World Wrestling Entertainment: 2004

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, MAY 17, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from San Diego, California, and announced the lineup for this evening: World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit on "The Peep Show", Shelton Benjamin taking on Batista, Eugene meeting William Regal, the Extreme Animals battling Ebony & Ivory in a Hardcore Match, Rosey & Hurricane facing Lita & World Television Champion Matt Hardy, and in the main event, Mankind squaring off against Ric Flair.

Hardcore Match: Ebony & Ivory (Mark Henry & Garrison Cade) vs. The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri)

Steven Richards & Victoria escorted Ebony & Ivory to the ring as a short video package aired to explain the backstory of this feud, while the Extreme Animals got a nice pop upon their entrance. A slightly disappointing, sloppy brawl that featured both squads using chairs, trashcans, stop signs, and tables as Ross reminded viewers that the losers would be unable to wrestle on RAW for one year. In the end, Tajiri blasted Garrison Cade with the Buzzsaw Kick while Rhyno drove Mark Henry through a table in the corner with the Gore, followed by both Animals scoring pinfalls at 7:31. Afterwards, Victoria & Steven tried to attack the Animals but the Japanese Buzzsaw spewed green mist in Victoria's face, while Richards fell victim to the Gore/Buzzsaw Kick combination. (69%)

Following a commercial break, Rosey & Hurricane were making their entrance and gladhanding the fans. Once they were in the ring, Matt Hardy & Lita came out on the stage with a microphone, carrying the Hurricane's cape and Rosey's eyemask. The World Television Champion suggested that the Super Heroes misunderstood his challenge on Heat and announced that while Lita was his "partner in life", she wasn't his tag team partner tonight. Hardy announced the return of "the Mattitude era" and introduced his partner as his former "number-one Mattitude Follower", making his RAW debut after jumping from SmackDown: Shannon Moore, who pranced out to a smattering of boos and high-fived Matt & Lita before the trio headed down to the squared circle. (68%)

The Hurricane & Rosey vs. Mattitude (Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore)

Lita stood in the Mattitude corner as J.R. crowed over Shannon Moore jumping to RAW and put him over as a talented young blue-chipper with a ton of potential. This turned out to be a very good tag team bout that displayed flawless teamwork from Shannon & Matt Hardy, while Rosey & Hurricane looked good but encountered a couple of problems that saw the Hurricane visibly annoyed with his Super Hero In Training. One such error led to the finish, as Rosey accidentally knocked Hurricane out of the ring with a clothesline before being taken down by a Double Side Effect from Hardy & Moore, giving the World Television Champion the pinfall at 8:59. Afterwards, the Mattitude threesome celebrated up the ramp while the Super Heroes argued. (80%)

Jonathan Coachman interviewed Shelton Benjamin in the dressing room as he was warming up to face Batista. When the Coach asked the former Minnesota Golden Gopher about his rivalry with Triple H, Shelton boasted about his 2-0 record against the Game and stated that while he wasn't afraid of any challenge, including Batista tonight, he didn't see why he should give HHH another rematch. (77%)

Batista vs. Shelton Benjamin

Lawler and Ross argued over Shelton Benjamin "having Triple H's number" throughout this solid match-up, which kicked off when Batista attacked Shelton as he was entering the ring. The commentators suggested that Batista was doing HHH's dirty work, as the Beast seemed more interested in punishing the former two-time co-WWE Tag Team Champion than actually winning the contest. Benjamin held his own against Big Dave, using his agility and technical skill to his advantage, but as he was building momentum, HHH ran in and pounced on Shelton, drawing a disqualification for Batista at 9:43. Ric Flair soon joined in the beatdown, as HHH went to ringside and retrieved a sledgehammer from underneath the ring. However, before the Game could use it, Rhyno & Tajiri roared down to the ring and knocked the sledge to the floor. The Extreme Animals cleaned house and drove Evolution from the squared circle before checking on Shelton as the fans cheered. (71%)

After an ad break, the ring was set up for "The Peep Show" as Trish Stratus introduced Christian and passed him the microphone. Christian mentioned his involvement in RAW's main event last week and introduced his guest, Chris Benoit, who received a great pop when he marched out and confronted Christian about trying to cost him the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane. The Rabid Wolverine got right in Christian's face and informed him that he didn't forgive and forget so easily, which Christian used to change the subject to Shawn Michaels not being around to help Benoit last week. The Canadian Crippler responded that he handled himself just fine, with an assist from Chris Jericho, and didn't need the Heartbreak Kid, at which point HBK's music kicked in as Christian announced that he had "forgotten" to introduce his other guest tonight. Shawn walked out looking unhappy and explained that he had done everything in his power to change his life, but still people wouldn't believe him. HBK insisted that everything he had done lately, including making the match in which he and Benoit won the World Tag Team Championship, was for the "greater good" and wondered when the Crippler would grant him a shot at the World Title. Benoit replied that he had always wanted to find out once and for all who was better, him or Michaels, and accepted his challenge for Sunday, June 13, at WWE Bad Blood. The World Tag Team Champions exchanged some heated words until Christian interrupted and reminded them that it was his show, questioning when he would receive his World Title shot. Michaels & Benoit looked at each other before unleashing a wicked double-chop to Christian's chest, bringing Kane lumbering down to the squared circle as a four-way brawl broke out. An army of WWE officials and agents flooded out to separate the combatants, but HBK inadvertently smacked the World Champion with the Sweet Chin Music when Christian dodged the kick. Kane, Christian, & Trish backed up the ramp as Shawn grabbed the mic and offered them a crack at the World Tag Team Title next week if they wanted to rumble. Christian smiled and nodded on the ramp. (87%)

In the backstage office of the RAW General Manager, William Regal was dressed to wrestle as he made a last-ditch effort to convince Eric Bischoff to cancel tonight's match against Eugene, explaining that he had a family to feed and he didn't want to have to hurt Eugene to earn a spot on the active RAW roster. Bischoff sneered and expressed his dissatisfaction that Regal "went easy" on Eugene during their training sessions, but Regal tried to appeal to Bischoff's heelish sensibilities and suggested that Eugene could be of great use to the RAW GM. Bischoff responded that he could barely stand the sight of his "specially-abled" nephew and wanted him gone, making it clear that he expected Regal to take care of the problem tonight. William sighed and protested, but Eugene barged into the room and enthusiastically went on and on about how excited he was to finally get to wrestle on TV. Eugene stated that he told his mom to watch RAW tonight and hugged his Uncle Eric, asking William if they would be going out to the ring together. Regal grabbed Eugene by the shoulders and gruffly reminded him that they were opponents this evening, insisting that he keep that in mind when they locked up. The smile faded from Eugene's face as William stormed out of the office and Eric wished Eugene luck. (80%)

William Regal vs. Eugene

The participants entered separately, as William Regal looked emotionally torn awaiting his opponent, while Eugene appeared to be in awe of his surroundings when he walked slowly down the ramp. Lawler claimed that the ring was no place for somebody in Eugene's "condition", while Ross feared for his safety, as the match-up began as a clean wrestling exhibition with Eugene showing his surprising prowess, trading holds and counterholds with William, who seemed impressed. A mutual respect was evident as the action escalated and Regal reluctantly cranked his game up, applying some excruciating submissions and begging Eugene to tap out so he wouldn't have to hurt him. Eugene refused to submit and kicked out of several near-falls as the fans rallied behind him and he "Hulked Up", no-selling and mowing Regal down with lefts, rights, and clotheslines. Following some back-and-forth chain-wrestling, Eugene managed to take William down and wrap him up in the Regal Stretch, wrenching in the submission until Regal had no choice but to tap out at 12:57. The crowd popped as Eugene immediately released William and jumped for joy as J.R. proclaimed him the newest member of the RAW roster. RAW GM Eric Bischoff appeared on the stage as Eugene tried to help Regal up, but Regal shoved him away and looked at Bischoff, who motioned at William to finish the job. Regal nodded and spun the confused Eugene around, but instead of attacking him, he hugged Eugene and raised his hand in victory as the fans cheered and Bischoff threw a tantrum. (77%)

Backstage, Jonathan Coachman interviewed Ric Flair, who talked about Mankind's boiler room assault on Randy Orton last week and how disgusted he was that Mankind soiled him by applying the Mandible Claw. The Nature Boy mentioned that the Legend Killer was watching RAW at home as he recovered from the beating and vowed to get revenge not only for himself, but for the WWE Intercontinental Champion, by snapping Mankind's legs with the Figure Four Leglock...NEXT! (93%)

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Mankind

J.R. brought up Mankind's promo on Heat and wondered if Randy Orton would accept the Deranged One's challenge to a Boiler Room Brawl at Bad Blood, as Mankind and Ric Flair put on a great old-school main event that saw the Nature Boy focus his attack on the former three-time WWE Champion's knee, while also going through his usual chops and lowblows. Mankind fired back with his violent brawling style until he missed a running knee in the corner, giving Slick Ric the opportunity to snare Mankind in the Figure Four Leglock. The most psychologically-disturbing personality of Mick Foley refused to tap out and used a very unique counter to escape the dreaded submission hold, by pounding on both his and Flair's legs until the Nature Boy finally released him. They went through the former 16-time World Heavyweight Champion's usual routines, including the Flair Flip in the corner and Mankind tossing Flair off the top turnbuckle, before the Deranged One clamped on the Mandible Claw. Slick Ric struggled briefly but succumbed to the paralysis, as referee Charles Robinson dropped his arm three times, giving the submission victory to Mankind at 13:01. (82%)

As soon as the bell rang and Mankind released Ric Flair from the Mandible Claw, Randy Orton stormed the ring and swung a chair, but the Deranged One ducked and kicked Orton in the gut, causing him to drop the chair. Mankind quickly drilled the WWE Intercontinental Champion into the chair with a double-arm DDT and retrieved the microphone, asking Orton if he accepted his challenge for a Boiler Room Brawl at Bad Blood. The Legend Killer just held his head and groaned when Mankind held the mic to his mouth, so Mankind picked up the chair and smashed it down across Orton's left hand, which resulted in a scream of agony, but still no answer to the challenge. The third-generation superstar yelled in pain as Mankind bashed Orton's other hand with the chair and repeated his challenge, but this time Orton managed to scream a "YES!!!" and the crowd popped. Mankind thanked Randy, telling him to "have a nice day", before discarding the chair and sitting down beside Orton, rocking back and forth with a demented grin on his masked face, as Ross and Lawler signed off. (80%)

Overall: 78%

Rating: 5.56

Attendance: 10,035

Ticket Sales: $401,400

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Las Vegas, Nevada, by discussing the ramifications of last Sunday's Judgment Day and announcing a couple of tonight's match-ups, including Charlie Haas facing Hardcore Holly and Billy Gunn taking on the new Number One Contender, Booker T.

The crowd popped mildly as brand-new WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley made his way down to the ring and picked up the microphone, smiling with genuine happiness as he described the elation he felt when he won the title from Chavo Guerrero at Judgment Day on Sunday. The perennial underdog dedicated the victory to his family, friends, and fans that had supported him through thick and thin, but added that something was hampering his enjoyment of his accomplishment, recalling how he had won the Cruiserweight Battle Royal with some unwanted help from Booker T to eliminate Rey Mysterio. Spike claimed that he wanted to rectify the situation and called out Rey Rey, who seemed surprised as he stepped into the squared circle. Spike told Rey that he had always admired him due to their similar size and the fact that critics always said neither of them would make it in the business, but here they were, so he wanted to begin his Cruiserweight Title reign by offering Mysterio the first shot at his gold later tonight. Mysterio gladly accepted the challenge and put Dudley over as one of the most tenacious and determined competitors he had ever met before shaking hands with the WWE Cruiserweight Champion and declaring that the best man would win. As Rey exited the ring and headed up the ramp, with Spike following a few feet behind, John Bradshaw Layfield charged out and leveled Mysterio with a big boot to the head. When Spike tried to intervene, JBL tossed him away and dragged Rey up to the stage, where he clobbered him with the Clothesline From Hell before planting him with a brutal powerbomb on the steel grating. Bradshaw looked very angry and shouted about how Rey had cost him the WWE Championship against Eddie Guerrero at Judgment Day as several WWE agents and officials came out to attend to Mysterio. (74%)

Backstage, Funaki sat on a bench as he laced his boots in preparation for his match against A-Train when Gail Kim sauntered into the room wearing a schoolgirl uniform with her hair in pigtails. Along with the camera panning up, Funaki slowly looked up at Gail and absent-mindedly continued lacing his boots as she smiled sweetly and congratulated Funaki on a successful mini-tour of Japan with Ultimo Dragon over the past couple of weeks, stating that she had missed him while he was gone. Speechless, Funaki blushed and grinned as Gail informed him that the offer to join Kyo Dai was still on the table before leaving the room. When Funaki got up after she left, he fell on the floor because he had accidentally tied his laces together while gawking at Kim. (72%)

A-Train vs. Funaki

Styles explained that Funaki & Ultimo Dragon had participated in a two-week round-robin tag team tournament in Japan, finishing an impressive second-place, and the Dragon had stayed in Japan a couple extra days to visit family. Typical "big vs. little" match-up here as A-Train manhandled Funaki, who had a few hope spots and fought back with his speed and aerial maneuvers. At one point, Gail Kim walked out and distracted referee Chad Patton, as well as Funaki, while Sakoda & Akio invaded the ring and took down A-Train with simultaneous dropkicks to the knees. Kyo Dai pummeled the Train on the canvas and held his head up, attracting Funaki's attention. Funaki looked confused, but shrugged and thumped A-Train with a double-footed seated dropkick to the face, then covered the 340-pounder as Kyo Dai exited and the official returned to administer the three-count at 5:59. Afterwards, Gail smiled seductively and waved at Funaki as she left with Akio & Sakoda. (70%)

Chavo Guerrero and Chavo Classic were shown walking down a backstage hallway as Chavo Jr. complained about Spike Dudley offering the first crack at his WWE Cruiserweight Championship to Rey Mysterio tonight. Classic wondered if Rey would be in any shape to wrestle later and suggested that they go knock some sense into Spike and take Mysterio's title shot. However, they bumped into D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley, who looked rather unhappy since they had heard the Guerreros' plans for their half-brother. The Dudley Boyz informed Los Chavos that they would have to go through them to get to Spike and challenged them to a tag team match next week with a Cruiserweight Title shot on the line, which the father-and-son combination reluctantly accepted once they realized that it was their only choice. Bubba warned Los Chavos that if they touched a hair on Spike's head, they would regret it. (75%)

Hardcore Holly vs. Charlie Haas

Charlie Haas was flanked by Paul Heyman, new WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, and new WWE Tag Team Champions Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire as Styles recapped the Agency's successful evening at Judgment Day and the reformation of O'Haire & Jindrak as the Thrill Kill. Tazz himself referred to Haas as a "Human Suplex Machine" as he took Hardcore Holly's stiffest shots and answered back with a variety of suplexes and leg submissions before locking Holly in the Haas Of Pain, forcing the former six-time Hardcore Champion to tap out at 7:42. (76%)

Following the bell, the Thrill Kill dumped Hardcore Holly out to the floor as Paul Heyman retrieved the microphone and Brock Lesnar patted Charlie Haas on the back. Heyman boasted about the Agency's accomplishments last Sunday at Judgment Day: Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak taking the WWE Tag Team Championship from Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty, Charlie Haas ending Rob Van Dam's career, and Brock Lesnar capturing the WWE United States Championship from John Cena. The former SmackDown General Manager claimed that Cena had nobody to blame but himself and credited the Doctor Of Thuganomics with inspiring him to form the Agency, motioning to the TitanTron as footage was shown from the January 15 SmackDown of Cena stuffing soap in Heyman's mouth while Chris Benoit held him in the Sharpshooter. Heyman's face turned red as he stated that he never forgot that embarrassment and would do everything in his power to destroy Cena and make his life miserable, gesturing at Lesnar as he proudly held the U.S. belt over his head. The crowd's boos turned to cheers when Cena's voice could be heard as the Doctor Of Thuganomics appeared on the stage with a mic, admitting that he lost to Brock and wouldn't make any excuses. Building intensity in his voice, Cena added that the loss wouldn't stop him from going after Heyman and singlehandedly dismantling the Agency to regain his U.S. Title. When Lesnar called his bluff, Cena charged down to the ring and opened fire on the Agency, catching Jindrak, O'Haire, and Haas with lefts and rights before grabbing Heyman by his tie. Unfortunately, before he could do anything to the unscrupulous agent, Lesnar blindsided Cena and beat him down to the canvas as the rest of the Agency joined in the assault, stomping and kicking the former WWE U.S. Champion until a horde of officials, backed by Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty, flooded out to intervene. The Agency exited the ring, proud of their dirty work, as Scotty & Rikishi shouted threats at them. (75%)

A video package aired that recapped the feud between Kurt Angle and the Undertaker, including stills of the Dead Man's violent assault on the Olympic Champion that earned him a disqualification at Judgment Day. Exclusive post-match backstage footage was also shown of an unconscious Angle on a stretcher with neckbrace being loaded into an ambulance while the dazed Big Show had his head bandaged. The video ended with the announcement that next week's SmackDown would feature an update on Kurt Angle's condition and a special interview with Paul Bearer and the Undertaker. (95%)

Booker T vs. "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn

Once in the ring, Booker T admonished ring announcer Tony Chimel and demanded to be introduced as "Number One Contender Booker T" when he comes out. Tazz put over Booker's chances of winning the WWE Championship on Sunday, July 4, at the Great American Bash as the Book looked great in this entertaining athletic match-up against Billy Gunn. In the end, the former five-time WCW Champion finished off Mr. Ass with the Axe Kick at 8:03. (77%)

Afterwards, as Booker T celebrated his victory, the crowd popped huge as WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero strolled down the ramp with a microphone and congratulated the Book on his win tonight and his Number One Contender victory over Rey Mysterio at Judgment Day. Latino Heat stated that it took a "big man" to beat Rey Rey with interference from John Bradshaw Layfield and questioned Booker's qualifications as Number One Contender since he needed JBL's assistance, adding that Booker couldn't even return the favor to JBL and failed when he tried to help Bradshaw win the WWE Title. The Book was infuriated as he grabbed a mic of his own and stumbled over his words, claiming that he did the best he could, before Eddie cut him off and predicted that he would be saying the same thing after the Great American Bash when he went home empty-handed. The fans cheered and laughed at Booker as Guerrero chuckled and returned to the locker room, leaving the former five-time WCW Champion livid and humiliated in the squared circle. (83%)

Michael Cole interviewed SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, who announced that next week's main event would be a six-man affair pitting John Cena, Scotty 2 Hotty, & Rikishi against the Thrill Kill & Brock Lesnar. As Long was speaking, Rey Mysterio staggered past apparently on his way out for his Cruiserweight Title shot. The SmackDown GM stopped Rey Rey and asked him if he was really serious about wrestling tonight after suffering the nasty powerbomb on the stage from John Layfield, even offering to postpone the championship contest, but Mysterio replied that if he did that, JBL would have gotten the better of him. Long told Mysterio that he admired his resolve and wished him luck. (88%)

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Rey Mysterio

Spike Dudley came out first to a respectable pop and seemed very proud to be WWE Cruiserweight Champion, while Rey Mysterio walked down the ramp with a slight limp, holding the back of his head as Tazz speculated that he could have suffered a mild concussion earlier. Both competitors shook hands to kick off this championship main event and proceeded to engage in a solid back-and-forth match-up, as Spike dished out more offense than usual due to Rey Rey's condition, scoring a handful of near-falls. Mysterio fought back and built momentum until Dudley managed to dodge the 619, causing his masked challenger to tumble through the ropes. Spike pulled himself up by the ropes as John Bradshaw Layfield rushed down to ringside and went after Rey, who was ready this time and struggled with JBL. Meanwhile, the weary Spike instinctively rebounded off the opposite ropes with a baseball slide that nailed Rey in the back of the head before Spike crawled back to mid-ring, not seeing Bradshaw. Behind Dudley's back, JBL bashed Mysterio with a stiff forearm across the back of the head and tossed him back into the squared circle, where Spike dove off the top turnbuckle with the double-stomp to the gut and covered Rey for the 1-2-3 to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at 13:12. Afterwards, Spike noticed the smiling JBL and shook his head in disappointment, helping Rey Rey up as Styles and Tazz closed the broadcast. (69%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.37

Attendance: 10,049

Ticket Sales: $401,960

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Ultimo Dragon vs. Angel Dust: The commentators discussed the situation between Funaki and Gail Kim during this semi-competitive squash, which saw the Dragon put Angel Dust away with the cool-looking Asai DDT at 4:43. (56%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Rene Dupree, who kept referring to himself as the "French Phenom" and declared his superiority over the rest of the SmackDown roster. (68%)

* Rene Dupree vs. Scorpio Sky: Another semi-competitive squash that ended when Dupree drilled Scorpio with the Paris Driver at 2:56. (60%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Chavo Classic & Chavo Guerrero, who complained about being bullied by the Dudley Boyz and demanded his rightful rematch for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. (76%)

* Chavo Guerrero vs. Chris Sabin: Chavo Classic escorted his son out for this surprisingly competitive match-up, as Chris Sabin showed some potential against the former three-time Cruiserweight Champion, who eventually finished off Sabin with the Gory Bomb at 5:49. (74%)

* Paul Heyman grinned like the Cheshire Cat as he led WWE Tag Team Champions Thrill Kill down a backstage hallway on their way out for non-title action. (84%)

* Non-Title Match: The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) vs. Petey Williams & Jerrelle Clark: Paul Heyman accompanied his WWE Tag Team Champions for this non-title squash that displayed the Thrill Kill's aggressive teamwork. After toying with their opponents, Jindrak pinned Clark following the Mark Of Excellence at 3:25. (68%)

* Backstage, the Full Blooded Italians got into a confrontation with the Shooting Star Express when both factions were heading out for the Velocity main event. As a result, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long barred everyone from ringside for the singles bout. (68%)

* Chuck Palumbo vs. Paul London: Solid back-and-forth Velocity main event that featured Paul London using his innovative aerial offense to combat Chuck Palumbo's strength advantage. Late in the contest, Nunzio raced down to ringside, but his interference backfired and London pinned Chucky P at 6:44 following the 450 Splash off the top turnbuckle. Afterwards, Billy Kidman saved London from Nunzio, but Johnny The Bull rushed out to tip the odds in the FBI's favor and they laid out the Shooting Star Express. (70%)

Overall: 66%

Rating: 5.98

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $400,360

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Kane vs. Chad Collyer: Christian & Trish Stratus escorted Kane for this total squash, which the commentators used to hype the World Tag Team Championship main event for tomorrow night's RAW. The Big Red Machine buried Collyer with the Chokeslam To Hell at 2:03. (65%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed La Resistance, who claimed that they were discriminated against due to their French Canadian heritage. When Johnson pointed out that Robert Conway was from Louisville, Kentucky, he responded that he had applied for Canadian citizenship. (66%)

* La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier) vs. Chris Swan & Mark Wolf: Squash city for La Resistance as they put their opponents away when Conway covered Swan at 3:19 following the Au Revoir from he and Grenier. (60%)

* Backstage, Tough Enough were getting ready for tag team action when Maven thanked Al Snow for helping him out against La Resistance a couple weeks ago. Al replied that he would always be there for any of his former students and suggested that if they stuck together, they could eventually win the World Tag Team Championship, the first in a long line of titles for Maven. (80%)

* Tough Enough (Al Snow & Maven) vs. The Backseat Boys (Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid): This was a very good competitive match-up that saw the Backseat Boys once again put on an impressive performance, while Tough Enough displayed great teamwork as well. In the end, Maven hit the flying bodypress from the top turnbuckle on Kashmere for the three-count at 6:00. (80%)

* A video aired hyping the main event for RAW tomorrow night, featuring Shawn Michaels & World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit defending the World Tag Team Championship against Kane & Christian. (86%)

* In the arena, Victoria & Steven Richards made their way down to the ring and took the microphone. Richards declared that as the General Manager of Stevie Night Heat, it was his duty to defend the honor of Heat. Steven put RAW down, promising a "hostile takeover" of Monday nights, and claimed that he could kick the butt of anybody backstage who wanted to stand up for RAW. After a few moments, some royal music began playing and the crowd popped as Jerry Lawler marched down to the squared circle and accepted the challenge on behalf of RAW. (81%)

* Steven Richards vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler: Victoria tried to jump Jerry Lawler at ringside before he even entered the ring, but the King blocked her attack and put her over his knee for a spanking. This gave Steven Richards the opportunity to blindside the RAW color commentator and take control, kicking off a solid old-school Heat main event that saw Steven score several near-falls. They traded the advantage a few times until the King ducked the Stevenkick and planted Richards with the Memphis Piledriver for the 1-2-3 at 8:51. (74%)

Overall: 72%

Rating: 5.27

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $400,360

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Here's the early lineup for WWE Bad Blood on Sunday, June 13...

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Benoit [champion] vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

Edited March 15, 2005 by Chrononaut

[Hewey]

Great updates, The tag title match on RAW is gonna be awesome, I see HBK/Benoit finally losing the titles after some problems. I don't see anyone turning just yet. The boiler room brawl is also going to be good and if Orton does win, That'll elevate him big time imo. HHH and Shelton are probably going to fight at Bad Blood with HHH winning, But as long as it isn't a squash it's all good.

I'm still liking the stuff with Gail and Funaki, But I think it's time for it to blow off. I actually liked the main event of Rey/Spike and a feud between JBL/Rey could be good. Hopefully Booker T gets the gold at GAB. Keep up the good work man

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, MAY 24, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Rockford, Illinois, and announced this evening's lineup: Matt Hardy defending the World Television Championship against Shelton Benjamin, La Resistance meeting the Extreme Animals, Shannon Moore facing the Hurricane one-on-one, and in the main event, Kane & Christian challenging Shawn Michaels & World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit for the World Tag Team Championship.

The ring was set up for "The Highlight Reel" as Chris Jericho introduced himself and explained that he had requested this time to prove exactly why he was a better host than Christian and finish what started on "The Peep Show" last week. Y2J separately introduced his guests, World Tag Team Champions Shawn Michaels & World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit, and got right to the bottom of the situation, asking if the Rabid Wolverine and the Heartbreak Kid could co-exist to defend the belts against Christian & Kane later tonight. The Canadian Crippler stated that he respected the hell out of HBK as an athlete and a wrestler, but with his track record, he couldn't fully trust Shawn, who seemed hurt by the implications and insisted that "this leopard had changed his spots". The World Champion got nose-to-nose with Shawn and recalled that he had been whacked by an errant Sweet Chin Music, questioning whether it was really an accident. Benoit brought up the "Montreal incident" with Bret Hart at the 1997 Survivor Series and used it as an example of Michaels lying through his teeth to get the WWE Championship, drawing an "ooooohhh" from the smarter fans. Michaels took exception to the comment and informed Benoit that he just did what had to be done at the time, but since returning to WWE two years ago, he was a changed man. However, HBK added that one thing that hadn't changed was that he was still "the Showstopper, the Icon, the Main Event" and he planned on winning the World Title at Bad Blood fair-and-square. The World Tag Team Champions continued to argue until Christian interrupted on the ramp, carrying a microphone, flanked by Trish Stratus and Kane. Jericho accused Christian of violating his airtime and challenged him to another singles match, but Christian denied the request because he and Kane would be too busy defending the World Tag Team Title after tonight, advising Y2J to find himself a partner. Kane & Christian advanced toward the ring but several WWE agents and officials rushed out to prevent any physical confrontation, saving the action for the main event. (82%)

Backstage, Matt Hardy had Lita by his side as he psyched up Shannon Moore for his bout tonight against the Hurricane. Hardy reminded Moore that this evening was a big night for Mattitude, since Matt himself to defend his World Television Championship against a hot young athlete like Shelton Benjamin while Shannon had the opportunity to win his first singles match on RAW. (70%)

The Hurricane vs. Shannon Moore

Rosey seconded the Hurricane while Shannon Moore was escorted by Lita as Lawler explained that Matt Hardy was warming up for his World Television Title defense later. This was a hot opener that saw both competitors trade high-risk maneuvers and go at it fast-and-furious as Ross recalled that Moore & Hardy defeated Rosey & Hurricane in tag team action last week. During one fast-paced exchange, both superstars tumbled out to ringside, where Lita snuck up behind the Hurricane and tried to gouge his eyes out. Rosey came around to even the odds and charged with a clothesline, but Shannon ducked and Rosey inadvertently decked Hurricane. Lita pounced on Rosey to keep him occupied while Moore rolled Hurricane back into the ring and ascended to the top turnbuckle, landing the Halo on the former two-time Cruiserweight Champion for the three-count at 8:37. Afterwards, Lita & Shannon celebrated on the way up the ramp while Rosey helped Hurricane off the canvas, only to have the Hurricane shove his Super Hero In Training away and storm off on his own. (78%)

In the backstage office of the RAW General Manager, Eric Bischoff was seated behind his desk, looking very unhappy, as William Regal entered the room in a suit and tie. Bischoff berated Regal for not taking Eugene out last week and informed him that there were no open spots on the active RAW roster, advising him to say goodbye to any friends he might have in the locker room. William was angry but asked about Eugene's fate and wondered if Uncle Eric was going to live up to his word. Bischoff replied that he had already booked Eugene's first "official" match for next week...against Scott Steiner. Regal couldn't believe his ears and protested the decision, explaining that Big Poppa Pump was a former WCW Champion and had one of the nastiest mean streaks in the business as a smile crept across Bischoff's face. The RAW GM suggested that maybe Steiner could finish the job and told Regal that he had 15 minutes to say goodbye and leave the building. Regal tried to argue, but Bischoff threatened to call security so the Englishman left. (70%)

La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier) vs. The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri)

Lawler mentioned La Resistance's accusations of discrimination last night on Heat as the Extreme Animals interrupted Sylvain Grenier's rendition of "O Canada" to kick off this well-worked tag team contest that went back-and-forth with both squads displaying some crisp teamwork. Grenier & Robert Conway scored several near-falls as they isolated Tajiri, who finally broke free and made the hot tag to Rhyno. The Man Beast rushed in and cleaned house before ripping into Sylvain with the Gore for the 1-2-3 at 9:14 while the Japanese Buzzsaw kept Conway at bay with the Buzzsaw Kick. (77%)

Afterwards, as the Extreme Animals raised their arms in victory, Batista & Ric Flair stormed the ring and blindsided them. Tajiri & Rhyno tried to fight back but the Nature Boy had a metal folding chair in hand and drove it into the Man Beast's midsection, then bashed him across the back of the head, while Batista annihilated the Japanese Buzzsaw with the Demon Bomb. As they stood over the fallen Animals, Slick Ric warned them that they shouldn't have messed with Evolution's business last week and promised that they would regret it for a long time. (77%)

WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton was shown wandering backstage in his street clothes with his hands bandaged, carrying a metal folding chair as he called out for Mick Foley using all of his aliases: Mick, Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack. The Legend Killer yelled about Mankind's assaults on him the last two weeks and claimed that he had been waiting to see him all night, but couldn't find him in any of the locker rooms. Orton finally came to the boiler room and opened the door, tentatively entering the shadowy room as he continued to holler Mankind's name and check every nook and cranny for the Deranged One. Suddenly, Mankind lunged out from behind a boiler, but Orton was able to turn in time and waffle him with the chair, flooring him. The third-generation superstar went after Mankind on the floor with the chair, but Mankind caught the chair and made it to his feet as he struggled with Orton over the chair. Mankind managed to use leverage with the chair to swing Orton face-first against a boiler before unloading with lefts and rights. The Intercontinental Champion was reeling but pounced on Mankind, tackling him to the floor, where they rolled around brawling and scuffling as a horde of WWE officials flooded in to separate the heated rivals. The Deranged One sat on the floor, squealing and ripping out his own hair, as Orton was held back by referees and vowed to bash Mankind's brains in at Bad Blood. (85%)

World Television Title Match: Matt Hardy [champion] vs. Shelton Benjamin

Lita walked out arm-in-arm with Matt Hardy, followed by Shannon Moore, as Lawler hailed the return of "the Mattitude Era" and predicted that he may never lose the World Television Championship, while Shelton Benjamin came out to a loud pop and looked very focused as Ross pointed out that although he had enjoyed great success in SmackDown's tag team ranks, he had yet to win a singles title. Great athletic contest here that saw both superstars trade the advantage several times, exchanging fast-paced offense and close near-falls, while Moore was ejected from ringside by referee Charles Robinson after interfering. Lita was the next to go after she got involved, which led to a near-fall for Matt that almost ended Shelton's championship dreams. Benjamin mounted a comeback as the fans rallied behind him, but the match-up spilled out to ringside, where Hardy whipped the former two-time co-WWE Tag Team Champion into the steps before retrieving the TV belt from the timekeeper's table to use as a weapon. While the official was busy with Hardy, Benjamin got back to his feet, but Triple H charged down the ramp and blindsided Shelton, planting him face-first on the floor with the Pedigree. The Game smiled as he retreated up the ramp, leaving Shelton to be counted out at 14:08. Matt Hardy celebrated his "successful" championship defense by grabbing the TV belt and meeting up with Lita on the stage before Shelton regained consciousness. (79%)

Cameras showed Matt Hardy returning backstage as he bragged to Lita, "now that's how you defend the World Television Championship!" Lita grinned and made out with Matt in the hallway until they were interrupted by Miss Jackie, who recalled how they had put Rico out of action a few weeks ago and reported that he wouldn't be back for at least six months. Matt questioned why Jackie was here tonight then, to which Jackie responded that she came to RAW to challenge Lita to a Montreal Street Fight next week as a measure of revenge for Rico. Lita chuckled and claimed that she would be happy to put Jackie on the shelf next to Rico, accepting the challenge. (80%)

Elsewhere backstage, Stacy Keibler was chatting with Chris Jericho, observing that he had had a rough year so far and offering a sympathetic ear if Chris ever wanted to talk, when Trish Stratus arrived on the scene, flanked by Christian & Kane as they were on their way out for the World Tag Team Championship main event. Trish stopped and advised Stacy not to waste her time with a "little boy" like Jericho, offering a double-date with herself and Christian to set Stacy up with Kane, who had a sick sinister smile on his evil face. Stacy made a disgusted face and almost vomited, turning down the offer. Trish accused Stacy of thinking she was better than Trish, but before Keibler could reply, Stratus slapped her across the face. Stacy instinctively pounced on Trish and rolled around on the floor with her, scratching and clawing at each other as both women screamed and yelled. Christian grabbed Trish and pulled her away as Jericho did the same with Stacy, but Stacy managed to swing one of her long legs out and blast Trish with a nasty kick to the head that surprisingly knocked her out. Trish collapsed to the floor and Christian frantically attended to her while Jericho dragged Stacy away. (83%)

World Tag Team Title Match: Christian & Kane vs. Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions]

Christian looked somewhat distraught when he walked out behind Kane, without Trish Stratus, as the Big Red Machine's pyro went off, while Shawn Michaels & Chris Benoit had separate entrances. Lawler worried about Trish's condition as this heated main event got underway with Christian pretending to lead off for his team, only to slither out of the lock-up with the World Heavyweight Champion and tag Kane, who went at it tooth-and-nail with Benoit. This was an awesome championship contest that saw the advantage shift back-and-forth as the World Tag Team Champions functioned well together but encountered some miscommunication, which allowed the challengers to isolate the Rabid Wolverine and work him over. J.R. pointed out that Kane & Christian had a combined 17 World Tag Team Titles with various partners as they scored several near-falls until the Canadian Crippler mounted a comeback, tossing both opponents with German suplexes before making the hot tag to Shawn. The Heartbreak Kid charged in and unloaded on Kane & Christian as referee Earl Hebner lost control. Christian retrieved one of the tag belts behind the official's back and tried to use it on Michaels, but HBK ducked and Christian whacked Benoit in the back of the head before Michaels knocked the belt out of his hand and slugged it out with him. Kane used the distraction to grip Shawn by the throat and bury him with the Chokeslam To Hell, giving Christian the chance to cover him. However, before the ref could administer the three-count, Chris Jericho & Edge roared down the ramp and hit the ring, attacking Christian & Kane as the ref called for the bell at 17:39 and awarded the decision to the challengers via disqualification. Ross declared that Y2J had taken Christian's advice and found himself a partner as Edge & Jericho drove Kane & Christian out of the squared circle. As Christian & Kane retreated, RAW GM Eric Bischoff appeared on the stage with a microphone and claimed that he wanted to settle the issues involving these six superstars, announcing an addition to the Bad Blood card: Benoit & Michaels defending the World Tag Team Championship against Christian & Kane and Jericho & Edge in a Triple Threat Match. HBK complained from the ring that he and Benoit were already scheduled to wrestle for the World Title at Bad Blood, but Bischoff just shrugged, while Ross and Lawler signed off. (85%)

Overall: 79%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,004

Ticket Sales: $400,160

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast by running through some of the evening's events, including the six-man main event pitting John Cena, Scotty 2 Hotty, & Rikishi against WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill & WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, a special interview with the Undertaker, an update on Kurt Angle's condition, the Dudley Boyz meeting Los Chavos in tag team action, and much more.

