World Wrestling Entertainment

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

“Where it all begins.. AGAIN!”

WWE.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

”Where it all begins.. AGAIN!”

That was the slogan given for WrestleMania XX, as Vincent Kennedy McMahon himself proclaimed at the historic event that World Wrestling Entertainment would do just that. Begin again.

The following night on RAW during the action, Vince McMahon came out once again and interrupted a match between Miss Jackie and Stacy Keibler, announcing that he had a huge announcement to make. Since Vince said he seemingly knew what the fans wanted, new feuds, new superstars and a whole new shakeup -- he was going to give it to them! He announced that on the following weeks RAW, there would be a Draft Lottery! Vince explained that everyone involved inside World Wrestling Entertainment would be involved and that no one would be exempt from moving from RAW to SmackDown! or vice versa! This was a shocking announcement and it had the fans buzzing for the first time in a while. Who would switch brands? Just what would happen?

On SmackDown! only three days later, Paul Heyman announced that he loved the idea of there being a new draft and sucked up to Vince McMahon. Heyman also announced that he was glad because he didn't like a lot of his talent on SmackDown! and would be glad to see some of them leave, for some fresh blood!

Then the night finally came... it was time for the first ever “WWE Draft Lottery” live on RAW! The show began with everyone on the RAW roster, wearing red “RAW” shirts and everyone on the SmackDown! roster, wearing blue “SmackDown!” shirts. Then going right out onto the stage there were two podiums set up, along with two tumblers to draw from and then we zoomed in on Paul Heyman, wearing a neckbrace. Facing off with Eric Bischoff, while Vince stood between them and wished them good picking, informing them they each had six choices! For the first hour of RAW, it seemed like a lackluster draft with each man just swapping undercard workers but then Bischoff chose The Undertaker! This sent Heyman into a joyous fit of laughter because he desperately wanted him off his show and Bischoff was pissed! Bischoff knew Kane was going to raise hell at this announcement. It also looked like one of the best tag teams of all time was going to be split-up in The Dudley Boyz, when Bubba was picked second but with his last pick, Heyman managed to snag D-Von's name, landing him the dynamic duo! And just when Heyman thought RAW had the bad end of the deal, Bischoff drew Edge’s name with his last pick and that sent Heyman into a frenzy! Edge then came out onto the stage to a huge pop from the crowd and shook Bischoff’s hand before lunging at Heyman and spearing him, much to the delight of the crowd! When it was all said and done, these 12 men ended up having new homes:

WWE Draft Lottery Results

RAW

1) Matt Morgan

2) Jamie Noble

3) Sean O’Haire

4) The Undertaker

5) Orlando Jordan

6) Edge

SmackDown!

1) Miss Jackie

2) Bubba Ray Dudley

3) Steven Richards

4) Sylvan Grenier

5) Test

6) D-Von Dudley

With RAW managing to snag onto both Edge & The Undertaker, who both seemed to be key men on that roster, it looked like RAW couldn't go anywhere than up! And SmackDown! seemingly got the short end of the stick, only winding up with The Dudley Boyz as their main gains. The future of RAW looked bright but the future of SmackDown! looked to be filled with storm clouds.

Who will come out on top, when it all begins... again!?

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

New Beginnings For Raw

March 29, 2004

Last week on Raw, WWE had a Draft Lottery that resulted in the change of the Raw and Smackdown brands. Six Superstars got drafted from a tumbler to each side. And Eric Bischoff has acquired the services of Matt Morgan, Jamie “By God” Noble, Sean O’Haire, The Undertaker, Orlando Jordan, and the returning Edge.

Edge will return to Raw this coming Monday, but he will not be able to compete for two more weeks. What will Edge have in store for Raw?

How will Kane react to the addition of his brother, The Undertaker, on Raw? He was against it on Raw before The Undertaker's name was even announced, and we have yet to hear from him on his thoughts about this addition. Tune in to Raw this Monday night to find out all about this.

Already confirmed for Raw is a non-title match that will see the newly crowned World Tag Team Champions of Batista and Ric Flair taking on the team of the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit and the number one contender Shawn Michaels. For a few weeks these two have been teaming now to face Evolution. Can they still co-exist? They have managed to in the past. Will things take a turn for the worst now?

How will Triple H take to the announcement at the end of Raw last week that it will be Shawn Michaels getting the World Heavyweight Championship title shot against Chris Benoit at Backlash? Will there be any other announcements concerning Backlash? Watch Raw and find out!

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

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Sunday Night Heat Preview

March 22, 2004

This week on Heat, the young, impressive duo of Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak will be in action. How will these two young standouts fare in action? We will see. They have come a long way in recent weeks, and are impressing WWE officials and fans alike. But, the question still remains – do they have what it takes to become World Tag Team Champions? Some felt they could have in recent weeks leading up to, and including, WrestleMania. But they didn’t. Starting this week on Sunday Night Heat, Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak try to work their way back up the ladder of success in order to get another title shot.

Also in action will be Tommy Dreamer taking on the ever flamboyant Rico. This should be an interesting match as the flamboyant lifestyle of Rico will clash with the extremist lifestyle of the ECW alumnus, Tommy Dreamer.

And also, in more tag team action, the team of Rene Dupree and Rob Conway, collectively known as La Resistance will take on a team they have had some experience again in the past, The Hurricane, and his Superhero in Training, Rosey. This should be another interesting matchup.

All of this and more this Sunday on Heat at 7/6 CT on Spike TV!

Dan · May 10, 2004

First diary on ewb4, ill be reading,even if it is ANOTHER wwe one.

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Edit: Posted out of order by mistake.

Edited May 10, 2004 by Fitzy

BlackFlagg · May 10, 2004

Was wondering who'd start things off here, heh...now I need to decide what diary I'm gonna do since the other board shut down before I could save my stuff, blah...

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Posted out of order by mistake, as well.

Edited May 10, 2004 by Fitzy

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

A NEW LOOK SMACKDOWN!

March 25th, 2004

On this week's RAW, the "Draft Lottery" was held with each brand choosing six random names from a tumbler and those six employees have switched employers. The newest SmackDown! talent are Miss Jackie, Steven Richards Sylvan Grenier, Test and The Dudley Boyz, Bubba & D-Von! However, SmackDown! also lost some of their talent with the big hits being The Undertaker and fresh off the injured list, Edge!

On this week's edition of SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman has vowed to deliver a new look brand for the fans! Promising that now that some of the troublemakers and "deadweight" are gone, that the brand will improve! Starting with this week! As of yet, there are no official matches announced but rest assured, it will be a night you won't want to miss!

Be sure to tune in Thursday night at 8/7 CT on UPN, to SMACK your TV!

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

WWE SmackDown!

SMACK your TV!

Taped from Grand Rapids, MI!

Opening up the show is a recap from the "Draft Lottery" that was held three days ago on RAW. Showing each of the talent being drafted to their respective shows, showing the glee on Heyman's face when The Undertaker was drafted. Then showing the shock on his face when Edge was drafted and then came out, spearing the SmackDown! General Manager! After that, we're sent straight to the new opening video package and new theme song for the brand, Drowning Pool's "Step Up" began:

Broken.. yeah you've been livin' on the edge of a broken dream!

Nothing.. yeah thats the only thing you'll ever take away from me!

I'm never gonna stop!

Ain't never gonna drop!

Ain't no different then it was before!

So take some good advice!

You'd better stop and think twice!

Before you take that first step out the door!

If you wanna step up! (step up)

You're gonna get knocked down!! (knocked down)

If you wanna step up! (step up)

You're gonna get knocked down!!

You have your chance to walk away!

Live to see another day!

If you wanna step up! (step up)

You're gonna get knocked down!!

GM Heyman Speaks

Directly after the new video package finished up, we're sent straight to the ring where most of the SmackDown! talent is standing around the ring. Inside the ring, we see the six people that were drafted from RAW wearing blue SmackDown! t-shirts. Then as we move back, General Manager Paul Heyman is standing in the middle of the ring with his neck brace still on and a microphone in his hand. The fans turned their cheers from the show starting to boo's and chants of "Asshole" directed toward Heyman.

"You chant that, like for some reason I care what you people think!" The crowd boo's even louder. "Hello fans and welcome to the new-and-improved, SmackDown! brand! As I'm sure you are all aware, only a few days ago the very first Draft Lottery occurred and each brand was allowed to choose six random names from their tumblers and those people they chose, would go to work for their new brand. As you can see, before me stand the six new members of the SmackDown! roster and allow me to introduce them to you." Heyman pauses, switching the microphone to his left hand and uses his right hand to point. "Introducing first, has to be my favorite selection.. she is not only a former Tough Enough champion but she is also one of the sexiest creatures on earth! Give it up for Miss Jackie!!"

Jackie would step forward with a sexy smile, raising her hands in the air and doing a little twirl, with some help from Heyman, who was loving this. The crowd cheered wildly, as Jackie strutted her stuff. Heyman copped a feel of Jackie's booty, which she just playfully shook her head at before she stepped back in line.

"Oh my!! .. Ahem! .. Moving on! Beside her we have one of my former employees from ECW, he may be a few sandwhiches short of a picnic basket but he's a welcome addition to our roster! Steven Richards!!" Steven just stood there with a demented look on his face before throwing his arm up in the air, hand extended outward. The fans gave him a mixed reaction, before Heyman interrupted them.

"And the man to his right is a promising young athlete. Formerly of La Resistance and yes, he IS french.. Sylvan Grenier!!" Sylvan had a smug look on his face, placing a hand on his chin to pose for the camera and the fans boo'ed wildly, with chants of "USA! USA! USA!" to which Grenier shook his head in disgust.

"Yes, we all know where we are.. THANK YOU! Some people just don't have manners, Mr. Grenier! Directly to his right, we have one of the biggest & meanest men in business to yet hold a World Title.. Test!!" Stepping forward some, Test looked around at the crowd with an intimidating stare as they started to boo him wildly. Shaking his head, Test had a confident look on his face and he knew it was his time to shine on SmackDown!

"And last but not least! We have one of the most decorated tag teams in the history of this business.. though lately they've been getting beat left and right! Bubba Ray & D-Von.. THE DUDLEY BOYZ!!" Different then the other four talent, Bubba Ray & D-Von just stood there staring at Heyman before they yanked off their SmackDown! shirts to expose their "3D" shirt and Bubba snatched the mic from Heyman.

"Alright, Heyman! We've had enough of your crap! We may be SmackDown! superstars now but that doesn't change the fact that we forgot how you treated us in ECW! We were the best thing to ever happen to that rinky dink, bingo hall promotion and you treated us like crap! That's why we came here to the WWE! For the respect.. for the money.. and for these fans! You may be our boss again but that doesn't mean we have to put up with your shit, like we did back then!" The fans cheered as The Dudleyz got in the face of GM Heyman but Heyman snatched the mic back from Bubba Ray and fired back!

"That's where you're WRONG, Bubba! You DO have to put up with my shit! Because if you don't, I'll have to --.."

"What!? Fire US!? GO AHEAD!"

Heyman grins, while shaking his head firmly. "No.. no.. no. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction of being fired! I was going to say, I'd have to suspend you indefinately WITHOUT PAY! You think I'd just let my two newest superstars walk out and go back to RAW? Oh no!"

Taking a few steps back now, Heyman turned away from his newest superstars and began to point all around the ring.

"Now that YOU ALL have seen the newest members of the SmackDown! roster, I'm going to teach all of you a lesson.. that you don't cross THIS boss! You all turned your backs on me two weeks ago and now it's time for a little payback! Most of you will be getting the night off and tonight shall mainly belong to the new blood of SmackDown! .. to the people in this ring!" Turning back towards the six talent inside the ring, Heyman ran down a few of the matches that were going to happen tonight.

"Steven! I'm going to give you a chance to prove yourself in a match against Bradshaw! .. But not just any match, it's a match that you've had some experience in before.. a Hardcore match!! .. Test! You're going to be in action later on tonight but it won't just be any match! It's going to be against John Cena for the WWE United States Title!! .. And finally, Bubba Ray & D-Von! Since you two seem to be in the mood for a fight, I'll give you one. It's going to be The Dudley Boyz against Kyo Dai, in a handicap match! -- Have fun boys!"

Steven & Test seemed to be thrilled with their oppurtunities tonight but as the camera moved over to Bubba Ray & D-Von, they looked pissed off, while Heyman smirked and we head to a commercial break.

(90)

COMMERCIAL

Hardcore Match: Bradshaw vs Steven Richards

As we return from the commercial break, we see the ring is filled with various weapons or "toys" as they like to call it. Then Bradshaw made his way out to the ring to the APA music, wearing a Cowboy hat. But after last week, it seems as if his drinking buddy won't be back in the company anymore. Soon after, Steven Richards came out to his own voice shouting "I'LL SHOW YOU!.. YOU'LL SEE!" followed by his Static-X ripoff theme music. The fans were clearly behind Bradshaw in this one.

Bradshaw wasted no time in beating the hell out of Steven, as he tried to climb inside the ring and was met with some clubbing forearms. Using his typical brawling style, Bradshaw kept control of Steven with some big soup bones before picking up a trash can and slammed it straight over Steven's head! That sent Richards down, leaving a big dent in the aluminum-like trash can but Bradshaw didn't stop there. Picking Steven back up, Bradshaw whipped him into the ropes and went for his Clothesline From Hell -- but Steven ducked underneath it! Sliding out of the ring, Steven pointed toward his head but Bradshaw followed him outside and Steven started running around the ring. Going all the way around once before sliding back inside, Steven crawled toward a singapore cane and just as Bradshaw was about to grab him by the hair.. CRACK! Steven nailed Bradshaw right in the forehead! That sent the big Texan staggering back, allowing Steven to get back to his feet and then swung for the fences, hitting Bradshaw right in the ribs! Tossing the cane down, Steven started to deliver some right hands into the weakened Bradshaw's head before picking up a chair and slammed it right over his back! Ouch! Covering Bradshaw now.. 1! - 2!! - Kick out! There's still fight left in the big man but Steven went over into one of the corners, retrieving another trash can. Hoisting it up, Steven turned around to wail on Bradshaw but instead was on the recieving end of a Big Boot into the trash can!! The fans popped huge for that one, while Bradshaw then backed up and waited for Steven to stagger up to his feet. As soon as he did, Bradshaw charged into the ropes and came back quickly, nearly decapitating Richards with his Clothesline From Hell!! The fans popped huge for that as Steven was turned inside out and Bradshaw made the cover for the academic three count.

Bradshaw's music blasts after the referee called for the bell and the big Texan threw the 'longhorns' up in the air with the fans cheering. Staring down at Steven for a few moments, Bradshaw climbed out of the ring and headed to the back.

Winner: Bradshaw

(69/64/75) **3/4

A New Alliance

Cutting to a scene in the backstage area, we see Sylvan Grenier standing there with that smug look on his face, looking around at the hallways and shaking his head. Then Miss Jackie comes into the picture, as Sylvan smirks a bit and then walks up to her with an arrogant strut.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle Jackie. Vous êtes étourdir de regard ce soir, comme d'habitude." A sly smirk on his face, Sylvan took her right hand into his and raised it, giving it a small kiss. Followed by a smile that slutty women like her fell for all the time.

She had a puzzled look on her face since she didn't understand French but blushed a bit, as he kissed her hand and gave him a sexy smile. "Ohhh.. a gentleman! I'm not sure what you said.. but it sounded.. so beautiful!"

Speaking in a thick, french-canaidian like accent. "Désolé. I say, that you look stunning tonight, as usual! Per'aps you could help me, eh? Since I am no longer on RAW with my fellow countrymen.. and the other people around here are, how you say.. American pigs! I thought maybe you and I could help each other out.. you know?" Grenier showed those pearly whites, while placing a hand on Jackie's cheek.

Jackie nodded along to what he was saying and then practically melted from Grenier's sweet talk and smile. "Mmm.. you know, I think we could work something out."

"Très bon." Grenier smiled once again, as Jackie looked like she wanted to jump ontop of Grenier right there but she held herself back.

(64)

(Sylvan Grenier's new gimmick (Ravishing) recieved a positive response.)

COMMERCIAL

As we returned from the commercial, Test's music hit the sound system to a chorus of boo's and he made his way down to the ring. Laughing at the fans that had their hands extended, before he hopped onto the ring apron and climbed over the top rope. Soon the crowd would roar into a frenzy as the opening beats to "Basic Thuganomics" began to blast and out walked John Cena, wearing a Barry Sanders throwback Lions jersey and a mic in his hand. Cena smiled as his music began to cut off and he began his ritual pre-match rap.

Yo.. yo.. yo!

Is Grand Rapids here to represent!? .. Aight! Let's get this crackin'!

It looks like tonight, I'm gonna have to pass the Test!

And that's fine with me 'cause John Cena's betta' than all the rest!

Comin' at ya' hard with that Ruthless Aggression!

So just sit tight fans, as I go through my exams session!

Ya' wanna take this title from me, but that just ain't happenin'!

Look at dude right now, it looks like he's nappin'!

You're just like Brock Lesnah, nothin' but soft!

But I'ma end this rap in a second.. 'cause it looks like he's head'll pop off!

I heard ya' used to beat ya' women, like a little ass punk!

So let me return the favor.. let's get this s*** crunk!!

WWE United States Title Match: John Cena © vs Test

Cena then dropped the mic on the stage, rushing down the aisle with the United States Title in his hand. Tossing it down on the outside, while the referee rang the bell and Cena slid into the ring quickly. Getting to a stand just at the right moment, as Test tried to kick him in the face but Cena spun around and layed into him with some hard right hands. Staggering him back into the ropes before whipping him into the ropes and nailed him with a quick clothesline. Hitting another one as Test got back up and then delivered a pretty nice dropkick to a nice pop from the crowd. Pausing to play to the crowd for a few moments, Cena then went back to work on Test with some right hands before hoisting him up and hit a nice back suplex. Dragging Test back up to a stand, Cena whipped Test into the farside corner and then pumped his fist before rushing in to the corner and leaped into the air -- but found nothing but turnbuckles! Test had slipped away and just when Cena turned around, he hoisted him up and then dropped his face right onto the top turnbuckle! Ouch! Cena landed on his feet, staggering around until Test hoisted him up and spun around into a powerslam! Covering Cena.. 1! - 2!!.. Kick out! Cena isn't gonna go down that easy and Test slaps the canvas, pulling Cena back to a stand. Laying in some left hands before taking him over to the nearby corner and nailed a series of back elbows to Cena's jaw. After which, Test took a step back before raising his right leg and proceded to choke out John with his boot! The ref reached his five count and forced Test to break the hold, after which he started to chase the ref around the ring and shouted. Making his way back to Cena, he whipped him across to the other side of the ring's corner and then ran forward, nailing a clothesline in the corner! This knocked Cena silly, as he fell down into the corner and Test used this time to taunt the crowd and shout "Who's the punk now!?" before stomping away at Cena.

Continuing to work Cena over before he dragged him up to a stand and hooked him up for his patented pump handle slam.. but Cena countered! Flipping out behind Test, Cena waited for him to turn around and hoisted him up for the F-U and the fans cheered wildly -- but Test countered! Spinning Cena around, Test went for a clothesline but that was ducked and Cena went for one himself but again, that was ducked and Test grabbed Cena's arms before hoisting him up and PLANTED him with a Full Nelson Slam!! That hadda' hurt!! Making the cover.. 1! - 2!! - .. Shoulder up! Just in time and the crowd breathed a sigh of relief but Test was furious! .. But then he smirked a little making his way over to one of the nearby corners, as the ref checked on Cena and Test began untying the top turnbuckle pad! The fans boo'ed wildly, as Test grinned and made his way back to Cena and delivered a few right hands. Hooking him up now, Test went to whip Cena into the exposed turnbuckle. chest-first.. but Cena reversed it! Hooking his opponent up quickly before slamming him down with the Throwback!! Covering him afterward.. 1! - 2!! - Shoulder up! Cena slammed his hands on the canvas, thinking he had Test there but then he saw Test's handywork! Cena then layed down, as Test was starting to get up and Test looked around confused.. before shrugging his shoulders. Dragging Cena up to his feet, Test eyed the exposed turnbuckle and smirked. Test then grabbed onto Cena's wrist, whipping him toward the corner -- but Cena reversed it, throwing Test into the corner and sending him straight into the exposed turnbuckle!! Test hit it hard, staggering out of the corner and fell straight across Cena's shoulders! Smirking he muscled up, throwing Test over and planted him with the F-U!!! The fans cheered wildy, as Cena made the cover.. 1! - 2!! - .. 3!!!

Cena retains his United States Title over Test here with some help from Test's own doing, by exposing the top turnbuckle! Cena then stands up with his belt in one hand and with the other hand, he waved it infront of his face with the 'You Can't See Me!' sign.

Winner: John Cena

(76/75/76) ***

Bischoff Sends A Gift

Heading to the backstage area, we see Heyman laughing at the monitor as Cena is being helped to the back, until there's a knock at the door. Turning his attention toward the door, in walks the sultry Dawn Marie in a low cut white blouse and a matching miniskirt. The fans hooted & hollared in the background, as Dawn began to speak.

"Mr. Heyman, I just got --.. "

"Now Dawn, I told you to call me Paul.. " Heyman interrupted with a perverted smile.

"I'm sorry. Paul, a.. small package and a note arrived or you, from Eric Bischoff." Dawn said with a slight hesitation..

"From Eric Bischoff!? WHAT THE HELL DOES HE WANT!?" Heyman seemed irrate but then winced, holding his neck brace in pain.

Dawn unfolded the note and began to read. "Hey Paul.. sorry about your luck on Monday! I guess lady luck is just on RAW's side. And I swear, I had no idea Edge was going to spear you! .. I know you really didn't have too much luck during the draft but I figured, since I'm such a NICE guy that I'd send you a little gift. Oh and please, no thanks are needed.. I know you'll just LOVE it!"

Heyman snarled abit at Eric's note. "That pompous son'uva.. Well? What the hell did he send?"

Dawn looked at Paul for a moment before turning over her shoulder and shouting. "You can come in, now!"

Heyman looked confused for a moment, as he looked toward the door and his eye widened up and Spike Dudley came into the picture.

"Aw, damnit! .. What the HELL are YOU doing here? I've already got your two pain in the ass brothers!" Heyman was enraged, it didn't want Spike on his show!

"Paul, I'm not here to start any trouble. I asked Eric if I could come here and he let me. All I want is a chance to prove myself! Just give me a chance!" Spike looked like a lost puppy as he looked at Paul, pleading for a shot.

"You want me to give you a chance? Why should I --.. Hold on. You know what Spike, I'm going to give you a chance! And I'm going to give you that chance tonight in a match against someone you should know since you worked with him in ECW.. RHYNO!!" Heyman grinned like the Grinch at Christmas time, while Spike looked like he just saw a ghost! "And you better get ready because that match.. IS NEXT!! Buh-bye!"

Spike looked like he was about to cry, as Heyman laughed & waved goodbye to Spike with Dawn Marie following her boss in his laughter. Spike hung his head down, walking out of the room as we take a break.

(86)

COMMERCIAL

[Lugz Boot of the Week]

Spike Dudley vs Rhyno

There was a pause between the transition before Rhyno's music hit the speakers and out he came with a psychotic look on his face. Rubbing his wrists with a grin before he slid into the ring and beat his chest like a gorilla & threw his arms into the air. Then getting into a crouch, just as Spike's music hit and out came the runt of the Dudley litter with a concerned look on his face. Making his way down to the ring, Spike was weary of getting in the ring but he eventually did.. keeping his eyes on the Man Beast.

Once the bell sounded, Rhyno started stalking around Spike in a circle before rushing straight at him for a Gore but Spike slid between Rhyno's legs! This caught the Man Beast offguard, as he snorted and started to stalk Spike once again. Rushing forward again but Spike slid under him again! This started to piss Rhyno off now, as he rushed toward Spike one more time but then stopped short and dropped down -- but Spike wasn't there! Rhyno snorted once again, grabbing at Spike's legs but he ran away and the fans were eating this up, getting behind Spike. Back to a stand, Rhyno seemed extremely irrate now and he chased Spike around before he slid out of the ring with Rhyno following after him. Running around the ring, Spike finally slid into the ring but Rhyno slid in on the side before him to cut him off and nailed him with a clothesline! The fans boo'ed wildly, as Rhyno began to stomp away at the much smaller man and then dragged him up to a stand. Tossing Spike like a ragdoll into the nearby corner, he repeatedly slammed his right shoulder into Spike's waist. Then hoisting Spike up onto his shoulder, Rhyno spun around and delivered a powerslam/spear-like combination! Ouch! Making the cover.. 1! - 2!! - But Rhyno lifted Spike up, shaking his head. Wanting to punish him some more! The fans boo'ed once again, as Rhyno continued his assault on Spike, including a massive Gorilla Press Slam! Covering Spike again.. 1! - 2!! - But Rhyno lifted Spike up again, shaking his head. Back to his feet, Rhyno left Spike on the ground and pointed upward before climbing out onto the apron. Climbing up to the top rope by each turnbuckle, Rhyno was perched on the top rope and leaped off for a huge splash -- but Spike rolled out of the way!

The crowd popped as Spike slowly got to his feet, along with Rhyno who was holding his gut. Spike lunged forward, jamming his head into Rhyno's midsection! .. And again! .. And again! .. And again! Spike then started to hit Rhyno with some weak looking forearms but then took him down with a dropkick to both of Rhyno's knees! Quickly climbing up to the top rope, Spike paused for a second before jumping off and delivered a double footstomp on Rhyno! Nodding his head now, Spike raised his hands as Rhyno got up near the corner and ran forward, grabbing onto Rhyno's neck before scaling the turnbuckles with a Dudley Dogg -- No! Rhyno shoved him halfway across the ring!! Landing on his ass, Spike shouted out in pain as Rhyno crouched down in the corner and the fans were booing. Spike slowly started to stagger up with the fans trying to warn him but as soon as he turned around.. GORE! GORE!! GORE!!! The fans exploded in boo's as little Spike appeared to be dead from the move and Rhyno hooked a leg.. 1! - 2!! - 3!!!

Rhyno picks up the win here but Spike nearly came back on him, after he was playing games. On his feet, Rhyno looked down at Spike and spat on him before leaning down to trash talk the nearly unconscious Dudley. But then Rhyno looked like he was about to do some more damage until Bubba Ray & D-Von ran down to the ring and Rhyno slid out of the ring. Pointing at Bubba & D-Von, trash talking as they made sure he was going to the back before they checked on their little brother.

Winner: Rhyno

(70/68/73) **1/4

COMMERCIAL

(During the break: We see The Dudley Boyz helping Spike backstage and took him into the medics room. However, when they came out they were confronted by Akio & Sakoda, who just stood there with glasses on.. staring at The Dudleyz. They asked what Kyo Dai wanted and then Tajiri appeared, shouting at them in japanese and the pointed with an evil grin. Then they walked away leaving Bubba to ask D-Von, what the hell that was all about.)

Angle Wants Latino Heat!

The sounds of trumpets blaring began to play with "Medal" hitting the speakers and the fans up on their feet, ready to chant along. Out from the back came Kurt Angle in his wrestling attire and his "Freedom of Choice - TAP OUT or Angle Slam" t-shirt. As soon as the part kicked in, they rang in with the "You Suck!" tagline, which looked to always get under Angle's skin. Making his way straight down to the ring, he climbed up the steel steps and then slipped inside the ring with a quick spin. Making his way over toward the side of the ring by the announce table, Tony Chimel handed him the microphone and Angle looked as if he was gonna slap him. Turning back inside the ring, Angle made his way toward the middle of the ring and his music slowly died down. The fans were booing, as he began to speak.

"It's been nearly two weeks since WrestleMania XX, one of the biggest moments of any Superstar that participates in it's career! But on what was supposed to be my crowning achievement of taking back the WWE Heavyweight Title.. for the American people, I mind you! Turned into one of the most disappointing days of my career! I WAS ROBBED!" The fans cheered with a small "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" chant, to which Kurt sneered at. "Once again, Eddie Guerrero showed his true colors by CHEATING to win a match! I had him beat! I had him ready to tap out, in the middle of this ring! -- Oh, it's true! It's DAMN true! But then he CHEATED by removing his boot, when I had the Ankle Lock synched in! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! THAT'S NOT FAIR!" The crowd boo'ed Angle, as he started to throw a mini-temper tantrum in the ring by stomping his feet and getting upset. "So Eddie, if you want to be a REAL champion and show all of these people.. that you can actually win a match without cheating.. you'll give me a rematch! And if you don't.. well, you'll just prove to these people that you're nothing but a former drug addict that --.."

