World Wrestling Entertainment

[THIR13EN²]

DATE: Monday, May 17th, 2004

VENUE: Sports Arena, San Diego, California

HOSTED BY: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross

RAW opens with a video package, recapping the happening of last Monday’s show. We see Shawn Michaels interfere in the match between Shelton Benjamin & Triple H, giving Trips the Sweet Chin Music, allowing Benjamin to pick up his third win over “The Game”. This brought out Eric Bischoff who decided to suspend “The Heartbreak Kid” indefinitely. We now head into the Sports Arena, where we are LIVE for this week’s RAW. The pyro display hits as Jerry “The King” Lawler & Jim Ross welcome us. They hype tonight’s big 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal to determine who’ll go onto face Chris Benoit at Bad Blood for the World Heavyweight championship. If that’s not all, starting the show off will be a huge tag-team rematch for the World Tag-Team titles, as Batista & Ric Flair face Chris Benoit & Edge, this leads us into our first match of the night.

World Tag-Team Titles Match

Batista & Ric Flair vs. Chris Benoit & Edge ©

Batista & Ric Flair make their way down to the ring first to a mixed reaction from the crowd. A lot of the fans cheer for Flair. Once they enter the ring, out comes Edge who gets a monstrous pop from the crowd. He slaps a few fans hands on the way down, then slides into the ring. Chris Benoit’s music hits, and the crowd goes crazy again. Benoit makes his way out from the back with both title belts over his shoulders. He enters the ring with Edge, as this, the first match of the night, gets underway. Edge & Flair start off with a lock-up in the ring as the bell sounds to start the match. Some chops to the chest are exchanged by both men with Flair getting the upper hand. Flair goes to irish whip Edge off into the ropes, but he reverses. Flair hit’s the corner hard, and stumbles out right into a back toss from Edge. The crowd cheer for Edge. Flair pulls himself up on the ropes, and tags out to Batista. Batista & Edge lock-up, with Batista getting the upper hand as he uses his brut strength. Batista backs Edge up into the corner of the ring, and starts handing out some hard right hands. The two exchange blows. Benoit is able to make a blind tag to Edge. Benoit, who is fresh in, hands out some vicious chops to the chest to Batista. Benoit irish whips Batista off into the ropes, but ends up getting leveled with a big stiff clothesline. Batista stomps away on Benoit, then tags back out to Flair. Flair comes in going to work on Benoit’s legs, trying to work up for the figure four leglock. Benoit slowly starts to fight back, tagging out to Edge.  Edge comes in chopping away on Flair. Flair starts to get the upper hand with a few chops to the chest, he then heads to the top turnbuckle, but gets caught. Edge tosses Flair off the top rope, and he lands hard on the mat below. Flair tags out to Batista.

Batista comes back in using his strength against Edge. Batista irish whips Edge off into the ropes, and catches him with a standing spinebuster. Batista tries for a couple pin falls after this, then tags back out to Flair. Flair goes to work on Edge’s back and neck. Edge fights him off, and nails Flair with a Spear! He hooks the leg, going for the pin, but it’s broken up by Batista. Edge tags out to Benoit. Benoit comes in fired up, going to work on both Batista & Flair. Benoit nails Flair with a snap suplex, then heads up to the top turnbuckle where he hit’s a huge swan dive head butt. He goes for the pin, but it’s once again broken up by Batista. Flair is able to tag out to Batista. Batista comes in working on Benoit, but Benoit is able to once again get the upper hand. Benoit sweeps Batista’s legs out from under him, and goes for the sharpshooter. The crowd goes crazy. Flair goes to break it up, but Edge comes running up nailing him with a clothesline, which also sends him flying over the top rope to ringside. While Edge & Flair are at ringside, Randy Orton comes out of nowhere nailing Edge with the RKO! In the ring Benoit locks Batista up in the Crippler Crossface! He taps out, giving Benoit & Edge the win, and allowing them to retain the titles. Benoit goes rolling out of the ring chasing Orton up the ramp. He then checks on Edge. Batista & Flair slowly make their way back up the entrance ramp joining Orton’s side. The referee hands Benoit & Edge their belts, Benoit helps Edge to his feet as he continues to stare down Orton.

Winner(s): Chris Benoit & Edge

[81%] [85%] [72%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: Eric Bischoff is on the phone in his office when Johnny Nitro comes walking in. Bischoff finishes up his telephone conversation, and asks what Nitro needs? Nitro asks Bischoff if he could be apart of tonight’s battle royal? Bischoff says that Nitro has done a great job as his personal assistant, and he sees why not. Nitro thanks Bischoff, and he says he won’t let him down. He leaves the office to get ready for the main event.

Backstage: Todd Grisham is standing by with Chris Jericho. He tells Jericho that he beat the odds last week in the steel cage match with Christian, but can he do it again tonight when he enters the ring with 20 other RAW superstars? Jericho tells Grisham that he’s beaten the odds in his entire career, and tonight will be no different. He says that it’s time for Y2J to step back up to the plate, and go for gold. Trish Stratus comes walking up and gets in Jericho’s face. She tells him that he was never able to satisfy her as well as Christian is, and that last week was an accident, remember that Christian is the man who beat him at WrestleMania XX. Jericho tells Trish to beat it. Trish leaves, but the two stare each other down, before she goes, she tells Jericho to watch his back.

----COMMERCIAL----

Coming back from the commercial break, Triple H makes his way down to the ring to nothing but heel heat from the crowd. Trips makes his way into the ring, and is handed a microphone. Before he can say anything, he is cut off by more boos from the crowd. Trips finally starts his promo off by talking about the events that happened two weeks ago when he cost Shawn Michaels his match against Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight championship. He did that for one reason, and that was for revenge. Trips thinks that he should have never lost the World Title at WrestleMania XX & Backlash, and as of a result of this, it’s Michaels’ fault. He talks about their history together, and the two of them have competed many times in the past. Trips then talks about what happened last week on RAW when Michaels came out during his match with Shelton Benjamin, getting his revenge, and nailing him with the Sweet Chin Music, costing him his third loss to Benjamin. As a result of this, Michaels was suspended indefinitely by RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff. Trips says that tonight isn’t about Michaels and him, it’s about “The Game” getting his shot at the World Title at Bad Blood. Once he wins the battle royal tonight, he’s going to go to Bad Blood and beat Chris Benoit for what is rightfully his, finally giving the power back to Evolution! Trips’ music hits as he makes his way backstage, the crowd continue to boo him as we head into another commercial break.

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: William Regal congratulates Eugene on his win over Rob Conway last week on RAW. Eugene is so happy he wants another match. Regal tells Eugene to calm down, so he doesn’t get ahead of himself. Eric Bischoff comes walking up congratulating Eugene on his win. Bischoff & Regal talk about how Eugene wasn’t supposed to win last week, but he did, so tonight he’s going to make sure that Eugene gets embarrassed, and shown for what he really is. He’s arranged a special in-ring interview for later tonight, only Regal will be forced to stay backstage. Regal gets a worried look on his face, as he watches Eugene.

Singles Match

Lita vs. Trish Stratus

Lita makes her way out to the ring first to a big pop from the crowd. Out next is Trish Stratus, who gets booed. Once in the ring, the bell sounds and the two lock-up. The two exchange right and left hands. Trish irish whips Lita off into the ropes. Lita nails Trish with a head scissor takedown. A couple pin fall attempts, but Trish finds a way to kick out. Lita goes up top, but gets cut off by Trish. Trish climbs to the second turnbuckle, and nails a huge superplex on Lita. Trish tries for a pin fall attempt, but Lita is able to kick out. The two go back and forth for a few more minutes, before Lita catches Trish with a huge snap DDT. Lita goes back to the top turnbuckle, jumps, but Trish rolls out of the way of the moonsault! Lita stumbles to her feet, and Trish kicks her in the stomach. Trish comes running off the ropes, but takes a clothesline from Lita. Lita gets ready to climb the turnbuckles again, that’s when fire explodes from the entrance ramp, and Kane’s music hits! Lita is shocked, and gets scared. She backs into the middle of the ring. No one comes out from the back, it turns out to be a distraction, Trish comes from behind with a roll-up on Lita, which allows her to score the 1...2...3! Trish quickly rolls out of the ring and heads backstage. Lita gets back up to her feet, still looking over her shoulder for Kane, she doesn’t even care about the match anymore.