Similar to last week's program, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley kicked things off by walking out to the ring and taking the microphone to discuss his title defense last week against Rey Mysterio. Spike stated that he was sick of people interfering in his matches because he wanted to prove to himself and to the fans that he could get the job done himself, and was about to offer a rematch to Rey Rey when John Bradshaw Layfield appeared on the stage in his wrestling gear with a mic of his own. JBL warned Spike that he was biting off more than he could chew and suggested that professional wrestling was a "big-boy sport" that left no room for pipsqueaks like Dudley and Mysterio. Bradshaw advised Spike to take his Cruiserweight Title and "go back to the midget division where y'all belong", infuriating Spike, who challenged JBL to put his money where his mouth was and face him tonight one-on-one. JBL laughed and accepted the challenge as he headed down the ramp. (78%)

Spike Dudley vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Tazz jokingly asked if the WWE Cruiserweight Championship was on the line as John Layfield overpowered Spike Dudley right off the bat, shoving him back into a corner and charging in, but Spike moved and Bradshaw slammed into the turnbuckles. Spike got in some early offense but JBL took control and dominated most of the contest with his overwhelming size and strength, as Dudley displayed his tremendous heart by repeatedly kicking out of every pinfall attempt. The fans rallied behind Spike as he mounted a comeback and had JBL reeling, but when he went for the Dudley Dog, JBL tossed him over the top rope to the floor in a sick bump. Bradshaw staggered back and raised his arms in victory as referee Chad Patton began the 10-count on Spike, who was struggling to get to his feet at ringside. Meanwhile, Rey Mysterio raced out and hit Layfield with a modified 619 to the back, just in time for Spike to climb back in the ring and grab hold of the stunned JBL, dropping him with the Dudley Dog for the upset pin at 10:08. Afterwards, Rey helped a confused Spike escape the squared circle while JBL protested the unseen outside interference. (73%)

Backstage, Chavo Guerrero was watching on a monitor and complaining to Chavo Classic that Spike Dudley offered Rey Mysterio another shot at the WWE Cruiserweight Championship before giving him his contractually-obligated rematch. Classic assured his son that after they beat the Dudley Boyz tonight, Spike would have to give him his rematch, but Chavo Jr. expressed some doubt that they would be victorious over D-Von & Bubba Ray since his dad was "no spring chicken" anymore. Chavo Sr. just smiled and patted his son on the back, promising him that he had a plan to take down the Dudleyz as they headed out. (69%)

Los Chavos (Chavo Guerrero & Chavo Classic) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley)

Prior to the opening bell, referee Nick Patrick performed the traditional patting-down of the participants, which yielded nothing until he got to Chavo Classic, who was smuggling a blackjack, brass knuckles, a lead pipe, a roll of quarters, pepper spray, a steel chain, and even a $20 bill to bribe the official with, all found in various places on his person as Tazz remarked that that must have been the plan that Chavo Sr. mentioned. This kicked off an entertaining tag team match-up that saw the Dudley Boyz in full ass-kicking mode as they took turns beating on Classic until the second-generation veteran snuck in a lowblow on D-Von and tagged in Chavo Guerrero, who used every trick in the book to control the Dudley Boy, choking him with the tag rope and raking his bootlaces across D-Von's eyes. Once Classic recovered enough, Los Chavos used quick tags and sneaky double-teams to score several near-falls, but D-Von eventually battled back and made the hot tag to Bubba Ray, who charged in and cleaned house. Amidst the chaos, the Dudleyz spiked Classic with the 3D and Bubba scored the pinfall at 9:11. Afterwards, the Dudleyz dropped Chavo Jr. with the 3D on top of Chavo Sr. and celebrated their win. (79%)

Ultimo Dragon was walking down a backstage hallway on his way out for a match against Rene Dupree, with Funaki by his side as they chattered excitedly. After they passed by a room, Gail Kim came out the door with a smirk on her face as she watched Funaki from behind. (66%)

Ultimo Dragon vs. Rene Dupree

Funaki seconded Ultimo Dragon for this solid "strength vs. speed" match-up that the commentators used to discuss some of the other ongoing SmackDown storylines. The action went back-and-forth until Gail Kim sauntered down to ringside and began flirting with Funaki, who was once again dumbfounded. This distracted the Dragon as he tried to talk some sense into Funaki, giving Dupree the opportunity to waistlock Ultimo and pin him with a bridging German suplex at 5:01. Afterwards, Funaki seemed torn between helping Dragon up and leaving with Kim, but ended up being led up the ramp by Gail as the crowd gave him a mixed reaction. (71%)

After Ultimo Dragon rolled out to the floor looking disappointed, Rene Dupree celebrated his victory by doing the French Tickler dance until the arena suddenly went dark. When the lights came back on, the Undertaker was in the ring with his hand wrapped around Dupree's throat, hoisting him up and planting him with a vicious chokeslam. The Dead Man quickly scooped the French Phenom back up and buried him with the Tombstone as Paul Bearer stepped into the squared circle and used the urn to pull 'Taker away from Rene. Michael Cole, microphone in hand, joined the ghastly pair for the special interview and asked about the Grim Reaper's brutal assault on Kurt Angle at Judgment Day, wondering where the rage came from that he displayed. Bearer advised Cole not to ask such questions about things he knew nothing about, but responded that the Judgment Day violence came from a very dark place deep down in the Phenom's soul, a place so dark that it could only be neutralized by the light of the urn. The Undertaker explained that since being resurrected after being buried alive at last year's Survivor Series, an evil force had been trying to surface from within his soul and warned Angle not to keep pushing him. When Cole asked for specifics, the Dead Man's eyes rolled back in his head and he gripped the broadcaster by the throat. Bearer waved the urn around and wailed for 'Taker to release Cole, but the TitanTron lit up with an image of Kurt Angle, wearing a neckbrace and sitting in his living room, which was decorated with medals, trophies, and plaques. Cole managed to escape as the Olympic Champion stated that he wasn't buying the "voodoo mindgames" and suggested that 'Taker should be suspended indefinitely after the display of brutality at Judgment Day. The Reaper replied that it didn't matter whether he believed it or not, but begged Angle to push him far enough to fully unleash his "dark side". Angle scoffed and claimed that he was no longer afraid of the Undertaker, distracting the former four-time WWE Champion while the Big Show lumbered into the ring and blindsided him, bashing 'Taker with a metal folding chair several times as Angle shouted encouragement from the big screen. The 7-foot 500-pounder finished the Phenom with the Show Stopper on the chair and left him laid out as Show exited the squared circle. The crowd booed until Undertaker slowly sat up with his eyes rolled back, roaring with anger, as Styles predicted that we hadn't seen the last of the "vengeful demon" 'Taker. (92%)

Backstage, John Cena was shown marching down the hallway as the commentators hyped tonight's six-man main event. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar came out of nowhere and whalloped the Doctor Of Thuganomics across the back of the head with the WWE United States Championship belt, stomping and kicking him after he hit the floor. Lesnar yanked Cena back up and hurled him against the brick wall with the F-5, possibly damaging his leg, as Paul Heyman showed up with a big smile on his face and egged Brock on. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long arrived on the scene and immediately ordered Lesnar ejected from the building, but Heyman argued that Lesnar was involved in the main event. Long replied that the Agency would have more important things to worry about if Cena couldn't compete tonight, threatening heavy fines and suspensions, but in the interest of the promised main event, the SmackDown GM allowed Heyman to select a substitute for Brock. Charlie Haas appeared behind Heyman and stared Long down with an icy glare as medics attended to Cena and security ushered Lesnar away. (82%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Charlie Haas & The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) vs. John Cena & Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty

Paul Heyman accompanied his Agency members to a negative reaction, while Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi were without John Cena as Styles explained that he was receiving medical attention backstage. Rikishi started off strong, but the odds overwhelmed the former WWE Tag Team Champions as the Thrill Kill & Charlie Haas functioned very well as a unit, isolating and dominating Scotty while also knocking off Rikishi whenever he charged in to defend his partner. This continued until John Cena limped out to a huge pop and cleaned house on Haas, Mark Jindrak, & Sean O'Haire before stepping out to the apron and waiting for Scotty to crawl over and make the legal tag. The Doctor Of Thuganomics maintained control on his own and lifted Jindrak across his shoulders for the F-U, but he was distracted when Brock Lesnar appeared on the stage surrounded by security. Security tried to remove Lesnar as he taunted Cena from the stage, distracting the former WWE United States Champion long enough for Haas to run in and clip Cena's knee before dragging Jindrak to the Agency's corner. Jindrak tagged Haas, who legally entered the ring and applied the Haas Of Pain on Cena's damaged leg while O'Haire took care of Rikishi at ringside. Cena groaned in agony and refused to submit to the crippling leglock, hanging on until he finally blacked out from the pain and referee Nick Patrick called for the bell at 14:28, awarding the decision to the Agency. Afterwards, Haas held Cena in the Haas Of Pain while the WWE Tag Team Champions stomped and kicked at his knee, until Heyman called his dogs off and they left, proud of their dirty work. (73%)

Following a commercial break, Booker T made his way down to the ring to a loud chorus of boos and picked up the microphone, still looking rather insulted as he brought up the comments made by WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero last week. The Book was very intense as he stated that he hated being embarrassed in front of a network television audience and hadn't thought about anything else all week, defending his inability to help John Bradshaw Layfield win the WWE Title at Judgment Day by pointing out that it wasn't his fault JBL dropped the ball. Booker announced that the rest of what he had to say he wanted to say to Eddie's face and called out Latino Heat, who strutted out to a big pop and went face-to-face with Booker in the squared circle. The former five-time WCW Champion promised that he wouldn't need to make any excuses after the Great American Bash because unlike JBL, he would get the job done and leave Norfolk, Virginia, with the WWE Championship. When Guerrero mocked him, Booker gripped the WWE Champion by the jaw and pulled him close, warning that he could "gank" his ass right there, but instead he offered to back up his boasts by challenging Eddie to a non-title bout next week. Guerrero shoved Booker and accepted the challenge, predicting the same result next week and at the Bash: Latino Heat flattening the Book with the Frog Splash and walking out with the WWE Championship belt still around his waist. Booker and Guerrero stared each other down as Styles and Tazz hyped next week's big-time non-title main event and ended the broadcast. (86%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.37

Attendance: 10,008

Ticket Sales: $400,320

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* A-Train vs. Scorpio Sky: Total squash to showcase A-Train's impressive strength as he finished off the masked youngster with the Derailer at 2:14. (60%)

* Backstage, Jamie Noble was attempting to hit on Gail Kim, telling her his sob story about how he realized all of the things he had done wrong after Nidia left him and he just wished another girl would give him a chance. Gail sneered at him as Funaki arrived on the scene and jealously pushed Noble, who shoved back as the two began to scuffle. Kim suggested a solution: Funaki vs. Noble in the Velocity main event with the winner getting a date with Gail. Both men stopped tussling and eagerly agreed to the match and the stipulation as Gail excused herself and headed out with Sakoda & Akio for their bout. (73%)

* Kyo Dai (Akio & Sakoda) vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Alex Shelley: Gail Kim escorted Kyo Dai for this semi-competitive squash that ended when Akio covered Jacobs at 5:03 following the Double STO from he and Sakoda. (60%)

* Backstage, Nunzio was headed out for his match, flanked by Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli, when he was stopped by Paul London, who had Billy Kidman by his side. London challenged Nunzio to a one-on-one encounter this Thursday on SmackDown after the events of last week's Velocity, and after thinking about it for a few moments, the Full Blooded Italian accepted the challenge by grabbing London and kissing him on the cheek. The FBI snarled as they left while London wiped his cheek and made threatening gestures. (61%)

* Nunzio vs. Chris Sabin: Nunzio was seconded by his fellow FBI members for this competitive little match-up in which Chris Sabin once again showed potential before Nunzio put him away with the Sicilian Slice at 6:37. (72%)

* A video package aired to hype the non-title main event for this Thursday's SmackDown pitting WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero against Booker T, emphasizing that it would have a huge impact on their WWE Title bout at the Great American Bash on Sunday, July 4. (81%)

* Jamie Noble vs. Funaki: Gail Kim, flanked by Kyo Dai, stood in a neutral corner for this excellent Velocity main event that saw both Funaki and Jamie Noble display their tremendous athleticism as they engaged in a well-worked back-and-forth match-up. They alternated between fast-paced action and mat-based psychology, trading near-falls, until Funaki planted Noble with the Rising Sun tornado DDT for the 1-2-3 at 9:03. Afterwards, Gail congratulated the happy Funaki with a friendly hug while Sakoda & Akio raised his arms in victory. Although Funaki was over the moon with Gail by his side, he looked somewhat uncomfortable in the presence of Kyo Dai as the commentators stated that the date would be shown on SmackDown. (83%)

Overall: 68%

Rating: 5.74

Attendance: 10,010

Ticket Sales: $400,400

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Tommy Dreamer vs. Tony DeVito: Competitive squash to kick off Heat as Tommy Dreamer planted Tony DeVito with the Dreamer Driver at 3:59. (64%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Victoria, who was flanked by Garrison Cade & Mark Henry as she promised that on behalf of Stevie Night Heat, she and Steven Richards would find some way to get Ebony & Ivory back on RAW. Until then, she stated that they would continue to destroy the competition on Heat. (77%)

* Ebony & Ivory (Mark Henry & Garrison Cade) vs. Chad Collyer & Matt Stryker: Victoria escorted Ebony & Ivory for this semi-competitive squash that ended when Cade covered Stryker following the Perfect Harmony. (74%)

* Backstage, Ric Flair was psyching Batista up for their tag team match tonight in preparation to eliminate the Extreme Animals on RAW tomorrow night. (84%)

* Evolution (Batista & "Nature Boy" Ric Flair) vs. John Walters & Jack Evans: Although Evans & Walters got in some offense on the Nature Boy, this was basically a squash for Evolution as Batista finished off Walters with the Demon Bomb at 5:08. (66%)

* A video package aired to hype a huge tag team main event for tomorrow night's RAW pitting Shelton Benjamin & Mankind against Triple H & WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton. (85%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Edge, who cut a great promo about being Chris Jericho's partner at Bad Blood in the Triple Threat Match for the World Tag Team Championship, explaining that he was looking forward to winning his first title since returning from a serious neck injury. (89%)

* Lance Storm vs. Edge: Solid Heat main event with some good back-and-forth action until the end, when Edge drilled Storm with the Edgecution for the three-count at 7:46. (73%)

Overall: 73%

Rating: 5.80

Attendance: 10,023

Ticket Sales: $400,920

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Here's the updated lineup for WWE Bad Blood on Sunday, June 13, with more to come...

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Benoit [champion] vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

World Tag Team Title/Triple Threat Match: Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions] vs. Christian & Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Edge

[Beast]

I'm smiling thinking about all the promos that could be done with "Los Chavos". That is possibly the best name of all time.

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, MAY 31, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and announced the loaded lineup for this evening: Eugene making his official RAW debut as an active competitor against Scott Steiner, Edge & Chris Jericho facing La Resistance, Kane & Christian meeting Tough Enough, the Extreme Animals taking on Ric Flair & Batista, and in the main event, WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton & Triple H battling Mankind & Shelton Benjamin.

La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier) vs. Chris Jericho & Edge

Both squads received tremendous pops, as La Resistance waved the Quebec flag, while Edge & Chris Jericho were warmly welcomed by their fellow Canadian fans. This was a hot opener that saw La Resistance utilize their superior tag team skills to score several near-falls on Jericho & Edge, who worked well in tandem as the commentators hyped the Triple Threat Match for the World Tag Team Championship at Bad Blood. After some solid action, Edge covered Sylvain Grenier at 12:58 following the Spear while Y2J had Robert Conway trapped in the Walls Of Jericho. (77%)

Afterwards, while Chris Jericho & Edge celebrated their victory, Christian appeared on the stage carrying a microphone, flanked by Kane and Trish Stratus, who was sporting a black eye. Christian apologized for interrupting and brought up last week's main event, blaming Jericho & Edge for intentionally costing he and Kane their shot at the World Tag Team Title by interfering and causing a disqualification. The former three-time WWE Intercontinental Champion theorized that Y2J had sabotaged the match so that he would give him the singles rematch he had so desperately wanted, and admitted that Y2J's plan worked, challenging Jericho to a WrestleMania XX rematch next week. The first-ever Undisputed Champion smiled and gladly accepted the match, but suggested that they do it right away, taunting Christian & Kane, who both charged down to the ring and began brawling with Edge & Jericho until an army of WWE agents and officials flooded out to break it up. (85%)

Christian & Kane vs. Tough Enough (Al Snow & Maven)

Trish Stratus stood in Kane & Christian's corner for this solid tag team bout that showcased the improving teamwork of the heels, who controlled most of the match-up, although Tough Enough got in some smooth double-team offense on Christian. Throughout the contest, a very bitchy Trish interfered in the action, leading to the end when Kane buried Maven with the Chokeslam To Hell at 7:11 while Trish whalloped Al Snow with the Chick Kick at ringside as Christian was holding him. Afterwards, Christian motioned to his and Kane's waists and predicted that they would become World Tag Team Champions at Bad Blood. (80%)

Backstage, Tajiri & Rhyno were shown marching down a hallway. The Extreme Animals were grunting, snorting, screeching, and butting heads as they headed out for their match-up against Evolution. (76%)

The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri) vs. Evolution (Batista & "Nature Boy" Ric Flair)

Footage was shown from last week of Ric Flair & Batista attacking the Extreme Animals in retaliation for their interference in Evolution business the previous week. This was a fairly long and heated contest that helped to elevate Tajiri & Rhyno, as they displayed tremendous tag team skills to combat the combined power and experience advantage of the two Evolution members, who managed to isolate the Japanese Buzzsaw and used frequent tags to work him over. Tajiri showed his heart by continually kicking out of pinfall attempts and rallied back, catching the Nature Boy with a spinning heel kick before making the hot tag to Rhyno, who roared in and unloaded on both Evolution members as all hell broke loose. Amidst the four-way chaos, Batista hauled Tajiri up for the Demon Bomb, but Tajiri spewed green mist in Big Dave's face in mid-air and they tumbled out to the floor. Meanwhile, the Man Beast ripped into Flair with the Gore for the upset pin at 14:46. Afterwards, the Extreme Animals celebrated while the blinded Batista flailed wildly at ringside as Slick Ric shouted threats and tried to help Big Dave up the ramp. (81%)

Cameras backstage showed an enthusiastic Eugene clapping and smiling, stopping every backstage worker that he came across to tell them how excited he was to be a part of the active RAW roster. Eugene recounted Scott Steiner's amateur background at the University of Michigan, as well as Big Poppa Pump's five WCW Tag Team Titles and his reign as WCW Champion, and naively claimed that he was looking forward to a nice wrestling match. After Eugene headed out, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff was shown in the doorway of his office with a devious smile on his face. (79%)

Eugene vs. Scott Steiner

The crowd cheered Eugene loudly when he made his way out and ran the ropes while waiting for Scott Steiner, who looked surlier than ever when he walked down the ramp to a smattering of boos as Ross explained that while Big Poppa Pump hadn't been on RAW in quite a while, he was undefeated in tag team competition on Sunday Night Heat. The match-up kicked off with Eugene offering a handshake that Steiner accepted with a smirk before they locked up, which resulted in Eugene shocking the Genetic Freak with a fireman's carry takedown, an armdrag, and a hiptoss that only served to enrage the former WCW Champion. Steiner proceeded to manhandle Eugene with a variety of suplexes and slams but didn't go for a pin as Lawler suggested that RAW GM Eric Bischoff was very happy backstage. The fans rallied behind Eugene as he ducked a Steinerline that errantly hit referee Charles Robinson, who took a sweet flip bump while Eugene performed his Chris Benoit tribute by waistlocking Big Poppa Pump and taking him down with the Rolling Germans. Eric Bischoff appeared on the stage and ushered out Test, who rushed to the ring and aimed the Final Exam running boot at Eugene. However, Eugene dodged it and Test clocked Steiner as Bischoff had a stroke on the stage. The "Hulked-Up" Eugene clotheslined Test over the top rope and dropped the Big Legdrop on Steiner as the official crawled over and administered the three-count at 7:08. Afterwards, Eugene ran around the ring celebrating until Test slid back in and blasted him with the Final Exam. The Genetic Freak got to his feet and cinched in the Steiner Recliner on Eugene as Test kicked and stomped him. Bischoff cheered them on until William Regal emerged from the audience in street clothes and stormed the squared circle, using a pair of trusty brass knuckles to drive off Test & Steiner. The fans cheered like mad as Regal tended to Eugene while Bischoff turned red with anger and freaked out. (73%)

Following a commercial break, Trish Stratus strode down to the ring by herself and grabbed the microphone, complaining about the black eye she suffered last week from a kick by Stacy Keibler. Trish claimed that Stacy was insanely jealous of her standing as the "Ultimate Diva" and had been trying to knock her off for months, bringing up the cappuccino-spilling incident from last month that she suggested was an attempt to burn and disfigure her. The former four-time WWE Women's Champion stated that she had been thinking about it all week and all night, and had come up with a way to settle the rivalry and prove her standing as the "Alpha Female" of RAW: a two-out-of-three falls "Ultimate Diva Match" at Bad Blood in which the first fall would be a Lingerie Pillow Fight; the second fall held under Bra & Panties rules; and the third fall, if necessary, would be a straight-up wrestling bout. Stratus scowled as Keibler appeared on the stage with a mic and accepted the challenge before running down to the squared circle and tackling Trish. The two red-hot divas rolled around on the canvas, slapping and clawing at each other, until several WWE officials rushed out and separated them while the fans booed. (92%)

Montreal Street Fight: Miss Jackie vs. Lita

Miss Jackie marched out in cut-off tie-dyed jeans and tank top, looking ready to fight with a trashcan full of weapons, as footage was shown from the April 18 Heat of Matt Hardy & Lita injuring Rico's arm, while Lita was seconded here by the World Television Champion. As soon as Lita stepped into the ring, Jackie was all over her with a kendo stick as the crowd cheered and Matt cringed at ringside. Due to the ringside brawling and numerous weapon shots with the stick, stop sign, trashcan, and cat-o-nine-tails, this was an entertaining back-and-forth encounter that the fans enjoyed. In the end, Hardy got involved and dropped Jackie with the Twist Of Fate before Lita climbed to the top turnbuckle and landed the Litasault for the 1-2-3 at 4:56. Afterwards, Matt retrieved a metal folding chair and wrapped it around Jackie's head, but before the cruel couple could complete their dastardly deed, the crowd popped huge as Jeff Hardy made his return to WWE by racing out and attacking his brother. Matt & Lita looked shocked as they bailed out and retreated up the ramp while J.R. hyped the return of the Enigmatic One, who checked on Jackie. (77%)

Jonathan Coachman was in the locker room to interview Evolution's Triple H, Randy Orton, & Ric Flair, as the Cerebral Assassin growled that he and the Legend Killer were ready to dismantle Shelton Benjamin & Mankind tonight. The Game vowed that he would make Shelton pay for embarrassing him, while the WWE Intercontinental Champion looked forward to the opportunity to destroy Mankind before their Boiler Room Brawl at Bad Blood. (96%)

Evolution (Triple H & Randy Orton) vs. Mankind & Shelton Benjamin

This unusual main event kicked off when Randy Orton & Triple H, who were seconded by Ric Flair, charged up the ramp to assault Shelton Benjamin as he was making his solo entrance. The two Evolution members battered Shelton until Mankind rushed out to even the odds, as a very heated donnybrook erupted in the aisleway with all four superstars slugging their way down to the ring. Ross brought up the storied history between Mick Foley and the Game, recounting their brutal Street Fight for the WWE Title at the 2000 Royal Rumble, as Mankind & Benjamin engaged in an entertaining, back-and-forth tag team bout with the Cerebral Assassin and the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Eventually, some well-timed interference from the Nature Boy at ringside allowed Evolution to isolate Benjamin and use their superior experience as a unit to wear him down with frequent tags and double-teams. Shelton kicked out of numerous pinfall attempts and finally mounted a successful comeback that resulted in a hot tag to Mankind, who barged in and unloaded on both the Legend Killer and the Game. The Deranged One clotheslined HHH over the top rope and applied the Mandible Claw on Orton while Shelton held Hunter at bay on the floor. Orton tried to fight out of the Claw but was fading until Flair entered the squared circle and caught Mankind with a lowblow, prompting referee Earl Hebner to call for the bell and award the decision to Mankind & Shelton via disqualification at 13:22. The Intercontinental Champion regained his composure and joined Slick Ric in stomping Mankind while Batista raced down to ringside and blindsided Benjamin, helping HHH beat down the former two-time co-WWE Tag Team Champion. The crowd booed until the Extreme Animals roared out, armed with metal folding chairs, and drove off Evolution as J.R. admitted that Rhyno & Tajiri were "unlikely heroes". The Man Beast and the Japanese Buzzsaw stood with Shelton & Mankind in the ring while Evolution retreated and swore revenge, and Ross and Lawler signed off. (78%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,034

Ticket Sales: $401,360

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and discussed some of tonight's events, including WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero meeting Booker T in the non-title main event, Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi challenging the Thrill Kill for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a Judgment Day rematch, Rey Mysterio facing Chavo Guerrero, Kurt Angle issuing a challenge to the Undertaker, footage from Funaki's date with Gail Kim, Paul London taking on Nunzio, and more.

The show began with Paul Heyman leading WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill, & Charlie Haas to the ring, where Paul picked up the microphone and bragged about how he had used his finely-honed negotiating skills to bring together the most talented group of world-class athletes in the history of professional sports. Heyman drew some loud boos when he badmouthed the Toronto Blue Jays and compared his Agency to great dynasties such as the New York Yankees and the Chicago Bulls, boasting that in their very short period as a unit, the Agency had not only captured the tag belts and the U.S. Title, but they had also "ended the careers" of Rob Van Dam and John Cena. The former ECW owner promised that this was only the tip of the iceberg and that eventually he would control all of the gold on SmackDown, but he was interrupted by Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi, who received a mild pop when they appeared on the stage. Rikishi stated that after listening to Heyman run his mouth, they couldn't wait any longer for their Judgment Day rematch and demanded their title shot immediately. Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire flexed and nodded, so Heyman accepted and stepped out to ringside with Lesnar and Haas while Scotty & Rikishi approached the squared circle. (63%)

WWE Tag Team Title Match: The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) [champions] vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty

Paul Heyman stood in the Thrill Kill's corner along with Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas for this solid championship contest that saw Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi work hard to attempt to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship that they lost at Judgment Day. Basically a blow-off to this mini-feud, as Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire cut the ring in half and punished Scotty, who eventually managed to break free and make the hot tag to Rikishi. The former Intercontinental Champion charged in and cleaned house, but the Thrill Kill targeted his leg and worked him over before Jindrak slammed the 360-pounder with the Mark Of Excellence and O'Haire landed the Seanton Bomb from the top turnbuckle for the three-count at 8:55. (76%)

Afterwards, Charlie Haas & Brock Lesnar dumped Rikishi out to the floor while the Thrill Kill pressed Scotty 2 Hotty over their heads and tossed him over the top rope onto Rikishi at ringside. The Agency celebrated the successful WWE Tag Team Title defense to a chorus of boos until the TitanTron lit up to show John Cena pacing back and forth with a slight limp in a darkened TV studio. The crowd popped as the Doctor Of Thuganomics stated that he had been listening earlier and informed Paul Heyman that his comments about ending his career were premature, like a lot of other things in Paul's personal life. Heyman turned red as Cena claimed that the Agency would have to do a lot worse to "put this mad dog down" and announced that he would be in the house next week, but he wouldn't be coming alone. Rob Van Dam entered the shot and greeted Cena as Heyman's jaw dropped, and Mr. Thursday Night challenged Haas & Lesnar to a tag team match next week against he and Cena. Brock stepped in front of the flabbergasted Heyman and accepted the challenge, declaring that it would be their pleasure to finish off Cena & RVD, who both smiled and promised to be there live and in living color next week in Long Island. The big screen shut off as the Agency shouted threats. (80%)

Footage was shown from this past Saturday's Velocity of Gail Kim setting up the match between Funaki and Jamie Noble, with the winner getting a date with her, and the subsequent bout that saw Funaki pin the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion following the Rising Sun. The date was then shown, as Funaki wore jean shorts, sneakers, and a SmackDown t-shirt, while Gail was dressed in a tight-fitting Oriental gown and flanked by Akio & Sakoda, who were wearing tuxedoes. They went to a Chinese restaurant filled with mostly white patrons, and got across the angle that Funaki was of a lower class than Kim as he ate like a slob while Gail promised that she wouldn't try to change him if he joined Kyo Dai. Gail mentioned that the only thing that stood in the way of them being together was Ultimo Dragon since he didn't seem to like her, but before Funaki could reply, Gail kissed him. A huge smile broke out across Funaki's face as he suddenly fainted and landed face-first in his plate of noodles. At Gail's orders, Kyo Dai picked up Funaki and carried him out as the scene faded out. (76%)

Nunzio vs. Paul London

During the introductions, Styles announced that the Full Blooded Italians and Billy Kidman were barred from ringside and that if Paul London won, the Shooting Star Express would face Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli next week with Nunzio barred from the arena. This was a well-worked contrast of styles that saw Nunzio use his great mat skills to counter London's risk-taking technique as both men traded near-falls. In the end, London escaped the Sicilian Crab and put Nunzio away at 7:47 with the 450 Splash from the top turnbuckle. (74%)

Backstage, Chavo Guerrero was discussing how disappointed he was with Chavo Classic's plan last week against the Dudley Boyz, but hoped that "Plan B" to regain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship would work out better, as Chavo Sr. explained that if his son defeated Rey Mysterio tonight, Spike Dudley would have to give him his rematch. Chavo Jr. recalled that he beat Rey Rey to win the Cruiserweight belt at No Way Out and felt confident he could do it again, but Classic assured his son that no matter what, he had Plans C through Z lined up to make sure that Chavo became Cruiserweight Champion for the fourth time. (66%)

Chavo Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio

Chavo Classic seconded Chavo Guerrero as Tazz compared Chavo Sr. to an overactive "sports dad" that would do whatever it took to ensure his son's success, and he lived up to the analogy as he interfered throughout this tremendous athletic contest. Guerrero looked great as he employed a mat-based strategy to combat Rey Mysterio's fast-paced, high-flying style, featuring several near-falls from both superstars. Late in the match, Classic tried to get involved again, but Rey Rey dispatched him with the 619, then springboarded back in from the apron with the West Coast Pop on Chavo for the 1-2-3 at 10:39. (83%)

