. EB did the right thing in signing this match. End of discussion. And as for your Benoit comment, you actually think his hometown fans will turn their backs on him? Who are you kidding? Just wait until he comes out. In fact, we already heard them earlier when Coach interviewed them. They are going to be really into him. You’re just as delusional as Johnny Nitro if you actually believe what you said. Let’s send it to the ring for Lillian Garcia to make the introductions for our next match.

Match Six – WWE Women’s Championship Match – WWE Women’s Champion Victoria vs. Molly Holly

Molly Holly’s theme music begins to play and she comes out looking more than ready as she will ever be. She completely left off the wig this, showing off her hair that is growing back, but still looking rather odd without long hair. She looks determined to recapture the WWE Women’s Championship tonight. She walks up the steps and enters through the middle and bottom rope. She pulls down the top rope to stretch a little and then stretches out her arms and shoulders while waiting for her opponent.

“I think I’ve lost my mind” is heard and soon enough “All The Things She Said” by TATU begins to play and out walks the WWE Women’s Champion, Victoria, to a decent enough reaction from the crowd. She stops at the top of the entrance, raising her arms in the air and then walks down the ring. She points to several people in the crowd, smiling and slapping young fans hands as she finally reaches the end of the entrance way. She walks up the steps and hops over the top rope and gets into the ring. She stands in the middle of the ring, facing the camera and takes off the belt, raising it in the air.

This proved to be a mistake, however, as Molly Holly attacked her and referee Mike Sparks calls for the bell. Victoria falls to the mat and Molly delivers quick double ax handles to the back of the fallen Women’s Champion. Molly drops to the mat and quickly applies a front facelock to the champion. She begins to yell at Victoria, “The Women’s title belongs to me!” Okay, whatever. She still has the front facelock on Victoria and eventually lets go even if Victoria didn’t grab the ropes to break the hold. Molly picked up Victoria and whipped her into the corner. Molly ran in, but Victoria moved out of the way. Molly was smart enough to stop herself, but as she turns around she is met with a quick chop to the chest. Victoria chops the chest two more times and then grabs the right arm of Molly and whips her to the ropes. Molly ducks the lariat attempt and stops in her tracks. She turns around and grabs the right arm of Victoria and tries for an arm drag, but Victoria blocks it and executes a hip toss, taking Molly to the mat.

Victoria holds the left arm of Molly Holly, wrapping it around her neck and pulling Molly’s neck towards herself. Molly, however, was close to the ropes and managed to get her right foot up on the bottom rope. Referee Mike Sparks stepped in and forced Victoria to break the submission hold. Victoria grabbed Molly and pulled her whip, whipping her into the ropes. Molly slide to the mat, right through Victoria’s legs, and grabbed her left leg upon completion of the slide through the legs. This brought Victoria down. Molly tried locking the legs in place for an STF, but Victoria crawled quickly to the ropes to keep the submission from being executed. Molly walked over to Victoria and began stomping on the neck of Victoria. She dropped down, rather quickly, with a series of double ax handles to the neck region. Molly got up and hit two swift, nicely executed elbow drops, too, to the back this time. Molly rolled Victoria over and made the cover, hooking the leg. One … Two … kickout by Victoria.

Molly Holly got up, a little frustrated, and picked up Victoria with her. She whipped Victoria into the corner and ran in with a shoulder block. Molly backed away from the corner, going all the way directly to the opposite corner and proceeded to run towards Victoria, doing a handspring followed by a back flip and a missed elbow as Victoria had plenty of time to move out of the corner. Molly landed right against the turnbuckle pads. Victoria moved in and kicked her right in the mid section. Molly clutched at her ribs, bending over in the process. Victoria took this time to grab the neck of Molly and hook the arm and executed a snap Suplex. Victoria floated over for the cover. One … Two … kickout by Molly. Victoria stands up and picks up Molly. She gives Molly several forearms to the face and then takes her down with an arm drag. Victoria stands up, bends over, shaking her ass for some odd reason while raising her hands from her toes to her head and then executes a moonsault. She remains on top of Molly for the pin. One … Two … kickout by Molly.

Victoria is looking upset now. She can’t seem to finish off Molly. She picks up Molly and swings her around to her back. She has her set for her swinging seated sidewalk slam type move, but as she goes to swing Molly, Molly continues her rotations and manages to apply a head scissors and takes Victoria down. Molly grabs Victoria by the neck again and applies her front facelock to Victoria. Victoria, however, with her long legs, was able to grab the bottom rope as she was pretty close to them in the first place. Molly broke the hold, but not for long as she grabbed Victoria and pulled her away from the ropes. She was in the center of the ring. Molly dropped down and made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Victoria.

Molly got up, arguing with Mike Sparks about it being three when it was clearly two. It wasn’t even two and a half. Victoria grabbed Molly by the leg and rolled her up, but Molly kicked out before two. Molly, a little embarrassed, began kicking the neck again. She grabbed the left over the right leg and then laid over the back of Victoria, adding pressure to the right leg that is now being bent over the left leg towards her ass. She grabbed the head of Victoria and yanks back on it. Victoria was seen trying to fit the pain from having her neck worked over by Molly, and was seen fighting desperately to grab the ropes, but Molly was able to place Victoria directly in the center of the ring to avoid having to have to break the submission hold.

Referee Mike Sparks dropped to the mat, asking Victoria if she wanted to quit. Victoria didn’t, but Sparks kept looking over at the time keeper, telling him not to ring the bell yet. Victoria tried clawing at the mat to inch closer and closer, but she was just too far away. She grabs hold of her hair, in frustration and in pain, and tries one last time to reach for those ropes. Some ring side fans where showing making tapping motions with their hands, obviously Molly Holly fans, while a lot in the audience wanted to see Victoria reach for those ropes. She tried again, but she couldn’t even come close. Sparks got real close to her, asking her again if she wanted to quit. Victoria slammed her hand hard on the mat repeatedly to single she was tapping out. Mike Sparks called for the bell and Molly Holly broke the hold.

Winner and new WWE Women’s Champion: Molly Holly in 11:21

79, 80, 76 ** ½

Mike Sparks took the title from the time keeper and Molly quickly grabbed it away from Sparks. She took it over to Victoria and shoved it in her face, telling her she got what rightfully belonged to her (Molly). Molly went over to the ropes and stood on the bottom rope, raising the title belt in the air. She got down, dropped the belt to the mat, and rolled out through the bottom rope and picked up her belt. She draped it over her right shoulder and looked smug as she walked by fans booing her. She told them to “shut up” and made a motion like she was going to slap them. As she got to the stage she raised the belt one last time and then made and exit.

Callis: Yes! Molly beat that crazy Victoria. I am glad Molly won. She deserves it. She got humiliated at WrestleMania, but she got her revenge tonight.

Ross: Molly sure did get the best of Victoria tonight. She did everything in her power in order to regain that title for the third time.

Callis: Now it is time for both Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit to beat the hell out of each other. I don’t care who wins this match. As long as someone is hurt, badly, I’ll be one happy Canadian.

Ross: What is wrong with you? Wishing someone to get injured tonight? I can’t believe you just said that. Despite Callis’ feelings, this is going to be a helluva wrestling match. Folks, you’re in for a classic tonight!

Match Seven – Main Event – World Heavyweight Championship Match – World Heavyweight Champion “The Crippler” Chris Benoit vs. “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels

The “You Screwed Bret” signs were shown all throughout the night, but finally, they were able to chant it and let it all out as Earl Hebner was standing in the middle of the ring. Why does WWE still book Earl Hebner for Canadian events anyway? This is bound to happen each and every time he appears in Canada. As he soaks in the major heat he is getting, “Oh, oh, Shawn” is heard and the crowd immediately stops chanting “You Screwed Bret” to booing the hell out of Shawn Michaels. As “Sexy Boy” by Jim Johnston continues to play, Shawn Michaels kneels down on the entrance way and does his praising thing as the fireworks display in the background goes off. Michaels pops right back up and taking the heel heat like he normal does, acting all cocky and arrogant as usual. Some notable “asshole” chants are directed at HBK and he smiles and points to the section that yelled it out and says “you’re damn right I am.” Michaels gets into the ring and poses again Michaels gets on the middle rope, raising his arm only to draw in more heat from the crowd. He flips them off with the middle finger and jumps off the ropes.

“Whatever” by Our Lady Piece begins to play and the entire arena erupts in a massive pop for the World Heavyweight Champion.

Ross: Listen to this reaction, Callis! It’s unbelievable. I told you these fans will never turn their backs on their hometown hero!

Chris Benoit comes out and un-straps the belt from around his waist. He raises it high into the air as he walks towards the right hand side (Benoit’s left, the TV screens right side) of the entrance way. He shows it off to those fans and then walks back towards the left hand side (Benoit’s right, the TV screens left side) and shows it off over there. Benoit drapes it over his left hand shoulder and walks down the aisle. Benoit looks right at Shawn Michaels as he walks down the aisle and gets into the ring. He walks right by Shawn Michaels, staring him down, only to stand right up on the middle rope and raise the World Heavyweight Championship high into the air again. He jumps off, looking at Michaels again and goes to the other corner. He raises it again and goes to the final two corners, raising the title belt each time to huge reactions from the crowd. Chris Benoit hands the World Heavyweight Championship to Earl Hebner. Hebner takes the belt, folds it up, and shows it off to Shawn Michaels. Michaels quickly steals the belt and raises it high into the air and receives a huge “BOOOOOOO!” from the crowd for that. Michaels just laughs it off. Hebner takes it back and begins to speak.

Earl Hebner: Okay guys, this is it. This is the main event. It is one fall with a sixty minute time limit. It is for the World Heavyweight Championship. I want a good match. I want you both to keep it clean, and I want to see a clear cut winner and a loser. Obey my rules at all times. You understand? [Michaels and Benoit both nod their heads.] Okay, shake hands and let the best man win.

They don’t really shake hands, but rather slap each others hand and Earl Hebner calls for the bell.

Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels meet in the center of the ring and get real close to reach other. Michaels looks eye-to-eye at Benoit and they talk trash to each other. Michaels pushes Benoit backwards and Benoit gets right back into his face. Michaels tries to pie face Benoit, but Benoit grabs his arm and tries to pull him down for the Crippler Crossface, but Michaels doesn’t allow this to happen. Before Michaels can even be brought to his knees he breaks loose of the grip that the Rabid Wolverine has on him.

Benoit and Michaels lock up and they circle the ring. Michaels backs Benoit against the corner, but still holds the collar and elbow tieup in place. Benoit reverses his position so now Michaels is against the corner. They continue to trade positions, causing them to roll against the ropes and end up in the corner directly adjacent to them. Michaels, who is against the corner, pushes forwards, forcing Benoit to the middle of the ring, but Benoit won’t break the tieup and continues to circle with Michaels and backs him against the ropes. However, they both follow to the outside but continue to hold the grip. Benoit and Michaels get up and Benoit pushes Michaels up against the barricade. They roll up against the barricade, neither man allowing the other to gain the advantage. One … They are away from the barricade, but are now in the aisle way, Two … Michaels and Benoit fight to the ground, rolling around while still in the tieup, Three … Four … Five … Six … Benoit and Michaels are both up and continue to remain in the collar and elbow tieup as Earl Hebner reaches Seven … Eight … Nine … Benoit and Michaels quickly realize what is happening and break the hold and rush into the ring, and successfully re-enter the ring just before Ten.

Benoit and Michaels stand up and get in each others faces again, and Benoit quickly goes behind Michaels and tries for the German Suplex. He has him in the waist lock but as he attempts to lift Michaels up, Michaels is able to lock his left leg behind Benoit’s left leg to keep him from behind able to lift him up. Benoit, frustrated, breaks the waist lock and begins to hit several forearms to the back/shoulder region of the Heartbreak Kid. Benoit again attempts the waist lock, but this time, Michaels uses his hands to pull Benoit’s hands away from his stomach and reverses the position. Michaels has Benoit in a waist lock and Michaels attempts to lift Benoit. He manages to do so, but Benoit was able to roll through the legs and land on top of Michaels for a pinning combination. One … Two … kickout by Michaels. That near fall earned Benoit a huge reaction from the crowd.

Benoit picks up Michaels and takes him down with a Snap Suplex. Benoit drops to the mat, grabbing hold of the neck and applies pressure to the neck. He bends it towards the left, but Michaels is able to reach behind with his right hand and pull Benoit’s legs from underneath him. Michaels continues to hold onto the right leg and wraps it around his body, elbowing at the thigh in the process. Benoit, with his free left foot, begins kicking at the neck of Shawn Michaels. Michaels breaks the hold, only to click leap over to the head of Benoit and applies a head scissors to Benoit. The Crippler tries to punch Michaels, but Michaels just clamps down on the neck for more pressure. Benoit, however, manages to roll onto his stomach and elevates himself with his legs so he is still trapped, but is trying to escape now. Michaels allows Benoit to flip upwards, making Benoit in a position that he would be in if he just got piledriven into the mat, and Michaels does just that, lifting himself up just enough to be able to drop right back down causing Benoit to fall right on his neck. Benoit tries it again, and Michaels just sits up and drops back down again. But Benoit gives it one last try and this time manages to free himself and quickly stands up.