Winner: Trish Stratus

[78%] [84%] [60%]

Backstage: Randy Orton is in the back, proudly holding his Intercontinental Title over his shoulder. He talks about how he is the “Living Legend”, who beat the legendary Mick Foley twice, he also punk’ed out Harley Race. He’s gone through such legends as Sgt. Slaughter, and the list goes on. Not only is he the “Living Legend”, but he’s also the longest in three years, raining as IC champion. Tonight he’s been entered into the 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal, where he’ll insure that there is at least one member of Evolution in the main event at Bad Blood.

----COMMERCIAL----

Eugene makes his way down to the ring for this special interview set up by his uncle Eric Bischoff. The crowd go crazy for Eugene as he goes around the ring slapping people’s hands. Eugene finally enters the ring, and starts running the ropes. This is when Jonathan Coachman’s music hits. The crowd go from cheering for Eugene, to booing The Coach. Eugene stops dead in the ring as he watches The Coach make his way down. The Coach enters the ring with a big smile on his face as he’s handed a microphone. He starts off by congratulating Eugene on winning his in-ring debut last Monday night on RAW against Rob Conway. Eugene starts to get excited as the crowd begins to chant his name. The Coach tells them all to shut up, because they are just as dumb as Eugene is. This doesn’t set over well with the crowd. The Coach says that he isn’t out to make friends with Eugene, or to show him a good time. He talks about how Eugene probably doesn’t even have any friends, he definitely knows that William Regal isn’t his friend. Eugene starts to cry as The Coach lays into him more and more about how he doesn’t belong in the ring. The Coach tells Eugene that he should leave the wrestling business forever, and never come back, because he’s a joke. That’s when The Rock’s music hits! The roof of the Sports Arena is almost blown off as Rock comes walking out from the back. The crowd is on their feet cheering. Eugene flips out, while The Coach has a shocked look on his face. Rock makes his way down to the ring, and enters the ring, taking the microphone right out of The Coach’s hands. He does his usual catchphrases, and says that it’s great to be back. Rock then backs Eugene up by saying that he’s got everyone chanting his name, including the “People’s Champion”. The crowd chant Eugene’s name, which gets him jumping up and down in the ring. The Coach just about freaks out. Rock tells The Coach that he can’t be making fun of Eugene, saying he’s a joke, the only person who is a joke, is The Coach, who is a Rock look-a-like. That’s when Garrison Cade jumps Rock from behind! Eugene tries to help, but ends up getting pushed down by The Coach. Rock gets the upper hand on Cade, nailing him with some hard right hands. Cade gets knocked down, then pulls himself back up on the ropes, stumbling right back into the Rock Bottom! Eugene gets back up to his feet, and pushes The Coach right back into a huge spine buster from Rock. Rock sets up for the People’s Elbow, but lets Eugene do it instead. Eugene nails the People’s Elbow to the delight of the crowd. The Coach rolls out of the ring, and is helped to the back by Cade. Rock raises Eugene’s arm in victory, and the two celebrate.

[97%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Singles Match

Kane vs. Val Venis

Val Venis is already in the ring, as he awaits his opponent. Fire explodes from the entrance way for the second time tonight, with Kane coming out from the back. He enters the ring and gets jumped by Val. The bell sounds, and this match is underway. The two exchange blows, with Kane leveling Val with a big upper cut. Kane continues the assault on Val. He sends him off into the ropes with an irish whip. Val comes rebounding off into a big boot. Kane pulls Val back up to his feet and sends him into the corner, then follows up with a clothesline. Val stumbles out of the corner right into a Chokeslam. Kane doesn’t go for the pin fall, but pulls Val back up to his feet, delivering a Tombstone! He covers Val, picking up the win in the short squash match. After the match, Kane stands in the middle of the ring, getting ready to light the four corner posts on fire, that is until he takes a steel chair shot to the back from Matt Hardy! The crowd go crazy as Matt starts beating down on Kane. Kane slowly starts to get the advantage. Matt comes running off the ropes to nail Kane with a steel chair shot, but Kane big boots the chair back into Matt’s face! Kane destroys Matt. Officials come running out from the back to break it up, but Kane keeps them out of the ring. Kane places Matt’s head in-between the chair, and gets ready to step on the end of it, which could very well snap Matt’s neck. Lita comes running out from the back. She slides into the ring and pulls Kane away from Matt. Lita tells Kane that her answer is yes. Kane backs her up into the corner with a big smile on his face. He runs his hand through her hair, smelling it, before finally exiting the ring and making his way backstage. Lita is scared, but goes to check on Matt. Kane watches from the entrance way as officials check on Matt’s condition.

Winner: Kane

[77%] [78%] [76%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: Rob Conway & Sylvan Grenier of La Résistance come walking into Eric Bischoff’s office. Bischoff asks what the two of them want? Conway demands that Bischoff add the two of them to the 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal tonight, and he says that one of them will make it to Bad Blood to become the next World Heavyweight champion! Bischoff grants the two the last two spots in the battle royal, and wishes them the best of luck.

Backstage: Edge is shown preparing for the 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal which is just a few minutes away. Chris Benoit is sitting in the corner. Todd Grisham comes walking in and asks Edge about the possibility of him winning the battle royal later tonight and going onto face his tag-team partner at Bad Blood? Benoit gets up and talks about how he’s totally supporting Edge tonight, and knows what it’s like to be sidelined with on injury, then coming back wanting to go for the gold. Edge thanks Benoit for the support, and shakes Benoit’s hand.

----COMMERCIAL----

Tag-Team Match

Gail Kim & Jazz w/ Molly Holly vs. Nidia & Victoria

This match starts out with a lot of back and forth action between both teams. The crowd give Gail Kim, Jazz, & Molly Holly some major heat. Nidia & Victoria get way over with the crowd. Gail & Nidia start things off in the ring. Nidia shows off some great wrestling skills, and that she can hang in the women’s division. Victoria gets tagged in and starts laying in on both Gail & Jazz. Molly tries to interfere, but gets knocked out by Victoria. Jazz comes from behind attacking Victoria, she even goes for the Jazz Stinger, but Victoria fights her way out of it. Gail is tagged in, and she goes to work on Victoria with various submission holds, she even locks on The Bytch, but Nidia breaks the hold. Victoria goes for the Widow’s Peak on Gail, but it’s broken up by Jazz. Gail & Victoria tag out to both Jazz & Nidia. The two exchange blows in the ring with Nidia getting the upper hand. Molly interferes yet again during the match. Nidia grabs her wig off the top of her head, only she turns around right into a DDT! Jazz hooks the leg, and gets the win for her team. Victoria wasn’t able to break the pin up in time. Jazz quickly rolls out of the ring, and heads up the ramp with Gail & Molly who gloat over their victory.

Winner(s): Gail Kim & Jazz

[63%] [64%] [62%]

Video: it’s time once again for the SmackDown! Rebound. Michael Cole & Tazz talk about last night’s SD! brand pay-per-view Judgment Day. They show clips from various parts of the show, one of those being Mordecai’s in-ring debut against Shannon Moore. John Cena was able to retain the United States Title from René Duprée. The Booker T/Undertaker match is recapped, and finally the main event No DQ match for the WWE Heavyweight Title, with Eddie Guerrero getting the win over John Bradshaw Layfield. This Thursday night Booker T faces John Cena one-on-one for the U.S. Title!

----COMMERCIAL----

20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal

A-Train, Chris Jericho, Christian, Edge, Garrison Cade, Grandmaster Sexay, Johnny Nitro, Kane, Maven, Randy Orton, Rhyno, Rob Conway, Rosey, Shelton Benjamin, Steven Richards, Sylvan Grenier, Tajiri, The Hurricane, Triple H, & Val Venis

During the break, everyone but Val Venis who was injured earlier in the night by Kane, made their collective ways to the ring for the #1 contender 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal to determine who would face Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight championship at Bad Blood. The last person to make his way down to the ring is Triple H who gets booed by the crowd. Everyone watches as he does his normal entrance, once in the ring everyone stares down each other waiting for the bell to sound to start the match. The bell finally sounds, and the first person to get eliminated is Steven Richards by getting tossed over the top rope by Kane! Everyone starts exchanging blows with one another, a couple of people are almost eliminated, but are able to keep from touching both feet on the ground. A-Train makes the second elimination of the night by bicycle kicking Rosey over the top rope! He gets attacked from behind by The Hurricane. Chris Jericho & Christian go back and forth exchanging blows. Rhyno joins up with Christian to try and eliminate Jericho. Randy Orton & Triple H double team Shelton Benjamin in the corner. Edge & Garrison Cade brawl back and forth, before Edge tries tossing Cade over the top rope, only he holds onto the ropes, rolling back into the ring. Edge gets attacked from behind by Trips, and is almost eliminated.