Following the bell, Chavo Guerrero rolled out to the floor and threw a fit as Chavo Classic tried to console his son on the way up the ramp. Suddenly, John Bradshaw Layfield blew past them on his way to ringside, where Rey Mysterio surprised him with a slingshot plancha as they brawled around the ring. JBL managed to gain control and sent Rey Rey sailing into the steel ringsteps before tossing him into the ringpost. The former seven-time Cruiserweight Champion crawled into the squared circle to get away, but Bradshaw followed him in and removed his belt, mercilessly whipping Mysterio with the leather strap across the back and chest as he writhed and yelped in pain. Layfield yanked Rey to his feet and blasted him with a strap-assisted Clothesline From Hell as the commentators recalled Rey's interference last week that led to JBL being pinned by Spike Dudley. JBL wrapped the belt around Mysterio's neck and prepared to heave him over the top rope to hang him, but several WWE agents and officials came out to intervene as the crowd booed Bradshaw, who exited the ring with his arms raised triumphantly and an arrogant smile on his face. (83%)

After a commercial break, Kurt Angle slowly walked to the ring wearing a neckbrace and holding his sides as the Big Show followed him for support. The Olympic Champion took the microphone and talked about his rivalry with the Undertaker, claiming that at Judgment Day he was looking forward to a physically-competitive athletic contest, but instead he was brutally assaulted with a deadly weapon by the Phenom. The fans booed when Angle suggested that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long should suspend the Dead Man indefinitely for the unprovoked beating, but changed his mind and decided that he could dish out better punishment in the ring. The arena lights flickered as the Undertaker marched down to the squared circle, followed by Paul Bearer and the urn, and got right in Angle's face. The former four-time WWE Champion backed off and clarified that he wasn't issuing a challenge for tonight since his neck still wasn't 100%, but the Dead Man grabbed him by the neckbrace. When the Big Show stepped forward, 'Taker gripped him by the throat with the other hand and squeezed until Rene Dupree hit the ring and attacked the Grim Reaper from behind. 'Taker no-sold the blow and released Show & Angle to go after the French Phenom, giving Angle & Show the opportunity to blindside the Dead Man and beat him down as Styles explained that Undertaker's rage was clouding his mind. Dupree picked up the mic and challenged 'Taker to a match next week, swearing revenge for last week's chokeslam and Tombstone and declaring that he would prove he was "the true Phenom" of WWE as he kicked and stomped the Reaper while Angle & Show celebrated their ambush. The Undertaker sent the heels running when he sat up and grabbed Dupree by the throat, but the former co-World Tag Team Champion wriggled out of his grasp and retreated up the ramp with Show and Angle, who clutched his neck and grimaced. (87%)

In the locker room, Michael Cole interviewed WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero as he was warming up for his non-title main event against Booker T. Latino Heat stated that he was proud of holding the WWE Title and displayed a bit of his old cocky persona when he claimed that tonight would be a sneak preview of July 4's Great American Bash: Independence Day, with the only difference being that after the Bash, Booker would be going right back to the bottom of the ladder and Eddie would move on to defend the belt against other challengers. (93%)

Non-Title Match: Booker T vs. Eddie Guerrero

The commentators hyped up the WWE Title bout scheduled for the Great American Bash and the implications that tonight's non-title main event could have on their Independence Day match, as this excellent contest showed great promise for the pay-per-view encounter. Both superstars had their working boots on and traded the advantage back-and-forth with some crisp chain-wrestling and fast-paced action, as well as a heated slugfest when Eddie Guerrero and Booker T spilled out to ringside. The Book more than held his own and looked strong as he focused his attack on the WWE Champion's lower back, but Eddie repeatedly kicked out of pinfall attempts and escaped from a Jesse Ventura-style bodyvice submission applied by the former five-time WCW Champion. The fans rallied behind Guerrero as he mounted a comeback and put Booker down with the Three Amigos before ascending to the top turnbuckle. However, when Latino Heat leapt off with the Frog Splash, Booker rolled out of the way and hit Eddie with the Axe Kick for a very close near-fall that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Eddie went for the Three Amigos again but Booker countered with a short-arm into the Book End and hooked the leg for the surprising three-count at 17:08. Styles emitted a rare "OH MY GOD!" as the Book's eyes went wide and he got to his feet to celebrate his clean non-title victory over the WWE Champion, who rolled out to the floor and held his head in shame and shock. Booker showboated over his huge win with the Spinaroonie and the crowd booed as Styles and Tazz closed the broadcast. (87%)

Overall: 79%

Rating: 6.23

Attendance: 10,041

Ticket Sales: $401,640

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Six-Man Tag Team Match: Spike Dudley & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. Pablo Marquez & Marco Jaggi & Claudio Castagnoli: Semi-competitive squash to kick off Velocity that ended successfully for the Dudleyz when the WWE Cruiserweight Champion pinned Pablo at 5:44 following the 3D from D-Von & Bubba. (64%)

* When the three Dudley Boyz were shown returning to the backstage area, they were confronted by Los Chavos. Chavo Guerrero backed up his father but looked somewhat concerned as Chavo Classic claimed that his son deserved another shot at the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and challenged the Dudleyz to a six-man match-up this Thursday on SmackDown, with the stipulation that if Chavo Jr. pinned Spike, he would get his Judgment Day rematch. Bubba scoffed and accepted the challenge, stating that it didn't matter who Los Chavos had as their partner since he looked forward to kicking the Guerreros' asses again. After the Dudleyz continued on their way, Chavo Jr. questioned Chavo Sr. about the challenge, but his dad assured him that he had a plan. (74%)

* Elsewhere backstage, the Full Blooded Italians were shown heading out for their match tonight. (66%)

* The Full Blooded Italians (Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo) vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Alex Shelley: Nunzio seconded his fellow FBI members as the commentators mentioned that the Italian Piranha would be barred from the building this Thursday on SmackDown. Semi-competitive squash for the FBI, who finished off their opponents when the Bull covered Jacobs at 4:10 following the Kiss Of Death from he and Chucky P. (66%)

* A video aired to hype the "double main events" of SmackDown this Thursday, featuring a tag team battle pitting John Cena & Rob Van Dam against Charlie Haas & WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, and the "Phenom vs. Phenom" showdown between the Undertaker and Rene Dupree. (81%)

* The Big Show vs. Chris Sabin: Although Sabin bravely fired off a series of dropkicks at the outset, this turned into a total squash for the Big Show as he put Sabin away with the Show Stopper at 3:01. (71%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed John Layfield, who was roaring mad about Rey Mysterio costing him the match against Spike Dudley last week on SmackDown, and challenged Rey Rey to meet him face-to-face like a man at the Great American Bash: Independence Day. (83%)

* "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn vs. John Bradshaw Layfield: Solid, heated Velocity main event that went back-and-forth with basic brawling action. In the end, JBL clobbered Mr. Ass with the Clothesline From Hell for the 1-2-3 at 7:36. (75%)

Overall: 70%

Rating: 5.98

Attendance: 10,006

Ticket Sales: $400,240

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Test vs. Chad Collyer: Scott Steiner seconded Test for this impressive squash that ended when Test blasted Collyer with the Final Exam at 3:04. (68%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Scott Steiner & Test, who announced that he would be getting his chance to eliminate Eugene tomorrow night on RAW with William Regal barred from the arena. Test vowed that he would finish the job that Big Poppa Pump started. (79%)

* Lita was shown backstage alongside Shannon Moore as he headed out for his match. (78%)

* Shannon Moore vs. Jack Evans: Lita escorted Shannon Moore for this competitive little match-up, during which the commentators discussed Jeff Hardy's return to RAW this past Monday. Shannon put Evans away with the Mooregasm from the top turnbuckle at 5:14. (69%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Rosey, who explained that he hadn't heard from the Hurricane in a couple of weeks and would have to go it alone against the Backseat Boys...NEXT! (64%)

* Handicap Match: Rosey vs. The Backseat Boys (Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid): The commentators questioned the Hurricane's whereabouts as the Backseat Boys came very close to pulling off the victory, but Rosey mounted a comeback and flattened Kashmere with the Spinning Samoan Drop for the 1-2-3 at 4:49. (68%)

* A video aired to hype a massive eight-man tag team match for tomorrow night's RAW featuring Evolution against the Extreme Animals, Shelton Benjamin, & Mankind. (85%)

* Val Venis & Lance Storm vs. Ebony & Ivory (Mark Henry & Garrison Cade): Steven Richards & Victoria accompanied Ebony & Ivory for this solid Heat main event that went both ways before Storm inadvertently superkicked Venis, who then fell victim to the Perfect Harmony and was pinned by Garrison Cade at 7:18. (74%)

Overall: 71%

Rating: 5.74

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $400,360

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Here's the updated lineup for WWE Bad Blood on Sunday, June 13...

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Benoit [champion] vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

World Tag Team Title/Triple Threat Match: Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions] vs. Christian & Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Edge

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Shelton Benjamin & The Extreme Animals vs. Triple H & Batista & Ric Flair

Ultimate Diva Match: Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus

[Guest Azrael]

It just gets better!

Liking the pairing of Sean O'Haire and Mark Jindrak, they were one of the good things about WCW towards the end. Would like a possible singles push for Sean O'Haire somewhere down the line though.Also enjoying the story between Funaki, Ultimo Dragon and the Gail Kim led Kyo Dai, hopefully Dragon will get Funaki to come to his senses.

Things are just as sweet on RAW, interested on whats going to happen with the Hurricane, especially now that Jeff Hardy's returned, could we see Shane Helms returning as an ally of Jeff, or as the newest follower of Mattitude. Also likig the pushes for Shelton Benjamin and the way our handling the Randy Orton/Mick Foley feud.

Keep it up man, it's always worth reading

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Albany, New York, and hyped this Sunday's Bad Blood before running through some of this evening's events: the Extreme Animals, Shelton Benjamin, & Mankind squaring off against Evolution in eight-man action, Eugene taking on Test, and in the main event, a WrestleMania XX rematch between Chris Jericho and Christian.

Jonathan Coachman was in the arena's boiler room to interview Mankind, who stated that he planned on disfiguring Randy Orton so horrificly at Bad Blood that his own father wouldn't recognize him. The Deranged One claimed that he was dedicating the Boiler Room Brawl this Sunday to Mick Foley and Cactus Jack, when suddenly Ric Flair burst into the shadowy room and tried to attack the former three-time WWE Champion. Mankind leapt to his feet and slugged it out with the Nature Boy until Batista charged in and jumped him from behind, but Mankind continued to hold his own until Randy Orton entered the room and whacked the Deranged One across the back with a metal folding chair. Triple H appeared in the doorway and called the shots as Batista & Flair held Mankind by the arms, allowing the WWE Intercontinental Champion to bombard his arch-rival with a seemingly endless series of stiff chairshots to the skull. The Evolution members dropped the barely-conscious Mankind to the floor and reveled in their sadism as the Game congratulated his troops on a job well done. (86%)

Eugene vs. Test

J.R. explained that RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff had security posted at the arena entrances to keep William Regal barred from the building after his involvement last week, as Eugene gladhanded fans on his way down the ramp and received a nice pop, while Test was seconded by Scott Steiner to a round of boos. Eugene surprised Test with his quick-witted wrestling technique as he evaded his larger opponent and took him down several times. Test gained the advantage and dished out punishment, tossing Eugene with powerslams and back-bodydrops, until Eugene wriggled out of the pumphandle slam and "Hulked Up" as the fans cheered him on. When Big Poppa Pump tried to get involved, a nearby cameraman whalloped the former WCW Champion with his camera, distracting Test long enough for Eugene to trap him in a backslide for the three-count at 6:42. (75%)

Afterwards, Eugene raced around the ring to celebrate his victory as the cameraman stepped in and removed his wig and beard to reveal himself (predictably) as William Regal, who looked around defiantly and patted Eugene on the back. RAW GM Eric Bischoff appeared on the stage with a microphone, his face red with anger, and screamed about how sick he was of Regal interjecting himself when he wasn't part of the active RAW roster. However, Bischoff claimed that he had just received a phone call from his sister and explained that she thought William was a "good influence" on Eugene, so he felt pressured to give the Englishman another chance but wasn't happy about it. Bischoff stated that if Regal wanted to get involved, he was booking him in a tag team match at Bad Blood with Eugene as his partner against Test & Scott Steiner. William was eager to accept the challenge, when suddenly Steiner & Test stormed back into the squared circle and blindsided Eugene & William and pounded them down to the canvas, leaving them laid out as the crowd booed. (74%)

Following a commercial break, World Television Champion Matt Hardy made his way down to the ring with Lita and Shannon Moore by his side and took the microphone. Matt brought up the return of his brother, Jeff Hardy, to RAW last week and expressed his outrage that Jeff had interfered in Mattitude's affairs. The World TV Champion claimed that he had issued a standing offer for Jeff to become a Mattitude Follower ever since he left WWE last year, and was disappointed that the Enigmatic One decided to turn his back on his family and friends "for a girl", referring to Miss Jackie. Matt explained that he was angry and hurt and called out Jeff, who emerged from the curtain to a good crowd pop and stepped into the squared circle. When Matt asked him why he "betrayed" his family, Jeff responded that he had been disgusted by his brother's recent actions, such as the assaults on Rico and Jackie, and was ashamed to be related to him. Jeff stated that he returned to RAW to try to talk some sense into Matt, Lita, & Shannon, but he realized that they were beyond help and decided to challenge the Mattitude Sensai. Matt replied that as much as he wanted to send Jeff packing for North Carolina himself, the Engimatic One hadn't been around in a year and didn't deserve to wrestle the TV Champion yet, but if Jeff could beat Shannon tonight, he would give him a crack at the TV Title this Sunday at Bad Blood. Just as Jeff accepted the challenge, Shannon blindsided him to kick off the impromptu match-up. (73%)

Shannon Moore vs. Jeff Hardy

Lita & Matt Hardy stepped out to ringside as Shannon Moore put on a great fast-paced contest with Jeff Hardy, who rallied back after the initial ambush and pulled off his shirt to the delighted squeals of the female fans in attendance. The Enigmatic One looked to be in tremendous shape, both physically and mentally, as he fired off some of his trademark maneuvers and traded near-falls with Moore throughout this back-and-forth match-up. Late in the bout, Lita distracted referee Charles Robinson while Matt hopped up on the apron and attempted to interfere, but Jeff sent Shannon crashing into the World Television Champion, who fell to the floor. Jeff quickly dropped Shannon with the Twist Of Fate and dove off the top turnbuckle with the Swanton Bomb to earn the TV Title shot at 9:37. Afterwards, Lita helped Shannon up the ramp while Matt promised to spoil Jeff's comeback at Bad Blood this Sunday. (80%)

Christian & Trish Stratus were shown sharing a private moment backstage, as Christian boasted about what a great week this would be. The former three-time Intercontinental Champion explained that tonight he would pin Chris Jericho one-on-one just like he did at WrestleMania XX, adding that if Edge or any of the other participants in this Sunday's Triple Threat Match tried to get involved, he had Kane waiting in the wings. Trish looked forward to proving her status as RAW's Alpha Female by beating Stacy Keibler in the Ultimate Diva Match at Bad Blood and informed Christian that she had already arranged a congratulatory party to celebrate he and Kane winning the World Tag Team Championship. Christian replied that that was why he loved her and they made out. (83%)

Elsewhere backstage, Jonathan Coachman interviewed Evolution as they were getting ready for the scheduled eight-man match-up. All four superstars were smiling and laughing as Triple H claimed that it would be a shame if Mankind wouldn't be able to compete tonight, because that meant that the Extreme Animals & Shelton Benjamin didn't have a chance in hell, just as they wouldn't in the six-man encounter this Sunday at Bad Blood. Randy Orton advised Mick Foley to straighten out his split personalities and make the right decision not to show up for their Boiler Room Brawl, while Ric Flair vowed that he and Batista would put Tajiri & Rhyno in their place... "WOOOOOO!" (86%)

Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Evolution (Triple H & Randy Orton & Batista & "Nature Boy" Ric Flair) vs. Shelton Benjamin & The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri) & Mankind

This started off as a 4-on-3 handicap match, as Ross and Lawler were unsure if Mankind was still in the building or if he had been taken to hospital after the brutal chairshots from Randy Orton earlier. Although the Extreme Animals & Shelton Benjamin functioned well as a very eclectic unit and held their own in the early going, the numbers game caught up with them as Evolution assumed control and isolated Rhyno, utilizing frequent tags and double/triple/quadruple-teams to wear down the Man Beast, who was eventually trapped in the Figure Four Leglock by Ric Flair. The crowd rallied behind Rhyno as he reversed the hold and escaped, only to butt heads with the Nature Boy, as both men collapsed and crawled toward their respective corners. Flair tagged the Legend Killer as Rhyno made the hot tag to Shelton, who rushed in and cleaned house as all hell broke loose with all seven competitors in the ring at once. Amidst the chaos, Orton surprised Benjamin with the RKO, but before he could cover the former SmackDown superstar, Mankind staggered down the ramp to a huge pop. Lawler wondered what he would have to do to keep the Deranged One down for good in the Boiler Room Brawl as Orton's jaw dropped, distracting the WWE Intercontinental Champion long enough for Tajiri to nail him with the Buzzsaw Kick. Orton stumbled back from the Kick as Benjamin managed to roll him up for the 1-2-3 at 16:22. Afterwards, Orton rolled out to the floor and Mankind drove him up the ramp with lefts and rights while the Animals & Shelton bailed out and celebrated their victory at ringside, leaving Triple H, Batista, & Flair fuming in the squared circle. (78%)

Backstage, Chris Jericho was heading out for the main event against Christian when he was stopped by Stacy Keibler, who offered to escort Y2J for the match since Trish Stratus would undoubtedly be seconding Christian. Jericho was unsure, but Stacy assured him that she could take care of herself and looked forward to getting her hands on Trish before their Ultimate Diva Match, especially if it meant Y2J would get a fair crack at Christian. Jericho agreed and Stacy strode out alongside him. (84%)

Chris Jericho vs. Christian

Stacy Keibler escorted Chris Jericho, while Trish Stratus accompanied Christian and scowled at Stacy as the commentators discussed Bad Blood's Triple Threat Match, Ultimate Diva Match, and World Heavyweight Championship bout, explaining that RAW GM Eric Bischoff had kept Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels separated for the past couple of weeks to protect his investment for this Sunday. This was a great main event that kicked off with trash-talk between the former World Tag Team Championship partners before they exchanged loud chops to the chest. Jericho dominated the opening minutes as he unleashed his pent-up anger and frustration, which was also his downfall when he made a cardinal mistake that Christian capitalized on to take Y2J down and ground him with some impressive mat-wrestling technique, scoring several near-falls. Late in the contest, Christian applied a Texas Cloverleaf and almost forced a submission, but Jericho powered out and mounted a comeback that culminated with the Lionsault. However, a catfight at ringside between Trish and Stacy distracted referee Earl Hebner while Kane lumbered down to the squared circle and gripped Jericho by the throat, planting him with the Chokeslam To Hell. Edge then raced out and tore into Christian with the Spear before hitting Kane with a high cross-bodyblock that sent both men tumbling over the top rope to the floor. Meanwhile, Jericho crawled over and covered Christian as the official returned to the in-ring action and registered the three-count at 14:59. (91%)

After the bell, Kane spiked Edge into the ringpost and returned to the ring to assault Chris Jericho, who was still hurting from the Chokeslam To Hell. The Big Red Machine scooped up Y2J in preparation for the Tombstone, but Chris Benoit roared out in street clothes and began chopping Kane across the back until he released Jericho, who collapsed to the canvas as the World Heavyweight Champion rebounded off the ropes. Benoit ducked a big boot but Kane caught him by the throat off the other side, threatening a Chokeslam. Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels sprinted down the ramp but tripped up a bit as he got closer to the squared circle, giving Kane time to bury the Rabid Wolverine with the Chokeslam. As soon as Benoit hit the mat, the Heartbreak Kid slid into the ring and surprised Kane with the Sweet Chin Music. Christian also received the Superkick, as did Jericho when he got up. Edge climbed in and ducked the Superkick, but HBK didn't miss the next one, flooring Edge. Benoit struggled to pull himself up by the ropes and staggered toward Michaels, who instinctively nailed the Canadian Crippler with the Sweet Chin Music, but immediately looked regretful after realizing who he had hit. Shawn held his head and checked on Benoit as Ross and Lawler signed off with some final hype for Bad Blood this Sunday. (83%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 5.80

Attendance: 10,048

Ticket Sales: $401,920

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Uniondale, New York, and announced the lineup for tonight: Rob Van Dam & John Cena teaming up against Charlie Haas & WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, the Undertaker meeting Rene Dupree, the Dudley Boys facing Los Chavos and an unnamed partner in six-man action, the Shooting Star Express taking on the Full Blooded Italians, and much more.

The Shooting Star Express (Billy Kidman & Paul London) vs. The Full Blooded Italians (Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo)

During the introductions, a brief video package aired to recap the Full Blooded Italians/Shooting Star Express angle over the last few weeks, as Styles mentioned that Nunzio was barred from the building. This was a very good opener, as the fans are really getting into Paul London & Billy Kidman, who functioned great as a unit throughout this back-and-forth match-up. At one point, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long strolled down to ringside and confronted a suspicious-looking cameraman, pulling off his wig and beard to reveal Nunzio as Tazz suggested that both Nunzio and Long watched RAW this past Monday. The confusion distracted the FBI, as the Express knocked Johnny The Bull out of the ring with a double dropkick before both Kidman & London ascended to opposite top turnbuckles and landed the jaw-dropping Double Shooting Star Press on Chuck Palumbo, giving Kidman the pinfall at 8:01. Afterwards, the FBI bailed out and argued with the SmackDown GM while Kidman & London soaked in the cheers of the crowd. (78%)

When the Shooting Star Express returned to the backstage area, they were greeted by Paul Heyman, who congratulated them on their impressive victory and mentioned how successful they had been as a tag team, adding that as good as they were together, he thought that either of them could be a breakout singles star. Heyman brought up his promo from last week about the Agency eventually controlling all the gold on SmackDown and stated that that included the Cruiserweight Championship, a title that Billy Kidman had held seven times and one that Paul London had the capability of winning as well. The former ECW owner praised both London & Kidman and claimed that he was extending an offer to either of them to split up the Shooting Star Express and join the Agency so that he could guide them to capture the WWE Cruiserweight belt. Kidman shook his head and turned down the offer, but London seemed slightly interested, surprising Kidman, as Heyman informed them that he expected an answer next week and walked off. (82%)

Out in the arena, the crowd cheered Bubba Ray, D-Von, & Spike Dudley as they made their way down to the ring for the scheduled six-man tag team bout. Los Chavos then made their entrance but stopped on the stage as Chavo Guerrero looked a bit confused and Chavo Classic carried a microphone. Chavo Sr. claimed that as great a wrestler as he was in his prime, he knew that his son was right and that he was "no spring chicken" anymore, so he was going to withdraw from tonight's match-up, drawing boos from the fans and protests from the Dudleys in the squared circle. Thinking that this meant he would be wrestling the three Dudleys all by himself, Chavo Jr. freaked out and almost walked off, but his father assured him that he wasn't going to leave him high and dry and announced that he had a surprise for his son and for the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Classic introduced "Plan C for Chavos": Chavo Jr.'s partners would be Juventud Guerrera & Essa Rios, who strutted out together and embraced Los Chavos as the smarter fans reacted with some shock. Classic dubbed the group "La Raza" and stated that their Mexican pride would result in Chavo regaining the Cruiserweight belt, as the four Hispanic superstars headed to the ring. (83%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Spike Dudley & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. La Raza (Chavo Guerrero & Juventud Guerrera & Essa Rios)

Chavo Classic accompanied La Raza as Styles recalled that Juventud Guerrera was a former three-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and Essa Rios had held the WWE Light Heavyweight Championship in 2000, discussing the background of Rios & Guerrera for newer fans, while Tazz pointed out that if Chavo Guerrero could pin Spike Dudley tonight, he would receive his rematch for the WWE Cruiserweight Title at the Great American Bash. The Dudley Boyz were understandably surprised by this turn of events but dealt with it and put on an entertaining six-man encounter that went back-and-forth as La Raza meshed well as a unit, utilizing their quickness and sneakiness to offset D-Von & Bubba Ray's obvious strength and size advantage as Bubba got caught in La Raza's corner and double-and-triple-teamed numerous times with frequent tags. Eventually, Bubba hit Juventud with a clothesline that floored both men, who crawled toward their respective corners and made the tags, Juvi to Chavo and Bubba to Spike. D-Von charged in with Spike but was stopped by referee Brian Hebner, while Essa jumped Spike along with Chavo behind the ref's back. Spike fought back bravely against the two Hispanic superstars as Chavo Classic snatched the Cruiserweight belt amidst the chaos and tossed it to his son, who whalloped Spike across the side of the head with the gold. Chavo Jr. discarded the belt and covered Spike as the official returned to administer the three-count at 12:08, earning Chavo a rematch for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship on Sunday, July 4, at the Great American Bash. (76%)

Afterwards, La Raza cracked both D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley with the WWE Cruiserweight Title belt and assaulted Spike Dudley three-on-one with Chavo Classic calling the shots. The crowd popped when Rey Mysterio raced down to the ring as Chavo Guerrero & Essa Rios bailed out, leaving Juventud Guerrera alone against Rey Rey, who slugged it out with Juvi before hurling him through the ropes with a spinning headscissors. La Raza retreated while Mysterio retrieved the microphone and talked about the brutal assault he suffered from John Bradshaw Layfield last week and JBL's subsequent challenge on Velocity. Rey brandished a leather strap like the one he was whipped with last week and accepted Bradshaw's challenge for the Great American Bash, but wanted to make it a Mexican Strap Match, drawing a big pop. JBL appeared on the stage with his own mic and leather strap and accepted the stipulation, boasting that he had been whipping "little guys" like Rey for as long as he could remember. Taking exception to the comment, Rey Rey stated that looks could be deceiving and he would leave welts all over JBL on Sunday, July 4, but Layfield laughed again. Mysterio got angry and offered to show Layfield how nasty he could get, pointing up the ramp behind JBL at the fleeing La Raza and challenging Juventud to a "Strap-On-A-Pole" match next week. Juvi looked confused, but JBL continued to laugh so Rey charged up the ramp and brawled with him until several WWE officials flooded out to separate them. (89%)

Backstage, Rene Dupree was tying up his robe and looking rather worried about his match tonight against the Undertaker while Kurt Angle and the Big Show gave him a peptalk. The French Phenom recalled that last week it was three-on-one and seemed wary of facing the Dead Man alone, but the Olympic Champion promised that he and Show would be watching on the monitor and that they had his back. After Dupree headed out, Angle and Show looked at each other and smiled. (75%)

Rene Dupree vs. The Undertaker

Tazz suggested that Rene Dupree was Kurt Angle's "sacrifice" to the Undertaker, who was led down the ramp by Paul Bearer carrying the urn. This was a surprisingly entertaining match-up, as the French Phenom withstood the Dead Man's early onslaught and dished out some offense of his own while the Big Show and Kurt Angle were shown in the locker room watching on the monitor and reacting with surprise. Although Dupree scored a couple of near-falls and held his own against the former four-time WWE Champion, 'Taker regained control and buried Dupree with a chokeslam followed by the Tombstone at 7:36. (82%)

As soon as the bell rang, the Big Show was at ringside and grabbed Paul Bearer by the back of the neck, dragging the bulbous mortician up to the stage where Kurt Angle was waiting. The Olympic Champion snatched the urn from Bearer and ran off as the Show shoved Bearer, who rolled down the ramp like a barrel and stopped at the feet of the Undertaker. The Dead Man roared and gave chase as cameras followed him backstage in his pursuit of the urn, only to see Angle and Show racing off in a convertible, laughing and celebrating. The Undertaker stopped and rolled his eyes back in his head as Styles claimed that Kurt Angle might regret his activities tonight for the rest of his life if 'Taker gets hold of him. (85%)

In the arena, WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero looked very intense and serious as he walked out to the ring and grabbed the microphone to talk about last week's non-title loss against Booker T. Latino Heat admitted that the Book may have been the better man that night and that he had perhaps underestimated the former five-time WCW Champion, before calling out Booker T, who was booed when he marched down the ramp and stepped into the squared circle. Eddie stated that Booker pinned him fair-and-square last week, but as a Guerrero, he wasn't a big proponent of "fair and square", preferring the "lie, cheat, steal" mantra. Therefore, Guerrero requested that their WWE Title bout at the Great American Bash be a "No Disqualification" match, which got a good reaction. After thinking about it for a few moments, Booker realized that the stipulation would put champion and challenger on a level playing field, so he accepted and extended his hand to seal the deal. The WWE Champion looked to the fans for guidance as Booker assured him that the handshake wasn't a set-up, but when Eddie shook his hand, it was Eddie who cheapshotted the Book with a left hand and unloaded on him. The Book bailed out and retreated as Latino Heat warned that he should "never trust a Guerrero" and the fans cheered. (84%)

Michael Cole was in the locker room to interview Paul Heyman while Charlie Haas & Brock Lesnar were warming up for their tag team main event against Rob Van Dam & John Cena tonight. Heyman stated that the Doctor Of Thuganomics & Mr. Thursday Night had a lot in common, as Heyman made RVD a superstar in ECW and could have done the same for Cena as SmackDown GM if Cena hadn't snubbed him, and predicted that his Agency would rip them limb from limb and sent them both back to rehab...NEXT! (83%)

The Agency (Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas) vs. John Cena & Rob Van Dam

Paul Heyman accompanied Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas to the ring to a loud chorus of boos, while both Rob Van Dam & John Cena lived up to Styles' billing as two of the most popular superstars in WWE when they walked out together and were greeted by a massive pop. Great main event action that saw the faces dominate in the early going until the Agency focused on Cena's knee as Tazz recalled that Mr. Thursday Night had been out of action until tonight since being trapped in the Haas Of Pain at Judgment Day. Haas was referred to as the "Human Submission Machine" as he exchanged frequent tags with the WWE United States Champion and worked over Cena's leg, softening him up. The crowd rallied behind the Doctor Of Thuganomics as he battled back and made the hot tag to RVD, who rushed in and fired kicks off at both Lesnar & Haas. The groggy Cena managed to pounce on Haas, distracting referee Nick Patrick while Heyman retrieved a metal folding chair and slid it in for Lesnar to use. However, RVD got to the chair first and used it to nail Brock with the Van Daminator behind the ref's back, then discarded the chair and landed the Five Star Frog Splash from the top turnbuckle to score the shocking 1-2-3 on the U.S. Champion at 14:15. Afterwards, Haas tried to blindside RVD, but Cena made the save and planted the Human Submission Machine with the FU while Styles and Tazz ended the broadcast. (84%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 5.85

Attendance: 10,043

Ticket Sales: $401,720

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. Oman Turtoga & Diablo Santiago: Uninspired squash to kick off Velocity, ending when Hardcore covered Oman at 3:07 following the Sidewinder from he and Mr. Ass. (54%)

* Backstage, Jamie Noble was trying to flirt with Torrie Wilson and promised her that he was a changed man. Torrie looked doubtful but agreed to start over with a clean slate since Jamie had lost Nidia. Noble was ecstatic and dedicated his match tonight to her. (85%)

* Jamie Noble vs. Chris Sabin: The commentators laughed at Jamie Noble's chances with Torrie Wilson throughout this competitive match-up, which went back-and-forth until Noble locked in the Trailer Hitch and forced Sabin to tap out at 5:59. (65%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Paul Heyman, who was alongside WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill and referred to them as "the pinnacle of athletic tag team excellence", bragging that nobody would be able to take the belts from them. (91%)

* Non-Title Match: The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) vs. Jimmy Jacobs & Alex Shelley: Paul Heyman accompanied his WWE Tag Team Champions for this non-title squash that showcased the Thrill Kill's raw athleticism and aggressive teamwork, finishing off their opponents when O'Haire covered Jacobs at 4:00 following the Seanton Bomb from the top turnbuckle. (63%)

* A video aired to hype the huge tag team main event of this Thursday's SmackDown, pitting the Undertaker & WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero against the Big Show & Booker T. (86%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Dawn Marie, who stated that after beating Ultimo Dragon & Funaki in tonight's Velocity main event, the Basham Brothers would be ready for a serious run at the WWE Tag Team Championship. (82%)

* Elsewhere backstage, Ultimo Dragon & Funaki were shown heading out for the Velocity main event with Gail Kim by Funaki's side. Funaki seemed to be trying to mediate as the Dragon argued in Japanese with Gail, who replied in Korean apparently. (60%)

* The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham) vs. Funaki & Ultimo Dragon: Dawn Marie escorted her Basham Brothers while Gail Kim accompanied Funaki for this solid Velocity main event that featured some good tag team action from both sides, although Ultimo Dragon & Funaki appeared to experience some miscommunication. One such incident led to the finish, as Gail hopped up on the apron and Danny sent Ultimo crashing into her, knocking her to the floor. Funaki was horrified and attended to Kim while the Bashams snared the Dragon in the Ball & Gag, giving Doug the pinfall over the former WCW Cruiserweight Champion at 8:09. Afterwards, Funaki abandoned Dragon and carried Gail to safety. (70%)

Overall: 70%

Rating: 5.56

Attendance: 10,016

Ticket Sales: $400,640

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Here's the final lineup for WWE Bad Blood on Sunday, June 13...as always, predictions are appreciated.

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Benoit [champion] vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

World Tag Team Title/Triple Threat Match: Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions] vs. Christian & Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Edge

World Television Title Match: Matt Hardy [champion] vs. Jeff Hardy

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Shelton Benjamin & The Extreme Animals vs. Triple H & Batista & Ric Flair

Ultimate Diva Match: Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus

William Regal & Eugene vs. Scott Steiner & Test

Now for the Great American Bash: Independence Day on Sunday, July 4, which I know wasn't the actual date it was supposed to happen, but I changed it because the date was just too good to pass up. The lineup so far...

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. Booker T

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Chavo Guerrero

Mexican Strap Match: Rey Mysterio vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

[Chrononaut]

Bumped...in case anybody missed my update over the long weekend.

The PPV should be up today or tomorrow.