LATINO HEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAT!!

Angle was interrupted by the sounds of Eddie Guerrero's "Lie, Cheat & Steal" theme music with the added "Latino Heat" at the beginning of it. The fans cheered wildly as Eddie made his way out onto the stage with the WWE Heavyweight Title wrapped around his waist. Wearing his "Addicted to the Heat" Scarface shirt, Eddie had a mic with him and began to speak, as his music died down.

"Odale, Holmes! You stop right there, ese! Don't go gettin' your panties all in a bunch, just 'cause Latino Heat beat you, holmes! Just because I outsmarted you, doesn't mean you hafta come out here and whine like a little bebé!" Guerrero smiled, as the fans cheered him on. Meanwhile, in the ring Angle was obviously furious and started shouting for Eddie to get in the ring. "Cool your jets, holmes! I'll tell you what.. I'll tell you whatt I'm gonna do! How 'bout you say 'I Suck!" and I'll maybe I'll give you a title shot! .. C'mon Kurt.. say 'I Suck'!!" The fans continued to cheer Eddie on and then broke out in "You Suck!" chants, while Angle sort of smirked and raised his mic.

"NO! I'm not gonna say I SUCK! --.. AW! DAMNIT!" The fans started laughing at Kurt, as he said it anyway and he started to stomp his feet some more.

"It looks like you just did, holmes! Hahaha.. " Eddie began to laugh, as Angle continued to get pissed off and stared a whole straight through Eddie.

"The hell with this! I tried to be the nice guy Eddie! But if you don't wanna give me my rematch.. you leave me no choice!" Angle tossed the microphone down, climbing out of the ring and made his way up the rampway slowly.

Eddie started walking across the stage, telling Kurt to bring it -- but then out of nowhere, The Big Show lumbers out from the back and hammers Eddie from behind! Boos filled the arena, as Show started to take it to Eddie and Angle made his way up to the two and grinned. Stomping the hell out of the fallen Eddie along with Show until Rey Mysterio ran out from the back with a fire extinquisher, tapping Show on the back. The fans cheered wildly, as Big Show turned around, Mysterio sprayed him in the eyes and then chased Kurt away! Angle pulled Show back, who looked like he wanted to kill Mysterio as Rey stood over Eddie with the extinquisher, making sure Kurt & Show stayed away.

(92)

COMMERCIAL

Handicap Match: Kyo Dai vs The Dudley Boyz

As soon as we return from the break, Kyo Dai's music hits and out from the back come all three members. Akio on the left, Tajiri in the middle and Sakoda on the right and they make their way down to the ring with Tajiri looking very shifty-eyed. They all slid under the bottom rope and awaited their opponents. Soon after, the bombshell dropped with the fans popping for Powerman 5000's music blasting and out came The Dudley Boyz. Throwing their arms in the air to try to pump the crowd up before they made their way down to the ring, keeping their attention on Kyo Dai and they slid into the ring for the start of the match.

Kyo Dai wasted no time in rushing straight toward The Dudley Boyz at the start of the match but Bubba & D-Von managed to fight them off for about a minute but then the numbers game caught up to them. Tajiri delivered a wicked kick to the back of D-Von's knee as he was taking care of Sakoda and then nailed Bubba from behind with a dropkick. The referee forced Sakoda & Tajiri onto the outside, along with Bubba Ray because this was tag format rules. Leaving D-Von and Akio inside the ring, with Akio delivering some forearm shots before hitting a nice running knee strike to D-Von's temple! Posing like Tajiri for a moment, Akio then bounced off the ropes before coming back with a sharp knee drop to his forehead. Snagging a rear chinlock, Akio looked to wear down D-Von in the early going. Wrenching it in but D-Von managed to get up to one knee and then get up to both feet before dropping straight down with a jawbreaker! Ouch! This sent Akio down to the canvas, while D-Von shook the cobwebs away and then started to nail his opponent with some strong right hands. Whipping him off into the ropes, D-Von hoisted him up and nailed him with a spinebuster. Making the cover.. 1! - 2!! Kick out! D-Von drags Akio over toward his corner now, before tagging in Bubba Ray who comes in with some snap jabs before spinning around and nailing him with a clothesline! Bubba then makes his way up to the second rope, sizing Akio up before dropping a big fist into his forehead! Cover on Akio.. 1! - 2!! Sakoda breaks it up! Sakoda then starts to hit Bubba Ray with some right hands until Bubba blocks one and tosses him over the top rope! The fans pop as Tajiri comes rushing into the ring but gets scooped slammed for his troubles. Bubba then puts his thumbs up, as D-Von climbs up to the top rope with Bubba spreading Tajiri's legs and go "WASSUP~!!" -- but as the ref is telling D-Von to get down, Tajiri sprays the green mist into Bubba's eyes! Akio then comes up from behind with a roll-up on Bubba Ray.. 1! - 2!! - 3 -- NO! D-Von manages to break the pin at the last second! But Bubba can't see!

The ref forces D-Von back out onto the apron, while Sakoda & Tajiri are forced on the apron but Akio makes the tag out to Sakoda. Coming in quickly, Sakoda sees that Bubba is blinded but he's wiping his eyes and then swinging wildly to protect himself. Sakoda then crawls on the ground, taking out Bubba's legs and then pops back up. Yanking Bubba up to a stand, he slips behind him just as he swings a right hand and hooks him up.. Tiger Suplex! Sakoda bridges into the cover.. 1! - 2!! - But Bubba kicks out! The fans pop, as Sakoda can't believe this by the look in his eyes. Making the tag out to Tajiri now, who comes in stalking a kneeling Bubba, wiping his eyes. Sizing him up, Tajiri rears back for his deadly Buzzsaw Kick.. but D-Von grabs him from behind and delivers the his D-Von Driver (Lifted Reverse DDT)! The ref forces him back out onto the apron though and he begans shouting for Bubba to crawl to his voice. The fans are clapping for Bubba to make the tag, as he starts crawling in the wrong direction but then makes his way towards D-Von.. following his voice. Meanwhile, Tajiri is slowly crawling toward his partners and makes the tag in to Akio! Akio hops over the top rope, rushing towards Bubba and grabs onto his left leg, just as he's about to make the tag! But Bubba's instincts kick in, as he kicks Akio away and dives toward D-Von, who slaps Bubba's back for the HOT tag! Rushing into the ring is D-Von, as he takes out Akio with a clothesline and then nails an incoming Tajiri with his spinning elbow! On the apron, Bubba Ray seems to have cleared his eyes from the mist -- but wait! Chuck Palumbo, Johnny Stamboli & Nunzio rush down the rampway and yank Bubba off the apron! D-Von sees this and shouts at the referee but he's being distracted by Tajiri! The Full Blooded Italians are beating the hell out of Bubba on the outside but D-Von gets spun around by Sakoda, who hoists him up for a Spinebuster but Akio comes jumping in with a Diamond Cutter variation!! Akio then makes the cover.. 1! - 2!! - 3!!!

Kyo Dai pick up the huge win here over The Dudley Boyz even though it was a Handicap Match and the Full Blooded Italians are attacking Bubba on the outside! After the match, Kyo Dai celebrate in the ring while the F.B.I. nod toward them and head up the rampway, laughing at the work they've done. Is there some kind of alliance between these two factions!?

Winner: Kyo Dai via Interference

(72/59/84) **1/2

WGTT Want Their Shot

Cutting to a scene in the backstage area, we see Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty standing in the hallway in street gear, with their Tag Titles and their laughing about something. Just then, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin come into the picture and they stare at the tag champs.

"What the hell are you two laughing at? Oh.. I know. Are you laughing at the fact that you two, as tag team champions, is a complete JOKE? Because then we'd understand." Shelton said, rather smugly.

"Oh really? Then how come we beat you at WrestleMania XX? Rikishi answered with a smile.

"You got lucky! Charlie & I were about to win the Tag Team belts yet again but then that idiot Bradshaw had to screw everything up! You've never beaten the World's Greatest Tag Team and you never will! So why don't you just hand those belts over, right now." Haas & Benjamin stared straight at them, holding their hands out.

"How about you get out of our faces before The Kish.. has to back THIS ass up?" Rikishi dropped his smile, staring straight at Benjamin with a mean look in his eye.

"Alright. Have it your way. But this isn't over.. not by a long shot!" Benjamin stated firmly, as he & Haas walked away while Scotty tried to settle Rikishi down.

(79)

COMMERCIAL

(Earlie Tonight: We're shown a replay of the occurences earlier in the night, where Angle asked for a rematch and then Show & Angle attacked Eddie until Rey arrived to make the save. Cole & Tazz remind us that Eddie & Rey just fought each other the week before and if Eddie can trust Mysterio!)

Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio Jr. vs Kurt Angle & The Big Show

Big Show's music hit first, bringing the seven foot monster out from the back to loud jeers and he ignored them, as he made his way down to the ring. Then Angle's music hit for the second time tonight, as he made his way out to the "You Suck!" chants of earlier in the night. Sliding inside the ring, Angle grinned at Show before slapping him on the back and they awaited their opponents. Mysterio's music soon hit with Rey poppin' out from the side of the stage and the fans going crazy. Rey made his way down to the bottom of the rampway and stood there, waiting for his partner. Then the WWE Heavyweight Champion's music hit, getting the biggest pop of the night from the crowd and Eddie made his way out, looking very focused. Meeting Mysterio at the bottom of the ramp before they nodded to each other and hit the ring quickly.

The bell sounded with each team staring back at each other until Show moved out on the apron, letting Angle start the match off and Rey started the match off for his team, with Eddie getting on the apron. Kurt and Rey began to circle each other to start the match off until they locked up quickly and Angle took control with a side headlock, Wrenching it in but then he was shoved off into the ropes by Mysterio, who leapfrogged the incoming Angle and then nailed him with a monkey flip, as he came back! The fans cheered for that, as Rey popped right up to his feet along with Angle, who looked embarassed. Rushing straight for Rey, Angle was caught with a quick drop toe hold that took him down to the canvas before he pushed himself up. A slight smile was given from Angle before he locked up with Rey again, this time catching him in a headlock but then put him in a hammerlock. Angle bobbed his head around, asking Mysterio how he'd get out of this one and Rey caught him with a snap mare! This sent Angle over the edge, stomping his feet before making a bee line toward Rey and nailed him with a double leg takedown! Laying into him with some right hands before getting back to his feet and gave a loud "Whoo!" to the crowd. Dragging Rey up to a stand, Angle delivered some wicked chops into his chest before whipping him off into the ropes and caught him with back body drop on the return. Picking Rey back up, Angle delivered some right hands before hooking him up and dropped him with a stiff back suplex. Eddie began clapping on the outside, trying to get Rey back in it but Angle was still all over him. Hooking him up, Angle nailed a nice overhead belly-to-belly suplex and made the cover.. 1! - 2!! Kick out! Rey won't stay down that easy. Angle shook his head, while picking Rey back up and decided to tag in the seven footer. In came the Big Show, stepping over the top rope and just overpowered Rey. Tossing him around the ring like a ragdoll before grabbing onto his head and delivered a HUGE headbutt! Show then started to send some stomps into Rey's head before picking him up and whipping him into the ropes. Hoisting Rey up for a scoop slam -- but Rey countered, it slipping around behind Show and then crawled under his legs. When Show turned around.. no one was there! And Rey leaped up onto Show's back, nailing him with some right hands. Then applying a sleeper hold, Rey tried to wear down the bigger man but Show had an idea.. staggering back into a corner and he literally crushed Rey between him and the turnbuckles! Ouch!! Eddie started shouting at Rey, trying to get him to make the tag but he was getting covered.. 1! - 2!! - Eddie breaks it up! Guerrero then started to trash talk Show before slipping out onto the apron. Trying to distract Show but he wasn't having any of that, as he picked Rey up and called for the end. Hooking him up by the throat, he hoisted Mysterio up into the air for the Showstopper -- but Rey countered with a head scissors!

The fans cheered as Rey somehow managed to take the big man off his feet with that move but he was in no condition to capitalize. Crawling toward his corner slowly, Rey tried to make the tag but Show grabbed onto Rey's leg and dragged him towards Angle. Tagging Angle back in, Show held on to Rey's leg and then handed it right to Angle, who locked on the Ankle Lock!! The fans boo'ed as Rey was screaming out in pain but luckily he was near the ropes and grabbed onto them for dear life! The hold was forced to be broken by Ref Nick Patrick and Angle didn't look too happy. Pulling his straps down, Angle stalked the slowly rising Mysterio. Waiting for him to get up, which Rey did with a limp and Angle moved in for the kill! Hooking Rey up, he spun around for the Angle Slam -- but Rey slipped away! Landing on his feet, Rey dove toward his corner and made the tag!! The fans popped, as Eddie quickly entered the ring and knocked Kurt down with a clothesline. Show then stepped over the top rope -- but Eddie pulled the top rope up, hanging Show up on the top rope and he let out a loud roar of pain! But Angle snuck up on Eddie from behind, hooking him up and threw him over for a German Suplex -- but Eddie landed on his feet! As Kurt turned back around, Eddie grabbed onto him and popped his hips, hitting a suplex! And he holds on! Chaining the suplex together for another one by swiveling his hips! Can Eddie hit the trio? Hoisting Angle up, Eddie drops him to hit the trifecta! The fans knew what was coming next, as he signaled for the top rope and climbed up there. Perched for his Frog Splash.. but Show grabs him by the throat! Show has Eddie by the throat -- but here comes Rey, catapulting his body at Show and they both go tumbling to the floor, while Eddie falls down into the ring and lands on his right leg wrong! Screaming out in pain, Eddie holds his right leg as Angle climbs up to his feet and grins, seeing the oppurtunity! Making his way over towards Eddie but he doesn't see Mysterio, as he hops onto the top rope and goes for the West Coast Pop!! Landing on Kurt's shoulders, he tried to roll him up into the hurricanrana but Kurt caught him! Grabbing onto Rey's left ankle and applies the Ankle Lock!! It's synched on in the middle of the ring!! Eddie rolls out of the ring in pain, holding his right ankle and Rey is screaming out for help. After about thirty seconds, Rey has no choice and taps out!!!

The fans boo wildly, as Kurt & Big Show pick up the win here but what about our WWE Champion!? Eddie is screaming in pain on the outside, as medics rush down to ringside to check on him. Angle finally drops the Ankle Lock on Rey, celebrating inside the ring and then looks over the ropes at Eddie. A huge smile crosses Angle's face, as Eddie is obviously in alot of pain! SmackDown! goes off the air with Cole & Tazz yelling about if Eddie's is severely hurt, the company could be hurting even more!

Winner: Kurt Angle & The Big Show

(90/92/85) ***3/4

- - - - -

Overall Rating: 77%

SmackDown! Rating: 4.0

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

VELOCITY PREVIEW

March 27th, 2004

The WWE Cruiserweight Champion will be in action on Velocity, as Chavo Guerrero accompanied by his father Chavo Guerrero Sr., will be in non-title action against Shannon Moore! Chavo said that Moore wasn't worthy of a title shot but can the impressive Moore pull out an upset? Find out on Velocity!

We will see one of the newest members of the roster compete in his first match with the brand, on Velocity. Sylvan Grenier, accompanied by the stunning Miss Jackie, will be in competition against Tyson Dux! Can Grenier prove that he can make it on his own?

Also, on Velocity, the newly formed team of Billy Kidman & Paul London will take on former WWE Tag Team Champions, The Basham Brothers. Kidman & London are out to prove themselves as a team that can challenge for the belts one day, while The Basham Brothers hope to prove that they deserve another shot at the belts! Don't miss what is sure to be a great match on Velocity!

All of this and more, including highlights from this past week's SmackDown!, only on Velocity at 10/9 CT on Spike TV!

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

WWE Velocity

The show opened up with the normal opening montage, then we're sent to Josh Matthews and his new broadcast partner, Rue DeBona. They introduce us to the show before talking about the "Draft Lottery" and what happened on SmackDown! and then sent us to a recap.

Recap of SmackDown! New Blood

Inside the ring, we see the six people that were drafted from RAW wearing blue SmackDown! t-shirts. Then as we move back, General Manager Paul Heyman is standing in the middle of the ring with his neck brace still on and a microphone in his hand. The fans turned their cheers from the show starting to boo's and chants of "Asshole" directed toward Heyman.

"You chant that, like for some reason I care what you people think!" The crowd boo's even louder. "Hello fans and welcome to the new-and-improved, SmackDown! brand! As I'm sure you are all aware, only a few days ago the very first Draft Lottery occurred and each brand was allowed to choose six random names from their tumblers and those people they chose, would go to work for their new brand. As you can see, before me stand the six new members of the SmackDown! roster and allow me to introduce them to you." Heyman pauses, switching the microphone to his left hand and uses his right hand to point. "Introducing first, has to be my favorite selection.. she is not only a former Tough Enough champion but she is also one of the sexiest creatures on earth! Give it up for Miss Jackie!!"

Jackie would step forward with a sexy smile, raising her hands in the air and doing a little twirl, with some help from Heyman, who was loving this. The crowd cheered wildly, as Jackie strutted her stuff. Heyman copped a feel of Jackie's booty, which she just playfully shook her head at before she stepped back in line.

"Oh my!! .. Ahem! .. Moving on! Beside her we have one of my former employees from ECW, he may be a few sandwhiches short of a picnic basket but he's a welcome addition to our roster! Steven Richards!!" Steven just stood there with a demented look on his face before throwing his arm up in the air, hand extended outward. The fans gave him a mixed reaction, before Heyman interrupted them.

"And the man to his right is a promising young athlete. Formerly of La Resistance and yes, he IS french.. Sylvan Grenier!!" Sylvan had a smug look on his face, placing a hand on his chin to pose for the camera and the fans boo'ed wildly, with chants of "USA! USA! USA!" to which Grenier shook his head in disgust.

"Yes, we all know where we are.. THANK YOU! Some people just don't have manners, Mr. Grenier! Directly to his right, we have one of the biggest & meanest men in business to yet hold a World Title.. Test!!" Stepping forward some, Test looked around at the crowd with an intimidating stare as they started to boo him wildly. Shaking his head, Test had a confident look on his face and he knew it was his time to shine on SmackDown!

"And last but not least! We have one of the most decorated tag teams in the history of this business.. though lately they've been getting beat left and right! Bubba Ray & D-Von.. THE DUDLEY BOYZ!!" Different then the other four talent, Bubba Ray & D-Von just stood there staring at Heyman before they yanked off their SmackDown! shirts to expose their "3D" shirt and Bubba snatched the mic from Heyman.

"Alright, Heyman! We've had enough of your crap! We may be SmackDown! superstars now but that doesn't change the fact that we forgot how you treated us in ECW! We were the best thing to ever happen to that rinky dink, bingo hall promotion and you treated us like crap! That's why we came here to the WWE! For the respect.. for the money.. and for these fans! You may be our boss again but that doesn't mean we have to put up with your shit, like we did back then!" The fans cheered as The Dudleyz got in the face of GM Heyman but Heyman snatched the mic back from Bubba Ray and fired back!

"That's where you're WRONG, Bubba! You DO have to put up with my shit! Because if you don't, I'll have to --.."

"What!? Fire US!? GO AHEAD!"

Heyman grins, while shaking his head firmly. "No.. no.. no. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction of being fired! I was going to say, I'd have to suspend you indefinately WITHOUT PAY! You think I'd just let my two newest superstars walk out and go back to RAW? Oh no!"

Taking a few steps back now, Heyman turned away from his newest superstars and began to point all around the ring.

"Now that YOU ALL have seen the newest members of the SmackDown! roster, I'm going to teach all of you a lesson.. that you don't cross THIS boss! You all turned your backs on me two weeks ago and now it's time for a little payback! Most of you will be getting the night off and tonight shall mainly belong to the new blood of SmackDown! .. to the people in this ring!" Turning back towards the six talent inside the ring, Heyman ran down a few of the matches that were going to happen tonight.

"Steven! I'm going to give you a chance to prove yourself in a match against Bradshaw! .. But not just any match, it's a match that you've had some experience in before.. a Hardcore match!! .. Test! You're going to be in action later on tonight but it won't just be any match! It's going to be against John Cena for the WWE United States Title!! .. And finally, Bubba Ray & D-Von! Since you two seem to be in the mood for a fight, I'll give you one. It's going to be The Dudley Boyz against Kyo Dai, in a handicap match! -- Have fun boys!"

Steven & Test seemed to be thrilled with their oppurtunities tonight but as the camera moved over to Bubba Ray & D-Von, they looked pissed off, while Heyman smirked and we head to a commercial break.
(90)

(90)

COMMERCIAL

Billy Kidman & Paul London vs The Basham Brothers

The match kicked off with Doug & London in the ring with one another and Doug took control with his strength advantage. Using this to his advantage, he controlled the pace of the match and it was very methodical with lots of technical holds, trying to keep the high-flyer grounded. Making the tag out to his brother Danny, who came in & did the same thing as his brother, keeping London grounded with some holds & straight brawling. It looked as if the match was going to end without Kidman even getting inside the ring but London showed resilency. Then after Doug was tagged in once again, he tried to hit London with a T-Bone Suplex -- but London flipped out of it and nailed a beautiful Dropsault! Coming back now was London, using his quickness to avoid both Bashams as they rushed him and then caught Doug with a beautiful headscissors takedown. However, Danny nailed him from behind with a huge clothesline! The ref forced Danny out onto the apron afterward and both men were down.

Each man began crawling toward their corner with Doug managing to tag in his brother first but London made the hot tag to Kidman! Catapulting himself into the ring, Kidman took Danny down with a dropkick and then took the incoming Doug down with a snap ddt!! Turning back around, Doug nailed Kidman with a few right hands before whipping him into the ropes but Kidman leapfrogged his attacker! Running toward the ropes, Kidman came back into an attempted spinebuster but he countered it into a BK Bomb!! The fans popped huge for that, as Kidman made his way up to the top rope to end it all. Danny came rushing to crotch him but London stopped him, kicking him in the midsection and nailed a Legsweep DDT!! That was an awesome move! Meanwhile, Kidman raised his arm before vaulting off with a Shooting Star Press onto Doug! Staying ontop of him for the cover and picked up the three count!!

Kidman & London come away with a huge win here over The Basham Brothers and the fans are loving it. High five from London to Kidman, as they made their way to the back and we go to a commercial.

Winner: Billy Kidman & Paul London

(70/60/81) **1/2

COMMERCIAL

Recap of Kyo Dai vs The Dudley Boyz

As soon as we return from the break, Kyo Dai's music hits and out from the back come all three members. Akio on the left, Tajiri in the middle and Sakoda on the right and they make their way down to the ring with Tajiri looking very shifty-eyed. They all slid under the bottom rope and awaited their opponents. Soon after, the bombshell dropped with the fans popping for Powerman 5000's music blasting and out came The Dudley Boyz. Throwing their arms in the air to try to pump the crowd up before they made their way down to the ring, keeping their attention on Kyo Dai and they slid into the ring for the start of the match.

Kyo Dai wasted no time in rushing straight toward The Dudley Boyz at the start of the match but Bubba & D-Von managed to fight them off for about a minute but then the numbers game caught up to them. Tajiri delivered a wicked kick to the back of D-Von's knee as he was taking care of Sakoda and then nailed Bubba from behind with a dropkick. The referee forced Sakoda & Tajiri onto the outside, along with Bubba Ray because this was tag format rules. Leaving D-Von and Akio inside the ring, with Akio delivering some forearm shots before hitting a nice running knee strike to D-Von's temple! Posing like Tajiri for a moment, Akio then bounced off the ropes before coming back with a sharp knee drop to his forehead. Snagging a rear chinlock, Akio looked to wear down D-Von in the early going. Wrenching it in but D-Von managed to get up to one knee and then get up to both feet before dropping straight down with a jawbreaker! Ouch! This sent Akio down to the canvas, while D-Von shook the cobwebs away and then started to nail his opponent with some strong right hands. Whipping him off into the ropes, D-Von hoisted him up and nailed him with a spinebuster. Making the cover.. 1! - 2!! Kick out! D-Von drags Akio over toward his corner now, before tagging in Bubba Ray who comes in with some snap jabs before spinning around and nailing him with a clothesline! Bubba then makes his way up to the second rope, sizing Akio up before dropping a big fist into his forehead! Cover on Akio.. 1! - 2!! Sakoda breaks it up! Sakoda then starts to hit Bubba Ray with some right hands until Bubba blocks one and tosses him over the top rope! The fans pop as Tajiri comes rushing into the ring but gets scooped slammed for his troubles. Bubba then puts his thumbs up, as D-Von climbs up to the top rope with Bubba spreading Tajiri's legs and go "WASSUP~!!" -- but as the ref is telling D-Von to get down, Tajiri sprays the green mist into Bubba's eyes! Akio then comes up from behind with a roll-up on Bubba Ray.. 1! - 2!! - 3 -- NO! D-Von manages to break the pin at the last second! But Bubba can't see!

The ref forces D-Von back out onto the apron, while Sakoda & Tajiri are forced on the apron but Akio makes the tag out to Sakoda. Coming in quickly, Sakoda sees that Bubba is blinded but he's wiping his eyes and then swinging wildly to protect himself. Sakoda then crawls on the ground, taking out Bubba's legs and then pops back up. Yanking Bubba up to a stand, he slips behind him just as he swings a right hand and hooks him up.. Tiger Suplex! Sakoda bridges into the cover.. 1! - 2!! - But Bubba kicks out! The fans pop, as Sakoda can't believe this by the look in his eyes. Making the tag out to Tajiri now, who comes in stalking a kneeling Bubba, wiping his eyes. Sizing him up, Tajiri rears back for his deadly Buzzsaw Kick.. but D-Von grabs him from behind and delivers the his D-Von Driver (Lifted Reverse DDT)! The ref forces him back out onto the apron though and he begans shouting for Bubba to crawl to his voice. The fans are clapping for Bubba to make the tag, as he starts crawling in the wrong direction but then makes his way towards D-Von.. following his voice. Meanwhile, Tajiri is slowly crawling toward his partners and makes the tag in to Akio! Akio hops over the top rope, rushing towards Bubba and grabs onto his left leg, just as he's about to make the tag! But Bubba's instincts kick in, as he kicks Akio away and dives toward D-Von, who slaps Bubba's back for the HOT tag! Rushing into the ring is D-Von, as he takes out Akio with a clothesline and then nails an incoming Tajiri with his spinning elbow! On the apron, Bubba Ray seems to have cleared his eyes from the mist -- but wait! Chuck Palumbo, Johnny Stamboli & Nunzio rush down the rampway and yank Bubba off the apron! D-Von sees this and shouts at the referee but he's being distracted by Tajiri! The Full Blooded Italians are beating the hell out of Bubba on the outside but D-Von gets spun around by Sakoda, who hoists him up for a Spinebuster but Akio comes jumping in with a Diamond Cutter variation!! Akio then makes the cover.. 1! - 2!! - 3!!!

Kyo Dai pick up the huge win here over The Dudley Boyz even though it was a Handicap Match and the Full Blooded Italians are attacking Bubba on the outside! After the match, Kyo Dai celebrate in the ring while the F.B.I. nod toward them and head up the rampway, laughing at the work they've done. Is there some kind of alliance between these two factions!?

Winner: Kyo Dai via Interference
(72/59/84) **1/2

(65)

Sylvan Grenier (w/Miss Jackie) vs Tyson Dux

Grenier got some loud boo's from the crowd but Miss Jackie seemed to get a mixed reaction, probably since she's so god damn hot. Dux got a small pop, since they announced him from Grand Rapids and the match kicked off with Grenier dominating the smaller man. Using his power advantage, Grenier took it to Dux all around the ring and then clotheslined him over the top rope. Pausing to place his hand on his chin, Sylvan distracted the referee while Miss Jackie kicked Dux in the ribs! The fans boo'ed, as Sylvan slid out of the ring now and rolled Dux back inside the ring. Giving Jackie a smile, he slid back into the ring and went for the cover but only got a two count. Dragging Dux back to his feet, Grenier hoisted him up for a press slam -- but Dux countered it! The fans popped as Dux got in some offense, including a textbook snap suplex and then a flying fist drop from the second rope! Dux then picked Grenier up, looking for a Tornado DDT out of the corner but Grenier turned it into a really sloppy northern lights suplex, he couldn't even make the bridge. Back to a stand, Grenier pulled Dux up into his arms and held him there before swinging him around his body and planted him with a Spinning Uranage, that Josh called "The Snap Shot" .. I guess that's Grenier's name for it. It was academic after that, as he got the three count!