Maven eliminates Johnny Nitro with a clothesline that sends him to the outside of the ring! Edge catches A-Train with a Spear in the middle of the ring, he then continues brawling with Trips. Orton tosses Benjamin over the top rope, but he lands on the ring apron, and rolls back into the ring. La Résistance eliminate The Hurricane! Maven comes from behind dumping Sylvan Grenier over the top rope! Conway irish whips Maven off into the ropes, but he gets nailed with a big boot. Kane upper cuts Rob Conway which sends him flying over the top rope to ringside! Grandmaster Sexay comes from behind attacking Kane. Kane fights Grandmaster Sexay off, then Chokeslams him over the top rope, eliminating him! This is when Matt Hardy comes running out from the back! He slides into the ring, and starts handing out hard right hands to Kane. Kane starts to stagger, Matt goes running off the ropes, and clotheslines Kane and himself over the top rope! Kane & Matt continue to brawl out through the crowd, until they disappear backstage. Jericho catches Christian with a face crusher, he then nails the Lion Sault! A-Train attacks Jericho from behind and beats down on him in the corner. Rhyno goes running across the ring and catches Tajiri with the Gore! Cade clotheslines Maven over the top rope eliminating him! As Cade celebrates, he gets nailed from behind with a Spear from Edge! Trips attacks Edge from behind. Orton joins in on the attack. Benjamin climbs to the top turnbuckle, jumps, and nails both Orton & Trips with a double flying clothesline.

Rhyno goes to attack Benjamin from behind, but Benjamin tosses him over the top rope. Rhyno lands on the ring apron and rolls back into the ring. A-Train goes for a bicycle kick, but Benjamin ducks. A-Train turns right into a superkick. Christian attacks Benjamin from behind, then goes for the Unprettier, but Benjamin pushes him off. This sends Christian flying over the top rope landing hard at ringside. Benjamin celebrates, but gets nailed with the RKO from Orton! Orton gets back to his feet, but gets clotheslined over the top rope by Edge. Randy Orton holds onto Edge, and the two both are eliminated! A-Train goes for the Train Wreck on Tajiri, but gets the green mist. He drops Tajiri, Jericho jumps off the top rope and back heel kicks A-Train, knocking him out and eliminating him! Trips comes from behind, grabs Tajiri, and tosses him over the top rope like nothing! Jericho & Trips exchange blows. Trips goes for the Pedigree, but Jericho back tosses him over the top rope. Trips is able to hold onto the top rope, and he pulls himself back into the ring. Rhyno attacks Jericho from behind at this point. The two brawl back and forth. Once Trips is back in the ring, he gets attacked by Benjamin. Benjamin goes for a superkick, but Trips blocks, swings him around, and delivers the Pedigree! He pulls Shelton Benjamin up to his feet, then tosses him over the top rope! This is when Shawn Michaels comes running out from the crowd! Michaels slides into the ring, and nails Trips with the Sweet Chin Music! He doesn’t waist anytime getting out of dodge. Michaels jumps the guardrail, and goes running back through the crowd. Rhyno clotheslines Jericho over the top rope, but Jericho holds onto the ropes. Rhyno ends up falling out to ringside instead! Jericho skins the cat back into the ring. Trips pulls himself up on the ropes, and starts yelling at Michaels who is still trying to make his way through the crowd. Jericho comes from behind, dumping Triple H over the top rope eliminating him!

After the match, Trips gets back up to his feet and goes crazy. He starts yelling at Jericho, and tries to storm the ring, but is held back by officials. The rest of Evolution comes running out from the back to hold Trips back as well. The crowd cheer as Jericho celebrates. Chris Benoit comes walking out from the back to a huge pop from the crowd as well. He passes Evolution on the entrance ramp with a big smile on his face, then enters the ring and shakes hands with Jericho. Benoit raises Jericho’s hand in victory, and the two celebrate as RAW fades to black.

Winner: Chris Jericho

[86%] [71%] [82%]

Overall Rating: 77%

“RAW” scored a 5.62 rating.

Attendance level was 7537 people.

$301480 was made from ticket sales.

[Guest Jebus]

Good thing Jerichos facing Benoit. Thats what I wanted to happen at the real Bad Blood...

[Gabriel]

Aside from the jobber treatment for Johnny Nitro, I was pleased with the show, and Jericho/Benoit at Bad Blood sounds kickass.

[THIR13EN²]

Notes from 5.17.04 RAW

What a show RAW was this week. Just got back from the Sports Arena in San Diego, California. The arena was just about 100% full, all for a few seats in the balcony that were tapped off. The show came across very well for the LIVE crowd, as I’m sure it did for everyone who watched it at home.

Dark matches

John Heidenreich & Test def. The Urban Outlaws

Chuck Palumbo def. Tony Stradlin

Everyone was into the World Tag-Team titles match between Batista/Ric Flair & Chris Benoit/Edge. It was a great way to start off RAW. The fans were really behind Benoit & Edge, Flair even got some pops from the crowd as well.

It was a big surprise to see The Rock. He blew the roof off the arena when his music hit. The fans loved the segment between him, Eugene, & The Coach. Easley the biggest pop of the night.

The 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal got the fans going as well. A-Train made his on-air debut running through a lot of the talent on the roster. Kane & Matt Hardy continued to brawl after Matt eliminated Kane. They went through the crowd until they disappeared backstage. Shawn Michaels showed up to one of the biggest pops of the night as well. He distracted Triple H long enough for Chris Jericho to score the win.

It will be Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho at Bad Blood for the World Heavyweight title. It will surly be a great match, and it’s about time that Jericho got his shot at the championship again.

Once the cameras went off the air, Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho continued to celebrate in the ring. Triple H got on the mic and said that Shawn Michaels cost him the #1 contender’s spot, and next week he’d get his revenge on Michaels. Evolution ended up dragging Trips out of the arena, that was the end of the show at that point.

Clip of the Night:

Edited June 17, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[THIR13EN²]

News & Rumors for 5.18.04

- Eddie Guerrero will be taking this weekend off for the SD! brand house shows. At Judgment Day, during his match with John Bradshaw Layfield, he bladed himself a little to deep, and lost a great deal of amount of blood. Eddie has still been suffering from slight dizziness. The main event for the house shows will be changed to JBL facing The Undertaker.

- A-Train will be inline for a push on the RAW brand. Making his debut in the 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal this past Monday night. Vince McMahon has always thought A-Train would equal big things. The RAW creative team is also said to be high on A-Train current character.

- Carlos Colon will be touring with the SD! brand this weekend for the currently scheduled house shows. He’ll be wrestling against Funaki one night, and Shannon Moore the next.

- Rodney Mack will be returning to active duty on the RAW roster in the next month. Mack has been sidelined for the past several months, and been traveling with wife Jazz. Also returning from injury, is Test. Test returned this week for yet another dark match before RAW, teaming with John Heidenreich, against the independent team of the Urban Outlaws.

- A few familiar faces were backstage at this past Sunday’s SD! brand pay-per-view, Judgment Day. Former WWE talent DDP & Sean “X-Pac” Waltman were seen hanging out backstage with friends. Current TNA superstar Konnan was also spotted hanging with good friends Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio. Eddie Guerrero is said to be pushing for WWE & Vince McMahon to sign Konnan to a contract, as he currently is under open obligations with TNA.

- Mordecai has been getting rave reviews for his work at Judgment Day. He has also been involved in a few in-ring promos at recent SD! house shows. A Mordecai/Undertaker feud is scheduled for this summer. It will be fun to see how the Mordecai character is built in the coming months.

Edited June 10, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[THIR13EN²]

Preview:

Coming off the aftermath of Judgment Day, SmackDown! will be head to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada! Eddie Guerrero & John Bradshaw Layfield fought in a grueling no disqualification match, with the WWE Heavyweight championship on the line. This match ended with Eddie using what little “Latino Heat” he had left after being busted open halfway through the match, and losing a great deal of a amount of blood. This Thursday night Eddie will be celebrating his victory, Vegas style!

John Cena’s celebration of retaining his United States title over René Duprée this past Sunday has been cut short by SmackDown! General Manager Kurt Angle. Angle has booked Cena to defend his championship against Booker T in a one-on-one singles match.

Matches Announced:

WWE UNITED STATES TITLE MATCH

Booker T vs. John Cena ©

WWE TAG-TEAM TITLES MATCH

Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. Charlie Haas & Rico ©

Card Subject To Change

All this, this Thursday Night at 8/7 CT on UPN!