[VA Finest 1]

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Benoit [champion] vs. Shawn Michaels

Winner: Benoit

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

Winner: Orton

World Tag Team Title/Triple Threat Match: Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions] vs. Christian & Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Edge

Winners: Jericho & Edge

World Television Title Match: Matt Hardy [champion] vs. Jeff Hardy

Winner: Matt

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Shelton Benjamin & The Extreme Animals vs. Triple H & Batista & Ric Flair

Winners: Evolution

Ultimate Diva Match: Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus

Winner: Trish

William Regal & Eugene vs. Scott Steiner & Test

Winners: Regal & Eugene

[Chrononaut]

SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2004 -- WWE BAD BLOOD

The pre-PPV Sunday Night Heat was hosted by Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette, who recapped the stories behind each match on the card for tonight's Bad Blood. During the broadcast, WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton came down to the ring in a suit and tie and cut a killer promo about his Boiler Room Brawl this evening against Mankind. The Legend Killer recalled how he had been feuding with Mick Foley off-and-on for almost a year and claimed that he was ready to settle the issue tonight and move on to stake his claim as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. The third-generation superstar promised to finish what he started and would finally eliminate the Hardcore Legend in his own element: the Boiler Room Brawl. Orton stated that he had asked Evolution not to intervene, no matter what, so that he could prove his greatness to himself, to the paying customers ("key word: paying"), and to Mick Foley. (90%)

Following Heat, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed viewers to WWE Bad Blood LIVE from Columbus, Ohio, and hyped the exciting lineup for this evening's pay-per-view before sending it up to ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel in the squared circle.

World Tag Team Title/Triple Threat Match: Chris Jericho & Edge vs. Christian & Kane vs. Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels [champions]

During the introductions, J.R. questioned the judgment of RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff in booking this championship contest when Shawn Michaels & Chris Benoit would be squaring off for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event, but Lawler responded that it was their duty as World Tag Team Champions to defend the belts. Trish Stratus escorted Christian & Kane for this well-worked opening bout that saw the Heartbreak Kid avoid the tag early on as Edge & Chris Jericho took turns battering Christian, who eventually managed to tag in the Canadian Crippler. After some nice exchanges between Benoit and Jericho, Kane tagged himself in and went to work on the Rabid Wolverine, who withstood tremendous punishment as the Big Red Machine & Christian used quick tags and double-teams to control the World Champion, scoring several near-falls. HBK watched from the apron and reached for the tag, but didn't enter illegally, while Benoit rallied back and took down Kane with the Rolling Germans. Both men crawled to their corners, but Benoit made a detour and tagged Y2J while Kane tagged Christian. Jericho, Christian, Edge, and Kane slugged it out in the ring while Benoit shoved Michaels, who pushed back. The co-World Tag Team Champions grappled with each other at ringside, distracting referee Earl Hebner, while Kane clotheslined Edge over the top rope and went out with him. Meanwhile, Trish retrieved one of the tag belts and tossed it to Christian, who whalloped Jericho with the gold and covered him as the official returned to register the three-count at 15:37, giving Christian & Kane their first World Tag Team Championship together. Afterwards, the new champs celebrated their victory in the squared circle while a horde of WWE agents and officials flooded out to break up the brawl between Benoit and Michaels on the ramp. (80%)

Scott Steiner & Test vs. William Regal & Eugene

The crowd cheered Eugene & William Regal as they marched out together, William looking serious and Eugene happy and playful, for this entertaining tag team contest. William & Eugene worked surprisingly well in tandem and held their own against Test & Scott Steiner, who wrestled angrier and more aggressively than they had in a while and gained the advantage, isolating Regal as Ross suggested that the Englishman might be suffering from ring rust. Big Poppa Pump & Test tagged in and out and dominated Regal with impressive power moves while RAW GM Eric Bischoff strolled down to ringside and subtly cheered on the heels, as a confused Eugene watched him from the apron. Regal kicked out of each pinfall attempt and was locked into the Steiner Recliner, looking Bischoff right in the face as the RAW GM taunted him and shouted at him to submit. William used the verbal barbs to his advantage, psyching himself up to grab the rope and break the Recliner as Eugene got the fans to rally behind the former Intercontinental Champion. Regal fired back at Steiner with uppercuts and forearm shots before making the hot tag to Eugene, who charged in and cleaned house, unloading on the Genetic Freak and Test when he stepped into the ring. In the end, William tied Test up in the Regal Stretch while Eugene dropped Steiner with the Stone Cold Stunner and applied the Regal Stretch on him as well, forcing the two muscular superstars to tap out at 11:18. Afterwards, Eugene invited his Uncle Eric into the ring to celebrate his first-ever PPV victory, but Bischoff refused until Regal held open the ropes and "helped" him in. As William reminded him that his sister was likely watching, Uncle Eric forced a smile and embraced the oblivious Eugene. (76%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Shelton Benjamin & The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri) vs. Evolution (Triple H & Batista & "Nature Boy" Ric Flair)

Ross described the trio of Tajiri, Rhyno, & Shelton Benjamin as an extremely eclectic squad united by their opposition to Evolution, who functioned like a well-oiled machine as they battled back-and-forth with the faces. The story of the match was Shelton getting into Triple H's head by avoiding all contact with him and taunting him from the apron until he fell prey to underhanded tactics by Evolution and wound up trapped in their half of the ring. Evolution assumed control as HHH, Ric Flair, & Batista tagged frequently and worked over Shelton, who began to frustrate his more experienced opponents by continuously kicking out of pinfall attempts. The fans rallied behind Benjamin as he ducked a killer lariat from Batista and rebounded off the opposite side with a spinning heel kick that knocked the wind out of both competitors. Batista crawled over and tagged HHH while Benjamin lunged and tagged Rhyno, who rushed in, dodged a right hand from Hunter, and took out the Nature Boy as he tried to get involved. The Cerebral Assassin went after Shelton, who nailed HHH with the Dragon Whip kick, causing him to stagger back in time for Rhyno to tear into him with the Gore. The Man Beast quickly hooked the leg for the three-count on the former eight-time World Heavyweight Champion at 18:58 while Shelton slammed Slick Ric with the T-Bone Exploder and Tajiri cracked Batista with the Buzzsaw Kick. Afterwards, the Extreme Animals & Benjamin celebrated their victory on the rampway while Evolution were dazed in the squared circle. (77%)

World Television Title Match: Matt Hardy [champion] vs. Jeff Hardy

Lita escorted Matt Hardy to the ring as J.R. recalled that the Hardy Boyz were former five-time World Tag Team Champions and one of the most popular duos in WWE history, and that the Hardyz and Lita were all very close at one time. Awesome match here, as Jeff Hardy was in vintage shape and scored several near-falls early on with his fast-paced high-risk offense until Lita tripped him up behind referee Charles Robinson, giving Matt the opportunity to focus on Jeff's leg. The World Television Champion proclaimed himself "the best wrestler on television" as he attacked Jeff's leg and cinched in an Indian deathlock that the Enigmatic One broke free from and mounted a comeback. Lita hopped up on the apron to distract the official, but Miss Jackie raced out and dragged Lita down to the floor, tossing her into the ringsteps. While the ref was busy with the women, Matt bailed out to retrieve the TV belt, but Jeff soared over the top rope and hit his brother with a plancha before dropping him on the floor with the Twist Of Fate. Jeff rolled Matt back into the squared circle and landed the Swanton Bomb from the top turnbuckle to earn the 1-2-3 at 13:21 and capture the World Television Championship as the crowd popped. Afterwards, Jackie grabbed the TV belt and presented it to Jeff, who embraced her and held the gold over his head while Lita helped Matt up the ramp. (85%)

Ultimate Diva Match: Trish Stratus vs. Stacy Keibler

Following a promo for SmackDown's Great American Bash: Independence Day on Sunday, July 4, Lawler eagerly explained the rules for the first-ever Ultimate Diva Match: the first fall would be held under Bra & Panties rules; the second fall would then be a Lingerie Pillow Fight in which the winner would be the first woman to hit her opponent three times on the head with a pillow; and if necessary, the third fall would be a straight wrestling match. Both women entered alone, Trish Stratus in her usual wrestling attire and Stacy Keibler wearing a tank top and short-shorts, as Trish dominated the first fall with her superior grappling experience and abused Stacy, ripping her shirt off to expose a lacy white bra. Stacy fought back and tore Trish's top off before Trish got serious and hammered Keibler to the canvas, pulling off her shorts to win the first fall at 3:59. Referee Jack Doan produced a fluffy pillow for the second fall and ordered Stratus to remove her pants to comply with the "Lingerie" portion of the Lingerie Pillow Fight as Ross recalled that Trish herself came up with the Ultimate Diva stipulations, but the former four-time WWE Women's Champion refused and screamed at the official until Stacy snuck up from behind and "de-pantsed" her, drawing a big pop from the crowd. Confused and embarrassed in a black thong and corset, Trish tripped over her own pants as Stacy snatched the pillow and swiftly whacked Stratus across the head with it three times to win the second fall at 4:42. Stacy put the pillow over Trish's face and suffocated her until the ref took the pillow away and discarded it as Keibler scored a couple of near-falls. Stacy put her long shapely legs to use with legdrops and a tight headscissor submission, but Trish battled back and dumped Stacy out to ringside before sneering at the fans and pulling up her pants. Although Stacy landed a few kicks, Trish blasted her with the Chick Kick to score the deciding pinfall at 8:09 and declared herself the Ultimate Diva and the "Alpha Female" of RAW. (81%)

WWE Intercontinental Title/Boiler Room Brawl: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Mankind

While the different camera angles in the dark, shadowy boiler room were shown, Ross explained the updated Boiler Room Brawl rules: the two participants would begin in the boiler room, no disqualification, no count-out, pinfalls and submissions only anywhere in the boiler room. Randy Orton entered the boiler room in wrestling gear with his WWE Intercontinental Championship belt and stood beside the door, cocking back with the gold as he waited for Mankind to walk in. However, Mankind emerged from the shadows behind the Legend Killer and blindsided him, slamming the door shut by ramming Orton's head into it. The Deranged One unloaded on Orton with a metal trashcan, smashing him repeatedly as referee Mike Chioda locked the door and put the keys in his pocket. The crowd out in the arena, watching on the TitanTron, cheered loudly as Mankind beat the holy hell out of Orton, bending the trashcan in half. The third-generation superstar proved his mettle by battling back as the hated rivals brawled around the room and traded a handful of near-falls. Mankind assumed control and busted the Intercontinental Champion wide open with a merciless series of chairshots that J.R. stated were payback from last Monday's RAW, but Orton kicked out of a close near-fall and mounted a comeback by countering a piledriver with a catapult, sending Mankind face-first into a hanging pipe. The former three-time WWE Champion started to bleed from beneath the leather mask as Orton Irish-whipped him right through the door out into the hallway, knocking the door clean off its hinges and drawing a big pop from the crowd. The masked Mick Foley gasped for breath as Orton capitalized and battered the Hardcore Legend down the hallway, through the catering area, inside a locker room, and finally out into the arena on the stage, where the Legend Killer tried to hurl Mankind off to his doom. However, Mankind blocked and reversed the hiptoss, sending Orton through a table to the floor below. The Deranged One quickly leapt off the stage and flattened Orton with the Suicide Elbow on the floor, but the official refused to count the pinfall because they weren't in the boiler room, so Mankind hoisted Orton over his shoulder and carried him backstage. Along the way, the Intercontinental Champion wriggled free and slugged it out in the hallway as they got nearer to the boiler room, which they finally re-entered when Mankind reversed an Irish-whip through the empty doorway and followed Orton into the room with a clothesline to the back of the head. Orton kicked out of a double-arm DDT on the chair, surprising Mankind, who began to rip his own hair out before getting up and retrieving a can of gasoline and a sack from a corner of the room. He dumped the bag and thousands of thumbtacks and screws spilled out onto the floor as the crowd popped. Mankind added to this by pouring gasoline on the tacks and producing a barbecue lighter from his boot, setting a small fire in the center of the room as the commentators were almost speechless. The Deranged One applied the Mandible Claw on Orton and tried to force him back into the fire, but the Evolution member dropped to his knees and lowblowed Mankind, allowing the ref to pick up a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. As the first-ever WWE Hardcore Champion staggered around, Orton climbed halfway up a nearby ladder and prepared to leap, but Mankind climbed up and joined him on the ladder. They slugged it out precariously on the ladder before Orton grabbed Mankind by the head and dove off with the RKO to the floor, dropping both superstars onto the pile of tacks and screws. The Legend Killer crawled toward the Hardcore Legend and draped his arm across his chest for the three-count at 27:54 to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship as the commentators praised the performances of both men. Afterwards, numerous medics hurried into the room to attend to Mankind and Orton, who was able to accept his title belt from the ref and raise it as he lay on his back on the floor. (83%)

World Heavyweight Title Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit [champion]

The commentators recapped the storyline so far, including the ending of the Triple Threat Match earlier, as Lawler accused Shawn Michaels of stringing Chris Benoit along recently in order to win the World Heavyweight Championship, which J.R. admitted looked to be true. Tremendous main event, featuring some flawless chain-wrestling displays early on, as the crowd mostly favored the Rabid Wolverine and jeered the Heartbreak Kid, who got so distracted by the fans' chants that Benoit took the advantage and worked over HBK's problematic back. Shawn battled back after avoiding a Benoit charge in the corner, resulting in the Canadian Crippler going between the turnbuckles and striking the ringpost with his shoulder and jarring his neck. Michaels capitalized on the incident and focused his attack on Benoit's shoulder and surgically-repaired neck, scoring several near-falls and trying to wrench out a submission using a version of the Dragon Sleeper, but the World Champion rallied back and escaped the hold as the fans rooted for him. Benoit unleashed a series of stiff chops that lit up Shawn's chest and snapped him down with a snap suplex, before landing the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle for a close near-fall. The Crippler managed to lock in the Crippler Crossface on HBK and tried to grind a submission out of the former four-time World Heavyweight Champion, but he hung tough and grabbed the bottom rope with his free hand to break the crippling hold. Staying focused, Benoit slammed Michaels with the Rolling Germans, but during one of the suplexes, Shawn's foot clocked referee Earl Hebner and appeared to knock him out cold. The World Champion went to check on the official and tried to revive him to no avail, as Shawn stumbled to his feet and aimed the Sweet Chin Music at Benoit, who caught the foot and took Michaels down. The Wolverine attempted to apply the Sharpshooter, but HBK was able to reverse it and apply his own Sharpshooter, a la 1997 Survivor Series, as Johnny Nitro sprinted down the ramp in a referee's uniform. Benoit held his neck and screamed in agony as he reached for the ropes and pounded the mat in frustration when suddenly Nitro waved his arms and called for the bell at 31:08. The crowd was in stunned silence and the commentators seemed confused as ring announcer Howard Finkel declared that according to the "replacement official", Chris Benoit had tapped out when he pounded the mat; therefore, Shawn Michaels was the brand-new World Heavyweight Champion. HBK looked angry and confused as Nitro passed him the big gold belt and raised his arm triumphantly, but Michaels pulled away from him and looked at the title belt in his hands. The crowd chanted "bullshit" as Shawn staggered up the ramp with the belt, followed by Nitro, while Benoit regained his vertical base and glanced around in shock. The Crippler glared out and shouted at Nitro and the stunned Michaels while J.R. and the King signed off. (85%)

Overall: 81%

Buyrate: 1.95

Paid Attendance: 20,368

PPV Revenue: $4,875,000

Ticket Sales: $1,222,080

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Hope you liked it. I know, I know, the "Montreal Incident" rehash is old, but it was necessary and I think it came off pretty well. Let me know what you think, and thanks for reading.

[VA Finest 1]

Good PPV, the HBK-Benoit ending was very surprising, I didn't see that coming and I'm kinda surprised to see Benoit drop the title so soon.

[Guest Crossface]

you screwd benoit!

nice ending,but chris will get the title back fast,right?

right?!!!!?!?!?

[JaYo]

Great ending there! Montreal all over again!

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Dayton, Ohio, and discussed last night's Bad Blood before mentioning some of tonight's events: brand-new World Heavyweight Champion Shawn Michaels on "The Highlight Reel", Triple H facing Rhyno one-on-one, Steven Richards challenging Jeff Hardy for his newly-won World Television Championship, and much more.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton kicked things off by gingerly walking down to the ring, looking cocky in his finest suit and tie with his forehead bandaged as the fans booed, and picked up the microphone to talk about the Boiler Room Brawl last night at Bad Blood. The Legend Killer admitted that he had learned a lot over the past year by feuding with Mick Foley, but hoped that Foley and the fans had learned something from him as well, which was not to judge a book by its cover. Orton boasted that in addition to being the best-looking superstar in the entire WWE, he was also the toughest, and advised anybody who disagreed with his statement to check out his Hardcore Match at Backlash against Cactus Jack and last night's Boiler Room Brawl against Mankind, not to mention the various victims of his "2004 Legend Killer Tour". The third-generation superstar claimed that he was well on his way to establishing his legacy as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time and wouldn't let anyone stand in his path, promising to live up to the potential that Triple H saw in him when he brought him into Evolution. Orton continued to brag until he was interrupted by none other than Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, who appeared on the stage in street clothes to a nice crowd pop. The former Intercontinental Champion carried a briefcase in one hand and a mic in the other as he thanked the fans for the ovation and put Randy over as a world-class athlete with a number of big wins already in his brief career. The Dragon regretted that he wasn't able to enjoy an extended reign as Intercontinental Champion in his prime, but suggested that he had one more match in him, adding that he had just happened to bring his wrestling gear with him tonight. Orton responded that he would love to add Steamboat's name to the list of his Legend Killer Tour victims, but explained that he wasn't yet 100% after last night. Steamboat opened the briefcase he was carrying to reveal a replica of the classic Intercontinental Championship belt that he had once held and offered to put it on the line this evening if Orton accepted the challenge, recalling how he and Ric Flair used to wrestle over the World Heavyweight Title for an hour every night and twice on Sundays whether they were 100% or not. The Legend Killer's eyes lit up as he accepted the challenge for tonight, vowing to prove to the Dragon that he could do anything the "old-timers" could do, only he could do it better. The Dragon nodded and replied that he would see Randy in the ring later as J.R. hyped Orton/Steamboat as the main event of the evening. (79%)

Backstage, Stacy Keibler was walking down a hallway, with a light bruise on her face as a result of Trish Stratus' Chick Kick in the Ultimate Diva Match at Bad Blood, when she was confronted by Test, who claimed that if Stacy was still with him, she would be the "Alpha Female" of RAW right now. Keibler referred to him as "Andrew" and told him to get lost, so Test responded that maybe the right woman won last night, explaining that he had "had" both Stacy and Trish, and Trish was "better" than her. Stacy turned to slap Test, but he caught her by the wrist and menaced her until Chris Jericho arrived on the scene and shoved the former Intercontinental Champion away. Test and Y2J tussled as several WWE officials intervened to separate the two Canadian superstars. They hollered at each other as the referees held them apart, while RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff showed up and booked a match pitting Jericho against Test for later tonight. The "ooohh" line came when Stacy, alongside Jericho, informed Test that "size doesn't matter... at least, not in wrestling", as she smirked at the thought of Andrew's "tiny Testicles" and left with Chris. (86%)

World Television Title Match: Steven Richards vs. Jeff Hardy [champion]

Victoria escorted Steven Richards, while Jeff Hardy had Miss Jackie by his side as still photos were shown of the Enigmatic One winning the World Television Championship from Matt Hardy last night at Bad Blood. J.R. explained that Richards planned on being a "spoiler" and capturing the TV Title for Stevie Night Heat as he worked hard and dished out quite a bit of offense, scoring several near-falls. Late in the bout, Victoria tried to get involved but Jackie dropped her with a reverse DDT on the floor, while Hardy mounted a comeback against Steven, culminating in the Twist Of Fate followed by the Swanton Bomb from the top turnbuckle for the 1-2-3 at 8:49. (75%)

Afterwards, Miss Jackie presented Jeff Hardy with the World Television Title belt as they celebrated his first successful championship defense. The crowd's cheers turned to boos when Matt Hardy walked out alongside Lita, who had a microphone and claimed that she still had some unfinished business with Jackie. Lita sneered as she stated that Jackie should have stayed with Rico in the hospital and vowed to rip her eyes out, while Matt took the mic and threatened to come down and destroy the new TV Champion. Jeff held the ropes open and motioned for his brother to enter the ring, but Matt had a better idea and issued a challenge to Jeff & Jackie for a Mixed Tag Team Match next week against Matt & Lita. The Enigmatic One nodded in agreement as Shannon Moore came out of nowhere and blindsided Jeff, who fought back and traded fists with the Mattitude Follower before Matt stormed the squared circle and clipped Jeff's leg from behind, capitalizing on the damaged limb from their bout at Bad Blood last night. Lita slid into the ring as well and spiked Jackie with a DDT as the three Mattitude members beat down Jeff & Jackie. Matt stood triumphantly over his brother holding the TV belt over his head as the crowd booed. (77%)

The Extreme Animals were shown backstage as Tajiri was psyching Rhyno up for his singles bout tonight against Triple H by butting heads and screeching at him in Japanese while the Man Beast snorted and growled, replying in English that he had pinned the Game in the six-man match-up last night at Bad Blood and planned on "Goring the hell" out of HHH...NEXT! (68%)

Rhyno vs. Triple H

Rhyno marched out alone while Ric Flair, in a suit and tie, accompanied Triple H as J.R. talked about the Man Beast's Gore and pinfall on the Game at Bad Blood. Lawler explained that the PPV loss was embarrassing to the Cerebral Assassin as he dominated the early going by focusing his methodical attack on the surgically-repaired neck of Rhyno, who groaned in pain but refused to be pinned. Rhyno battled back and knocked HHH around with clotheslines, shoulderblocks, and powerslams, scoring a pair of near-falls from a belly-to-belly suplex and an Arn Anderson spinebuster. The Nature Boy managed to trip-up Rhyno from ringside behind the back of referee Charles Robinson, bringing Tajiri out to stand in his fellow Extreme Animal's corner and allowing HHH to regain control and lock the Man Beast in a cool half-nelson/neck-wrench submission hold. The fans rallied behind Rhyno as he broke the hold and mounted a comeback, which was interrupted when Flair stepped into the ring, distracting the official and the Man Beast. Tajiri entered the squared circle and cracked Slick Ric with the Buzzsaw Kick, but before he could complete the famous face-first Flair Flop, Rhyno swooped in and took down the former 16-time World Heavyweight Champion with the Gore. However, when Rhyno turned back to his opponent, the Game was waiting and snared him in the Pedigree for the three-count at 12:53. (79%)

Following the bell, Tajiri unleashed a series of his lethal kicks on Triple H until Batista stormed the ring and assaulted the Japanese Buzzsaw from behind. The Evolution Demon hammered Tajiri with the help of the Cerebral Assassin until Shelton Benjamin charged out and ran the two Evolution members off. HHH & Batista dragged Ric Flair up the ramp while Shelton attended to the Extreme Animals, who got back to their feet and shouted at Evolution as they retreated. (87%)

After a commercial break, the ring was set up for "The Highlight Reel" as Chris Jericho had a microphone and discussed the "controversial circumstances" surrounding the finish of the World Heavyweight Title bout at Bad Blood, explaining that many were saying that Chris Benoit did not submit and was screwed out of the gold. Y2J wanted to get to the bottom of the situation and introduced his guest, the new World Heavyweight Champion Shawn Michaels, who marched out to a mostly-negative mixed reaction and looked visibly bothered by the fans. The Heartbreak Kid carried the belt and informed Jericho that he didn't know what the hell happened last night, describing how he wasn't sure if Benoit had tapped out, but accepted the championship anyway. Jericho rolled his eyes as Michaels demanded an explanation himself and called out RAW GM Eric Bischoff, who was booed on his way to the ring and stated that for HBK's safety, Benoit would not be in the arena tonight. Shawn frowned and told Eric that he didn't need any "special treatment", but the RAW GM reminded him how dangerous the Canadian Crippler could be when he was angry. HBK replied that he could take care of himself and flat-out asked Bischoff if he had anything to do with the ending of last night's main event, but Bischoff claimed that he was innocent and was just as surprised as anybody else when Johnny Nitro raced out to replace the downed Earl Hebner as referee. Michaels scoffed and inquired who gave Nitro a referee's license, so Bischoff revealed that he had given Nitro a license several months ago, but hadn't seen his former "apprentice" in at least three months and had forgotten about it. Michaels admitted that it felt great to be a five-time World Champion, but doubted Bischoff's story and argued with him until Jericho interrupted and accused them both of being "full of crap", suggesting that they worked together to steal the gold from Benoit and were trying to pull the wool over the fans' eyes. Y2J brought up both of their track records, including Shawn's involvement in the 1997 Survivor Series screwjob and Bischoff's treatment of talent such as Jericho and Benoit in WCW, and declared that they were both masters of BS. Shawn was offended by the remarks and walked off to a corner to contemplate Y2J's comments while Bischoff berated Jericho, who finally had enough and dropped the mic to grab the former WCW President in the Walls Of Jericho, but before he could get it locked in, HBK blasted Y2J with the Sweet Chin Music. Bischoff retreated while Michaels partly blamed Jericho for the loss of the World Tag Team Championship in the Triple Threat Match last night and warned him that nobody talked to HBK that way, offering to prove his worth as the World Heavyweight Champion by defending the title against Jericho next week. Michaels exited the squared circle and headed up the ramp, keeping his distance from Bischoff, while Test rushed out with referee Jack Doan for his match-up against Jericho. (79%)

Chris Jericho vs. Test

The ring still had the "Highlight Reel" set-up, but Test wasted no time in ordering referee Jack Doan to call for the opening bell to kick off the match. Chris Jericho was groggy from the Sweet Chin Music, but managed to nod to the official as the bell rang and Test was all over Y2J with body punches, clotheslines, and impressive power maneuvers. The action spilled out to ringside, where Test and Jericho slugged it out back-and-forth as several members of the RAW road crew came out to disassemble "The Highlight Reel" and clear out the squared circle. The end came when Test charged with the Final Exam, but Jericho dodged the running boot and Test's leg got caught up on the top rope, possibly injuring his hamstring. Test limped back and Y2J took his larger opponent down in the Walls Of Jericho, forcing Test to tap out at 9:23. Afterwards, Stacy Keibler came out and hugged Jericho, who celebrated with her and retrieved the microphone to accept Shawn Michaels' offer of a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship next week. (82%)

Backstage, Ricky Steamboat carried the briefcase from earlier and had his martial arts robe covering his wrestling attire as he was heading out for the WWE Intercontinental Championship main event against Randy Orton. The Dragon was stopped by Ric Flair, who was holding an icepack on his jaw (a result of the Buzzsaw Kick from Tajiri earlier) and advised his long-time rival that it wasn't too late to cancel the bout tonight so that Steamboat could go home to "Little Ricky" in one piece. Steamboat just smirked and claimed that wrestling the Legend Killer wasn't just something he had to do for himself, it was something he had to do for Orton and the future of the business. The Nature Boy responded that Orton was already a member of Evolution and the hottest rising young superstar in the industry, but Steamboat paraphrased one of Slick Ric's catchphrases and promised to "take Randy to school" this evening before continuing on his way. (73%)

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Randy Orton [champion]

Ricky Steamboat got a great ovation from the fans as J.R. went over his accomplishments, capturing the Intercontinental Title and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, while Randy Orton was seconded by Ric Flair, who still had the icepack on his jaw. The Dragon looked to be in good shape, but was understandably a few steps slower than in his prime as he exchanged armdrags and even a couple of high dropkicks with the reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion, who had a number of bandages on his torso and forehead to cover the wounds suffered in last night's Boiler Room Brawl. Steamboat turned Orton's chest bright red with a vicious series of loud chops across the chest that echoed throughout the building and scored a couple of near-falls before the Legend Killer gained control and worked over Steamboat's back, which Ross explained was the cause of Ricky's retirement. The Dragon rallied back as the Nature Boy climbed up to the top turnbuckle, but Steamboat caught him and tossed Flair into Orton. Slick Ric rolled out to the floor as Steamboat ascended to the top turnbuckle himself and dove off with the Flying Bodypress, but Orton rolled through with it and grabbed a handful of tights for a very close near-fall. When both competitors got back to their feet, Orton was a few seconds quicker and drilled Steamboat with the RKO for the 1-2-3 at 12:38 to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Afterwards, Orton helped the winded Steamboat off the canvas and seemed genuinely impressed with the Dragon's effort, but when Steamboat offered a handshake, the Legend Killer cheapshotted him with a big right hand and dropped him with another RKO. Orton retrieved Steamboat's briefcase and took ownership of the "classic" Intercontinental Title belt, dumping the newer design out to ringside and celebrating with his new gold while J.R. and the King signed off. (69%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.92

Attendance: 10,043

Ticket Sales: $401,720

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Chicago, Illinois, and announced the lineup for this evening: Brock Lesnar defending the WWE United States Championship against Funaki, Juventud Guerrera meeting Rey Mysterio in a Strap On A Pole match, the Basham Brothers squaring off against the Shooting Star Express, and a huge tag team main event pitting the Big Show & Booker T against the Undertaker & WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero.

The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham) vs. The Shooting Star Express (Billy Kidman & Paul London)

Dawn Marie escorted her Basham Brothers, while the Shooting Star Express received a nice pop upon their entrance as the commentators put the two squads over as the future of SmackDown's tag team division. Tazz mentioned the Basham Brothers' victory over Ultimo Dragon & Funaki on Velocity over the weekend as Danny & Doug put on a great exhibition of tag team wrestling, trading the advantage back-and-forth with Paul London & Billy Kidman, who used their speed and agility to counter the superior size and strength of the Bashams. Late in the match-up, Doug covered Kidman following the Ball & Gag from he and Danny, but Paul Heyman appeared at ringside and distracted referee Jim Cordaris. Meanwhile, London capitalized on the distraction by going to the top turnbuckle and flying off with the 450 Splash across Doug's back as he covered Billy, sandwiching the Basham between London & Kidman. London rolled Kidman on top of Doug and hit Danny with the Dropsault as the official returned to the action and registered the three-count for the Express at 11:47. (81%)

Afterwards, Paul London helped Billy Kidman off the mat and the Basham Brothers protested the decision at ringside while Paul Heyman retrieved a microphone and entered the ring, bringing up his offer last week to split up the Shooting Star Express and manage one of them to the WWE Cruiserweight Championship as a member of his Agency. The former ECW owner pointed to his involvement tonight as a turning point in the match and used it as an example of one of the many benefits of having Heyman in their corner. Heyman stated that he had given Kidman & London a week to think about it and asked for their decision, questioning which of them had the drive and determination to break their tag team apart and go on to greater heights as a singles superstar under his tutelage. However, Heyman was interrupted by the "YO...YO...YO!" of John Cena, who appeared on the stage with a mic of his own, alongside Rob Van Dam. The Doctor Of Thuganomics advised Heyman not to worry about the Shooting Star Express because he and RVD had a special guest with a few announcements concerning the Agency: SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, who praised the action and athleticism of last week's main event and claimed that the victory by Cena & RVD over Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas had some ramifications on the Agency. When Heyman asked what he meant, Long replied that the win had earned Cena & RVD a shot at the Thrill Kill's WWE Tag Team Championship next week, and announced two new matches he had just booked for the Great American Bash on Sunday, July 4: Mr. Thursday Night's pinfall on Lesnar netted him a crack at Brock's WWE United States Championship, and Cena would be gunning for revenge against Haas one-on-one. Heyman threw down the mic and stormed up the ramp, leaving the Express looking confused, while RVD & Cena mocked Heyman. (81%)

SmackDown GM Theodore Long was returning to his backstage office when he was confronted by Nunzio, who was flanked by Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo as he complained about Long foiling his plans to interfere in the Full Blooded Italians' match last week. Nunzio warned the SmackDown GM that it wasn't wise to cross "the Family" and wondered if Long really wanted to be on their bad side, but Long informed the Italian Piranha that he didn't respond well to threats and asked if Nunzio was ready to wrestle. Nunzio acted surprised and replied that he wasn't on the card tonight, but Long announced that he had just booked him against Rikishi, with the FBI barred from ringside. Long told Nunzio to "belie'e dat, playa" and walked off to his office as Nunzio fumed. (76%)

Rikishi vs. Nunzio

Nunzio looked very angry when he marched out alone, still wearing his slacks and shoes since he didn't have time to change into his wrestling gear, and tried to gain an early advantage by jumping on Rikishi's back and applying a sleeperhold, but the 360-pounder countered with a Samoan Drop and proceeded to manhandle his much smaller opponent. The fans oooh'ed and aahh'ed as Rikishi flattened the Full Blooded Italian with legdrops, elbowdrops, avalanches in the corner, and belly-to-belly suplexes before setting him up for the Rump Shaker. However, before Rikishi could complete the banzai drop, Nunzio retreated to another corner and tried to remove a turnbuckle pad. While referee Chad Patton was busy fixing the pad, Nunzio produced a can of pepper spray from his pocket and sprayed Rikishi in the eyes, then hit him with a lowblow, all behind the official's back. Nunzio followed up with the Sicilian Slice from the middle turnbuckle and covered Rikishi for the upset pin at 6:59. Afterwards, Nunzio bailed out quickly and met up with Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli on the rampway to celebrate. (74%)

The newly-formed group of La Raza were shown in the locker room, all wearing matching bandanas, as Chavo Guerrero, Chavo Classic, & Essa Rios were getting Juventud Guerrera ready for his Strap On A Pole encounter against Rey Mysterio. Los Chavos encouraged Juvi Juice to snatch the leather strap off the pole first, then let his "Latin fire" erupt and whip Rey Rey until he was covered in welts to make a statement to the rest of the SmackDown roster on behalf of La Raza. (76%)

Strap On A Pole Match: Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera vs. Rey Mysterio