Michaels quickly follows Benoit up, but Benoit is now feeling the effects of this and rubs his neck in some obvious pain. Benoit and Michaels lock up and Michaels grabs Benoit in a side headlock. Michaels backs Benoit into the ropes only to have Benoit push Michaels off the ropes and into the opposite direction. Michaels bounces off the ropes and leads over the fallen Benoit. Benoit stands back up and Michaels returns off the opposite rope again and is met with a dropkick from the Rabid Wolverine. Chris Benoit grabs both legs of Shawn Michaels and a gigantic cheer erupts from the Edmonton crowd as they know exactly what is coming next. But, sadly, they don’t get to see the Sharpshooter as Michaels quickly squirms his way to the bottom rope nearby to stop Benoit from doing the move. This, of course, is met with a huge boo from the crowd.

Benoit grabs Michaels’ legs and tries yanking him off the ropes. Michaels has a firm grip of the bottom rope and it takes Benoit a lot of strength to finally force Michaels off of the ropes and lifts him into the air and causes Michaels to drop, hard, to the mat. Chris Benoit drops down and makes another cover on Michaels. Earl Hebner makes the count. One … Two … kickout again by HBK.

Michaels gets up to his feet and quickly punches Chris in the head. Shawn grabs Benoit and whips him into the ropes. Michaels runs in and squashes Benoit against the corner. Michaels backs off a little and then lifts up his right hand and delivers a hard-hitting knife edge chop to the chest of the World Heavyweight Champion. Benoit takes the chop with out any wincing. Michaels lays in another stiff chop to the chest of Benoit. But that proved to be a mistake as it lit up Benoit and Benoit quickly grabbed Michaels by the head and reverses the position. Benoit lets Michaels have a stiff knife edge chop the chest. And another one follows that that brings Michaels’ chest to a bright red coloring. Benoit gabs Michaels by the left arm and whips him into the opposite corner and Michaels runs in, flipping up back first, feet in the air and then follows back down and when he turns around he is met with a fierce double forearm to the throat by Benoit that causes him to follow right to the mat. Benoit makes the cover again. One … Two … loud pop comes from the crowd, but no, kickout by Michaels.

Benoit drags Michaels away from the ropes and into the center of the ring. He turns Michaels onto his stomach and then grabs Michaels’ left leg and lifts it into the air and then drops it, violently to the mat, causing the left knee to connect hard with the mat. Benoit picks up the left leg again and drops it, hard, to the mat for the second time. Benoit runs off the ropes, and runs off the opposite ropes that he bounces off and delivers a swift basement dropkick to the head of Michaels, knocking Michaels out if he already wasn’t. This bought Benoit even more time now to do some serious damage to the leg. Benoit turned Michaels around to his back again and then grabbed the left leg again and began to do some damage to it by kicking the knee. Benoit did a few kicks right to the back of the left leg and then dropped the leg and stomped right on the knee cap of Michaels. Benoit made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Michaels again.

Benoit picks up Michaels and Michaels begins hopping around on one leg as Benoit grabs the left leg. Michaels began swing with his hands to try and gain the advantage in this situation, but that didn’t help matters. Michaels then thought about leaping into the air and trying for an Enzugiri, but Benoit ducked it, and the rotation continued until he was face first onto the mat. Benoit, still holding onto the left leg, dropped it hard into the mat again. Benoit sat on the back of Shawn Michaels, pulling back on the left leg for a half Boston Crab. Earl Hebner slide to the mat, facing Michaels, asking if he wanted to submit. Michaels yelled “NO!” to Hebner, but was in some obvious pain. He began digging into the mat to try and reach those ropes, but it didn’t help matters. He was inching close, but the damage was already being doing, badly. Michaels, however, managed to crawl just enough to reach the bottom rope and Earl Hebner forced the break. Tons of heel heat for Michaels to not submitting.

Chris Benoit kicked Shawn in the leg again and Michaels tried grabbing his leg to hold it, but Benoit kicked Michaels back down to the mat with a swift kick to the chest. Benoit placed Michaels’ left leg on the bottom rope and stood across it, one leg on either side of it, and leaped into the air and came crashing down on it as a sign of respect to his friend, Bret Hart, who would always do that move en route to the Sharpshooter. Benoit pulled Michaels away from the ropes and went for another cover on Michaels. One … Two … T, kickout by HBK.

Benoit picked up Michaels and whipped him to the ropes. Michaels ran off the ropes and came back with a flying forearm to Benoit, taking Benoit down. The crowd booed this as Michaels was able to gain some time now to gain momentum. Michaels tried kipping up to his knees, but his left leg gave way and he was back on his back once more, clutching at his left leg. Benoit gets up and goes to pick up Michaels but Michaels rolls him up! One … Two … kickout by Chris Benoit!

The crowd cheers as Benoit was able to kick out of the small package. Michaels stands up and he and Benoit trade punches to the head. Benoit tries sending Michaels for an Irish whip, but Michaels ends up reversing it and sends Benoit running the ropes. Michaels drops to the mat and Benoit leaps over him. He pops right back up and when Benoit turns around, Michaels takes him down with an arm drag. Michaels grabs Benoit by the arm and has him in a key lock position, but doesn’t hold that long and goes right back to working the neck. Michaels begins to hit several forearms to the back of the neck of Benoit and then applies a headlock to him. Benoit, however, manages to stand up, but Michaels still has the headlock in. He seems to be losing the grip on Benoit, and this allows Michaels to drop back down with a neckbreaker. The crowd lets Michaels have it with tons of boos from Benoit’s hometown crowd. Michaels picks up Benoit and again whips him into the ropes. This time, he doesn’t drop to the mat and instead bends over, lifting Benoit up and over for a backdrop. HBK pulls Benoit up and whips him into the ropes. Shawn delivers several chops to the chest of the Crippler and then scales to the middle rope and raises a fist in the air. He gets booed as he begins punching Benoit. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Benoit grabs Michaels before he can hit nine to a huge pop from the crowd, but before Benoit can hit the inverse Atomic Drop, Michaels is able to back off just in time when Benoit dropped to his knee and runs at Benoit with a knee to the head. Michaels lands on top of Benoit when that knee was hit and makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Benoit.

Michaels kips up to his feet to tons of heel heat from the crowd and points to the top rope. He exits the ring, taking his sweet old time, and climbs the top rope As he is sit, perched on the top rope, he thinks for moment and decides to go to the middle rope instead. So he sits down on the top rope and places his feet on the middle ropes. He leads off, driving an elbow right into the forehead of Michaels to insane heel heat. This was an obvious disrespectful sign to Bret Hart as that was a favorite move of the Hitman. Michaels laughed it off and made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Benoit.

Michaels picks up Chris Benoit and tries for a German Suplex. But Benoit is able to reverse it to a huge pop from the crowd. But this doesn’t last for too long as Michaels reverse it and locks in the German Suplex and executes it, a high angle German Suplex at that. Michaels, however, didn’t go for the rolling Germans, but got heat from the crowd from stealing a Benoit move nevertheless. Shawn picks up Benoit again and whips him into the ropes and catches him on the return in a sleeper hold. Michaels tightens the grip, causing Benoit to fall to the mat. Michaels soon follows, kneeling down as Benoit is in a seated position. Soon, Benoit completely falls to the mat, Michaels lying neck to him with the move tightly locked in on the head. Earl Hebner slides into the place, checking on the hold to see if it is not a choke. It isn’t, so Benoit gets his arm raised once. It falls. “ONE!” yells Hebner as the crowd boos that. Hebner raises the arm for the second time. It falls. “TWO!” yells Hebner. Hebner raises it for the third time and it doesn’t fall and it is met with a huge pop from the crowd as Benoit begins fighting out of the hold. They both are in a standing position and Benoit begins to elbow Michaels to force himself out of it. Benoit frees himself, but Michaels pulls back on his neck to the mat in an Edge-O-Matic type move. Michaels makes the pin. One … Two … Th, kickout by Benoit!

Shawn Michaels looks pissed and grabs Benoit and lifts him up. Michaels runs off the ropes, as Benoit stands in the ring and comes back with a flying forearm. He kips back up to his feet and goes over to the corner. He climbs to the top rope, perched again, but this time jumps off for the Elbow Drop. NO! Benoit rolls out of the way and Shawn Michaels doesn’t hit the elbow! The crowd pops, but both men are down. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six, Benoit begins to move first … Seven … Benoit is on his knees … Eight … and Benoit is completely up and Michaels kips up to tremendous heel heat for that. Benoit and Michaels begin to slug it out with Benoit winning and has Michaels in a waist lock. Michaels cannot stop this move this time and he executes a perfect German Suplex. Michaels tries to fit it, but he can’t and Benoit rolls, hitting a second German Suplex. Michaels tries reaching for the ropes to keep him from going for a third, but even with him almost near one, he cannot reach them and Benoit hits the third consecutive German Suplex to a huge ovation from the crowd. Benoit makes the cover. One … Two … Thr, kickout by HBK!

Chris Benoit grabs both legs of Shawn Michaels and tries for the Sharpshooter again, but Michaels, once again, reaches the ropes to avoid the submission hold. Michaels kicks Benoit backwards and Benoit falls to the mat. Michaels gets to his feet and he is standing in the corner. He begins to tap his foot against the mat. He does it more, and more and is “tuning up the band” for some Sweet Chin Music to boos from the crowd, and when Benoit gets back up, he lunges forward to try for the Superkick, but Benoit ducks it, causing Michaels’ leg to land around the shoulder of Benoit and Benoit dumps him to the mat in an Electric Chair position.

Chris Benoit stands back up and goes to the legs of Shawn Michaels. He tries to step through to lock in the hold for the Sharpshooter, but Michaels is fitting it. Benoit drops the legs and begins kicking at the left arm of Shawn Michaels. He stomps on it, hard, and Michaels grabs it with his right arm, rubbing at it. Benoit goes back to the legs and lifts them up, and finally locks in the Sharpshooter to a tremendous reaction from the crowd.

Michaels is close to the ropes and only needs to move a couple inches more to escape the hold, but Benoit is too smart for that and stands up, holding the legs in place and walks to the center. He sits back down on Shawn Michaels’ back. Michaels is asked by Earl Hebner if he wants to submit, but Michaels doesn’t. He tries to move, and manages to move somewhat, but not nearly enough that he needs to. He keeps crawling for those ropes. Earl Hebner again asks HBK if he wants to give up. Michaels screams at Earl Hebner that he doesn’t want to tap out. He won’t tap out he says to the Senior Official. Michaels began digging into the mat again to get near those ropes. He is almost there. He reaches for those ropes, he almost has it, but Benoit stands up, once again, and moves back towards the center of the ring to another huge pop from the crowd.

Michaels tries to fight it, but he really can’t. Earl Hebner again asks if he wants to tap out. Michaels looks like he is ready to tap out, but he doesn’t. He tells Hebner no. He fights the pain, but that isn’t going to help him in this case. Benoit keeps the legs tightly locked in place and then stands up and sits further back on the back of Shawn Michaels, pulling harder on the legs. Michaels screams in pain, and Hebner asks if he wants to tap out. Michaels looks into Hebner’s eyes and doesn’t say anything but sure enough, Shawn Michaels begins to loudly tap the ring and the place erupts with a thunderous pop from the crowd.

Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Benoit in 35:13

92, 94, 89 ****

Ross: Chris Benoit just made Shawn Michaels tap to the Sharpshooter! Listen to these fans cheer him on! Benoit just proved tonight that he is indeed for real!

Chris Benoit breaks the hold and Earl Hebner hands Benoit the World Heavyweight Championship. Benoit drops to his knees, clutching the World Heavyweight Championship in his grips. He is crying, like he did at WrestleMania XX. Crying tears of joy for retaining the title in a long, hard fought battle against one of his toughest opponents ever in Shawn Michaels. Benoit stands up and raises the World Heavyweight Championship high into the air. He stands on the middle rope and raises the belt with his left hand and pounds his chest with his right and then raises both his fist and title in the air to a huge standing ovation from the crowd. But that quickly turns to a ton of boos as Shawn Michaels quickly grabs the World Heavyweight Championship out of the hands of Chris Benoit.

Callis: I always liked that Shawn Michaels. I knew he was good for something. Tramendous! Hit him with it, Shawn! Do it! You know you want to!

Ross: What has gotten into Shawn Michaels? This man just put up a helluva fight and nearly walked out as World Heavyweight Champion for the second time! What could make him do this!

Chris Benoit drops to the mat and looks right at Shawn Michaels who is staring into the World Heavyweight Championship that he really wanted back as his own. Michaels looks at Chris Benoit and then back at the title. The crowd is chanting “asshole” at Shawn Michaels. Michaels walks up to Benoit and places it on his shoulder and sticks his hand out for a shake, but pulls Benoit closer to him.