[THIR13EN²]

WWE Signs New Development Talent

Four new faces will be appearing in WWE’s talent farm Ohio Valley Wrestling in the next few months. Impressing a lot of people backstage within the company. Aaron “Hardcore Kidd” Agilera & Brian “Al Katrazz” Fleming both appeared this past Monday night in a tag-team match for the Heat tapping, wrestling against the team of Rob Conway & Sylvan Grenier of La Résistance. Both men are apart of Ultimate Pro Wrestling out of southern California, teaming together as the well established tag-team Hardcore Inc. who happen to be former UPW Tag-Team champions. Hardcore Kidd is well known in the SoCal area, working for such promotions as PWG & the Inoki Dojo. He has also been under contract with WWE once before as part of the development deal.

The third talent signed is coming out of the Inoki Dojo out of southern California. He has also wrestled for Chaotic Wrestling out of New England. Chad “Billy K” Wicks has appeared several times for dark matches at WWE events, and will now be given the chance as a development talent.

Finally, the last talent to be signed is son of former WWE superstar Jimmy Snuka. James “Solo Snuka” Reiher Jr. has appeared several times with Ultimate Pro Wrestling out of southern California, he also had a small stint with the now dead promotion, Xtreme Wrestling Federation. Solo Snuka has also toured over sea’s in the orient several times over the past two years. This 2nd generation superstar will be a great addition to the WWE roster, and we expect great things from all four of these younger superstars.

[THIR13EN²]

DATE: Thursday, May 20th, 2004

VENUE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

HOSTED BY: Michael Cole & Tazz

SmackDown! opens in it’s usual manner with a video montage recapping the events from Judgment Day, showing captions from the show. The pyro display goes off in the Tomas & Mack Center, as we are coming from Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael Cole & Tazz welcome us to the show. They talk about how Eddie Guerrero went through hell last Sunday night against John Bradshaw Layfield in the grueling no disqualification match. That’s when Eddie’s music hits, and the crowd get on their feet, cheering for the WWE Heavyweight champion. Eddie comes out in his low rider, with a big smile on his face, wearing his belt proudly. He makes his way down to the ring, enters, and is handed a microphone. Eddie talks about how great it is to be champion, a champion of the people, someone they can look up to. He talks about the condition of his mother, and how she is doing great. Everything is going great for Eddie, and he says that, he thinks “Latino Heat” is back in business! That is until Paul Heyman & The Dudley Boyz come walking out from the backstage area. The crowd boo, as Eddie watches in disbelief. Heyman has a microphone in hand, and starts to talk about how he is sick of seeing Eddie running around with the belt. He asks Eddie if he remembers last Thursday night on SD! when he was attacked outside of the arena? Heyman says that everyone thinks it was JBL, when it was really The Dudley Boyz who laid him out! Eddie is shocked, as that brutal attack almost took him out of the main event at Judgment Day. Heyman tells Eddie that he & The Dudley Boyz did that in exchange for the tag-team tables match against Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam this past Sunday. Eddie says that if they wanted a peace of him, Heyman should have told him face-to-face. If they want a peace of him so bad, he’s waiting. Eddie takes off his belt, and lays it on the canvas. Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley slowly make their way down the entrance way. They are just about to enter the ring, as Eddie gets ready for a 2-on-1 fight, when JBL attacks from behind! The crowd boo as JBL & The Dudley Boyz triple team Eddie in the ring. Heyman cheers them on at ringside as the beat down continues. Bubba & D-Von hold Eddie up, as JBL takes the title belt, and smashes it over Eddie’s head, busting him open again! The crowd go crazy as Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam come running out from the back to make the save. They slide into the ring as JBL & The Dudley Boyz hightail it out, and run backstage with Heyman following coattail. Rey & RVD help Eddie back up to his feet in the ring as we head into our first commercial break of the night.

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: John Bradshaw Layfield, Paul Heyman, & The Dudley Boyz come busting into Kurt Angle’s office. JBL tells Angle that he wants his rematch with Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Heavyweight championship! Heyman demands that The Dudley Boyz get a rematch against Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam also. Angle says that he’ll do all of them one better by signing a six man tag-team match for tonight. It will be JBL & The Dudley Boyz taking on the team of Eddie, Rey, & RVD! He then tells all of them to get out of his office. Heyman thanks Angle before all of them leave.

WWE Tag-Team Titles Match

Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. Charlie Haas & Rico © w/ Miss Jackie

Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly make their way down to the ring to a small pop from the crowd. Charlie Haas & Rico come out next accompanied by Miss Jackie. They get a big pop from the crowd. Jackie & Rico walk the catwalk, but Haas just walks around it, having nothing to do with the two. He enters the ring, while Jackie & Rico do their normal routine. This match gets underway with both Gunn & Hardcore arguing over who will start the match off against Rico. Rico starts dancing while the two fight back and forth. He finally gets impatient, and kisses Gunn on the lips. Gunn flips out and locks-up with Rico in the middle of the ring. The bell sounds, and this match is officially underway. Both teams exchange the upper hand in the match. It turns out to be a good comedy match that the fans really get into. Hardcore ends up leveling Haas with stiff shot and stiff shot in the ring. Hardcore goes for the Holycost on Haas, but Jackie distracts him. Gunn is tagged in, and goes to work on Haas. He goes for the Fame-Ass-Er, but Haas moves out of the way tagging in Rico. Gunn & Rico lock-up in the ring yet again, only this time Rico starts grinding with Gunn. Gunn flips out and quickly tags out to Hardcore. Hardcore comes in, and starts laying it on Rico. Rico slowly fights back, gets a sunset flip on Hardcore, which allows him to pick up the quick victory, allowing him to retain the titles for his team. After the match, Gunn & Hardcore make their way backstage while Haas, Jackie, & Rico celebrate. Jackie gives Haas a big kiss on the lips, this makes him very happy.

Winner(s): Charlie Haas & Rico

[77%] [72%] [82%]

Backstage: Chavo Classic is getting ready for his match next, with Matt Cappotelli. Chavo Guerrero comes walking into the locker room, and starts giving pointers to his father about how to win the match. Classic tells Chavo that he’s got everything under control, and that he doesn’t need his son’s help to kick a non-talented tough enough winner’s ass. Chavo says that he’ll be in his corner tonight just to make sure.

----COMMERCIAL----

Singles Match

Chavo Classic w/ Chavo Guerrero vs. Matt Cappotelli

This match starts out with Chavo Classic getting the better of Matt Cappotelli in and out of the ring. Classic drags Matt all over the ringside area. Chavo Guerrero gets a couple cheap shots in behind the referee’s back. That’s when Spike Dudley comes down to ringside to help out Matt. Chavo & Spike get involved in a little brawl at ringside. This distracts Classic long enough that Matt comes up from behind with a roll-up, but it isn’t enough to put him away. The referee tries to break up the brawl at ringside, which allows Classic to use his son’s Cruiserweight title belt on Matt. Classic tosses the belt back out of the ring, and hooks the leg. The referee notices the pin, slides back into the ring, and makes the three count. Chavo rolls Spike into the ring. Classic goes to use the belt on him, but Spike ducks. He ends up nailing Chavo over the head with his own belt! Classic is shocked, but ends up turning right around into a Dudley Dogg from Spike! The crowd go crazy. Spike helps Matt back up to his feet, and the two celebrate in the ring.

Winner: Chavo Classic

[59%] [55%] [63%]

Video: we see yet another montage, hyping the debut of Kenzo Suzuki. This video talks about how he is a great warrior, with something to prove, and that soon he will make his presents felt on SmackDown!.

----COMMERCIAL----

All the lights in the arena go out as we come back from the commercial break, shocking everyone in the crowd. Very strange music begins to play, as a spot light shines down from the ceiling down on the entrance way. Mordecai comes walking out, very slowly, from the backstage area. Like last Sunday at Judgment Day, he is caring a scepter in one hand, and a bible in the other. There isn’t much reaction from the crowd. Mordecai enters the ring, setting his scepter in a holder that has been placed in the corner of the ring. He steps to the middle of the ring, raises both arms in the air. This is when lightning shoots down from the ceiling, hitting the scepter, lighting it on fire! Mordecai grabs a microphone and starts preaching about how the souls of the world are crying out. That’s why, he has been sent to rid the world of sin, teaching those sinners a lesson. Mordecai says that he is going to do this by going after “The Dead Man”, the key to all evil. Judgment Day was only a test, soon the real punishment will begin. Mordecai reads a couple words out of his bible, before shutting it. All the lights in the arena go out again. The scepter that was a flame, now turns blue. A spot light shines on Mordecai as he kneels in front of his cross. He then exit’s the ring, and makes his way backstage.

