WWE: For Better, or Worse

[Olive the other Jiberdeer]

Not to confuse you all or anything, but Val Venis is on SD! Clerical error on Mr. Stoker's part...next week I'll be less lazy and write it out...keep some things decently together...now off to bed.

[stokeriño]

Not to confuse you all or anything, but Val Venis is on SD! Clerical error on Mr. Stoker's part...next week I'll be less lazy and write it out...keep some things decently together...now off to bed.

←

He could have been traded inbetween the different tapings somehow.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Edited July 28, 2004 by stokeriño

[D-Extreme]

yeah since Heat was taped on monday and Velocity was taped on Teusday, that can happen. ANyways Heat was a good show since it made Martel's debut. Man he is one handsome devil!!!

[stokeriño]

WWE RAW 23/08/04

Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California

A video highlight package of last week’s RAW aired, featuring the Triple Threat match for the Number One Contendership, when Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho both pinned the Big Show to be named joint winners.

“…Move it to the music yeah!”

Announcers: Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler

JR: “Welcome all to Anaheim, California, for Monday Night RAW! Hello everybody I’m Jim Ross, along with Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler – and we’re kicking things off right away tonight with the Highlight Reel, as Chris Jericho is scheduled for an interview with the World Heavyweight champion Triple H!”

KING: “The JeriTron 5000 is already set up in the ring – Chris Jericho should be proud to have the privilege of interviewing the World champion! This might just be the biggest night of his life!”

JR: “Well I think that might be pushing it a bit…but at Unforgiven Triple H will indeed be defending his title against Chris Jericho as well as…”

KING: “Quiet JR! It’s starting!”

Interview with the Champ

The crowd cheered as the countdown was on and Chris Jericho made his way to the ring to start RAW. Decked out in his very own pink and black custom-made shirt, he seemed in the best of moods as he sauntered down the ramp – grinning as he saw the sign “Y2J = Next World Champ” in the front row. Entering the ring, he played to the crowd a bit more, but he had an interview to be getting on with.

JERICHO: “Sounds to me like there’s a lot of Jerichoholics in Anaheim tonight!”

The crowd popped at the mention of their hometown, and a small “Y2J” chant started up from the back.

JERICHO: “If that’s the case, then I guess I don’t need to remind you about what happened last week…when Chris Jericho became the Number One Contender for the World Heavyweight Title! And with that in mind, tonight on the Highlight Reel, I have the pleasure of interviewing the very man who I will BEAT for that title next month at Unforgiven! So without any further ado, allow me to introduce…”

There’s no holding me back…!

But it wasn’t Triple H who made his way out to the ring - it was the Rabid Wolverine Chris Benoit! Benoit looked mildly ticked off as he entered the ring, and motioned for the microphone.

BENOIT: “Don’t you think you’ve forgotten someone, Chris?”

Jericho was about to reply, but Benoit hadn’t finished.

BENOIT: “Because last week, there were two arms pinning Big Show’s shoulders to the mat – and in case you didn’t catch the official announcement, that means that the title match at Unforgiven will be a Triple Threat match between Triple H, yourself…and ME. So be careful before you disregard me Chris, because everyone who’s disregarded me in the past has paid…dearly. Don’t make the same mistake they did.”

He handed the microphone back to Jericho, who looked a little amused.

JERICHO: “Hey Chris, no need to get all riled up about it! Of course I’m not forgetting you…I mean, you did win the World Heavyweight Title in the biggest Wrestlemania main event of all time, against Triple H and Shawn Michaels.”

Benoit could be seen to say “You’re damn right I did.”

JERICHO: “And hey, since you’re here, you might as well join us. Come on, pull up a chair.”

Jericho sat down in his chair, and motioned Benoit towards one of the other spare seats. Benoit, however, seemed to prefer to stand.

JERICHO: “Suit yourself… So Chris, about next month at Unforgiven…”

TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!!