Callis: What a piece of garbage Michaels is! I knew I hated him for a reason! He is too afraid to do the right thing. He should have put Chris Benoit in his place. I don’t respect Benoit. He may have been from Canada, but he turned his back on us and moved to Atlanta! Both of these two are trash to me.

Ross: Would you listen to yourself speak? Benoit turned his back on the Canadian fans? He will always be from Edmonton. This is his home. There is nothing that you can say to change that.

Callis: Michaels lost every bit of respect I might have just gave the guy following that past couple of moments. What a piece of trash he is! I hate him and he deserves these people’s boos!

This Canadian crowd just will not accept that as a sincere congratulations and still chants “asshole” towards the Heartbreak Kid. Michaels says “I will one day take that title from you. That you can bet on.” Michaels breaks the grip and walks out of the ring to a ton of heel heat. But Benoit raises the belt into the air again to get a huge ovation from the crowd. He faces each side of the crowd, raising the belt with one hand and pounding his chest with the other.

Ross: Thanks for joining us tonight, folks to witness a solid card from top to bottom. Don’t forget to tune into Raw tomorrow night at nine/eight central on Spike TV or for you fans here in Canada, TSN, for the fall out of Backlash! For Don Callis, I am Jim Ross! Good night from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

Benoit continues to celebrate with his hometown fans as the show fades to black and the WWE logo shows up and fades out again.

---------------------------

Overall: 83

Buyrate: 1.46

[tristy]

This is a class diary, Fitzy. I've never really been entertained by anything else you've done, since you usually pick promotions I have little, if any, exposure to. This is probably one of the best WWE diaries around The Dome right now. Anyways...

Pros:

- Your match write ups are absolutely magnificent, my man. Reading the Evolution Vs. RVD/Edge/Booker match, and Benoit/Michaels...wow. That's how you write a damn near perfect match, in terms of actually writing it out. I'm alittle taken back by the star rating for the 6 Man, actually. Granted it has Batista & Flair, but you'd think with 4 other top-notch workers in the match, it'd get more than ** 3/4. Still, excellent match write up for that one. The Benoit/Michaels match was simply put...awesome. I could imagine the whole match in my head, and that's exactly what I look for in a good diary. Your writing reminds me alot of Dukes' writing. Whether that's a compliment or not, your call. But your writing is simply awesome. I think we all knew that.

- Orton/Foley was a classic brawl. I think everyone knew he'd go over Foley, in real-life and in your diary. Foley as Intercontinental Champion at this point? Nah. Orton needed that win, and you did the right thing. Hopefully you can boost Orton up to the level that he should be in todays WWE. If anyone can, it's you. I hope you just don't discard Orton and push someone else. As much as I don't like him, if written properly, he could be a big star in your diary, I think.

- I love the way you're sorta keeping Triple H out of the World Title picture, but still in the spotlight. You know what I mean? That's how it should have been. Don't change that. If you decide to bring Triple H back into the picture, that's fine. He's a good worker. But don't rush it. That's all I ask.

- The Johnny Nitro stuff is hilarious. I was really digging him when he was on RAW in 2004, and I was very disappointed when they pulled him from television. Hopefully you either break him away from Bischoff to prove himself, or have Bischoff give him a real chance to shine. Nitro, like Orton, is possibly the future of WWE. He just needs that one small break, and then bam. Goldmine.

- "TREMENDOUS!". Hahaha, yes! That is fucking brilliant.

Cons:

- The only pet peeve I have is just the way you word some stuff. I don't like the way you say, like, "you are" instead of "you're". Yeah, I know, it's really stupid to put that as a con, but that's always bugged me about you. You don't have to change it, and you probably won't. Just something that annoys me.

- Whatever you do, don't push Jericho over Christian. We know that potential the guy has, and Christian & Trish made a killer combo. Don't do what WWE did and make a good feud, but fuck it up by not following through with a major push for whoever wins it. I would prefer to see Christian win the feud and go on to capture the Intercontinental Championship or something, since it'd probably take alot of build-up to make Christian a worthy contender to Benoit.

[TGC]

Wow and Damn would be the only two words to properly describe my love for this diary. I read it when it was you Punkie Brewster doing things together, but I just noticed this morning, four days after the fact, that you went off on your own as I hoped you would. I got all caught up and then read Backlash a few minutes ago, and I must say that I echo much of what Tristy had to say above me. This is what a RAW diary SHOULD be. You are staying VERY realistic, but at the same time you've already turned things around into your own direction. Much of Backlash was a forgone conclusion and certain matches had to happen for you to be able to move on, but now I look foreward to seeing where you can take it all on your own away from the real WWE and after Backlash.

Allow me to say that the diary thus far gets an overall grade of a solid B from me. I don't grade many diaries, so getting one means I plan on being here for the longhaul and being vocal. Ask JHS. From here on out I'll garde you on a show by show basis.

I can't add the very much likes much, aside from saying that I can't wait to see the debut of AMW, I am seriously looking forward to more on the OJ and Teddy Long thing, I'm digging the hell out of Rico and Dreamer, and I love the Jamie By God Noble push. Aside from that, count me in on all of what Tristy said in the pros.

As for the cons, or dislikes, I can't say that I'm digging the loss of Kane. At a time when he was being used as a monster heel, and really just a few months from co-headlining a major PPV, your decision to just be rid of him was a bad move in my opinion. He's over, and he could and should have been used to build someone up. Giving the retirement win to Taker over Kane was senseless really. Did he need that kind of a win? Wouldn't damn near any other face on your roster have worked much better? Also, I don't think Taker even fits on the RAW roster to be honest. He should be utilized as the part of the star power on SD! as he was in reality. With HHH and HBK keeping a bunch of the younger guys from the spotlight already, do we really need Taker in there as well? The only really bad part that sticks out as just horrid decisions on your part thus far.

Some other random thoughts, in no order:

-Give me more Lance Storm please. I'm liking this as well, and even though his win over Val was pretty much a forgone conclusion, it was a well executed macth and thus far your portrayal of him has been spot on.

-Can I hope that you will return Regal to us soon? Do you plan to bring him back or no, either as a mouthpiece or as a wrestler would work for me? Just curious really.

-I can't wait for the HHH/Edge feud to really kick off. That should be good stuff.

-I have absolutely no idea who you could push Orton's way now. He needs a credible IC feud to keep him going forward after his big wins.

I think I've said enough for now. Needless to say, I am excited for Raw. Good job Fitzy.

TGCXDB

By the way, who's your Ron Garvin?

[punky]

As usual, you produce another awesome show. Got some random thoughts, figured I'd share them.

Johnny Nitro has to be your most entertaining character by far, at least in my opinion. I'm a huge mark for Nitro and as Tristy said, he was my favorite character and was pissed when he was taken off TV. Gotta love his cockyness and how he takes over the show since EB isn't there.

I wish that Christian would've went over Jericho because Christian/Trish were the best heel tandem for awhile and since Christian lost at Mania but I guess I can live with it. I just hope you don't job C-Man out constantly.

You actually made the Orton/Foley match entertaining, which is a plus but as TGC said, he now needs a decent opponent for an IC Title feud. I'm guessing it might be Booker or Van Dam.

Kane vs Taker was what it was. One of them had to lose and I think you made the right decision since I've hated the Kane character since he lost his mask.

Venis vs Storm really didn't interest me as I don't think I could ever take Val serious as a 'contender' unless he was Morley again and even then, I still doubt it. Really glad that Storm went over.

I expected Evolution to lose but I didn't expect Booker to make the winning pin, I thought for sure it would be Edge pinning Triple H to keep up their feud.

Molly and Victoria put on a solid match for the women and I thought maybe Victoria would hang on to the belt but the dastardly heel made her tap out! I'm wondering where you'll go with Molly as champ now though, as I thought Victoria might end up feuding with Trish but now it looks like Molly vs Victoria again.

I knew that you wouldn't job out Benoit after just winning the title but man, that was an epic match between the Crippler and HBK. I was wondering if you would go the Sharpshooter route since it was in Canada and you did, complete with Mr. Hebner. Great, great match to read.

Overall, the PPV looked like a great one and I probably would've ordered it in real life if they had that line-up just for Jericho/Christian and Benoit/HBK.

[Miami Vice]

WOW dude, just wow! Backlash was great! Your match write ups are very intimidating in length but yet once I actually started to read the length didn't bother me. Your writing was smooth and fluid, not something a lot of diaries around here can claim. The main-event was fantastic. Like TGC said some of the matches had to happen at Backlash for things to make sense. Now, with that behind you, I look forward to seeing where you take RAW.

[Fitzy]

What Happened At Backlash?

April 19, 2004

We are almost 24 hours removed from Backlash and things are heating up on the Raw brand. With Benoit retaining the World Heavyweight Championship against Shawn Michaels, who is going to step up and make the next challenge to “The Crippler?”

Triple H and Edge have been at each others throats for weeks now and there is no telling what will go down tonight as the two Superstars are scheduled to be in Calgary. Could we see the two finally step into the ring one-on-one with each other?

The first of two confirmed matches is going to be Booker T and Rob Van Dam taking on Evolution of Ric Flair and Batista for the World Tag Team Championship. And according to Raw General Manager, if Booker T and RVD do not win this match, they will never be allowed to challenge for the belts as long as Evolution are champions. Can Booker T and RVD regain the tag titles? Or could this very well be their last shot at the belts?

And the second of two confirmed matches will be Jamie Noble taking on The Hurricane. Last night on Sunday Night Heat Jamie Noble got a victory over Hurricane. Even though The Hurricane’s foot was clearly under the ropes, Referee Brian Hebner ruled that since he couldn’t see the foot under the ropes that his decision stands and Jamie Noble was the winner. Filling in for Eric Bischoff last night was Johnny Nitro and he granted Hurricane this rematch for tonight.

Christian lost to Chris Jericho last night evening the score between the two at one a piece. Christian is clearly angry that Trish once again got put in the Walls of Jericho by Chris Jericho. How will Christian react on Raw? Find out when Raw comes to you live from Canada at the Saddledome in Calgary!

All of this and more on Raw at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

[Fitzy]

RAW

LIVE! Monday, April 19, 2004

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Saddledome

After the WWE opening video plays we go straight to a recap of last night’s Backlash Pay-Per-View. It plays to the tune of “Eyes Wired Shut” by Edgewater. The video starts off with Chris Jericho chasing Trish Stratus around the ring and then into the ring where she is put into the Walls of Jericho. Christian gets up and Jericho breaks the hold and then trips Christian onto Trish and then applies the Walls of Jericho on him for the victory. The video moves over to black and white as the bloody Randy Orton attempts an RKO only to be tossed by Foley into several rows of steel chairs. A swing by Foley of the barbed wire bat is showed next, connecting with the nasty cut on the forehead of Randy Orton, and then moves into showing Foley applying Mr. Socko to Orton. But Orton escapes and hits the RKO for the victory. A never before seen exclusive is shown as Orton is being carried to the back by Batista and Ric Flair. They drop him to the concrete floor where he is passed out.

Next up they show Undertaker hitting the tombstone on Kane. This was not only the end of Kane in WWE, but also Undertaker retired following this match. Following that, it shows Lance Storm having Val Venis in the Straight Shooter half crab submission hold for what seemed like an eternity, but Val Venis finally tapped out to give Storm the victory. Next up was the final moments of the six man tag team match where Booker T hit the Ax Kick and went for the cover, but Edge grabbed him and pointed to RVD to go up top. RVD hit the Five Star Frog Splash and then Edge pointed to Booker to make the pin and Booker pinned Batista while Triple H nearly got into the ring to save his partner. And then up next was Molly Holly regaining the WWE Women’s Championship after she made Victoria tap out.

And finally, several clips of the main event were shown. It starts with Shawn Michaels stealing the World Heavyweight Championship and raising it in the air to massive boos from the crowd. It shows the long collar and elbow tie up that they had where they circled the ring and fell out of the ring together while still in the tie up. It showed Benoit use several of Bret Hart’s old moves including placing Michaels’ foot on the bottom rope and then leaping up and crashing down upon it and then it showed Michaels attempt a kip up only to fall back down due to the pain in his left leg. Michaels takes a page out of Benoit’s book with the German Suplex to huge heel heat from the crowd. Michaels hit the flying forearm, kips up, and then tries to hit his patented top rope Elbow Drop, but Benoit moves out of the way. Benoit hits the three rolling German Suplexes. Michaels nearly hits the Sweet Chin Music, but Benoit ducked out of the way, catching HBK on his shoulders and hit the Electric Chair on him. And FINALLY Benoit locked in the Sharpshooter to a tremendous ovation from the crowd. Michaels fought it for nearly two minutes, but he was finally forced to tap out, much to the delight of the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada crowd. Following the match they showed Michaels steal the belt out of Benoit’s hand again, but Michaels only wanted to shake the hand of the rightful winner and champion, but the crowd still wouldn’t accept him. Benoit, however, shook hands and celebrated to end the night.

“Across the Nation” by Union Underground begins to play and the pyrotechnics display goes off and the camera focuses on Jim Ross and the man who joined him last night, Don Callis.

