WWE Raw 2007

[CraigOrion]

Ah, I see what you mean. I apologise for the misunderstanding. Knowing that it would be Cena vs. Michaels at Backlash, I thought it best to have HBK looking the strongest of the 3 challengers.

MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Papa Roach’s “To Be Loved” thunders around the arena as pyro dazzles the fans in attendance! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are tonight’s commentators. They welcome us to Raw where tonight we will see Backlash opponents John Cena and Shawn Michaels team up to take on the World Tag Team Champions and the latest Raw draft pick will be revealed in addition to several Backlash announcements!

Rated RKO's Last Appearance Together

Rated RKO are the first men to the ring just six days before Backlash. Edge, drafted to ECW last week, and 'Legend Killer' Randy Orton look slightly annoyed as they head to ringside. Rated RKO hit the ring and are handed microphones. Randy Orton expresses his displeasure that his Tag Team Championship partner has been drafted to ECW. Edge consoles Randy, telling him that he's got the short end of the bargain after being drafted to the 'land of the dinosaurs'. Edge and Orton reminisce about their great tag team history when they defeated D-Generation X, Ric Flair, John Cena and Shawn Michaels among others. What this means is that The Coach has given Randy Orton free reign to name his new tag team partner and Edge will hand over his half of the titles to whoever it may be. Edge says that Orton will name him in the coming weeks but Orton interrupts. Orton actually has already decided who his partner will be and introduces...'The Alpha Male' Marcus Cor Von! Cor Von comes to the ring as Edge looks a little put out by his partner naming his replacement so quickly. Cor Von shakes hands with Randy Orton, then he grabs Edge's title belt and parades it around the ring. Orton says that in tonight's main event it will be Cor Von and Orton against John Cena and Shawn Michaels! Orton and Cor Von leave together as Edge is left behind.

World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Cade & Murdoch

Last week these two teams almost fought backstage after an 8-man tag team loss to Cryme Tyme and the Highlanders. The World's Greatest Tag Team have been performing well in recent weeks, starting at Wrestlemania when they won the Interpromotional Tag Team Battle Royal whereas Cade and Murdoch are always two rugged individuals. After their entrances, Haas and Cade kick off the match. Haas uses his superior wrestling ability to go uses the tie up to his advantage, going behind Lance Cade and taking him off his feet. Haas presses his advantage, applying a leg lock as Cade squirms to the ropes. Cade gets the break and they lock up for a second time only for Haas to go into a headlock on Cade, then a hammerlock and finally a leg trip. Cade slides away and quickly tags in his partner Murdoch. The rugged Trevor Murdoch consoles his partner Cade, then uses brute force to send Haas careering back to the WGTT corner. Benjamin comes in off a tag and Murdoch again uses power to send Benjamin into a corner. Murdoch follows up with heavy blows and snaps him out of the turnbuckle with an irish whip. Murdoch hits a series of high impact moves, a couple of lariats and a bulldog to leave Benjamin down. Cade comes back in and immediately Benjamin is back on the offensive. Shelton ducks a couple of Cade punches before catching the bigger man with shots of his own. Cade is knocked down with a series of dropkicks. Cade brings the match back round with a boot to Benjamin's chest knocking him down. Cade locks in a headlock and has it on for several minutes until Shelton fights back. Shelton gets back onto his feet and escapes from the clutches of Cade to tag Haas in. Haas and Benjamin work together, a double suplex on Cade leads to a near fall. Haas stomps on Cade as Cade tries to reach for Murdoch. Cade rakes the eyes of Haas so he can tag Trevor in. Murdoch works over Haas with chops in a corner before squashing him with a splash. Trevor slams Haas down to the mat and then goes up to the second rope but his attempted reverse splash (Vader Bomb) is blocked with two knees up from Haas. Haas makes the big tag to Shelton Benjamin and WGTT come back into the match. Shelton knocks both Cade and Murdoch down before hitting Murdoch with his T-Bone Suplex! Shelton is about to make the tag but he sees Cryme Tyme at ringside! Cryme Tyme have got hold of Shelton's sunglasses and Haas confronts them as Murdoch rolls Benjamin up for three!

Winners - Cade & Murdoch

Rated RKO Revenge

Randy Orton leaves his locker room, looking pleased with himself after naming Marcus Cor Von his new World Tag Team Championship partner. Orton walks a short way until he is attacked from behind by Edge! Edge slams Orton's head into a table and then whips him into the wall! Edge picks up a chair and nails Orton in the back as he shouts at Randy that he should have shown the Rated 'R' Superstar more respect! Edge leaves quickly as 'The Alpha Male' arrives on the scene.

Chris Benoit at Backlash

In another part of the backstage area, Benoit conducts an interview with Maria. Benoit says that he doesn't even know who his opponent is at Backlash and he doesn't care! Benoit will take on anybody, anywhere at anytime.

Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Great Khali

A second tough assignment for Scotty in two weeks sees the WWE veteran take on the huge Great Khali. Khali's entrance is met with jeers before Scotty pumps the crowd up. Scotty goes on the offensive, trying to punch Khali in the stomach but Khali responds with a chop across Scotty's head. Scotty staggers back into a corner, Khali kicks away at Hotty before dragging him out of the corner. Khali sends Scotty running into the ropes and then he knocks Scotty down with a big boot across his face. The Great Khali picks Scotty up and slams him down before pinning for a three count. Khali's arm is raised and as it is, Super Crazy is seen perched on the top rope! Super Crazy leaps off with a missile dropkick, which takes the big man off one foot! Khali regains his balance as Crazy runs up the ramp encouraged by wobbling the giant.

Winner - The Great Khali

Candice Michelle vs. Beth Phoenix

Only Beth Phoenix's second match back since injury, Beth is up against former Playboy covergirl Candice Michelle. Phoenix wastes no time in attacking Candice. Candice is blasted with a series of hard shots to the head and then a kick staggers her back into the ropes. Candice is hit on the back of her neck, doubling her over and Beth Phoenix chokes her on the middle rope. Phoenix holds on right until the referee gets to four. Beth argues with the referee for just a moment before going back to Candice. Beth delivers vicious kicks to Candice and drops an elbow down on her. Candice is suffering as Phoenix pulls her up only to send Candice crashing back down after a dropkick. Candice tries to push Beth through the ropes to create some separation but Beth blocks. Phoenix picks Candice up and drives her down to the mat with a gutwrench suplex. Beth covers Candice but pulls Candice up at two. Beth picks Candice up and lifts her into position before delivering a Down in Flames. Beth pins Candice for the three count. As Phoenix is announced the winner she mouths the name Mickie James.

Winner - Beth Phoenix

The Sandman vs. Viscera

Back from a commercial break 'The World's Largest Love Machine' Viscera is in the ring, a replay shows him giving Candice Michelle a lingering look during the break as she was helped to the back. Jim Ross makes a quick announcement that Viscera's opponent is the last draft to Raw and will take on Umaga at Backlash. The draft mover by way of ECW to Raw is...THE SANDMAN! Sandman comes through the crowd drinking beer and carrying his Singapore Cane! Sandman goes straight into battle with Viscera, locking up and being driven back into a corner. Viscera blasts The Sandman with heavy shots to the head and chest before whipping him across the ring. Sandman hits the turnbuckles hard and is squashed into them by a Viscera splash. Big Vis snapmares Sandman out of the corner and then drives a boot into his back. The King speculates that Sandman can't even feel these blows due to his drunken state. Viscera backs into the ropes and attempts a jumping elbow drop but Sandman rolls out of the way. Sandman blasts Viscera with hard rights and then runs at him with a clothesline. Viscera wobbles but doesn't go down. Sandman backs up for a second attempt and still Big Vis won't go down! A third try sees Viscera teetering and finally Sandman knocks him down on the fourth attempt! Sandman goes up to the second rope and swings off into an elbow drop of his own. Sandman covers for just two as Vis kicks out with authority and in the process Sandman's leg catches the referee's knee. Sandman quickly grabs his Singapore cane and hits the White Russian Legsweep! Sandman hides the cane under Viscera's body as the referee counts the three! Sandman celebrates at ringside with the fans until Umaga's music is heard! Umaga and Estrada head down to the ring as Sandman rolls back in, asking for the fight. Umaga is stalled at ringside by Estrada until a groggy Viscera nails Sandman from behind. Umaga enters the ring and joins Viscera in demolishing the beer drinker with successive splashes, elbow and leg drops!