Chavo Classic seconded Juventud Guerrera as Styles explained that a leather strap was suspended from a pole set up on a neutral corner's ringpost, and whichever man got to it first would get to use the strap legally. The commentators brought up the storied history between Rey Mysterio and Juventud going back to WCW and Mexico, as the Juice put on a strong showing against Rey Rey, but every time he went to climb the post, Rey would spring up and pull him down. Juvi also blocked Rey from reaching the strap a couple of times, and finally Classic tried to climb up and retrieve it, but Mysterio stopped him and took him down into the ring with an awesome huracanrana off the top turnbuckle. This gave Guerrera the opportunity to ascend the turnbuckles to go after the strap, but Mysterio joined the Juice up on top and knocked him down to the canvas with a pole-assisted 619 before unsnapping the leather strap from the pole and taking it down into the ring as the fans cheered. Rey Rey begin whipping Juventud with the strap, slowly at first but going faster as he became more and more intense, which Tazz suggested was in response to the comments made last week by John Bradshaw Layfield. Juvi screamed and writhed around, trying to escape Rey's vicious assault with the leather that left numerous welts and a couple of bleeding cuts across his torso. Finally, Mysterio wrapped the strap around Guerrera's neck and tied him to the bottom rope, then stepped out to the apron and springboarded back in, Dropping The Dime on the Juice for the 1-2-3 at 13:49. Afterwards, Mysterio fended off an attack from Essa Rios & Chavo Guerrero and held his own against La Raza until JBL stormed the ring and jumped Rey with a leather strap of his own. The opportunistic La Raza members joined forces with JBL to hammer Rey Rey to the mat and began to whip him with the strap until Bubba Ray, D-Von, & WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley ran out to make the save. JBL and La Raza fled the scene as Spike helped Rey to his feet while the Dudley Boyz stood guard. (85%)

Backstage, Gail Kim was reassuring Funaki that she was fine after what happened on Velocity, reminding him that she was a former WWE Women's Champion on RAW, and that she wanted to accompany him for his WWE United States Title shot against Brock Lesnar. Funaki blushed and they headed out arm-in-arm as Ultimo Dragon could be seen in the background with his arms crossed, shaking his head. Suddenly, Akio & Sakoda came out of nowhere and blindsided the masked superstar, beating him down and laying him out with the Sayonara (double STO) on the hard floor. The Dragon was unconscious as Kyo Dai straightened their suits and walked off. (77%)

WWE United States Title Match: Funaki vs. Brock Lesnar [champion]

Gail Kim strutted out arm-in-arm with Funaki to a mixed reaction, while Brock Lesnar had Paul Heyman by his side for his first televised title defense since winning the gold at Judgment Day last month. Although Funaki got in some respectable offense and even nabbed a pair of near-falls off of a roll-up and a reverse cradle, the WWE United States Champion was dominant throughout the contest and finished off the Japanese superstar with the F5 at 5:26. (82%)

Following the bell, Brock Lesnar continued to punish Funaki, slamming him with another F5 and shoving Gail Kim aside when she tried to intervene. The WWE United States Champion hauled Funaki over his shoulders again and threatened a third F5, but Rob Van Dam & John Cena charged out to drive off Brock and Paul Heyman, who retreated up the ramp as the Doctor Of Thuganomics & Mr. Thursday Night pointed to their waists and promised to take all of the Agency's gold. (81%)

Michael Cole was backstage to interview Booker T, who boasted about his non-title pinfall over Eddie Guerrero two weeks ago. The Book claimed that the WWE Champion was a desperate man that resorted to cheapshots last week because he knew that Booker would repeat his performance at the Great American Bash and win the WWE Title. The former five-time WCW Champion suggested that the truth hurt and that his momentum would continue tonight, predicting that he would score the deciding pinfall in the tag team main event...NEXT! (83%)

Booker T & The Big Show vs. Eddie Guerrero & The Undertaker

Paul Bearer led his Undertaker down the ramp for this unusual tag team collision, but was missing the urn as the commentators recalled that Kurt Angle had stolen the urn last week with the help of the Big Show. Heated main event here that went back-and-forth in the early going until the Show & Booker T managed to isolate Eddie Guerrero and exchange frequent tags as they worked over the WWE Champion, who kicked out of every pinfall attempt and mounted a comeback, culminating in the hot tag to the Undertaker. The Dead Man stormed in and cleaned house, flooring the Book with a big boot and opening up on Show with lefts and rights as Kurt Angle appeared at ringside, still wearing a neckbrace and carrying the urn. While 'Taker was distracted by the urn, Booker sidestepped a dropkick from Latino Heat that inadvertently hit the Phenom square in the back and allowed Show to grip 'Taker by the throat and plant him with the Show Stopper. The 7-foot 500-pounder tossed Eddie over the top rope and followed him out to the floor as Undertaker slowly sat up and staggered to his feet before Booker slammed him with the Book End for a very close near-fall. Referee Nick Patrick then tried to get Guerrero and Show back to their separate corners, giving Angle the opportunity to bash the Grim Reaper's skull with the urn. The Undertaker stumbled back as Booker nailed him with the Axe Kick across the back of the head and covered him for the deciding pinfall at 14:06. Afterwards, Booker celebrated the victory on the ramp with Angle & Show after the Dead Man struggled to sit up, but collapsed as Paul Bearer wailed in sorrow. The Book smiled and raised his arms while Styles and Tazz closed the broadcast. (86%)

Overall: 80%

Rating: 5.91

Attendance: 10,045

Ticket Sales: $401,800

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Jamie Noble: Good well-worked opening bout to kick off Velocity, as the competitors traded the advantage back-and-forth. Noble worked over Scotty's knee throughout the contest and finally locked him in the Trailer Hitch for the submission at 8:33. (83%)

* Jamie Noble was shown returning backstage and asking Torrie Wilson if she had seen his match tonight. Torrie replied that she had watched it on the monitor and congratulated Noble on an impressive victory. When Jamie informed her that he had dedicated the win to her, Torrie blushed and told Jamie that he was cute and could be sweet when he wanted to be. (77%)

* Elsewhere backstage, Chavo Classic was walking down a hallway alongside Essa Rios, giving him a peptalk in Spanish. (72%)

* Essa Rios vs. Chris Sabin: Chavo Classic accompanied Essa Rios for this competitive fast-paced match-up. In the end, Essa landed a beautiful corkscrew moonsault from the top turnbuckle for the 1-2-3 at 6:31. (76%)

* A video aired to hype a tag team encounter for this Thursday's SmackDown pitting John Bradshaw Layfield & Chavo Guerrero against Rey Mysterio & WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley. (84%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Rob Van Dam, who gave one of his laid-back promos about he and John Cena capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Thrill Kill on SmackDown this Thursday, then him going on to once again pin Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash and win the WWE United States Title. RVD added that he had decided to give Velocity fans a treat and become "Mr. Saturday Night" for this evening. (85%)

* Rob Van Dam vs. Angel Dust: Semi-competitive squash that ended when RVD flattened Angel Dust with the Five Star Frog Splash from the top turnbuckle at 4:29. (63%)

* Ultimo Dragon was shown warming up backstage for his shot at Spike Dudley's WWE Cruiserweight Championship in the Velocity main event. (54%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed Spike Dudley, who talked about how being WWE Cruiserweight Champion was a dream come true and promised to uphold the integrity of the title by defending it against all contenders. (76%)

* WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Ultimo Dragon vs. Spike Dudley [champion]: This was a solid Velocity main event that featured plenty of mat-wrestling as the commentators questioned Ultimo Dragon's condition after the backstage assault by Kyo Dai on SmackDown. After some good back-and-forth action, Spike Dudley managed to counter the Dragon Sleeper with the Dudley Dog and retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at 8:19. (66%)

Overall: 71%

Rating: 5.74

Attendance: 10,047

Ticket Sales: $401,880

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Edge vs. Joey Matthews: Entertaining squash to kick off Heat as Edge put Joey Matthews away with the Edgecution implant DDT at 3:54. (69%)

* Eugene & William Regal were shown interacting backstage as they headed out for their tag team match tonight. Eugene was still excited about their PPV victory over Test & Scott Steiner at last week's Bad Blood, but William advised him to focus on the future and prove to "Uncle Eric" that they were worthy of a crack at the World Tag Team Championship. (76%)

* William Regal & Eugene vs. The Backseat Boys (Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid): This was a very good, competitive tag team contest that went back-and-forth, showing the improving teamwork of William & Eugene, as well as the potential of the Backseat Boys. In the end, Eugene pinned Kashmere at 7:31 following the Stone Cold Stunner for a big crowd pop. (80%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Rosey, who stated that while he hadn't seen or talked to the Hurricane in a few weeks, he had received a message from the Super Hero telling him to show up for a tag team match tonight against Mattitude. The Super Hero In Training hoped that this was Hurricane's way of reconciling and looked forward to getting back on the same page with his mentor. (68%)

* Mattitude (Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore) vs. The Hurricane & Rosey: Lita escorted the Mattitude faction, while Rosey came out alone and had to wrestle on his own as there was no sign of the Hurricane. Although the 350-pounder fought bravely, Shannon Moore & Matt Hardy used their superior numbers to tag in-and-out as they wore down the Super Hero In Training. Late in the bout, Rosey mounted a comeback as the Hurricane raced out to a good pop and entered the ring to help his protege, but instead he ended up nailing Rosey with the Shining Wizard and turned heel. The crowd booed as the Hurricane exited the squared circle and headed up the ramp, leaving Rosey to fall victim to the Mooregasm from the top turnbuckle for the pinfall at 6:57. Afterwards, Rosey held his head as the commentators were shocked at the turn of events. (84%)

* A video aired to hype the main event of RAW tomorrow night, featuring Shawn Michaels defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Chris Jericho. (75%)

* Backstage, Lance Storm looked somewhat depressed as he informed Val Venis that he was contemplating retirement due to his recent lack of success in singles and tag team competition. Val tried to cheer him up, but Storm stated that if they lost tonight's non-title main event against new World Tag Team Champions Kane & Christian, he would have to seriously consider hanging up his boots for good. (74%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Christian, who was flanked by Trish Stratus and Kane as he laughed about the Hurricane turning on Rosey and Lance Storm considering retirement. Christian claimed that these things were happening because all the other tag teams on RAW knew that he and the Big Red Machine would be the most unstoppable World Tag Team Champions of all time. (79%)

* Non-Title Match: Val Venis & Lance Storm vs. Christian & Kane: Trish Stratus accompanied the new World Tag Team Champions for this solid non-title Heat main event that went back-and-forth as Lance Storm worked hard to pull off a win, scoring a couple of near-falls on Christian. Unfortunately, the champs finished them off when Christian covered Val Venis at 9:12 following the Chokeslam To Hell from Kane. (78%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.92

Attendance: 10,024

Ticket Sales: $400,960

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The updated lineup for the Great American Bash: Independence Day on Sunday, July 4...

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. Booker T

WWE United States Title Match: Brock Lesnar [champion] vs. Rob Van Dam

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Chavo Guerrero

Mexican Strap Match: Rey Mysterio vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

John Cena vs. Charlie Haas

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Miami, Florida, and discussed the lineup for this evening: Chris Jericho challenging Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event, an Intergender Tag Team Match pitting Miss Jackie & World Television Champion Jeff Hardy against Lita & Matt Hardy, Tajiri meeting Ric Flair one-on-one, Hurricane on "The Peep Show", and much more.

Shelton Benjamin kicked off RAW by striding down to the ring in his wrestling gear and taking the microphone as the crowd cheered him. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher thanked the RAW fans for supporting him 100% since he arrived from SmackDown and brought up his undefeated record against Triple H, boasting that he was finally achieving his potential. Shelton explained that the dream of every wrestler was to be a champion, and while he would like to challenge for the World Heavyweight Title in due time, he admitted that he hadn't earned a shot yet. The former two-time co-WWE Tag Team Champion figured that the best way to climb the ladder would be to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship and mentioned his pinfall on Randy Orton in a tag team bout two weeks ago, calling out the Legend Killer. After a few moments, Orton emerged in a suit without a tie, carrying the classic-style Intercontinental belt he had captured last week, to a chorus of boos and stepped into the squared circle, describing Benjamin's pinfall as a "fluke" and claiming that there was no way that the former SmackDown superstar could pin the "greatest Intercontinental Champion in history" one-on-one. Shelton disagreed and suggested that he could prove Randy wrong right here tonight if he was willing to put the Intercontinental Title on the line, but Orton responded that after the Boiler Room Brawl at Bad Blood and the match against Ricky Steamboat last week, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff had given him the night off. Shelton protested but Orton offered him a title shot next week, pointing out that Benjamin would be in no shape to compete this evening anyway. Sensing danger after that comment, Benjamin turned around and was leveled by a killer lariat from Batista, who had stormed the ring along with Triple H & Ric Flair as the four Evolution members mercilessly assaulted Benjamin. (87%)

The fans booed as Triple H, Batista, Ric Flair, & Randy Orton stomped and kicked Shelton Benjamin, who tried to defend himself but was overwhelmed by the superior numbers of Evolution. Suddenly, there was a massive crowd pop as none other than The Rock sprinted down the ramp and slid into the ring, dishing out a series of hard right hands to drive off Evolution, who all managed to escape except for the Nature Boy. The Rock dragged Slick Ric back into the squared circle when he tried to flee and planted him with the Rock Bottom before following up with the People's Elbow to a thunderous ovation from his hometown crowd. HHH & Batista snatched Flair by the leg and pulled him to safety as the Rock picked up the microphone and spouted off his "FINALLY, The Rock has come back...HOME!" catchphrase, then scolded Evolution for thinking they could waltz into "the Rock's home" and take over without any consequences. The former seven-time WWE Champion cut an awesome promo about Randy Orton's "Legend Killer Tour" winning streak and his claim as the greatest WWE Intercontinental Champion of all time, stating that Orton was sadly mistaken because there were none greater than the Great One. Rock admitted that Orton had defeated some of the most legendary superstars of the past and present, but wondered how Orton would fare against a legend in his prime and added that if Orton ever wanted to find out, the Rock would be more than happy to oblige. While Randy made angry faces on the rampway, the Rock told him to shut his mouth and know his role, "if ya smelllllllllllllll... what the Rock... is cookin'!" The fans loudly echoed the catchphrase and cheered as the Rock helped Shelton to his feet and patted him on the back. (96%)

Val Venis & Lance Storm vs. La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier)

Throughout this solid tag team contest, the commentators ignored most of the action and excitedly discussed the return of the Rock and his comments to Randy Orton. J.R. also mentioned the angle started on Heat that Lance Storm was considering retirement, as Storm put on a good performance in this back-and-forth match-up. In the end, Storm floored Sylvain Grenier with the Superkick and tagged Val Venis, who climbed to the top turnbuckle. However, when Val dove with the Money Shot, Grenier rolled out of the way and made the tag to Robert Conway as Storm shook his head and left the apron, walking up the ramp. Meanwhile, La Resistance dropped Venis with the Au Revoir and Conway scored the pinfall on the former Intercontinental Champion at 6:45. (76%)

Following a commercial break, the ring was set up for "The Peep Show" as Trish Stratus introduced Christian and passed him the microphone. The co-World Tag Team Champion had his title belt on display in a glass case behind him as he showed footage from last night's Heat of the Hurricane pasting Rosey with the Shining Wizard and abandoning him against Mattitude. Reiterating his comments from last night, Christian claimed that the reason that tag teams like Rosey & Hurricane and Val Venis & Lance Storm were splitting up was because he and Kane were the most dominant World Tag Team Champions in history, and the rest of the duos on RAW would be giving up soon as well. The crowd had a mixed reaction when Christian introduced Hurricane, who was wearing a more "evil" version of his superhero attire, minus any lime/neon greens and mostly black with blue hurricane patterns and a dark green "Hurri-logo" down each leg and on his cape. His new facemask had the appearance of horns on the corners, as Hurricane justified his actions on Heat by explaining that it was his sworn duty to protect humanity from evil by any means necessary, and he was being held back from doing his job by Rosey, who soon marched out to confront his mentor. Rosey insisted that he had tried his best, but in a funny exchange, Hurricane asked if the 350-pounder had ever realized what the initials of "Super Hero In Training" spelled. Way to make Rosey look like a dumbass. Rosey thought about it for a moment and once he had it spelled out in his mind, he became enraged and unloaded on Hurricane with heavy punches before gripping his neck and squeezing. Rosey choked the Hurricane until another man dressed like a dark superhero invaded the squared circle and blindsided the S.H.I.T., helping Hurricane beat him down to the canvas. Hurricane claimed that he didn't need a "useless sidekick" like Rosey, he needed a full-fledged partner and a true equal, introducing his new ally as "Supernova", who was wearing a similar black costume and cape with fiery red comets and a dark purple "S" logo. Supernova congratulated Hurricane on cutting loose "the fat man's Robin" and stated that now they could get down to business, proclaiming their alliance "The Universal Crusaders" because they fought for justice throughout the solar system. The two misguided superheroes kicked and stomped Rosey a few more times before Christian shook their hands and wished them well in their quest as the fans booed. (71%)

Backstage, Miss Jackie & Jeff Hardy were getting ready for their Mixed Tag Team Match. The World Television Champion touched Jackie's arm and thanked her for her help recently, expressing how much it meant to him that she was putting herself in harm's way during his matches last week by taking out Lita and Victoria, but Jackie replied that it was the least she could do after Jeff rescued her from Lita & Matt Hardy a few weeks ago. The Enigmatic One said it was his pleasure and suggested that he take her out for a bite to eat after RAW so that he could show his gratitude. Jackie smiled and accepted the offer before they headed out together. (73%)

Intergender Tag Team Match: Matt Hardy & Lita vs. Jeff Hardy & Miss Jackie

Entertaining mixed tag team affair that saw a very focused Miss Jackie start off by totally kicking Lita's ass, battering the former Women's Champion around the ring until Lita managed to gouge her eyes and tag Matt Hardy, who stepped in and pounded Jackie as Jeff Hardy winced in his corner. Matt & Lita tagged in-and-out frequently and worked over the relatively-inexperienced Tough Enough II Champion with innovative double-teams, but when Jeff tried to enter the ring to save her, he was stopped by referee Jack Doan, giving the Mattitude couple more opportunity to punish Jackie. Jackie absorbed the abuse until she countered a back-bodydrop from Matt with a DDT and crawled over to make the hot tag to Jeff, who rushed in and cleaned house on his brother. The World Television Champion scored a couple of near-falls before Matt escaped and tagged Lita, who stepped through the ropes and taunted the Enigmatic One. When Jeff turned away and shook his head, Lita tried to blindside him but Jeff sidestepped her and snatched her in a drop-toehold, tagging Jackie, who nabbed a pair of near-falls. Lita battled back and went for the Litasault, but Jackie popped up underneath her and slammed her with a Splash Mountain off the turnbuckles for the 1-2-3 at 8:22. Afterwards, as Jeff was raising Jackie's hand in victory, Shannon Moore raced in and clipped the TV Champion's knee, knocking him to the mat and stomping away at his leg. Matt joined in the attack, shoving Jackie to the canvas and targeting his brother's knee before announcing that he would be exercising his rematch clause for a chance to regain the TV belt next week. (79%)

Backstage, Rhyno was getting Tajiri psyched up for his one-on-one encounter with Ric Flair as they made strange noises at each other. The Extreme Animals headed out together as a split-screen showed the Nature Boy striding down another hallway on his way out alongside Batista. (75%)

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Tajiri

Batista followed Ric Flair down the ramp, while Tajiri was seconded by Rhyno as J.R. explained that the Nature Boy demanded this match tonight after needing an icepack last week as a result of Tajiri's Buzzsaw Kick during the Triple H/Rhyno bout. Lawler questioned if Slick Ric was 100% after taking the Rock Bottom and the People's Elbow earlier, and it appeared that Flair was still feeling the effects of the Rock's attack as Tajiri gained control early on following a nasty chopfest that saw the Japanese Buzzsaw and the Nature Boy trade loud chops to the chest. Tajiri scored a couple of near-falls, but the tide changed when Batista tried to trip him from ringside, as Tajiri avoided the trip and aimed a kick through the ropes, but Batista caught his foot and attempted to drag him out until Rhyno charged over and Gored the Evolution Demon into the ring steps. Batista slugged it out with the Man Beast at ringside as referee Charles Robinson ejected both superstars back to the locker room, giving Flair the opportunity to sneak up behind the distracted Tajiri and lowblow him. The former 16-time World's Champion worked over Tajiri's knee in preparation for the Figure Four Leglock, but the former three-time Cruiserweight Champion mounted a comeback with the handspring elbow off the ropes, the Tarantula, and finally the Buzzsaw Kick to knock Flair unconscious for the three-count at 9:24. Afterwards, while the official tried to revive Flair, Tajiri celebrated his huge win on the ramp as the commentators put it over as the biggest victory of the Extreme Animal's career. (82%)

In the backstage office of the RAW General Manager, Eric Bischoff was arguing with William Regal, who demanded to know why he and Eugene hadn't been booked on RAW since their win over Scott Steiner & Test at Bad Blood. Bischoff sneered and replied that their PPV victory notwithstanding, William & Eugene were still a fledgling tag team and would have to earn a Monday night slot by competing on Sunday Night Heat. Regal predicted that they would never get a fair shake and accused Bischoff of being a liar, pointing out his denial last week of involvement in the controversial finish to the World Heavyweight Championship main event at Bad Blood, when RAW's senior referee Earl Hebner entered the room and interrupted them. Hebner stated that he had thought a lot about what happened at Bad Blood and mentioned that it brought back some unpleasant memories from Montreal in 1997, but he had come to a decision that his integrity was being eroded by the RAW GM and announced that he was retiring effective immediately. Bischoff insisted that he had nothing to do with Johnny Nitro replacing Hebner in that bout, but Hebner told him to save his breath because he had made up his mind and was heading back home. Eric snapped that Earl couldn't do this because he was scheduled to officiate tonight's World Title main event, but Hebner responded that it wasn't his problem and walked out. Regal smiled devilishly as Bischoff fretted over who would referee and yelled at Regal to get the hell out of his office. When William opened the door to leave, Johnny Nitro was standing outside wearing a ref's uniform with a smirk on his face and stepped into the room as the show faded to commercial. (87%)

World Heavyweight Title Match: Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels [champion]

J.R. hyped this championship contest as one of the all-time biggest main events in the history of RAW, bringing up their classic last year at WrestleMania XIX, as Chris Jericho was greeted by a huge crowd pop upon his entrance, while Shawn Michaels again received a mostly-negative mixed reaction. After the competitors were introduced, RAW GM Eric Bischoff appeared on the stage and explained that senior official Earl Hebner had quit and the rest of his staff were already overworked, so there was only one sanctioned referee available: Johnny Nitro, who strutted out in his ref's uniform to a round of boos and stepped into the squared circle while the World Heavyweight Champion capitalized on the distraction and blindsided Y2J to kick off the match-up. The crowd was hot from bell-to-bell as the advantage shifted back-and-forth numerous times, with Jericho targeting the Heartbreak Kid's back to soften him up for the Walls Of Jericho, while Michaels also got in quite a bit of offense and scored a few near-falls on subtle fast-counts by Nitro. Late in the bout, Y2J managed to lock HBK in the Walls, but Nitro forced him to break the hold when Shawn got near the ropes, even though he wasn't able to actually grab the rope. The fans cheered Jericho as he angrily confronted the crooked official, but Shawn shoved the first-ever Undisputed Champion from behind and he bumped Nitro. While Nitro overreacted and struggled to get to his feet, Jericho hit Michaels with a running enzuigiri and went for the Lionsault, but when Jericho jumped up on the ropes, Christian appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Y2J by the hair, snapping his neck across the top rope. Jericho stumbled back as HBK kipped-up and nailed him with the Sweet Chin Music, covering Y2J as Nitro suddenly recovered and registered the pinfall at 18:03. (96%)

Following the bell, Christian entered the ring to congratulate Shawn Michaels on his successful World Heavyweight Title defense, but the Heartbreak Kid pushed him away and argued with him until seeing Chris Benoit sprint down the ramp. HBK and Johnny Nitro quickly bailed out the other side, leaving Christian alone with the aptly-named Rabid Wolverine, who blocked the co-World Tag Team Champion's attempted ambush and tore into Christian with vicious chops to the chest before wrenching him to the mat in the Crippler Crossface. The Canadian Crippler torqued Christian in the Crossface as he stared at Michaels at ringside and screamed that soon he would make Shawn tap out "just...like...this!" to get his World Title back. Christian hollered in pain and helplessly tapped out to the sadistic Benoit as HBK backed up the ramp, looking a bit nervous, while J.R. and the King signed off. (83%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 5.68

Attendance: 10,027

Ticket Sales: $401,080

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Orlando, Florida, and ran down tonight's card: Chavo Guerrero & John Bradshaw Layfield joining forces against WWE Cruiserweight Champion Spike Dudley & Rey Mysterio, the Dudley Boyz meeting La Raza, Ultimo Dragon & Funaki facing Kyo Dai, the Shooting Star Express taking on Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi, and in the main event, Rob Van Dam & John Cena challenging the Thrill Kill for the WWE Tag Team Championship.

SmackDown kicked off with WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero making his way to the ring in his wrestling gear as the crowd popped and Styles pointed out that Eddie wasn't scheduled to wrestle tonight. Latino Heat took the microphone and hyped his upcoming title defense at the Great American Bash by talking about how Booker T had been on a roll since being drafted from RAW, bringing up the Book's deciding pinfall on the Undertaker in last week's tag team main event. However, what really bothered the WWE Champion during that match-up was the way that the Big Show manhandled him and tossed him around like a ragdoll, so he wanted to prove that David could really beat Goliath by challenging the 7-foot 500-pounder tonight, even offering to put the WWE Title on the line. Big Show marched down the ramp and stepped over the top rope, getting right up in front of Eddie to show the incredible size difference as he smirked and asked Guerrero if he knew what he was doing. Guerrero responded in a serious tone that he knew exactly what he was doing, but before Show could accept the challenge, Booker T walked out and got between them, reminding the Show that he was still supposed to be working with Kurt Angle to eliminate the Undertaker, not going after the WWE Championship. Show frowned as the Book suggested that Eddie was afraid to face him at the Bash, which was why he was embarking on this "suicide mission" against Show, so that he would lose the WWE Title and not have to defend against Booker on July 4. Latino Heat was offended and questioned if Booker doubted his chances against the giant former two-time WWE Champion, but Booker flatly stated that he wasn't "doubting" because he "knew" that Eddie didn't stand a chance and slapped him across the face. This set off the fiery temper of Guerrero, who flew into a blind rage and opened up on Booker with lefts and rights before Big Show got involved and leveled Guerrero with a massive clothesline. The Book dropped Eddie with the Axe Kick and Irish-whipped the WWE Champion toward the 7-foot 500-pounder, who grasped him by the throat and slammed him with the Show Stopper. Booker and Show stomped and kicked Guerrero on the canvas as a horde of WWE agents and officials rushed out to intervene, but the Show held them at bay as Booker dragged Latino Heat to his feet and planted him with the Book End. Tazz speculated that it wasn't in Booker's best interests to have Guerrero defend the WWE Title against Show before the Great American Bash, as the two heels finally exited, leaving the officials to attend to Eddie. (87%)

Backstage, Ultimo Dragon & Funaki were shown getting ready for their match and speaking in Japanese as subtitles at the bottom of the screen translated their conversation into English. The Dragon congratulated Funaki for coming to his senses and deciding to fight Kyo Dai rather than join them, and explained that he would have tried to save Funaki from Brock Lesnar last week but Akio & Sakoda had assaulted him in the locker room. Funaki nodded his head and said he understood, looking distraught, as Ultimo reassured him that Gail Kim was bad news and that he would find another girl. Funaki sighed with his eyes almost teary and hugged Dragon, thanking him for everything, before they headed out together. (66%)

Kyo Dai (Akio & Sakoda) vs. Funaki & Ultimo Dragon

Gail Kim escorted Kyo Dai to the ring and scowled at Funaki when he walked out alongside Ultimo Dragon as Tazz commented that "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", especially after Kim endangered herself last week by trying to stop Brock Lesnar. The action began when Dragon & Funaki entered the ring, as Sakoda & Akio knocked Funaki to the floor and isolated the Dragon right off the bat, wearing him down with quick tags and slick double-teams. The former two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion refused to be pinned and kept kicking out, as Funaki tried to come in to help his partner but was stopped by referee Chad Patton, giving Kyo Dai a chance to double-team Ultimo behind the ref's back. Eventually, the Dragon mounted a comeback as Funaki charged in and helped the masked Japanese superstar clean house, driving Kyo Dai out to ringside and standing tall in the squared circle. As they were celebrating, Funaki suddenly turned and hit Dragon with a martial arts kick, then drilled him with the Rising Sun tornado DDT as the fans started to boo. Funaki looked somewhat regretful as he bailed out and stood beside Gail, who was smiling and clapping, while Kyo Dai stepped in and picked the Dragon up, only to put him straight back down with the Sayonara, giving Akio the pinfall at 5:52. Afterwards, Gail hugged Funaki and kissed him on the cheek as they left with Akio & Sakoda. (72%)

In the dressing room, Kurt Angle was praising the Big Show for his impressive job in laying out Eddie Guerrero, but added that Booker T had a point when he said they should be focused on annihilating the Undertaker. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long walked into the room without knocking and interrupted them, informing Show that although Latino Heat still wanted to wrestle tonight, he was making a judgment call and postponing their WWE Title bout until next week. The 7-foot 500-pounder grinned and rubbed his huge hands together as the SmackDown GM addressed Angle next and told him that after his interference last week, Paul Bearer demanded a Judgment Day rematch between 'Taker and Angle. The Olympic Champion recalled that the Dead Man almost killed him at Judgment Day and stated that the stakes would have to be pretty high for him to agree to a rematch, so Long offered a "Number One Contender" stipulation with the winner challenging the WWE Champion on Sunday, August 15, at SummerSlam. After Angle thought about it and accepted the match, Long claimed that he had received a special delivery for the Olympian and led him out into the hallway, where there was a black funeral wreath labeled "R.I.P." from the Grim Reaper. The former four-time WWE Champion freaked out and kicked the wreath, stomping it as he vowed to destroy the Phenom at the Great American Bash. (71%)

The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. La Raza (Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera & Essa Rios)

Chavo Classic seconded the La Raza members, while the commentators explained that the Dudley Boyz had requested this match-up as a "pre-emptive strike" against Essa Rios & Juventud Guerrera so that they wouldn't be able to get involved in little brother Spike's tag team bout later. Great tag team action here as D-Von & Bubba Ray utilized their size and strength advantage, as well as their vastly superior experience as a tandem, while La Raza countered with their lightning-like speed and agility, combined with some underhanded tactics, scoring a handful of near-falls. When Chavo Sr. tried to get involved, Spike Dudley raced out and dragged Classic off the apron, then dropped him with an apron-assisted Dudley Dog as the Juice hopped out and brawled with the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Meanwhile, the Dudleyz capitalized on the distraction and spiked Essa with the 3D to give D-Von the three-count at 8:37. Afterwards, Bubba pulled Juventud into the ring and the Dudleyz planted him with the 3D on top of Essa. Spike celebrated with his brothers as the Dudleyz tossed La Raza out to the floor and invited Rey Mysterio to come on down because Spike was ready for their tag team bout. (84%)

Rey Mysterio & Spike Dudley vs. John Bradshaw Layfield & Chavo Guerrero

Footage was shown from during the commercial break of D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley carrying Juventud Guerrera, Essa Rios, & Chavo Classic up the ramp as Rey Mysterio was making his entrance. This was an entertaining back-and-forth match-up, giving the commentators the chance to hype the Great American Bash, that saw both makeshift tandems work fairly well together, as Spike Dudley & Rey Rey controlled Chavo Guerrero early on until Chavo escaped and tagged John Layfield, who isolated the WWE Cruiserweight Champion from his corner and dominated him. Tazz pointed out the tag team prowess of both Bradshaw & Chavo, mentioning the APA and Los Guerreros, as the heels used frequent tags, double-teams, and the occasional act of skullduggery to cut Spike off from his partner. Eventually, Spike broke free and made the hot tag to Rey, who charged in and knocked Chavo out to the floor before firing off his fast-paced aerial offense on JBL. At ringside, Guerrero dragged Dudley off the apron and slammed him on the floor with the Gory Bomb while on the inside, Mysterio hit Layfield with the 619 and springboarded in with the West Coast Pop, but JBL caught Rey and planted him with a powerbomb into a pin, holding onto the tights for the 1-2-3 at 11:57. Afterwards, JBL decapitated Rey with the Clothesline From Hell before the Dudley Boyz rushed back out and chased off Chavo & Bradshaw, who retreated up the ramp while Bubba & D-Von helped Spike & Rey to their feet. (79%)

Backstage, Michael Cole interviewed SmackDown GM Theodore Long, who revealed another match for the Great American Bash pitting Funaki against Ultimo Dragon. Long also announced that after what he had just seen in the ring, he was booking two more matches for next week: the Dudley Boyz vs. JBL & Chavo Guerrero, and Spike Dudley in a non-title bout against Juventud Guerrera. As he was speaking, the Full Blooded Italians swaggered past and Nunzio boasted about how he had outsmarted Long last week by pinning Rikishi in what was supposed to be a punishment match. Nunzio continued to brag as Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo egged him on, until the SmackDown GM shut them up by informing Cole that he had "forgotten" to announce one more bout for next week: Nunzio meeting the Undertaker one-on-one with the FBI barred from ringside. With a "holla holla holla", Long strutted off while Nunzio freaked out. (83%)

The Shooting Star Express (Billy Kidman & Paul London) vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty

This well-worked tag team contest started with a handshake between Scotty 2 Hotty and Paul London, as these two popular duos put on a great match-up that went back-and-forth with several near-falls on both sides. The commentators discussed Paul Heyman's offer to split up the Shooting Star Express and manage either London or Billy Kidman as a singles star to capture the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, but the Express functioned like a well-oiled machine and edged out a win over the former WWE Tag Team Champions when Kidman covered Scotty at 6:58 following the Double Shooting Star Press by he and London. (78%)