Jim Ross: Hello everyone! We are live from the sold out Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Home of the world famous Dungeon! I am Jim Ross and making his Raw debut …

Don Callis: Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. I don’t need no introduction. But I will do it anyway! I am Don Callis, some know me as the Jackal. Some know me as Cyrus the Virus. But from here on out, just like I stated last night at Backlash, I am your host of the evening! I am Don Callis! And I am what makes this commentating team the greatest in the business. That’s for damn sure!

Ross: You really have an ego problem, don’t you? Last night we saw Shawn Michaels tap out to the Sharpshooter, much to the delight of the Canadian fans. Chris Benoit retained the World Heavyweight Championship.

Callis: And I couldn’t have been any more sick from watching last night’s ending. Shawn Michaels should have nailed Benoit right in the face with that World Heavyweight Championship. But what did he do instead? He shook Benoit’s hand. What a coward!

Ross: A coward? Who are you kidding? He just wrestled a 35 minute classic with one of the best in Chris Benoit and he wanted to show his respect. That’s a sign of class, not a sign of being a coward! And speaking of the champion! He is! Listening to that ovation!

Callis: It makes me sick. I am sad to call myself a Canadian sometimes when we have these fans cheering for Chris Benoit! He moved to Atlanta, that traitor!

Ross: A traitor?

Callis: Did I stutter, Jimmy?! Yeah! A traitor!

The Champ Returns to Calgary!

“Whatever” by Our Lady Peace begins to place and the entire arena stands up in anticipation for the World Heavyweight Champion. “The Crippler” Chris Benoit makes his entrance to a loud ovation from the Calgary crowd and he goes to his left (TV screens right) and pounds his chest with his left hand and then raises his right arm up holding the World Heavyweight Championship in the air. He then walks to the left side of the screen near the announcers table. He pounds his chest and then raises the belt in the air again. He walks down the aisle and gets into the ring where he stands on all four corners of the ring raising the World Heavyweight Championship in the air. The theme song stops and he is handed the microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Chris Benoit: Damn, it feels good to be back in Calgary! [The crowd erupts in cheers.] Last night, at Backlash, in my hometown of Edmonton, I made Shawn Michaels tap out to the Sharpshooter to retain this World Heavyweight Championship! [The crowd again cheers for Benoit, starting up a “Benoit” chant. He holds the microphone in one hand while looking at the belt in the other.] For several weeks now, I heard the rumors. I heard people say how “Chris Benoit isn’t for real.” Look at this! Look at the World Heavyweight Championship and tell me I am not for real! For 35 minutes I busted my ass in that ring last night. For 35 minutes I took all of what Shawn Michaels had to give me and I gave it right back. And for the last two minutes of the match I had Shawn Michaels in the Sharpshooter. I had him writhing in pain. I had him screaming and reaching for those ropes! And what happened? He tap out! [The Canadian crowd again cheers for Benoit.] I made Triple H tap out. I made Shawn Michaels tap out. That right there proves that I AM FOR REAL!

“Time to play the game!”

“The Game” by Motorhead is heard and out comes “The Game” Triple H to a course of boos from the crowd. “You tapped out” chants quickly fill the Saddledome as the former World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out onto the stage in his fancy suit along with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

Triple H: I am so sick and damn tired of hearing “Chris Benoit is for real.” Who the hell cares if you are “for real?” I sure as hell don’t. You may have made me tap out at WrestleMania and you may have made Shawn Michaels tap last night at Backlash, but just let me remind you. That title belongs to me. That belt will be back around my waist in no time, Benoit. [The crowd chants “Benoit.”] Chant for Benoit all you want, but the fact remains, he is keeping the belt warm for me; for when I get my rematch.

Chris Benoit: Triple H, no one in this arena came to hear you whine and complain and bitch and moan about not being the World Heavyweight Championship. You are damn right I made you tap out to the Crossface at WrestleMania. I made Shawn Michaels tap to the Sharpshooter at Backlash. I have proved myself to be a worthy champion whether you’d like to admit it or not. I have worked my ass off for eighteen years! Eighteen long, hard years to earn to this title and I finally got it. I finally pried it off of your grasp. For the past two years, this belt has been in your procession for the majority of time. And no longer will I allow it to return to your hands. There are worthy challengers out there. Guys like Chris Jericho. Guys like Booker T, Rob Van Dam. Christian, Edge, this list goes on and on. You see, I have a bunch of challengers waiting for me. Guys who deserve a shot more than you. You had your chance, Triple H, but you lost it.

Triple H: I didn’t lose anything, Benoit. I have been stuck battling Edge for the past few weeks. That piece of shit Eric Bischoff thinks he can keep me away from the title, but let it me known, Chris, I am going to regain that title. I am going to be a ten time World Heavyweight Championship.

“You Think You Know Me?!”

The smoke fills the arena and “Metalingus” by Alter Bridge begins to play as Edge makes his entrance to a loud ovation from the crowd. Triple H wants a piece of Edge right then and there, but Ric Flair is holding him back. Edge points to Triple H as he walks down the aisle and slides into the ring. He shakes the hand of Chris Benoit and is handed the microphone from Benoit.

Edge: Triple H, once again you fail to realize that you do not deserve a World title shot. Do you even care to explain how you are even a number one contender? You beat your team last night, Triple H? Huh? Who was it that had your team down and out? RVD Booker T, and myself beat Evolution last night. If anyone has a right to claim for that title shot it is a member of my team. We can settle this once and for all right now, Triple H. Me versus you. Right here! Right now! You want a shot at Benoit’s title? Get through me, first, H!

The crowd erupts for that announcement but the cheers quickly turn to boos as “I’m Back” is heard and the Raw General Manager, Eric Bischoff makes his entrance on the stage next to “The Game” and “The Nature Boy.” Flair is keeping Triple H back from charging at the ring, still.

Eric Bischoff: Edge, Triple H, there will be no match tonight between you two. [The crowd boos that announcement.] If you’d let me finish, I was about to say at least there will be no singles match between the two of them. That’s right. Triple H and Edge will meet in this ring, right here tonight, as Edge teams up with the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit [The crowd cheers for Bischoff announcing them as a tag team.] As they take on Triple H and the Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton in tonight’s main event! Thank you and goodnight!

“I’m Back” begins to play again as Triple H is shown screaming as he points to the ring. He’s shouting something at Edge and Benoit as they shout back at them.

(80)

[Commercial.]

Ross: For those that are just joining us, what a fantastic main event we have for you folks! Chris Benoit and Edge team up to take on Evolutions own Triple H and Randy Orton! This is going to be a great encounter!

Match One – The Hurricane vs. “The Redneck Messiah” Jamie “By God” Noble

Jamie Noble’s music begins to play and he makes his entrance. The screen goes to a recap of Sunday Night Heat last night. It starts with Hurricane getting Noble up in the Vertebreaker position but Noble somehow manages to get out of it. Jamie Noble kicks Hurricane and gets him back in the double underhook. He lifts him up and executes the Tiger Driver perfectly. He remains in the position for the cover. One … Two … Hurricane’s foot is under the ropes … Three!

Callis: Now here is someone I can appreciate. Jamie Noble. He is a fantastic wrestler and he beat Hurricane fair and square. No doubt about it, Jimmy, no doubt about it.

Ross: Do you even listen to yourself before you speak? You clearly saw that Hurricane’s foot was under the bottom rope and the match should have continued. Luckily, Eric Bischoff made this rematch for tonight so Hurricane can get a measure of revenge.

“Stand back, there’s a Hurricane coming through!”

Hurricane’s theme music begins to play and he quickly takes his cap off at the top of the ramp and runs down the aisle. Referee Todd Sinclair, who made his debut at Backlash, calls for the bell.

Hurricane lunges for Jamie Noble. Be begins to beat the hell out of him with right hands with to the forehead. Hurricane grabs Noble and whips him into the opposite corner and Hurricane charges in with a Stinger Splash to Noble. Hurricane drags Noble out of the corner and sits on his chest as he grabs the head of Noble and begins punching him, as hard as he can, to the forehead once more. Hurricane makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Noble.

Hurricane picks up Jamie Noble and whips him into the ropes. Upon the return Hurricane hits a back body drop. Hurricane picks up Noble and grabs his head and twists around and then drops him, neck first, on top of his leg for a brutal neckbreaker. Hurricane makes the cover again. One … Two … kickout by Noble.

Hurricane quickly stands up and begins kicking at the neck of Jamie Noble. Hurricane runs off the ropes and drops a leg right across the throat and then grabs the head in a headlock. Referee Todd Sinclair checks to see if it is a choke, which it is not. He raises the right arm of Noble. It falls once. He raises the arm again. It falls for a second time. But on the third time it doesn’t fall and Noble begins elbowing Hurricane. He is up on his feet, but Hurricane quickly breaks the hold and delivers a lariat to the neck of Noble. He makes the cover. One … Two … kickout again by Noble.

Hurricane picks up Jamie Noble and hooks him up for a Vertical Suplex but begins to run and drops him for a running version of the Vertical Suplex. Hurricane sits Noble up and runs off the ropes and dropkicks Noble in the neck. Hurricane again covers Noble. One … Two … Th, foot on the ropes by Noble. Noble quickly moves the foot off the ropes and makes the cover again. One … Two … Th, foot on the ropes again. Hurricane tries it once more, this time finally hooking the leg in the process. One … Two … Th, kickout by Noble.

Frustrated with not being able to get the pin, Hurricane picks up Noble and whips him into the corner. Hurricane lifts up Noble and places him on the top rope, seated, and Hurricane stands on the middle ropes and goes to hook the arm around his own head, but Noble blocks it, and hits a forearm to the head of Hurricane. Hurricane staggers backwards, but he doesn’t fall. Noble grabs Hurricane’s head and hits a nasty headbutt to the head of Hurricane and pushes him backwards and he falls to the mat. Noble leaps off with a fist to the head of Hurricane. Noble picks up Hurricane and places him on his shoulders, but Hurricane manages to rack the eyes of Jamie Noble and grabs him from behind, looking for a German Suplex, perhaps. But Noble blocks it and goes behind on his own. He locks his arms in a full nelson position and goes to throw him backwards for a Dragon Suplex, but Hurricane manages to grab Noble’s head and then sits down, hitting a jaw breaker on him. Hurricane goes for the cover. One … Two … Thr, kickout by Noble!

Hurricane signals for it, tapping his leg. He is looking for the Shining Wizard. He runs for Noble, but Noble ducks out of the way and quickly grabs the legs of Hurricane and rolls him up. One … Two …, he pulls the tights, Three! He just cheated Hurricane out of another victory!

Winner: Jamie Noble in 6:53

(80, 76, 85) *** ¼

Ross: Can you believe Jamie Noble?! He just cheated Hurricane out of that victory. There was no need for the pulling of the tights.

Hurricane is shown arguing with referee Todd Sinclair, grabbing hold of his own tights and lifting them up indicating to Sinclair that he had his tights pulled. Sinclair points to his eyes, saying he didn’t see any of that. Sinclair walks off while Hurricane kicks the bottom rope.

Callis: Look at the baby throwing a temper tantrum! Hurricane, you lost. Deal with it!

Ross: I bet if it was someone like Triple H or Christian who got screwed out of a victory you wouldn’t be saying that. Hurricane has every right to be upset over that call.

Christian – Jericho III, tonight?

The camera cuts to Eric Bischoff’s office where Johnny Nitro and Eric Bischoff are standing, talking with each other.

Bischoff: You did an outstanding job last night while I wasn’t there for the first half of the event. Whenever I am away, I know I can count on you to do a fantastic job running this place.

Johnny Nitro: EB, dude, was their any doubt in your mind that me, Johnny Nitro~!, couldn’t do a good job? I mean, come on, man. I am, after all, a very smart business-savvy kinda guy.

Bischoff: Of course not, Johnny. I never doubted you for a moment!

Bischoff and Nitro share a hug with each other just as Christian and Trish Stratus barge into the room. Christian looks confused by the situation but quickly gets all serious.

Christian: Bischoff, you saw what Chris Jericho did to my girl last night! You saw him put his hands on her and put her in the Walls of Jericho!

Nitro: Dude! Calm down. EB wasn’t even there to see that Trish is indeed a screamer.

Trish slaps Johnny Nitro across the face. Johnny Nitro looks pissed, but he catches himself in the nearby mirror and see that Trish just screwed up his perfect hair. So he runs his hands through his hair and fixes it while Bischoff continues on with Christian and Trish.

Bischoff: I apologize for not being there, and I am sure that Johnny Nitro is sorry for making Trish even more angry. But what do you want?

Christian: I want Chris Jericho one-on-one again tonight! I don’t care if you have him booked or not! Whatever you have him doing, change it! I want a rematch with him tonight!

Bischoff: It just so happens to be that I haven’t yet booked Jericho in any sort of match for tonight. So it’s just your luck that I make this match. Christian vs. Chris Jericho III will go down tonight!

Christian and Trish Stratus storm out Bischoff’s office.