Winner - The Sandman

McMahon Wields His Power

With Umaga and Viscera standing over the fallen Sandman, the familiar music of Vince McMahon hits. McMahon strides out onto the stage to applaud Umaga and Viscera. Mr. McMahon says that it's obvious Umaga likes a challenge and The Sandman obviously wasn't challenge enough so McMahon decides that at Backlash it will be Umaga versus...Viscera instead! Vince McMahon also announces that the Intercontinental Championship will be defended at Backlash when Jeff Hardy puts the gold on the line against number 1 contender Johnny Nitro. Joey Mercury and Matt Hardy will be locked in cages at ringside, whoever wins the match will get to release their partner for 5 minutes uninterrupted.

The Coach Deals

Raw's Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman is seen backstage talking on his cell (mobile) telephone. 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair walks in to a large ovation from the Raw fans and Coachman signals for him to hold on. The Coach is apparently talking to Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long. The Coach asks if it is a deal and gets a positive response as he begins to smile. Coach ends the call and asks Flair what he wants. Ric says that he wants to know what that was about. In his usual arrogant attitude Coach tells him that he doesn't have to tell him but he will because he likes Ric. The Coach and T-Long from Smackdown have just agreed to a special trade deal which will see a superstar from Raw and one from Smackdown trade places. This trade will be announced officially at Backlash when the two traded men will fight! Ric Flair asks if he's the Raw superstar traded but Coach refuses to answer and asks Flair to leave his office.

Randy Orton Hurt

In Randy Orton's locker room the resident WWE doctor is checking Randy's back. Marcus Cor Von and Kenny Dykstra are there offering their support to Orton. The doctor decides that Orton is not fit to wrestle tonight but should be fit for Backlash. Cor Von decides that tonight Kenny will tag with him against Cena and Michaels, Orton can get even with Edge at Backlash! Orton agrees, he says that he'll talk to Coach but reminds Cor Von that Cena and Michaels will be concentrating on each other so use that to their advantage. Cor Von leads Kenny out of the locker room and straight to the ring.

John Cena & Shawn Michaels vs. Marcus Cor Von & Kenny Dykstra

Marcus Cor Von and Kenny Dykstra enter together, Cor Von in his first main event match and last week even competed in the opening contest. Dykstra was defeated by Cena two weeks ago on Raw. Shawn Michaels and Cena make separate entrances, which The King feels just shows their respective egos. John Cena starts off the match with Dykstra, Cena winning the tie up and scoop slamming Dykstra to the mat. Cena sends Kenny into the ropes and knocks him off his feet with a back elbow. Cena drops an elbow followed by a leg drop and then a few stomps for good measure leave Kenny Dykstra down. Cena pulls Dykstra up and vertical suplexes him over. Cena covers for two. Cena stays on Dykstra, delivering mounted punches. John Cena lets Dykstra up to his feet, almost toying with the young wrestler before knocking him down with a clothesline. Dykstra pulls himself back up using the ropes in time to see Cena tag in Shawn Michaels. Similar to Cena, Michaels wins the grapple by going behind and taking Dykstra down to the mat in a waistlock. Michaels slaps the back of Kenny's head to show his dominance. Dykstra is angry as he gets back up to his feet and he swings with wild punches that Michaels easily avoids. Shawn blocks a kick attempt from Kenny and then sidesteps a dropkick. Michaels hits a dropkick of his own, Dykstra is quickly up to his feet and knocked down for a second time by an HBK-chop. After being owned by Michaels, Kenny crawls to his corner and tags in Marcus Cor Von. The new half of the World Tag Team Champions confidently accepts the tag. Cor Von establishes his power, pushing Michaels back across the ring with ease. Cena offers for the tag but Michaels continues. HBK ducks underneath a second grapple attempt and catches Cor Von with a couple of hard jabs to the face. Cor Von shakes them off and stalks Michaels. Shawn avoids a big roundhouse right and jabs away at 'The Alpha Male'. HBK stays on the offensive with kicks and more jabs. Michaels backs into the ropes for momentum and comes off looking for a clothesline but Cor Von knocks him down with a shoulder block. HBK is back up to his feet in an instant and Cor Von is subject to a big dropkick. Michaels is ready to deliver more offence but John Cena tags himself in! Cena steps through the ropes and Cor Von goes to work, delivering hard shots to his back. Cena is pulled into the middle of the ring and Cor Von nails him with a double underhook suplex. Cor Von stomps on Cena. He pulls Cena up to his feet and delivers body shots to the WWE Champion. Marcus Cor Von is looking impressive as he applies a pumphandle to Cena, spins him up onto his shoulder and then Cor Von drives Cena down to the mat. Cor Von covers for just two. 'The Alpha Male' drags Cena up but Cena fights back! Cena spins Cor Von around with a big right hand and then drops him to the canvas with a spinning back suplex. Cena tags in Michaels but HBK comes in to find Cor Von getting back up. HBK runs into the ropes and delivers his flying forearm smash! HBK nips up and finds Cor Von rolling onto his stomach. He pulls Cor Von to his feet and connects with an inverted atomic drop. Michaels runs in for the follow-up clothesline but Cor Von sidesteps him and pushes Michaels into the ropes...POUNCE! Cor Von covers but Cena breaks it up at two. Cor Von makes sure the referee sends Cena back to his corner before holding Michaels down to tag in Kenny Dykstra. Dykstra has Cor Von hold Michaels open for Dykstra to deliver a chop of his own. Dykstra hits a swinging neckbreaker and then locks in a reverse chin lock. Kenny saps the life out of Michaels for several minutes as TV disappears for a break. Kenny Dykstra holds onto the chin lock despite Michaels fighting back. HBK pushes up to his feet, delivers elbows into Dykstra and creates an escape route. Dykstra pegs him back by pulling Michaels to the mat by his hair. Dykstra tosses Michaels out of the ring on the Dykstra/Cor Von side and Dykstra distracts the referee. Cor Von drops down from the apron and slams Michaels into the announce table. He rams Michaels into the ring apron before rolling HBK back inside. By now Cena has the referee distracted; he came in to complain about Cor Von taking liberties with his tag team partner. Dykstra tags in Cor Von and the makeshift duo take charge. Cor Von picks the weakened Michaels up and whips him into the heel corner. Cor Von lands a series of chops but Michaels reverses! Michaels nails Dykstra in the head with an elbow, then chops Cor Von but 'The Alpha Male' rakes his eyes. Cor Von tags in Dykstra. Dykstra sets Michaels up for a knee lift but HBK avoids it! HBK takes Dykstra down with a scoop slam. Michaels tries to reach Cena for the tag but Dykstra holds onto his leg. Michaels responds with an enziguri and makes the tag to Cena! Cena knocks Marcus Cor Von off the apron before connecting with a sitdown hiptoss on Dykstra! Cena hits his Five Knuckle Shuffle and has all the momentum! Cor Von tries to come in but the referee holds him back as HBK gets back up to his feet and Cena whips Dykstra to him...Sweet Chin Music! Dykstra spins into the FU from Cena! Cena pins for three!

Winners - John Cena & Shawn Michaels

[TheTruth]

Orton/Cor Von is a good combo, too bad Edge is going to ECW though. Rated RKO would've been better served by staying together IMO.