Grenier picks up the win over the local jobber and he's lucky it was such a short match because they didn't seem to click in there. After the match, Jackie & Sylvan wrapped their arms around each other and then headed to the back.

Winner: Sylvan Grenier

(55/41/69) 3/4*

COMMERCIAL

Recap of Guerrero/Mysterio vs Angle/Big Show

Big Show's music hit first, bringing the seven foot monster out from the back to loud jeers and he ignored them, as he made his way down to the ring. Then Angle's music hit for the second time tonight, as he made his way out to the "You Suck!" chants of earlier in the night. Sliding inside the ring, Angle grinned at Show before slapping him on the back and they awaited their opponents. Mysterio's music soon hit with Rey poppin' out from the side of the stage and the fans going crazy. Rey made his way down to the bottom of the rampway and stood there, waiting for his partner. Then the WWE Heavyweight Champion's music hit, getting the biggest pop of the night from the crowd and Eddie made his way out, looking very focused. Meeting Mysterio at the bottom of the ramp before they nodded to each other and hit the ring quickly.

The bell sounded with each team staring back at each other until Show moved out on the apron, letting Angle start the match off and Rey started the match off for his team, with Eddie getting on the apron. Kurt and Rey began to circle each other to start the match off until they locked up quickly and Angle took control with a side headlock, Wrenching it in but then he was shoved off into the ropes by Mysterio, who leapfrogged the incoming Angle and then nailed him with a monkey flip, as he came back! The fans cheered for that, as Rey popped right up to his feet along with Angle, who looked embarassed. Rushing straight for Rey, Angle was caught with a quick drop toe hold that took him down to the canvas before he pushed himself up. A slight smile was given from Angle before he locked up with Rey again, this time catching him in a headlock but then put him in a hammerlock. Angle bobbed his head around, asking Mysterio how he'd get out of this one and Rey caught him with a snap mare! This sent Angle over the edge, stomping his feet before making a bee line toward Rey and nailed him with a double leg takedown! Laying into him with some right hands before getting back to his feet and gave a loud "Whoo!" to the crowd. Dragging Rey up to a stand, Angle delivered some wicked chops into his chest before whipping him off into the ropes and caught him with back body drop on the return. Picking Rey back up, Angle delivered some right hands before hooking him up and dropped him with a stiff back suplex. Eddie began clapping on the outside, trying to get Rey back in it but Angle was still all over him. Hooking him up, Angle nailed a nice overhead belly-to-belly suplex and made the cover.. 1! - 2!! Kick out! Rey won't stay down that easy. Angle shook his head, while picking Rey back up and decided to tag in the seven footer. In came the Big Show, stepping over the top rope and just overpowered Rey. Tossing him around the ring like a ragdoll before grabbing onto his head and delivered a HUGE headbutt! Show then started to send some stomps into Rey's head before picking him up and whipping him into the ropes. Hoisting Rey up for a scoop slam -- but Rey countered, it slipping around behind Show and then crawled under his legs. When Show turned around.. no one was there! And Rey leaped up onto Show's back, nailing him with some right hands. Then applying a sleeper hold, Rey tried to wear down the bigger man but Show had an idea.. staggering back into a corner and he literally crushed Rey between him and the turnbuckles! Ouch!! Eddie started shouting at Rey, trying to get him to make the tag but he was getting covered.. 1! - 2!! - Eddie breaks it up! Guerrero then started to trash talk Show before slipping out onto the apron. Trying to distract Show but he wasn't having any of that, as he picked Rey up and called for the end. Hooking him up by the throat, he hoisted Mysterio up into the air for the Showstopper -- but Rey countered with a head scissors!

The fans cheered as Rey somehow managed to take the big man off his feet with that move but he was in no condition to capitalize. Crawling toward his corner slowly, Rey tried to make the tag but Show grabbed onto Rey's leg and dragged him towards Angle. Tagging Angle back in, Show held on to Rey's leg and then handed it right to Angle, who locked on the Ankle Lock!! The fans boo'ed as Rey was screaming out in pain but luckily he was near the ropes and grabbed onto them for dear life! The hold was forced to be broken by Ref Nick Patrick and Angle didn't look too happy. Pulling his straps down, Angle stalked the slowly rising Mysterio. Waiting for him to get up, which Rey did with a limp and Angle moved in for the kill! Hooking Rey up, he spun around for the Angle Slam -- but Rey slipped away! Landing on his feet, Rey dove toward his corner and made the tag!! The fans popped, as Eddie quickly entered the ring and knocked Kurt down with a clothesline. Show then stepped over the top rope -- but Eddie pulled the top rope up, hanging Show up on the top rope and he let out a loud roar of pain! But Angle snuck up on Eddie from behind, hooking him up and threw him over for a German Suplex -- but Eddie landed on his feet! As Kurt turned back around, Eddie grabbed onto him and popped his hips, hitting a suplex! And he holds on! Chaining the suplex together for another one by swiveling his hips! Can Eddie hit the trio? Hoisting Angle up, Eddie drops him to hit the trifecta! The fans knew what was coming next, as he signaled for the top rope and climbed up there. Perched for his Frog Splash.. but Show grabs him by the throat! Show has Eddie by the throat -- but here comes Rey, catapulting his body at Show and they both go tumbling to the floor, while Eddie falls down into the ring and lands on his right leg wrong! Screaming out in pain, Eddie holds his right leg as Angle climbs up to his feet and grins, seeing the oppurtunity! Making his way over towards Eddie but he doesn't see Mysterio, as he hops onto the top rope and goes for the West Coast Pop!! Landing on Kurt's shoulders, he tried to roll him up into the hurricanrana but Kurt caught him! Grabbing onto Rey's left ankle and applies the Ankle Lock!! It's synched on in the middle of the ring!! Eddie rolls out of the ring in pain, holding his right ankle and Rey is screaming out for help. After about thirty seconds, Rey has no choice and taps out!!!

The fans boo wildly, as Kurt & Big Show pick up the win here but what about our WWE Champion!? Eddie is screaming in pain on the outside, as medics rush down to ringside to check on him. Angle finally drops the Ankle Lock on Rey, celebrating inside the ring and then looks over the ropes at Eddie. A huge smile crosses Angle's face, as Eddie is obviously in alot of pain! SmackDown! goes off the air with Cole & Tazz yelling about if Eddie's is severely hurt, the company could be hurting even more!

Winner: Kurt Angle & The Big Show
(90/92/85) ***3/4

(88)

COMMERCIAL

Non-Title Match: Chavo Guerrero (w/Chavo Sr.) © vs Shannon Moore

Moore made his way out to the ring first to a nice pop from the crowd. Shannon's been slowly getting over with the crowd over the past few weeks and it continues here. Los Chavo's make their way down to the ring to some big heat from the crowd, as Chavo Jr. mocks some fans and points to his Cruiserweight belt with a grin.

The bell sounded with Chavo & Moore circling each other for about ten seconds and then they locked up. Pushing back and forth, Chavo took control with a side headlock which he quickly wrapped around into a hammerlock. Moore tried to counter with a snapmare but then managed to counter with some elbows to his chin. Rushing toward the ropes, Moore came back but was nailed with a dropkick from Chavo. Back to a stand, Chavo delivered a pair of armdrag takedowns before applying an armbar. Working over Shannon's arm by wrenching it in, then twisting his arm around and slammed is elbow straight into it. Shoving Shannon away, Chavo taunted the fans for a moment before delivering some forearm shots to Moore's forehead. Whipping him off into the ropes, Chavo snagged a sleeper hold and seemed content with that, trying to wear him down. Taking Moore down to a knee, Chavo tried to knock Moore out but he soon began to struggle and pushed himself up to deliver some elbow strikes to his midsection. Moore then delivered a swift kick to his midsection before draping his leg over Chavo's neck before flipping up and then landing behind Chavo, hoisting him up for a solid back suplex. Covering Chavo.. 1! - 2!! Kick out! Moore won't get Chavo that easily. Back to his feet, Moore used his speed to his advantage and avoided some of Chavo's moves. Catching Chavo by surprised with a kick and then nailed his patented somersault neckbreaker! Another cover.. 1! - 2!! - Shoulder up! That was close!

Moore then whipped Chavo into the nearby corner and made a spinning motion with his finger, as he made his way over to Chavo. Hooking him up for what looked to be a Diamond Dust but Chavo countered it, throwing Moore down to the canvas. A grin on his face, Chavo then put the boots to Moore before dragging him to a stand and delivered a sharp atomic drop! As Moore hopped around, Chavo climbed up onto the second rope and leaped out, catching Shannon's neck before planting him with a DDT! Making the cover.. 1! - 2!! - No! Shoulder up! And Chavo Sr. can't believe it, as he shouts at the ref! Chavo Jr. is back on his feet, shouting at the ref but then he picks Moore back up. Sending some forearms into his jaw, Chavo kicked him in the midsection and hooked him up for a fisherman's suplex -- but Moore counters out of it, hitting a fisherman's suplex on Chavo! Clapping his hands together to get the crowd into it, Moore makes his way over to the nearby corner and starts climbing.. but Chavo Jr. is distracting the referee! Now Chavo Sr. climbs up on the apron, knocking Moore on the top rope as he set up for the Mooregasm! Loud boos came from the crowd, as Chavo Sr. climbed off the apron and Chavo Jr. popped back up. Picking Moore up to a stand, Chavo hoisted him straight up into the air and then delivered a devastating Brainbuster DDT!! The fans boo'ed wildly, as Chavo made the cover.. 1! - 2!! - 3!!!

Chavo Jr. picks up the win over Shannon Moore with some help from his father! Moore looked like he would've had a chance if it weren't for Chavo Sr! The fans boo'ed as Los Chavos celebrated in the ring and Velocity went off the air.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero

(74/64/85) ***

- - - - -

Overall Rating: 65%

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Sunday Night Heat

Taped Monday, March 22, 2004

Aired Sunday, March 28, 2004

Detroit, Michigan

Joe Louis Arena

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

Jonathan Coachman: Welcome everyone to Sunday Night Heat. I am the Coach and as always I am joined by Al Snow.

Al Snow: I’d say it is always nice to be here with you, Coach, but you know it is not the case as without me you’d be without a job.

Coachman: Last week, Al, we saw the WWE get a whole new look. Six superstars got drafted from Smackdown to Raw and from Raw to Smackdown. Let’s go back and have a look at the events that transpired.

Last Week on Raw – The Draft Lottery

The video feed cuts to last week where both Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman were standing at the entrance way behind their podiums. They each had their own tumblers.

Paul Heyman: Thank you for your irrelevant opinions. [Making mention of the “asshole” chants directed at him.] Without further ado, I’d like to get this going. And with that, I will make my first draft pick. [Heyman reaches into the tumbler.] And the first draft pick is … the lovely and sexy WWE Diva, Miss Jackie!

The video is cut and goes right to Bischoff reading his first pick.

Eric Bischoff: And the newest Raw Superstar is … a young, up and coming Superstar that is sure going to make an impact sooner rather and later … non-other than Matt Morgan!

Heyman: And Smackdown’s second draft pick is … one half of perhaps the most successful tag team in professional wrestling today, Bubba Ray Dudley!

Bischoff: Jamie “By God” Noble!

Heyman: Steven Richards!

Bischoff: Sean O’Haire!

Heyman: Sylvan Grenier. [A “USA” chant broke out during this announcement.] It is always nice to know that you people still know where you are.

Bischoff: [smirks.] Raw welcomes The Undertaker! [Paul Heyman is shown holding his neck brace, breathing a sigh of relief.]

Heyman: And another young up-and-coming Superstar heads to Smackdown. Test!

Bischoff: [Laughs. Looks at the paper, and looks at Heyman. Bischoff can’t stop by being happy with his pick.] Paul Heyman, fans, everyone else, please welcome the newest Raw Superstar, fresh off of the injured list … EDGE!

“Never Gonna Stop” by Rob Zombie begins to play and sure enough, Edge is back! Edge comes out onto the stage and runs for the injured Paul Heyman and hits the Spear on him! Edge raises his arms in the air and heads to the back

Heyman: [After several minutes of a break in between this, due to matches and commercial breaks, Heyman is back up, but still holding his back and his neck.] And now, for the final Smackdown Superstar … the other half of the Dudley Boyz, D-Von Dudley!

Bischoff: And for the final Raw Superstar to be drafted … [bischoff looks disappointed.] Orlando Jordan. [Heyman is shown, laughing at Bischoff for his final pick.]

[Commercial.]

Match One – Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak vs. Travis Bane and Kevin Fertig

Coachman: Look, Al, it is two more brothers of the newest and most popular wrestling family, Travis Babaganoosh and Kevin Babaganoosh.

Snow: This is a family that will make it big one day. Just look at the family members. And I thought the Harts and Dudleyz had a lot of family members. Just look at the Babaganoosh family tree.

Garrison Cade and Travis Bane start the match off. Cade and Bane lock up and Cade grabs Bane in a side headlock. He then takes him down, remaining in the side headlock. He wrenches his arm into the head, getting a better and tighter grip on Bane. Cade gets up, picking up Bane in the process, and then sending him into the ropes. Bane slides through the legs of Cade and fires back with a beautiful Dropkick, rocking Cade, but not sending the big Nebraska native. Cade grabs Bane and whips him into his corner and makes the tag out to Mark Jindrak.

Jindrak comes into the ring. Cade twists the arm of Bane, and then Jindrak kicks the ribs of Bane, sending him down in pain. Jindrak makes the corner while the newly, rehired WWE referee Billy Silverman makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Bane. Mark Jindrak picks up Travis Bane and whips him into the ropes. Jindrak leaps up and hits a Dropkick, showing more proof why he can lay claim to one of the best Dropkicks in the business. Jindrak grabs the bald head of Bane and whips him into the corner. Jindrak charges in and hits a knee to the midsection. He then slaps the tattooed chest of Bane, and Bane went down to the mat. Jindrak dragged Bane to his corner. Kevin Fertig tried to get into the ring. But Mark Jindrak made Billy Silverman force him out of the ring. Jindrak taunted Fertig and this allowed Cade to get into the ring. He tossed Bane to the corner, and Cade went back to the apron, grabbed the tag rope, and began choking Travis Bane. Jindrak kept Silverman and Fertig at bay while this was still going on. Fertig finally left the ring and Cade broke the illegal choke. Mark Jindrak tagged in Garrison Cade.

Cade came into the ring and began stomping the hell out of Travis Bane in the corner. Garrison Cade picked up Bane and whipped him into the corner. Bane ran in back first and the force caused him to stumble out. Cade ran off the ropes, grabbed him by the neck and hit a nice bulldog on him. Cade made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Bane. Cade picked up Bane and whipped Bane into the ropes. Bane ducked a lariat attempt from Cade. He bounced off the ropes and came back leaping into the air for a Crossbody block. Cade caught Bane and went for a fall away slam, but Kevin Fertig finally got into the ring. He Dropkicked his own partner, causing him to land on top of Cade for the pin attempt. Fertig was forced out of the ring. The fans began to count the pin themselves, and they were up to five before Fertig finally got out of the ring. Billy Silverman turned around, dove to the mat, and made the count. One … kickout. Cade kicked out at one!

Garrison Cade looked pissed. He picked up Travis Bane and whipped him into the corner. He tagged Mark Jindrak back into the ring. Cade and Jindrak whipped Bane into the ropes and hit a pair of double boots to the face on him. Jindrak made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Bane again. Jindrak looked frustrated. He ran over to Fertig, but Fertig jumped off the ring apron. Jindrak went back to Bane and went to pick him up but Bane rolled him up. One … Two … kickout by Jindrak. Mark Jindrak started kicking the hell out of Bane while he was still down. He tagged Cade back into the ring. Cade lifted up Bane and Jindrak ran off the ropes. He leaped up, showing impressive height on the jump and hitting a tremendous Dropkick, sending Bane to the mat. Cade covered Bane. One … Two … Jindrak forgot to block Fertig, and Fertig ran into the ring and broke it up. He grabbed Cade, whipped him to the ropes, and ran off the ropes him self, but the two met in the middle of the ring as the bumped into each other. Neither man budged. Cade and Fertig ran off the ropes again, neither budged again. Cade told Fertig to do it once more. Cade went to run himself, but faked Fertig, and when Fertig returned he was met with a decapitating Lariat from Garrison Cade. Mark Jindrak tossed Kevin Fertig out of the ring. Garrison Cade grabbed Travis Bane and whipped him into the ropes. Cade ran off the ropes and hit a devastating Lariat on Bane and covered him. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak in 10:35

[Commercial.]

Coachman: What an impressive win by those young men, Mark Jindrak and Garrision Cade, huh, Al?

Snow: It sure was. Travis Babaganoosh looked to not have given up in that match. He put up a tough fight like all those Babaganoosh's do. But in the end the experience of Cade and Jindrak over the Babaganoosh Brothers was enough to give them the edge in the match.

Coachman: Al, up next is your boy Tommy Dreamer taking on Rico.

Snow: My boy Tommy takes on the now Miss Jackie-less Rico. Will Rico be able to concentrate now that his woman is with the former La Resistance member Sylvan Grenier over on Smackdown?

Match Two – Tommy Dreamer vs. Rico

Tommy Dreamer came out to a solid reaction from the fans, including a loud “E-C-Dub” chant from the Detroit fans. Rico came out to boos from the crowd. He still looked as flamboyant as ever, even without the sluttly, party girl hot Miss Jackie at his side.

Tommy Dreamer and Rico locked up in the center of the ring. Rico kissed Dreamer on the cheek, and Dreamer backed off. He looked pissed and charged for Rico, but Rico pranced around the ring. Rico bounced into the arms of Tommy Dreamer and gave him another kiss on the cheek. He ran around the ring, and slapped Tommy on the ass. Dreamer turned around and slapped Rico hard right across the face. Rico looked pissed. He got a serious look on his face and charged for Dreamer, but Dreamer tripped Rico, and Rico fell face first to the mat. Dreamer picked up Rico and whipped him to the ropes. He kicked him in the mid section and then Dreamer ran off the ropes and back again, connecting with a swinging neckbreaker on Rico. Tommy Dreamer covered Rico. One … Two …and a kiss from Rico sends Dreamer off of him in a hurry. Referee Mike Sparks, who was recently released by WWE, is now back in WWE was told by Dreamer to warn Rico. He said he couldn’t do anything about it as he didn’t do anything illegal.

Rico grabbed Dreamer by the arm and twisted it into a hammerlock. Rico pushed Dreamer into the corner and then Rico began rubbing the back of Dreamer. Dreamer turned around pushed Rico back away from him and then got on the middle rope, leaping off, and hitting a chop to the neck of Rico. Dreamer picked up Rico and planted him with a body slam and then placed him self back onto the second rope and made his way to the center of the ropes. He raised his hands, and then swung out his legs and hit a nice elbow drop onto Rico. Tommy Dreamer covered Rico. One … Two … kickout by Rico. Dreamer picked up Rico and whipped him into the corner. Dreamer ran in with a knee lift to Rico and then began chopping the hell out of Rico. Dreamer bulldogged Rico out of the corner and then made the cover again. One … Two … kickout by Rico.

Dreamer sent Rico into the ropes and then Dreamer locked him in a sleeper hold. Mike Sparks checked the arms of Rico to see if he was still into the match. It fell once. It fell twice. But on the third it didn’t fall, and Rico kissed Dreamer on the check once more, breaking Dreamer of the hold. Rico hit a nice marital arms kick to the chest of Dreamer. He then hit three rapid kicks to the chest in succession and then stepped up on the knee and hit a nice one to the side of the head of Dreamer. This sent Dreamer down to the mat. Rico made the cover. One … Two … kickout by Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer got up and began to chop Rico once more. Tommy Dreamer grabbed the neck of Rico and went for the DDT, but Rico pushed Dreamer back away. Dreamer charged into Rico, but Rico moved out of the way. Dreamer ran into the corner, but stopped himself. He turned around, and Rico went for another martial arts kick to the side of the head, but Dreamer stopped him. He hit a palm strike to Rico and grabbed his head and hit him with the DDT. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Tommy Dreamer in 6:20

[Commercial.]

Coachman: Let’s go back to last Monday night and see where Batista and Ric Flair gained their second World Tag Team Championship as a team when they defeated Booker T and Rob Van Dam.

Last Week on Raw – World Tag Team Championship Match – Booker T and Rob Van Dam © vs. Evolution: Batista and Ric Flair

The video shows last week’s match between Batista and Ric Flair against Booker T and Rob Van Dam. It is clipped, showing various parts of the match. It cuts to the closing moments of the match and then shows Batista and Ric Flair defeating Booker T and Rob Van Dam to become two time World Tag Team Champions.

The video feed then cuts to never before seen footage of Batista and Ric Flair celebrating in the Evolution dressing room with champagne flying all over the place and Randy Orton and a few woman also involved in the celebrating.

Ric Flair: It doesn’t get any better than this! Gorgeous women, champagne, World Tag Team titles. How you feeling Batista?! WOOOOOOO! Let’s go have a night on the town. Bring the women. Bring the champagne. Someone get Triple H! WOOOOOOOO! This is going to be a party that you will never forget Batista!

Just then Triple H barges into the room.

Triple H: That piece of shit Eric Bischoff! Who the hell does he think he is?! He screwed me over! Did you just not hear what he had set up for Backlash?! He has Shawn Michaels against Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship. MY WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP! That title belongs to me! This match is supposed to be my time! Not Shawn’s! I was screwed out of this title at WrestleMania XX and I want my belt back! Backlash was supposed to be my shot!

Ric Flair: Forget the title, H. We got a night on the town! Have your pick of any of the fine ladies here. Let’s get on a plane and head to Las Vegas! I am up for some gambling tonight! You’re looking at the new World Tag Team Champions! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ric Flair drenches himself in champagne and spays more all over the room and the ladies. Randy Orton is in the corner pouring some down the women’s tops and drinking out of them. Batista is just drinking while holding his newly won World Tag Team Championship around his shoulder. He has some woman on each of his arms, too.

Triple H: ‘Natch, right now I am not feeling like partying. Right now all I want is to find that piece of shit Eric Bischoff and I want my title shot back! I am going to get that shot one way or another. Bischoff just damn well better go with the easy way or I will guarantee that I make his life a living hell!

Triple H storms out of Evolution’s dressing room and walks down the hall.

[Commercial.]

Match Three – La Resistance: Rene Dupree and Rob Conway with Fifi vs. The Hurricane and “The Superhero In Training” Rosey

La Resistance’s music plays and they come out to loud boos from the crowd. Rene Dupree carrying and waving he French flag in one hand and bringing along Fifi on a leash in the other. Rob Conway is also waving the French flag. Rene hands Fifi over to Rob when they get into the ring and Rene grabs the microphone from ring announce Howard Finkle.

Rene Dupree: Will you America pigs shut up? I got something important to say. [The fans just boo and chant “USA” loudly.] Hurricane and Rosey, tonight you got a match against the French Phenom [Rene Dupree stands in the ring, posing and with his arms he points to his whole body, smiling, while moving around on the tips of his toss. Garnering a lot of heel heat from the crowd.] and Rob Conway. You come out here in your stupid costumes thinking you are superheroes. We are sick and tired of listening to you two. We are sick and tired of not getting any respect around here. Starting tonight, we will become respected! We are going to give you a lesson in why you don’t mess with the French!

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

Rosey comes running out like an airplane and then standing at the entrance and points to the curtain and out comes the Hurricane. The Hurricane does his pose with Rosey standing behind him, hands on his hips, staring into the sky. They both take off their capes and run down to the ring and begin to fight with La Resistance. Referee Brian Hebner calls for the bell.

Rosey and Rob Conway start off the match first. Rob Conway and Rosey lock up. Rob Conway whips Rosey into the ropes. Rosey comes back and bounces off of Rob. Rob tried to shoulder block Rosey into falling to the mat, but Rosey wouldn’t fall down. Rosey grabbed Rob and whipped him into the ropes and Rosey lifted him up over his head on his return and hit a press slam on Rob Conway. Conway quickly scattered to the corner and tagged in Rene Dupree. Rene comes into the ring and he once again shows off his body by pointing to it with his hands, rubbing them up and down his body in a show off manner. Rene Dupree grabbed Rosey and got him in a side headlock. He whipped him into the ropes and then Dropkicked Rosey to the mat. Rene got on top of Rosey and began to punch him in the face several times. Rene Dupree picked up the big Rosey and whipped him into his corner. He ran in with a running knee lift and then tagged in Rob Conway. Rene distracted referee Brian Hebner by arguing with the Hurricane. Rob Conway got down off the ring apron, and grabbed the ankles of Rosey and brought him down to the mat. Rob turned Rosey around and grabbed the right leg of Rosey and wrapped it around the ring post. Rob rolled back into the ring and Rene left.

Rob Conway covered Rosey. One … Two … broken up by the Hurricane. The Hurricane stomped several times n the head of Rob Conway. Conway got up, but Hebner forced Hurricane out. Hurricane argued with Hebner, and this allowed Rene to come into the ring. Rene and Rob began stomping on Rosey. Rene left just as Hebner was turning around. Rob then made the tag out to Rene Dupree. Rene Dupree grabbed Rosey by the hair and ran with him, tossing him through the middle rope and to the outside.

[Commercial.]

When it was back from the commercial break, Rene Dupree had Rosey being whipped him into the ropes and then grabbed him and locked him in an abdominal stretch. He was close enough to his corner that he could get the help from Rob Conway to pull on his arm. It helped add more pressure to Rosey. Hebner checked to see what was going on, and they broke up the illegal actions. Hebner went back to checking on Rosey and Rene and Rob grabbed hands, pulling back hard. This time, however, Hebner saw them reach for each other’s hands and kicked the arms apart, and Rosey was able to use this to hip toss Rene Dupree. But Rosey, injured ankle and all fell to the mat.

Brian Hebner was up to seven when both began to move. At nine Rene Dupree tagged in Rob Conway and just before Conway could get a hold of the ankle of Rosey, Rosey tagged in The Hurricane to a huge pop from the crowd. Hurricane came running in hitting a diving lariat to Rob Conway. Rene Dupree came back in and Hurricane gave him a diving lariat. He picked both Conway and Dupree up by the throats he then lifted them both up at the same time for the Hurri-Chokeslam! The crowd popped big time for that. Hurricane, hand on his hip and his other extended with the thumb up, posed for the fans. He then grabbed Rob Conway and whipped him to the ropes. He hit another diving lariat to him. Hurricane clicked to the top rope and jumped off for the Over Cast. He made the cover. One … Two … broken up by Rene Dupree. Dupree, standing over the head of Hurricane began bouncing side to side with his arms out to the side for a dance he likes to call the French Tickler. Hurricane, however, managed to reach up and grab him by the balls. Hurricane stood up and slapped him down. Hurricane ran off the ropes and ran for Rene Dupree, connecting with the Shining Wizard. He made the cover to Rene Dupree, but Brian Hebner informed him that he was not the legal man.

Rob Conway picked up The Hurricane and whipped him off the ropes. Conway dove at him with a flying forearm and then picked him up and debuted his knee finisher, Au Revoir, which is a front Russian Leg Sweep. He covered Hurricane while Rene Dupree pushed Rosey off of the ring apron. One … Two … Three!

Winners: La Resistance: Rene Dupree and Rob Conway at 15:43

Coachman: Thank you for joining this week. I am the Coach, and for Al Snow, so long and don’t forgot to tune into Raw tomorrow night as we are live from Cincinnati, Ohio!

Snow: Already scheduled for tomorrow night are Ric Flair and Batista in a non-title match against Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels. How are HBK and the Rabid Wolverine going to co-exist as a unit now that their title match is only four weeks away from tonight?

Coachman: From that unseen footage during the Evolution celebrating, Triple H wants his title shot. Will he get it? Tune into Raw tomorrow night at 9/8 CT on Spike TV and get ready for the New Beginnings of Raw! So long from Sunday Night Heat!

Rene Dupree and Rob Conway continue to wave the French flag in the ring and pose for the crowd as the show comes to a close.

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

RAW

LIVE! Monday, March 29, 2004

Cincinnati, Ohio

US Bank Arena Box Office

The opening video begins to play followed by “Across The Nation” by The Union Underground. The pyrotechnics display goes off and the camera pans the signs in the audience. The camera cuts right to Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler.

Jim Ross: We are just seven days past the big shake up of WWE. New Beginnings are upon us and we are LIVE! From Cincinnati, Ohio where we will see the fall out of the Draft Lottery.

Jerry Lawler: The lose of Miss Jackie and her puppies was a huge disappointment, but tonight we got four lovely ladies showing their puppies tonight as Victoria and Lita team up to take on the bald Molly Holly and Trish Stratus.