Nitro: Damn! I have great hair, don’t I EB?

Bischoff: Sure, Johnny, sure.

Ross: Christian vs. Chris Jericho in a rematch! And it’s next!

(89)

Match Two – “Y2J” Chris Jericho vs. Christian with Trish Stratus

“Just Close Your Eyes” by Waterproof Blonde begins to play and Christian makes his entrance with Trish Stratus. Trish, still selling the back from the Walls of Jericho, is being helped down to the ramp by Christian. Christian holds the ropes open for his girl and they stand in the corner, waiting for Jericho to make his entrance. The “Y2J” symbol flashes five times.

“Break the walls down!”

Chris Jericho’s music starts up as the pyrotechnics display goes off in the background. Jericho, standing with his back to the ring and arms spread open turns right around and walks down the aisle. He points to Christian and makes a “break you in half” gesture with his hands. Chris Jericho gets into the ring and shakes the ropes while Christian and Trish Stratus look on. Referee Brian Hebner calls for the bell as Jericho’s theme music stops. Christian holds the ropes open for Trish as she exits the ring.

Christian and Chris Jericho circle each other and meet in the center of the ring where they lock up. Christian gains the advantage with a side headlock, but Jericho pushes Christian into the ropes. Jericho leap frogs over the C-Man and runs off the ropes again. He rams his shoulder right into Jericho’s, but neither man budges. Jericho tells Christian to try it again. Christian looks around, and with his right hand he slaps his chest, kisses his index and middle finger and raises it to the crowd before running the ropes again. He runs right into Jericho again, neither man budging. Jericho tells Christian to run the ropes again, but Christian tells Jericho to do it. Jericho obliges, but Christian, thinking one step ahead of Jericho, pulls Jericho’s hair just as he begins to run and slams him to the mat. The crowd is quick to boo the hell out of Christian.

Christian picks up Jericho and whips him into the corner. Christian runs in and hits a nice lariat. Christian climbs to the middle rope and looks into the crowd at his “Peeps.” He does the two finger kiss again and then proceeds to pound away at the forehead of Jericho. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Nine … Ten. Christian jumps down and Jericho falls to the mat as the crowd boos him. He drops down and covers Jericho. Referee Brian Hebner makes the count: One … Two … kickout by Jericho.

The C-Man picks up Jericho again and whips him into the ropes. Christian hits a punch to the midsection and then grabs him by the arm and takes him down. Christian has Jericho in a standing armbar. He digs his knee into the back of Y2J while locking in the standing armbar a little tighter. Jericho begins to move and is on one knee now. Christian tries to lock in the hold a little tighter, trying to keep him down, but Jericho is now getting up to his feet. Jericho begins to elbow the C-Man in the chest and breaks free, but Christian once again grabs him by the hair, but this time hooks the head and drops him for a Flashback. Christian makes the cover again. One … Two … kickout by Jericho.

Christian argues with Brian Hebner, telling him that was three. Trish tells Christian to finish off Jericho. He goes over to Trish and they share a kiss with each other as Christian assures Trish that he has it covered for all his Peeps. Jericho began to move and Christian was quick to grab him. Christian whips Jericho into the ropes and upon his return he grabs Jericho by the hair and whips him over the top rope. The camera zooms in as Jericho looks hurt.

[Commercial.]

Back from the commercial, Jericho is down and Christian is applying a chokehold to him. Referee Brian Hebner begins counting. One … Two … Three … Four and Christian breaks the hold. But he goes right back for the choke. One … Two … Three … Four and again he breaks it. Christian covers Jericho. One … Two … T, kickout by Jericho. Christian picks up Jericho and whips him into the corner. Christian runs in places Jericho up on the top rope in a seated position. Christian gets to the middle rope, but Jericho pushes him off. Christian falls to the mat but is quick to recover and runs back up to the middle rope, trying to hook Jericho up for a possible top rope over-head belly-to-belly Suplex, but Jericho blocks it and pushes Christian back down. Jericho almost lost his balance, but caught himself and jumped down. He made a quick cover on Christian. One … Two … kickout by Christian.

Jericho picked up Christian and whips him into the ropes and hit a back body drop that sent Christian flying over the top rope and onto the floor. Trish went to check on her man, but Jericho jumped over the top rope and landed on his feet on the floor that scared her off. Jericho picks up the C-Man and whipped him into the steel ring steps. Jericho walked around the steps to go after Trish, but quickly stopped. Trish, still holding her back moved in closer to Jericho while he turned his back on her, but he quickly turned around to back her off. Jericho went around the steps again and picked up the C-Man and rolled him into the ring. Jericho climbed to the top rope, and sat perched, waiting for Christian to stand up. After a few seconds, the leader of the Christian Coalition stood up and Jericho leaped off with a missile dropkick, but Christian moved out of the way and Jericho landed on the mat. Christian quickly rolled up Jericho for a pin attempt. One … Two … Thr, kickout by Jericho.

Christian quickly stands up and picks up Jericho. As he tries to whip Jericho into the ropes, Jericho reverses it and sends Christian into the ropes which caused Trish to accidentally trip her man as she thought it was Jericho who was getting sent into the ropes. Jericho quickly rolled up the C-Man. One … Two … kickout by Christian. Jericho grabs Christian by the head and pulls him up and then lifts him up and drops him in an inverted Atomic Drop. Jericho backs up against the ropes and runs for Christian and takes him down with a lariat and makes the cover again. One … Two … kickout again by Christian. Jericho runs off the ropes and leaps up to the middle rope and flips backwards but lands on his feet. He wasn’t able to hit the Lionsault as Christian rolled out of the way. Jericho stumbled a bit, but regained his balance and charged at Christian. Christian, near the ropes, pulled down the top rope, but Jericho stopped himself before he went flying over the top rope. Christian gets up and notices Jericho was not outside and was in fact right behind him. He goes to hit Jericho, but Jericho blocks it and throws a bunch of his own and then forearms Christian several times and whips him off the ropes and hits a flying reverse elbow on him. Jericho runs off the ropes and tries to leap off the middle rope, but Trish managed to grab his legs and cause Jericho to fall backward. Luckily for Christian, Brian Hebner didn’t see it. Hebner, though, counts both down. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Christian begins to move, Seven … and he is up before Eight.

Christian picks up Chris Jericho and begins punching him and then grabs him by the arms and hooks in a reverse double underhook. He tries to drop him for the Unprettier, but Jericho pushes him off. Christian bounces off the ropes, but turns around before Jericho can hit him and slaps him across the face. It fires Jericho up, but he isn’t able to do anything as Christian punches him in the face and then grabs him again in a reverse double underhook and drops him face first into the mat for the Unprettier. Brian Hebner makes the count. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Christian in 13:34

(93, 90, 96) **** ½

Christian stands up and continues to put the boots to Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus gets up onto the apron and Christian holds the ropes open for her. Christian goes back over to Jericho and goes to pick him up, but just as he does, Jericho chops the hell out of the C-Man. Jericho lays in another chop, sending Christian staggering backwards. Trish is back up against the corner, but Jericho is still busy with Christian. He grabs him by the head and drops him down for the Flashback, a move which Christian stole from him earlier in the match. With Christian down, Jericho grabs Trish by her hair and drags her closer to him. He places her on his knee.

The crowd is making some kind of noise, and they are looking to the lower right hand side of the hard camera. The cameras pick up what the commotion is all about and it’s one muscular guy in a black leather jacket with long dark hair and black leather pants while the other is not so well built, a little on the pudgy side, but rather tall. Short black hair, and also in the same leather jacket and pants. They slide into the ring and stand behind Jericho. Jericho drops Trish to the mat as she holds her back in pain. The two guys grab Chris Jericho and they pick him up. Jericho tries to fight out of their grasp, but they are not letting go. The one with the short hair picks up Jericho and holds him high in the air as the one with the long dark hair grabs Jericho by the head and they drop him for an elevated DDT. Christian is now up and is demanding a microphone.

Christian: Jericho, what you have just feel victim to was the Problem Solver. I have had enough of you putting your hands on Trish for far too long. You are looking at Simon Diamond... [As he says that name is slaps the one with the shorter hair in the chest] …and Johnny Swinger. [He slaps the other one, long dark haired guy, in the chest, as well.] These are two close personal friends of mine. We go back along way. Jericho, I have found two guys who I can trust to not only watch my back, but they will watch Lance’s back when he needs help and they will protect Trish from your filthy hands. My Peeps demanded it. They demanded that the C-Man hire some protection for Trish as they, like me, were sick of seeing you put your hands on her. I have found my personal Problem Solvers. The Christian Coalition will no longer need to worry about you, Jericho, as with Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger watching our backs, we are going to own you.

Christian drops the microphone as Waterproof Blondes “Just Close Your Eyes” begins to play again. Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger help Trish Stratus out of the ring while Christian picks up Jericho again and hits the Unprettier on him once more for good measure. Christian slaps his chest and kisses his index and middle fingers again and then raises it to his peeps.

[Commercial.]

Callis: Tremendous! This is really tremendous, Jimmy. We just witnessed the WWE debut of perhaps the best tag team in the world today, Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger. I am a huge fan of these two and working alongside Christian, Lance Storm, and Trish Stratus is just another good thing.

Ross: They fit perfectly with Christian. They are a bunch of sneak attackers. I can’t believe you condone their actions.

Callis: You’re just made that Christian and his coalition got on up on your boy Chris Jericho. Face facts, Jimmy, my boy. The Christian Coalition is the present and future of the WWE. Watch and learn, my friend.

Ross: I won’t face any “facts.” The only “facts” around here is that Christian is a dirty rotten sneak who needs to hire backup to get the job done. He needed Trish’s help in that ring, too, to get the job done. Jericho would have had him beat if it was not for Trish grabbing Jericho’s ankles during the Lionsault.

Callis: Jimmy, stop making excuses. That’s all you seem to do for your “boys.”

The Hardcore Legend Is No More

“Evolution!”

“Line in the Sand” by Motorhead begins to play and out walks the cocky as ever, the self proclaimed “Legend Killer” and the man who beat Mick Foley last night at Backlash, Randy Orton, makes his entrance. He stops at the top of the entrance and throws his arms out to the side in a cocky pose, smirking as the gold pyrotechnics display goes off in the background.

Callis: And speaking of greatness, Jimmy, look who it is! It’s Randy Orton. The man who took out the self proclaimed Hardcore Legend last night at Backlash! How very gracious of him to take time out of his busy schedule appearing on all television shows from morning to evening to the late night shows to grace us with his presences.

Ross: Will you listen to yourself? Mah gawd you sound ridiculously. While I do admit he beat Mick Foley last night, it was not without a helluva fight by the Hardcore Legend Mick Foley!

Randy Orton has made it into the ring and got up on the ropes and did his pose again, still smirking ever-so-cocky as usual. Orton gets down and grabs the microphone out of Lillian Garcia’s hand as his theme music stops.

Randy Orton: Thank you. Thank you. I know you all really, truly love and respect me. You love and respect what I did to earn my keep in the WWE. You all witnessed last night what I am capable of. Everyone said it couldn’t be done. All the critics. All the talk of the town. The rumors. I heard them all. “Randy Orton is not good enough.” “Randy Orton will beat beaten to a bloody pulp by Mick Foley.” Yeah. I heard all those. And if you look at this… [Randy Orton drags his finger along the deep looking cut on his forehead from Mick Foley busting him open last night.] …This is what I got as a long lasting memory. This right here is how I will be reminded for a long time to come that I was the man who ended Mick Foley’s career. I went through hell to win that match. I got tossed through several open rows of chairs. I got hit in the head and all over by a barbed wire bat. I got beat badly. Yeah. I admit it. But I did EXACTLY what I said I was going to do. I said I was going to finish of the so called Hardcore Legend with the RKO. That’s twice. Two times! Mick Foley, I beat you TWO TIMES with the RKO now. WrestleMania I hit the RKO to get the pin. And last night I hit the RKO again and I scored the second pinfall victory over your sorry excuse for a human being. [The crowd chants “Orton sucks.”] Go ahead, chant that all you want. But the fact remains; I AM the new Hardcore Legend. I am the Legend Killer. And I am GREATNESS! [The crowd sure lets him have it. Booing the hell out of him and the “Orton sucks” chants get louder and louder. They also start up a “Mick Foley” chant.] Ha! You guys chant that name like for some reason his fat ass is here. Foley’s career came to a halt last night. Chanting his name will not turn the clocks back. You precious Hardcore Legend is no more! Finished! I ended his career and their ain’t a damn thing you can do about it!

Randy Orton drops the microphone and circles the ring, arguing with some of the ringside fans.

Ross: Listen to this pompous ass. He is so full of himself! Does he hear himself speak? He’s greatness? He’s the new Hardcore Legend? Give me a break!

Callis: You act like that isn’t true at all, Jimmy. The man went through pure hell last night and came out still the Intercontinental Champion! He beat Mick Foley with the RKO twice, now! If that isn’t greatness, Jimmy, then I don’t know greatness. But since I DO know greatness. You are looking at him!