WGTT/Cryme Tyme should be a good match, still don't know why they're feuding though.

So you've set the seeds for an Orton/Edge feud? I like that idea, hopefully you turn Edge face though, as Orton sucks as a face.

This Khali/Crazy feud is great, and hopefully, Crazy can get a good match out of him at Backlash.

Just putting Beth over, so nothing to say there.

Sandman on RAW is bad IMO, as you have already have Crazy as a novelty face. Umaga/Sandman should be pretty good though.

Well you better not have Viscera go over Umaga, and the IC Title stipulation sounds good on paper, but shit when put into practice.

Huh? When did Orton/Edge get booked & why? Strange booking there.

It was obvious Cena/HBK were going to go over, good build there.

[CraigOrion]

Huh? When did Orton/Edge get booked & why? Strange booking there.

That was the booking, just my poor use of English to say it. Cor Von is suggesting the idea and Orton agrees by saying he’ll go talk to Coach.

WWW.WRESTLEZONE.COM

WWE Update

- Kurt Angle is said to be unhappy in TNA, which has had a smile on the faces of many within WWE. Angle has rubbed up the wrong way Scott Steiner, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels and VKM in the last month. Angle's list of 'offences' include having offered advice to Team 3D about an upcoming match with VKM when Brother Ray reacted badly to the advice, coaching Chris Sabin to be more legitimate in the ring only for an unsuspecting Daniels to get hurt against Sabin and Angle refusing to job to Scott Steiner in a handicap match (Angle vs. Steiner & Cage) on iMPACT! recently. He has also been pushing for another encounter with Samoa Joe but management are building Joe up to the NWA World Title after defeating Abyss at Against All Odds last month, Joe isn't interested but Angle continues to push the issue.

- The Sandman's move to Raw was done to balance out the ECW Originals/New Breed war and also give Raw another midcard face to replace Carlito and to a lesser extent Snitsky.

- The Smackdown draft from Raw were The Highlanders, the first and last team to take advantage of the rules where tag teams can be drafted together. They answered an open challenge from Regal & Taylor, who were somewhat surprised to see fellow Britons. ECW's draft turned out to be WWE Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms. Helms was forced to hand over his title to Theodore Long before making his debut. Shane McMahon effectively replaced Helms' Cruiserweight crown with a shot at Bobby Lashley's ECW World Championship to take place at Raw's PPV Backlash. The ECW revolution continues.

- Chris Benoit's Raw return match at Backlash as of writing does not yet have an opponent for Benoit. Names such as Kenny Dykstra, Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Eugene and Charlie Haas have been considered. Ric Flair is not in the running but will have a role at Backlash. The World's Greatest Tag Team and The Redneck Wrecking Crew will not fight each other, that match is being saved for after Backlash.

- The two superstars trading are not known currently but are not likely to be anybody in the main event scene. One name being thrown is King Booker, which would mean Booker defending his King of the Ring crown on Raw but it looks an outside bet. It is known Smackdown have an inbalance currently as far as main eventers. Kane, Batista and Undertaker are considered the only opposition to MVP, King Booker, Mr. Kennedy, Snitsky and Mark Henry.

- Ever since Shane McMahon took over the reigns as head writer and on-screen ECW Representative the name of the game has been to push ECW as legitimate competition for the other two brands. Already Shane, Carlito, Chavo Guerrero, Gregory Helms and Edge have added big name quality to the roster without losing anybody aside from Marcus Cor Von and The Sandman. Edge has taken Cor Von's role as the lead heel with Test and Mike Knox hardly missed.

- Smackdown is suffering due to the lack of names brought in compared to ECW or Raw but the draft as led to an active Cruiserweight recruitment policy (already Tajiri and Jushin Liger have been sounded out about making an appearance or two) and a tag team division rapidly expanding with the additions of The Highlanders and Knox/Test.

WWE Backlash Preview

The finalised card for Backlash is as follows:

Umaga vs. Viscera

Challenge Match

Super Crazy vs. The Great Khali

Raw Return

Chris Benoit vs. ???

Trade Match

Raw's Trade vs. Smackdown's Trade

Intercontinental Championship

Matt Hardy & Joey Mercury locked in cages at ringside

Jeff Hardy © vs. Johnny Nitro

ECW World Championship

Bobby Lashley © vs. Gregory Helms

Interpromotional Match

Randy Orton vs. Edge

WWE Championship

John Cena © vs. Shawn Michaels

[CraigOrion]

WWE Backlash Preview

Challenge Match

Super Crazy vs. The Great Khali

The Great Khali is possibly the most dominant man in WWE history at a height of 7 feet 3 inches tall and over 400 pounds in weight. Super Crazy is a plucky athlete who was victim to a seemingly random attack by Khali. The Great Khali appeared to merely be attempting to prove his dominance but Crazy has not backed down. It was in fact Super Crazy who made the challenge for this match and he will try to fell the giant at Backlash.

Umaga vs. Viscera

This match was not originally signed for Backlash, the original match was scheduled to be Umaga vs. The Sandman as Sandman became the final Raw draft pick but in his debut match on Raw, Viscera and Umaga double teamed the ECW Original with a succession of splashes and leg drops. This led to Mr. McMahon changing Umaga’s opponent to fellow big man Viscera, citing that he felt Viscera would evidently be more of a challenge for the Samoan Bulldozer.

Raw Return Match

Chris Benoit vs. ???

At Wrestlemania Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long managed to persuade Jonathan Coachman to give up one of his Money In The Bank slots, meaning Smackdown ended up with 3. At the time the deal was kept private but it was announced after Wrestlemania that Theodore Long’s sacrifice was the Rabid Wolverine. Benoit’s return to Raw has been met with great fanfare and even penned his official Raw deal in the centre of the ring. The Coach has lined up somebody for Benoit’s return match and has kept tight-lipped as to his identity. This has led to a disadvantage for Benoit in that he doesn’t know who his opponent is but his opponent knows exactly who he is wrestling, however Benoit has always took on everybody without altering his hard-hitting style of attack and with the Crossface in his arsenal Benoit is confident of a return win on the Raw brand.

Trade Match

Raw's Trade vs. Smackdown's Trade

Raw’s Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman has been very busy this month. In addition to overseeing the new draft picks for Raw he has made an exclusive trade with Smackdown’s Theodore Long. This will mean one Raw superstar and one Smackdown superstar trading brands as of Backlash. To announce this trade The Coach has booked a match on Backlash. It’ll be Raw’s Trade vs. Smackdown’s Trade for brand bragging rights of who got the better deal.

Intercontinental Championship

Jeff Hardy © vs. Johnny Nitro

At Wrestlemania Jeff Hardy defeated Johnny Nitro to retain the Intercontinental Championship and shared a brotherly hug with Matt Hardy. Despite being beaten, Johnny Nitro has remained the number 1 contender. Interestingly the WWE Draft saw both Matt Hardy and MNM member Joey Mercury switch brands so at Backlash the Intercontinental Championship will once again be on the line but with a twist. At ringside in two cages will be Joey Mercury and Matt Hardy, whoever wins the match and leaves Intercontinental Champion will be able to unlock the cage of their partner. The other cage will remain locked for a full five minutes as the complete tag team are able to put a beating on the loser of the match before being interrupted.

Interpromotional Match

Randy Orton vs. Edge

Rated RKO were a dominant force in the Raw tag team division, even a tag team dream team in the modern era. Since regaining the titles from Shawn Michaels and John Cena, they defeated all challengers including Cryme Tyme, World’s Greatest Tag Team and The Highlanders. Unfortunately for Rated RKO, Edge was drafted to ECW and thus had to vacate the titles. Expecting a difficult decision for Orton, Edge was shocked as Randy named ECW draft Marcus Cor Von as Edge’s replacement immediately! An angry and bitter Edge attacked Randy Orton backstage and this has led to the match being signed.