Ross: Also tonight we have Chris Benoit, the World Heavyweight Champion, teaming up with his opponent at Backlash Shawn Michaels to take on the World Tag Team Champions of Batista and Ric Flair in a non-title match.

Triple H Wants His Title.

“It’s Time To Play the Game. TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!” Lemmy from Motorhead’s distinct voice is heard as “The Game” by Motorhead begins to play.

Ross: It looks like we are kicking things off with “The Game” Triple H coming to the ring tonight, folks!

Triple H gets to the ring. He takes one last sip of his bottled water and tosses the bottle into the crowd. He then jumps up onto the ring apron stands on the apron facing the hard camera. As the music hits the guitar solo Triple H spits out the water into the air and then gets into the ring. Lillian Garcia hands him the microphone.

Triple H: Eric Bischoff, who in the hell do you think you are? Do you really think you can just walk around my arena and give away my title shot? I worked too damn hard for that title. I busted my ass day in and day out to earn that title shot. And you go about and give the title shot to Shawn Michaels?

“Asshole” chants begin towards Triple H. Soon “HBK” chants cue up as well.

Triple H: Shut the hell up. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you fans think. Go ahead, chant “asshole.” Chant “HBK” it all doesn’t mean a damn thing. Bischoff, you know damn well that that title match against Chris Benoit for Backlash belongs to me. I deserve my rematch. Not for one second should you even think otherwise. Shawn Michaels got his title shot. In fact, he shouldn’t have even been involved at WrestleMania XX but he was. That’s over with. But his title shot has come and gone, and it is my shot. My title. MY GOD DAMN TITLE! Chris Benoit is just keeping that title warm for me when I hit the Pedigree on his scrawny little ass and pin him for the three count.

“You tapped out” chants ring through the crowd.

Triple H: Very good. I did tap out. Who the hell cares? I tapped out. Big deal! When I get my title back, you won’t be seeing me tap out any more.

“Never Gonna Stop” by Rob Zombie suddenly hits and out on the stage, emerging through the smoke is Edge! A huge crowd reaction follows as Edge runs from side to side on the stage.

Ross: It’s Edge! Edge is here on Raw! Just last week we saw Edge return and Spear that slim ball Paul Heyman.

Triple H: What the hell are you doing here?

Edge: Triple H, I am out here to shut you the hell up. These fans are so sick and tired of your drawn out, twenty minute borefests. Who the hell cares about you or you getting the title back? Forget “you tapped out,” and forget this being what fans chant at Kurt Angle, but man, you sure do suck.

“You suck” chants now start for Triple H.

Edge: I mean, come on man. For an entire year I sat on the sidelines with a broken neck and I watched Monday Night Raw and I fell asleep before 9:30 because you took up those minutes and put me to sleep. God man, you really need to step down. No-one gives a damn about you. Just listen at all the “asshole” chants or the “you tapped out” chants or the now “you suck” chants. This is not good, H. This means you truly do suck.

Triple H: Edge, for a year plus you have been out. You have been out with an injury that has plagued this business. But you know what? I didn’t give a damn. Edge was out with an injury … “what?” was all I asked and moved along. You being out never bothered me. You being here just meant someone to beat the hell out of. You think by getting drafted over to Raw makes you this special someone? All it means is that come the time when I get my title, you will just always be another notch below me. See, Edge, things never change. You will always be this goofy looking punk kid who thought he was something. TLC made you, but what else have you done that was so spectacular? Have you had this classic match? Have you headlined pay-per-views? Have you held the World Heavyweight Championship? Have you ever beaten me?! The answer is no on all accounts, Edge. You are nothing. You will always be nothing. From the day I met you Edge I knew you would amount to nothing. This business is no place for goofy looking punk ass kids. That is all you are.

Edge: [makes snoring sounds.] Boring. Triple H, TLC made me. Yeah. But since then I have become this man that has been unstoppable. Winning singles titles and more tag team titles. I have worked my way up. I have bettered myself. And I have made it to the point in my career where the only thing left for me to do is win that World Heavyweight Championship and main event WrestleMania.

Triple H: don’t kid yourself, kid. Main Eventing WrestleMania is for the best of the best. Certainly something you’ll never amount to. Quit living in your fantasy world. Edge, I have main event countless WrestleMania’s and I have walked out as Champion. I might have lost to Chris Benoit a few weeks ago, but damnit, I will get that belt back.

Just as Edge was about to walk down the aisle he was blind sided by Batista, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. All three of them brought Edge down and into the ring where Batista held up Edge.

Ross: Oh my Gawd! They are beating the hell out of Edge! Someone needs to do something!

Triple H slapped Edge right across the face. Edge became enraged, but he couldn’t escape Evolution holding him down. Triple H grabbed Edge and kicked him in the midsection. But before he could even hook him for the Pedigree “ONE OF A KIND!” is heard and “One of a King” by Breaking Point hits and out comes Rob Van Dam and Booker T to a huge ovation from the crowd. They chase off Batista, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Triple H before they could do any harm to him, especially when he is not medically cleared to wrestle for another two weeks. RVD and Booker T help up Edge to a standing ovation from the crowd. Triple H and the rest of Evolution are at the top of the stage with Triple H looking pissed off, shouting unheard words towards the ring, pointing at them.

(91)

The camera cuts to the back where Victoria and Lita are walking down the hall, talking over some sort of strategy for their match.

Lawler: Puppies, JR, puppies are coming out next!

[Commercial.]

Match One – Lita and WWE Women’s Champion Victoria vs. Molly Holly and Trish Stratus with Christian

This match started off with Victoria and Trish Stratus. Molly Holly was against getting in the ring with Trish. Molly was back to wearing a curly brunette wig. Victoria and Trish locked up in the center of the ring and Victoria whipped Trish into the ropes. Victoria took her down with a clothesline and then made the quick cover. One … Two … kickout. Victoria picked up Trish and whipped her into the corner. Trish hit hard in the corner and Victoria ran for her, but Trish was able to lift up here feet and kicked Victoria. Trish ran for Victoria and took her down with a Dropkick. Trish grabbed Victoria by her hair and dragged her to the corner where she began stomping on Victoria rapidly.

Trish picked up Victoria and sat on the top rope, grabbing Victoria by the neck, and lifting her up in a choke. Referee Brian Hebner counted to five, making her break the hold. Trish dragged Victoria over to their corner and tagged in Molly. She twisted the arm of Victoria and Molly dropped off the rope with an ax handle to the shoulder of right shoulder of Victoria. Molly grabbed the right arm of Victoria and applied and arm wringer and then back heel tripped her to the ground. Molly twisted the arm again and with one quick motion she was able to flip her arm, and crashing it upon the mat. She did this for a second time. Upon this second time, Molly’s wig began to loosen, but she put the chin strap back under her chin. Molly grabbed the leg of Victoria and locked her in an excellently applied STF. Victoria was fighting to break the hold, and she managed to finally reach the ropes in order to break it. The crowd let out a big cheer for that. Molly got up and dropped back down with a clutched fist to the back of Victoria. Molly then dropped an elbow, and then went back to the clutched fist. Molly tagged in Trish.

Trish sat on the back of Victoria, knee digging into the spin, and pulling up on the chin of Victoria. Victoria over powered Trish and grabbed her by the waste, lifting her up and then dropping her for a sidewalk slam. Both women were down. Trish tagged in Molly at six and Victoria dove at seven to take in Lita to a big pop from the crowd. Lita came in and took down Molly. Trish got back up and Lita took her down with a badly executed Hurracanrana. Victoria tossed Trish out of the ring. Lita picked up Molly and applied some weak looking forearms and then whipped her into the ropes and took her down with a right to the face. Lita dragged Molly over to the middle towards the corner and then pulled off her shirt, revealing just her bra, and tossed it into the crowd. The fourteen year boys were cheering for Lita. Lita climbed the ropes and pointed to herself in a Hardy Boyz fashion and then leaped off, backwards, for her Moonsault, but Molly was able to move out of the way.

On the outside, Victoria and Trish Stratus were brawling when Christian just grabbed Victoria by the hair and tossed her up against the barricade. Christian picked the WWE Women’s Champion back up and hit the Unprettier on her. He helped up Trish Stratus. Trish got back into the ring and whipped Lita into the ropes. She lifted up Lita onto the top rope and then ran for the corner, placing her arms on the bottom rope and then with her legs she grabbed hold of the neck of Lita and hit the Stratusphere. Molly got up and covered Lita. Brian Hebner made the count. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Molly Holly and Trish Stratus at 6:54

Christian was celebrating with Trish when Chris Jericho ran down to the ring. He slid into the ring, but Christian and Trish bailed out of the ring and began running through the crowd. Chris Jericho took chase after him.

(69, 82, 66) * ½

[Commercial.]

When Raw comes back on the air Christian and Trish Stratus are shown in a “during the back segment” getting into a rented car and speeding off.

Back to the live action, Molly Holly is walking down the hall way. She is looking for Eric Bischoff’s office when she bumps into “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

Steve Austin: Why are you in such a hurry? [The crowd starts to chant “What?”]

Molly Holly: I ... um … I am looking for Eric Bischoff’s office.

Austin: Looking for Eric Bischoff? [“What?”] Am I not good enough for you? [“What?”] Am I not the one you go to when you need something? [“What?”] Answer me. [“What?”] I said why don’t you tell me what you want.

Molly: Well, I need—

Austin: You need what? Come on. Answer the damn question already. [Molly goes to speak, but Austin cuts her off, as the fans chant “What?”] Forget it. [“What?”] I said forget it. [“What?”] What is with this stupid little wig you have on your head? [“What?”]

Molly: It’s not a wig. It’s my natural hair.

Austin: What? Who are you kidding? Do you have something against bald people? [“What?”] People without hair. [“What?”] People who look like me. [“What?”] Cromedomes. [“What?”] Skinheads. [“What?”] BALD PEOPLE!

Molly: Well, I … no … I mean …

Molly runs off looking for Eric Bischoff’s office. Steve Austin is laughing and just walks away. Molly finally finds his office.

Eric Bischoff: Can you believe that look on Paul Heyman’s face when he saw Spike Dudley walk through those doors of his office last Thursday? I hope you have fun with him, Paul. Spike is a true “superstar.”

Johnny Spade: Dude, I know.

Bischoff: Don’t call me dude. I am your boss.

Spade: Sorry EB.

Bischoff: EB?

Spade: Yeah, you know … Eric Bischoff.

Bischoff sighs as the door opens and in walks Molly Holly.

Molly: Mr. Bischoff, I need a favor from you.

Bischoff: What can I do for you Molly?

Molly: Well, Mr. Bischoff, I have this problem with Victoria. Victoria has something that belongs to me. She has my Women’s title.

Spade: Dude, she has more than just that of yours.

Johnny Spade laughs. Molly looks embarrassed. She couldn’t come back with anything to say. She was about to storm out of the room ready to cry.

Bischoff: Hold on, Molly. You know what? I’ll give you that WWE Women’s title shot. And it will take place on April eighteenth at our next Raw brand only Pay-Per-View, Backlash!

Molly: Thank you Mr. Bischoff. You won’t regret this.

Molly looks at Johnny Spade, who was still laughing and she walks out. She was she walked out, she turned her head to the right where Triple H, Ric Flair, Batista, and Randy Orton all where just about to walk into Bischoff’s office.

Triple H: Bischoff, I can’t believe this crap that you are pulling around here! I want that piece of crap Edge, and I want him tonight!

Bischoff: Edge is not cleared to wrestle for two more weeks, Triple H.

Triple H: I don’t care. Give me him tonight.

Bischoff: I’ll do you one better. At Backlash in two weeks, live on pay-per-view in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, I will give you the chance to take on Edge. But not in a singles match. Due to Rob Van Dam and Booker T getting involved as did the rest of Evolution, it’ll be a six-man tag team match with you, Batista, and Ric Flair against Edge, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam!

Triple H: That is bullshit, Bischoff! I want Edge tonight. Not next week or the week after, or the week after that. TONIGHT! One on one! Me versus Edge! Make the damn match, Bischoff!

Bischoff: I can’t do that. I already told you that. But what I can do is book you and Randy Orton in a tag team match against the former tag team champions Booker T and Rob Van Dam. Call it little tune up match for yourself. And as for you two [points to Batista and Ric Flair, the World Tag Team Champions] you two will have a match tonight against the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels.

Triple H and the rest of Evolution looked pissed about these two matches, but they leave the room.

(77)

[Commercial.]

Match Two – The Hurricane with “The Superhero In Training” Rosey vs. Rob Conway with "The French Phenom" Rene Dupree and Fifi

As La Resistance was making there entrance, the video feed showed footage of last night’s Sunday Night Heat.

Joined In Progess: Dupree, standing over the head of Hurricane began bouncing side to side with his arms out to the side for a dance he likes to call the French Tickler. Hurricane, however, managed to reach up and grab him by the balls. Hurricane stood up and slapped him down. Hurricane ran off the ropes and ran for Rene Dupree, connecting with the Shining Wizard. He made the cover to Rene Dupree, but Brian Hebner informed him that he was not the legal man.

Rob Conway picked up The Hurricane and whipped him off the ropes. Conway dove at him with a flying forearm and then picked him up and debuted his knee finisher, Au Revoir, which is a front Russian Leg Sweep. He covered Hurricane while Rene Dupree pushed Rosey off of the ring apron. One … Two … Three!

They showed the closing moments of that match in which Rob Conway got the pin on the Hurricane to win the match for his team. Tonight the Hurricane goes one-on-one with Rob Conway.

“Stand Back, There’s A Hurricane Coming Through” is heard and the Hurricane rushes down to the ring. He didn’t waste time posing and just hit the ring and tackled Rene Dupree. Referee Mike Chioda called for the bell. The bell rang and Rob Conway and The Hurricane were brawling with each other in the ring. They kept throwing punches at each other until Rob Conway kicked Hurricane and grabbed him by the neck and dropped him to the mat with a snap suplex. Conway floated over, still hooking the leg, and then hit another snap suplex. He rolled through once more hitting three consecutive snap suplexes. Conway covered Hurricane. One … Two … kickout. Rene Dupree was arguing with a fan on the outside as the fan was heckling him about being French and whatnot. Back in the ring Rob Conway began stomping on the Hurricane while he was down. Conway picked up Hurricane and whipped him into the ropes. Hurricane ran in sternum first and then Conway ran off the ropes and went for a lariat on to Hurricane, but Hurricane ducked it and then decked Conway with a solid right hand. Hurricane propped himself on the top rope and when Conway was rubbing his check from the solid right hand punch, Hurricane just leaped off the ropes and hit the Over Cast. Hurricane covered as referee Mike Chioda made the count. One … Two … kickout.

Hurricane picked up Conway and whipped him off the ropes. Hurricane leaped at him with one of his leaping lariat. Conway went down and right back up and was brought back down with another leaping lariat. Hurricane grabbed Conway by the head and picked him up and whipped him into the ropes. Hurricane ascended the ropes and stood on the middle ropes. He held Conway’s head in place with his left and with his right he raised it in the air and asked the fans if he should punch Conway, to which the fans agreed he should. “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten” counted the fans in unison as Hurricane nailed Conway with each punch right in the middle of the forehead. Hurricane jumped off and Conway fell face first to the mat. Hurricane covered Conway. One … Two … th … kickout. Not enough to beat the turncoat.

Hurricane got up and raised an arm into the air and pointed at Conway with his left. Conway got up, groggy, and stumbled when he got to his feet. He turned around and was met with the right hand of Hurricane around his throat. Hurricane gave the thumbs up and then grabbed the tights of Conway and lifted him up and down to the mat. He covered him again. One … Two … Rene Dupree places Rob Conway’s foot on the bottom rope and got Chioda’s attention by yelling at him and saying his foot was on the ropes. Chioda turned around and noticed it and stopped the count. Hurricane began to argue with him and then Rosey, from his corner, ran, or more like waddled over to Rene Dupree and hit him in the face. Rene Dupree flew backwards into the guardrail, hitting his head on the bottom of it. Hurricane went to the top rope, waiting. Rosey picked up Rene Dupree and Hurricane dove off the top rope to the outside onto Rene Dupree. Hurricane got up and gave the thumbs up to his “superhero in training” Rosey.

Hurricane came back into the ring and went to grab Rob Conway, but he was met with a small package rollup. One … Two … Thre … kickout just in time! Conway got up and kicked Hurricane while he was down. He grabbed him by the neck and brought him down with a powerslam and then propped himself up to the middle rope and jumped off with an elbow drop to the face, similar to Bret Hart. He made the quick cover. One … Two … Thre … kickout by Hurricane. Conway was arguing with Mike Chioda, saying it was three. He went to grab Hurricane and brought him up in a side headlock. Hurricane then just elbowed him in the chest and kicked him. Hurricane hit a palm strike, sending Conway down. Hurricane waited. He was waiting for it. Conway got up only on his knees, and Hurricane ran for him. Shining Wizard! One … Two … Three!

Winner: Hurricane at 8:09

Hurricane and Rosey celebrated in the ring by doing their pose and then on all four sides of the ring posts and then left together. Rene Dupree got into the ring, still feeling the effects of his head hitting the barricade. He helped up Rob Conway and the two hugged in the middle of the ring. They were met with loud boos and “USA” chants. Conway and Dupree waved the French flag, while both were still holding their heads with their hands.

(65, 75, 77) ** ½

[Commercial.]

The Undertaker Arrives

“Slow Chemical” by Finger Eleven begins to play and out comes Kane. He walks down the ramp, with a pissed off look on his face. He reaches up to the ropes and pulls himself up onto the apron. He gets into the ring. Kane steps to the center of the ring raises his arms and quickly lowers them as the pyrotechnics go off on all four ring posts. Kane grabs the microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Kane: Eric Bischoff, you told me you wouldn’t bring my brother, the Undertaker, to Raw. You told me that he wouldn’t be anywhere near this show. You told me that he was staying on Smackdown. Why in the hell is my brother on Raw?! Why didn’t you trade the Undertaker back over to Smackdown? You told me I had nothing to worry about. That the Undertaker was never going to get picked. But when I heard his name read I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My brother doesn’t belong on this show. This is my show. I don’t want my brother on MY SHOW!

“I’m back, and better than ever.” Those words are heard and Kane quickly turns his head to the TitanTron. Eric Bischoff is standing in the back, with Johnny Spade standing behind him in his office.

Eric Bischoff: Kane, I had no control over the Undertaker getting picked. You know that. It was a draft lottery. Completely random. I had no say, control, or power to do anything about it. I will not, however, trade the Undertaker back to Smackdown. He is too valuable to this brand. I don’t want to give that piece of human garbage, Paul Heyman the advantage. The Undertaker will be a Raw superstar.

Johnny Spade: Yeah, EB had nothing to do with this! It wasn’t his fault!

Bischoff: Please. Johnny. Let me handle this.

Spade: Sorry, EB.

The crowd pops for that announcement.

Kane: You all like that? You all cheer for the “Deadman?” I buried my brother. He shouldn’t be here! WHY IS HE HERE?!

Bischoff: Calm down, Kane. You have nothing to worry about. The Undertaker is not here tonight. And to show how much of a good General Manager I am, unlike Paul Heyman who puts the Raw superstars traded to Smackdown in unsafe working conditions to have people like Steven Richards get destroyed by Bradshaw. I don’t do that around here. I watch out for my talent.

Spade: Yeah, EB is a good GM. He watches out for his talent. Good one, EB.

Bischoff: Please, Johnny. Let me finish this. As I was saying, Kane, tonight, to show you some goodwill, you can have the night off. Go relax. Ease your mine. Get the Undertaker off of your mi—

Eric Bischoff is cut off by the sound of the gong. But this time he has new music. Not completely new as it is the one he used during the Ministry of Darkness. The Undertaker’s voice is heard as he is speaking in tongues. The electric guitars kick in and sure enough the Undertaker, dressed in a hooded long black robe comes out. At the top of the stage he takes off the hood and then disrobes himself. He leaves it on the stage and then walks down to the ring. The Undertaker gets up onto the apron and gets in. Kane can’t believe his brother is on Raw. The Undertaker gets into the ring. Kane goes for him, but Undertaker hits Kane in the throat. He grabs him by the wrist and whips him into the ropes. Undertaker runs off the opposite ropes and runs for Kane. He leaps into the air and hits a flipping clothesline on his brother Kane. Kane rolls out of the ring and the Undertaker’s music begins to play. Undertaker looks at Kane as Kane runs up the stage and to the back.

(82)

Wanted

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

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

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

(72)

[Commercial.]

Lawler: The Undertaker is here on Raw, JR!

Ross: And what an impact he has made just a few moments ago.

They show how the Undertaker entered the ring and took out Kane with his clothesline. They showed the Undertaker staring down Kane as he left to the back.

Ross: Kane wants no part of his brother. The Undertaker looks like he wants more.

Lawler: And what is with this “wanted” poster? Who are those two?

Ross: I couldn’t get a good look, King. But by the looks of things, we should find out real soon! Let’s head back down to ringside with Lillian Garcia for the introductions to our next contest.

Match Three – Val Venis vs. Jamie “By God” Noble

They cut back to the ring where Lillian Garcia awaits the music to be played.

“Hello, Ladies!” Val Venis’ music begins to play and he makes his way out to the ring. Lillian Garcia is smiling uncontrollably as Val Venis enters the ring. He takes the microphone from her.

Val Venis: Hello, Ladies!

The women go crazy as the camera focus’ on several women taking pictures of Val Venis.

Venis: Well you know something, Ladies? The Big Valbowski is still looking for that special someone to come into this ring and take off my towel. Who is it going to be tonight?

The camera pans the crowd and stops as Val Venis points to a twenty something year old woman. Security helps her over the barricade and up the stairs. Val holds the ropes for her as she gets into the ring. She stands behind Val Venis. His music begins to play again. He points to the left. Then he points to the right and the woman takes off his towel.

Venis: Now that you have released the Big Valbowski, I think it is time for you to reveal yourself to everyone here in attendance!

The male population seems happy about this situation.

Lawler: Oh my God, JR! We are going to see PUPPIES! Puppies, JR!

She teases the crowd about taking off her top, and just as she was able to Jamie “By God” Noble’s music begins to play. Jamie Noble comes out with a microphone in hand.

Jamie Noble: Don’t stop girl. I want to see what you got under that there shirt of yours. Show off your pretty little body!

The boos for Noble quickly turn to cheers for the woman who prances around the ring asking which side to reveal it off to. She goes to do it when Jamie Noble ruses down to the ring and slides underneath the bottom rope. He attacks Val Venis before the woman can reveal herself, which, of course, gives Jamie Noble tons of heel heat. Referee Mike Sparks, who was just rehired, last week, officiates this match and helps out the woman to the outside. Jamie Noble quickly dropkicks the right leg of Val Venis, taking it out from underneath him. Jamie Noble grabs Val Venis by the right leg and begins kicking the back of it right in the calf muscle. Noble picks up Val Venis and brings him down with a beautiful Dragon Screw Leg Whip that sends Venis is pain, holding the right leg tightly.

Jamie Noble starts to kick it from the top. He then grabs it and locks in a spinning toe hold. Shades of the Funk Brothers with that nice spinning toe hold. Noble then drops down; Venis’ leg stuck between both of Nobles as he hits the mat. He winces in pain. Jamie Noble gets on the rope. “I’m Jamie Noble! You better remember!” He screams to the crowd, pounding his chest with his right fist. Noble jumps back down and picks up Val Venis. He once again hits a basement dropkick, sending Venis back down. Noble grabs hold of the right leg and sits down on it. He sits down on it while sitting on the back and then lefts up at the knee, putting added pressure to the knee of Venis. Venis must regret bringing in that woman now after Noble took quick advantage of it. Noble broke the hold when Venis was just barely able to reach the ropes. Noble broke it and the dragged him to the center of the ring. Jamie Noble covered him. Referee Mike Sparks counted. One … Two … t … kickout.

Jamie Noble got up and picked up Val Venis. He whipped him to the ropes, but Val fell to the mat and couldn’t run to the ropes. Noble grabbed the right leg and dropped and elbow to the inside. He then stayed down and pulled on the knee. He kept elbowing the knee, perhaps to give him a Charlie horse. Jamie Noble broke the hold and then grabbed the right leg. He stepped across it and then picked up the left leg and cross it over the top of the right leg and then turned himself around and Val was on his stomach, propping up on his elbows. Noble then with his let pushed back, hard, on the right leg. Val Venis was screaming in pain. He was in the center of the ring, too. He had no choice but to tap out.

Winner: Jamie Noble at 5:42

Ross: And what a debut by Jamie Noble. He wasted no time and went right for Val Venis and continued to work on that right leg of his for those five minutes.

Lawler: But he did this all when he could have seen some puppies.

Ross: Who cares? Just call the match as it is!

(72, 74, 86) *** ¼

[Commercial.]

When the show comes back from the commercial break we are in the back where Val Venis is limping towards his locker room. But before he reaches the room, the door swings open. It’s Lance Storm. Storm, dressed in “street clothes” and dragging along his luggage looks right at the limping Val Venis. He doesn’t even help him back into the room. He looks at him and then walks off.

The screen cuts over to Chris Jericho where he is walking down the hallway. He is still looking for Christian. I guess no one tells people things around here? He bumps into Arn Anderson.

Arn Anderson: Hey, Chris, Christian and Trish already have left, a while ago.

Chris Jericho: Where the hell did they go?

Anderson: I wouldn’t know. All I know is that the two of them drove off when you were chasing them away earlier tonight.

Jericho: Thanks for that, Arn.

Chris Jericho walks past Arn Anderson. He walks down another hallway and barges into Eric Bischoff’s office.

Eric Bischoff: Don’t you ever knock? What do you want?

Jericho: You saw what that slut Trish Stratus did to me a few weeks ago at WrestleMania XX. And not to mention that Creepy Little Bastard Christian. I want Christian at Backlash.

Bischoff: What? You want Christian at Backlash? Fine Whatever. You got your match.

Johnny Spade: Yeah. You got your match, dude.

Jericho: Who is this assclown you got working for you, Bischoff?

Spade: Dude, the name is Johnny. Johnny Spade! Put ‘er there.

Johnny Spade puts his hand out for a shake.

Jericho: So it is the C … L … B [as he says that the fans chant along with him] Christian versus The King of the World and one Sexy Beast, Chris Jericho at Backlash!

Bischoff: Yes. You got the match. Now if you don’t mind, get out of my office.

Spade still has his hand out for a shake. Chris Jericho goes to shake it and then turns around and leaves.

Spade: Dude! He just left me hanging! Good, I never liked him anyway.

Bischoff just shakes his head as Johnny Spade turns around and looks in the mirror, admiring his hair.

(91)

Ross: Throughout the night we got a lot of mentions of matches signed for Backlash. Let me take this time to go over the card for Backlash. Backlash will air live from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, home of the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit. On April 18th we will see Chris Benoit defending his newly won World Heavyweight Championship against the former champion Shawn Michaels.

Lawler: Also on the card is the returning Edge teaming with Booker T and Rob Van Dam as they go up against Evolution. Evolution is going to kick Edge, Booker T, and RVD’s butts at Backlash as Triple H teams with the World Tag Team Champions Ric Flair and Batista!

Ross: Also we have the Women’s Championship on the line as Victoria defends the title against Molly Holly.

Lawler: Will Victoria rip off the wig of Molly this time?

Ross: And we just heard that it will be that CLB Christian vs. Chris Jericho in a rematch from WrestleMania.

Lawler: Why do you need to call him the CLB? He’s the one with Trish, not Jericho.

Ross: He’s a Creepy Little Bastard, that’s why.

Lawler: Will Mick Foley accepted Randy Orton’s challenge he laid out two weeks ago for him in a one-on-one match at Backlash?

Ross: Let’s head back down to ringside for the next match.

Match Four – Booker T and Rob Van Dam vs. Evolution: “The Game” Triple H and the WWE Intercontinental Champion “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton

“One of a Kind” by Breaking Point begins to play and the former World Tag Team Champions Booker T and Rob Van Dam make their entrance together as a tag team. Booker T “raises the roof” as his fire goes off on the stage while RVD does his thumb points in front of him. “The Game” by Motorhead begins and out comes ripple H and the WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton. Triple H spits his water out as he stands on the apron of the ring. He and Orton get in the ring while they stare down Booker and Van Dam. Referee Billy Silverman calls for the bell.