Randy Orton leaves the ring and walks up the aisle. As he gets to the top of the ramp, he smirks and throws his arms out to the side for his “greatness” pose. He exits the stage area as the fans continue to boo the Intercontinental Champion.

(74)

[Commercial.]

Match Three – World Tag Team Championship Match – World Tag Team Champions Evolution: Batista and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair vs. Booker T and Rob Van Dam

“ONE OF A KIND!”

“One of a Kind” by Breaking Point begins to play and the former World Tag Team Champions make their entrance. Rob Van Dam and Booker T come out to a rather large reaction from the crowd. RVD does his “R – V – D” thumb pointing as Lillian Garcia announces his name. The two of them enter the ring.

“Evolution!”

“Line in the Sand” by Evolution is once again heard as this the World Tag Team Champions, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and “The Animal” Batista make their entrances. Batista does his body builder pose as Ric Flair walks down the aisle before him. The two of them meet at the bottom of the ramp where they slap hands and get into the ring together. Referee Mike Chioda takes the belts from the champions and calls for the bell as the theme song comes to an end.

Booker T and Ric Flair start things off. They lock up in the center of the ring and Ric Flair backs Booker T up into the corner. Chioda gets in between the two of them and calls for a clean break. Flair breaks the hold, raising his arms up but quickly throws a chop into the chest of Booker T. Flair, and the crowd, yell “WOOOOOO!” It doesn’t catch Booker T by surprise as he quickly grabs Flair’s head and reverses the positions and immediately chops Ric Flair’s chest. More “WOOOOOO’S!” from the crowd He then slaps the chest of Ric Flair and throws another chop. Booker T throws another slap and another chop. Slap. Chop. Slap. Chop. And another slap to Ric Flair to which the crowd pops for. Booker T backs off and Ric Flair walks out of the corner and Flair Flop! The crowd pops for that. Booker T makes the tag to Rob Van Dam.

RVD make his entrance and does the thumb pointing and then picks up Ric Flair. RVD punches Flair a few times and whips him into the ropes. Upon the return, RVD executes a nice roundhouse kick that takes “The Nature Boy” down to the mat. RVD makes the quick cover. One … Two … kickout by one half of the World Tag Team Champions. RVD grabs Flair by the head and picks him up. He twists the left arm of Flair and drags him to his half of the ring where he tags in Booker T. Booker T comes into the ring and takes the twisted arm over from RVD and lifts it up before quickly snapping it back down. Booker T steps on the back of the knee, bringing Flair to his knees. Booker still has the arm twisted, but now breaks the arm twist and quickly grabs the right arm and kneels down behind Flair, digging his own left knee into the spine of the champion. He pulls back on Flair’s arm, twisting them in the process, while still digging his knee into the back of Flair. Booker T reaches over and takes in his partner, Rob Van Dam.

RVD leaps over the top rope and hits a kick to the face of “The Nature Boy” as Booker T still held Flair in place. Booker T broke the hold and he and RVD picked up Flair and whipped him into the ropes. Upon the return, they hit a double back body drop and Booker T exited while RVD looked around and ran off the ropes, rolling along the mat, and leaping in the air and crashing down upon Ric Flair for the Rolling Thunder to a huge pop from the crowd. RVD made the cover on Flair as Mike Chioda made the count: One … Two … kickout again by the 16 time World Heavyweight Champion.

Batista tried to make the save on that, but it wasn’t needed. Mike Chioda went over to him and made him exit. While he was forcing Batista out, Rob Van Dam picked up Ric Flair only to have Flair poke him in the eyes to loud heel heat from the crowd. Flair and RVD both went down, with RVD rubbing at his eyes. Batista came into the ring and dragged the Dirtiest Player in the Game to their corner and placed one of his feet on the outside and tagged in Flair so he could return rather quickly to the ring to stop RVD from making the tag.

Batista grabbed RVD by the right ankle, trying to drag him away from the ropes, and did, but RVD tried kicking feverishly at Batista only to no avail. Batista grabbed the other foot during a missed kick and stomped on the crotch area of RVD. Mike Chioda was still attending to Ric Flair, trying to get him out of the ring, so that illegal low blow was missed by Chioda. Booker T was yelling at Chioda to pay attention, motioning to Chioda of the low blow, but Chioda pointed to his eyes, saying he didn’t see it. Batista covered RVD. One … Two … kickout by RVD. Batista picked up RVD and whipped him into his own corner and quickly grabbed Mike Chioda and forced him over to where Booker T was, arguing with Booker to keep Chioda’s attention while Flair grabbed the tag rope and began choking the life out of Van Dam. Flair broke the choke while Batista and Chioda turned around. Batista ran in with a leg lift right into the midsection of Van Dam and then bent over, grabbing hold of the middle rope and pulling himself in for a huge shoulder block to the chest of Van Dam. He backed off and rammed his shoulder into the chest of RVD again and let Van Dam fall to the mat. Batista made the cover again as Chioda got down for the count: One … Two … T, kickout!

The crowd popped for that, but Batista wasn’t about to give up just yet. He picked up RVD and whipped him into the corner Batista placed RVD on the top rope, seated. Batista went over, standing on the middle rope, looking for a Superplex, perhaps, but RVD somehow managed to knock the co-holder of the World Tag Team Championship down onto the mat. RVD looked around; he could feel this momentum shifting. He wanted to hit the Five Star Frog Splash, but Ric Flair ran over, grabbing RVD by the left ankle, trying to keep him perched on the top rope instead of jumping off. RVD kicked Flair down, and Flair fell onto the apron and then rolled down to the mat below. But this allowed Batista to get to his feet and he pushed RVD off and RVD landed throat first around the barricade directly opposite the side of the entrance way.

[Commercial.]

Back from the commercial break, Batista had RVD back in the ring, in a chin lock. Booker T was slapping the top turnbuckle, rallying up the crowd’s support for RVD. They began chanting “R – V – D” along to the slapping of the turnbuckle by Booker T. But Batista stood up only to drop back down with a huge knee right to the spine by RVD. Batista dragged Van Dam over to his corner a little bit more and tagged in Ric Flair. Flair made it into the ring and kneed the side of Ric Flair, right in the rip cage. He chopped Van Dam down to the mat and then bounced off the ropes. Flair “WOOOOOO’ED!” his way back to Van Dam, strutting, too, and he dropped a knee right to the forehead of RVD. He then covered Rob Van Dam. One … Two … Th, kickout, by Van Dam.

Ric Flair picked up RVD and whipped him into the corner. He again laid in several chops. “WOOOOOO!” yelled Ric Flair and the crowd and then Flair dropped RVD to the mat. Ric Flair picked up RVD once again and tried to whip him into the opposite corner of the ring, but RVD reversed it, sending Flair flying into the ropes where he turned upside down and landed on the apron. He landed right alongside Booker T and as he was running along the apron, not having a clue where he was, before Booker T could even punch him, Flair flopped down onto the apron and rolled off the mat to a huge cheer from the crowd. Booker T looked around, reaching out for RVD to tag him. RVD had fallen to the mat following the whip to the corner, but he was moving. Batista, however, ran into the ring and grabbed RVD by the leg. RVD stood up, hobbling around on his right leg only to miss an Enzugiri on Batista, but Batista didn’t anticipate the back heel kick by RVD that sent Batista back stumbling and RVD leaped forward and tagged in Booker T to the loud pop by the crowd.

Booker T hit a lariat on Batista that sent him out onto the apron and went outside and rolled in Ric Flair back into the ring. Ric Flair, on his knees, began begging for Booker T to hold off, but Booker kicked him and picked him up. Slap. Chop. Slap. Chop and one last slap by Booker T! Booker T whipped Flair into the ropes and took him down with a side calf kick. Booker T could feel it. He got up and Flair got up, getting to his feet and he ran for the ropes but before he could even make the run for Flair, Batista, who was on the outside, just getting up, grabbed the right foot of Booker T, tripping him and he got into the ring. Flair fell back down to the mat, though. Batista grabbed Booker T and tossed him in between his legs, clutching at his chest and lifting him up. Batista slammed Booker T, hard, onto the mat for the devastating, brutal Batista Bomb!

Booker T looked out of it, and Batista dragged Flair onto Booker T and exited the ring before Chioda would make the count: One … RVD began climbing the ropes, Two … and RVD leaped off the ropes Five Star Frog Splash before Chioda hit three! The Five Star Frog Splash connected to the back of Ric Flair to a thunderous roar from the crowd. They were on their feet, snapping pictures and chanting “R – V – D” over and over again. RVD punched Batista. Batista staggered backwards, but didn’t fall off the ring apron and came into the ring. RVD tried to punch him again, but Batista grabbed him and hit the Spinebuster on him. Batista picked up Booker T once more and hit another Batista Bomb on and put Flair on him once more. One … Two … Three!

Winners and Still World Tag Team Champions: Batista and Ric Flair in 18:03

(84, 87, 80) ***

Batista helped up Ric Flair as Chioda handed them the World Tag Team Championship belts. They got their hands raised and Batista helped Ric Flair out of the ring and up the ramp as RVD was getting up first. He goes to help Booker T up. Booker T pushed RVD away and staggers backwards into the corner. The crowd looking shocked that after a hard fought battle with Evolution, Booker T would just push his own partner. Booker T, however, rolls out of the ring before RVD could even question him. Booker T, holding his back in pain, slowly walked out of the ring while RVD, also favoring his back from the Spinebuster, tried to do the “R – V – D” thumb pointing. He did it, but he was in obvious pain lifting his arms doing that.

America’s Most Wanted – Coming Soon!

Thunder and Lightening is heard and on the screen the flashing images of lightening and thunder lighting up the dark sky. The sky goes black due to no lightening striking, but when it hits a shadowy image of a man with long hair is shown, facing at the camera. The screen goes black again. Lightening strikes the sky once more and another man’s face, with shorter hair, but still long, shows up on the right side.

The lightening stops and the screen goes to a white background. The sounds of footsteps are heard. They are at a distance. Lightening strikes again and the white screen appears once more. The footsteps are closer. More lightening and they get closer. Two guys dressed in black jeans and black t-shirts appear. Both noticeable big. The one on the right standing at 6’1” and the one on the left standing at 6’3.” The screen quickly cuts out the man on the right and the video editing fades him away. The one on the left also gets faded away. The lightening strikes.

A “Wanted” poster is shown. Underneath the “Wanted” logo is “America’s Most Wanted.” The two men appear on the screen. “Wildcat” appears under the man on the left and “Cowboy” appears under the man on the right. The screen fades to black. Gun shots are heard with bullets piercing through the image, each of the two bullets spell out the word “Coming Soon.”

(75)

[Commercial.]

Ross: What could possibly be going on in the mind of Booker T? HE just pushed his own partner after that title match. There was no shame in losing that hard fought match. He and RVD both tried real hard.

Callis: Booker T is obviously a smart man. Why keep tagging with RVD when that was their last chance at a shot against Batista and Ric Flair? Since losing, they can no longer gain a title shot as long as Evolution holds the belts. Who needs RVD now? This is why I respect Booker.

Ross: You never respected Booker T. Give me a break. Why all of a sudden now?

Callis: He has finally seen the light, Jimmy. He doesn’t need RVD to be successful here in WWE. He will go places, my friend. He will be a top man. He doesn’t need RVD at all.

The Canadian Superstar Returns Home!

Lance Storm’s music begins to play and the fans immediately jump to their feet to celebrate the homecoming of Lance Storm. He comes out, waiving the Canadian flag to a standing ovation. The camera focuses in on Lance Storm who is truly taken back by this crowd. He gets into the ring and raises his arms on all four corners of the ring and finally grabs the microphone from Lillian Garcia just as his music stops.

Storm: It sure is great to be back in my hometown once a-gain. [The crowd cheers and chants “Lance” over and over.] Last night, at Backlash, I defeated my former tag team partner, Val Venis. It was a damn good match, if I do say so myself. The reaction, though, to me winner and wrestling in Edmonton wasn’t nearly as loud as it is tonight and I thank you all for that. It’s really an honor to come out here and speak to all of you. If there is one thing I have my eyes set on, it’s that title that Randy Orton carries. I would proudly come back here and show it off to all of you great fans.

Just as the fans are cheering on Lance Storm, “Hello, Ladies!” is heard and sure enough, Lance Storms former partner and opponent from last night comes out. Val Venis is met with some boos for cutting off Lance Storm like this.

Val Venis: Lance, you may have defeated me last night. I’ll admit that. But what I want is a rematch. This thing between you and me is far from over, my friend. You turned your back on me and sided with Christian and Trish Stratus. We had something good, Lance. We were on the verge of gaining a tag team. I got the fans to stop chanting “boring” at you. [The crowd boos Val Venis now. Showing that clearly, in Calgary, Lance Storm is going to be the face and Val the heel.] You can boo me all you want, but if it wasn’t for me and showing you all a side of Lance Storm that has never been seen before, he’d still be getting boring chants as we speak right now.