ECW World Championship

Bobby Lashley © vs. Gregory Helms

Gregory Helms was the longest reigning Champion in Smackdown history, eclipsing JBL’s existing record. His reign as Cruiserweight Champion was notable for the fact he often took on heavyweights such as Matt Hardy and Tatanka while representing the cruiserweights. Helms was another man drafted to ECW in the Draft and finds himself without a title since he had to hand over his belt to Teddy Long. Helms demanded a title shot and ECW Representative Shane McMahon agreed with Helms’ demand. He has given Helms a shot at the unstoppable Bobby Lashley here on Raw’s Backlash pay-per-view.

WWE Championship

John Cena © vs. Shawn Michaels

At Wrestlemania John Cena fended off three challengers in Randy Orton, Edge and Shawn Michaels. He then sat back as his Backlash contender was determined. Shawn Michaels defeated Umaga, Edge and Orton in a fatal four way to earn the title shot. As with before Wrestlemania Cena and Michaels have shown some good teamwork in recently defeating Kenny Dykstra and Marcus Cor Von but their focus has remained on this match. Even in losing efforts Shawn Michaels has never been out-performed in Main Event matches and he is desperate for one more reign at the top of the mountain. Cena’s pay-per-view record in World Wrestling Entertainment is bettered by very few. Something has to give because both men cannot leave with the title.

DIARY CHANGES:

Just a couple of quick diary announcements. Firstly that I’m not going to do a predictions contest for this pay-per-view, I think a lot of the results are rather obvious and first PPV contests rarely go well (too many people get loads right!). Secondly, I’m going to start reporting on Smackdown and ECW in more detail, each other brand will have a slot in the WrestleZone WWE Update post following each show. All Pay-Per-Views no matter what brand will be posted in full as they’ll all probably have at least two brands involved somehow.

Also, if you have a suggestion for a match on ECW One Night Stand involving any wrestler on any brand (preferably somebody with an ECW connection or past) please send them to me (e-mail or PM) as it isn’t one I’m booking on EWR due to WWE having more PPV’s than months. If you have a specific storyline for that too, include it. ONS will be written up as a normal PPV but it can feature matches determined by you, the reader. One Night Stand is scheduled for 10th June and the diary is currently at the end of April in game-time so there’s a good few weeks of build up to come.

Backlash is currently being written.

[CraigOrion]

WWE Backlash

Fireworks thunder around the arena as the pyro dazzles the fans in attendance! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are tonight’s commentators. They welcome us to Backlash where tonight we will see John Cena defend the WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit's return match to Raw, the ECW World Championship on the line and former Rated RKO partners collide!

Challenge Match

Super Crazy vs. The Great Khali

Super Crazy opens the pay-per-view, pumping the crowd up. The Great Khali soon kills the mood as the first match on Backlash kicks off. Super Crazy circles around Khali. Super Crazy slips slightly and Khali backs Crazy into a corner, Khali looks for a big right hand but finds nothing but turnbuckle. Crazy kicks Khali hard in the leg as he passes him but it has no effect on the big man. Khali stalks Crazy once more, Super Crazy staying elusive until Khali grabs hold of his vest. Khali shouts at Crazy and then the fans until Crazy escapes his grip! Crazy kicks The Great Khali in his right knee and then his left! Khali tries to grab Crazy but the Mexican star evades once more. Khali is getting frustrated and comes after Crazy. Super Crazy ducks a punch attempt and dropkicks Khali's leg. Khali feels it slightly, which gives Super Crazy encouragement. Finally Khali gets hold of him and lifts him high into the air. Crazy is tossed into a turnbuckle and Khali charges in to find nothing as Crazy again escapes. Crazy's resistance doesn't last much longer, he get caught and caught big time with a Khali boot to the head. Khali stomps on Crazy and then picks him up. Crazy is whipped into the ropes and knocked down with a second boot. The Great Khali slaps Crazy's head on the mat before pulling him to his feet. Khali throws Crazy into the ropes and a third boot attempt follows but Super Crazy ducks! Crazy dropkicks the back of Khali's leg! Khali wobbles a little and Super Crazy seizes his advantage by dropkicking Khali's leg again! The Great Khali is off balance and Super Crazy hits a knee clip! Khali is wobbling and Crazy drops him down to one knee!

The fans erupt as Crazy jumps over the ropes. He leaps up to the top rope and dives off with a missile dropkick into Khali's chest. The Great Khali stays on one knee even after a spinning heel kick across his chest. Crazy goes up top one more time to knock Khali all the way down with a cross body but Khali catches him! Khali stands back up and swings Crazy down with a slam. Khali pins Crazy but lifts his head up at two. Khali drags Crazy up and brain chops him back down. Khali thunders around the ring as the crowd chant for Super Crazy. Khali measures Crazy and drives down with a splash variation...but Crazy isn't there! The fans have given life to Crazy and he pounds away at Khali's head with punches! Crazy runs into the ropes and blasts Khali in the face with a basement dropkick. Khali is trying to get back up but he is peppered by shots from Crazy. Super Crazy somersaults across Khali's chest to stun the big monster. The Great Khali is subject to more punches to his face and headbutts. Crazy feeds off the fans until Khali punches an uppercut almost straight through Super Crazy's head! Crazy slumps to the mat and Khali puts a foot across him to pin. The referee counts one, two and th-Crazy rolls his shoulder! Khali pulls Crazy up by his hair and lifts him up over his head. Khali launches him up nine feet into the air and Super Crazy can only go down into the canvas. Khali covers, even hooking the leg this time to get a three count. Khali's arm is raised and he steps over the top rope to step down from the ring apron. Todd Grisham attempts to get a word from Khali but his interview is hard to understand and a groggy Crazy delivers a baseball slide to Khali's back! The Great Khali stumbles into the barricade and turns around looking for revenge but Super Crazy wisely is headed to the back.

Winner - The Great Khali by pinfall

Benoit’s Raw Return

Chris Benoit vs. ???

Chris Benoit next comes to the ring, the Rabid Wolverine looking as good as ever after a month healing his old nagging injuries. A fully functioning Benoit waits impatiently as his opponent was introduced...Chris Masters! Benoit nods his head as 'The Masterpiece' parades his physique in the aisle. Eventually Masters makes it to the ring where Benoit is waiting and they lock up with Benoit breaking it. Benoit goes to work on Masters with those Benoit rabid kicks underneath the ribs. Quickly Masters is sent into a corner, where Benoit chops away at his chiselled chest. Benoit pulls Masters out of the corner only to send him stumbling back in after a hard headbutt. Masters manages to rake Benoit's eyes, he reverses him into the corner and Masters gets in his first piece of offence. Masters hammers Benoit with forearms and tries for an irish whip but Benoit reverses. Chris Benoit follows hard in with a clothesline to leave Masters dazed. Benoit works over Masters' left shoulder with punches and kicks before slowing down into an armbar. Benoit holds Masters down on the mat as 'The Masterpiece' struggles for an escape. Eventually Masters manages to wriggle close to the ropes but Benoit releases the armbar before he can touch. Benoit snaps down on Masters with an elbow drop, staying high on the shoulder as he stomps away with ruthless aggression. We suddenly see a masked figure watching in the crowd, his face completely covered by a black mask. Benoit pulls Masters to his feet before taking him back down with a backbreaker. Benoit covers for two.