Following the bell, Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty shook hands with the Shooting Star Express and left the ring as Paul Heyman walked down the ramp and stepped through the ropes, requesting the microphone. Heyman congratulated the Express on an impressive victory over the former WWE Tag Team Champions, but claimed that it only happened because Scotty & Rikishi were still hurting from their run-ins with the Thrill Kill. The former ECW owner added that life in the SmackDown tag team division wouldn't be so easy in the future and pointed out that Spike Dudley was a "sitting duck" as the WWE Cruiserweight Champion, suggesting that it would be in their best interests for one of them to accept his offer to join the Agency. Paul London snatched the mic from Heyman and responded that he had an answer, surprising Billy Kidman, but he was interrupted by the music of John Cena as the Doctor Of Thuganomics & Rob Van Dam made their way down to the ring with a mic of their own. (70%)

The crowd cheered as John Cena & Rob Van Dam stepped in front of Paul Heyman and advised both members of the Shooting Star Express not to listen to anything Heyman had to say because he was a user and manipulator. The Doctor Of Thuganomics stated that in the end, the decision was up to Paul London & Billy Kidman, but Mr. Thursday Night explained that while Heyman could be termed a "wrestling genius", he was also a shady character who couldn't be trusted. The Express nodded and listened as RVD told them to leave the ring and think hard about it before making their choice, so they stepped out and headed up the ramp as Heyman's face turned red with anger. Heyman ranted at them to mind their own business, but Cena stated that tonight their business was the WWE Tag Team Championship and ordered Heyman to return to the locker room and bring out the Thrill Kill so that they could get down to business. As the fans taunted Heyman, the former Paul E. Dangerously stormed out of the squared circle and went backstage. (90%)

WWE Tag Team Title Match: John Cena & Rob Van Dam vs. The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) [champions]

After the commercial break, Paul Heyman led the Thrill Kill down the ramp for this great main event, as Rob Van Dam & John Cena channeled their anger toward Heyman by going on the offensive from the opening bell and working well as a unit, taking control of Mark Jindrak. Styles recapped how Heyman's Agency had tried to put both the Doctor Of Thuganomics & Mr. Thursday Night on the shelf but had been unsuccessful, as the popular faces isolated Jindrak and scored a handful of near-falls before Jindrak countered a split-legged moonsault from RVD by raising his knees, crunching RVD's midsection. Jindrak tagged Sean O'Haire and the WWE Tag Team Champions worked Van Dam over, using quick tags and powerful double-teams to score several near-falls, but the Whole Damn Show kept kicking out and refused to stay down. The crowd rallied behind RVD as he eventually rolled out of the way of the Seanton Bomb from the top turnbuckle, forcing both Van Dam and O'Haire to crawl to their respective corners and make the tags. Cena charged in and cleaned house, dumping O'Haire out to the floor before unloading on Jindrak with his usual repetoire of brawling and power maneuvers as Heyman had a stroke at ringside and Styles predicted a title change. RVD held O'Haire at bay on the floor while Cena landed the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Jindrak and planted him with the F-U, but when the former WWE United States Champion went for the pinfall, Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas ran in and broke it up, drawing a disqualification against the Thrill Kill at 14:11. Afterwards, RVD joined Cena in slugging it out with Haas & Lesnar, but once the Thrill Kill recovered enough to get involved, they were overwhelmed by the superior numbers of the Agency. Heyman smiled and raised the arm of his U.S. Champion, Tag Team Champions, & Haas as Styles and Tazz closed the broadcast. (83%)

Overall: 78%

Rating: 6.10

Attendance: 10,027

Ticket Sales: $401,080

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Tazz vs. Angel Dust: A rare wrestling appearance for SmackDown's premier color commentator to kick off Velocity, as Tazz plowed through Angel Dust with his usual array of Tazzplexes before applying the Tazzmission for the tap-out at 3:03. (65%)

* Backstage, the Full Blooded Italians were shown heading out for their tag team match as Nunzio complained about how unfair it was that he would have to wrestle the angry Undertaker this Thursday on SmackDown. (67%)

* The Full Blooded Italians (Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo) vs. Petey Williams & Jerrelle Clark: Nunzio seconded his fellow FBI members for this semi-competitive squash that ended when the Bull covered Clark at 4:18 following the Kiss Of Death from he and Chucky P. (68%)

* In a new weekly segment entitled "The Styles Clash", Joey Styles conducted a sit-down studio interview with his guest this week, Kurt Angle. The Olympic Champion discussed his match against the Undertaker at the Great American Bash and declared that after what happened at Judgment Day, he would be ready for anything on July 4. Angle claimed that his "ace in the hole" would be the urn that he stole from Paul Bearer and stated that he knew without it, the Dead Man would be blinded by rage and fury, unable to concentrate on winning the WWE Title shot at SummerSlam. (100%)

* At the arena, Marissa Mazzola interviewed Paul Heyman, who had Charlie Haas by his side as he put over the former two-time co-WWE Tag Team Champion as the most skilled pure wrestler on the WWE roster. Heyman claimed that tonight would be a sneak preview of how Haas would snap John Cena's leg at the Great American Bash. (89%)

* Charlie Haas vs. Chris Sabin: Paul Heyman accompanied Charlie Haas for this competitive match-up that showcased his variety of throws, suplexes, and submission holds, while also showing the potential of Chris Sabin, before Haas locked in the Haas Of Pain and forced Sabin to tap out at 5:09. Afterwards, Haas refused to release the Haas Of Pain until referee Brian Hebner threatened to reverse the decision. (73%)

* A video aired hyping the main event for this Thursday's SmackDown, featuring Eddie Guerrero defending the WWE Championship against the 7-foot, 500-pound Big Show. (90%)

* Marissa Mazzola interviewed the Basham Brothers & Dawn Marie, who brought up how Paul Heyman had cost Danny & Doug their match against the Shooting Star Express last week on SmackDown. Dawn stated that she didn't care if Paul London or Billy Kidman joined the Agency, and announced that she and the Bashams would be confronting Heyman this Thursday. (72%)

* "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham): Dawn Marie escorted her Basham Brothers for this solid Velocity main event, which Matthews pointed out would go a long way in earning one of these squads a crack at the WWE Tag Team Championship. After some good back-and-forth action, Doug pinned Mr. Ass at 7:41 following the Ball & Gag from he and Danny. (76%)

Overall: 74%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,008

Ticket Sales: $400,320

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Tommy Dreamer vs. John Xavier: Dull squash to kick off Heat, ending when Tommy Dreamer drilled Xavier with the Dreamtime DDT at 3:14. (64%)

* A recap of the events involving the Rock returning on RAW aired next, followed by an announcement that the Rock would be in Shelton Benjamin's corner for the RAW main event tomorrow night against WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton. (89%)

* Eugene & William Regal were shown backstage at the arena on their way out for tag team action. William was trying to get Eugene to act more seriously so that they could one day earn a shot at the World Tag Team Championship, but Eugene just wanted to have fun. (83%)

* William Regal & Eugene vs. Tony DeVito & Tommy Suede: Semi-competitive squash that saw Eugene & William mesh well as a tag team, finishing off their opponents when Eugene forced Suede to tap out to the Regal Stretch at 4:33 while William did the same to DeVito. (71%)

* In a new weekly segment entitled "The Ross Report", Jim Ross conducted a sit-down studio interview with his guest this week, Triple H, who vehemently rejected J.R.'s assessment that he had been in a downward spiral since losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Chris Benoit in the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania XX. The Game admitted that he might have made a mistake or two, but complained that a pair of fluke wins by Shelton Benjamin were holding him back from regaining his World Title and vowed that he would make Shelton pay for humiliating him since being drafted from SmackDown. HHH announced that if the Rock was going to second Benjamin tomorrow night on RAW, he would be in Randy Orton's corner to balance things out. (88%)

* At the arena, Jeff Johnson interviewed Batista along with Ric Flair, who put over the Evolution Demon as an unstoppable killing machine that would annihilate anybody that got in Evolution's way, followed by a "WOOOO!" (89%)

* Batista vs. Jimmy Rave: Ric Flair seconded Batista for this complete squash that ended when the Evolution Demon crushed Rave with the Demon Bomb at 2:17. (68%)

* A video aired to hype two other big matches signed for RAW tomorrow night: Christian meeting Chris Benoit one-on-one, and the World Television Championship rematch from Bad Blood featuring Jeff Hardy defending the TV belt against Matt Hardy. (80%)

* A backstage split-screen showed Tough Enough on one side and Ebony & Ivory, with Victoria, on the other as both squads headed out for the Heat main event...NEXT! (69%)

* Ebony & Ivory (Mark Henry & Garrison Cade) vs. Tough Enough (Al Snow & Maven): Victoria escorted Ebony & Ivory for this surprisingly entertaining Heat main event that went back-and-forth until Steven Richards raced out to interfere. However, Al Snow ducked the Stevenkick and Richards inadvertently smacked Mark Henry. Snow knocked the Stevie Night Heat General Manager out to the floor while Maven soared off the top turnbuckle with a flying bodypress on the World's Strongest Man for the 1-2-3 at 8:10. Afterwards, the combined forces of Stevie Night Heat overwhelmed Tough Enough and beat them down until Tommy Dreamer sprinted out and made the save. (78%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.27

Attendance: 10,006

Ticket Sales: $400,240

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The updated lineup for the Great American Bash: Independence Day on Sunday, July 4...

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. Booker T

WWE United States Title Match: Brock Lesnar [champion] vs. Rob Van Dam

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Chavo Guerrero

Number One Contender Match: The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle

Mexican Strap Match: Rey Mysterio vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

John Cena vs. Charlie Haas

Ultimo Dragon vs. Funaki

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Richmond, Virginia, and discussed some of the match-ups for this evening, including the Rock seconding Shelton Benjamin for the WWE Intercontinental Championship main event against Randy Orton with Triple H, Christian locking up with Chris Benoit one-on-one, Matt Hardy challenging Jeff Hardy for the World Television Championship, Batista meeting Rhyno, and more.

Batista vs. Rhyno

Ric Flair, in suit and tie, accompanied Batista, while Rhyno had Tajiri by his side, as footage was shown from last week of the Man Beast knocking the Evolution Demon into the ringsteps with the Gore during the Tajiri/Flair match. The crowd got into this "battle of the bulls", as Rhyno and Batista went at it tooth-and-nail, trading the advantage back-and-forth with brawling and power maneuvers. The slobberknocker spilled out to ringside after Rhyno fought out of a bearhug and tumbled through the ropes with Batista, slugging it out on the floor, where he Gored the 310-pound Demon against the steps before rolling him back into the squared circle. The Nature Boy hopped up on the apron and tried to get involved, but was stopped by referee Charles Robinson, while Batista countered a piledriver attempt with a back-bodydrop. With the official distracted, Tajiri jumped up on the apron and spewed red mist in Batista's face, giving the Man Beast the opportunity to roll up the former two-time co-World Tag Team Champion as the ref returned to register the upset at 7:14. Afterwards, the Extreme Animals celebrated on the ramp while Flair attended to the blinded Batista, who mistook Slick Ric for the Japanese Buzzsaw and obliterated him with the Demon Bomb. When the ref tried to calm Big Dave, Batista decapitated him with a killer lariat and stumbled around the ring, wiping at his burning eyes, as Tajiri & Rhyno laughed from the aisleway. (82%)

Backstage, Jeff Hardy was apologizing to Miss Jackie for spending their scheduled date after RAW last week in the medical station due to being attacked by the combined forces of Mattitude, joking that it wasn't very romantic. Jackie winked and claimed that it wasn't that bad since she got to spend time with him, but the World Television Champion produced some flowers from behind his back and gave them to her. Jackie blushed and told Jeff that he didn't have to do that, but he replied that he wanted to because he really liked her, and kissed her on the cheek. They smiled at each other and got closer for a follow-up kiss on the lips, but road agent Sgt. Slaughter interrupted them to inform the Enigmatic One that his TV Title defense was up next. The Sarge said he hoped he wasn't disturbing them, but Jeff & Jackie acted like two teenagers that had just been caught making out by a parent and headed out together. (72%)

World Television Title Match: Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy [champion]

Lita walked out arm-in-arm with Matt Hardy, while Miss Jackie escorted Jeff Hardy as the commentators discussed their classic match at Bad Blood and Mattitude's assault on the World Television Champion last week, pointing out that Jeff had a slight limp. Although the Enigmatic One got in some offense early on, Lita turned the tide by climbing up on the apron and grabbing Jeff's foot when he was on the top turnbuckle, crotching him on the pad. Referee Jack Doan noticed the interference and ejected Lita from ringside, while Matt took Jeff to the canvas with a painful-looking legdrag off the top and focused his attack on Jeff's leg once again. Jeff refused to submit and attempted a couple of comebacks, scoring a handful of desperation near-falls, as the fans rallied behind the former Intercontinental Champion. Late in the bout, Victoria marched down to ringside and confronted Jackie, claiming that she wanted to even the score from two weeks ago as the two women started to push and shove each other. This attracted the attention of the TV Champion, who had just dropped Matt with a reverse Twist Of Fate, but rather than pin his brother, Jeff stepped out to the floor to separate Jackie and Victoria. When Jeff gripped Victoria and tried to drag her away, Steven Richards rushed out and warned the Enigmatic One not to touch her, arguing as the official finally reached his 10-count and awarded the decision to Matt via count-out at 9:53. Afterwards, Jeff & Jackie traded fists with Steven & Victoria at ringside until several WWE officials came out to break them up, while Matt stumbled to his feet on the inside and protested the decision since championships couldn't change hands on a count-out. (87%)

In the locker room, Lance Storm was explaining to Val Venis how bad he felt after walking out on Val during their tag team bout last week. Storm claimed that he felt he was stuck in a rut and had nothing personal against Venis, but the Big Valbowski suggested that they could turn things around tonight with a victory over the Universal Crusaders since it was their debut as a tag team. Storm nodded and expressed his hope that they could pull themselves out of their current funk. (72%)

Val Venis & Lance Storm vs. The Universal Crusaders (Hurricane & Supernova)

The commentators talked about the formation of the Universal Crusaders last week and hyped this as Supernova's WWE in-ring debut, as Nova & Hurricane functioned very well as a unit with quick tags and innovative double-teams, while Lance Storm & Val Venis looked good but seemed to be a little rocky. The Hurricane appeared to embrace his new heel persona, as he and Nova utilized some underhanded tactics to control Venis throughout the contest while Lawler praised the Crusaders for doing whatever it took to protect mankind from evil. The Big Valbowski eventually mounted a comeback and made the hot tag to Storm, who springboarded in with a double-clothesline on the Crusaders and went to the top turnbuckle, but an overzealous Venis ran into the ropes and inadvertently knocked Lance off-balance, crotching him on the pad. After dumping Val out to the floor, Supernova & Hurricane joined Storm on the turnbuckles and planted him with a double DDT off the top, giving Nova the pinfall at 6:55. Following the bell, the Crusaders were booed as they headed up the ramp, leaving Venis to help Storm back to his feet. Storm pushed Venis away and blamed him for the loss before exiting the ring on his own. (79%)

Shawn Michaels was shown arriving at the building, carrying the World Heavyweight Championship belt over his shoulder as he strode confidently down the hall. Along the way, he was accosted by Eugene, who was very excited as he explained how he had followed the Heartbreak Kid since his debut in the AWA and named off all of the titles that Shawn had held throughout his career, but then innocently wondered why HBK needed a "special referee" to win the World Title at Bad Blood. The perceived accusation aggravated Michaels, who insisted to Eugene that he didn't even know Johnny Nitro and had no relationship with him. Shawn raised his voice and poked his finger in Eugene's chest as he spoke until William Regal showed up in suit and tie and asked why HBK was yelling at Eugene. When Michaels responded that Eugene had accused him of conspiring with Nitro and Eric Bischoff to screw Chris Benoit out of the World Title, Regal raised an eyebrow and stated that he didn't think that Eugene had said anything like that and maybe it was HBK's own guilty conscience. Michaels denied the charges and sneered at Regal, who added that even if Eugene had said that, he would agree with him, and advised HBK to stop lying to his fans and just admit that he had sold his soul for the World Championship. Michaels immediately pounced on Regal and they scuffled briefly before a horde of near-by WWE agents and officials intervened. HBK was incensed and reiterated that he had nothing to do with Bischoff or Nitro because he didn't need their help, and offered to prove it to Regal by personally shutting his mouth with the Sweet Chin Music next week. William accepted the challenge and promised to see HBK in the ring next week, as Shawn regained his composure and continued on his way. (82%)

Christian vs. Chris Benoit

Ross hyped a non-title bout between Shawn Michaels and William Regal for next week's main event, as Christian was flanked by Trish Stratus & Kane, while the assigned referee for this contest was Johnny Nitro, sparking a debate between Lawler and Ross over Nitro's credentials as an official. Chris Benoit did not look pleased when he laid eyes on Nitro, but took out his rage on Christian, dominating the opening minutes with vicious chops and high-impact suplexes as Nitro performed a couple of subtle slow-counts. When the Rabid Wolverine confronted Nitro and ordered him to count faster, Christian capitalized on the distraction by lowblowing Benoit from behind and dumping him out to the floor, where Kane punished him while his World Tag Team Championship partner kept Nitro busy. The Big Red Machine tossed Benoit against the ringpost before peeling back the protective mats on the floor and gripping the former World Heavyweight Champion by the throat. However, before Kane could lift him for the Chokeslam To Hell, Benoit fought out of it with rapid-fire kicks to the gut and chops to the chest, forcing Kane to release him and back off. While the Canadian Crippler unloaded on Kane at ringside, Christian surprised Benoit with a baseball slide, knocking him into the ringside barrier. Christian swiftly used the exposed floor to his benefit as he spiked Benoit with the Unprettier on the concrete and busted him wide open before rolling Benoit back into the squared circle for a very close near-fall that was broken up when Chris Jericho sprinted down the ramp and pointed out Benoit's foot over the bottom rope. Christian was ruthless as he wore down Benoit with chinlocks, headlocks, and a front-facelock with body scissors while the Crippler bled heavily and refused to submit. When Christian went for the Unprettier, Benoit broke out of it and countered with five Rolling Germans, setting up the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle for a very close near-fall. Benoit fired off a series of loud chops to the chest and yanked Christian to the canvas in the Crippler Crossface as Nitro immediately called for the bell at 14:48. The fans cheered, thinking that Benoit had won via submission, until ring announcer Howard Finkel declared that the ref had decided to stop the match due to the Wolverine's heavy blood loss and awarded the victory to Christian. (86%)

Following the decision, Chris Benoit grabbed referee Johnny Nitro by the shirt and threatened him until Kane lumbered into the ring and blindsided the Canadian Crippler. Chris Jericho quickly saved Benoit and slugged it out with the Big Red Machine until Christian recovered enough to join in the four-man brawl, as Benoit & Jericho traded punches and chops with the World Tag Team Champions. Amidst the chaos, Shawn Michaels raced out and tried to stop Nitro from getting involved, but Nitro ducked and the World Heavyweight Champion accidentally clocked Benoit with the Sweet Chin Music to the side of the face. Nitro grabbed Michaels by the waist and tried to force him out of the squared circle while Christian drilled Jericho with the Unprettier on his Tag Team Title belt, laying out Y2J next to the Rabid Wolverine. Christian embraced Trish and stood beside Kane as the Heartbreak Kid argued with Nitro at ringside. (81%)

Backstage, Triple H was shown in street clothes marching down a hallway alongside Randy Orton, patting the WWE Intercontinental Champion on the back and barking words of encouragement as they headed out for the main event. The camera then switched to another hallway, showing Shelton Benjamin striding out of a dressing room followed by the Rock, who was very animated as he hyped Shelton up for his championship shot...NEXT! (92%)

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Randy Orton [champion] vs. Shelton Benjamin

Randy Orton had Triple H, wearing a suit without a tie, by his side when he sauntered down the ramp, while the Rock, in warmups and a "Rock" tank top, followed Shelton Benjamin, who looked very focused and determined to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship, as footage was shown from last week of the Rock returning to RAW to save Shelton from Evolution. This was a tremendous PPV-caliber main event with the added heat of the Great One and the Game in the respective corners, as Benjamin displayed his incredible athleticism in taking the fight right to the Legend Killer and scored several early near-falls, controlling Orton until some well-timed interference from HHH, who pulled down the top rope and caused Benjamin to crash out to the floor. The Cerebral Assassin prepared to assault Shelton, but the Rock raced around the ring and spun HHH around, firing off a patented series of right hands to dispatch the former eight-time World Champion. Meanwhile, Orton capitalized on the distraction and whalloped Benjamin with a metal chair across the back of the head behind referee Mike Chioda's back, then rolled the semi-conscious Shelton into the squared circle, where he scored a handful of very close near-falls. The Intercontinental Champion wore his popular challenger down with powerslams, a double-arm DDT a la Cactus Jack, and a seated full nelson, softening up the head and neck for the RKO, which Shelton managed to counter with a backslide for a near-fall so close that HHH was climbing through the ropes to break the pin. However, before Hunter could touch Shelton, the Rock cut him off and they traded fists in the corner, distracting the official while Ric Flair jogged down the ramp and grabbed hold of Benjamin's leg from ringside, holding him long enough for Orton to pop up and drop him with the RKO. Orton covered Benjamin as the ref returned to administer the three-count, but the pin was broken when Benjamin shockingly got his foot over the bottom rope, popping the crowd as the Rock jumped for joy and HHH & Flair nearly had a stroke. The Legend Killer dragged the woozy Shelton off the canvas, only to be wrapped up in a surprise small package for an insanely close near-fall. When both young superstars got to their feet, Orton was a half-step quicker and drilled Benjamin with another RKO for the final three-count at 17:22. (90%)

Immediately afterwards, Triple H stepped through the ropes and assaulted Shelton Benjamin with kicks and stomps until the Rock slid into the ring and went toe-to-toe with the Game, even fighting off Ric Flair as Batista charged down the ramp. The Evolution Demon still appeared to be having problems with his vision from earlier as he charged at the Rock & Shelton with a monster double-clothesline, but missed and ended up flooring the Nature Boy & HHH. Shelton knocked Randy Orton out of the ring with the Dragon Whip kick while the Great One took advantage of the stunned Batista and planted him with the Rock Bottom. Evolution rolled out to the floor as the Rock raised Shelton's arm to the cheering crowd, while J.R. and the King signed off. (91%)

Overall: 83%

Rating: 5.62

Attendance: 10,011

Ticket Sales: $400,440

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by hyping the Great American Bash this Sunday and ran down tonight's lineup: Nunzio taking on the Undertaker, Spike Dudley meeting Juventud Guerrera in a non-title bout, the Dudley Boyz battling Chavo Guerrero & John Layfield, and in the main event, the Big Show challenging Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship.

SmackDown kicked off with John Cena & Rob Van Dam marching down to the ring together to a big pop. The Doctor Of Thuganomics grabbed the microphone and explained that he and Mr. Thursday Night were "hanging tight" to watch each other's back since they were both on the Agency's hit list, but RVD shrugged and claimed that he didn't know what Paul Heyman's problem was, other than the fact that at the Great American Bash, Mr. Pay-Per-View would capture the WWE United States Championship from Brock Lesnar. Cena added that on Independence Day, he would roast the "Ice Man" Charlie Haas like a July 4th hotdog, and expressed how important it was in WWE to have friends and allies like Van Dam, calling out the Shooting Star Express, who walked out looking a bit surprised and stepped through the ropes. Cena recapped how Heyman had offered a singles spot in the Agency to either Paul London or Billy Kidman if they broke up their partnership, and along with RVD, tried to convince the Express to remain a tag team and never to associate with questionable characters like Heyman. Predictably, this brought out an enraged Heyman, carrying a mic of his own and flanked by Lesnar, Haas, Mark Jindrak, & Sean O'Haire. The former ECW owner presented his case and suggested that either Kidman or London should break out on their own now that a "sitting duck" like Spike Dudley was the WWE Cruiserweight Champion, to win the belt and begin a legacy as the greatest cruiserweight in the history of professional wrestling. Heyman questioned whether Kidman had lost the passion and hunger that he had as a member of the Alliance and a former seven-time Cruiserweight Champion, and advised the younger London to move on to bigger and better things on his own with the Agency. The Express looked at each other and at RVD & Cena, thinking it over hard, as the babbling Heyman stated that remaining a tag team was futile since they had no hope of ever winning the WWE Tag Team Championship from the Thrill Kill. Kidman looked at London and asked Heyman if he thought that the Express didn't stand a chance against the Thrill Kill, but Heyman replied that he "knew" the Express could never beat the Thrill Kill and said that it didn't matter anyway. London snatched the mic away from Heyman and turned down the offer to join the Agency, but offered instead to prove that they could beat the WWE Tag Team Champions. The crowd popped as the Express pounced on O'Haire & Jindrak and fearlessly went toe-to-toe with the larger superstars until Haas & Lesnar got involved and tried to clobber Kidman & London. (78%)

When Brock Lesnar & Charlie Haas attacked the Shooting Star Express, Rob Van Dam & John Cena swiftly intervened and unloaded on the Agency, helping Billy Kidman & Paul London fight back and clear out Paul Heyman, the WWE United States Champion, the Thrill Kill, & Haas as the crowd cheered. Brock accidentally left the U.S. Title belt in the ring, so RVD picked it up and engaged in a mock tug-of-war over the gold with the Doctor Of Thuganomics while Lesnar and Heyman fumed at ringside. Mr. Thursday Night put the belt over his shoulder and did his trademark thumb point, gaining the fans' approval for winning the U.S. Title at the Great American Bash, then folded up the strap and tossed it out to Haas, asking him to shine it up for him on Sunday. Cena exchanged high-fives with London & Kidman and congratulated them on their independence while the Agency retreated up the ramp and vowed revenge at the Bash. (84%)

Michael Cole interviewed SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long as he welcomed the Agency upon their return to the backstage area. Paul Heyman's face was beet-red with embarrassment as he ranted about the "ingrates" in the ring: Rob Van Dam, John Cena, and the Shooting Star Express, questioning how Paul London & Billy Kidman could refuse his offer. The SmackDown GM humored Heyman by agreeing how surprising it was that the Express turned him down, and pretended to be on Heyman's side until giving Heyman what he really needed: the Thrill Kill defending the WWE Tag Team Championship at the Great American Bash against Kidman & London. Heyman backed off and explained that that wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but he was interrupted by Dawn Marie, with the Basham Brothers by each side. Dawn brought up the Express' tainted victory over Danny & Doug two weeks ago and blamed Heyman for the loss, demanding compensation from Long, who thought about it briefly before declaring that the Thrill Kill's Independence Day title defense would be a Triple Threat Match against the Express and the Bashams. Heyman argued fiercely with Long until falling silent when he locked eyes with Bubba Ray Dudley, as the Dudley Boyz complained to Long that despite compiling a stellar record since coming to SmackDown from RAW, they had not yet received a title shot and weren't even on the card for the Bash. Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak grumbled as Long flashed a smile and announced that the Thrill Kill would now be defending the belts in a Fatal Fourway Match against the Express, the Bashams, and the Dudleyz this Sunday. D-Von slapped Heyman on the back and told him he was looking forward to seeing him and the gold at the Bash, while the Bashams embraced Dawn in a rather lewd fashion and ogled the Thrill Kill's tag title belts. (82%)

John Bradshaw Layfield & Chavo Guerrero vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley)

Chavo Classic accompanied Chavo Guerrero when they entered with John Layfield, while the commentators hyped the Fatal Fourway Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship at the Great American Bash, as well as the Mexican Strap Match and the WWE Cruiserweight Title bout. This was a heated and entertaining tag team contest that saw Chavo & JBL build on their surprising teamwork from last week, holding their own against the more experienced Dudley Boyz as Styles pointed out that D-Von & Bubba Ray were former eight-time World Tag Team Champions on RAW. The action shifted back-and-forth until the Dudleyz spiked Guerrero with the 3D, but when D-Von covered the former three-time Cruiserweight Champion, Chavo Sr. hopped up on the apron to stop the pin. Bubba dragged Classic off the apron and chased him around ringside, distracting referee Jim Cordaris while Bradshaw snuck in and clobbered D-Von with the Clothesline From Hell. JBL then produced a leather strap and began to whip D-Von mercilessly until Rey Mysterio sprinted down the ramp and springboarded in with a dropkick on JBL. Rey Rey grabbed the strap and started to whip Bradshaw as D-Von rolled out to the floor, but the official turned around and saw the interference, calling for the bell at 10:34 and awarding the decision to JBL & Chavo via disqualification. Meanwhile, the Basham Brothers had come out and brawled up the ramp with the Dudleyz, disappearing through the curtain. After the bell, the ref tried to yank the strap away from Mysterio, giving Layfield enough time to get up and blast Rey across the back of the neck with the Clothesline From Hell. JBL tossed the ref aside and picked up the strap, whipping Rey with it several times before wrapping the strap around Rey's neck and hurling him over the top rope, hanging the Latino superstar as the crowd booed. Mysterio eventually stopped writhing and hung helplessly until an army of WWE agents and officials flooded out to end the carnage, while Styles and Tazz wondered how this brutal assault would affect Mysterio for the Mexican Strap Match at the Bash. (83%)

Backstage, Ultimo Dragon was shown knocking on Kyo Dai's dressing room door. When Gail Kim answered the door flanked by Sakoda & Akio, the Dragon spoke to her in Japanese, but Gail responded in English that Funaki didn't want to see him until Sunday at the Great American Bash and tried to close the door. However, Ultimo held the door open and valiantly fought off Akio & Sakoda to make his way into the room, where Funaki was looking apprehensive and wearing a black suit without a tie, with his hair pulled back in a ponytail. Speaking Japanese and using his tremendous body language honed by years of experience in foreign rings, Dragon asked why Funaki turned on him last week, but before Funaki could answer, Kyo Dai capitalized on the brief distraction and attacked the former two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion from behind. Funaki backed off as Gail called the shots and Kyo Dai drove the Dragon through a glass coffee table with the Sayonara, smashing the table to pieces. As the masked Japanese superstar lay among the wreckage, Kim stepped up and nailed Dragon with a wicked kick to the groin, folding him instinctively in half. Gail smirked as she took Funaki's hand and led him, followed by Akio & Sakoda, out of the room. (64%)

Non-Title Match: Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera vs. Spike Dudley

Chavo Classic seconded Juventud Guerrera, while Spike Dudley came out alone as Tazz suggested that the Juice's role in this match would be to soften up the WWE Cruiserweight Champion for Chavo Guerrero at the Great American Bash. That looked to be the case as Juvi withstood some early offense from Spike and proceeded to punish him throughout the contest without going for a pin, while Chavo Sr. cut off Spike's attempted comebacks by interfering behind the back of referee Chad Patton. Eventually, Spike rolled out of the way of a guillotine legdrop from the top turnbuckle and took Guerrera down in a victory roll for the three-count at 8:41. Afterwards, Juventud & Classic tried to attack Dudley, but he avoided them and bailed out to ringside, where he was ambushed by Chavo Guerrero. The third-generation superstar assaulted Dudley and dropped him face-first on the steel ringsteps with the Gory Bomb, causing the Cruiserweight Champion to bleed from the mouth. The three La Raza members kicked and stomped Spike's face on the floor until the Dudley Boyz finally charged down the ramp and made the save. La Raza escaped and retreated while Bubba Ray & D-Von checked on Spike at ringside, only to be attacked by the Thrill Kill, who rushed past La Raza on their way down the ramp and blindsided the Dudleyz. The WWE Tag Team Champions beat down the Dudleyz until the Shooting Star Express raced out and jumped on Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire, trading fists with them as the Basham Brothers joined the fray, with Dawn Marie and Paul Heyman arguing on the stage. All four teams slugged it out on the rampway and at ringside until a horde of officials came out and held the eight superstars apart. (75%)

Kurt Angle was walking backstage when he came upon Nunzio, who was in his wrestling gear and looking nervous as he chatted with Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo. The Full Blooded Italians went into defensive position, but the Olympic Champion claimed that he had been looking for Nunzio to talk about his match tonight against the Undertaker. Nunzio called his boys off and listened as Angle explained that he would be facing the Dead Man on Independence Day at the Great American Bash and had come up with a deal that Nunzio couldn't refuse. The FBI walked down the hallway talking with Kurt, but they ran into SmackDown GM Theodore Long, who announced that not only were the FBI barred from ringside, but if anybody ran out and interfered in the 'Taker/Nunzio bout this evening, the offenders would be suspended from WWE. Johnny The Bull & Chucky P argued with Long while Angle walked Nunzio to the curtain, patting him on the back and telling him not to worry. (89%)

Nunzio vs. The Undertaker

Despite the assurances of Kurt Angle, Nunzio was extremely nervous when he stepped into the ring alone and looked absolutely terrified during the elaborate entrance of the Undertaker, led down the ramp by Paul Bearer as Styles mentioned that the urn was still missing. The Full Blooded Italian blessed himself and attempted a sneak attack right off the bat when the Dead Man was stepping through the ropes, but 'Taker no-sold the ambush and opened up on him with lefts and rights. The Phenom fought as if he were possessed, violently brutalizing Nunzio with stiff body shots, big boots to the head, and the Snake Eyes in the corner, stopping only to remove his coat. Although Nunzio did try a courageous comeback, the thrashing continued as the Undertaker planted the Sicilian Piranha with a chokeslam and kept his hand wrapped around Nunzio's throat, choking him on the canvas. Referee Brian Hebner was ready to call for a disqualification, but the TitanTron lit up with an image of Kurt Angle backstage holding the urn and calling for the Undertaker. The Grim Reaper immediately released Nunzio and exited the squared circle, stalking up the ramp followed by Paul Bearer, while the official reached ten and declared Nunzio the winner via count-out at 5:09. (81%)

Cameras backstage showed the Undertaker marching through the hallways until he reached the parking garage, where Kurt Angle was holding the urn over his head and taunting the Dead Man. When 'Taker entered the garage and went after Angle, he was followed by Paul Bearer, who was suddenly hit by a black Sedan in some nice stunt work. Where they found a stunt double for Paul, I'll never know. This distracted the Grim Reaper and allowed Angle to bash him across the back of the head with the urn, knocking him to the ground as Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli emerged from the car with a tire-iron and joined Angle in the assault. The Olympic Champion repeatedly smashed the urn across the Phenom's head and directed traffic, ordering Chucky P to hold the Undertaker's leg out on the ground while the Bull whacked him across the ankle with the tire-iron. Nunzio stumbled back to the garage, almost tripping over the motionless body of Paul Bearer, and embraced Angle, thanking him for hatching the plan and saving his life. Angle and Nunzio kicked and stomped 'Taker's ankle before piling into the Sedan with Stamboli & Palumbo and peeling away while medical personnel rushed out and attended to Bearer. (92%)

Elsewhere, Michael Cole interviewed WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero and asked him why he wanted to defend the title tonight against the Big Show, only three days before his scheduled title defense against Booker T at the Great American Bash. Latino Heat cut a killer promo about how he had worked his entire career to reach the WWE Title despite critics and his own self-doubt saying that he couldn't do it, and faced with a similar situation this evening against the 7-foot 500-pounder, he wanted to prove the doubters wrong by "David beating Goliath" and going on to defeat Booker in the No Disqualification bout on Independence Day. (86%)

WWE Championship Match: The Big Show vs. Eddie Guerrero [champion]

Each competitor entered alone as Tazz commented that if the Big Show pinned Eddie Guerrero tonight, not only would Latino Heat lose the WWE Championship, but he would also be off the Great American Bash card completely, since Show would be defending the gold against Booker T in the No Disqualification match, and pointed out how devastating it is to a superstar's ego to be left off a PPV. Before the opening bell, the Book made his entrance and joined the commentators, explaining that he needed a ringside seat to find out his opponent for Independence Day. The fans were hot for this great main event that saw Guerrero successfully keep Show off-balance with a hit-and-run strategy early on, but the 7-foot 500-pounder eventually caught Eddie and dominated him with his methodical offense as Styles recalled that the Show was a former two-time WWE Champion and the youngest WCW Champion in history. When asked if he would rather challenge Show or Guerrero at the Bash, Booker admitted that Eddie would be easier to handle since he had already pinned him in the non-title bout, but claimed that he could "gank" the Show's "500-pound booty" too. Latino Heat mounted a comeback and managed to knock his giant challenger out through the ropes with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle, then dove onto him on the floor with a running plancha over the top rope. Guerrero returned to the ring and urged referee Nick Patrick to count faster while the Show staggered over to the timekeeper's table and retrieved the WWE Title belt. Show clumsily tried to sneak the strap into the squared circle, but the official stopped him and took the gold while Booker left his commentary post and grabbed a metal folding chair. The Book swatted at the WWE Champion from ringside, but Eddie caught the chair and they struggled over it in a tug-of-war until the Show wandered over. Suddenly, Booker let go of the chair and Guerrero's momentum from pulling it caused him to spin around and plaster Show with a sick chairshot across the forehead. Like a giant redwood, Show collapsed to the canvas as Guerrero realized what happened and discarded the chair before the ref returned from disposing of the WWE Title belt. Latino Heat quickly scampered to the top turnbuckle and landed the Frog Splash for the 1-2-3 at 13:16 to retain the WWE Championship. Immediately afterwards, Booker T stormed the ring and blindsided Eddie with the WWE Title belt across the side of the skull. The fans booed as the Book dragged Latino Heat to his feet, only to bury him with the Book End onto the title belt. Booker celebrated with the Spinaronie while Styles and Tazz hyped the Great American Bash: Independence Day this Sunday and ended the broadcast. (85%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,008

Ticket Sales: $400,320

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WWE HEAT -- SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette, who explained that due to SmackDown's Great American Bash PPV, a LIVE edition of Velocity would air tomorrow night in Sunday Night Heat's timeslot.