----COMMERCIAL----

WWE United States Title Match

Booker T vs. John Cena ©

John Cena comes out doing a rap, getting over with the crowd, who has already given him a monstrous pop during his entrance. He talks about how he beat René Duprée at Judgment Day, then how tonight SmackDown! General Manager Kurt Angle wants him to wrestle Booker T. Booker T comes out next to nothing but heel heat from the crowd. He enters the ring and faces off against Cena. The two exchange a few words before the bell sounds to start the match. Booker & Cena lock-up in the middle of the ring, with Booker starting off with the upper hand. He lays in a few chops to the chest on Cena, backing him up into the corner of the ring. Cena forearms Booker, then starts laying in a few chops to the chest as well. The two exchange blows. Booker comes running off the ropes nailing Cena with a harlem sidekick. He comes running off the ropes again, this time dropping a knee on Cena’s head. Booker tries for a pin fall attempt, but Cena quickly kicks out. The two continue on in the match. They end up at ringside, where Booker tries to irish whip Cena into the corner post. Cena is able to reverse, sending Booker hard into the post. Cena rolls Booker into the ring and goes for a pin fall attempt, but this time Booker is able to kick out at the last second. Booker starts to fight back, but Cena gets the upper hand by nailing a huge fisherman buster. It just isn’t enough to put Booker away.

Booker gets the upper hand back in the match after connecting with a missile dropkick from the top rope. He nails the Book End, but after hooking the leg, Cena is able to get his foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Booker argues with the referee as Cena pulls himself up on the ropes. The two go back and forth exchanging blows. Booker is able to catch Cena with a kick to the stomach. He comes running off the ropes and goes for the Scissors Kick, but Cena moves out of the way at the last second. Cena catches Booker with the F-U! Cena goes for the cover, but Booker somehow kicks out at the last second. He’s shocked that Booker is able to kick out. As Cena gets to his feet, out comes René from the backstage area with the French flag in hand. René slides into the ring, swings Cena around, and clocks him right across the forehead with the flag, busting him open! The referee calls for the bell, as this match ends in disqualification. René continues the assault on Cena in the middle of the ring. The crowd boo like crazy, as René takes the United States title, and uses it as a weapon against Cena. Cena starts bleeding all over the place. René uses the belt to bust Cena open even more, after he’s done, he lays the flag over Cena’s fallen body in the middle of the ring. He takes the belt, and puts it around his waist, celebrating with it like it’s his that he’s just won.

Winner: John Cena

[84%] [85%] [83%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: Funaki is standing by with Mark Jindrak & Theodore Long for this interview segment. He asks Long a few questions about Jindrak. Long ends up taking the microphone away from Funaki. He talks about how Jindrak has been squashing talent left and right for several weeks on Velocity, and that it’s time to move to the next level. That’s why tonight, Jindrak is laying out an open challenge to any superstar in the back. Funaki tries to take his microphone back from Long. Long asks if Funaki has what it takes to beat Jindrak? Funaki tells Long that he’ll accept the open challenge. Long tells Funaki that he better go get ready, because the match is next.

Backstage: Torrie Wilson is getting make-up put on when Dawn Marie comes out of nowhere attacking her from behind! She goes flying head first out of the chair to the floor. Dawn pulls Torrie up by her hair, then tosses her further down the hallway. Torrie tries to fight back, but ends up getting kicked in the stomach. Dawn pulls Torrie up and tosses her head first through the women’s locker room. Torrie grabs a bunch of cloths, throwing them in Dawn’s face. She grabs Dawn’s shirt, ripping it off. Dawn goes crazy tackling Torrie to the ground. Officials and road agents come running in, pulling the two apart. Dawn pulls out a big chunk of Torire’s hair, while Torrie still has Dawn’s shirt.

----COMMERCIAL----

Singles Match

Funaki vs. Mark Jindrak

In what turns out to be just another squash match. Mark Jindrak comes out with manager Theodore Long. In the ring, Jindrak flexes in a mirror set up in the corner of the ring. Not getting much reaction from the crowd. Funaki comes out next, only he gets a big pop from the crowd. He enters the ring, but is jumped by Jindrak. Long quickly exit’s the ring, as the bell sounds. Jindrak ends up tossing Funaki around the ring like a rag doll. Funaki gets little, to no offense. Jindrak nails Funaki with a superkick, but it isn’t enough to score the pin fall victory. Throughout the match, Long cheers Jindrak on at ringside. Funaki capitalizes over Jindrak through part of the match. He comes flying off the top turnbuckle nailing Jindrak with a missile dropkick. It isn’t enough for a three count. Jindrak gets the upper hand over Funaki again, this time nailing him with the Mark of Perfection, which allows him to pick up the 1...2...3! Long quickly enters the ring, and raises Jindrak’s arm in victory. The two celebrate, as the crowd boo. It isn’t enough, as Jindrak continues the assault on Funaki after the match is over. This gets even more heel heat from the crowd. Jindrak is forced off of Funaki, as he flexes some more to the camera, before finally leaving backstage.

Winner: Mark Jindrak

[62%] [58%] [77%]

Backstage: Booker T comes busting into Kurt Angle’s office, complaining about how he was screwed out of the United States championship match against John Cena, thanks to the interferences from René Duprée. Angle tells Booker not to worry, that he’ll make it up to him next week.

----COMMERCIAL----

Backstage: Eddie Guerrero is being checked out by a trainer, after being cut back open at the start of the show by John Bradshaw Layfield. Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam come walking up asking him if he’ll be alright for tonight’s main event six man tag-team match? Eddie says that he isn’t 100%, but he’ll be ready to take on JBL & The Dudley Boyz later tonight.

Singles Match

Akio w/ Sakoda vs. Billy Kidman

A great cruiserweight match is put on by Akio & Billy Kidman. The two go back and forth for a good portion of the match. The crowd really get behind Kidman, cheering him on. Akio takes to the sky with some big highflying moves, but it isn’t enough to keep Kidman down. Kidman starts to get the upper hand. Akio & Sakoda are down at ringside. That’s when Kidman heads to the top turnbuckle, jumps to the outside, and takes down the both of them with a huge shooting star press! Kidman rolls Akio back into the ring and goes for the cover, but it isn’t enough to keep him down for the win. Akio starts to fight back, but Kidman nails him with the BK Bomb. This still isn’t enough for him to pick up the win. Kidman heads up to the top turnbuckle yet again, but this time Sakoda crotches him. While this goes down, Akio distracts the referee. Kidman kicks Sakoda in the face, sending him flying down to the ground blow. Akio pushes the referee into the ropes, crotching Kidman yet again. He climbs to the top rope with Kidman, and nails a huge top rope hurricanrana. Akio hooks the leg, but Kidman kicks out. Kidman slowly starts to fight back. He nails Akio with a face buster, then heads to the top turnbuckle. He taunts the crowd, as they get on their feet, he jumps, and nails the Shooting Star Press! Kidman hooks the leg, covers, and picks up the 1...2...3. The referee raises Kidman’s arm in victory after the match.

Winner: Billy Kidman

[73%] [53%] [93%]

Video: It’s time once again for the RAW Rebound. Jerry “The King” Lawler & Jim Ross go over the events that happened this past Monday night. We saw the shocking return of The Rock when he added Eugene against Garrison Cade & Jonathan Coachman. We found out that Lita’s answer to Kane was “yes”, only after Kane was finished beating down her boyfriend Matt Hardy in the middle of the ring. Chris Benoit & Edge successfully defended their World Tag-Team championship title belts against Evolution members Batista & Ric Flair. During that match, Randy Orton came out to give Edge the RKO at ringside! And finally the 20 Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal to determine who would face Benoit at Bad Blood for the World Heavyweight championship. We saw it go down to three men, Chris Jericho, Rhyno, & Triple H. Rhyno was eliminated at the same time Shawn Michaels came out to give Trips the Sweet Chin Music! This allowed Jericho to come from behind, dumping Trips over the top rope. The show came to and end with Benoit & Jericho celebrating.