Masters tries to rally back with an uppercut but Benoit bides his time, he nails Masters with a chop to spin him around before taking him up and over with a German Suplex. Benoit holds on for the pin but again scores two as JR speculates about Benoit becoming a title contender very soon based on his performance so far. Masters is suplexed once more in a Northern Lights and the subsequent pinfall is another two. Chris Benoit keeps the pressure on his opponent by making quick covers to force Masters to use up energy. Benoit continues his attack by gutwrenching him down in another suplex. Benoit is looking as smooth as ever, he picks Masters up for his snap suplex and then heads out to the apron. Benoit climbs the ropes with Masters in the centre of the ring. Air Benoit takes off and Benoit's own head lands on Masters' shoulder. The masked man is again seen watching closely from his position among the crowd. After a few seconds to compose himself Benoit covers for another two count. Benoit sticks to his task, giving Masters no time to recover by pulling him up and delivering his three Germans in a row. Benoit looks for the sharpshooter but Masters escapes but makes the fatal error of turning onto his stomach! Benoit seizes the opportunity, he leaps down to the mat and locks in the Crippler Crossface! Masters tries for the ropes but he's too far and has to tap out! Benoit has made a winning return to Raw!

Winner - Chris Benoit by submission

Torrie Wilson, Mickie James & Candice vs. Melina, Beth Phoenix & Victoria

Melina starts off the match with Candice. Melina wins a grapple, breaking free to nail Candice with a hard right to the stomach. Melina quickly takes Candice down with a hair pull and then drops an elbow across her. Melina drags Candice to the wrong part of town if you're Candice and tags in Victoria. The former Women's Champion comes in with Melina holding Candice open. Victoria chops Candice Michelle high up and pushes her into the Phoenix/Melina/Victoria corner. Victoria distracts the referee as Melina chokes Candice with the tag rope. Victoria pulls Candice out of the corner and snapmares her down. Victoria lashes a hard kick against her back and then pins for an early two count. Victoria sends Candice into a corner and then runs in but Candice gets a boot up to send Victoria stumbling back across the ring. Candice tags in Mickie James, who goes straight to work on Victoria with punches and kicks. Mickie clotheslines Victoria down and back elbows her to the mat as Mickie builds momentum. A double forehand chop sends Victoria down and Mickie covers but gets a two count. Mickie applies a headlock as she weakens Victoria. Mickie holds it in for several minutes before tagging in Torrie. Torrie takes over where Mickie left off in a headlock but Victoria soon escapes to tag in Beth Phoenix. Phoenix works over Torrie with vicious shots. Phoenix scoop slams Torrie down and knocks Candice off the apron for good measure. Mickie James gets involved, which brings Victoria and Melina into the action! Soon all six women are in! Victoria, Beth and Melina work over the Women's Champion until Candice pulls Victoria away. Victoria gains the upper hand and tosses Candice through the ropes as Mickie James does the same to Melina. Beth Phoenix knocks Mickie from behind into Victoria and Victoria back drops Mickie over the top! Torrie clotheslines Victoria over the top rope and she lands hard at ringside. In the confusion Beth Phoenix hits her Down In Flames on Torrie and covers her for three!

Winners - Beth Phoenix, Melina & Victoria by pinfall

Umaga w/Estrada vs. Viscera

The two big men who took out The Sandman on Raw last week garner little positivity from the crowd. Viscera is first to the ring before Estrada leads Umaga into battle. They square up with Viscera poking Umaga in the chest and then slapping him. Umaga responds with a slap of his own before they begin exchanging punches. Umaga gains the advantage, landing four successive shots to Big Vis without reply. Umaga backs Viscera up to the ropes and sends Viscera crashing through the ropes with an uppercut. Viscera is quickly back up as Umaga beckons him back inside. Big Vis looks frustrated before climbing back in. They lock up with Viscera breaking the tie up to land punches to Umaga's head. He attempts an irish whip that Umaga reverses. Viscera ducks underneath a big right hand to connect with a running clothesline. Umaga stays on his feet. Viscera grabs Umaga and tosses him through the ropes to the outside. Handler Estrada calms Umaga down before sending him back in. Viscera gains the upper hand and pushes Umaga into a turnbuckle. He connects with kicks before stepping back to run in and splash Umaga with his 450-pound frame. Viscera whips him across the ring and runs at him but Umaga charges out with a sidekick of his own to knock Vis down. Umaga misses a leg drop but then Viscera does the same. Umaga steps up to the second rope and hits a flying shoulder block to knock Big Vis off his feet. Umaga goes back to that second rope, this time delivering a headbutt into Viscera's face. Umaga drags Viscera to a corner, leaves him in a sitting position and backs up.

Umaga receives instruction from Estrada before charging forward and slamming his hips into Big Vis' face. Umaga allows Viscera to get back up, slowly, and come out of the corner. Umaga gets underneath Viscera as best he can to deliver a Samoan drop. Estrada snaps his cigar and Umaga delivers his Samoan Spike! Umaga makes a safe pinfall for three. Umaga's arm is raised by the referee but he snaps it away for Estrada to raise. Estrada gets a microphone to declare that his 'Samoan Bulldozer' fears no man and he should be the recipient of a WWE Championship shot. Big Vis is struggling to get up to his feet but does and stands in front of Umaga. Through the crowd comes The Sandman! The Sandman makes a beeline for the ring and has brought his Singapore Cane with him! Sandman taps Viscera on the shoulder with the cane, Big Vis turns around for Sandman to whack him over the head! Vis slumps to the mat as Estrada quickly leads Umaga out of the ring. Sandman is handed a few beers from ringside and he cracks them open on his forehead! Sandman enjoys a beer before getting a few more Singapore Cane shots in on Viscera!

Winner - Umaga by pinfall

Trade Match

Raw's Trade vs. Smackdown's Trade

The Coach introduced first Ric Flair to the capacity crowd to a chorus of boos directed at Coach but then he revealed Flair was simply providing commentary for the bout after Flair (dressed to compete) anticipated being traded. The Coach introduced Raw's Trade...Kenny Dykstra! Dykstra did not look impressed at being traded to Smackdown and was even less happy to find that Smackdown was Finlay! Even Little Bastard was in attendance underneath the ring! Finlay and Dykstra locked up as Flair talked about wanting to get back in the ring as soon as possible. Dykstra showed his speed, ducking underneath Finlay's arm and going behind the Irishman. Dykstra takes him down and the young man slaps Finlay around the head. Finlay is smirking as he slowly gets back up to feet. Finlay and Dykstra lock up once more, this time Finlay snaps Dykstra to the mat with an arm drag. They exchange grapple victories until finally Dykstra argues with the referee and Finlay decks him. Finlay drives elbow after elbow into the young former Spirit Squad member. Finlay stomps away as the Little Bastard looks out from underneath the ring apron. Finlay picks Dykstra up and tosses him into a corner; Finlay unloads with stiff boots to his chest before opening him up for chops. Kenny Dykstra comes back with punches to Finlay’s face and then a dropkick knocks the Fighting Irishman down. Kenny taunts the crowd with a lingering look at ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair at ringside. Dykstra scoop slams Finlay down and follows up with a knee drop across Finlay’s face. Dykstra goes up the top turnbuckle, he leaps off looking for an elbow drop and he connects. Kenny pins for just two. Kenny argues with the referee about the speed of the count as Finlay uses the time to recover. Dykstra turns around into a forearm smash from Finlay. Finlay follows up with several more forearms and uppercuts to leave Kenny out on his feet. Kenny is wobbling and knocked down hard as Finlay runs through him with a clothesline.