The arena darkened and lights flashed from all angles as the World Heavyweight champion Triple H made his entrance. Title belt slung over the shoulder of his crisp, black suit, he made his way to the ring…alone? On commentary JR noted his surprise that Evolution weren’t in full tow. And indeed, Jericho made the same observation after Triple H had entered the ring. Triple H laughed the comment aside.

TRIPLE H: “Now Chris, why should all of Evolution need to come out when all I’m doing is conducting a nice, professional interview? That wouldn’t make sense, now would it?”

He looked over to Benoit, and extended his hand in a manner too friendly to befit Triple H.

TRIPLE H: “Hey there Chris, how’s it hanging?”

Benoit did not return the handshake. Triple H grinned, and sat down in his chair.

TRIPLE H: “Let’s get this show on the road now shall we?”

JERICHO: “Alright Hunter…so, do you believe that history repeats itself?”

TRIPLE H: “Of course…but why do you ask?”

JERICHO: “Well it’s just that the last time you lost the World title it was in a Triple Threat match…and I was just wondering if you thought the same would happen again.”

Despite this subtle attempt to get under his skin, Triple H only laughed.

TRIPLE H: “You’re a funny guy Chris. But if you’re talking about history repeating itself, don’t you think you should be worrying more about him?”

Jericho turned and looked at Benoit, who was standing there with his arms folded, watching everything with a serious expression on his face.

TRIPLE H: “Because of course, the last time he WON the World Title it was in a Triple Threat match. And hell, I’ve seen you suffer at the hands of the Crossface a few times over the years. Maybe history will repeat itself and he’ll make you tap out again.”

If it were possible to have seen the vein on Jericho’s forehead, it would have just twitched.

JERICHO: “Well if you recall Hunter, I’ve made him tap out to the Walls of Jericho a fair few times too.”

Triple H nodded understandingly, and leaned forwards towards Benoit.

TRIPLE H: “He’s got a fair point Chris. What do you think about that?”

Somehow, Triple H had manoeuvred himself into the position of interviewer. Neither of the other two noticed, or were even suspicious. They had other things on their minds.

BENOIT: “I don’t care about what happened in the past. History has nothing to do with it – all that matters is at Unforgiven, when I guarantee that I will win back MY World Heavyweight Title!”

The crowd popped for the bluntness and intensity of Benoit’s declaration.

BENOIT: “And it doesn’t matter whether it’s you, Jericho, or you Hunter, because once I’ve locked on the Crossface you will no choice but to tap…out!”

Triple H nodded.

TRIPLE H: “Well I’ve got to say that sounds like quite a convincing argument. Wouldn’t you agree, Jericho?”

No, Jericho would not agree.

JERICHO: “I think we’re losing sight of the real issue here…let’s try and get this interview back on track.”

Triple H held his hands up in apology.

TRIPLE H: “Of course, I’m sorry. Go right ahead.”

JERICHO: “Besides, we all know that the Walls of Jericho would be the real difference-maker in the match…”

BENOIT: “Excuse me?”

JERICHO: “No need to look so offended…I was just saying that the Walls of Jericho could win the match for me at Unforgiven. Is there anything wrong with that?”

BENOIT: “That depends. Because from where I was standing it sounded a hell of a lot like saying your finisher was better than my finisher.”

JERICHO: “So?”

BENOIT: “Which means you think you’re better than me?”

JERICHO: “Well…I am.”

BENOIT: “Do you care to say that to my face?”

Jericho stood up out of his chair and went nose to nose with Benoit. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Jericho noticed the expression on Triple H’s face. Leaning back in his chair, he had the broadest smirk that you could possibly imagine. He backed down from Benoit.

JERICHO: “Sorry about that Chris…as I was saying, let’s get back to the real issue here.”

Jericho sat back in his chair and looked smugly at Triple H.

JERICHO: “So…Hunter. You’re now a nine times World champion. That means you’ve achieved something that neither of us have.”

Benoit looked puzzled at Jericho’s apparent ‘sucking up’ to Triple H. Hunter grinned.