----COMMERCIAL----

Six Man Tag-Team Match

Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, & Rob Van Dam vs. John Bradshaw Layfield, & The Dudley Boyz w/ Paul Heyman

The Dudley Boyz accompanied to the ring by manager Paul Heyman, make their way down to the ring first to nothing but boos from the crowd. Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley enter the ring, and wait for the tag-team partner. John Bradshaw Layfield comes out next in his limo to a lot of heat from the crowd. The limo drivers open the door, as we see JBL climb out waving his hat to the crowd. He makes his way down to the ring taunting a few people in the front row, before entering the ring with The Dudley Boyz. Out next is Rey Mysterio. The crowd go crazy as Rey comes jumping out of the stage, and running down to the ring. Only he stops dead in his tracks just before entering the ring. Rob Van Dam comes out joining Rey at ringside. Finally, out comes Eddie Guerrero to a huge pop from the crowd. He doesn’t waist much time as he goes running down the entrance way. Eddie, Rey, & RVD storm the ring rushing JBL & The Dudley Boyz. All six men exchange blows. JBL & The Dudley Boyz go rolling out of the ring to try and collect their selves at ringside. Eddie, Rey, & RVD go springboarding over the top rope taking out the apposing team to the joy of the crowd! The match finally starts out with RVD exchanging blows with D-Von in the ring. D-Von gets the upper hand over RVD, until he comes flying off the top rope with a back heel kick. Rey is tagged in at this point. Rey comes in with the upper hand with a few highflying moves. JBL is tagged in. He comes in leveling Rey with a big boot. JBL catches Rey as he comes flying off the top rope, attempting a cross body. He nails Rey with the Last Call, hooks the leg, but the pin is broken up by Eddie. Bubba is tagged in, and he goes to work on Rey. The Dudley Boyz nail a huge Doomsday Device on Rey.

RVD is tagged in at this point. He goes for the Five Star Frog Splash, but is stopped by JBL. Bubba & D-Von nail RVD with the 3-D in the middle of the ring, but once again the pin fall attempt is broken up by Eddie. Eddie is finally tagged in, and he levels both Bubba & D-Von, then goes to work on JBL, who isn’t the legal man. Heyman tries to interfere, but ends up getting nailed with the 6-1-9 from Rey! JBL is finally tagged into the match, and goes to work on Eddie by attacking him from behind. Eddie gets busted open yet again, and starts bleeding all over the place. The referee gets distracted by Rey & RVD brawling with The Dudley Boyz at ringside. JBL rolls out of the ring, grabs the WWE Title, and enters the ring again. He goes to nail Eddie with the belt, but Eddie sees it coming. JBL misses, and Eddie dropkicks the belt back in his face. Eddie heads to the top turnbuckle, but Heyman grabs onto his foot. Eddie kicks Heyman in the face, sending him falling to the ring apron. JBL slowly crawls back up to his feet in the ring with the belt in hand. Eddie climbs back down into the ring and goes to grab JBL, but ends up getting nailed over the head! JBL sets up, as Eddie slowly stumbles back up to his feet. He comes running off the ropes, hitting Eddie with the Clothesline From Hell! He covers, picking up the win.

After the match, JBL & The Dudley Boyz beat down on Eddie, Rey, & RVD in the ring. The crowd are about to start a riot, as they boo like crazy. Heyman enters the ring and joins in by directing traffic. All the lights in the arena go out, and The Undertaker’s music hits. The once booing crowd, goes insane as Paul Bearer comes walking out from the back holding the urn high in the air. He’s followed by Undertaker who doesn’t waist anytime making his way down to the ring. Heyman holds JBL & The Dudley Boyz back. Undertaker finally enters the ring, takes off his hat and coat, then stares down all four men. Bubba & D-Von try to jump Undertaker, but he fights them both off. Next is JBL who tries to jump him from behind. Undertaker irish whips JBL off into the ropes, and gives him the big boot. JBL stumbles back up to his feet, and walks right into a Chokeslam! Heyman goes to attack Undertaker from behind, but stops when he turns around staring him down. Undertaker backs Heyman into the corner of the ring, grabs him by the neck, then delivers the Tombstone! Eddie, Rey, & RVD are shown collecting themselves, as Undertaker knees down in front of Paul Bearer, and the urn which is risen into the air as the show comes to an end.

Winner(s): John Bradshaw Layfield & The Dudley Boyz

[80%] [81%] [80%]

Overall Rating: 70%

“SmackDown!” scored a 5.37 rating.

Attendance level was 8001 people.

$320040 was made from ticket sales.

Edited June 14, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[THIR13EN²]

Notes from 5.20.04 SD! Tapping

A few notes from the SmackDown! tapping in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Thomas & Mack Center. The show was red hot for most the part, everyone went crazy when The Undertaker made his surprise appearance. A lot of people thought that Undertaker would show up during the Mordecai promo, but it was more of a shocker when he came out to save the babyfaces in the main event.

Dark matches

Nova def. Tony Stradlin

Kenzo Suzuki def. Orlando Jordan

The Full Blooded Italians def. The Urban Outlaws

The match of the night was Booker T vs. John Cena for the United States championship. Booker got a lot of heat from the crowd. Something that wasn’t seen on TV, was during the commercial break, Booker came out cutting a heel promo on the Las Vegas crowd. Cena got one of the biggest pops of the night. The first one going to The Undertaker, and second going to the WWE Heavyweight champion Eddie Guerrero.

The main event got the crowd going, until John Bradshaw Layfield cheated to pick up the win. As JBL & The Dudley Boyz beat down on Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, & Rob Van Dam in the ring, The Undertaker came out to one of the biggest pops of the night. He cleaned house, getting the upper hand on the heel team. After the cameras went off the air, Undertaker left to the back with Paul Bearer at his side. JBL & The Dudley Boyz hit the ring again, but this time Eddie, Rey, & RVD got the upper hand, all hitting their signature moves. This sent everyone home happy, all in all, it was a decent show.

Clip of the Night:

[Gabriel]

LIke I told you earlier, I'm really not liking the fact that JBL got the upper hand on Eddie...you know, since Bradshaw is teh suck.

Superb to see you wanting to bring up Nover though. Jolly good idear. [/british Accent]

[THIR13EN²]

WWE Signs TNA Talent

Former World Championship Wrestling & current NWA: Total Nonstop Action superstar Konnan of the 3 Live Kru has officially, of May 21st, signed a written contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. This would have never been the case, if it wasn’t for the current WWE Heavyweight champion Eddie Guerrero. For the past several months, Eddie has been pushing for the WWE & Vince McMahon to look into the possible signing of this former WCW talent. Konnan was well known for his stint in WCW with the stable known as the Filthy Animals which consisted of all Billy Kidman, Eddie Guerrero, Juventud Guerrera, Rey Mysterio.

Not only was Konnan a big part of WCW, but recently he’s been helping out backstage with the TNA promotion. Konnan has been working as part of the Spanish announce team sense the inception. He has also been working in a storyline with both former WWE superstars BG James & Ron “The Truth” Killings. Many are worried that Konnan won’t fit backstage in the WWE, and that he’s past his prime. It’s uncertain what his role will be with the company. Vince is leaning more to having Konnan be part of the Spanish broadcast team, and more of on interviewer then having an in-ring role. We’ll have to wait and see just what the WWE creative team have planned.

We would like to wish Konnan the best of luck, as he starts a new path in his career back with the WWE.

I just wanted to say a few words. I'm still very much into this WWE diary, I'm having a lot of fun with it, which I haven't with any kind of diary for several months. I just wanted to note a few signings within my game, one big signing being of former WCW talent Konnan. There is a good chance that I could be picking up even more talent, which when I do, I'll announce. I'm going to be working on putting Velocity up, that should be posted no later then late tonight or early tomorrow. If anyone has any comments, please feel free, suggestions are welcome too.

Edited June 14, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[Guest Jebus]

Just a little comment: that Rey Mysterio pic was from 2002....

[THIR13EN²]

WWE VELOCITY

DATE: Saturday, May 22nd 2004

VENUE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

HOSTED BY: Bill DeMott & Josh Matthews

The usual pyro display starts off this weeks Velocity with Bill DeMott & Josh Matthews welcoming us to the show. They talk about this past Thursday night’s SmackDown! from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. DeMott & Matthews talk about the big six man tag-team match between Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, & Rob Van Dam against the team of John Bradshaw Layfield & The Dudley Boyz. They then go over the United States title match between Booker T & champion John Cena. After recapping last Thursday’s show, they talk about tonight’s show and run down the card. Our first match of the night is next, which will see Jamie Noble taking on Shannon Moore in cruiserweight action.