Randy Orton and Booker T start the match off. They circle each other while Booker T going for a lock up with Randy Orton but Orton bails out of the ring. “Asshole” chants directed at Orton start up. He blocks his airs and argues with fans at ringside all while Silverman is counting him out. Triple H yells at Orton to forget the fans and get back in the ring. Orton walks up the steps and stands on the ring apron. He tells Silverman to have Booker back off. Silverman does so and Orton gets back into the ring. Booker T comes chasing for Orton. He backs him in the corner, but Orton puts his head between the top and middle rope. Silverman comes in between the two and pushes Booker back. Booker T starts clapping to get the fans going. Orton gets on the top rope and begins yelling at the fans. He jumps down and turns around to face Booker. Booker goes to the top rope himself, posing, and the crowd cheers for him. Orton runs for Booker as he gets down, but Booker side steps him and Orton runs sternum first into the corner. Booker grabs his head and bangs it against the top turnbuckle several times. He places Orton’s arm around his neck and hits a back body drop. Booker starts stomping on the fallen “Legend Killer.” Booker T picks up Randy Orton and whips him into the corner again. He chops the chest of Orton and Orton winces in pain. Booker T than slaps the chest of Orton real hard, leaving an imprint of his hand on the chest of Orton. Booker then goes back to a chop, slap, chop, slap, and another chop. Booker T places Orton on the top rope and gets on the middle rope. He hooks the arm of Randy Orton and hits a nice Superplex. Booker T floats over for the cover. One … Two … kickout. Booker T drags Orton to their corner and tags in Rob Van Dam.

RVD gets into the ring and stomps on Randy Orton. He picks him up and whips him into the ropes. RVD does a split in the ring as Orton leaps over him and then on the return RVD lays back, legs up and flips Orton over him and down onto the mat. RVD gets up and does his thumb pointing to the fans chanting “R … V … D” along with each point. Van Dam picks up Orton and begins to punch him. He continues to punch him until he backs him against the ropes and then whips him off of the ropes. When Orton comes back he back body drops him over the top rope and onto the floor. Van Dam leaps to the top rope, crouching down, and waiting for Orton to get up. Orton gets up with the help of the barricade but Triple H runs across the apron and pushes Van Dam off of the top rope down across the barricade. Triple H gets down and picks up Van Dam and tosses him head and shoulder first into the steel ring steps. Orton rolls underneath the bottom rope, laying in the ring as to break up the count. Triple H grabs Van Dam and rolls him into the ring. Orton turns around and moves to the corner and tags in Triple H.

Triple H gets into the ring and stomps on Van Dam. He picks him up and whips him into the ropes. Triple H runs at him with a high knee. Van Dam back down to the mat and Triple H runs off the ropes and drops a Ric Flair style knee to the forehead of RVD. Triple H covers RVD. One … Two … kickout. Triple H picks up Van Dam locks up with him. Triple H gets him in a side headlock, and then takes him down, keeping him in the headlock. Triple H breaks the head lock and applies a leg scissors to the head instead. Triple H grinds his legs together, adding pressure to the neck of RVD. Booker T is slapping the top turnbuckle trying to get the fans to chant for RVD. They begin to clap. RVD rolls over, with his head on the mat, and his legs holding him up. He pushes up with his hands into a handstand position but Triple H forearms him in the back, putting him back to the mat. RVD does it again, and once again Triple H pushes him down. RVD tries it once more and Triple H holds him in position and lifts himself off of the mat and back down, causing the head of RVD to hit the mat. Triple H pounds on the back of Van Dam while he is in this position, but he is stopped when RVD begins jumping side to side and eventually flips himself out of the move and lands on Triple H for a pinfall attempt. One … Two … kickout by Triple H. RVD gets up but Triple H punches him right back down. Triple H whips him into the ropes catches him on the return and slams him down to the mat hard with an Anderson-like Spinebuster. Triple H hooks the leg for the pin. One … Two … Thr … kickout. Triple H takes in Randy Orton.

Orton comes back into the ring and picks up RVD. He begins to slap him across the face and yelling at him. Orton then grabs him in a lock up and brings him down with a Suplex. Orton runs off the ropes and then drops a leg across the neck of RVD. He leaves it there for a pin. One … Two … kickout by Van Dam. Randy Orton picks up RVD. He begins to hit him with solid right hands, but RVD want go down. RVD blocks the neck punch and begins hitting him with his own punches. He then stops punching and goes to kick Orton but Orton catches his foot. RVD, however, steps over and hits a nice kick to Orton to send him down to the mat. Van Dam kips up and looks around. He runs fast for the ropes, rolls on the mat, leaps in the air, and crashes down upon Randy Orton for Rolling Thunder. He is down holding his back.

Ross: RVD hits Rolling Thunder and we need to take a commercial break! Don’t go away!

[Commercial.]

They return with RVD beating up on Randy Orton. RVD picks up Orton by the head and twists the arm as he tags in Booker T. Booker T takes it and then kicks him in the ribs. Booker whips Orton into the corner and runs in with a nice leaping side kick. Booker T picks up Orton and slams him with a body slam. He sits on his chest and begins punching the hell out of the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Booker gets up and waits for Orton. Orton slowly gets up and Booker T runs off the ropes, but he runs off the ropes closest to Triple H and Triple H is pull knee Booker in the spine. Orton gets up and grabs Booker T and whips him off the ropes. Orton hits a nice spinning back elbow to Booker T and makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Booker T. Orton tags out to Triple H. Triple H comes into the ring and picks up Booker T. He kicks Booker T in the midsection and hooks the arms. He is looking to hit the Pedigree but Van Dam comes running in. But as he is running in Orton, who never left, runs over, RKO! He took out Rob Van Dam with the RKO. Triple H lifts up Booker T … Pedigree! He makes the cover. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Triple H and Randy Orton in 11:04

(76, 87, 81) ***

Challenge Accepted – Under His Rules.

The sound of the car crash is head and sure enough Mick Foley comes out! The place goes insane as the Hardcore Legend is back after two weeks. Randy Orton’s eyes bug out of his head as he sees Mick Foley standing at the top of the stage. Booker T and RVD are shown heading down the side of the entrance way while Triple H and Randy Orton are still in the ring.

Mick Foley: Randy Orton two weeks ago you made a challenge. Directly following WrestleMania XX on Raw, you challenge me to a match at Backlash. You stated that you wanted to beat me one-on-one. I’ll say this, you beat me and the Rock at WrestleMania XX. You hit the RKO on me and you pinned me. I am ashamed to say that I lost to a no-talent piece of crap such as yourself. Randy Orton, you come out here and you claim to beat this Legend Killer. What legends have you beaten? You claim to have beaten Shawn Michaels to kill his legend. Yet you only won due to the use of brass knuckles. You beat me, but you also had Ric Flair and Batista on your side. I am not out here to make excuse. We lost, but you come out here claiming to be something that you are not, nor ever will be.

The crowd chants “Foley.”

Foley: You see, Randy Orton, while I was sitting at home last week watching Raw I noticed that you were not there. You had your throat checked on. While what you do is your business behind closed doors, I want to know why you think you can actually defeat me. How can you defeat someone who got thrown off of Hell in a Cell and STILL survived the fall? Or how you can defeat someone who took another fall THAT SAME DAMN DAY and still continued to wrestle. I want to know how you expect to beat someone who got his ear torn off while in Germany. Or how I got badly burned while wrestling in Japan for a Deathmatch. I want to know how you can beat someone who gets hurt day after day after damn day and STILL gets up and continues on with the match but you can’t even show up to Raw one week because you have a throat problem. Excuse me while I shit all over you and your career, Randy Orton. Excuse me while I get a little hot-headed when you claim to be this person that you aren’t. You are a twenty something year old punk kid who will never amount to a damn thing in this business. Good looks don’t get you a good reputation in this ring, kid. Busting your ass and proving to the fans that you are worthy enough to be in the wrestling ring, to be inside a WWE ring. Orton you are never going to defeat me. You are never going to defeat me and take my legend. And with that I ACCEPT! I accept your little challenge, Randy. But it’s not under your rules. You see, no, it’s not. It is under my rules. You want this match? You want me in a one-on-one match? You’ll need to prove to me that you are worthy enough to be in the same God damn ring as me. Under my rules, then Randy. Hardcore rules! Falls count anywhere. No disqualification. No count outs. And no interferences. That means no Triple H. No Ric Flair. No Batista. NO EVOLUTION! One-on-one! Just like you asked for Orton.

The fans continue to chant “Foley” while cheering for the announcement of this match for Backlash. Randy Orton is handed a microphone.

Randy Orton: [Voice very low, sounds bad] A hardcore match, Mick? Fine with me. How about we do this one better? [Orton raises the Intercontinental Championship] How about you fight for this? My WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Triple H is heard questioning Orton’s decision. He tells him that Foley made no mention of the title so he could have gotten away with not defending it.

Orton: At Backlash, Mick, I’ll put up this title. Hardcore rules. No Evolution around. Just me versus you Mick for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Foley: You want to put that title on the line? You are actually going to risk losing your title on the eighteenth of April when I destroy you at Backlash in my environment? In my kind of match? A hardcore match?

Orton: Yes, Mick. I will put this title on the line. I have nothing to worry about, Mick. I have nothing at all to worry about. I pinned you with the RKO at WrestleMania XX and I will pin you with the RKO at Backlash to retain this title. You are a has-been, Mick. And at Backlash, you will never be able to walk again in your life! You better take this time to play with your children. This will be the last time they get the chance to play with their father as I will cripple you for the rest of your life, Mick. Oh … and Mick … Have a nice day.

“Evolution” by Motohead begins to play. Mick Foley walks to the back as Triple H and Randy Orton stand in the ring.

(93)

[Commercial.]

Match Five – Main Event – Non-Title Match – World Heavyweight Champion “The Crippler” Chris Benoit and “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels vs. World Tag Team Champions Evolution: Batista and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair

“Whatever” by Our Lady Peace begins to play and out comes the World Heavyweight Champion “The Crippler” Chris Benoit to a standing ovation from the crowd. He gets into the ring, takes off the World Championship and raises it in the air showing it to all four sides of the arena. “Oh, Oh, Shawn!” is heard and “Sexy Boy” begins to play as “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels makes his entrance. He drops down on his knees on the stage and raises his arms in the air as the pyrotechnics display goes off on the top of the stage. He leaps to his feet and gets into the ring with Chris Benoit. The two shake hands. “Evolution” by Motorhead plays again and the World Tag Team Champions make their entrance. Ric Flair where his customary robe, this time a yellow and red one while Batista falls behind him. Flair has senior official, Referee Earl Hebner, hold the ropes open for him as he gets into the ring. Batista follows in next. They give the titles to Hebner as he calls for the bell.

Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels decide to start it off for their respective teams. They lock up and Ric Flair breaks the lock up and goes for a single leg take down of Shawn Michaels. He grabs the leg, pushing Michaels down and to the math. He holds onto the leg by pulling it across his chest while putting an arm into the thigh. Ric Flair gets up and holds that right leg up and starts kicking it from the bottom, right in the calf muscle. Looking to wear it down for the Figure Four Leg Lock. Ric Flair drops a few elbows onto it and then picks up Shawn Michaels by the hair. He grabs the leg again and Michaels is hobbling around on one leg. Michaels began to take some swings at Flair, but Flair kept moving his head. Flair tossed the leg out to the side and Michaels turned around and Flair lifted him up and then back down onto his knee for an Atomic Drop. Michaels went down. Flair ran off the ropes and began to strut. He then drops the knee to the forehead of HBK. Ric Flair tagged in the monster, Batista.

Batista came in and went to work on Shawn Michaels. He picked him up by the throat with his hands and then tossed him back against the corner. Batista began to punch Shawn Michaels and then backed up slightly and ran for Michaels with a lariat. Batista grabbed him by the hair and tossed him down to the mat. Batista covered Michaels. Earl Hebner got down to count. One … Two … Th … kickout by Michaels. Batista picked up Michaels and whipped him off the ropes. Batista picked him up and dropped him down with a sidewalk slam. Batista ran off the ropes and dropped a leg across the throat of Michaels. He got up and tagged “The Nature Boy” back into the ring. Ric Flair picked up Michaels and whipped him into the corner. Michaels ran in, flipped himself upside down and then came back down into the ring. Flair picked up Michaels and put him in the Tree of Woe. Ric Flair got up on the middle rope and then placed one foot on the crotch of Michaels and used to ropes to help him jump up and down. Flair broke the illegal move when the referee forced him to. Michaels fell down to the mat.

Shawn Michaels used the ropes to help him up, but he was still in the corner. Flair came over again and began chopping the hell out of Shawn Michaels. He laid those solid knife edge chops right into the pectoral muscles of “The Heartbreak Kid.” Flair then hip tossed Michaels to the mat and held onto the arm. He had him in a knelling armbar and wrenched it in real tight. He reached behind him and had Batista pull back on is hand, adding extra pressure to it. Batista broke when Hebner checked on it. Batista reached again and pulled back on Flair’s arms. He broke it when Hebner checked. He warned him. Ric Flair went to reach behind him once more but Hebner caught him before doing so and made him break the hold. Ric Flair tagged out to Batista. Batista came back in and Ric Flair lifted up Flair and dropped him with an inverted Atomic Drop. Batista grabbed Michaels by the head and pulled him backwards. He locked him under his arm and dropped him for a reverse DDT. Batista covered Michaels. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Michaels. Batista picked up Michaels and whipped him into the ropes. Ric Flair pulled down the top rope and Michaels fell over the top rope and onto the floor.

Ross: We got to take our last commercial break! Don’t change that channel!

[Commercial.]

We are back live and Michaels is still on the outside. Batista is distracting Earl Hebner by arguing with Chris Benoit. Benoit tries to enter the ring but Earl won’t allow it. On the outside Ric Flair has Shawn Michaels up and whips him into the ring post. He trips over the steel steps and connects head first with the ring post and down to the mat, on the other side of the steps. He slides up against the barricade. When Michaels turned around his face was covered in blood from that ring post shot. Ric Flair picks up the bloodied Shawn Michaels and rolls him into the ring. Batista goes for the cover. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Michaels, again. Michaels won’t give up. Batista picks him up and whips him into the ropes, Spinebuster! He makes the cover again. One … Two … Thre … kickout! Oh so close for Batista! Batista goes for another one by sending Shawn Michaels into the ropes. Michaels ducked under the arms of Batista and bounced off the other ropes. He comes back with a flying forearm to Batista knocking him down, and out through the middle and bottom rope. Michaels was down. The crowd was up and cheering for Michaels. Benoit was reaching over the ropes. He wanted that tag. He needed that tag! Michaels began to move. Slowly he began to move across the ring mat and finally he reached his corner. He dragged a pool a blood in a straight line to his corner as he tagged in Chris Benoit, the World Heavyweight Champion!

The fans cheered big time as Benoit came in. Ric Flair, not the legal man, came in and Chris Benoit kicked him and began laying in heavy, and hard-hitting chops to Ric Flair, causing his skin to go raw and eventually after at least a dozen of them to the chest Ric Flair’s chest looked to have been bleeding again like before when they last wrestled in the singles match. Batista, the legal man, came into the ring by rolling under the bottom rope. He tried to sneak up behind Benoit, but Benoit turned around and kicked Batista and Benoit ran off the ropes and took him down with a solid lariat. Flair got up. Michaels got up. Michaels ran for Flair, and he collided with him, causing him and Flair to go over the top rope and down to the outside! Chris Benoit looked down upon Batista and snot-rocket! He blew his snots all over Batista and then went to the outside and climbed the ropes. He got to the top and dove off for the Diving Headbutt! He connected in a big way and covered Batista. One … Two … Thr … kickout! Shawn Michaels, on the outside, got up and picked up Ric Flair, whipping him into the steel ring steps and Flair crashed up against them. Shawn Michaels ran up to him and hit a knee right to the face, crushing up against the ring steps.

Chris Benoit got up and picked up Batista. He began to chop him and then he whipped him to the ropes. He was able to flip Batista over his head and down to the mat. Benoit went to the legs and stepped over the right one, locked over the left one, turned around, and sat down on his back for the Sharpshooter. Earl Hebner checked on Batista to see if he would give up. But Batista wouldn’t. He was fighting for the ropes. He was close to the ropes. He reached the ropes. The crowd was chanting tap and let out a huge groan when Batista grabbed the ropes. Chris Benoit got up and began kicking the arm of Batista. He picked him up and whipped him to the ropes, but Batista reversed it, sending Benoit to the ropes. Batista kicked Benoit put his head between his legs, and lifted him up onto his shoulders. He looked to go for the Sitout Powerbomb but Benoit broke free and slide down the back, holding onto the left arm of Batista and bringing him down with him. He had him in the Crippler Crossface! And in the middle of the ring! The fans were cheering for Benoit. Michaels was still beating on Flair on the outside. Batista had no where to go. He tried to reach to all sides of the ring. But he was too far from the ropes. He tapped out! Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels win!

Shawn Michaels came into the ring and he and Chris Benoit shook hands and then embraced. Earl Hebner handed Chris Benoit his World Heavyweight Championship and Benoit raised it with his right hand while Earl Hebner raised his left and Shawn’s right hand into the air as the same came to a close.

Winners: Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels at 15:23

(75, 86, 80) ***

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

Overall Rating: 78

TV Rating: 4.3

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

WWE TITLE IN JEOPARDY?

April 1st, 2004

Last week, WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero teamed up with Rey Mysterio to take on Kurt Angle & The Big Show in the Main Event! At the end of the match, Eddie Guerrero fell from the top rope and landed awkwardly on his right leg & was unable to continue in the match. Because of this, Kurt Angle picked up the win for his team by locking Rey in his Ankle Lock and forced him to tap out! As the show went off the air, medics were tending to Guerrero. Word has it that Eddie suffered a fractured tibia and will be out of action for an undertermined amount of time. Because of this, SmackDown! GM Paul Heyman is expected to make an announcement on Eddie's injury and the future of the WWE Title!

The Dudley Boyz debut on SmackDown! didn't quite go as planned, as Kyo Dai defeated them in a handicap match, with some help from the Full Blooded Italians! Do these two factions have an alliance? And what will The Dudley Boyz do, if they can get their hands on either faction?

The Cruiserweight division is packed with hungry competitors and we only got a taste of their ability at WrestleMania XX, during the Cruiserweight Open! This week, we'll see a fourway match between four of the top cruiserweights in Billy Kidman, Paul London, Tajiri & Ultimo Dragon! Who will walk away as the #1 Contender?

The World's Greatest Tag Team confronted the WWE Tag Team Champions, Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty last week, demanding a rematch. This week, they'll get their wish! GM Heyman has ordered that the match take place this week! Can Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin get the belts back or will Rikishi & Scotty dance over them for a victory?

In the Main Event this week, we'll see a rematch from last week.. sort of. Rey Mysterio is looking to avenge his loss in the tag team match and go one-on-one with the man that made him tap out, Kurt Angle! It's sure to be one hell of a match!

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

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

WWE SmackDown!

SMACK your TV!

Taped from Columbus, OH!

Opening up the show are highlights from last week's main event between Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle & The Big Show. Showing the highlights throughout the match and then showing Eddie falling from the top rope and Show's grasp, hitting hard on his right leg. Eddie was in so much pain, he had to roll out of the ring and this allowed Kurt Angle to reverse the West Coast Pop into an Ankle Lock for the submission win for his team. The highlights ended with Angle laughing, while Eddie was in severe pain on the outside.

Then the opening video starts up, set to Drowning Pool's "Step Up" and the new clips role for the brand-new SmackDown! that began last week.

GM Heyman Awaits Eddie

Unlike last week's show, we start off with a scene in the backstage area. GM Paul Heyman is standing in the parking lot (with neckbrace still) with a huge smile on his face and looks to be waiting for someone to arrive. His lovely assistant Dawn Marie is standing beside him with a matching smile, since she likes to mimic Heyman as much as possible, except for the bald & fat thing.

"Just when I thought things were starting go wrong on MY brand-new SmackDown! low-and-behold, I get a blessing from above! The WWE Champion, Eddie Guerrero gets injured in a tag team match and word has it that he suffered a broken fibula! -- My luck IS changing!" Heyman had a grin from ear-to-ear, as he looked at Dawn.

However, Heyman's grin soon turned into a scowl as he looked off camera and Bradshaw came into the picture. Staring a hole through Heyman, as Dawn Marie looked on with a concerned look on her face.

"That's right, wipe that shit-eating grin off ya' face boy! You and I. We got some business to discuss!" Bradshaw pointed at Heyman and stopped him before he even began to speak. "Listen up! Three weeks ago, you fired my partner, my best friend and more importantly, my drinking partner!!" The crowd was cheering on Bradshaw and chuckled at that last comment. "Now.. first, you're gonna rehire Faarooq and second, you're gonna give us a shot at the Tag Team Titles! -- Are we clear?"

"You don't seem to grasp the situation, Bradshaw! So let me break it down for you. YOU don't order ME around. I am YOUR boss. You are MY employee." Bradshaw stood there, looking pissed off. "I'm sorry, that may have been too complicated.. let me try again! Me -- Boss. You -- Employee! And Faarooq is NEVER going to be apart of the SmackDown! brand again because Paul Heyman, said so!" The crowd boo'ed Heyman's attempt at being Austin, as Bradshaw looked like extremely pissed off. Looking like he was about to attack Heyman until Test walked into the picture, whining.

"Paul! I want another shot at that little punk, John Cena! The only reason he beat me last week was because he CHEATED! He used the exposed turnbuckle.. that's not fair!!!" He sounded like a little baby.

"Get outta here, you little pansy! This is for grownfolk's business!" Bradshaw stared straight at Test, transferring his rage to someone else.

"Why don't you leave, you god damn drunk redneck?" Test wasn't backing down from Bradshaw. Things were getting heated but then Heyman jumped in, defusing the situation.

"Since you both seem like you're up for a fight, how about we make things a little interesting! Since you want John Cena so bad, Test and you're interested in a fight Bradshaw.. I'm gonna book a tag match for later on tonight! It's gonna be you, Bradshaw, teaming up with John Cena! And you, Test, teaming up with The Big Show!! Now get the hell out of here, I have business to conduct!"

Heyman grinned a bit, while turning his back on both men and walked down the parking lot with Dawn, awaiting Eddie's arrival. Bradshaw & Test were still in each other's face, staring back at one another as the camera faded into a commercial break.

(88)

COMMERCIAL

#1 Contender's Match: Billy Kidman vs Paul London vs Tajiri vs Ultimo Dragon

London made his way out first to some techno music with the fans giving him a small pop, they really only know him from his Velocity appearances. Out next was his tag team partner, Billy Kidman to his hip hop theme to a pretty good pop from the crowd. The dragon roaring is heard next, followed by the flames from the side of the stage and Ultimo Dragon makes his way out with his cape on to a nice pop and doesn't trip, which is surprising to everyone. Finally, Tajiri made his way out to the ring with Akio & Sakoda by his side but the referee informs them, they must go to the back and Tajiri is forced to fight this match fair.

All four men began staring around at each other just as the bell sounded before Tajiri went straight after London. Delivering some rapid fire kicks into his body, as London tried to cover up but he was getting wailed on. Dragon & Kidman were forced out onto the apron by referee Brian Hebner, while Tajiri continued to fire those kicks into London's abdomen and thighs, trying to tighten up those hamstrings. Sending London into the ropes now, Tajiri caught him with a spinning savate kick to the abdomen that took him down to his knees and then hit the ropes himself, jumping straight into London's back with a double knee strike! Ouch!! Tajiri wasted no time dragging London back to his feet, sending a few stiff chops into his chest and then whipped him into the nearby corner. London bumped hard in the corner, falling straight on his face and Tajiri grinned evily. Staring down at London, Tajiri grabbed him by the hair only to drag him out of the corner and make the cover.. One! - Two!! London kicks out! Staying on the offensive, Tajiri laid into London with some forearm shots before dragging him over towards Dragon and Tajiri shouted something in japanese before tagging out to Dragon. Dragon came in quickly, delivering some forearms to London before backing up into the ropes and came back with a beautiful head scissors takedown. Back to his feet, Dragon wasted no time in climbing up onto the top rope and as London staggered to his feet, Dragon came off with a beautiful flying cross body! Staying ontop of London.. One! - Two!! Shoulder up! London won't give up! Dragon got back to his feet quickly, delivering some kicks to London's ribs before placing him in a surfboard stretch! London is wincing in pain but he's shaking his head no on the submission! The ref asks if he wants to give up but London keeps shaking his head no! Dragon then releases the hold, realizing London wouldn't give up and delivered a sharp knee strike into his abdomen. Hooking London up for a DDT, Dragon pauses to shout at the fans -- but London reverses with a northern lights suplex! The fans pop as London bridges.. One! - Two!! Kick out! Dragon scrambles back to a stand to take London down but he gets caught with an armdrag! Trying it again, Dragon ends up with same result! Aggitated now, Dragon is back up and charging but London leaps up and delivers his patented Dropsault!! A huge pop from the crowd for that! London then makes his way over to Kidman, tagging him in to get a breather.

Coming into the ring quickly, Kidman fires off some forearm blasts to Dragon before whipping him into the ropes. On the comeback, Kidman hoists Dragon up for an atomic drop -> clothesline combination. Bouncing off the ropes, Kidman comes back with a quick legdrop and then covers.. One! - Two!! Shoulder up! Pulling Dragon back to his feet, Kidman grabs onto Dragon's neck and runs to the corner, scaling the turnbuckles before dropping him with an Upscale Bulldog!! The fans pop huge, as Kidman goes right into another cover.. One! - Two!! - Tajiri breaks it up! It might've been over there! Tajiri slips back out onto the apron, as Kidman sees Dragon is down and rolls his arms around, calling for the end. Climbing out onto the apron, then up to the top rope Kidman is about to leap off.. but Tajiri shakes the ropes, crotching Kidman!! Dragon is back to his feet now, as he climbs out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckles. Dragon is behind Kidman now, as he wraps his right arm around his neck from behind.. is he going for the Dragon Sleeper? No.. Dragon then somersaults over Kidman's body and delivers a huge snap mare off the top rope! What a move!! That had to be painful!! Making the cover.. One! - Two!! - But London breaks it up, now! The fans are really getting into the match now, as Dragon is going into his Dragon Strikes on Kidman before hooking Kidman up by the neck, flipping over him and nails his Snap Dragon!! The fans pop huge, as Dragon floats right into the cover.. One! - Two!! - Th-- No! Tajiri breaks it up with a stiff kick! Tajiri won't leave the ring now, as he starts going to work on Kidman & Dragon.. and here comes London into the ring! It's chaos with all four men in the ring! They're all fighting each other until Kidman gets dropped to his knees and then Tajiri delivers his Buzzsaw Kick!! Kidman drops on his face like a ton of bricks, out cold but before Tajiri can go for the cover, London comes off the top with a twisting corkscrew!! The fans love it!! Meanwhile, Dragon delivers a dropkick to London from behind and sends him to the outside. Making his way over to Kidman, Dragon climbs over his back before hooking his head with his right arm and yanks way back.. using a Dragon Clutch submission!! Kidman is hurting from that Buzzsaw Kick earlier and is forced to tap out within seconds to the devstating hold!!

Ultimo Dragon picks up the win here and is now the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Title!! The fans are cheering for Dragon, as he raises his arms in victory and then makes the belt motion around his waist.

Winner: Ultimo Dragon

(71/57/86) **3/4

Bradshaw Confronts Cena

Cutting to the backstage area, we see John Cena in the locker room, finishing up a set of situps before getting to his feet and grabbed a can of Stacker 2's YJStinger, chugging it down. Subtle product placement! We hear a door fly open, hitting the wall as Cena turns his head to the side and Bradshaw comes into the picture, staring at Cena.

"Yo dawg, whass--.." But Bradshaw cut him off before he could continue.

"Don't start any of that rap crap with me Cena! Can't you talk like a normal person? .. It doesn't matter because you don't need to talk. Just listen. I don't need a new partner.. I don't like rap and I sure as hell know, you don't like country music! I love a good ole' fashioned bar room brawl and you like to write your little rhymes! We don't have much in common.. but I know what you can do in that ring! I know you wanna kick those two boys asses in the ring ta'night and I'm gonna help you do it! Now.. do you wanna work together or not?" Bradshaw stared at Cena, who had a sly smirk on his face.

"I know what'cha saying, Bradshaw! And it's all good! I know you don't want or even need a new partner.. let's just go out there and jack them punks!"

Bradshaw looked a bit skeptical at first but then nodded his head, as Cena smiled and shook his hand. Bradshaw then made his way off camera, as Cena went back to drinking his YJStinger. SUBTLE~!

(72)

COMMERCIAL

WWE REWIND

WGTT Want Their Shot
Cutting to a scene in the backstage area, we see Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty standing in the hallway in street gear, with their Tag Titles and their laughing about something. Just then, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin come into the picture and they stare at the tag champs.