Finlay applies a Boston Crab and cinches it in. Finlay has Dykstra struggling for the ropes, Dykstra begins to edge closer to safety but Finlay has it locked in tight. Kenny appears to be fading and minutes pass with Dykstra trapped. Finally Kenny makes it to the ropes and Finlay has to break the hold at the risk of disqualification. Finlay tosses Kenny out of the ring and then distracts the referee for Little Bastard to appear! He runs to Kenny Dykstra and jumps on top of him! Little Bastard terrorises Kenny before disappearing back under the ring. Finlay steps out onto the apron and jumps down with an axe handle onto Dykstra. Finlay pulls Kenny up and rams his head into the ring apron. Finlay continues his assault outside the ring, making use of the barricade as he whips Kenny into it. Kenny blocks an attempt by Finlay to ram him into the steps. Kenny slams Finlay into the steel and takes a moment before rolling him back inside. Kenny stands on the apron and leaps over the top rope with a leg drop. Dykstra covers for two. Kenny nails Finlay with a knee lift to leave Finlay dazed and then he swings Finlay down to the mat with a swinging neckbreaker. Ric Flair is watching intently and giving his expertise at ringside as Kenny chokes Finlay with both hands. Finlay reaches up and rakes him in the face; the Irishman pushes Kenny against the middle rope and chokes away at him with all his weight down on his neck. Finlay pushes Kenny down to the mat and hits a running seated senton across Dykstra’s chest. Finlay pins but gets just two. Finlay picks Kenny up, looks for his Celtic Cross by scooping Dykstra in the air but Dykstra escapes! Dykstra kicks Finlay and drives him down with a DDT! Kenny heads to the outside and climbs up to the top. Dykstra is ready to jump off but finds the Little Bastard on the apron! The referee tries to get Little Bastard down, LB slides in a Shillelagh to Finlay and Kenny’s leap drop is delayed as Kenny jumps down to kick Little Bastard to the arena floor. Kenny goes back up but Finlay is ready as Dykstra performs his Guillotine leg drop…Finlay has his Shillelagh in hand and Dykstra lands on it! Kenny holds his ankle as Finlay rolls him up for the pin and three. Finlay and the Little Bastard celebrate with Finlay pointing his Shillelagh at ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair now that both men are on the Raw brand.

Winner - Finlay by pinfall

Intercontinental Championship

Matt Hardy & Joey Mercury locked in cages at ringside

Jeff Hardy © vs. Johnny Nitro w/Melina

Two small cages have been brought to ringside, MNM are the first to come to the ring. Joey Mercury is not happy about being locked in a cage but referee Jack Doan demands both Melina and Joey Mercury should be in the cage! Nitro joins in the protests but the Hardy Boyz music hits and the two men from North Carolina sprint to the ring! Nitro is rammed into the cage by Jeff and rolled in as the bell sounds, Mercury and Melina escape into the cage from Matt Hardy. Matt is placed and locked in his cage as Jeff Hardy is working over Nitro in a corner with hard rights. Jeff feeds off the crowd; he removes the Intercontinental belt from around his waist and leaps to the second rope to pose for the fans. Hardy jumps down into an uppercut from Nitro. The challenger asserts himself with hard rights, each shot sending Jeff Hardy stumbling back to the ropes. Hardy comes back with kicks to Nitro's stomach. Hardy whips Nitro across the ring, Johnny Nitro staggers out and Jeff irish whips him straight into the opposite corner. A big back body drop sends Nitro up into the lights and then down into the canvas below. Hardy makes a quick pin but it's too early as Nitro kicks out at 1. Nitro has no time to breathe as Hardy pulls him up, Jeff locks his hands around Nitro's head for his sit-out jawbreaker! A second pin attempt results in a two count. JR observes that Hardy has come straight out of the blocks in this contest, trying to avoid being subject to a five minute two-on-one and the loss of his title. Nitro stalls Jeff with a thumb to his eye. Nitro locks in a standing side headlock to slow Jeff down. He holds it in before a while before Hardy wriggles free enough to push him into the ropes. Nitro comes off the ropes and knocks Jeff down with a shoulder block. He backs into the ropes adjacent to step over Hardy on the run. Nitro returns to duck underneath a leapfrog but then gets taken down by Jeff Hardy with a hiptoss. A second hiptoss and Nitro is very frustrated. Nitro bullies Jeff into a corner and delivers a series of offensive attacks. He whips him across the ring and catches Jeff stumbling out with a high dropkick. Nitro grabs Hardy and tosses him over the top rope but Jeff Hardy lands on his feet! Nitro taunts the crowd but turns around to see Jeff on his feet receiving encouragement from his brother Matt. Nitro reaches through the ropes but Jeff grabs his feet and slides him underneath the ropes.

Hardy lands punches to Nitro's head until Nitro cuts him off with an uppercut. Nitro whips Hardy into the steel ringpost! Johnny Nitro taunts Matt Hardy, locked in his cage, before rolling back inside the ring. Jeff is down as the referee starts his count and Nitro uses the time to recover from such a fast start to this Intercontinental Championship match. The referee gets up to eight before Hardy returns to the ring and Nitro stomps on his back. He picks Hardy up and rakes Jeff's face against the top turnbuckle. Nitro headbutts Jeff before hooking him up and driving Jeff down with a DDT. Nitro covers for two. Nitro goes up top; he blows a kiss to his girl Melina before nailing Jeff in the face with a missile dropkick. Nitro makes a pin for another two count. Nitro goes to Jeff's legs in a hope to keep the high flier grounded. He delivers several knees and elbows down onto Jeff's left knee. Nitro applies a leg lock, keeping Jeff Hardy on the mat. Jeff is stuck in it for several moments until he finally pushes up against Nitro. Jeff aims a kick but it's caught and he spins inside with a mule kick! Jeff pins for a two count. Jeff takes Nitro into a corner and whips him but Nitro reverses. Jeff is shot into the corner but gets a high foot up as Nitro runs in after him. Jeff steps up to the second rope and takes Nitro down with a cross body! He holds on but gets a long two count before Nitro kicks out. Jeff Hardy holds three fingers up at the referee but Jack Doan shakes his head. Jeff picks Nitro's legs up and splits them; he then jumps into a double leg drop across Nitro's groin! At ringside Melina has taken a pin out of her hair and is trying to unlock the MNM cage! Hardy pins again but comes up short. Jeff Hardy waits as Nitro slowly gets back up, he takes him down with a Russian leg sweep and rolls it into a pinning combination...two count! A second referee takes Melina's pin from her. Hardy can't believe that his Compactor didn't get the job done. Hardy complains to the referee and behind him Nitro is getting up. Nitro tries for a sneak attack but Jeff sees him coming and laces him with a chop. Nitro rallies back with a knee across Jeff's stomach. Nitro backs into the ropes and attempts a spinning heel kick that Jeff ducks. Nitro lands hard and Jeff seizes his opportunity! Hardy heads to the top turnbuckle and hits Nitro with his Swanton Bomb! Hardy pins for three! Jack Doan raises Hardy's hand and then unlocks the cage containing Matt Hardy.

Matt hands the Intercontinental Championship to his brother Jeff and then both Hardyz turn to a groggy Johnny Nitro. Melina shrieks as Matt delivers his version of a Twist of Fate! Jeff then attempts to top that with his own version! The Hardyz ask the fans what they want to see as Mercury is also going crazy in the cage. Jeff lands a somersault senton as Matt delivers a fist drop to Nitro's head. Matt drags Nitro to a corner and steps up onto the second rope as Jeff picks up his legs. They deliver their classic tandem leg drops to a huge ovation. Matt Hardy hits his Twist of Fate for the second time and Jeff goes up to the top rope. Jeff nails Nitro with his Swanton Bomb, the second one tonight. The Hardyz celebrate as finally the referee unlocks the cage containing Joey Mercury and Melina. The Hardyz stand over Nitro, Mercury runs into the ring and gets flapjacked onto his partner for his troubles! The Hardy Boyz leave the ring and Melina checks over her fallen tag team.