* Shannon Moore vs. Jimmy Rave: Lita escorted Shannon Moore for this entertaining squash to kick off the special Saturday night edition of Heat. Shannon finished off Jimmy Rave with the Mooregasm at 5:01. (76%)

* A video aired to hype the double main event of this Monday's RAW: Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit joining forces to challenge Christian & Kane for the World Tag Team Championship, and World Heavyweight Champion Shawn Michaels facing William Regal in a non-title bout. (80%)

* William Regal & Eugene vs. Marco Jaggi & Claudio Castagnoli: Semi-competitive squash here, as Eugene & William continued to refine their tag team skills and took the victory when William forced Claudio to tap out to the Regal Stretch at 4:20 while Eugene spun Marco in an airplane spin. (66%)

* On "The Ross Report", Jim Ross conducted a sit-down studio interview with Shawn Michaels, who categorically denied that he had any involvement whatsoever in the return of Johnny Nitro as a referee at Bad Blood, pointing out his altercation with Nitro on RAW as proof. J.R. argued that although the World Heavyweight Champion appeared to be aiming for Nitro, he actually hit Chris Benoit, and stated that Shawn's detractors were theorizing that it was an elaborate set-up to nail the Canadian Crippler with the Sweet Chin Music once again. The Heartbreak Kid replied that the "armchair quarterbacks" could put forth all the conspiracy theories they wanted, but he knew in his heart that he would never resort to dealing with the likes of Eric Bischoff to win the World Title. Michaels explained that he had too much confidence in his "God-given abilities" to need the interference of Nitro or Bischoff, and promised to prove it against William Regal on RAW. When J.R. asked if HBK truly believed that he could pin the Rabid Wolverine fair-and-square without the influence of Bischoff or Nitro, Shawn responded that Ross' question didn't even deserve an answer and walked out of the interview. (90%)

* "Nature Boy" Ric Flair vs. Chad Collyer: A rare semi-competitive squash for Ric Flair, as the Nature Boy worked on Chad Collyer's knee throughout the contest before applying the Figure Four Leglock for the submission at 4:44. (73%)

* Jeff Johnson interviewed Steven Richards, who had his arm around Victoria as he hyped tonight's six-man Heat main event pitting himself and Ebony & Ivory against Tough Enough & Tommy Dreamer. The Stevie Night Heat General Manager proclaimed that as a treat for this special "Saturday Night Heat", he would score the winning pinfall. (82%)

* Six-Man Tag Team Match: Tommy Dreamer & Tough Enough (Al Snow & Maven) vs. Steven Richards & Ebony & Ivory (Mark Henry & Garrison Cade): Footage was shown from last week's Heat to build up this encounter as Victoria accompanied the Stevie Night Heat contingent for this solid six-man Heat main event. The action went back-and-forth, with Stevie Night Heat working well as a unit against the grit and determination of Maven, Al Snow, & Tommy Dreamer, while the commentators mentioned Steven & Victoria's interference in the World Television Title bout on RAW and announced that the heel couple would be meeting Miss Jackie & TV Champion Jeff Hardy in a Mixed Tag Team Match this Monday. In the end, Richards drilled Dreamer with the Stevie-T for the three-count at 8:26. (72%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $400,360

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Alright guys, here's lineup for the Great American Bash: Independence Day this Sunday, July 4...please post predictions and comments if possible if you are following my diary, the feedback really helps. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. Booker T

WWE United States Title Match: Brock Lesnar [champion] vs. Rob Van Dam

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Chavo Guerrero

WWE Tag Team Title/Fatal Fourway Match: The Thrill Kill [champions] vs. The Shooting Star Express vs. The Basham Brothers vs. The Dudley Boyz

Number One Contender Match: The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle

Mexican Strap Match: Rey Mysterio vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

John Cena vs. Charlie Haas

Ultimo Dragon vs. Funaki

[VA Finest 1]

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. Booker T

Winner: Guerrero, I want Book to win but I don't think it will be his night

WWE United States Title Match: Brock Lesnar [champion] vs. Rob Van Dam

Winner: RVD, I think interference whether it be for RVD or botched for Brock will cause Brock the match

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Spike Dudley [champion] vs. Chavo Guerrero

Winner: Chavo

WWE Tag Team Title/Fatal Fourway Match: The Thrill Kill [champions] vs. The Shooting Star Express vs. The Basham Brothers vs. The Dudley Boyz

Winners: Thrill Kill

Number One Contender Match: The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle

Winner: Kurt

Mexican Strap Match: Rey Mysterio vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Winner: Rey

John Cena vs. Charlie Haas

Winner: Cena

Ultimo Dragon vs. Funaki

Winner: Dragon

[Guest Crossface]

World title match: eddie wins.

Eddie cant loose the title just yet.

US title match: RVD wins.

so brock can go after the world title.

CW title match: Spike wins.

Tag team title: The Shooting Star Express.

If you Are giving them a push,you might as well give them the titles.

NO.1 Contender-Taker.

angle cant win just yet,kurt vs eddie 2 will happen,just not so soon.

Rey Rey VS JBL-mystreio.

if youre gonna give him a push to the US title,a win here will be the start.

Cena VS Hass:hass

Reasons: Same As Bove.

The JAPAN match: Dragon.

[Chrononaut]

SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2004 -- 2004 WWE GREAT AMERICAN BASH: INDEPENDENCE DAY

The special LIVE pre-PPV edition of Velocity was hosted by Michael Cole and Josh Matthews, as they previewed the lineup for tonight's PPV and showed the Norfolk Scope arena all decked out in the red, white, and blue of the stars and stripes. Near the end of Velocity, Paul Heyman led Charlie Haas, WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, & WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill to the ring and cut a promo weaving together the rich history of the Great American Bash and the new dynasty of his Agency, as he predicted total domination and a clean 3-0 sweep for the Agency tonight. Heyman was confident that both championships would remain with his clients and boasted that Haas was in the greatest condition of his life, demanding that the Human Submission Machine's match against John Cena open the PPV. After a few moments, the Doctor Of Thuganomics appeared but was being held back by several WWE officials. Nonetheless, Cena shouted that he was "on" and ready to go, while Matthews and Cole hyped Cena vs. Haas as the opening contest at the Bash. (81%)

Joey Styles and Tazz welcomed viewers to the 2004 WWE Great American Bash LIVE from Norfolk, Virginia, and hyped the exciting lineup for this evening's Independence Day pay-per-view before sending it up to ring announcer Tony Chimel in the squared circle.

Charlie Haas vs. John Cena

Paul Heyman and the rest of the Agency stood in Charlie Haas' corner as Styles questioned the presence of the Thrill Kill & Brock Lesnar at ringside, while John Cena marched out all by himself and slugged it out with the Human Submission Machine upon hitting the ring to kick off this heated opening contest. Tazz recalled Haas injuring Cena's leg last month in a tag team encounter with the Haas Of Pain, just as he did to Rob Van Dam in the opening contest of Judgment Day in May. The Doctor Of Thuganomics kept it a brawl and stayed in control until Haas went after his leg and took him to the mat, working over the previously-injured limb with a variety of leglocks and creative submission holds. Cena battled back to his feet and mounted a comeback, but he was cut off when Brock dragged him out to ringside and slammed him with the F5 on the floor while Heyman distracted referee Nick Patrick. The WWE Tag Team Champions threw in a few kicks and stomps to Cena's knee before Rob Van Dam, followed shortly by the Shooting Star Express, came out to chase off the Agency and help Cena up while complaining to the official about the interference. Once Cena returned to the ring, Haas zeroed in on the damaged knee and wore it down with kneedrops and elbowdrops, leading up to the Haas Of Pain, which the Human Submission Machine cinched in as Styles pointed out that the last time the former WWE United States Champion was in the Haas Of Pain, he blacked out and lost the decision for his team. Cena shook his head and refused to submit, but started to fade away until RVD, Paul London, & Billy Kidman pounded on the apron and the fans rallied behind the Doctor Of Thuganomics, giving him one last burst of energy to use his tremendous upper body strength to sit up and break the dreaded leglock. The faces at ringside cheered as Cena made his comeback and knocked Haas around, landing the Five Knuckle Shuffle, before the Agency members tried to get involved. However, the Express & Mr. Pay-Per-View prevented them from doing any damage and cleared Lesnar, O'Haire, & Jindrak out to the floor while Cena lifted Haas and drilled him with the FU for the 1-2-3 at 16:23. Afterwards, Cena continued to sell the knee injury but managed to clothesline Haas over the top rope before celebrating his win with Van Dam, London, & Kidman while the Agency retreated. (79%)

Chavo Classic was shown backstage looking for Spike Dudley. When he finally found the WWE Cruiserweight Champion in an empty dressing room, he sincerely informed him that Chavo Guerrero had injured himself in a last-minute training session this afternoon and his son would be unable to wrestle tonight. Spike didn't believe Chavo Sr. and told him to get lost, but Classic stated that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long wanted to see both of them in his office, so Dudley cautiously exited the room behind Classic. As soon as Spike stepped out, he was ambushed by Juventud Guerrera & Essa Rios, although he was able to defend himself since he was wary of a set-up. Chavo Jr. arrived on the scene and helped his fellow La Raza members beat Spike down briefly until the Dudley Boyz made the save and attended to their half-brother. Suddenly, the Thrill Kill came out of nowhere and blasted D-Von & Bubba Ray across the back of the head with their WWE Tag Team Title belts as Paul Heyman nodded in the background, proclaiming that was "one team down, two to go" and walked off with his champions. (62%)

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Chavo Guerrero vs. Spike Dudley [champion]

Chavo Classic seconded a smiling Chavo Guerrero and pointed to his son's waist, clearing space for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship belt, while Spike Dudley bravely came out on his own with a look of determination on his face as Tazz mentioned that this was one of the rare times in wrestling history when the champ entered as the underdog. Spike started off strong and took the fight to his challenger, but Chavo grabbed the advantage when he dropped Spike face-first on the turnbuckle and opened up the 14 stitches he needed to close his bloody lip after SmackDown. Seeing the blood dripping from Spike's mouth, the former three-time Cruiserweight Champion displayed his rarely-seen sadistic streak as he unleashed a vicious series of chops dangerously close to Dudley's throat and worked over his face with crossface forearms and kicks to the mouth before applying a straitjacket camel clutch, sitting on Dudley's spine and pulling his arms across his face. The unorthodox submission hold almost did its job but Spike managed to roll onto his back and rally back to his feet, trading fists with Chavo as the fans cheered him on. Chavo won the slugfest and went for the Gory Bomb, but Spike wriggled free and surprised Guerrero with a sunset flip for a close near-fall. When both competitors got to their feet, Spike grabbed hold of Guerrero in preparation for the Dudley Dog as Classic hopped up on the apron. Holding Chavo Jr.'s head, Spike ran up the ropes and intelligently used Chavo Sr. to kick off and drill Chavo Jr. with the Dudley Dog. Classic crashed to the floor while Dudley hooked Guerrero's leg to score the three-count at 12:57 and retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Afterwards, Spike fended off a post-match attack from Classic, but was overwhelmed by Juventud Guerrera & Essa Rios when they hit the ring. Chavo stumbled to his feet and joined his fellow La Raza members in laying the boots to the Cruiserweight Champion before they left the squared circle to a loud round of boos. (78%)

Josh Matthews was backstage to interview Funaki and Gail Kim, who was flanked by Akio & Sakoda. After showing footage from Thursday's SmackDown of Kyo Dai smashing Ultimo Dragon through a glass coffee table with the Sayonara, Josh asked Funaki how he could just stand there and watch his former friend and tag team partner get assaulted so viciously, but before Funaki could reply, Gail interrupted and accused Josh of being sexist and racist, since he assumed that an Asian woman needed a man to speak for her. Kim informed Matthews that all interviews with Funaki would now go through her, but added that Josh didn't deserve to talk to Funaki anyway and led Kyo Dai out. (68%)

Funaki vs. Ultimo Dragon

Gail Kim smiled sweetly as she led Funaki, wearing a swank new dark red singlet with Japanese lettering in gold, down the ramp by the hand, followed by Sakoda & Akio, while the commentators discussed the recent breakup of the Dragon/Funaki tag team and the effects this bout would have on the cruiserweight division. When Ultimo Dragon made his entrance, Kyo Dai rushed up the ramp to ambush him, but the masked Japanese superstar fought them off with a fury that he had yet to display since debuting in WWE and entered the ring while referee Chad Patton ejected Akio & Sakoda back to the locker room. The Dragon seemed almost reluctant to lock up and preferred to talk to Funaki, who also appeared reticent and tried to walk away, avoiding a confrontation with his former friend until Gail stomped her feet and Funaki gouged Dragon with a thumb to the eye. Funaki looked a bit remorseful as he unloaded on Dragon and focused on his neck until the former two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion rallied back and threw aside any reservations about abusing Funaki, unleashing a combination of stiff kicks to floor his former partner. The action went back-and-forth as Ultimo showed great fire and seemed more interested in trying to knock some sense into Funaki than winning, while Funaki's strategy stayed on the Dragon's neck as Styles mentioned that Dragon had suffered "undisclosed injuries" in the Kyo Dai assault on SmackDown. Late in the contest, the Dragon attempted the Asai DDT but Gail grabbed his leg, causing him to crash to the canvas almost on his head. At the urging of Kim, Funaki swiftly grabbed Dragon and planted him with the Rising Sun for the 1-2-3 at 11:40. Afterwards, Gail led Funaki up the ramp as the former Kaientai member smiled a little bit, watching the official help Dragon off the mat. (77%)

Backstage, Dawn Marie had the Basham Brothers by her side as she screeched at the Shooting Star Express, claiming that they wouldn't have beaten Danny & Doug a couple of weeks ago without the involvement of Paul Heyman. Paul London responded that the Express would have won regardless and they would prove it tonight by capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship in the Fatal Fourway Match, but the Bashams took exception to this comment and began to shove London & Billy Kidman until Paul Heyman strolled over. The former ECW owner explained that his lawyers had been negotiating with SmackDown GM Theodore Long all day and announced that the Fatal Fourway had been replaced by an elimination-style "Four-Way Dance". Dawn screamed that her Bashams would eliminate the Express, setting off another shootout between the two teams while Heyman backed off, grinning and nodding along with WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill as they watched the scuffle. (81%)

WWE Tag Team Title/Four-Way Dance: The Shooting Star Express (Billy Kidman & Paul London) vs. The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) vs. The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) [champions]

Dawn Marie escorted her Basham Brothers, while Paul Heyman accompanied his Thrill Kill, as Styles mentioned that this was the SmackDown PPV debut for the Shooting Star Express, the Dudley Boyz, and the Bashams, as well as the first WWE Tag Team Title shot for the Dudleyz and the Express. Tazz endorsed the strategy of the WWE Tag Team Champions as they remained on the apron and avoided all tagging attempts from the other competitors, leaving the six challengers to engage in a fast-paced "three-way dance" of their own. The three squads exchanged frequent tags and near-falls amongst each other as the commentators speculated on the condition of D-Von & Bubba Ray after the Thrill Kill's backstage attack earlier. Eventually, Paul London & Billy Kidman broke up a 3D attempt on Doug and held D-Von at bay while the Bashams snared Bubba in the Ball & Gag for the first elimination at 6:59. Tazz suggested that Bubba had suffered a concussion from the beltshot earlier and aggravated it here, as the former Hardcore Champion looked glassy-eyed and vacant when he staggered up the ramp with D-Von. Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire still refused to tag in as the Express and the Bashams put on a good tag team clinic, trading quick tags and near-falls on both sides while the Thrill Kill sarcastically applauded from the apron, jumping to the floor whenever Kidman, London, or a Basham came looking for a tag. The Bashams took control and worked London over in their corner, even hitting the Ball & Gag for a very close near-fall, but London escaped and made the hot tag to Kidman, who charged in and cleaned house. After dropkicking Doug out through the ropes, Kidman landed the Shooting Star Press from the top turnbuckle on Danny and hooked the leg, but O'Haire used his long arms and legs to reach in and slap Kidman on the back, making the tag. Jindrak stepped in and dragged Kidman off the Basham as O'Haire climbed to the top and dove with the Seanton Bomb on Danny to score the second elimination at 13:08. Meanwhile, Jindrak slammed Kidman with the Mark Of Excellence and O'Haire followed with the Seanton Bomb for an extremely close near-fall that had to be broken up by London. The Thrill Kill cut the ring in half and isolated Kidman, who refused to be pinned and mounted a comeback that culminated in a hot tag to London. The WWE rookie valiantly unloaded on both Tag Team Champions, but the much fresher Thrill Kill laid London out with a spike powerbomb and Jindrak covered him for the final fall at 17:33 to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship. Afterwards, the Thrill Kill celebrated with Heyman at ringside while Styles put the Express over for lasting so long and nearly pulling off the upset. (80%)

Mexican Strap Match: John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Rey Mysterio

Before Rey Mysterio made his entrance, John Layfield grabbed the microphone and cut a promo about how Rey Rey was an illegal immigrant and that it would be "poetic justice" for a proud patriot like Bradshaw to "squash the cockroach" on Independence Day at the Great American Bash. JBL took the leather strap from special Mexican referee Rafael Gonzalez (on loan from CMLL) and tied it to his wrist, pacing the ring as Mysterio made his entrance and attached the other end of the strap to his wrist. Great blow-off match for this underrated feud that saw JBL easily overpower Rey early on, swinging him around by the wrist with the strap, as Styles explained that to win the Mexican Strap Match, a superstar had to touch all four corners, at which point the victor would be decided via pinfall. It didn't take long for Bradshaw to reach the pinfall stage of the bout, alternating between whipping and choking Rey with the strap and touching the four top turnbuckles in succession, but the former seven-time Cruiserweight Champion hung in and kicked out of numerous near-falls before mounting a comeback as the fans rallied behind him. Mysterio managed to wrap the strap around Layfield's neck and choked him down to the mat, displaying uncommon aggressiveness needed for a heavyweight push, then slowly made it to each corner and touched the four turnbuckles. The heated action shifted back-and-forth and spilled out to the floor on a few occasions as Rey and JBL traded near-falls and shots with the strap, slugging it out around ringside, where a wicked chairshot from JBL tore a hole in the top of Rey's mask and busted him wide open. Rey Rey bled from the forehead and absorbed tremendous punishment, but battled back and waffled JBL with a cool chair-assisted 619 for a near-fall as the crowd popped. Bradshaw staggered to his feet and used the strap to pull Rey in for the Clothesline From Hell, but Mysterio ducked and springboarded off the ropes with a modified West Coast Pop that dumped JBL on his head in a sick bump for the "uno-dos-tres" at 15:55. Afterwards, the ref untied the strap and helped the bloody Rey out of the ring as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. (85%)

Number One Contender Match: Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker

Following a great video package that brilliantly recapped the feud, including Paul Bearer getting hit by a car on SmackDown, Styles explained that the winner of this encounter would be named the Number One Contender and would receive a WWE Title shot on Sunday, August 15, at SummerSlam. Kurt Angle was seconded by the Big Show, who was carrying the urn, and the Full Blooded Italians as Tazz assured Styles that the entourage was there to ensure that things didn't get out of hand like at Judgment Day. The Undertaker had a slight limp when he stalked down the ramp by himself, looking vengeful, and removed his coat and hat along the way before stepping through the ropes and unleashing lefts and rights on the Olympic Champion to kick off this excellent Number One Contender match-up. The Dead Man continued to abuse Angle until the former four-time WWE Champion escaped and bailed out to ringside, where he taunted 'Taker and goaded him into a footrace on the floor. While Nunzio distracted referee Brian Hebner, Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo attempted to ambush the Phenom at ringside, but 'Taker fought the FBI off and went after the Big Show, who charged at the Grim Reaper with a clothesline. However, 'Taker sidestepped the 7-foot 500-pounder and Show inadvertently leveled a creeping Angle with the clothesline before 'Taker snatched the urn away and stared at it while Angle stumbled to his feet and berated Show. Suddenly, the lights flickered and monk chanting boomed throughout the arena as Paul Bearer appeared with both legs in casts and a bandage on his head, sitting in an antique wheelchair pushed by two large hooded Druids. The Druids wheeled Bearer down to ringside, where the Undertaker presented his long-time manager with the urn while the Show shoved Angle and stormed up the ramp back to the locker room. Undertaker got down on one knee to worship the urn, but Angle capitalized by blindsiding the Dead Man and continuing his attack in the ring, targeting the previously-damaged ankle. The Olympic Champion applied a variety of holds and submissions to soften up the leg, even busting out the Bret Hart figure-four leglock around the ringpost, while Bearer raised the urn and led the fans in cheering for the Undertaker, who countered an Angle Slam with a Flatliner for a near-fall. Angle clutched at his neck as 'Taker dropped him with a chokeslam and dragged him back up, planting him with the Last Ride for a very close near-fall. When Angle staggered to his feet, 'Taker charged with a big boot, but the Olympian ducked and the Reaper accidentally clocked the official. With the ref down, Nunzio slid a chair into the ring for Angle while the FBI went after Bearer to steal the urn back, but the Druids provided some resistance and struggled with Chucky P, Johnny The Bull, & Nunzio. Amidst the chaos, Nunzio knocked the urn out of Paul's hands and it crashed to the floor, breaking open as black, grey, and purple smoke billowed out. Paul wailed sorrowfully as Angle whacked 'Taker with the chair and tried to revive the ref, but when the Olympic Champion went for the Ankle Lock, the Dead Man kicked him off and sat up, rolling his eyes back in his head and smiling sinisterly. 'Taker gripped Angle by the throat and chokeslammed him before scooping him up and drilling him with the Tombstone. Instead of going for the pin, 'Taker dragged the semi-conscious Olympian off the mat and planted him with another Tombstone as Tazz remarked that 'Taker looked like he was possessed. The Phenom placed the chair in mid-ring and scooped up Angle one more time, burying him with a third Tombstone on the metal folding chair and crossing his arms on his chest as the groggy ref crawled over and slowly administered the three-count at 15:46. Afterwards, Angle remained motionless to sell the neck injury while the Undertaker went out after the FBI and scared them away from Bearer and the Druids as Styles pointed out that the Dead Man would be challenging the WWE Champion at SummerSlam. (90%)

WWE United States Title Match: Brock Lesnar [champion] vs. "Mr. Pay-Per-View" Rob Van Dam

Prior to the match, a promo aired to hype the co-branded SummerSlam '04 on Sunday, August 15, with the announcement that RAW's main event in Toronto would feature Shawn Michaels defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Chris Benoit in a 60-minute Iron Man Match. Afterwards, Styles and Tazz accused RAW of trying to upstage SmackDown on their own PPV by announcing their SummerSlam main event tonight; this is where Styles could be most effective for WWE, drawing on his ECW experience of ripping the competition to provide a sense of rivalry between the two brands, and he did that here very well. Paul Heyman was booed loudly when he accompanied Brock Lesnar, while Rob Van Dam was met by a good pop from the crowd as Styles recalled that RVD pinned Brock in a tag team bout last month. This was a great championship contest that saw the WWE United States Champion use his monstrous size and strength to offset the unique high-risk offense of Mr. Pay-Per-View, who put on a tremendous performance and scored several near-falls before knocking Brock out to ringside with a flurry of kicks. When Van Dam soared over the top rope with a plancha, Lesnar caught him over his shoulder and powerslammed him stomach-first on the ringside barrier, damaging RVD's midsection. Lesnar pressed RVD over his head and dropped his ribs on the steel ringsteps before tossing him back in the ring, where the U.S. Champion rattled his his challenger's ribcage with an assortment of nasty gutbusters, throws, and suplexes, scoring a handful of near-falls. The Whole Damn Show managed to rally back and went to the top turnbuckle, but Lesnar caught him on the turnbuckles and took him down with an awesome flapjack off the top for a close near-fall. Lesnar dropped Van Dam ribs-first across the top rope with a modified F5 and trapped RVD in the Brock Lock, applying severe pressure as Van Dam twisted and contorted his face and body, but refused to submit. The fans chanted for RVD as he used his amazing flexibility to wriggle out of the Brock Lock and break free, flooring Lesnar with the stepover heel kick and mounting a comeback. The action spilled out to ringside, where Brock charged RVD, but Mr. PPV ducked and back-bodydropped Brock over the barricade into the crowd before grabbing a chair and returning to the squared circle. RVD set up the chair and ran off the ropes, springboarding off the chair to the top rope and flying out into the audience, flattening Lesnar with a beautiful somersault dive as Styles emitted a rare "OH MY GOD!" and the fans chanted "holy shit". While Heyman complained to referee Jim Cordaris, RVD capitalized on the brief distraction by tossing a chair at Brock and nailing him with the Van Daminator in the crowd. RVD dumped Brock over the barricade back to ringside and landed a sweet split-legged moonsault off the barricade on the U.S. Champion before rolling him into the ring. However, before Van Dam could slide in himself, Heyman distracted the official while Charlie Haas sprinted down the ramp and attacked Mr. PPV from behind, ramming RVD's midsection against the ring apron and pushing him into the ring. Although he was hurting, RVD decked Lesnar with a spinning roundhouse kick and ascended to the top turnbuckle, leaping off with the Five Star Frog Splash, but Lesnar rolled out of the way and RVD hit the canvas hard. Brock quickly hauled Van Dam across his shoulders and planted him with the F5 for the 1-2-3 at 16:51 to retain the WWE United States Championship. Afterwards, Haas stepped through the ropes and joined Lesnar in stomping Van Dam on the mat until John Cena roared down the ramp with his chain wrapped around his fist and stormed the squared circle. Haas was quick enough to bail out, but the U.S. Champion wasn't so lucky as the Doctor Of Thuganomics blasted him with the chain, knocking Brock out to the floor. Heyman attended to Lesnar, who was bleeding from the chainshot and only semi-conscious as he lay at ringside. Haas helped to revive Lesnar while Cena checked on Van Dam and threatened the Agency. (88%)

Backstage, Michael Cole interviewed Booker T as he was warming up for his WWE Title shot tonight against Eddie Guerrero. Cole asked if Booker was nervous, but the Book looked at him and hit his "Tell me you did not just say that" line, reminding him that he was a former "five-time, five-time, five-time, five-time, FIVE-TIME" WCW Champion and that not only had he pinned superstars such as the Undertaker and Rey Mysterio since being traded to SmackDown, he had pinned Latino Heat cleanly in their recent non-title bout. However, Booker warned that there would be nothing clean about this evening's No Disqualification main event and that he planned on "gankin' that sucka" to capture the WWE Championship "by any means necessary...now can you dig THAT, sucka?!?" (82%)

WWE Championship/No Disqualification Match: Booker T vs. Eddie Guerrero [champion]

After a slick video package that recapped this very competitive feud, Booker T made his entrance to a mostly negative reaction, although he did have his fans, while Eddie Guerrero was greeted with a thunderous crowd pop when he drove out in a lowrider as Tazz pointed out that all of the titles tonight had been retained by the champions. Once the bell rang, Latino Heat and the Book went face-to-face, trash-talking each other, before Booker hauled off and slapped Eddie across the face. The WWE Champion exploded like a volcano, but Booker was prepared for the reaction and dodged Guerrero, hurling him over the top rope to the floor, where the Book abused Eddie by choking him with the cables and ramming his head against the commentators' desk. Guerrero battled back as the advantage shifted back-and-forth with the two heated rivals brawling in and out of the ring, engaged in a tooth-and-nail down-and-dirty street fight. Eddie took control and scored several near-falls until the action spilled out to ringside again and Booker whalloped Guerrero with the ringbell, busting him open as the former five-time WCW Champion hammered away at the wound with kicks, stomps, and kneedrops in the squared circle. The Book slowed the pace and wore down Latino Heat, yelling out that he would bleed him dry, but Guerrero continued to kick out and wouldn't stay down, so Booker came up with an idea and tossed Eddie out to the floor. Booker picked up Eddie in a fireman's carry and carried him up the ramp toward the lowrider, dumping the WWE Champion on the hood and climbing up with him. Eddie fought back and tried to suplex Booker off the car, but the Book blocked it and planted him with the Book End on the roof, denting the roof and cracking the windshield with a sick crunch in another "OH MY GOD!" moment for Styles. Latino Heat appeared to be unconscious as Booker dragged him off the car and carried him back to the ring, where Booker scored an extremely close near-fall that was stopped when Guerrero got his leg over the bottom rope. The Book couldn't believe it and argued with referee Nick Patrick, giving Eddie the chance to recover enough to roll Booker up from behind with a handful of tights for a surprise near-fall. Booker kicked out and assaulted Eddie with a renewed passion before stepping out to the floor and retrieving a table from underneath the ring. Styles wondered if the grueling title defense against the Big Show and subsequent attack by the Book on SmackDown this past Thursday had taken their toll on Guerrero as Booker laid the second-generation superstar on his stomach on the table and rebounded off the ropes, leaping up with the Axe Kick. However, Guerrero rolled out of the way and Booker crashed through the table himself. The WWE Champion mounted a comeback with a series of clotheslines and the Three Amigos for a close near-fall, but when Booker kicked out, Eddie executed another Three Amigos and landed the Frog Splash from the top turnbuckle. Instead of going for the pin, Eddie looked out at his damaged lowrider and retrieved another table, placing Booker on it and pointing at the car. Latino Heat swiftly climbed to the top turnbuckle again and dove off with the Frog Splash, putting Booker through the table and hooking the leg for the three-count at 24:19 to retain the WWE Championship. Afterwards, the bloody Guerrero embraced his WWE Title belt and was cheered by the fans while Styles and Tazz signed off. (88%)

Overall: 84%

Buyrate: 1.85

Paid Attendance: 20,416

PPV Revenue: $4,625,000

Ticket Sales: $1,224,960

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Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed the PPV. Feedback would be great, even if it's criticism. Anything! Anyway, we already have the top two matches for SummerSlam '04 on Sunday, August 15, confirmed...

World Heavyweight Title/Iron Man Match: Shawn Michaels [champion] vs. Chris Benoit

WWE Championship Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. The Undertaker

[Chrononaut]

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW -- MONDAY, JULY 5, 2004

Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler introduced the show LIVE from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and announced the lineup for this evening: World Champion Shawn Michaels meeting William Regal in a non-title bout, a Mixed Tag Team Match pitting Victoria & Steven Richards against Miss Jackie & TV Champion Jeff Hardy, the Extreme Animals taking on Test & Scott Steiner, Lance Storm on "The Peep Show", and in the main event, Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit challenging Kane & Christian for the World Tag Team Championship.