Storm: As much as teaming with you might have stopped those damn chants, teaming with you was a low point in my career. I was regulated to dancing. “Dance, Lance, Dance” is all I heard. I heard it in my sleep. I heard it on the planes, airports, restaurants. I couldn’t even eat my own meal with my family or friends without hearing those stupid chants. Now that I finally got rid of it and showed the world that I am as talented as I say I am and that I show them that the best pure wrestlers come from Calgary … Alberta, Canada, I am finally earning some damn respect around here. But here in Calgary, I never heard it. Why? They respected me for my wrestling, and not for my stupid dancing.

Venis: There really is only one way to settle this. Right now. Me versus you in a Backlash rematch. What do you say, Lance? Are you man enough to step into the ring again for a match with me? This time, the outcome will be different. Are you really up to the challenge, in your hometown, Lance? All I ask, could you please try not to bore everyone to death?

Val Venis throws the microphone down and Lance Storm looks pissed. Referee Mike Sparks runs out from the back just as Val Venis slide under the bottom rope. Mike Sparks called for the bell.

(71)

Match Four – Val Venis vs. Lance Storm

Just as Val Venis slid under the bottom ropes, Lance Storm began attacking him with kicks to the back. Storm quickly picked up Val Venis and began punching him and backed him up against the ropes. He then sent Val off the ropes with an Irish Whip and Storm took him down with a drop toe hold. On the ground now, Lance Storm grabbed the left leg and began kicking the back of the leg on Val Venis. Storm stood on the right foot, keeping it grounded from further attempts of Val trying to kick him with it, and then pushed on the left leg, stretching it out in the process. Lance Storm turned Val onto his stomach and grabbed the left leg and placed it around his own neck while sitting on the back of Val Venis. This was a horse collar or Stretch Muffler, whatever you want to call it. Referee Mike Sparks checked on Val Venis to see if he wanted to tap out. Val, obviously, was not about to tap out this early in the match.

Storm broke the hold on his own and went right back at attacking the left leg. He lifted up the leg and slammed it, knee first, into the mat. He did it again, slamming it harder into the mat. Storm turned Val back onto his back and grabbed the left leg and locked in a spinning toe hold. Val tried kicking him with his right, but Storm just blocked it. Lance Storm grabbed the left leg, twisted around it and then placed the right leg underneath the left leg, placing his own leg on the left leg and laid down for a Figure Four Leg Lock. Val Venis was clearly in agony over this move. Storm, however, wasn’t able to use someone at ringside for extra added pressure by grabbing their hands. Neither Christian nor Trish Stratus or not Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger, were not at ringside. Val Venis was reaching for the ropes but Storm kept pressing down on the left leg with tons of force keeping Val in so much pain right now. Val was using his upper body strength to move closer to the ropes, but he was still not close enough to reach them. Finally, with one last move, he was able to grab the ropes and hold on to them until Mike Sparks forced Lance Storm off of him.

[Commercial.]

After a sudden, and quick, commercial break, we are back with Storm still in control of the match. He is keeping Val safely on the mat and working over on the left leg with ease. Lance Storm had a foot hold on him. Sort of like an ankle lock, only with Val on his back instead of on his stomach like the usual ankle lock would be applied. Val Venis, however, was able to use his free right leg and kicked at the right knee cap of Lance Storm that showed Lance Storm staggering back. Storm was forced to break the hold upon him staggering back, but he went for the front ankle lock again, only to have Storm stagger backwards again.

Val Venis got to his feet, favoring his left leg but he and Storm met in the center of the ring with Storm and Val trading punches. Val whipped Storm into the corner and charged in. Storm kicked Val in the face to a nice pop from the crowd and he took Val down to the mat with a nice double leg take down. But Val Venis fought him off and rolled to the outside. Storm went over to the ropes and Val pulled him down with his legs and dragged him out to the outside. Val Venis grabbed Lance Storm by the head and whipped him head first into the steel ringsides to loud heel heat from the crowd. “Val sucks” chants ring out as Val Venis argues with a fan at ringside, who was giving Val the finger.

Val picked up Lance and lifted him up over his head and then dropped him, throat first, across the barricade. Val Venis rolled back into the ring at eight and rolled back outside to cause Mike Sparks to restart the count. Val grabbed Lance and whipped him across to the other side into the barricade. Val grabbed Storm and brought him into the ring. Val Venis went to the top rope and through his hands into the arm, swiveling his hips and then leaped off, for the Money Shot. The crowd booed as Mike Sparks made the count: One … Two … Th, foot on the ropes! The crowd cheered as Storm was still in it. “Lance” chants started up as the Canadian Superstar was able to keep himself in the match.

Val Venis picked up Lance Storm and hooked the arm and leg and lifted him up and over for a nicely executed Fisherman’s Suplex. Val Venis, tried holding the bridge, but his left leg gave out and he was forced to break the hold. Mike Sparks wasn’t able to make the count. Val Venis, still favoring that left leg, picked up Lance Storm, and brought him down with a Russian Leg Sweep and made the cover. One … Two … Th, kickout by Lance Storm.

Val Venis grabbed Lance Storm and whipped him into the ropes. Storm returned, slipping through Val’s legs, catching him with the left leg and dragged Val down. Storm, still holding the left leg, sat down on the back of Val Venis, holding him in the Straightshooter (the half Boston Crab). This got an awesome reaction from the crowd, but sadly, it didn’t last too long for them, as Val was able to grab the ropes and break the hold. Lance Storm grabbed Val Venis and whipped him into the ropes. Storm ran for Val and leaped up trying to hit the leg lariat, but Val actually caught him, mid air. Val, however, dropped him due to the fact that catching him like that caused his left leg to hurt.

Lance Storm went for spinning heel hook, but Val Venis caught him from behind. He lifted him up, like he was going for a Vertical Suplex, but instead he spun him around and then planted him on the mat, in a sitout-powerbomb-like position, called the Blue Thunder Driver. Mike Sparks made the count. One … Two … Thre, foot on the ropes, again! Val Venis, however, quickly pulled him around from the ropes and climbed the top rope. He leaped off, hitting the Money Shot. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Val Venis in 11:54

(80, 75, 86) *** ¼

The crowd booed the hell out of Val Venis getting a win over their hometown guy, Lance Storm. As Val Venis was celebrating, Lance Storm was just getting to his feet and blindsided him with a chop block to the left leg. Val Venis crashed to the mat and the crowd gave Storm a standing ovation as he locked in the Straightshooter.

Callis: TRAMENDOUS! This is tremendous! Lance Storm is giving that piece of crap, Val Venis, what he truly deserve! Keep it locked on, Lance! Don’t let go! Haha! Yes! Tramendous!

Ross: How can you condone this action? Lance Storm lost and now he is taking his aggression out on the winner. How pathetic of him … and you, for that matter, for doing this! This is sick, bah gawd!

“Lance” chants were ringing throughout the Saddledome as Storm arched backwards, applying the pressure to the leg even more. Mike Sparks called for more referees as Brian Hebner, Todd Sinclair, Mike Chioda, and Billy Silverman, as well as Road Agents Arn Anderson, Dave “Fit” Finley, and Johnny Ace all came out. They finally forced Storm to break the hold. Storm, though, was laughing, celebrating his beat down of Val Venis as the fans showed their approval by giving him a standing ovation.

Edited April 22, 2005 by Fitzy

[Fitzy]

Booker T … Felling a Little Blue?

The scene quickly cuts back to the locker room where Rob Van Dam is walking. He walks into the locker room where you see Hurricane in the corner, sitting reading a comic book and Tommy Dreamer and Orlando Jordan are also talking nearby. The camera pans to the left and it is Booker T, out f his wrestling clothes and in his normal, fancy shirt and pants.

Rob Van Dam: Dude! What the hell was that all about, man? [booker T looks up, still packing his bags, but quickly looks back down and finishes packing his bag.] Book, man, come on. Why did you push me out there? What has gotten into you, dude? Is there a problem between you and me that I am not sure of? Come on, dude. Answer my question. Don’t just ignore me, man. [booker T grabs his bags and goes to leave when Rob Van Dam grabs him by the arm and forces him to look at him.] What is your problem?! Dude, I did nothing wrong. We lost. We put up a good fight, man. Sure, we can’t get another title shot as long as Evolution holds the belts, but … dude, come on! We have a good thing going right now. Don’t ruin it by walking away from me, dude!

Booker T stares at RVD’s arm on his shoulder and pushes it off. Booker T goes to walk off, but RVD quickly turns him around. Booker T drops his bags and pushed RVD back.

Booker T: Dawg, don’t EVER put your hands on the Booker Man. Now, if you don’t mind, I am getting outta here, now, aight, man?

Booker T walks out of the room and into the hallway where RVD chases after him. RVD tackles Booker T in the hallway and Hurricane, Tommy Dreamer, and Orlando Jordan rush out of the locker room and they pull RVD and Booker T apart from their little brawl. Booker T pushes Tommy Dreamer off of him, brushes himself off, and grabs his bag.

Booker T: I’m going to Smackdown, dawg! I am going to a place where the General Manager respects my talent and a place where I will be able to be someone. I am more than “RVD’s tag team partner.” I am a five time, five time, FIVE TIME WCW Champion. I don’t need you or your tag team to be successful. I am going to be successful on my own. Eric Bischoff doesn’t want to ruin my contract? Fine with me. Paul Heyman already offered me a better deal. Peace, dawg!

Booker T kicks RVD while he is down once last time before walking off. In the audience, the crowd is clearly booing him as Hurricane, OJ, and Dreamer tend to the fallen RVD.

(82)

[Commercial.]

Ross: Booker T is going to Smackdown?! Mah Gawd, how could Eric Bischoff let someone like Booker T just leave like that?! What’s going on here?

Callis: What a tremendous show of attitude by Booker T. I told you, Jimmy. He doesn’t need RVD to be successful. I am proud of Booker T. He did the right thing. If Eric Bischoff doesn’t want Booker T here, Paul Heyman will take him and use him to his fullest ability.

Ross: While the loss of Booker T is going to hurt Raw, we cannot look past tonight’s huge main event, and it is up right now! Edge and Chris Benoit take on Triple H and Randy Orton!

Match Five – Main Event – World Heavyweight Champion “The Crippler” Chris Benoit and Edge vs. Evolution: “The Game” Triple H and the WWE Intercontinental Champion “The Legend Killer”

“Time to play the game!”

“The Game” by Motorhead begins to play and Triple H and the WWE Intercontinental Champion come out on the stage together. Neither Batista nor Ric Flair is with them at this time. At the stage, Randy Orton does his pose while Triple H takes a sip of his water. They both continue down the stage together and Randy Orton pulls himself up onto the ring apron and then gets into the ring where he goes right for the corner and does his pose again. On the apron, on the same side as Orton, Triple H gets up and spits out his water while Orton still does his pose on the ropes. They both meet in the center of the ring, awaiting the presence of Chris Benoit and Edge.

“You Think You Know Me?”

“Metalingus” by Alter Bridge begins to play as the entrance fills with smoke. Edge, in his long black trench coat, comes running out onto the stage. He goes off to his left, first and hypes up the crowd and then runs to the other side, near Ross and Callis, and hypes up that portion of the crowd. “Whatever” by Our Lady Peace begins to play and the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit makes his entrance to a thunderous ovation from the crowd. “Benoit” chants fill the arena as Benoit comes out. He takes off his belt and goes to the left, like Edge did first and pounds his chest once and raises the belt with his other hand. He places the belt back on his shoulder and walks across the stage to the other side near the announcers and does the same, pounding his chest and raising the belt. Benoit and Edge meet at the middle of the ramp and look at each other, pointing at the ring and both walk down the aisle and get into the ring. Referee Billy Silverman takes the belts from Orton and Benoit and keeps the two teams separated. He calls for the bell.

Triple H and Randy Orton play “Evens and Odds” with Triple H throwing a one and Orton throwing a two giving the win to the odds. Triple H tells Orton he can start since Triple H won he could choose who started the match. Orton slaps Triple H on the back and is ready for the start of the match. Benoit exits the ring and it is Edge and Orton starting things off as they circle each other. They lock up in the center of the ring where Orton quickly emerges with a headlock. Edge manages to back Orton up against the ropes, but Orton shoves Edge off of him, only to quickly grab him by the hair and pull him back into a headlock. The crowd lets him have it with that. “Orton sucks” chants start up. Orton brings Edge down onto his ass and Orton kneels down. Orton tightens his grip on Edge and finally lies down, beside Edge, and still applying the headlock. Referee Billy Silverman, filling in for Earl Hebner who isn’t booked for this event in Calgary, not wanting to get any “You Screwed Bret” chants in Bret Hart’s hometown, checks on Edge to see if he isn’t being choked by Orton. However, he isn’t, so he raises the arm of Edge. “ONE!” yells Silverman, as the left arm of Edge falls down onto the mat again. “TWO!” yells Silverman for the second time as the arm of Edge falls for a second time. Silverman raises the arm for a third time, but it doesn’t fall. The crowd cheers and claps for Edge to get up, but once both Edge and Orton are both up, and Edge tries to elbow his way out, Orton just grabs him by the hair again and brings him down with a side headlock. Orton, close to the ropes, reaches up for a tag to Triple H.