Winner - Jeff Hardy by pinfall (Still Intercontinental Champion)

Interpromotional Match

Randy Orton w/Cor Von vs. Edge

Randy Orton receives a very negative reaction as he walks to the ring with a cocky swagger in his walk backed up by his World Tag Team Championship partner Marcus Cor Von. Edge comes out to a mixed reaction and he heads to the ring with his eyes locked on his former tag team partner. The bell sounds and Rated RKO square up. Orton slaps Edge in the face! Edge responds with a slap of his own! Orton and Edge exchange punches with Marcus Cor Von looking on in support of his partner. Edge wins the first battle of fists; he follows up by taking Orton into a corner and opening his chest up. Edge chops away at Randy Orton, the 'Legend Killer' is reeling with each chop as Edge nails him. Edge irish whips him across the ring, Edge runs in but Orton gets both feet up in Edge's face. Orton launches out of the corner with a clothesline to take Edge down. Orton mounts Edge to deliver punches downwards into the face of the Rated 'R' Superstar. Orton pushes the referee aside to deliver a fist drop to Edge's head. Orton receives applause from Cor Von before landing a second fist drop. Orton is getting even cockier, he goes for a third fist drop but this time Edge moves out of the way! Orton punches nothing but canvas and holds his hand between his legs in pain. Edge gets back up and knocks Orton down with a running clothesline. Orton is quickly back up and Edge clotheslines him down again. Three more clotheslines follow as Edge kicks it into high gear to finally after five clotheslines keep Orton down on the mat. Edge stomps down on Orton's chest and walks over to the ropes to aim a kick at the 'Alpha Male'. Cor Von steps back from the apron and warns Edge as the newly-drafted ECW wrestler does the same.

Edge pulls Orton up and sends him into the ropes. Orton rebounds to duck underneath a boot and then duck under a punch attempt. Edge anticipates Orton as he comes off the ropes once more, Edge locks in a sleeper! Orton tries to struggle free and his arms flail in the air but Edge holds it on tight. Orton's arms slow down and he drops down to a knee. Edge's eyes wander to glare at Marcus Cor Von as Cor Von slaps his hands on the ring apron in support of Randy. Orton drops down to two knees as Edge gets on top of Orton's back. Edge's entire bodyweight is all down on Orton's back as the 'Legend Killer' fades. Edge has Orton face-down on the mat but Orton has a burst of energy. He pushes upwards against Edge and Edge finds his back on the canvas! The referee counts two before Edge releases the sleeper and gets his shoulder up. Edge tries to take advantage, landing punches but Orton blocks one. Orton fires back with shots of his own and backs into the ropes for momentum to knock Edge down with a hard forearm smash. Orton has Edge in a sitting position; he kneels behind him to deliver forearm shots across Edge's face and chest. Edge is down and Orton makes a pin, hooking both legs but Edge kicks out at two. Orton pulls Edge up and sends him back into a turnbuckle with a big European uppercut. Randy lands boots into the stomach of Edge before snapmaring him out of the corner and burying a knee into Edge's back. With Edge down on the mat, Randy backs into the ropes and delivers a Ric Flair-esque running jumping knee drop with a roll to finish it off. Orton covers for another two.

Edge gets back up and is met with a perfect standing dropkick from Orton. Orton stomps around Edge from legs to chest to shoulder to head and around the other side. Orton finishes it off with another fist drop down onto Edge's face. Orton pins for another two count. Orton pulls Edge up and executes his stretching backbreaker. Edge is down and Orton heads to the second rope. Orton slaps his elbow and swings down with a second rope elbow drop but nobody's home! Edge and Orton get back up at around the same time. Orton swings with a wild right hand that misses and Edge lifts him up onto his shoulders. Edge holds Orton up before dropping him back with an electric chair. Orton to his credit is quickly up on his feet and Edge hits him with a high spinning heel kick. Edge pulls the Raw superstar up and from behind looks for a back suplex but Orton flips out to land on his feet behind Edge. He grabs Edge by his hair and drags him down to the mat. Orton goes to the apron, stooping through the ropes and then climbs the turnbuckle. Orton is on the top and leaps off looking for his froggy-crossbody but Edge pulls the referee in front of him! Orton wipes out the referee! Orton looks down at the ref and shrugs his shoulders; he then turns into a Spear! Edge spears Orton in half! Edge makes the cover but the referee is out of action! Edge drags the referee to where the pin is taking place but still he isn't awake. Edge continues to shake the referee and doesn't notice Cor Von in the ring...POUNCE!!!!!! Edge launched across the ring! Cor Von pulls Orton across Edge and revives the referee for one...two...three! Cor Von picks up Orton and takes him out of the ring as the referee and Edge are left down in the ring.

Winner - Randy Orton by pinfall

ECW World Championship

Bobby Lashley © vs. Gregory Helms

Former Smackdown superstar Gregory Helms is the first introduced. His reign as Cruiserweight Champion lasted 15 months, the longest reigning Champion in Smackdown history. Helms appears a little nervous for what is his first World Championship opportunity. As always Bobby Lashley comes out with a bang and he looks very composed as he heads for the ring. Lashley hands over the ECW World Championship to the referee as Joey Styles and Tazz call this match. Helms sizes up to his opponent, the bigger Lashley drawing a concerned look from the challenger. Lashley circles around as Helms looks to defend. They lock up with Lashley winning with his power. Lashley pushes Helms down and Helms rolls backwards. Gregory Helms measures himself before grappling once more with Bobby Lashley and he tries to go behind Lashley but the strong ECW Champion blocks it. Lashley pushes Helms back to the mat easily again. Helms is straight back up into the grapple and tries to use leverage, Helms is up on his tiptoes to gain the leverage but still Lashley prevails. This time Lashley forces Helms back into a corner and holds him there. Lashley swings with a right hand but Helms ducks underneath. They lock up for a fourth time and this time Helms goes behind. Lashley separates his hands and Helms breaks away. Helms circles Bobby Lashley but Lashley corners the former Cruiserweight Champion. Lashley aims a right at Helms but Gregory avoids it. He nails Lashley with four hard rights and then makes the mistake of taunting the crowd. Lashley grabs him and reverses him into the turnbuckle. Lashley goes for a body shot but again Helms avoids the contact. Helms blasts Lashley with two kicks and a chop before going back to a jab. Lashley shakes it off and stalks out of the corner! Greg Helms backs up and even lands a couple of kicks but still Lashley comes at him. Helms rakes Lashley's eyes and whips him into another turnbuckle. Helms mounts up to the second rope and rains down on Bobby Lashley with a series of punches. Lashley pushes Helms down but Helms rolls over his shoulder back up to his feet. Helms jumps back onto the second rope but again Lashley pushes him down. This time Lashley is on the move and scoops Helms into the air! Lashley holds Helms above him but Helms scrapes his face. Helms drops down onto his feet and kicks into Lashley's legs. Helms irish whips Lashley into a corner but Lashley reverses. Lashley grabs Helms around the throat with both hands and lifts him high into the air.

Helms once again escapes, this time struggling himself free along with the referee's count. Helms runs into the ropes with Lashley temporarily dazed. Helms tries a clothesline but he just bounces back off Lashley's chest. Helms tries again but this time Lashley ducks down for a back body drop and Helms is sent sailing over the top rope! Lashley goes outside to grab Helms, Helms tries for a punch but Lashley easily blocks it to counter with one of his own. Bobby Lashley pulls Helms around the ring and whips him into the steel ringpost. Helms tries to crawl back into the ring but Lashley drags him back out by his shorts. Lashley lifts Helms up and drops him throat-first on the barricade. Helms stumbles away from Lashley and rolls back inside the ring. Lashley slides back in and Helms runs against the ropes. Lashley attempts a clothesline but Helms ducks and on his return Lashley scoops him up. Helms escapes and lands on his feet behind Lashley. He pushes Bobby into the ropes and looks for a roll up but Lashley holds onto the rope. He turns around to find Greg Helms running at him and he knocks Helms' head off with a running clothesline! Lashley pins but gets two. Lashley picks Helms up and sits him on a top turnbuckle. Lashley is caught with a boot from Helms to stagger him back. Helms leaps off with a crossbody to take Lashley down to the mat and stays on top to deliver punches. Helms is pushed off by Lashley and Bobby is up on his feet quickly Helms runs at Lashley and clotheslines him over the top! In true Shawn Michaels fashion Greg Helms holds onto the top rope and pulls himself back into the ring. Helms waits as Lashley is getting back up before leaping over the top tope right on top of Lashley! Greg Helms slides back in to let the referee count Lashley out as this is not an 'Extreme Rules' match. Lashley returns to his feet at six and grabs Helm's feet under the ropes to pull him out of the ring. Helms is slammed into the announce desk and then irish whipped into the barricade. Lashley attempts another irish whip but Helms holds on to reverse and Lashley is sent into the ringsteps!