TRIPLE H: “You’re damn right I have.”

JERICHO: “Indeed…neither Chris nor I can boast the feat of having lost a World title eight times…”

Triple H laughed the joke off…kind of. It was one of those scarily fake laughs that tended to be followed by pain and death. At least, it is if you watch any gangster movies. Suddenly Hunter stopped laughing and leaned in threateningly to Jericho.

TRIPLE H: “Make all the jokes you want, because whether you like it or not I’ll beat both your asses at Unforgiven, and…”

He stops as Benoit walks up to him, glaring at his face. Slowly, Triple H stood up from his seat and looked him in the eye.

BENOIT: “You can talk big all you want, but I beat you at Wrestlemania. I beat you at Backlash. I beat you at Vengeance, and I’ll do it again at Unforgiven. You may have won at Summerslam, but you can’t ride dumb luck forever.”

I’m sorry, but did he just accuse The Game of being ‘lucky’? Now that REALLY pissed him off.

TRIPLE H: “You want to talk about dumb luck Benoit? Dumb luck was you ever making it into this company. You’ve survived so far, but this is MY Game, and we play by MY Rules. You can try to play this Game, but you should remember…the rules can change at any time.”

Suddenly Batista ran in from the crowd and attacked Benoit from behind! Jericho leapt out of his chair, and took Batista down with a body tackle. He started punching Batista, but Triple H joined in and attacked Jericho too. Benoit then attacked Triple H…and things were definitely starting to get out of hand.

Just then Eric Bischoff came running out with hordes of security! The security guards swarmed into the ring to try and pull apart the four men, while Bischoff spoke from the stage.

BISCHOFF: “Hey! If you guys are so desperately in the mood to fight, then you can damn well do so in a match! Therefore later tonight we shall see Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho, against Batista and Triple H! Now you had better disperse – IMMEDIATELY – before I fine you a month’s pay and have you removed by force! DO IT!!”

The security forces finally managed to pull the four men apart from each other, and started escorting them backstage as we went to a commercial break.

79

Chris Jericho lost 1 point of overness due to being slightly less face-like than Benoit was (97 – 96)

(Commercial Break)

Victoria and Gail Kim vs. Trish Stratus and Molly Holly

In a match that was created after Gail Kim saved Victoria from a Trish assault last Sunday on HEAT, Victoria and Gail teamed together against Trish and Molly Holly. Trish started in against Gail, and the Woman’s champion beat her down with some stiff chops and a DDT. She hit the Chick Kick off the Irish whip, but Gail kicked out after two.

Leading Gail over to her corner, Trish tagged in Molly and together they stomped a mudhole into the Canadian-born Korean. Molly kept up the advantage, utilising her technical wrestling skills to systematically wear down her opponent. She went for the pin off the Northern Lights Suplex, but again Gail got the shoulder up. Molly went for another suplex, but Gail countered the hold and locked in a Dragon Sleeper! Molly’s arms flailed side to side as Gail tightened her hold, but suddenly Trish ran in and hit her on the back of the head to break it up. Victoria tried to come in to see Trish off, but the referee held her back. This gave Trish and Molly the opportunity to deliver another double team behind the referee’s back, who turned around again just in time to see Molly make the tag back out to Trish.

Trish picked up where she had left off, and hit a Spinebuster to get another close fall. Smirking as she sensed the end being near, Trish signalled for her finishing move, much to the dislike of the crowd. Grabbing Gail’s neck underneath her arm, she went for the Stratusfaction…but Gail shoved her away! Trish stumbled back round for another attack but instead walked into a Falling Neckbreaker! Victoria eagerly reached forwards to get the tag from Gail…and she got it! Trish crawled backwards in fear as Victoria came in with a desire to hand out some punishment to the Woman’s champion. Victoria stomped away at Trish in the corner, and just proceeded to lay waste with a series of high impact moves. She went for the cover off a Backbreaker, but Trish just managed to kick out at the last second. Annoyed, but still focused, Victoria dragged Trish into position and ascended the turnbuckle for the Moonsault…but Molly ran over and pushed her off, causing Victoria’s head to hit the security barrier on the outside! Molly hit Victoria’s head against the barrier once more for good measure, before rolling her back into the ring where Trish crawled over to make the cover – 1…2…but Victoria kicked out.