Singles Match

Jamie Noble vs. Shannon Moore

A good cruiserweight match is put on by both Jamie Noble & Shannon Moore. This match starts out with both men locking up in the middle of the ring. Moore goes for a few highflying maneuvers, but isn’t able to capitalize over Noble. Noble starts to fire back with a couple hard right and left hands. These right and left hands turn into chops to the chest. Moore’s chest soon lights up bright red. Noble goes for a tornado DDT from the top rope, but Moore is able to reverse it into a release northern light’s suplex, that sends Noble into the turnbuckles! More goes for the Mooregasm, but misses. Noble nails Moore with the Tiger Driver in the middle of the ring! He hooks the leg, and picks up the 1...2...3 for the win.

Winner: Jamie Noble

[71%] [57%] [85%]

Video: we see yet another montage, hyping the debut of Kenzo Suzuki. This video talks about how he is a great warrior, with something to prove, and that soon he will make his presents felt on SmackDown!.

----COMMERCIAL----

Bill DeMott & Josh Matthews recap the WWE United States title match between Booker T & John Cena this past Thursday night on SmackDown!. We see clips from the match, showing the back and forth battle between both men. Booker almost picks up the victory several times throughout the match, that is until René Duprée comes out from the back. René smashes the French flag over Cena’s head, busting him open. This is revenge for what Cena did at Judgment Day to René, by smashing the flag across his back. The referee catches the outside interferences, and calls for the bell. The match ends in a disqualification. René continues the beat down on Cena for several minutes, then ends up celebrating in the middle of the ring, like had just won the US title. He straps the belt on around his waist, but not before draping the flag over Cena’s fallen body.

----COMMERCIAL----

Tag-Team Match

Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Basham Brothers

A decent back and forth tag-team match between both teams. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty get a good pop from the crowd. Out next is the heel team of The Basham Brothers. Danny & Doug Basham attack Rikishi & Scotty before the match begins. They do a lot of double teaming on Scotty throughout the match. Scotty tries his best to make it to his corner, but always gets cut off. Scotty is finally able to get the upper hand on Danny by nailing him with an enzugiri. Finally making the hot tag to Rikishi. Rikishi comes in cleaning house. He nails Danny with a big superkick, then nails Doug with the Rikishi Driver! Danny slowly pulls himself to his feet on the ropes, as Scotty comes from behind with a face crusher. The crowd cheer as Scotty does the W-O-R-M. As Scotty is doing the move, Danny & Doug switch spots. Doug levels Scotty with a vicious clothesline. Rikishi tries to help, but gets double teamed by both The Basham Brothers. Danny & Doug send Rikishi off into the ropes with an irish whip, then nail him with a big double spinebuster! Danny goes for the pin, and gets the three count.

Winner(s): The Basham Brothers

[71%] [68%] [75%]

----COMMERCIAL----

The main event from this past Thursday night’s SmackDown! is recapped by Bill DeMott & Josh Matthews. The two run down what happened during the event with a video. We see Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, & Rob Van Dam take on John Bradshaw Layfield, & The Dudley Boyz. Paul Heyamn tries to interfere several times during this match. We see the end of the match come when JBL uses the title belt on Eddie, then finishes him off with the Clothesline From Hell! After the match, JBL & The Dudley Boyz continue the beat down in the ring. That is until The Undertaker comes out to save the day. Undertaker gets a monstrous pop from the crowd. He makes his way down to the ring, cleaning house. JBL ends up getting a huge Chokeslam, followed by a Tombstone on Heyman in the middle of the ring to finish off the show!

----COMMERCIAL----

Bill DeMott & Josh Matthews talk about next week’s SmackDown!, and run down the card for the event. John Bradshaw Layfield has gone to SD! General Manager Kurt Angle, and demanded a rematch against Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Heavyweight championship! Angle has agreed to this match, because JBL did score the pin fall over Eddie in the six man tag-team match this past Thursday night. If that’s not enough, Angle has also signed a mixed tag-team match. Dawn Marie & René Duprée will team up to take on the team of John Cena & Torrie Wilson!

Singles Match

Chavo Guerrero w/ Chavo Classic vs. Spike Dudley

Yet another decent cruiserweight match. This match starts out with Chavo Classic getting sent backstage by the referee. This distracts Spike Dudley, while Classic makes a scene. Chavo Guerrero attacks Spike from behind, jumpstarting the match. Chavo beats down on Spike for a good portion of the match, then tries to end it with the Gory Bomb, but Spike slowly begins to fight back. Spike comes flying from the top rope with a big cross body pin, but Chavo kicks out at the two count. Chavo goes for a superplex, but Spike blocks, and reverses it into a tornado DDT from the top rope. Spike hooks the leg, but isn’t able to get the win. Once again, Chavo has the upper hand in the match. He goes to work on Spike, tossing him around the ring like a rag doll. Spike gets a little offensive in, and even attempts the Dudley Dogg, but Chavo is able to block. He catches Spike with a big brainbuster DDT, but doesn’t decide to go for the pin. Chavo ends up taunting someone in the front row, which gives Spike enough time to come from behind with a roll-up. Almost picking up the win, Chavo beats down on Spike. Chavo pulls Spike up, and tosses him head first into the corner post. He then goes to ringside, grabs the Cruiserweight title, and climbs back inside. Spike sees Chavo with the belt, and ducks. Chavo misses, and walks right into the Dudley Dogg from Spike! Spike quickly covers, the referee counts, and for once Spike is able to steal a win.

Winner: Spike Dudley

[73%] [68%] [78%]

Overall Rating: 60%

[THIR13EN²]

News & Rumors for 5.22.04

- The newest addition to the WWE roster, Konnan, was indeed at the SmackDown! tapping in Las Vegas, Nevada. He flew in with good friend Eddie Guerrero. For those of you who don’t know, Eddie is very good friends with Konnan, and one of the biggest reasons he signed with the company. Not only is Konnan good friends with Eddie, but he is also best friends with Rey Mysterio as well. As of right now, it’s unsure what Konnan’s role with the WWE will be, but it looks like he’ll be staying on with the SD! crew for the next couple of weeks, before appearing on television.

- A lot of people are happy to see Chris Jericho win the #1 contenders battle royal this past Monday night. It doesn’t look like Jericho will be turning heel anytime soon, so it will be intrusting to see how the RAW creative team builds up the World Heavyweight title match, come Bad Blood.

- Christian suffered a back injury during the #1 contenders battle royal, and will be out for a week. He has been suffering through this injury for several weeks now. Trainers are worried that this injury could reoccur, and put Christian out for an even longer period of time.

- The WWE have been signing several new talents the past couple of weeks. Konnan being the biggest name out of the bunch. Ohio Valley Wrestling will see an influx of this talent, as Aaron Aguilera, Brian Fleming, Chad Wicks, & James Reiher Jr. will be joining the roster in the next couple of months.

- It looks as though WWE could continue to sign a few more names to development contracts in the near future. Tony Stradlin was given a dark match on both RAW & SmackDown!, and impressed many within the company. He will be moving from SoCal to Ohio in the next month to wrestle with OVW, but he won’t be under contract. The Urban Outlaws also impressed many WWE officials, and both men could be looked into being given development contracts in the near future as well.

- Randy Orton has been impressing many on the RAW roster the past several weeks with his growing talent in the ring, and his continues character development. The Intercontinental title has also helped boost Orton up the ladder. Many assume that Orton will drop the belt soon, and move up into the main event as soon as Shawn Michaels & Triple H leave this summer.

- This summer could very well mark the return of The Rock to the WWE. Rock’s movie schedule has died down as of late, and Vince McMahon has been pushing for him to make a return to the active roster just in time for SummerSlam. Rock has shown interest numerous times by speaking with Vince about the possibility the few appearances he makes with the company nowadays.

- Big Show, Sable, & Ultimo Dragon are all scheduled to make their returns to television soon with the SmackDown! brand. Show continues to travel with the roster, and wrestle lit house show events. Sable was backstage during last weeks SD! tapping, and was said to be in hire spirits. Ultimo Dragon will be returning from the orient in the next few weeks, and will start to work a few house shows before he returns to television.

- Mark Jindrak has been getting a push as of late on the SmackDown! roster. Vince McMahon feels that if pushed right, Jindrak could be a breakout star. Jindrak has been told to work a little harder during his matches with talent, this could ultimately hurt him. A lot of people also feel that Jindrak being managed by Theodore Long isn’t a good idea.

Edited June 15, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[Guest EctoDude]

Great work man, love the results and all the added extras i will be following this.

[THIR13EN²]

Preview:

Last Monday night in a 20 man over-the-top rope battle royal, Chris Jericho was able to eliminate Triple H, who was the last man in the ring by tossing him over the top rope. Thus becoming the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight championship, and now he will go onto Bad Blood to face the champion Chris Benoit? What does Y2J have to say about getting a shot at gold at this month’s RAW brand pay-per-view, we’ll find out this Monday night.