Lashley is down and Helms steps up onto the apron. He throws his arms into the air much to the chagrin of the capacity crowd. Lashley fights his way back up and blocks a kick from Helms, who's still on the apron. Lashley quickly jumps up onto the apron to join Helms. Helms delivers big right hands to the former Army sergeant and attempts a kick but Lashley catches his foot. He throws it down and kicks Helms so hard Helms flies over the top rope. Lashley steps into the ring and scoops up Helms into his Powerslam! Lashley pins for three. Lashley's arm is raised and he is handed the ECW World Championship belt. Lashley celebrates on each corner of the ring before heading to the back. Lashley turns around on the stage to raise the belt in the air once more before turning around to go through the curtain but EDGE APPEARS AND SPEARS LASHLEY! Edge screams that he wants Lashley's World Title as officials and referees pour out of the entrance to block Edge's path back to Lashley.

Winner - Lashley by pinfall (Still ECW World Champion)

WWE Championship

John Cena © vs. Shawn Michaels

With Edge removed and Lashley taken to the back a video package airs of the history between Michaels and Cena going back to the Royal Rumble when Michaels finished second to The Undertaker. Since then a lot has happened including the World Tag Team Title reign, the Wrestlemania four way where Cena eliminated Michaels last to retain the gold and HBK prevailing against Umaga, Randy Orton and Edge to become no.1 contender.

Shawn Michaels is back using his old 'HBK' music as he comes to the ring showered with cheers from the fans. John Cena's reaction is slightly less positive but still positive in a contrast to recent events. They both salute the capacity crowd and shake hands before this epic match begins. Michaels and Cena lock up, it's quickly broken as neither is comfortable. A second tie up sees HBK go behind Cena and Cena goes for the ropes. He locks his arms around the top rope and Michaels refuses to break. The referee has to begin counting before Michaels lets Cena go and the 'Doctor of Thugonomics' is a little frustrated. Cena and Michaels tie up again with Cena quickly pushing Michaels into a corner. Cena is then reversed and Michaels laces his chest with a hard chop. Cena is whipped across the ring but reverses. Michaels hits the turnbuckles and staggers out into a scoop slam from John Cena. Cena reaches down to pick HBK up but Michaels kicks him away with both feet. They both get up at the same time and this time Michaels scoop slams Cena down. Michaels goes for his legs but Cena kicks him off. Both are up again and this time Michaels locks in a headlock to swing Cena down to the canvas. The crowd applaud the opening exchange as Michaels holds Cena down in the headlock. Cena wriggles and pushes Michaels up to a standing position. He punches Michaels' side to create separation before pushing HBK into the ropes. Cena though looks for a clothesline and Michaels uses the outstretched arm to perform a crucifix. Cena tries to stay on his feet but Michaels drags him down and gets a quick two count before John kicks out. Cena gets up only to find Michaels running into the ropes and he crossbody's Cena down for another two count. Cena doesn't kick out, he pushes Michaels off him and HBK is sent underneath the ropes to the outside. Michaels quickly jumps back onto the apron and buries a shoulder into an oncoming Cena. HBK grabs the top rope and flips over into a sunset flip! Michaels gets a third two count. Cena and Michaels get up again at the same time, HBK looks for a headlock takedown but Cena slams a knee into his gut. HBK slumps to the mat holding his stomach as Cena displays a little smirk on his face that is picked up by JR and King.

Michaels is left down on all fours and Cena wastes no time in burying a kick into his ribs. Michaels rolls onto his back, his face a picture of pain. Cena picks Michaels up and runs into the ropes to hit his flying shoulder block! Michaels is sent across the ring to the ropes and hits the bottom rope hard. HBK rolls outside but not for long as Cena brings him back in. Cena kicks at HBK's chest before slamming his head into a top turnbuckle. Cena chops Shawn Michaels, HBK slumps to the mat and Cena launches a kick into the back of Michaels' head. HBK is whipped into the ropes and rebounds off into a big back elbow from Cena. Cena covers for two. Cena kicks HBK, he picks HBK up and tosses Michaels through the ropes. Cena joins HBK on the outside and slams HBK into the ring apron. Cena shows his intelligence to break up the referee's count, leaving HBK down on the outside. Michaels gets back up at five and steps up onto the apron. Cena meets him with right hands. Cena grabs the top rope, pulls it inside the ring and rebounds it out sending HBK sailing to the barricade! HBK's head hits the barricade and he is down hurt. Cena places one leg through the ropes but the referee pulls Cena back inside. He begins the count as Cena walks to the opposite side of the ring to drop down to ringside. Cena walks around the ring and measures HBK with an elbow drop on the mats. Cena rolls Michaels back inside and steps onto the apron. Cena climbs the turnbuckle and stands on top. Cena steadies himself but HBK is resourceful and shoves the referee into the ropes. Cena loses his balance and crotches himself! Michaels climbs up to the second rope and hits a superplex! Both men are down but Michaels rolls over into a cover for a near-fall. Michaels has got a second wind as he lifts Cena up and drops him across his knee in an inverted atomic drop. Michaels clotheslines Cena down and then again as Cena gets back up. Cena is up on his feet once more but groggy as Michaels blasts him with his flying forearm and HBK nips up! HBK tunes up the band to a thunderous ovation and goes for Sweet Chin Music...Cena blocks it! Cena scoops Michaels up into his release fisherman suplex! Cena pins but gets just two.

John Cena pulls Michaels and kicks him in the stomach to double him over. Cena backs up and attempts his Throwback but Michaels stands out of it and Cena flips over onto the mat. HBK heads for the apron and then the top turnbuckle! Michaels leaps two thirds of the way across the ring and lands his diving elbow drop perfectly! Michaels covers but Cena shoots his shoulder out as the referee's hand was coming down for three! Shawn Michaels heads once more for the top rope and this time takes a recovering Cena down with a moonsault! HBK pins but gets another late kick out before three. Michaels is visibly frustrated as he pulls Cena up but Cena fights back and tosses Michaels over the top rope...Michaels holds onto the rope! He skins the cat back in and gets nailed with a clothesline for his efforts. Cena performs his Five Knuckle Shuffle to get a two count once again on HBK. Cena signals that it's over; he lifts HBK onto his shoulders for the FU but HBK slides out of it! Michaels attempts his Sweet Chin Music but Cena ducks and lifts Michaels back onto his shoulder...FU! Cena pins and gets three despite a kick out by Michaels just as the referee's hand hit the mat for three! Cena's hand is raised to a mixed reaction and he's handed his spinning title belt. His hand in raised as he kneels over HBK. Cena celebrates on a turnbuckle, before being yanked down by Michaels! Cena and Michaels go face-to-face with the fans anticipating this match not being over. Michaels points to the title on Cena's shoulder and offers his hand to John Cena. Cena shakes it as the roof rises on the arena building! Michaels raises Cena's hand and bails out of the ring as John Cena pays his respects to his challenger as Backlash comes to an end...

Winner - John Cena by pinfall (Still WWE Champion)