"What the hell are you two laughing at? Oh.. I know. Are you laughing at the fact that you two, as tag team champions, is a complete JOKE? Because then we'd understand." Shelton said, rather smugly.

"Oh really? Then how come we beat you at WrestleMania XX? Rikishi answered with a smile.

"You got lucky! Charlie & I were about to win the Tag Team belts yet again but then that idiot Bradshaw had to screw everything up! You've never beaten the World's Greatest Tag Team and you never will! So why don't you just hand those belts over, right now." Haas & Benjamin stared straight at them, holding their hands out.

"How about you get out of our faces before The Kish.. has to back THIS ass up?" Rikishi dropped his smile, staring straight at Benjamin with a mean look in his eye.

"Alright. Have it your way. But this isn't over.. not by a long shot!" Benjamin stated firmly, as he & Haas walked away while Scotty tried to settle Rikishi down.

WWE Tag Team Titles Match: Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty vs World's Greatest Tag Team

The World's Greatest Tag Team, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin were out first to boo's from the crowd but they just ignored them. Sliding into the ring quickly, Haas & Benjamin began loosening up and they looked determined to get the belts back. Then the dance party music started with the fans cheering, as the WWE Tag Team Champions Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty made their way out from the back. Scotty started dancing around on stage, as Rikishi had a half smile on his face.. he still looked pissed off from last week.

The match kicked off with Haas circling around Rikishi, trying to find a way to attack the big man and then went in for a tieup. It worked for a few moments until Rikishi shoved Haas down to the canvas with a determined look on his face. Haas was on one knee, looking at Rikishi before mouthing 'you son'uva bitch' and then rushed after him, only to get scoop slammed! The fans cheered, as Rikishi was showing he could be serious and once Haas got up, he was nailed with a flurry of fists from Rikishi and backed him into a corner. The Kish then delivered some strong knee lifts in the corner grabbing Haas by his head and threw him out of the corner, onto the canvas. Hitting the ropes, Rikishi came back with a huge legdrop followed by a cover.. One! - Two!! Shoulder up! Back to his feet, Rikishi was motioning for Haas to get up and Charlie sneered -- and Shelton just clipped Rikishi from behind! The fans boo'ed wildly, as the referee admonished Shelton and forced him back onto the apron. Rikishi is holding his right knee in pain, while Haas grins and then goes right after the weakened leg with stomps. Kicking the hell out of his leg before wrapping around and fell down with a leg grapevine! Rikishi is rocking from side to side in pain and wincing, as Haas torks that right knee and he screams out in pain. But Rikishi manages to reach backwards and grab onto the ropes. The ref forced Haas to break the hold but when he does, he just goes right back to work on that weakened leg. Stomping it roughly before dragging Rikishi back to the middle of the ring and applied a standing leglock. Torking his leg roughly, as Rikishi writhes in pain! After about a minute of wrenching away at his leg, Haas breaks the hold and tags in his partner. Benjamin hops into the ring quickly, grabbing onto the weakened leg and delivered a leaping legdrop to it! Ouch!! Rikishi screams out in pain, as Shelton works over the leg by shoving his knee into it and working an ankle hold. The Kish is trying to reach out for the tag but Scotty's too far away! Benjamin then releases the hold, deciding to twist Shelton around into a single leg crab! Basically mocking them, as Rikishi is facing Scotty and trying to get a tag but he's too far away! The ref asks for a give up but Rikishi shakes his head no but looks to be on the verge of painful tears. Scotty's seen enough and he rushes in, dropkicking Shelton in the back of the head to a huge pop from the crowd!

Shelton is slow to get back to his feet and when he does, he rushes straight for Scotty but he S2H ducks under it and guillotines Shelton's neck over the top rope! This sends Shelton staggering backwards, while Rikishi is hobbled up to a stand and when Benjamin turns around, it's right into a one-legged thrust kick!! The fans cheer wildly but Rikishi's knee buckled from the pain and he was on the canvas. Both men are down & out as the referee starts the ten count. Reaching six, both men are starting to crawl toward their corners and Benjamin makes the tag first! Haas rushes into the ring quickly, grabbing onto Rikishi's weakened leg and tries to drag him back but he gets kicked away! Rikishi then dives as far as he can and just barely makes the tag to Scotty! The fans cheer wildly, as Scotty rushes in and ducks under a clothesline, catching the turning Haas with a clothesline! Turning around, Shelton is coming at him for a Super Kick -- but Scotty ducks underneath it and takes Benjamin down with a back suplex! Up to his feet in a hurry, Scotty dances around for a moment before grabbing onto a rising Haas and whips him into the corner. Haas staggers out after hitting hard, while Scotty rushes up behind him and introduces Charlie's face to the mat! The fans pop huge now, as they know what's next! Scotty's hopping around with a weird look on his face before he starts hopping.. W!! .. O!! .. R!! -- SUPER KICK!! Benjamin came out of NOWHERE with that Super Kick!! The fan's cheers turn to booing but Shelton isn't the legal man and can't make the cover! Benjamin turns around to attack Rikishi, kicking him in the back of the knee! Benjamin then shouts at Haas to set Rikishi up and Charlie gets to his feet, grabbing onto both of Rikishi's arms and hooks him up! Benjamin then raises his right foot up before spinning around and leaped in a twist delivering the Dragon Whip -- to Haas!! Rikishi broke free and Shelton clobbered his partner! Rikishi then manages to toss Shelton over the top rope, hobbling and then drags Scotty onto Haas for the cover.. One! - Two!! - Three!!!

Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty manage to retain the Tag Team Titles here after some mis-communication between the World's Greatest Tag Team! Scotty manages to help Rikishi out of the ring, as he limps up the rampway with the belts. Back in the ring, Shelton is slapping his hands on the canvas, shouting at Rikishi & Scotty that it's not over!

Winner: Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty

(77/71/84) ***

It's About Respect

Once again we cut to a scene in the backstage area, where we see Josh Matthews wearing his glasses and he's standing by in the backstage area with the Full Blooded Italians.

"I'm standing by here with the Full Blooded Italians - Chuck Palumbo, Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli and Nunzio! Last week, you three came down to the ring during The Dudley Boyz debut match on SmackDown! and put a hit out on Bubba Ray Dudley! Which led to the Dudley Boyz losing their match against Kyo Dai!"

Chuck and Johnny looked at each other for a second before looking down at Josh, shaking their heads and Nunzio put his arm around Josh, as he started to speak.

"That's right, Josh. The F.B.I. did put out a hit on Bubba Ray Dudley but that's not all. Ya' see, we have a hit out on The Dudley Boyz period. Because Chuckie and Johnny, just like myself, are tired of getting overlooked! SmackDown! is the F.B.I.'s show.. not The Dudley Boyz show! Ya' see Josh.. it's all about respect! The Dudley Boyz showed us and more importantly, our boss, disrespect when they were picked in the Draft Lottery! -- But we decided to rectify that situation by taking advantage of the oppurtunity presented to us! The Full Blooded Italians are no longer going to be considered a joke because we mean business! And we're gonna show you everyone what we're capable of!! -- Bubba Ray. D-Von. And even you, Spike. You are now, the first members of the FBI's Hit List!!"

Nunzio smirked, staring into the camera and then motioned for Chuck & Johnny to follow him off camera. Chuck then slapped Josh on the back, while Johnny messed up his hair and they followed Nunzio.

(63)

COMMERCIAL

Bubba Ray Dudey (w/D-Von & Spike) vs Johnny Stamboli (w/F.B.I.)

Coming back from the commercial break, Johnny is already inside the ring with the rest of the F.B.I. but then the bombshell drops. The fans go crazy as Bubba Ray, D-Von & Spike make their way out onto the stage and they look down into the ring. They then look back at each other before rushing down the rampway, diving under the bottom rope and got up quickly. They rushed toward the F.B.I. but they quickly cleared out, not wanting to fight just yet and the ref stopped them. Admonishing them, he told them that D-Von & Spike had to get on the outside because this was a one-on-one match. They agreed, making their way to the outside and Johnny was slow to get back inside the ring, staying on the apron.

But Bubba Ray would have none of this, making his way over toward Johnny and grabbed onto the top rope. Pulling the rope back, he brought Johnny in the hard way and the bell sounded. Bubba went to work on Johnny with some hard right hands, backing him into the corner and started to deliver some stiff elbow shots to his neck. Whipping him out of the corner, into the opposite one before rushing straight at him and delivered a huge avalanche. Once Johnny staggered out of the corner, Bubba scooped him up and took him over in a powerslam. Cover on Johnny.. One! - Two!! Kick out! Back to his feet, Bubba doesn't let up on the attack as he delivers some well placed left hands before hoisted him up and delivered an atomic drop. Bouncing off the ropes behind him, Bubba comes back with a nice clothesline and then delivered another clothesline, as Johnny got back to his feet. But before Bubba could capitalize, Johnny rolled to the outside and regrouped with his buddies on the outside. D-Von & Spike started to go over towards them but the ref sticks his head out of the ring, warning them. Johnny regains some focus with Chuck & Nunzio patting him on the back -- but Bubba Ray is on the outside, now! Bubba nails Chuck & Nunzio from behind with clubbed forearms before grabbing onto Johnny and rolling him back into the ring. Pointing toward the nearby corner, Bubba gave a thumbs up before climbing up to the second rope. Bubba paused before jumping off with a senton splash -- but Palumbo pulled Johnny out of the way! The fans boo'ed but the referee didn't see it! Johnny was back to his feet, just as Bubba got back up and he nailed some stiff right hands into Bubba's jaw. Whipping him into the ropes, Johnny caught Bubba on the rebound and dropped him onto the top rope, neck first! Ouch! Bubba stayed on his feet though, holding his throat, staggering back around into Johnny and was laid out with a huge running lariat! Stamboli stood over Bubba with a grin on his face before delivering a stiff kick into Bubba's ribs. Stamboli then dragged Bubba up to a stand, hitting a nice looking back breaker. Dragging him up to a stand, Stamboli hooked onto Bubba's body and pulled him into an abdominal stretch. Bubba screamed out in pain, as Stamboli yanked back on the hold.. and then reached out, with Chuck grabbing onto Johnny's hand!

Pulling hard on Johnny's hand, which added more pressure on Bubba's back and he started screaming even louder now! Johnny then broke his grip, as the referee went to check to see if he was using illegal leverage.. but he saw nothing. D-Von & Spike were shouting at the referee, as Chuck grabbed onto Johnny's hand again and yanked harder. Bubba screamed out again and the ref saw it this time, kicking Chuck's arm and breaking the hold! Johnny shouted at the ref, for kicking Chuck and Chuck got on the apron! The ref began admonishing Chuck, while D-Von & Spike had seen enough and rushed over to Chuck, yanking him off the apron! Meanwhile, Nunzio had snuck into the ring just as Bubba set Chuck up for the Bubba Bomb .. and Nunzio pulled out a black jack from his tights, smacking it over Bubba's head! Bubba was sent staggering into the corner from that, while Nunzio snuck back out of the ring and went to help out Chuckie on the outside. The referee was still shouting at the fighting going on outside, as Stamboli hoisted Bubba up and swung him around.. Fuhgettaboutit!!! The fans boo wildly, as Stamboli makes the cover and the referee finally turns around.. One! - Two!! - Three!!!

Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli picks up the win here over Bubba Ray but with some help from Nunzio! The fans are booing wildly, as Johnny clears out of the ring just as D-Von and Spike slide inside. Chuckie, Johnny & Nunzio celebrate on the rampway with Nunzio giving The Dudleyz some "f--- you" gestures with his fingers & chin. D-Von points at the F.B.I. telling them it's not over, while Spike checks on Bubba.

Winner: Johnny Stamboli

(71/65/78) **1/4

The Next Champ, It's True!

Once again we cut to the backstage area, where we see Paul Heyman & Dawn Marie still outside in the parking lot and Heyman looks aggravated off. Looking at his watch, he's shaking his head in disgust as Dawn tries to calm him down. Just then, Kurt Angle walks into the shot and looks over at Dawn Marie, smirking a bit. It looks like Kurt is taking a liking to Dawn, as he stares at her for a few moments before turning his attention to Heyman, beginning to speak.

"Paul.. I was just wondering, if you had a chance to think about what we talked about earlier?" Kurt looked at Paul with a half smile on his face.

"I've thought about it Kurt but I haven't had a chance to make my decision yet. If Eddie would've gotten here, when he told me he was going to be here, I'd be able to give you an answer!" Heyman nodded before turning back to the driveway and looking at his watch.

"See! I told you that Eddie was no good as the WWE Champion! He can't even show up on time! You know, I bet I know what he's doing to.. " Kurt then made a drinking motion with his hand. "He hasn't changed one bit! But it doesn't matter now.. because since Eddie is injured, the WWE Title is gonna be MINE! Oh it's true.. IT'S DAMN TRUE!!" Kurt nodded firmly. "And it all starts tonight, after I beat Eddie's little mexican buddy.. Rey Mysterio in the middle of the ring.. AGAIN!"

Angle smirked with a nod before looking back over at Dawn and gave her a little wink before walking off. Dawn smiled shyly at Kurt's wink before turning back to Heyman, who was staring at her and her smile disappeared. Heyman then turned back toward the driveway, waiting for Eddie to show up.

(97)

COMMERCIAL

Bradshaw & John Cena vs Test & The Big Show

Bradshaw's music hits first to a nice pop from the crowd, as he comes down to the ring with a no-nonsense look on his face. Climbing inside the ring quickly, just as Cena's "Basic Thuganomics" blasted over the sound system. The fans cheered wildly as Cena made his way out on the stage with a Cincinnati Bengals jersey on, belt over his shoulder and a mic in his hand.

Yo, yo, yo.. Columbos, Ohio! Are you ready to get this party started!?

United States Champion, ready to represent!

Bradshaw in my corner--..

But before Cena can finish the first lines of his rap, he gets nailed from behind by Test! Knocking Cena down the rampway, Test is shouting at the US Champ, as he starts to put the boots to him. Seeing this, Bradshaw slides out of the ring just as The Big Show comes lumbering out from the back and down the rampway. Bradshaw goes straight after Test, nailing him with some strong right hands. The fans are cheering on Bradshaw, as he starts to nail Show with some right hands as well. Taking it to both men until he turned his back on Test and got nailed from behind! Clubbing forearm shots from Show took Bradshaw down to his knees, as Test grinned and then turned his attention back to Cena. However, Cena was on his feet and he nails Test with some strong lefts before whipping him towards the steel steps -- but Test reverses it, sending Cena crashing into the steps, back-first! Ouch!! Back in the aisleway, Show is taking it to Bradshaw before he hoists him into the air and drops him straight down onto the barricade! Ouch! Test is picking Cena back up to his feet, dragging him up the aisleway and slams his head against the barricade, roughly. Meanwhile, Show has dragged Test up the aisleway back towards the stage and hoists him up into the air. Trying to toss Bradshaw into the set -- but Bradshaw slips off his shoulders! Landing behind Show, Bradshaw spins him around and starts to whail away with some heavy soup bones. Test then grabs a chair from out of the crowd, folding it up and slams it straight over Cena's head!! The fans are booing wildly, as Test has laid out Cena in the aisle! Test is laughing, while Bradshaw & Show are fighting all the way to the back! This match didn't even have a chance to get started!! We fade into a commercial with Test standing over the unconscious Cena.

Winner: No Contest

(Not Available)

COMMERCIAL

In A Galaxy Far Away

As we come back from the commercial break, we're shown a graphic on the screen of outer space with millions of stars lighting the sky. Then we see one of the stars blinking brightly, flickering every few seconds before the camera seems to pan forward and the light is getting brighter. Getting even closer, we see the bright light nearly blinding for a second and then the graphic goes completely black. Stars then come swirling around on the bottom of the screen and form the words "Coming Soon" and then it fades back into the show.

(64)

(Replay: The fans are re-shown the ending of last week's match, where Rey Mysterio was forced to tap out to the Ankle Lock after Eddie hurt his leg.)

Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio

Angle's music cued up over the sound system first, as the fans came in with the "You Suck!" chants when the time was right. Walking down the aisleway, Angle pointed upward when he reached the middle and the red, white, blue & gold pyro fired off. Climbing inside the ring quickly, Angle spun around with his arms spread out with a smirk on his face. Then Rey's music kicked up, sending the crowd into a frenzy and Mysterio was tossed into the sky and landed back down onto the stage. Dressed in a red, white & blue outfit along with matching mask, Mysterio threw his arms into the air with a smile. Making his way down to the ring, Rey slid under the top rope and got right up to his feet.

The match kicked off with Angle walking over to Mysterio with a smirk on his face and began trash talking Rey, saying that he made him tap out last week and he'll do it again. Rey then turned his head to the side, shaking his head and then looked back at Angle, telling him that he couldn't do it again. Angle then laughed a bit, turning away from Rey but then nailed him with some right hands! Knocking him off balance with the surprise attack. Kurt then backed Rey up with some more right hands before whipping him off into the ropes, going for a clothesline -- but Rey somersaulted underneath it! Kurt was surprised by the counter but he rushed right back towards Rey -- but he was leapfrogged! Angle hit the turnbuckles behind Mysterio, turning around with a shocked look on his face before scrunching his face up in anger and charged right at Rey. But Rey dropped down, extending his legs out and monkey flipped Kurt! The fans were cheering for Rey, as he got back to his feet and began jumping around with a smile. Kurt got to his knees, with a sarcastic smile on his face and pushed himself back to a stand. Circling around Rey for a few moments, Kurt then moved in and they engaged in a quick lock-up. Kurt quickly twisted Rey's right arm behind him in a hammerlock and trash talked some more, telling Rey to get out of this one! And Rey responded by ducking around and twisting Kurt into a hammerlock. The fans were loving this counter-for-counter action, as Kurt twisted around, taking Rey over with a modified arm drag -- but Rey rolled right back to his feet. Going right into a lock-up, Kurt broke it up with a thumb to the eye and then tripped Rey to the canvas, spinning around on his back and paintbrushed the back of his head. Kurt then got up, wobbling his head in a "how do you like that!" fashion, while Rey got back to his feet and adjusted his mask. Locking up once again, Rey took advantage with a side headlock and then spun around into a twisting drop toe hold! Rey then spun around on Kurt's back a few times and got back to a stand. Rey was mocking Kurt now and Angle knew it, as he pushed himself up to a stand and grinned. Moving back in for another lock-up -- but Kurt stopped, slamming his right foot into Rey's midsection and then started to beat him down with some clubbing forearms. The fans boo'ed wildly, as Kurt kept hammering away on the fallen Rey before dragging him back to his feet and hoisted him up, dropping him straight on his neck with a hard back suplex! Back to his feet, Kurt started kicking Rey's head in a mocking fashion before dragging him back to his feet and whipped him off into the ropes. Catching him on the rebound with a front hooking bulldog variation, that looked wicked! Angle then went for the cover.. One! - Two!! Shoulder up! Rey isn't going down that easy. Picking Rey back up to his feet, Kurt underhooked Rey's arms and delivered a butterfly backbreaker.. that was pretty!

COMMERCIAL

As we return from the commercial break, Angle is still in control but had a scare during the break. The highlights flash back to where Kurt was attempting a powerbomb but Rey turned it into a facebuster! Making the cover but he only got a two count. Rey then tried to hit a flying head scissors takedown but Angle countered it with a faceplant! Ouch! And we pick up with the 'live' action of Kurt whipping Rey into the ropes and caught him with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! That was pretty! Kurt then makes the cover.. One! - Two!! Kick out! Rey won't give up! Angle seems to be getting frustrated now, as he gets to his feet and argues the count with the ref but to no avail. Picking Rey up to his feet, Angle calls for the end and hoists him up for the Angle Slam -- but Rey rolls off his back! On his feet, Rey kicks Angle in the stomach before grabbing onto his bald head and delivered a leaping facebuster!! The fans pop for that but Rey is slow to get up. Breathing heavily, Rey finally gets back to his feet with some help from the ropes but Angle is back up and rushes right toward him -- but Rey ducks down and tosses Kurt to the floor! Hitting the mats hard, Kurt winced in pain as the fans were cheering and Rey waves his arms in a tumbling motion. As Kurt was getting to his feet, Rey ran towards the opposite ropes and came rushing back towards the ropes by Kurt. Angle turned around as Rey came to the ropes and sidestepped but Rey did the 6-1-9 back into the ring! Kurt was pointing at his forehead but Rey hops onto the top rope and performs a somersault plancha onto the turning Angle!! The fans are going wild now, as we see the 'SmackDown! replay' of the move. Popping back up to his feet, Rey is calling for the fans to get clapping and he pulls Angle back towards the ring but Kurt counters with some right hands! Grabbing onto Rey's wrist, Kurt tries to sling Rey into the steel steps but Rey counters it and rolls Kurt under the bottom rope. Moving quickly, Rey hops up onto the apron before running across it towards the nearby corner and hopped up to the top rope. Perched there as Kurt staggers around to his feet, looking around for Rey but he can't find him! Turning around towards the corner Rey is at, Mysterio jumps off the top rope and delivers a huge missile dropkick! Crawling over to Kurt, Rey made the cover.. One! - Two!! - Kick out! That was close! The fans are rallying behind Rey, as he acknowledges the crowd but then picks Kurt up to a stand. Going for a hurricanrana -- but Kurt counters! Holding onto Rey's pants, Kurt tries to hit a powerbomb -- but Rey counters it with a half head scissors, taking Angle down onto the second rope!! The fans cheer wildly once again, as Rey is dialing it up.. rushing across to the ropes, he comes back towards Angle for the 6-1-9 and nails -- No! Kurt counters it by putting his arms up and grabs onto Rey's right ankle!! On his feet quickly, Kurt's face goes red and he synches on the Ankle Lock!!

Boo's fill the arena, as Kurt is torking Rey's right ankle.. the same from last week! Mysterio is shouting out in pain and Angle is shouting for Rey to tap out!! Rey shakes his head, saying he won't tap out but Angle twists his ankle, another scream coming from Rey! But he won't give up.. crawling towards the ropes.. crawling and Rey reaches out -- he gets the bottom rope!! Cheers come from the crowd, as Rey has the bottom rope, Angle is trying to yank him off -- but Rey counters, kicking Angle in the face with his left leg and pulling Angle down onto the second rope again! The fans cheer wildly but Rey is limping on that right leg, he doesn't run to the ropes but instead just spins around the rope and kicks Kurt in the face with one leg! Kurt flies back, flipping over some and the fans pop! Rey is on the apron, shaking his leg before calling for the end and hops onto the top rope, springing off to Drop The Dime -- but Kurt moves! Grabbing onto Rey's right leg again, Kurt flips him over onto his stomach and gets down on one knee.. synching in the Ankle Lock!! Mysterio is shouting out in pain, trying to get to the ropes but Angle has him in the middle of the ring! Kurt's face was beat red, as he shouted at Mysterio to tap out.. but Rey tried to crawl. Crawling towards the ropes a bit, as Angle gets on his feet and Rey reaches out for the ropes -- but Angle yanks him back to the middle of the ring!! The fans are cheering on Rey, trying to give him their support.. but the pain is too much and Rey is forced to tap out!!!

Kurt Angle picks up the win here against Rey -- but he won't let go of the hold!! Kurt looks like he's snapped here and he's shouting out "Whooooo!!!" while twisting Rey's ankle! He's gonna snap it right off!! Rey is screaming out in excruciating pain, as the ref tries to break Kurt away but he can't! Refs soon come running down the aisleway, sliding into the ring and make their way over to Rey & Kurt. Rey looks to be in serious pain, as Angle continues to twist it -- but the refs FINALLY get Angle to release the hold! Some refs stay with Rey to keep him safe, as others try to keep Kurt away from him and Angle's music cues up. Kurt is smiling sadistically, as the camera fades to a commercial break on Rey crying out in pain.

Winner: Kurt Angle

(89/91/86) ***3/4

COMMERCIAL

The Champ Finally Arrives

Returning from the final commercial break, GM Paul Heyman's music blasts in the arena and the fans begin to boo. Out from the back comes Heyman, still wearing his neckbrace and looking very angry, down the aisleway. Ignoring the fans for now, Heyman marched up the steel steps and across the apron. Taking his time getting into the ring, Heyman made his way over to ring announcer Tony Chimel and grabbed the microphone from him. Chimel gave Heyman a weird look but Paul shouted "I'll fire your ass in a second" before making his way to the middle of the ring.

"You know.. despite what you people may think, I'm a fair man." Heyman stated firmly, as the fans boo'ed. "Despite what you people may think.. I don't like the fact that SmackDown's Champion is injured because it makes my job even THAT much more difficult! -- I tried to give Eddie Guerrero, a fair chance to come here tonight and explain to me the severity of his injury but he decided not to show up!" Heyman started to walk around the ring, looking around at the crowd. "So he's left me with no other choice! As of right now, I am officially stripping Eddie Guerrero of his --.."

LAAAATIIIINOOOOOOOOO HEEEEEEEEAT!

Before Heyman could finish his sentence, the WWE Champion's "Lie, Cheat & Steal" music hit the arena with the fans going crazy. Heyman stopped speaking to turn his attention to the rampway with a curious but angry look on his face. No one came out for a few seconds before the curtains were pushed aside and Eddie Guerrero made his way out from the back -- on crutches! Wearing his "Addicted to the Heat" scarface t-shirt with the WWE Title around his waist and he made his way down the aisleway, his right leg raised in a cast. Making his way down to the ring, Eddie took both crutches into one hand and managed to climb up the steel steps, very carefully. Getting into the ring carefully as well, wincing in pain, Eddie then stuck the crutches into his armpits and made his way over to Heyman. Paul stared at Eddie, pissed off.. but then he started to smile.

"Well.. well.. well! Look who decides to show up! Ya' know Eddie, when I heard your music.. I thought you were going to come down here and give me a good explanation as to why you were late and I figured, you would do it standing upright -- not on crutches!" Heyman began to laugh a bit but then Eddie pulled a microphone out of his pocket and raised it.. but Heyman stopped him. "Don't even bother, Eddie!! I don't care what you have to say anymore.. because looking at you, I don't need to hear what you have to say! Seeing as how you're obviously injured, I can finish my sentence.. Eddie! Because you are in no condition to compete.. I hereby strip you of the WWE Title! And award it to -- KURT ANGLE!"

Kurt's music hit the speakers for the second time tonight, as a sweatied & still red faced Kurt made his way out from the back with a huge smile on his face. Walking down to the ring, Kurt climbed up the steps quickly and made his way into the ring. Retrieving a microphone from a stage hand, Angle smirked at Eddie and looked over to Heyman.

"Thank you, Paul! You've made the right decision! I will defend the WWE Title with intensity, integrity and intelligence!!" Angle nodded, standing next to Kurt and looked over at Eddie with a grin.

"Eddie.. do you want to give the belt to Kurt yourself or should he just take it from you!?!?" Cackling evily, Heyman started to yuck it up with Kurt.

Eddie looked like his heart had been ripped out of his body, as he stared at Heyman in disbelief.. he was stripped of what he worked so hard to get because of an injury. Not only that, Kurt Angle was going to be the champion. Slowly, Eddie moved the crutches into his left hand and started to remove the title from his waist with his right hand. Hopping on his one leg to steady himself, Eddie looked down at the title and kissed it. Looking back up at Angle & Heyman, who continued to laugh evily, Eddie stuck the belt out and.. handed it over to Angle! The fans couldn't believe it! They boo'ed ferociously as Kurt took the title and raised it up -- CRACK~!! A crutch was just broken over Kurt's head and he's out on the canvas! What the hell!?

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?!! --.."

Heyman shouted into the microphone until Eddie placed his right foot flat on the canvas and smiled. Bending over, Eddie yanked the cast off of his foot and he had a shoe on underneath it. Guerrero then started jumping around in the ring before raising his mic.

"APRIL FOOLS, HOLMES!!!" Eddie began laughing, as the crowd cheered wildly!! Picking up the WWE Title, Eddie wrapped the belt around his waist and stood over Angle, who was holding his head in pain and Heyman's eyes were bugging out! It was all an April Fools prank!?!?!

(88)

- - - - -

Overall Rating: 77%

SmackDown! Rating: 4.1

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

VELOCITY PREVIEW

April 3rd, 2004

On the last edition of Velocity, Billy Kidman & Paul London defeated The Basham Brothers in what many consider to be an upset. The one time WWE Tag Team Champions are looking for revenge and will try to get it with one-on-one action! Billy Kidman will be taking on Danny Basham with their respective partners in each other's corner. Can Kidman make it two-for-two or will Danny even the score? Find out on Velocity.