Scott Steiner & Test vs. The Extreme Animals (Rhyno & Tajiri)

A physical, hard-hitting tag team encounter to kick off RAW as J.R. mentioned the recent singles victories by Tajiri & Rhyno over Ric Flair & Batista and hailed the Extreme Animals as a hungry young duo ready to break through to the "next level" of the tag team division. Average action here, due mostly to the sloppiness of Test & Scott Steiner, before the Animals hit Test with the Gore/Buzzsaw Kick combination and the Man Beast scored the pinfall at 6:04. (68%)

Afterwards, the Extreme Animals fended off a post-match attack by Scott Steiner, but before Rhyno & Tajiri could celebrate their victory, Batista & Ric Flair stormed the ring and blindsided them. The Nature Boy snuck in from behind and hit the Animals with a double-lowblow before taking down the Japanese Buzzsaw, while Batista grabbed hold of the Man Beast and obliterated him with the Demon Bomb. The commentators recalled how Tajiri had spewed red mist in Batista's face last week, leading to the Evolution Demon accidentally planting Flair with the Demon Bomb while the Animals cackled, as Slick Ric fired off a couple of chops to Tajiri's chest before Irish-whipping him toward Batista, who viciously drilled the former three-time Cruiserweight Champion with the Demon Bomb. Batista still occasionally wiped at his eyes as he brutally stomped Tajiri, while Flair warned Rhyno never to laugh at Evolution again. The two Evolution members exited to a loud round of boos as Lawler claimed that the Animals got what they had coming to them after the last few weeks. (83%)

Following the commercial break, the ring was set up for "The Peep Show", with Kane standing in the background as Trish Stratus introduced her "honey bunny", Christian, who had his World Tag Team Championship belt around his waist and antagonized the Winnipeg fans by ripping on hometown boy Chris Jericho, promising that he and the Big Red Machine would retain the title against Y2J & Chris Benoit later on in the evening's main event. Christian dubbed their partnership "The Christian Coalition" and spoke about how he was the greatest "tag team/singles hybrid" superstar in the history of WWE before bringing out his guest, Lance Storm, who got a pretty good pop from the Canadian fans, but looked distraught and explained that due to the recent slump he had been in and general unhappiness, he had chosen to announce his retirement from professional wrestling. However, before Lance could finish his statement, he was interrupted by the somewhat distinctive voice of a man identified by Ross as Don "The Jackyl" Callis, who walked out with a mic and asked Storm not to do what he was about to do. The Jackyl got a loud pop from his hometown crowd and praised Storm for his incredible skills, reminding him of their long-time friendship outside the business as he offered to help Lance get on the right track rather than retire. Callis drew some heel heat, as well as more than a few cheers, when he suggested that part of Storm's problem was carrying "dead weight" like Val Venis and advised him to cut the Big Valbowski loose. Val Venis marched out and confronted Callis, informing Storm that he had never liked nor trusted the Jackyl, and urged him not to retire, requesting instead that they give their tag team run one more chance. Callis pointed out that Venis had dropped a majority of the decisions for their squad and reminded Storm that he had held championships in ECW, WCW, WWE, and across the globe, while Venis argued that the Jackyl was a user and that they had untapped potential as a tag team. The Jackyl agreed that Venis & Storm had chemistry together, but he sniped that the Big Valbowski had become a joke and begged for Storm to get "serious for a minute" again as the argument heated up between Callis and Venis, visibly frustrating Storm, until Callis finally told Storm to think about who came out to talk to him first tonight. After thinking it over, Lance unleashed his frustration by blasting Val with a superkick that the Jackyl called the "Perfect Storm", as Callis & Storm kicked and stomped Venis to a mixed reaction, though Ross put it over as a heel turn on commentary. Christian laughed and thanked his guests, noting that this was one more exclusive for "The Peep Show" that "The Highlight Reel" had missed out on, as Storm & Callis shook hands and embraced before leaving together. (72%)

Jonathan Coachman was backstage to interview William Regal, who was trying to get the hyperactive Eugene to settle down. Eugene was excited about William's non-title bout tonight against Shawn Michaels, but William ordered him to remain in the locker room during the match and watch on the monitor. Eugene looked disappointed but agreed to stay in the dressing room, wishing Regal luck, as the Englishman cut a good promo about the Heartbreak Kid lying to his fans and accused HBK of being allied with Eric Bischoff and Johnny Nitro, despite the denials from all parties. Regal vowed to give the World Heavyweight Champion "a bloody good thrashing" to discover the truth and headed out, as the camera showed Eugene with his fingers crossed behind his back, trying to stifle a mischievous smile. (82%)

Non-Title Match: William Regal vs. Shawn Michaels

The commentators pointed out what a huge impact a non-title victory over the World Heavyweight Champion would have on William Regal's career as the tough Englishman made his way down the ramp to a nice pop and looked very intense and determined, while Shawn Michaels was met by a largely negative response from the unforgiving Canadian crowd. Johnny Nitro was the assigned referee for this solid contrast of styles match-up that went back-and-forth early on until Regal's shoot-fighting experience came into play as he took the Heartbreak Kid down to the mat and stretched him with an assortment of painful submission holds. Nitro kept a close eye on the ropes and called for the break whenever Michaels even got close to the rope, prompting a verbal exchange between Regal and Nitro while Eugene snuck out and set up a chair on the stage, sitting down to watch the match and inching closer to the ring each time he was shown on camera until he finally made it to ringside. This distracted William, who ordered Eugene to return to the dressing room, and allowed Shawn to strike with a knee to the back, knocking William through the ropes out to the floor, where he cracked his head on the chair Eugene was holding innocently. Nitro stepped out and engaged in a tug-of-war with Eugene over the chair, eventually yanking the chair away and shoving Eugene back just as the World Champion dove from the top turnbuckle with a plancha on both William & Eugene. Michaels rolled Regal back into the squared circle and maintained control while Nitro hollered that he didn't allow interference in his matches and whacked Eugene across the back with the chair, laying him out at ringside. Nitro dropped the chair and returned to his officiating duties on the inside as HBK was unloading on Regal, landing the flying elbowdrop off the top turnbuckle for a near-fall. Eugene began to stir on the floor as HBK ended an attempted comeback by William with the Sweet Chin Music and hooked the leg for the 1-2-3 at 12:34. (76%)

After the bell, referee Johnny Nitro raised Shawn Michaels' hand in victory as Eugene snuck into the ring from behind and pasted Nitro across the back with the chair. Eugene looked demented and maniacal and prepared to batter Nitro, but the World Heavyweight Champion grabbed the chair and tried to pull it away from Eugene. However, Eugene utilized his deceptive strength and yanked the chair back, then swung it at Shawn, who ducked and instinctively nailed Eugene with the Sweet Chin Music, flooring him. The Heartbreak Kid picked up the chair and stood over Eugene as Chris Benoit charged down the ramp and stormed the ring, dodging an attempted chairshot and wrenching HBK to the canvas in the Crippler Crossface. The crowd cheered loudly as the World Champion tapped out furiously to no avail until the Rabid Wolverine finally released him and got to his feet, blowing his nose on Michaels and glancing at the big gold belt on the mat before marching up the ramp. (83%)

Jim Ross introduced a new member of the RAW broadcast team, Jane Childs, a conservatively dressed but still very attractive young woman with a British accent who was backstage to interview Victoria & Steven Richards, asking Steven why he got involved in the World Television Championship bout last week. Victoria argued that Steven was just protecting her from Jeff Hardy & Miss Jackie, but added that tonight, somebody would need to protect Jackie & Jeff from her. The Stevie Night Heat General Manager explained that the resurrection of the TV Title was his idea in the first place and his "baby", so it was time for him to claim the belt, and he planned on doing so after winning the Mixed Tag Team Match...NEXT! (81%)

Mixed Tag Team Match: Jeff Hardy & Miss Jackie vs. Steven Richards & Victoria

Lawler mentioned that Steven Richards had insisted this be a Mixed, rather than Intergender, Tag Team Match because that meant the women and men couldn't wrestle each other and he didn't want Jeff Hardy touching Victoria. Fairly bland match-up that had no real flow due to the stipulations, going back-and-forth until Victoria dropped Miss Jackie with the Widow's Peak and covered her, but Jeff stepped in to break the count. Suddenly, Mattitude hit the ring and Matt Hardy, Lita, & Shannon Moore swarmed the World Television Champion, beating him down as referee Charles Robinson called for the bell at 6:31 and awarded the decision to Jeff & Jackie via disqualification. Afterwards, Richards got into a shoving match with Matt, blaming him for the DQ, as all three couples tussled until several WWE officials intervened. (66%)

Following an ad break, Evolution made their way to the ring as Ric Flair took the microphone first and boasted about he and Batista making a statement earlier tonight on the Extreme Animals, then praised Triple H and put him over as the greatest wrestler in the world, the brightest superstar in the galaxy, and a legend in the making. The Game accepted the mic and growled about the Rock returning to RAW to interfere in Evolution's business, warning the Great One that he should stay in Hollywood, but stated that if Rock wanted to get involved, Evolution was proposing a tag team bout next week pitting HHH & Randy Orton against the Rock & Shelton Benjamin. HHH ranted about needing to score that elusive pinfall over Benjamin before he could move on and regain his World Heavyweight Title, until Shelton strutted out onto the stage with a mic and interrupted him. Shelton claimed that he hated talking about his losses but admitted that Orton pinned him last week, rubbing it in against HHH, who turned and snarled at the WWE Intercontinental Champion. The Legend Killer stood up to HHH and barked back as Benjamin also pointed out that Orton was the only Evolution member with gold, trying to stir up trouble amongst the group. While Evolution quarreled, Shelton accepted the tag team challenge for next week and announced that he would get in touch with the Rock to confirm it, promising to see HHH & Orton in seven days. (79%)

Backstage, Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho were preparing for their crack at the World Tag Team Championship tonight as Y2J congratulated the Canadian Crippler for trapping Shawn Michaels in the Crippler Crossface earlier and making him "squeal like a little girly-man". However, Jericho advised Benoit to focus his anger on Christian & Kane and force one or the other to tap out just like the World Heavyweight Champion did so that they could strip the Christian Coalition of the belts right here in his hometown of Winnipeg in front of their fellow Canadians. The Rabid Wolverine responded that it wouldn't be a problem and dragged his thumb across his throat. (81%)

World Tag Team Title Match: The Christian Coalition (Christian & Kane) [champions] vs. Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho

Trish Stratus escorted the Christian Coalition as Kane followed Christian down the ramp while Christian's music played and Kane's pyro went off. The crowd erupted when Chris Benoit marched out, but somehow got even louder when hometown boy Chris Jericho walked out after the Canadian Crippler and they headed to the ring together as Ross recalled that the two Canadian superstars had once held the World Tag Team Championship together. The fans were hot for this solid main event that kicked off with the Rabid Wolverine & Y2J unloading on the World Tag Team Champions, exacting revenge from the beatdown last week, until Trish tripped up Jericho and allowed Christian to tag Kane, who methodically punished Jericho for several minutes, occasionally tagging Christian in for a cheapshot or two. Y2J continuously kicked out and eventually mounted a comeback after catching the Big Red Machine with the flying forearm, flooring both superstars and forcing them to crawl to their respective corners. Benoit tagged in and charged over to the heel corner, knocking Kane through the ropes after he made the tag. The Wolverine blocked an attack from Christian and unleashed a series of wicked chops to the chest, followed by the Rolling Germans and the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle for a very close near-fall. Christian tried to battle back, but Benoit was on fire and stifled all comeback attempts with chops and suplexes, scoring a couple of near-falls before tagging the recuperated Jericho back in. Y2J landed the Lionsault for a near-fall and locked Christian in the Walls Of Jericho, but Kane lumbered in and broke the hold with a big boot to the head. This distracted referee Mike Chioda, who tried to usher Kane out to the apron while Trish slid one of the tag title belts into the ring. Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels wandered down to ringside, looking sore, and confronted Benoit, distracting the Crippler while Christian drilled Jericho with the Unprettier on the gold and discarded the belt. Christian hooked the leg as the official registered the three-count at 16:21 to retain the World Tag Team Championship for the Christian Coalition. After the bell, Benoit turned his back on Michaels to go help Jericho, but the World Heavyweight Champion followed him in and appeared to feel disrespected, spinning Benoit around to clock him with the Sweet Chin Music in the middle of the squared circle. The Heartbreak Kid stood over the Wolverine, claiming "an eye for an eye" for revenge from earlier, and pondered how many Superkicks he could dish out in a 60-minute Iron Man Match at SummerSlam as the crowd booed loudly and J.R. and the King signed off. (75%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.98

Attendance: 10,008

Ticket Sales: $400,320

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WWE SMACKDOWN! -- THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2004

Joey Styles and Tazz opened the UPN broadcast in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, by briefly talking about last Sunday's Great American Bash before going through some of the events scheduled for this evening: the return of "The Funeral Parlor" hosted by Paul Bearer with a special showdown between WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero and the Undertaker, an open challenge from WWE U.S. Champion Brock Lesnar, La Raza meeting all three Dudley Boyz in six-man action, another six-man encounter pitting the Kyo Dai trio against Billy Gunn, Hardcore Holly, & Ultimo Dragon, and more.

Booker T kicked off SmackDown by marching down to the ring and taking the microphone to rant about losing to WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero last Sunday at the Great American Bash, admitting that Latino Heat got the better of him for one night but adding that "even a brokedown crackho can turn a trick". The Book stated that he had the WWE Champion's number and could pin him once again if given another chance, but he was interrupted by the music of the Big Show, who lumbered down to the squared circle and grabbed another mic. The 7-foot 500-pounder did not look happy as he bellowed that he was sick of listening to Booker cry, especially since his WWE Title shot last week was ruined when Booker's interference backfired and resulted in Guerrero pinning the Show. Booker responded that it wasn't his fault, so Show mentioned that when he later watched the tape of that match, he noticed that the Book on commentary claimed that he could "gank" Show's "500-pound booty". The former five-time WCW Champion backed off a bit as the Show asked Booker if he wanted to repeat that statement standing face-to-face with the giant himself, but Booker explained that it was "just talk" and that he didn't mean anything by it. Show just shook his head and replied that was what he thought before turning to leave the ring, at which point Booker attacked him from behind. The Show no-sold the attack and gripped Booker by the neck as the fans cheered for the mammoth former two-time WWE Champion, but before he lifted T for the Show Stopper, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long came out with a mic and ordered the two superstars to stop fighting. Show refused to release Booker and squeezed his throat until the SmackDown GM booked a one-on-one match-up between Booker and Show as the main event of the evening. The crowd popped as the Show released the Book and knocked him through the ropes out to the floor with a thunderous headbutt. Booker held his head and retreated up the ramp, while the Show celebrated his face turn by soaking in the cheers as Styles and Tazz hyped Show vs. Booker for tonight's main event. (84%)

The three Dudley Boyz were getting ready for their six-man match-up in the locker room as Spike was feeling down after being bloodied and laid out by La Raza at the Great American Bash, but D-Von pointed out that the most important thing was that he had retained the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Bubba Ray explained that he and D-Von were being attended to by trainers after being attacked by the Thrill Kill that night, but vowed that they would be there for Spike and promised that nothing like that would happen to him again. Spike thanked his half-brothers and the three Dudleyz embraced as they declared that family was everything. (76%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: La Raza (Chavo Guerrero & Juventud "The Juice" Guerrera & Essa Rios) vs. Spike Dudley & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley)

Chavo Classic seconded La Raza as the commentators put over Spike Dudley's courageous performance in the WWE Cruiserweight Title bout at the Great American Bash, as well as Chavo Guerrero's determination to regain the gold. An entertaining six-man affair that saw both squads function like well-oiled machines and trade the advantage back-and-forth until Essa Rios busted open Spike's stitched lip with a backspring heel kick off the ropes, allowing La Raza to tag in-and-out frequently as they controlled the Cruiserweight Champion and scored several near-falls. Spike bled heavily from the lip as Styles explained that the smallest Dudley had refused to take the night off, and he showed his heart by continuing to kick out before escaping from La Raza and making the hot tag to D-Von, who charged in and cleaned house. D-Von tagged Bubba Ray and they planted Guerrero with the 3D, but Bubba chose not to go for the pin and tagged Spike, who was still groggy but managed to climb up on Bubba's shoulders and leap off with the double-stomp to Guerrero's gut. The Dudleyz fended off Essa & Juventud Guerrera while Spike covered Chavo for the 1-2-3 at 10:37. Afterwards, the Dudleyz carried the Cruiserweight Champion on their shoulders to celebrate while La Raza fled the scene. (77%)

La Raza were shown returning to the backstage area as Chavo Guerrero clutched his midsection and protested their loss, telling Chavo Classic that he was ready to move beyond the WWE Cruiserweight Championship anyway. Along the way, they bumped into Rey Mysterio, who was smiling under his mask. Chavo Jr. was irritated and asked Rey Rey what was so funny, so Rey informed Chavo that he was laughing because he had heard Chavo's comments about Spike Dudley over the last few weeks and thought it was funny that Spike just pinned him for a third time. Chavo suggested that Rey should be joining forces with La Raza rather than making fun, but Mysterio stated that it was a good thing for Guerrero that WWE didn't have a "three strikes" policy or else Chavito would never get another Cruiserweight Title shot. Mysterio chuckled, but Guerrero shoved him and threatened to give him something to laugh about before Juventud Guerrera & Essa Rios grabbed Chavo and held him back. Classic warned Rey that he was lucky La Raza decided to hold his son back tonight, but told Rey that if he was looking for trouble, he found it. (75%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Ultimo Dragon & "Mr. Ass" Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. Funaki & Kyo Dai (Akio & Sakoda)

Gail Kim led Funaki down the ramp by the hand, followed by Sakoda & Akio, as Styles mentioned Funaki's impressive victory over Ultimo Dragon at the Great American Bash, but wondered what would happen with the sides evened from the outset. Tazz described the Dragon/Billy Gunn/Hardcore Holly threesome as an unusual combination, but they worked surprisingly well together, such as when Hardcore & Mr. Ass pressed the Dragon high overhead and dropped him on Funaki for a near-fall. This was a solid match-up that went back-and-forth, as Ultimo looked strong and scored a number of near-falls on all three Kyo Dai members, but in the end, Akio pinned Holly at 9:15 following the Sayonara from he and Sakoda while Kim distracted Dragon at ringside. Afterwards, Funaki drilled Gunn with the Rising Sun and Kyo Dai kicked and stomped Holly & Gunn until the Dragon ran in and cleared the treacherous trio from the squared circle, shaking his fist at Gail. (71%)

After a promo for SummerSlam '04 on Sunday, August 15, Paul Heyman led WWE United States Champion Brock Lesnar, with a small bandage on his forehead, to the ring and took the microphone to brag about his Agency's record at the Great American Bash, stating that although Charlie Haas lost to John Cena, the WWE Tag Team and U.S. Titles were still in his camp. Brock accepted the mic and explained that the one thing from Independence Day that was burned in his memory was John Cena punching him with the chain and busting him open, pointing to the bandage on his forehead. The U.S. Champion snarled as he cut a promo swearing revenge against the Doctor Of Thuganomics for making him bleed, and roared about how the sight of his own blood just increased his bloodlust. Lesnar ripped off the bandage and smacked his forehead until a little blood began to trickle down his face before issuing an open non-title challenge to anybody in the locker room, claiming that "this predator needs fresh prey". After a few moments, young Chris Sabin walked out to a half-hearted pop and accepted the challenge as Tazz suggested that the Velocity regular had just signed his own death warrant. (85%)

Non-Title Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Chris Sabin

Paul Heyman took the WWE United States Title belt and stepped out to ringside as Styles hyped this as Chris Sabin's Thursday night debut and suggested that it was the "most suicidal" debut in the history of professional wrestling. The commentators also mentioned that Sabin had lost some extremely competitive match-ups on Velocity and had plenty of potential, as the youngster tried to employ a hit-and-run strategy early on, but Brock Lesnar caught him and brutally punished him as blood trickled from his forehead throughout the non-title contest. Although Sabin bravely attempted a comeback, Brock laid him out with the F5 for the 1-2-3 at 4:21. Afterwards, Lesnar slammed Sabin with another F5 and roared about annihilating John Cena. (80%)

Following a commercial break, the stage was set up for "The Funeral Parlor" as Paul Bearer was seated in the antique wheelchair with his legs in casts, guarded by two tall Druids, and welcomed viewers back to his Parlor for the first time in 12 years before introducing his first guest, WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, who walked out cautiously with his forehead bandaged, still showing the effects of the No Disqualification bout at the Great American Bash. Bearer assured Guerrero that as long as he showed respect for the deceased, he had nothing to fear in the Parlor and handed him a mic, which Latino Heat used to describe what a grueling war he had battled through and emerged victorious on Independence Day, crediting Booker T for providing such a stiff challenge. The crowd cheered Eddie as Paul mentioned that at the Bash, the Undertaker defeated Kurt Angle to earn a WWE Title shot next month at SummerSlam '04, and asked the WWE Champion if he was ready to meet his new Number One Contender. Eddie tried to play it cool and nodded nonchalantly as Bearer introduced his Undertaker, who received a big pop when he stalked out and stood alongside his manager, glaring at the WWE Champion. The Dead Man recounted how he had finally conquered Angle and would proceed on a "Death March" to August 15's SummerSlam, where he planned on capturing the WWE Championship for the fifth time and embarking upon a reign of doom and destruction. 'Taker claimed that Eddie's time was up and the Grim Reaper had come for the WWE Title, but Eddie responded that when he was in a car accident a few years ago, he had stared death in the face, so he wasn't afraid of the Phenom. Guerrero mentioned the title of his UPN special, "Cheating Death, Stealing Life", and applied it to the upcoming SummerSlam showdown, but before the Undertaker could reply, the Full Blooded Italians made their way out onto the Parlor. (89%)

On "The Funeral Parlor", Nunzio was flanked by Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo and looked pretty cocky as he interrupted the face-to-face interview and questioned why they were talking like the Undertaker/Eddie Guerrero main event for SummerSlam was written in stone. The Sicilian Piranha brought up his count-out victory over the Dead Man last week and claimed that the win should earn him a shot at the WWE Title, but Paul Bearer argued that it was a tainted victory. Nunzio replied that a win was a win and demanded his title shot before SummerSlam, so Eddie granted him a crack at the gold next week and sarcastically noted that he would do something 'Taker couldn't do: pin Nunzio in the middle of the ring. The Phenom's eyes rolled back in his head and he grimaced as he stepped toward Latino Heat, but the Full Blooded Italians pounced on 'Taker and triple-teamed him as the WWE Champion hesitated and looked unsure of what to do. Johnny The Bull produced a tire-iron from inside his jacket and used it to whack the Reaper's ankle, taking him off his feet as Chucky P & Nunzio kicked and stomped 'Taker before Guerrero made the save and drove off the FBI, who retreated. The WWE Champion threatened Nunzio while Bearer moaned at 'Taker until he slowly staggered to his feet as Tazz mentioned the absence of the urn after it broke open at the Great American Bash. (77%)

A video aired that featured highlights of the Number One Contender contest at the Great American Bash between the Undertaker and Kurt Angle, as well as clips from their previous match in May at Judgment Day, to illustrate the severe damage done to the Olympic Champion's neck in both brutal bouts. After showing closeups and slow-motion of the three Tombstones that ended the Independence Day match-up, exclusive footage was shown from after the match of Angle trying to walk up the ramp under his own power, supported by several WWE officials, and collapsing along the way. A medical team arrived on the scene and loaded Angle onto a stretcher, carrying him out to a waiting ambulance, as the voiceover of Michael Cole announced that the Gold Medalist hadn't suffered any new injuries, but had been advised by doctors to take off at least 4-6 weeks to rehab his ailing neck. The video ended with Angle in a neckbrace, sitting on the examination table in a doctor's office, as he promised that he would be back. (93%)

Booker T vs. The Big Show

The fans booed Booker T when he strode down the ramp looking like he had a chip on his shoulder, while the Big Show got a great face pop when he marched out to the ring and shrugged off an attempted ambush from the former five-time WCW Champion as he was stepping in over the top rope. The 7-foot 500-pounder showed good fire as he unloaded on the Book, who bumped like crazy for the Show's overwhelming size and strength before bailing out and luring him into a footrace on the floor. Booker hid around a corner and when Show came around, Book stunned him with the Houston Sidekick and rammed him head-first against the ringpost. The Book shoved the Show back in under the bottom rope and controlled him with punches, chops, and kicks, but the giant battled back and mowed Booker down with clotheslines, headbutts, and a big chest chop in the corner. The Big Show was dominant and seemed to be on a roll, but when he charged at Booker with an avalanche in the turnbuckles, Booker moved and pulled referee Jim Cordaris in the way so that Show inadvertently crushed Cordaris. The official crumpled to the canvas as Show gripped Booker by the throat for the Show Stopper, but T scored with a swift kick to the groin and exited to ringside to retrieve a metal folding chair. Show staggered around the squared circle as Booker returned and whalloped him repeatedly across the back with the chair, but the Show refused to fall, despite being very wobbly, until the Book went out and grabbed the ringbell. Booker ran off the ropes and leapt up, bashing Show across the back of his head with the bell and knocking the big man to the mat, before discarding the chair and the bell. The Book revived the ref and covered the Show, hooking the leg, as the groggy official administered a slow three-count at 12:47. Afterwards, the fans booed and Booker celebrated with the Spinaroonie as Styles and Tazz ended the broadcast. (84%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 6.04

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $400,360

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WWE VELOCITY -- SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2004

* Hosts: Michael Cole and Josh Matthews.

* Velocity kicked off with John Layfield making his way to the ring and taking the microphone to talk about how his Mexican Strap Match loss to Rey Mysterio last Sunday at the Great American Bash had ruined his favorite holiday, Independence Day. Bradshaw claimed that it was unfair because the referee was Mexican and didn't know how to count in English, which confused JBL, who added that he never did trust masked wrestlers. JBL stated that it was his new goal in life to eliminate every masked competitor he could get his hands on and issued an open challenge to any hooded grappler in the locker room. The commentators speculated until Scorpio Sky, a young masked American worker, emerged from the curtain and accepted the challenge. (74%)

* John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Scorpio Sky: Total squash as JBL displayed good intensity in dismantling Scorpio Sky before finishing him off with the Clothesline From Hell at 3:07. (65%)

* A vignette aired featuring Devon Storm, reprising his Crowbar character from WCW as a mixture of Mankind, Cactus Jack, Sabu, and Raven. Looking more "goth" than he did during his WCW run, Crowbar complained that he had never been accepted by society and had been labeled a "freak" throughout his life, even mentioning that WWE released him after purchasing WCW because he was too "out there" for the McMahons. Crowbar explained that he had a lot of anger and resentment bottled up inside and planned on unleashing his inner demons on the entire SmackDown roster when he finally made it to WWE, even if that meant he had to sacrifice his own body. (69%)

* Backstage at the arena, Jeff Johnson interviewed WWE Tag Team Champions the Thrill Kill and Paul Heyman, who put Mark Jindrak & Sean O'Haire over as the "total package" in tag team competition, combining strength, agility, intelligence, and aggression. When Johnson asked if the Thrill Kill planned on giving the Shooting Star Express another title shot after their iincredible performance in the Four-Way Dance at the Great American Bash, Heyman responded that he wasn't impressed, pointing out that the Express didn't even eliminate anyone from the match, and suggested that Billy Kidman & Paul London would have to do a lot more to earn their attention. (92%)

* Non-Title Match: The Thrill Kill (Sean O'Haire & Mark Jindrak) vs. John Walters & Jack Evans: Paul Heyman accompanied his WWE Tag Team Champions for this semi-competitive non-title squash that ended when O'Haire covered Evans at 4:32 following a vicious tandem maneuver identified as the "Killer Instinct" by Matthews, a double-team version of Sean's Prophecy finisher during his brief singles run last year. (69%)

* On "The Styles Clash", Joey Styles conducted a sit-down studio interview with the Big Show, who admitted that he had a "giant headache" from Booker T clobbering him with the ringbell on SmackDown. When Styles inquired what made the Show decide to confront the Book on Thursday night, Show replied that he was sick of being used and manipulated by "selfish cowards" like Booker and Kurt Angle who couldn't fight their own battles, angry that they had only their best interests in mind. The 7-foot 500-pounder said that he was used to it and explained that due to his massive size, people had always tried to use him ever since he was a kid on the playground towering over everybody else, but stated that he was finally putting his foot down. Show recounted that he was a former two-time WWE Champion and the youngest WCW Champion in history, and bellowed that he didn't need anybody's "so-called help" to climb back to the top, warning Booker that he had awoken a slumbering giant and would have to deal with the consequences. (87%)

* Jeff Johnson was backstage to interview the Basham Brothers and Dawn Marie, who bragged how Danny & Doug had eliminated the Dudley Boyz from the Four-Way Dance at the Great American Bash and suggested that it should earn her Bashams a two-on-two crack at the WWE Tag Team Championship. Doug added that eliminating Bubba Ray & D-Von proved who the best brother combination in WWE was, while Danny stated that they would continue their momentum with a victory over Scotty 2 Hotty & Rikishi...NEXT! (74%)

* Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham): Dawn Marie escorted her Basham Brothers for this well-worked tag team contest that went back-and-forth until the Bashams managed to snare Rikishi in the Ball & Gag, giving Doug the pinfall at 7:10. (77%)

* A video aired to hype the main event for this Thursday's SmackDown, featuring Eddie Guerrero defending the WWE Championship against Nunzio. (84%)

* In the arena, a split-screen was shown to hype tonight's Velocity main event: one side depicted Rene Dupree oiling up his muscles in front of a mirror, while the other showed Rey Mysterio tightening his mask and heading out. (70%)

* Rene Dupree vs. Rey Mysterio: The commentators discussed Rey Mysterio's interaction with Chavo Guerrero on SmackDown during this solid Velocity main event that did a good job of popping the crowd for Rey Rey's signature spots. Rene Dupree used his power to his advantage and tried to wear down Rey with a front-facelock, but Mysterio escaped and hit the French Phenom with the 619 before springboarding in with the West Coast Pop for the 1-2-3 at 7:21. (78%)

Overall: 74%

Rating: 5.27

Attendance: 10,019

Ticket Sales: $400,760

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WWE SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT -- SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2004

* Hosts: Jonathan Coachman and Jim Cornette.

* Matt Hardy vs. Chad Collyer: Lita strutted out arm-in-arm with Matt Hardy, followed by Shannon Moore, for this semi-competitive squash that ended when Matt dropped Chad Collyer with the Twist Of Fate at 4:19. (79%)

* Afterwards, Shannon Moore retrieved the microphone for Matt Hardy, who promised that he would leave a trail of beaten opponents en route to regaining the World Television Championship and brought up Steven Richards' involvement in his rivalry with Jeff Hardy. The Mattitude Sensai claimed that he didn't need any "outsiders" interfering in the family feud and challenged the Stevie Night Heat General Manager to a one-on-one encounter tomorrow night on RAW. (79%)

* Jane Childs was backstage to interview the Universal Crusaders, who explained how proud they were of "eradicating" Rosey a couple of weeks ago and vowed to protect humanity from scourges like him. (72%)

* The Universal Crusaders (Hurricane & Supernova) vs. Petey Williams & Jerrelle Clark: Entertaining squash to display the innovative teamwork of the Universal Crusaders, who finished off their opponents when Supernova covered Clark at 3:38 following the Comet Crunch, formerly known as the Kryptonite Krunch. (69%)

* A video aired to hype the massive tag team main event for RAW tomorrow night, pitting Evolution's Triple H & WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton against Shelton Benjamin & The Rock, marking the Great One's first match since WrestleMania XX four months ago. (89%)

* Backstage, there was a confrontation between Tough Enough and La Resistance as they headed out for their match-up against each other. (67%)

* La Resistance (Robert Conway & Sylvain Grenier) vs. Tough Enough (Al Snow & Maven): A very well-worked contest, displaying great teamwork on both sides, but in the end, Al Snow pinned Sylvain Grenier at 7:07 following the Snow Plow while Maven held Robert Conway at bay. (78%)

* On "The Ross Report", Jim Ross conducted a sit-down studio interview with Eric Bischoff as a follow-up to his interview last week with Shawn Michaels. The RAW General Manager admitted that he secretly sanctioned Johnny Nitro as an official referee months ago during his stint as Eric's apprentice "just in case", but insisted that he had nothing to do with Nitro running in to replace Earl Hebner at Bad Blood and awarding the World Heavyweight Championship to the Heartbreak Kid, adding that Nitro was still officiating matches because they were short a referee since Hebner retired. Bischoff also mentioned that he did not book the 60-minute Iron Man Match for SummerSlam and claimed that he was just as surprised as everyone else when it was announced during SmackDown's Great American Bash last Sunday. The former WCW President said that he understood why fans didn't believe him, but announced that he had contacted an independent firm and would take a lie detector test tomorrow night during RAW to prove that he was telling the truth. (84%)

* Garrison Cade was shown in the locker room giving Mark Henry a peptalk in preparation for his Heat main event against Edge tonight, reminding the World's Strongest Man that he was representing Stevie Night Heat. (73%)

* Elsewhere, Edge strode down a hallway on his way out for the Heat main event against Mark Henry...NEXT! (90%)

* Mark Henry vs. Edge: Garrison Cade seconded Mark Henry for this solid Heat main event that saw Edge employ a stick-and-move strategy until the World's Strongest Man blocked the Edgecution and punished him with power maneuvers. Edge eventually broke out of a bearhug and mounted a comeback that culminated in an awesome Spear to the thick midsection of the 360-pound Henry, earning the three-count at 6:58. Afterwards, Edge avoided a post-match ambush from Cade and planted him with the Edgecution. (74%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.62

Attendance: 10,020

Ticket Sales: $400,800

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You'll never believe me, but I had no idea that the 7/5/04 RAW was in Winnipeg when I booked the return of Don Callis and a main event for Chris Jericho. That was kind of cool. Anyway, I hope somebody out there is still reading. Here are the two main events for SummerSlam on Sunday, August 15...

World Heavyweight Title/Iron Man Match: Shawn Michaels [champion] vs. Chris Benoit

WWE Championship Match: Eddie Guerrero [champion] vs. The Undertaker