Triple H comes in and begins kicking the hell out of the helpless Edge as Orton still has the headlock on him. Billy Silverman finally forces the break of the headlock and forces Orton out. Triple H picks up Edge up and whips him into the ropes. Edge ducked a lariat attempt by “The Game” and was able to bounce off the ropes near Benoit. Benoit hit the blind tag. Edge slid through the legs of Triple H, cause Triple H to turn around to get Edge only to have Benoit come in and blindside him to a huge cheer. “Benoit” chants fill the Saddledome. Benoit grabs Triple H and pushes him into the corner. He begins hitting brutal chop after chop after chop on Triple H leaving a bright red hand print on “The Games’s” chest.

Benoit grabs Triple H by the head and whips him into the ropes. Benoit charges at him with a double forearm to the throat. Triple H gets to his feet and Benoit grabs him and hooks him for a nicely executed snap Suplex and then floats over for the cover. One … Two … kickout by Triple H. Benoit grabs Triple H and chops him once more and goes behind him. He hooks the arms around the waist of Triple H and tries to lift him up for a German Suplex but Triple H gets his leg in and blocks it. Benoit breaks the hold and begins clobbering the back of Triple H with forearms. He tries the waist lock again, but Triple H blocks it and breaks free and runs at Benoit and takes him down with a knee lift. Triple H grabs Benoit and places him across his knee in a backbreaker position. He reaches up and tags in Randy Orton.

Orton comes into the ring by slingshotting himself over the top rope and drops an elbow across the throat of Benoit. Benoit clutches at his throat as Orton makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by “The Crippler.” Orton gets up and grabs Benoit and whips him into the corner where Triple H is and runs in with a knee lift. He tags Triple H back in. Orton distracts referee Billy Silverman while Triple H drops off the apron and takes Benoit down onto the mat by pulling the legs out from under him. Triple H grabs the left leg and slams it into the corner post. Benoit clutches at his left leg while Triple H grabs it again and slams it into the ring post again. Triple H rolls into the ring and Orton exits. Triple H drags Benoit away from the corner and covers him. One … Two … kickout by Benoit.

Benoit clutches at his left knee while Triple H stands up and grabs the left leg and begins kicking at the knee repeatedly. Benoit tries to kick Triple H off, but he can’t. Triple H, though, drops the leg and runs over to Edge and pushes him off the apron. Edge quickly gets into the ring by rolling under the bottom rope but Triple H points him out to Billy Silverman and he keeps Edge back. Triple H calls in Orton. Orton grabs the right leg while Triple H grabs the left and they both pull backwards, stretching out the legs of Benoit. They act like they are rowing a boat with Benoit’s legs now. Orton quickly rolls to the outside, acting like he was pacing back and forth. Triple H covers Benoit. One … Two … T, kickout by Benoit. Triple H tags in Randy Orton.

Orton climbs to the top rope and waits for Benoit to stand up. When Benoit get to his feet, Orton leaps off with a nice Flying Crossbody and covers Benoit in the process. One … Two … T, NO! Kickout by Benoit. Edge is slapping the turnbuckle with his right while reaching in with his left hand for a tag from Benoit. The crowd is clapping along for Benoit. Orton picks up Chris Benoit and grabs him in a neckbreaker position and then drops him, neck first, right onto his own left knee. Orton makes the cover again. One … Two … Th, kickout by the Rabid Wolverine. Randy Orton grabs Benoit in a headlock.

[Commercial.]

After the final commercial break of the evening, Orton is on the mat with Benoit in a headlock. Did Orton keep Benoit in a three minute headlock? Anyway, Orton reaches up with his foot and Triple H tags himself in. Triple H kicks Benoit in the midsection and Orton breaks the headlock. He and Triple H whip Benoit into the ropes and they hit a double flapjack on him. Orton leaves. Triple H goes back to targeting the left leg of Benoit. Edge is still slapping that turnbuckle. Triple H picks up Benoit and whips him into the turnbuckle. Benoit hit the turnbuckle sternum first and he fell backwards, hard, onto the mat while the force that Triple H used to whip him into the turnbuckle caused Triple H to fall, too. Triple H, though, was able to get up and make the pin on Benoit. One … Two … Th, kickout!

Triple H picked up Benoit and whipped him into the ropes. Upon the return, Triple H locked him in the Abdominal Stretch. Triple H, though was too far from his corner, so he had to move backwards, slowly, but he finally made it close enough so he could grab Orton’s hand and Orton pulled down, adding a lot of pressure to the move. Billy Silverman, though, wasn’t in view of this so they were getting away with it. Triple H and Orton broke the hold and Silverman came over to check on it and noticed nothing going on. He warned Orton to stay away, though. Triple H reached back and Orton took the hand and pulled back. Again, they broke it and Silverman checked. Triple H once more reached back and Orton took the hand and pulled back on it again. But they were forced to break I when Triple H saw Silverman move. Silverman warned Triple H and Orton that he was watching them. Obviously, he wasn’t doing a good job of that, though. Triple H grabbed Orton’s head and Orton pulled back hard on it. But this time Silverman was quick to move and saw the move. He pulled an Earl Hebner and kicked the hands apart and Benoit was able to use this to flip Triple H over him but Benoit crashed to the mat and both he and Triple H were down. One … Two … Three … Triple H moved first, Four … Triple H tagged in Randy Orton and Benoit was moving, Five. At six, Orton grabbed Benoit which broke the count and Orton tried to keep Benoit from making the tag. Benoit, however, got up, but Orton dropkicked the left knee causing Benoit to quickly drop to the mat, screaming in pain as he clutched the left knee. Orton covered Benoit. One … Two … Thr, kickout! Triple H and Randy Orton cannot believe it but the crowd is cheering on Benoit as Edge stands up, reaching with his left hand and slapping the turnbuckle with his right.

Orton picks up Benoit and tries for the RKO, but Benoit pushes him away and he almost collided with Triple H, but they were able to stop that from happening. As Orton turned around, he noticed that Benoit was diving for the corner and Orton tried to run and grab Benoit, but Benoit tagged in Edge to a loud pop from the crowd. Orton charged for Edge and Edge grabbed him by the head and tossed him over the top rope. Triple H comes charging in, but side steps a running knee from Triple H and grabs Triple H from behind and drops him down between his legs for the Edge-O-Matic. Orton was on his feet and rolled into the ring. As he got up Edge ran for him for a Spear, but Orton managed to side step him and Edge almost ran into the ring post. Luckily, though, Edge was able to stop himself. Orton grabbed Edge and hit the RKO! He hit the RKO on Edge! One … Two … Thre, Benoit makes the save to a huge pop! Benoit grabs Orton from behind German Suplex! The crowd is on their feet. He rolls Orton around and lifts him up and another German Suplex. He rolls again and stands up hitting the third of three consecutive German Suplexes! Triple H was getting up and he grabbed Benoit. Benoit broke the grip and went behind him and got him in the waist lock. He lifted Triple H and hit the German Suplex on Triple H this time! That’s four in a row for Benoit now. And rolls again. He hits a fifth German Suplex, second on Triple H and rolls again. He hits the third German Suplex on Triple H, but the sixth in a row!

Edge is up and he grabs Orton and drags him to line up head-to-head with Triple H. Benoit looks at the two of them and drags his right thumb across his throat and climbs the turnbuckle. He leaps off with a Diving Headbutt, hitting both Triple H and Randy Orton! Edge picks up Orton and whips him into the ropes, Spear! He hit the Spear on him and made the cover. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Chris Benoit and Edge in 20:02

(84, 86, 82) ***

The crowd is giving Chris Benoit and Edge a standing ovation as Benoit is limping on his left leg. He and Edge shake hands and raise each others hands as they look down at Evolution as the show comes to a close.

---------------------------

Overall: 81

TV Rating: 4.3

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This is how I am going to be doing Heat from now on. I am not up for writing more matches than I have to, and since these shows are not important, I am just going to list results.

Heat – April 25, 2004 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Saddledome

1. Matt Morgan with Rico Constantino defeated Tommy Dreamer with Orlando Jordan

2. World Tag Team Championship Match Highlights

3. Chris Jericho vs. Christian Highlights

4. Garrison Cade with Mark Jindrak defeated Orlando Jordan

5. Raw Main Event Highlights

6. WWE Women’s Championship Match: Molly Holly © defeated Victoria

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Edited April 22, 2005 by Fitzy

[punky]

Took me awhile but I'm back with my thoughts on RAW.

The opening promo was alright but for some reason, it just didn't click with me. I don't know why but Triple H's part really didn't sound like him, just sort of a generic promo but maybe it's just me. A few spelling mistakes but I knew what you were trying to say. Benoit's parts were solid but I don't like this "I'M FOR REAL" stuff, I'm partial to the "I PROVED YOU WRONG" catchphrase myself. Edge was just generic, bland, babyface Edge which I despise so I skimmed over his small part.

Hurricane vs Jamie Noble again and once again Noble comes out on top. Hopefully he doesn't end up in a long feud with Hurricane but then again, I guess you don't have much choice as of right now with who he can feud with.

More Nitro goodness. I'm loving it especially the part where Trish slapped him but then he saw himself in the mirror. Classic.

Christian vs Chris Jericho III and we get it LIVE on the Raw right after Backlash? Good stuff, would get me to tune in. It was a good match and finally Christian manages to score the win over Jericho. Loving the attack at the end by the new Problem Solvers in Simon and Swinger and The Christian Coalition is gonna be gold.

Also, just noticed. I don't think Edge & Christian were using those new themes back in April but I could be wrong. Unless you made note of the changes earlier in which case, I apologize.

The Orton promo was far better than his real promos but then again, that's not saying much. I'm glad you didn't have Foley come out as I hope you move Orton on from here to another feud.. maybe with RVD or Booker?

Batista and Flair vs Booker T and RVD should be a solid match but I kind of figured Evolution would retain the titles and I'm glad they did. Flair/Batista make a good heel team to dominate the division for awhile and BATISTA shows his dominance on both RVD and Book at the end. With Booker shoving RVD, I wonder what could be coming next..

At first I was wondering why Storm was acting like a face, what with saying he wanted Orton's belt but then I realized you were still in Canada. It's those little touches like Canadians in Canada hardly ever being heels. Good stuff with his promo and I like what you're trying to do with Venis to get him over but for me, it's just not working but maybe eventually I'll come around. The Venis/Storm match was decent enough but then I got surprised as Val picked up the win over Storm, which I didn't think would happen. Then Storm jumps on the attack with the Straight Shooter, awesome. So I guess you're gonna continue this feud too and maybe you'll win me over with Venis

.. and there it is. The Book being pissed off about what happened earlier in the night and leaves to go to SmackDown where he would've been treated with great respect by Paul Heyman! I mean, WILL be treated with great respect.

Main Event time and MORE Evolution with Benoit/Edge vs Triple H & Orton. All I can ask first is that you don't put Triple H right back against Orton, I wanna see this HHH/Edge thing continue and you move Benoit on to someone else. Classic heel double teaming with the abdominal stretch and help by Orton until Silverman pulls the Hebner and kicks their hands apart. Good stuff. Nice false finish on the RKO on Edge and then Benoit comes in and CLEARS HOUSE with the six consecutive german suplexes. Loved the ending with the Diving Headbutt on both guys followed by Edge hitting the SPEAR on Orton to win the match.

Overall a solid RAW even if there were a few parts that I didn't like and there were a few more spelling mistakes throughout the show but I can overlook them, knowing the quality writer you are. Everyone makes mistakes.

[Fitzy]

Who’s The Number One Contender?

April 26, 2004

Last week on Raw, both Edge and Triple H called themselves number one contenders to the World Heavyweight Championship. But Eric Bischoff has told WWE.com that he has a special announcement to be made at the start of Raw this Monday on Spike TV. Will he named Edge the number one contender? Will Triple H get his way and get the belt? How will they react to the announcement? Or will neither be called the number one contender? Bischoff won’t give anymore information regarding that situation.

Also last week we saw Christian debut his Problem Solvers in Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond. These new comers, joining his Coalition, debuted by taking out Chris Jericho with an amazing looking double team elevated DDT which they effectively call the Problem Solver. Jericho and Christian have been at odds going all the way back to WrestleMania XX and Jericho will attempt to get some revenge on Monday as he takes on one of the men who took him out last week in Johnny Swinger.

Will Randy Orton accept Lance Storm’s challenge from last week? Lance called out Orton in front of his hometown fans in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and he wanted to regain the Intercontinental Championship. Orton hasn’t made any sort of attempt to respond to Storm, will he do it on Monday night?

Rob Van Dam and Booker T lost their final tag team title match last week and Booker T signed with Smackdown, returning to the show last Thursday defeating John Cena in a non-title match. Will RVD find a new partner and try to regain the World Tag Team Championship from Evolution, or will he go on his own and try to achieve singles success?

All of this and more on Raw at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Edited May 3, 2005 by Fitzy