Also on Velocity, A-Train returns to action after being sidelined with a wrist injury and is looking to derail his next victim, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn! And Steven Richards will be in action against Nick Dinsmore.

All of this and more, including highlights from this past week's SmackDown!, at 10/9 CT only on Spike TV!

DMN in the House · May 10, 2004

WWE Velocity Report

The show opened up with the normal opening montage, then we're sent to Josh Matthews and his new broadcast partner, Rue DeBona. They introduce us to the show before talking about what happened on SmackDown! and then sent us to a recap.

End of Ultimo Dragon Becoming Cruiserweight #1 Contender

Coming into the ring quickly, Kidman fires off some forearm blasts to Dragon before whipping him into the ropes. On the comeback, Kidman hoists Dragon up for an atomic drop -> clothesline combination. Bouncing off the ropes, Kidman comes back with a quick legdrop and then covers.. One! - Two!! Shoulder up! Pulling Dragon back to his feet, Kidman grabs onto Dragon's neck and runs to the corner, scaling the turnbuckles before dropping him with an Upscale Bulldog!! The fans pop huge, as Kidman goes right into another cover.. One! - Two!! - Tajiri breaks it up! It might've been over there! Tajiri slips back out onto the apron, as Kidman sees Dragon is down and rolls his arms around, calling for the end. Climbing out onto the apron, then up to the top rope Kidman is about to leap off.. but Tajiri shakes the ropes, crotching Kidman!! Dragon is back to his feet now, as he climbs out onto the apron and scales the turnbuckles. Dragon is behind Kidman now, as he wraps his right arm around his neck from behind.. is he going for the Dragon Sleeper? No.. Dragon then somersaults over Kidman's body and delivers a huge snap mare off the top rope! What a move!! That had to be painful!! Making the cover.. One! - Two!! - But London breaks it up, now! The fans are really getting into the match now, as Dragon is going into his Dragon Strikes on Kidman before hooking Kidman up by the neck, flipping over him and nails his Snap Dragon!! The fans pop huge, as Dragon floats right into the cover.. One! - Two!! - Th-- No! Tajiri breaks it up with a stiff kick! Tajiri won't leave the ring now, as he starts going to work on Kidman & Dragon.. and here comes London into the ring! It's chaos with all four men in the ring! They're all fighting each other until Kidman gets dropped to his knees and then Tajiri delivers his Buzzsaw Kick!! Kidman drops on his face like a ton of bricks, out cold but before Tajiri can go for the cover, London comes off the top with a twisting corkscrew!! The fans love it!! Meanwhile, Dragon delivers a dropkick to London from behind and sends him to the outside. Making his way over to Kidman, Dragon climbs over his back before hooking his head with his right arm and yanks way back.. using a Dragon Clutch submission!! Kidman is hurting from that Buzzsaw Kick earlier and is forced to tap out within seconds to the devstating hold!!

Ultimo Dragon picks up the win here and is now the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Title!! The fans are cheering for Dragon, as he raises his arms in victory and then makes the belt motion around his waist.

(40)

Note: Wow, EWR HATES Dragon for some reason.. seems like anytime I give him a hype video, it's shitty.

COMMERCIAL

A-Train vs Billy Gunn

This match kicked off with a "Shave Your Back!" and Gunn yucked it up, motioning to A-Train with a smile on his face. Train didn't take this lightly, as he rushed straight at Gunn and nailed him with a strong right hand. This knocked Billy down but he popped back up, only get nailed with a few right hands before being whipped into the ropes and nearly decapitated with a clothesline. Grunting, Train shouted at Gunn before dragging him up to a stand and whipped him into the nearby corner. Gunn took a chest bump into the turnbuckle pads, which Train capitalized with a harsh back suplex. Gunn looked to land awkwardly on his neck but he managed to get back up. Train then continued to dominate Gunn with his strength, getting a close two count after a strong powerslam. The tide turned after Train went for a belly-to-belly suplex and Gunn used some knee strikes to break the waistlock. Rocking Train with a combination of right and left hands, he took him down with a leaping forearm. The crowd started to get behind Gunn, as he took it to Train and even nailed a Stinger Splash in the corner to a nice pop. As Train staggered out of the corner from that, Gunn kicked him in the midsection and went for the Fame-Asser -- but Train moved out of the way. Rushing forward, he missed a clothesline but then spun around and hit a stiff lariat! Boo's came from the crowd, as Train looked all business here. Dragging Gunn to a stand, Train smirked before pulling him into a BEARHUG~! Gunn sold it like it was an anaconda squeezing his insides, as he looked to be in agnozing pain but wouldn't give up. Train continued to squeeze the life out of Gunn and the referee raised his arm once.. it dropped. Twice.. it dropped. But on the third time, Gunn raised his arm! The fans cheered Billy on, as he managed to break free by biting Train's forehead! Train staggered back holding his forehead but then snarled, turning back to Gunn and shouted "You're Dead!" before rushing after him. Train tried to spear Billy, as Gunn's eyes went wide but he managed to sidestep! Train's shoulder hit the middle turnbuckle post and Gunn school-boyed Train up for the three count!!

Gunn picked up the win here but he quickly rolled out of the ring afterwards, escaping the irrate Train's grasp before he could get to him! The fans cheered on Gunn, as Train looked like he was about to tear the ropes off and we head to a commercial.

Winner: Billy Gunn

(69/67/72)

COMMERCIAL

End of Kurt/Mysterio

As we return from the commercial break, Angle is still in control but had a scare during the break. The highlights flash back to where Kurt was attempting a powerbomb but Rey turned it into a facebuster! Making the cover but he only got a two count. Rey then tried to hit a flying head scissors takedown but Angle countered it with a faceplant! Ouch! And we pick up with the 'live' action of Kurt whipping Rey into the ropes and caught him with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! That was pretty! Kurt then makes the cover.. One! - Two!! Kick out! Rey won't give up! Angle seems to be getting frustrated now, as he gets to his feet and argues the count with the ref but to no avail. Picking Rey up to his feet, Angle calls for the end and hoists him up for the Angle Slam -- but Rey rolls off his back! On his feet, Rey kicks Angle in the stomach before grabbing onto his bald head and delivered a leaping facebuster!! The fans pop for that but Rey is slow to get up. Breathing heavily, Rey finally gets back to his feet with some help from the ropes but Angle is back up and rushes right toward him -- but Rey ducks down and tosses Kurt to the floor! Hitting the mats hard, Kurt winced in pain as the fans were cheering and Rey waves his arms in a tumbling motion. As Kurt was getting to his feet, Rey ran towards the opposite ropes and came rushing back towards the ropes by Kurt. Angle turned around as Rey came to the ropes and sidestepped but Rey did the 6-1-9 back into the ring! Kurt was pointing at his forehead but Rey hops onto the top rope and performs a somersault plancha onto the turning Angle!! The fans are going wild now, as we see the 'SmackDown! replay' of the move. Popping back up to his feet, Rey is calling for the fans to get clapping and he pulls Angle back towards the ring but Kurt counters with some right hands! Grabbing onto Rey's wrist, Kurt tries to sling Rey into the steel steps but Rey counters it and rolls Kurt under the bottom rope. Moving quickly, Rey hops up onto the apron before running across it towards the nearby corner and hopped up to the top rope. Perched there as Kurt staggers around to his feet, looking around for Rey but he can't find him! Turning around towards the corner Rey is at, Mysterio jumps off the top rope and delivers a huge missile dropkick! Crawling over to Kurt, Rey made the cover.. One! - Two!! - Kick out! That was close! The fans are rallying behind Rey, as he acknowledges the crowd but then picks Kurt up to a stand. Going for a hurricanrana -- but Kurt counters! Holding onto Rey's pants, Kurt tries to hit a powerbomb -- but Rey counters it with a half head scissors, taking Angle down onto the second rope!! The fans cheer wildly once again, as Rey is dialing it up.. rushing across to the ropes, he comes back towards Angle for the 6-1-9 and nails -- No! Kurt counters it by putting his arms up and grabs onto Rey's right ankle!! On his feet quickly, Kurt's face goes red and he synches on the Ankle Lock!!

Boo's fill the arena, as Kurt is torking Rey's right ankle.. the same from last week! Mysterio is shouting out in pain and Angle is shouting for Rey to tap out!! Rey shakes his head, saying he won't tap out but Angle twists his ankle, another scream coming from Rey! But he won't give up.. crawling towards the ropes.. crawling and Rey reaches out -- he gets the bottom rope!! Cheers come from the crowd, as Rey has the bottom rope, Angle is trying to yank him off -- but Rey counters, kicking Angle in the face with his left leg and pulling Angle down onto the second rope again! The fans cheer wildly but Rey is limping on that right leg, he doesn't run to the ropes but instead just spins around the rope and kicks Kurt in the face with one leg! Kurt flies back, flipping over some and the fans pop! Rey is on the apron, shaking his leg before calling for the end and hops onto the top rope, springing off to Drop The Dime -- but Kurt moves! Grabbing onto Rey's right leg again, Kurt flips him over onto his stomach and gets down on one knee.. synching in the Ankle Lock!! Mysterio is shouting out in pain, trying to get to the ropes but Angle has him in the middle of the ring! Kurt's face was beat red, as he shouted at Mysterio to tap out.. but Rey tried to crawl. Crawling towards the ropes a bit, as Angle gets on his feet and Rey reaches out for the ropes -- but Angle yanks him back to the middle of the ring!! The fans are cheering on Rey, trying to give him their support.. but the pain is too much and Rey is forced to tap out!!!

Kurt Angle picks up the win here against Rey -- but he won't let go of the hold!! Kurt looks like he's snapped here and he's shouting out "Whooooo!!!" while twisting Rey's ankle! He's gonna snap it right off!! Rey is screaming out in excruciating pain, as the ref tries to break Kurt away but he can't! Refs soon come running down the aisleway, sliding into the ring and make their way over to Rey & Kurt. Rey looks to be in serious pain, as Angle continues to twist it -- but the refs FINALLY get Angle to release the hold! Some refs stay with Rey to keep him safe, as others try to keep Kurt away from him and Angle's music cues up. Kurt is smiling sadistically, as the camera fades to a commercial break on Rey crying out in pain.

(88)

Nick Dinsmore vs Steven Richards

Dinsmore was already in the ring, wearing pair of black tights and got a small pop from the crowd since he was announced from Ohio. Then Steven made his way out & got some heat from the crowd. Making his way out onto the stage in his pink shorts and an "I Miss My Flower" shirt, that looked like he just made. The match kicked off with Richards staring wide-eyed at Dinsmore before circling him and they engaged in a lock-up. Fighting for control, Steven managed to snag a side headlock and wrenched it in. Richards starting shouting some incoherent things but then Dinsmore countered the headlock with a shove into the ropes and knocked Steven down with a shoulder block. Looking very surprised, Steven paused for a moment to stare at Dinsmore and then rushed him. Missing a clothesline, Richards turned around into a few right hands from Nick and then got twisted around into an armlock. Working on Steven's arm, Nick started to deliver some elbow shots into his arm before pulling him into a hammerlock. Richards then tried to break it up with some elbows but Dinsmore dodged them and then dropped down to the canvas, tripping Steven down. Jumping right to Steven's left side, Dinsmore grabbed onto his wrist and applied a fujiwara armbar! The fans slowly started to get into the match, cheering Dinsmore on as he was taking it to Steven. But Steven managed to get to the ropes and the ref had Nick break the hold. Rolling to the outside, Steven stared wide-eyed at Dinsmore while shaking his arm in pain and then shouted "I'LL SHOW YOU!" pulling his shirt off. Tossing his shirt down, Steven slid back into the ring and circled Dinsmore. They locked up once again with Steven delivering a knee lift into Dinsmore's abdomen and started to pound away on his back with a flurry of clubbing forearms. Yanking him to a stand, Steven whipped him into the ropes and went for a clothesline -- but Dinsmore countered it with a neckbreaker! The fans popped for that, as Dinsmore slid over to Steven for the cover but only got a two count. Back to his feet, Dinsmore locked Steven in a waist lock and nailed a german suplex! Bridging into a pin for a close two count!

The fans were very surprised by this and started chanting on Dinsmore. Rolling to his feet, Dinsmore continued to stare at Steven and waited for him to get up. Steven couldn't believe what was going on.. he was getting beat by a jobber! Snarling, Steven pushed himself to a stand and they locked up once again. Dinsmore took control of the lock-up this time, pulling Steven into a sleeper hold! The ref asked if Steven wanted to give up but he shook his head -- then swiftly mule kicked Dinsmore!! The fans boo'ed wildly for that but the ref missed it! Dinsmore held his package, staggering back as Steven grinned and made his way over to Dinsmore, delivering some strong forearm shots. Steven then dropped Dinsmore with a full nelson slam, that was executely weakly but Dinsmore really sold it well. Pulling Dinsmore back to a stand, Steven backed up a few steps before leaping forward with a Stevie Kick -- but Dinsmore ducked it! Grabbing onto Steven from behind, he placed him in a Cobra Clutch position before trying to hook his leg -- but Steven countered out of it. Pulling Dinsmore under his arm and hooked his arms up.. Stevie-T!! Richards nailed it and went right into the cover for the one, two, three!!

Richards picks up the win here over the young Nick Dinsmore but he was given one hell of a match! The fans boo'ed Steven's win, as he raised his arms into the air with a psychotic grin and then stared down at Dinsmore, shouting "I SHOWED YOU!" before climbing out of the ring. Making his way up the rampway backwards, Steven continued to stare at Dinsmore, who was on a knee and shaking his head, while the crowd gave him a nice applause.

Winner: Steven Richards

(69/59/79)

COMMERCIAL

Recap of Eddie Arriving & Heyman's Announcement

Returning from the final commercial break, GM Paul Heyman's music blasts in the arena and the fans begin to boo. Out from the back comes Heyman, still wearing his neckbrace and looking very angry, down the aisleway. Ignoring the fans for now, Heyman marched up the steel steps and across the apron. Taking his time getting into the ring, Heyman made his way over to ring announcer Tony Chimel and grabbed the microphone from him. Chimel gave Heyman a weird look but Paul shouted "I'll fire your ass in a second" before making his way to the middle of the ring.

"You know.. despite what you people may think, I'm a fair man." Heyman stated firmly, as the fans boo'ed. "Despite what you people may think.. I don't like the fact that SmackDown's Champion is injured because it makes my job even THAT much more difficult! -- I tried to give Eddie Guerrero, a fair chance to come here tonight and explain to me the severity of his injury but he decided not to show up!" Heyman started to walk around the ring, looking around at the crowd. "So he's left me with no other choice! As of right now, I am officially stripping Eddie Guerrero of his --.."

LAAAATIIIINOOOOOOOOO HEEEEEEEEAT!

Before Heyman could finish his sentence, the WWE Champion's "Lie, Cheat & Steal" music hit the arena with the fans going crazy. Heyman stopped speaking to turn his attention to the rampway with a curious but angry look on his face. No one came out for a few seconds before the curtains were pushed aside and Eddie Guerrero made his way out from the back -- on crutches! Wearing his "Addicted to the Heat" scarface t-shirt with the WWE Title around his waist and he made his way down the aisleway, his right leg raised in a cast. Making his way down to the ring, Eddie took both crutches into one hand and managed to climb up the steel steps, very carefully. Getting into the ring carefully as well, wincing in pain, Eddie then stuck the crutches into his armpits and made his way over to Heyman. Paul stared at Eddie, pissed off.. but then he started to smile.

"Well.. well.. well! Look who decides to show up! Ya' know Eddie, when I heard your music.. I thought you were going to come down here and give me a good explanation as to why you were late and I figured, you would do it standing upright -- not on crutches!" Heyman began to laugh a bit but then Eddie pulled a microphone out of his pocket and raised it.. but Heyman stopped him. "Don't even bother, Eddie!! I don't care what you have to say anymore.. because looking at you, I don't need to hear what you have to say! Seeing as how you're obviously injured, I can finish my sentence.. Eddie! Because you are in no condition to compete.. I hereby strip you of the WWE Title! And award it to -- KURT ANGLE!"

Kurt's music hit the speakers for the second time tonight, as a sweatied & still red faced Kurt made his way out from the back with a huge smile on his face. Walking down to the ring, Kurt climbed up the steps quickly and made his way into the ring. Retrieving a microphone from a stage hand, Angle smirked at Eddie and looked over to Heyman.

"Thank you, Paul! You've made the right decision! I will defend the WWE Title with intensity, integrity and intelligence!!" Angle nodded, standing next to Kurt and looked over at Eddie with a grin.

"Eddie.. do you want to give the belt to Kurt yourself or should he just take it from you!?!?" Cackling evily, Heyman started to yuck it up with Kurt.

Eddie looked like his heart had been ripped out of his body, as he stared at Heyman in disbelief.. he was stripped of what he worked so hard to get because of an injury. Not only that, Kurt Angle was going to be the champion. Slowly, Eddie moved the crutches into his left hand and started to remove the title from his waist with his right hand. Hopping on his one leg to steady himself, Eddie looked down at the title and kissed it. Looking back up at Angle & Heyman, who continued to laugh evily, Eddie stuck the belt out and.. handed it over to Angle! The fans couldn't believe it! They boo'ed ferociously as Kurt took the title and raised it up -- CRACK~!! A crutch was just broken over Kurt's head and he's out on the canvas! What the hell!?

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?!! --.."

Heyman shouted into the microphone until Eddie placed his right foot flat on the canvas and smiled. Bending over, Eddie yanked the cast off of his foot and he had a shoe on underneath it. Guerrero then started jumping around in the ring before raising his mic.

"APRIL FOOLS, HOLMES!!!" Eddie began laughing, as the crowd cheered wildly!! Picking up the WWE Title, Eddie wrapped the belt around his waist and stood over Angle, who was holding his head in pain and Heyman's eyes were bugging out! It was all an April Fools prank!?!?!

(91)

Before we head to the commercial break, we're shown the video that was seen on SmackDown! that seems to be a prelude to a new wrestler coming to the brand. A graphic on the screen of outer space with millions of stars lighting the sky. Then we see one of the stars blinking brightly, flickering every few seconds before the camera seems to pan forward and the light is getting brighter. Getting even closer, we see the bright light nearly blinding for a second and then the graphic goes completely black. Stars then come swirling around on the bottom of the screen and form the words "Coming Soon" and then it fades to a commercial.

COMMERCIAL

(WWE Rewind: The fans are shown a clip from last week's Velocity, where Kidman & London defeated The Basham Brothers.)

Billy Kidman (w/Paul London) vs Danny Basham (w/Doug)

The Bashams music hit and they make their way down to the ring first to some heat from the crowd. They're wearing matching purple velvet pants and Danny slides into the ring, at least we think it's Danny. Kidman's music then hits with the crowd popping and Kidman make his way out onto the stage with his partner, Paul London. They make their way down to the ring quickly before stopping as Kidman tells London something, to which he nods his head and Billy slides into the ring.

Kicking off the match with a collar & elbow tie-up, Kidman gets the best of it by coming out with a side headlock but then quickly turns it into a hammerlock and then drop toe holds Danny. Cheers from the crowd for that quick combo but Danny gets back to his feet quickly, staring at Kidman. Back to a stand, Danny circled Kidman for a few moments before they go in for another lock-up but Danny cheapshots Kidman with a right hand. Catching him offguard, Danny continues to lay into him with some right hands before hoisting him up and delivered an inverted atomic drop! Ouch! Not stopping there, Danny pushed Kidman back into the corner and starts to deliver some shoulder thrusts in the corner. Really letting Kidman have it before being pulled back by ref Jack Doan -- but Danny went back at Kidman. He raised his left foot and began to choke Kidman down in the corner until the five count, where he broke the chokehold. London was shouting at the ref from the outside, while Danny flipped him off and then yanked Kidman back to his feet. Whipping him across the ring into the far corner, Danny then just started an argument with the ref and Doug climbed onto the apron, choking Kidman and then clobbered him with a left hand! Hopping off the apron just as Danny made his way over to Kidman. London then started to chase Doug away from Kidman's position, while Danny worked him over in the corner and then pulled him out of the corner, hitting a nice snap suplex. Making the cover but only getting a two count.

COMMERCIAL

Coming back from commercial, Danny is still in control of the match and has Kidman seated on the top rope. Climbing up to meet him, Danny lays him some right hands before going for a Superplex -- but Kidman counters with some right hands into his ribs. Danny tried to stay in control but Kidman delivers some more right hands before grabbing onto Danny and nailed him with a second rope BK Bomb!! The fans popped huge for that -- but Kidman couldn't make the cover! They were both down & out with Jack Doan starting the ten count. At around six, they both began to stir and at eight they were both up to their feet. Exchanging right hands back and forth until Danny went for a running kick -- but Kidman ducked it! Turning around quickly, Kidman jumped up and hooked onto Danny's head, twisting around and delivered a Tornado DDT!! The fans popped for that with Kidman making the cover -- but Doug put Danny's leg on the bottom rope! The ref sees it and tells Kidman but Kidman thinks he won! Raising his arms but the ref tells him about Danny's boot! London is shouting at the ref that Doug put his brother's boot on the bottom rope but while this is going on, Doug pulls Danny out of the ring and takes his place! Only the fans catch this and Doug is playing possum! Kidman then makes his way back over toward who he thinks is Danny and then climbs out onto the apron, making his way to the top rope. The fans are booing & shouting, trying to tell Kidman about the switch. Kidman then raises an arm, calling for the end -- but then he sees Danny on the floor outside!! Wide-eyed, Kidman turns back to the ring and Doug is on his feet, crotching Kidman! Doug then grabs onto Kidman's neck, leaping out with him and delivers a Diamond Cutter variation!! The fans continue to boo wildly, as Doug makes the cover.. One! - Two!! - Three!!!

Danny Basham picks up the win here over Kidman, well.. it was really Doug Basham! But The Bashams even the score here, as Doug rolls out of the ring with a smirk on his face and helps Danny to his feet. London then slides into the ring to check on Kidman, while Doug helps his brother to the back with a grin.

Winner: Danny Basham

(65/59/72)

The fans continue booing, as Velocity goes off the air with Josh & Rue telling us not to miss SmackDown! this coming Thursday.

- - - - -

Overall Rating: 62%

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Can HBK and Benoit Continue To Co-Exist?

April 5, 2004

Last week we saw Backlash take shape. On Raw we will continue to see the developments. With Backlash only two weeks away, and Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels scheduled to be a tag team, once again, this Monday night, though we aren’t sure of their opponents as of right now, how will they get along? Backlash is rapidly approaching and Benoit knows he has a tough road ahead of him when he steps in the ring with Shawn Michaels. Can he and Michaels continue on the path of co-existing? Last week they won a non-title match over the World Tag Team Champions Batista and Ric Flair and showed no signs of tension. Time will tell if they can remain a cohesive unit until Backlash.

Christian and Chris Jericho have been at odds for a few months now and it will all come to a head at Backlash when they meet one-on-one. Chris Jericho couldn’t catch up to Christian and Trish Stratus in time last week as they drove off in their car together. Will Jericho get his hands on Christian tonight? Who knows? But Christian is scheduled to be in attendance, as is Trish as they are both set for singles action on Raw. Christian will take on Val Venis in what should be a competitive match up. Trish will also be entering the ring one-one-one with Lita. Lita is really angry at Trish for her actions as of late and last week Lita last a tag team match to Trish and Molly Holly. Lita is looking forward to this match. The same probably cannot be said for Trish Stratus.

Vince McMahon is coming to Raw. What does he have to say? Why is he coming to Raw? We will find out Monday night!

Triple H will also be in attendance. Will he have more words for Edge come Monday night? Edge makes his return to the ring live on pay-per-view for Backlash as he teams with Rob Van Dam and Booker T to take on Batista, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. How will Edge be when he steps into the ring? Will he be ready for “the Game” and Evolution? Will he be in attendance this Monday night in Houston, Texas? Tune into Raw Monday night for all these answers!

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

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Sunday Night Heat Preview

April 4, 2004

Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak once again will be in tag team action this week on Sunday Night Heat. This young tag team is impressing everyone with each by passing week. Last week they scored a victory over Kevin Fertig and Travis Bane. This week they head to that ring to dismantle two more wrestlers.

Matt Hardy will also be in action this week. This talented wrestler will see singles action. Can Matt Hardy get his focus back and get back on track to heading back to a prominent position here on the Raw brand? Time will tell. But be sure to catch Heat this Sunday Night to catch Matt Hardy in action.

And in a grudge match, coming off the heels of last week, Rico has challenged Tommy Dreamer. Last week Dreamer pulled out a victory over the flamboyant Rico. Can Rico score a matter of revenge this week? We will find out soon enough!

All of this and more on Sunday Night Heat at 7/6 CT on Spike TV!

Fitzy · May 10, 2004

Sunday Night Heat

Taped on Monday, March 29, 2004

Aired on Sunday, April 4, 2004

Cincinnati, Ohio

US Bank Arena Box Office

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

Jonathan Coachman: Welcome everyone to another exciting edition of Sunday Night Heat. I am of course the Coach and I know that it is your pleasure to join with me tonight, Al Snow.

Al Snow: Right you are Coach. It is always great to be here making fun of you. It is my pleasure to do just that.

Coachman:: Always the kidder, Al. We got an exciting line up tonight as we see the rematch we all been waiting for.

Snow: The world just was waiting for this one, Coach. It is monumental. It is on the scale of the rematch between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant.

Coachman: It is the rematch from last week’s Sunday Night Heat. It’s Rico wanting a rematch with Tommy Dreamer!

Snow: My God, Coach. That is HUGE!

Coachman: Let’s take you back a few moments ago where Rico was standing by with some words for Tommy Dreamer.

“Earlier Tonight” appears in the lower left hand corner with the Sunday Night Heat logo below it. Rico is standing by. He is removed of the makeup and is wearing new clothing. He has purple tights on, with the word “Role” written down the right pant leg and the word “Model” written down the left pant leg.

Rico Constantino: You are all looking at the new and improved Rico. I am the person that all of you should be looking up to. Someone you should base your life on. Not some hardcore idiot like Tommy Dreamer. What you say last week was a disgrace. What you saw last week wasn’t the real Rico. I am not this alternative lifestyle freak. I am someone that you all should look up to and idolize. I am your role model. Tonight, when I go out there and defeat Tommy Dreamer, then, and only then will you finally realize just who the real Rico really is.

The screen cuts back to the “live” action where the Coach and the Snowman are sitting.

Coachman: I guess we have a new Rico here in the WWE.

Snow: He is your role model, isn’t he Coach?

Coachman: Let’s get things going as we head to the ring for our opening match.

Match One – Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak vs. Matt Stryker and Chad Collyer

Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak make their entrance, coming out from behind the curtain and walking down to the ring, looking determined. They want to prove themselves tonight, like they have been for the past few weeks here on Sunday Night Heat.

Coachman: Look, Al, the famous Flying Babaganosh Brothers are back on Raw!

Al Snow: We got Matt and Chad Babaganosh.

Coachman: These are two fine technically sound wrestlers. They will be something in this business, Al.

Snow: In fact, Chad Babaganosh was trained by our very own Dean Malenko.

Coachman: Wow. Really? That’s an accomplishment in and of its own. Maybe tonight the Babaganosh Brothers could get the upset?

Snow: Cindrak and Jade are not going to let last week’s near upset get to them as they look determined to defeat these two in record time. But could we indeed see an upset? I’ve seen Matt and Chad on numerous occasions and these Babaganosh Brothers are tremendous in the ring. They will give Jade and Cindrak a run for their money tonight.

Garrison Cade and Chad Collyer start off the match. They lock up and Cade hits a lifting knee to Collyer to break the collar and elbow tie-up. Cade grabs Collyer and whips him into the corner. Cade runs in with an elbow to the side of the head. Cade places Collyer on the top rope and then he steps up to the middle rope. He grabs Collyer in a fall away slam position and then tosses him off. Cade goes for the cover. Referee Mike Sparks makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Collyer. Cade takes out to Mark Jindrak.

Mark Jindrak comes into the ring as Cade holds up Collyer. Jindrak kicks the ribs of Collyer and then down Collyer went. Jindrak drops a leg and then covers him. One … Two … kickout by Collyer. Jindrak picks up Collyer and whips him off the ropes. He returns and Jindrak hits a back body drop on him. Jindrak makes the cover again. One … Two … kickout. Jindrak gets up and picks up Collyer and whips him into the corner. He rams in to the corner shoulder first. Jindrak tags in Garrison Cade.