Triple H claims that he would have been able to eliminate Chris Jericho, if it wasn’t for the interference from the suspended “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. What will Triple H have to say about Michaels’ interferences during the match, and will he be able to convince RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff that he deserves the shot at the World Heavyweight title at Bad Blood?

Matches Announced:

WWE WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH

Molly Holly vs. Victoria ©

TAG-TEAM MATCH

Hurricane & Rosey vs. La Résistance

And…

Grandmaster Sexay vs. Kane

All this and much, much more, LIVE, on Spike TV!

Edited June 15, 2004 by THIR13EN²

[JDK]

WWE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE NO DQ MATCH

Eddie Guerrero © vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

No DQ... uh oh... *prays that JBL doesn't win*

Booker T vs. The Undertaker

I hope Booker wins, even though it is Taker's ppv.

TAG-TEAM TABLES MATCH

Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam vs. The Dudley Boyz

OOoooohh Tables... fun.

FOUR WAY WWE TAG-TEAM TITLES MATCH

Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly vs. Charlie Haas & Rico © vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Basham Brothers

And

The In-Ring Debut Of, Mordecai!

Wonder who Mordecai will face, seeing as Scotty is already in the tag match (seeing as Scotty is SD's offical jobber as of late). Hmm... my guess is Kidman.

This has been interesting to read though, it looks really good. My biggest thought is wether or not you will continue with keeping fairly close to the actual storylines, or if you will begin to change.

[THIR13EN²]

WWE HEAT

DATE: Sunday, May 23rd, 2004

VENUE: Sports Arena, San Diego, California

HOSTED BY: Al Snow & Jonathan Coachman

Al Snow & Jonathan Coachman welcome us to Heat, as the usual pryo display kicks off the show. Snow & The Coach talk about last Monday night’s RAW when Chris Jericho beat nineteen other men in a 20 man over-the-top rope battle royal, with the winner going to Bad Blood to face Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight championship. Jericho dumped Triple H, who happened to be the last man in the ring, when Trips was distracted by the currently suspended Shawn Michaels. After the match, the World champion Benoit came down to the ring to celebrate with the #1 contender to bring the show to an end. They then talk about the big World Tag-Team titles match between Batista & Ric Flair taking on the champions Benoit & Edge! Benoit & Edge were able to successfully defend the belts, but during the match Randy Orton came out, giving Edge the RKO at ringside.

----COMMERCIAL----

Tag-Team Match

Hardcore Inc. vs. La Résistance

A surprisingly good tag-team match is put on by both teams. Independent superstars Al Katrazz & Hardcore Kidd of the tag-team Hardcore Inc. take on Rob Conway & Sylvan Grenier of La Résistance. We see a lot of back and forth action starting things off between both teams. Al Katrazz starts the match off against Grenier. Conway & Grenier do a lot of double teaming throughout the match, which allows them to keep the upper hand. Hardcore Kidd is tagged into the match, and he goes to work on Conway who is also tagged in. The two exchange blows, with Hardcore Kidd getting the advantage. Hardcore Kidd nails Conway with an implant DDT in the middle of the ring, but it isn’t enough to pick up the win. Al Katrazz comes in the ring, and nails Grenier with a big boot to the face. Hardcore Kidd almost picks up the victory over La Résistance, but Conway is able to fight his way out. Conway & Grenier nail Hardcore Kidd with a double team maneuver they call the La Crepe which allows them to pick up the win! La Résistance celebrate after the match, waving the French flag high in the air.

Winner(s): La Résistance

[66%] [51%] [81%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Singles Match

Chad Wicks vs. Rhyno

An alright match is put on by both Chad Wicks & Rhyno. It turns out to be more of a squash match to put Rhyno over then anything. Rhyno lays in the beating on Chad throughout the match. He tries to end it early with a Gore, but Chad is able to move out of the way at the last second. While Rhyno is knocked for a loop after running into the corner post, Chad tries to pick up a quick victory. Rhyno is able to break out of the pin fall attempt, and a roll-up at the last second. Rhyno starts fighting back with some hard right and left hands, followed by vicious chops to the chest. Chad finally falls victim to the Gore! Rhyno covers, and picks up the win.

Winner: Rhyno

[59%] [45%] [73%]

----COMMERCIAL----

Video: Eugene makes his way down to the ring for this special interview set up by his uncle Eric Bischoff. The crowd go crazy for Eugene as he goes around the ring slapping people’s hands. Eugene finally enters the ring, and starts running the ropes. This is when Jonathan Coachman’s music hits. The crowd go from cheering for Eugene, to booing The Coach. Eugene stops dead in the ring as he watches The Coach make his way down. The Coach enters the ring with a big smile on his face as he’s handed a microphone. He starts off by congratulating Eugene on winning his in-ring debut last Monday night on RAW against Rob Conway. Eugene starts to get excited as the crowd begins to chant his name. The Coach tells them all to shut up, because they are just as dumb as Eugene is. This doesn’t set over well with the crowd. The Coach says that he isn’t out to make friends with Eugene, or to show him a good time. He talks about how Eugene probably doesn’t even have any friends, he definitely knows that William Regal isn’t his friend. Eugene starts to cry as The Coach lays into him more and more about how he doesn’t belong in the ring. The Coach tells Eugene that he should leave the wrestling business forever, and never come back, because he’s a joke. That’s when The Rock’s music hits! The roof of the Sports Arena is almost blown off as Rock comes walking out from the back. The crowd is on their feet cheering. Eugene flips out, while The Coach has a shocked look on his face. Rock makes his way down to the ring, and enters the ring, taking the microphone right out of The Coach’s hands. He does his usual catchphrases, and says that it’s great to be back. Rock then backs Eugene up by saying that he’s got everyone chanting his name, including the “People’s Champion”. The crowd chant Eugene’s name, which gets him jumping up and down in the ring. The Coach just about freaks out. Rock tells The Coach that he can’t be making fun of Eugene, saying he’s a joke, the only person who is a joke, is The Coach, who is a Rock look-a-like. That’s when Garrison Cade jumps Rock from behind! Eugene tries to help, but ends up getting pushed down by The Coach. Rock gets the upper hand on Cade, nailing him with some hard right hands. Cade gets knocked down, then pulls himself back up on the ropes, stumbling right back into the Rock Bottom! Eugene gets back up to his feet, and pushes The Coach right back into a huge spine buster from Rock. Rock sets up for the People’s Elbow, but lets Eugene do it instead. Eugene nails the People’s Elbow to the delight of the crowd. The Coach rolls out of the ring, and is helped to the back by Cade. Rock raises Eugene’s arm in victory, and the two celebrate.

----COMMERCIAL----

Singles Match

Garrison Cade vs. The Hurricane

This match starts off with both men locking up in the middle of the ring. The Hurricane gets the upper hand early on with some highflying moves from the top rope. Garrison Cade uses anything he can to get the slightest advantage over Hurricane. The match turns out to be surprisingly good, with the crowd behind Hurricane. Garrison Cade goes to the top turnbuckle, jumps, but misses a Top Rope Leg Drop! As Cade gets back to his feet, Hurricane catches him with the shinning black. Hurricane follows this up by nailing the Overcast from the top rope. It isn’t enough to get the win over Cade. Hurricane goes for the Eyes of Hurricane, but Cade is able to reverse it into a diving reverse DDT. Cade heads to the top turnbuckle yet again, this time jumping, nailing a Flying Elbow Drop! He hooks the leg, and gets the 1...2...3 over Hurricane for the win.

Winner: Garrison Cade

[71%] [66%] [76%]

Overall Rating: 69%

[Gabriel]

...you called them Hardcore Inc. ... Fleming and Aguilera would have been preferred for a Heat match, unless you're planning on bringing them in under those gimmicks.

[THIR13EN²]

It will be a while before Al Katrazz & Hardcore Kidd are brought up to the main roster I'm sure. As long as I keep everything as real as I can with this diary, which I'm trying to do. If you look at it the way WWE would have done this. RAW & Heat aired & were tapped before Al Katrazz & Hardcore Kidd were signed to contracts with the promotion. I look into signing talent under how well they perform in their matches, and if they have a possible future as a WWE superstar. From this point on Al Katrazz & Hardcore Kidd will be known simply as Aaron Aguilera & Brian Fleming in Ohio Valley Wrestling, their gimmicks they held in UPW will be dropped, or possible perfected if necessary.

I wanted to thank everyone who reads the diary, once again if anyone has anymore comments or suggestions, please feel free to let me know.