Cade comes back into the ring and grabs Collyer and lifts him up and down for a nicely executed vertical Suplex. Cade picks him up again and hits another nicely executed vertical Suplex. Cade then grabs him and picks him up and then when he stands up and hooks the arm and legs together and drops him down for a beautiful Fisherman’s Buster. Cade covers. One … Two … Th … kickout. Garrison Cade gets up, a little frustrating, but decides to have a little fun with Collyer. He picks him up and grabs his hand and then motions for Matt Stryker to take it. He gets closer, and closer, and closer, but immediately pulls back as to not allow Stryker to tag in. Cade whips Collyer into the corner. He rams in back first, and stumbles out of it. Cade runs off the ropes and takes him down with a Barry Windham style bulldog. He makes the cover. One … Two … Thre … NO! Foot on the ropes by Chad Collyer. Just in time. Cade looks pissed. He grabs Collyer and begins tossing him around on the mat. He then gets on the back of Collyer and begins slapping his head, Scott Hall style. Cade picks up Collyer and tosses him in the corner. He tags in Mark Jindrak.

Mark Jindrak heads to the top rope and Garrison Cade places Collyer on his knee with Jindrak jumping off for a leg drop, much like Demolition use to do. Jindrak makes the cover. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Collyer, again! He’s keeping himself alive in that ring. Jindrak picks up Collyer and slaps him, hard, straight across the face, leaving a huge red mark of his hand on Collyer’s face. Jindrak whips Collyer into the ropes. Jindrak jumps up, going for the Dropkick, but Collyer had help onto the ropes and Jindrak fell to the mat. Collyer quickly leaped over and tagged in Matt Stryker.

Matt Stryker came into the ring and Mark Jindrak got up. Stryker took him down with a Dropkick and Cade came into the ring. He took him down with a Dropkick also. Stryker ran for Jindrak, but Jindrak went for a lariat, but Stryker ducked it and hit a Dropkick from behind, sending him over the top rope and onto the floor. Garrison Cade got up, running for Stryker with a big boot, but Stryker ducked it, and kicked Cade in the crotch. He grabbed Cade and tossed him outside as well. Stryker ran off the ropes and dove through the middle rope onto Cade and Jindrak for a nice suicide dive. Stryker picked up Jindrak, rolled him into the ring and covered him. Mike Sparks counted. One … Two … Cade made it just in time to pull out Stryker. Stryker got up and went to run for Cade, but Cade nailed him with a decapitating lariat. He rolled him into the ring. He got into the ring a well. Chad Collyer tried to come in to the ring to save Stryker from a beat down but Cade decked him with a devastating lariat, sending him rolling to the outside. Cade lifted up Stryker and Jindrak ran off the ropes leaping up and hitting a picture perfect Dropkick. He made the cover. One … Two … Three.

Winners: Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak in 8:56

(63, 66, 60) * ½

[Commercial.]

Coachman: Al, last Monday night we saw Triple H irate about him not being named the number one contender. He threatened Eric Bischoff, but before long Edge made his way out.

Snow: Edge came out and after going back and forth with “the Game,” the rest of Evolution came out and they all took apart Edge until RVD and Booker T could make the save.

Coachman: Let’s take you back to last Monday night and show you what went down.

Recap of Triple H’s Quest to Get Name the Number One Contender

The video feed cuts right to Triple H in the ring getting read to talk.

Triple H: Eric Bischoff, who in the hell do you think you are? Do you really think you can just walk around my arena and give away my title shot? I worked too damn hard for that title. I busted my ass day in and day out to earn that title shot. And you go about and give the title shot to Shawn Michaels?

“Asshole” chants begin towards Triple H. Soon “HBK” chants cue up as well.

Triple H: Shut the hell up. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you fans think. Go ahead, chant “asshole.” Chant “HBK” it all doesn’t mean a damn thing. Bischoff, you know damn well that that title match against Chris Benoit for Backlash belongs to me. I deserve my rematch. Not for one second should you even think otherwise. Shawn Michaels got his title shot. In fact, he shouldn’t have even been involved at WrestleMania XX but he was. That’s over with. But his title shot has come and gone, and it is my shot. My title. MY GOD DAMN TITLE! Chris Benoit is just keeping that title warm for me when I hit the Pedigree on his scrawny little ass and pin him for the three count.

“You tapped out” chants ring through the crowd.

Triple H: Very good. I did tap out. Who the hell cares? I tapped out. Big deal! When I get my title back, you won’t be seeing me tap out any more.

“Never Gonna Stop” by Rob Zombie suddenly hits and out on the stage, emerging through the smoke is Edge! A huge crowd reaction follows as Edge runs from side to side on the stage.

Ross: It’s Edge! Edge is here on Raw! Just last week we saw Edge return and Spear that slim ball Paul Heyman.

Triple H: What the hell are you doing here?

Edge: Triple H, I am out here to shut you the hell up. These fans are so sick and tired of your drawn out, twenty minute borefests. Who the hell cares about you or you getting the title back? Forget “you tapped out,” and forget this being what fans chant at Kurt Angle, but man, you sure do suck.

“You suck” chants now start for Triple H.

Edge: I mean, come on man. For an entire year I sat on the sidelines with a broken neck and I watched Monday Night Raw and I fell asleep before 9:30 because you took up those minutes and put me to sleep. God man, you really need to step down. No-one gives a damn about you. Just listen at all the “asshole” chants or the “you tapped out” chants or the now “you suck” chants. This is not good, H. This means you truly do suck.

Triple H: Edge, for a year plus you have been out. You have been out with an injury that has plagued this business. But you know what? I didn’t give a damn. Edge was out with an injury … “what?” was all I asked and moved along. You being out never bothered me. You being here just meant someone to beat the hell out of. You think by getting drafted over to Raw makes you this special someone? All it means is that come the time when I get my title, you will just always be another notch below me. See, Edge, things never change. You will always be this goofy looking punk kid who thought he was something. TLC made you, but what else have you done that was so spectacular? Have you had this classic match? Have you headlined pay-per-views? Have you held the World Heavyweight Championship? Have you ever beaten me?! The answer is no on all accounts, Edge. You are nothing. You will always be nothing. From the day I met you Edge I knew you would amount to nothing. This business is no place for goofy looking punk ass kids. That is all you are.

Edge: [makes snoring sounds.] Boring. Triple H, TLC made me. Yeah. But since then I have become this man that has been unstoppable. Winning singles titles and more tag team titles. I have worked my way up. I have bettered myself. And I have made it to the point in my career where the only thing left for me to do is win that World Heavyweight Championship and main event WrestleMania.

Triple H: don’t kid yourself, kid. Main Eventing WrestleMania is for the best of the best. Certainly something you’ll never amount to. Quit living in your fantasy world. Edge, I have main event countless WrestleMania’s and I have walked out as Champion. I might have lost to Chris Benoit a few weeks ago, but damnit, I will get that belt back.

Just as Edge was about to walk down the aisle he was blind sided by Batista, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. All three of them brought Edge down and into the ring where Batista held up Edge.

Ross: Oh my Gawd! They are beating the hell out of Edge! Someone needs to do something!

Triple H slapped Edge right across the face. Edge became enraged, but he couldn’t escape Evolution holding him down. Triple H grabbed Edge and kicked him in the midsection. But before he could even hook him for the Pedigree “ONE OF A KIND!” is heard and “One of a King” by Breaking Point hits and out comes Rob Van Dam and Booker T to a huge ovation from the crowd. They chase off Batista, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Triple H before they could do any harm to him, especially when he is not medically cleared to wrestle for another two weeks. RVD and Booker T help up Edge to a standing ovation from the crowd. Triple H and the rest of Evolution are at the top of the stage with Triple H looking pissed off, shouting unheard words towards the ring, pointing at them.

(91)

The next video clip cuts past the Molly Holly-Steve-Austin and Molly-Eric Bischoff segments and goes right into Triple H barging into the room.

Triple H: Bischoff, I can’t believe this crap that you are pulling around here! I want that piece of crap Edge, and I want him tonight!

Bischoff: Edge is not cleared to wrestle for two more weeks, Triple H.

Triple H: I don’t care. Give me him tonight.

Bischoff: I’ll do you one better. At Backlash in two weeks, live on pay-per-view in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, I will give you the chance to take on Edge. But not in a singles match. Due to Rob Van Dam and Booker T getting involved as did the rest of Evolution, it’ll be a six-man tag team match with you, Batista, and Ric Flair against Edge, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam!

Triple H: That is bullshit, Bischoff! I want Edge tonight. Not next week or the week after, or the week after that. TONIGHT! One on one! Me versus Edge! Make the damn match, Bischoff!

Bischoff: I can’t do that. I already told you that. But what I can do is book you and Randy Orton in a tag team match against the former tag team champions Booker T and Rob Van Dam. Call it little tune up match for yourself. And as for you two [points to Batista and Ric Flair, the World Tag Team Champions] you two will have a match tonight against the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels.

Triple H and the rest of Evolution looked pissed about these two matches, but they leave the room.

(77)

Then it shows the final remaining moments of the Triple H and Randy Orton vs. Booker T and Rob Van Dam match.

They return with RVD beating up on Randy Orton. RVD picks up Orton by the head and twists the arm as he tags in Booker T. Booker T takes it and then kicks him in the ribs. Booker whips Orton into the corner and runs in with a nice leaping side kick. Booker T picks up Orton and slams him with a body slam. He sits on his chest and begins punching the hell out of the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Booker gets up and waits for Orton. Orton slowly gets up and Booker T runs off the ropes, but he runs off the ropes closest to Triple H and Triple H is pull knee Booker in the spine. Orton gets up and grabs Booker T and whips him off the ropes. Orton hits a nice spinning back elbow to Booker T and makes the cover. One … Two … kickout by Booker T. Orton tags out to Triple H. Triple H comes into the ring and picks up Booker T. He kicks Booker T in the midsection and hooks the arms. He is looking to hit the Pedigree but Van Dam comes running in. But as he is running in Orton, who never left, runs over, RKO! He took out Rob Van Dam with the RKO. Triple H lifts up Booker T … Pedigree! He makes the cover. One … Two … Three!

Winners: Triple H and Randy Orton in 11:04

(76, 87, 81) ***

(82)

[Commercial.]

WWE Rewind: Clips are shown of last weeks Sunday Night Heat when Tommy Dreamer defeated Rico. They show the flamboyant style of Rico, but in the end it was Tommy Dreamer hitting the DDT for the win.

Coachman: Al, next up is your boy Tommy Dreamer stepping into the ring with the new and improved Rico … excuse me, “The Role Model” Rico Constantino.

Snow: This is a rematch in which Tommy Dreamer defeated Rico last week. Tonight the new and improved Rico Constantino tries to gain a measure of revenge.

Match Two – Grudge Match – “The Role Model” Rico Constantino vs. “The Innovator of Violence” Tommy Dreamer

Rico came out with a newer look to him, as already shown earlier in the night. All makeup has been wiped away and his new purple tights, that are not reminiscent of Brutus Beefcake. He comes out to little reaction from the crowd, but it is better than nothing. It’ll take a long time to shed that horrible gay gimmick from his past. Tommy Dreamer’s music hit and he got a nice reaction, including an “E-C-Dub” chant.

Rico and Tommy Dreamer lock up and Rico drops to his knees, and takes Dreamer down with a fireman’s carry. Rico locks in a head scissors and continues to add pressure by squeezing the legs together against the throat of Dreamer. Rico breaks the hold once Dreamer manages to get a foot on the bottom rope. Rico gets up and picks up Dreamer and whips him into the corner. Rico runs in with a hard-hitting lariat and then grabs him by the head and tosses him down to the mat. Rico props himself up to the second rope and jumps off with a Lawler-style fist drop. Rico makes the cover as referee Billy Silverman makes the count. One … Two … kickout by Dreamer.

Tommy Dreamer gets right up but Rico begins to chop him. He is laying in some stiff chops and is showing a side of Rico that he has never displayed. He is a lot more intense. Dreamer, however, takes the chops and then all of a sudden screams and begins furiously throwing his arms around and punching Rico back into the ropes and then pushes him off the ropes and whips him to the other side and then takes him down with a beautiful Spinebuster. Dreamer stands up, tosses his arms out to the side while looking intense in the process.

Tommy Dreamer picked up the self-proclaimed “Role Model” and tossed him up against the corner. Dreamer got up on the second rope and asked the crowd if he should punch Rico. The Cincinnati crowd agreed and cheered wildly as he began to punch Rico on the forehead. One … Two … Three … Four … Five … Six … Seven … Eight … Nine … Ten. Dreamer got down and Rico fell face first to the mat. Dreamer made the cover. Silverman went down for the count. One … Two … Thr … foot on the ropes by Rico. Tommy Dreamer picked up Rico and whipped him off the ropes and hit a back body drop on him. Dreamer grabbed the right leg of Rico and stepped over and twisted it around for the Spinning Toe Hold, made famous by his idol, Terry Funk. Rico, however, wouldn’t submit to that.

Dreamer picked up Rico and hit him with an atomic drop and then ran past him, off the ropes, and then came back with a lariat that caused him to sit down in the process, much like the Heart Attack by the Hart Foundation, just without the Bear Hug from Jim Neidhart. Dreamer covered him. Billy Silverman made the count. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Rico. Tommy Dreamer stood up, tossed his arms out again and then picked up Rico. He slapped him across the face then hooked the head and dropped him for the DDT. Tommy Dreamer made the cover once more. One … Two … Three! Tommy Dreamer, once again, defeated Rico.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer in 6:32

(64, 70, 70) **

[Commercial.]

Recap of The Undertaker’s Return to Raw

Coachman: Al, let’s go back to last week on Raw as we witness the return of The Undertaker to Raw.

Snow: We saw Kane call out Eric Bischoff wondering why his brother, The Undertaker, is on Raw when he doesn’t want him to be around, but Bischoff informs him that it was a draft lottery and it was at random. He couldn’t do a thing about it.

Coachman: And that is when we saw The Undertaker come out. Enough with us telling you about it, take a look for yourself.

The scene cuts right to when Kane is talking.

Kane: Eric Bischoff, you told me you wouldn’t bring my brother, the Undertaker, to Raw. You told me that he wouldn’t be anywhere near this show. You told me that he was staying on Smackdown. Why in the hell is my brother on Raw?! Why didn’t you trade the Undertaker back over to Smackdown? You told me I had nothing to worry about. That the Undertaker was never going to get picked. But when I heard his name read I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My brother doesn’t belong on this show. This is my show. I don’t want my brother on MY SHOW!

“I’m back, and better than ever.” Those words are heard and Kane quickly turns his head to the TitanTron. Eric Bischoff is standing in the back, with Johnny Spade standing behind him in his office.

Eric Bischoff: Kane, I had no control over the Undertaker getting picked. You know that. It was a draft lottery. Completely random. I had no say, control, or power to do anything about it. I will not, however, trade the Undertaker back to Smackdown. He is too valuable to this brand. I don’t want to give that piece of human garbage, Paul Heyman the advantage. The Undertaker will be a Raw superstar.

Johnny Spade: Yeah, EB had nothing to do with this! It wasn’t his fault!

Bischoff: Please. Johnny. Let me handle this.

Spade: Sorry, EB.

The crowd pops for that announcement.

Kane: You all like that? You all cheer for the “Deadman?” I buried my brother. He shouldn’t be here! WHY IS HE HERE?!

Bischoff: Calm down, Kane. You have nothing to worry about. The Undertaker is not here tonight. And to show how much of a good General Manager I am, unlike Paul Heyman who puts the Raw superstars traded to Smackdown in unsafe working conditions to have people like Steven Richards get destroyed by Bradshaw. I don’t do that around here. I watch out for my talent.

Spade: Yeah, EB is a good GM. He watches out for his talent. Good one, EB.

Bischoff: Please, Johnny. Let me finish this. As I was saying, Kane, tonight, to show you some goodwill, you can have the night off. Go relax. Ease your mine. Get the Undertaker off of your mi—

Eric Bischoff is cut off by the sound of the gong. But this time he has new music. Not completely new as it is the one he used during the Ministry of Darkness. The Undertaker’s voice is heard as he is speaking in tongues. The electric guitars kick in and sure enough the Undertaker, dressed in a hooded long black robe comes out. At the top of the stage he takes off the hood and then disrobes himself. He leaves it on the stage and then walks down to the ring. The Undertaker gets up onto the apron and gets in. Kane can’t believe his brother is on Raw. The Undertaker gets into the ring. Kane goes for him, but Undertaker hits Kane in the throat. He grabs him by the wrist and whips him into the ropes. Undertaker runs off the opposite ropes and runs for Kane. He leaps into the air and hits a flipping clothesline on his brother Kane. Kane rolls out of the ring and the Undertaker’s music begins to play. Undertaker looks at Kane as Kane runs up the stage and to the back.

(82)

(86)

[Commercial.]

Coachman: Al, Backlash is only two weeks away. Backlash will take place on Sunday night, April the eighteenth live from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Snow: And can you imaging the hometown response that our World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit, will get when he finally enters his home to defend his championship against Shawn Michaels?

Coachman: It’s going to be off the hook, Al. Michaels was giving the number one contenders spot by the Boss, Eric Bischoff during the Draft Lottery two weeks ago. Can “The Heartbreak Kid” regain the World Championship?

Snow: Also on the card is Edge as he makes his return in a wrestling capacity. Edge will be able to wrestle in his home country of Canada in two weeks for the first time in over a year. Will he be ready for the challenge as he teams up with Rob Van Dam and Booker T, who just two weeks ago lost the World Tag Team Championship to two thirds of their opponents in Batista and Ric Flair. Batista and “The Nature Boy” will team up with Triple H in what should be a very exciting six man tag team bout!

Coachman: Also on the card is, as we witnessed last week, Randy Orton taking on Mick Foley.

Snow: Not only did we see Mick Foley accept the challenge last week on Raw, but we watched as Foley upped the challenge. He wanted a hardcore match. He said if Orton was man enough and if he really thought he could beat him then he was going to have to do it in a hardcore match. Orton even put the Intercontinental Championship on the line in this match! Evolution is bared from ringside, Coach.

Coachman: Chris Jericho will finally get his rematch against Christian in what should be a classic encounter. Trish Stratus will be in the corner of her man, Christian in this match.

Snow: And we will see the Women’s Championship up for grabs as Molly Holly gets her rematch with Victoria.

Coachman: Al, let’s take a look back on Raw as Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit team up, in a non-title match against the World Tag Team Champions Batista and Ric Flair!

Recap of Raw Main Event

The clip shows it just as they are returning back from the final break of the night. Shawn Michaels as on the outside as this clip begins.

We are back live and Michaels is still on the outside. Batista is distracting Earl Hebner by arguing with Chris Benoit. Benoit tries to enter the ring but Earl won’t allow it. On the outside Ric Flair has Shawn Michaels up and whips him into the ring post. He trips over the steel steps and connects head first with the ring post and down to the mat, on the other side of the steps. He slides up against the barricade. When Michaels turned around his face was covered in blood from that ring post shot. Ric Flair picks up the bloodied Shawn Michaels and rolls him into the ring. Batista goes for the cover. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Michaels, again. Michaels won’t give up. Batista picks him up and whips him into the ropes, Spinebuster! He makes the cover again. One … Two … Thre … kickout! Oh so close for Batista! Batista goes for another one by sending Shawn Michaels into the ropes. Michaels ducked under the arms of Batista and bounced off the other ropes. He comes back with a flying forearm to Batista knocking him down, and out through the middle and bottom rope. Michaels was down. The crowd was up and cheering for Michaels. Benoit was reaching over the ropes. He wanted that tag. He needed that tag! Michaels began to move. Slowly he began to move across the ring mat and finally he reached his corner. He dragged a pool a blood in a straight line to his corner as he tagged in Chris Benoit, the World Heavyweight Champion!

The fans cheered big time as Benoit came in. Ric Flair, not the legal man, came in and Chris Benoit kicked him and began laying in heavy, and hard-hitting chops to Ric Flair, causing his skin to go raw and eventually after at least a dozen of them to the chest Ric Flair’s chest looked to have been bleeding again like before when they last wrestled in the singles match. Batista, the legal man, came into the ring by rolling under the bottom rope. He tried to sneak up behind Benoit, but Benoit turned around and kicked Batista and Benoit ran off the ropes and took him down with a solid lariat. Flair got up. Michaels got up. Michaels ran for Flair, and he collided with him, causing him and Flair to go over the top rope and down to the outside! Chris Benoit looked down upon Batista and snot-rocket! He blew his snots all over Batista and then went to the outside and climbed the ropes. He got to the top and dove off for the Diving Headbutt! He connected in a big way and covered Batista. One … Two … Thr … kickout! Shawn Michaels, on the outside, got up and picked up Ric Flair, whipping him into the steel ring steps and Flair crashed up against them. Shawn Michaels ran up to him and hit a knee right to the face, crushing up against the ring steps.

Chris Benoit got up and picked up Batista. He began to chop him and then he whipped him to the ropes. He was able to flip Batista over his head and down to the mat. Benoit went to the legs and stepped over the right one, locked over the left one, turned around, and sat down on his back for the Sharpshooter. Earl Hebner checked on Batista to see if he would give up. But Batista wouldn’t. He was fighting for the ropes. He was close to the ropes. He reached the ropes. The crowd was chanting tap and let out a huge groan when Batista grabbed the ropes. Chris Benoit got up and began kicking the arm of Batista. He picked him up and whipped him to the ropes, but Batista reversed it, sending Benoit to the ropes. Batista kicked Benoit put his head between his legs, and lifted him up onto his shoulders. He looked to go for the Sitout Powerbomb but Benoit broke free and slide down the back, holding onto the left arm of Batista and bringing him down with him. He had him in the Crippler Crossface! And in the middle of the ring! The fans were cheering for Benoit. Michaels was still beating on Flair on the outside. Batista had no where to go. He tried to reach to all sides of the ring. But he was too far from the ropes. He tapped out! Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels win!

Shawn Michaels came into the ring and he and Chris Benoit shook hands and then embraced. Earl Hebner handed Chris Benoit his World Heavyweight Championship and Benoit raised it with his right hand while Earl Hebner raised his left and Shawn’s right hand into the air as the same came to a close.

Winners: Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels at 15:23

(75, 86, 80) ***

(74)

[Commercial.]

Match Three – Matt Hardy vs. Ace Steel

Coachman: Al, it is time for the main event and we got Matt Hardy taking on Ace Babaganosh tonight.

Snow: V-Oneeeeenah! The Flying Babaganosh Brothers are in full force tonight with three of the top members of this family getting shots against WWE superstars.

Coachman: We’ve seen Ace before here and he is a talented wrestler. This should be a good match, Al.

Snow: Right you are, Coach. Ace is one to watch in 2004.

The loading screen begins and then the Window’s Media Player-type video begins and on the left the Matt Facts are shown.

Matt Fact #1: Matt enjoys a nice book to read on the plane.

Matt Fact #2: Matt likes the TV show MXC.

Getting MXC in there was a little free advertisement for the show by WWE, also a little reference due to the Babaganosh names, too. Matt comes out to a mixed reaction. He gets up on the second rope right after rolling under the bottom rope and into the ring. He throws up the V1 sign with his hands and then jumps down. He even shakes the hand of Ace Steel in the middle of the ring. Maybe a new leaf has been turned for Matt Hardy? Doubtful. He enjoys a good competition. So that is all there probably was to it.

Matt Hardy and Ace Steel circle each other and Ace looks to go for a leg sweep, but Hardy just continues to circle him. Ace dives for the leg of Hardy, and Hardy backs away. Steel gets up and gets in the face of Hardy. Hardy pushes him back and throws up the V1 sign while yelling out “V-Oneeeeeenah!” He gets a mixed reaction for that. Ace looks a little pissed for being pushed and gets right in the face of Hardy. Hardy locks up with Ace and they jock for position. Hardy drops to a knee, and then gets up and continues to jock for position. Ace grabs Hardy and locks him in a side headlock. Hardy elbows Ace in the midsection and pushes him off into the ropes. Ace runs off and bumps right into Hardy. Hardy doesn’t go down and Ace runs off the other ropes this time and ducks a lariat attempt by Matt. Ace runs off the opposite ropes and comes back, but Matt grabbed him and took him down with a drop toe hold.

Matt picked up Ace and whipped him sternum first into the corner. Ace came out, a little dazed, and Matt ran off the ropes, caught him, and took him down with the Side Effect. Matt covered Ace as referee Mike Chioda made the count. One … Two … kickout. Matt picked up Ace by his hair and slapped him across the face. This brought Ace alive and got up in Matt’s face. Matt flashed the “V1” sign again and locked up with Ace Steel once again. Matt got him up in a Vertical Suplex. He had him up in a delayed position, vertical, but Ace managed to drop out of it and pushed Matt into the ropes, pulled backwards, and rolled him up. Chioda counted the pinfall attempt. One … Two … kickout. Matt looked embarrassed. Matt backed out of the ring. Ace got up and told him to get in the ring. Chioda began counting out Matt. Ace got that look in his eyes. He was going to take a dive. But just as he was about to dive through the ropes Matt backed up and turned to the crowd, pointing to his head, making mention of “being smarter than Ace Steel.”

Matt turned around just as Ace was jumping over the top rope and crashed right down upon him. Ace quickly got up and ran down the aisle getting the crowd on his side. Ace was quickly becoming a favorite in this match. Ace picked up Matt Hardy and whipped him into the guardrail. Ace grabbed him and lifted him up and then dropped him right across the guardrail. Ace ran to the ring and rolled in and back out to break Chioda’s count that was up to seven. Ace Steel picked up Matt Hardy and whipped him into ring as Matt hit back first into the side of the ring. Ace Steel ran for Matt and hit a knee right to the face while Matt was propped up against the ring.

Steel grabbed Matt and rolled him into the ring. Ace got up onto the ring apron and then climbed the ring post and was perched on the top rope. Ace waited for Matt to get up. Matt eventually did, stumbled around once he got to his feet, and when he finally turned around he was met with a spinning heel kick from the top rope from Ace Steel. Ace made the cover to Hardy while he was down and Chioda counted. One … Two … Th … kickout by Matt Hardy. Ace complained to Chioda about that being a three count. He turned back around and pulled up Matt Hardy. He whipped Hardy into the ropes and on the return got him in a sleeper hold. Mike Chioda checked on Matt. It fell once. It fell twice, but the third time Matt was able to keep it up. Matt began elbowing Ace in the midsection, but Ace kicked Matt and tossed him to the outside.

[Commercial.]

As the show came back from the final commercial break, Ace was still in control, having brought back Matt into the ring. A split screen is shown and in the “During the Break” video portion of the screen, it shows Ace Steel whipping Matt into the steel steps and then rolling him back into the ring and working over on him in the ring. Back to the “live” action in the ring, Steel has Matt in the corner. Matt is placed on the top rope, seated, and Ace Steel climbs up and stands on the middle ropes. He grabs Ace and drops him down in the ring with a Samoan Drop from the middle rope. Ace covers Matt again. One … Two … Thr … kickout by Matt.

Ace Steel singles “this is the end” and grabs Matt. He pulls him up by the hair and sets him up in the position for a Flatliner, for what he likes to call the “Twist of Cain” and goes to hit it, but Matt pushes Ace back. Ace comes back, and Matt drops down, pulling on the tights of Ace, and Ace falls right across the middle rope. Matt Hardy jumps up, and runs off the ropes and runs for Steel. He leaps and drops a leg right across the back and neck of Ace Steel while he was up against the ropes. Matt Hardy gets up and against flashes the “V1” hand single and then waits for Steel to get up. Ace get sup, stumbling all over the place and Matt grabs him and hits the Side Effect once again on him and then goes to the middle rope. He gives the “V1” signal once again while yelling “AHHHH!” and jumps off hitting a nice leg drop across the face. Matt covers Ace Steel while Mike Chioda makes the count. One … Two … Thre … kickout!

Matt Hardy gets up, extremely irate on how that couldn’t finish off Ace Steel. He began to argue with Mike Chioda over this. This gave some time, though, to Ace Steel. Steel got up and went to grab Matt, but Matt turned around, kicked him in the midsection, and hit the Twist of Fate on him. Matt Hardy covered Ace Steel and Chioda made the count. One … Two … Three!

Winner: Matt Hardy in 12:14

(77, 72, 100) **** ½

Coachman: What a great match we just saw, Al.

Snow: Ace Babaganosh gave it his all and almost pulled an upset over the sensei of Mattitude, Matt Hardy.

Coachman: That does it all for this weeks Sunday Night Heat. This is the A-Team saying good bye and don’t forget to tune in to Raw tomorrow night and join the B-Team as they call the action live from Houston, Texas!

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

Overall: 73

TV Rating: 1.03

World Wrestling Entertainment

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