Both women were tired, but their partners were calling for the tag. Slowly they edged their way towards their corners…and Molly got the tag! But so did Gail! Gail took Molly down with repeated clotheslines, and whipped her against the ropes to hit an Arm Drag on the rebound. She then backed Molly into the corner, and ascended to the second rope – looking for the Hurricanrana – but Molly grabbed her by the legs and slammed her down onto the mat! Molly went for the roll up pin – 1…2…but Gail flipped her over, locking on the Christo instead!! Gail cinched up her personal version of a head scissor/armbar combo as Molly yelled out in pain. She had no choice but to tap! Gail won the match!

WINNERS: Victoria and Gail Kim, by submission (clean)

Match: 61

Crowd: 76

Overall: 71 (2 stars)

Gail Kim gained 2 points of overness from making Molly tap out to her cool submission hold (58 – 60)

Victoria gained 1 point of overness from this match for being on the winning team (68 – 69)

Molly Holly gained 1 point of overness from being notably better than everyone else (75 – 76)

Trish entered the ring and started yelling at Molly, who was still feeling the effects of Gail’s submission move, blaming her for their loss. Suddenly Victoria attacked Trish from behind, knocking her down with a double axe handle to the back of the head! She started stomping away on the Woman’s champion – until Christian ran in from the back! He picked Victoria up and roughly threw her off of Trish. After taking a moment to check on Trish’s wellbeing, he grabbed Victoria again and set her up for the Unprettier…but luckily for Victoria she was saved at the last moment by her friend Steven Richards! Christian and Trish slid out of the ring and retreated up the ramp, shouting angrily at Richards and Victoria who celebrated their victory.

KING: “What on earth was Steven Richards doing? He had no right to be out here!”

JR: “Neither did Christian! Steven Richards only came out to save Victoria from Christian in the first place!”

KING: “Oh and I suppose you’re going to tell me that Victoria didn’t deserve to get drilled into the mat after what she did to poor, defenceless Trish? She attacked her from behind JR! That’s as low as you can get!”

JR: “There’s nothing lower than a man attacking a woman King, no matter what the reasons behind it. Christian just sickens me.”

Things take a downturn for Evolution

Ric Flair and Randy Orton, together making up one-half of Evolution, were sitting backstage on the large, black leather sofa in their private suite. They were busy discussing what had happened earlier on the Highlight Reel, and the implications of the tag team match that had been booked for later tonight.

FLAIR: “…No you see this is a good opportunity. We can have Dave and Hunter focus on one guy during the match, Jericho say, and then afterwards we can all come down and take out Benoit. That way we’ll soften them up real nice for Unforgiven…”

A knock came at the door, and Flair’s expression brightened.

FLAIR: “That ought to be them now – come on in guys!”

The door opened, and his smile fell. The camera turned to see that it wasn’t Triple H and Batista at all. Instead they were being graced by the presence of…The Coach.

COACH: “Sorry to intrude guys, but there’s just something I thought you should know…”

Flair sighed the kind of tired, weary sigh that a lot of people made when talking to Coach.

FLAIR: “What is it Coach?”

COACH: “Well I just came in from the back and as I was going through the parking lot I…you guys are the ones with the white limo, right? The one with ‘EVO’ on the license plate?”

ORTON: “Yeah, what of it?”

COACH: “Well as I was saying, I was going through the parking lot – and I hate to break this to you guys – bur I saw your limo all trashed and covered with paint. It’s a real mess.”

Orton and Flair leapt to their feet, their eyes wide. Immediately they headed for the door.

FLAIR: “Come on Randy, we’re going to sort this out!”

They headed out of the room at great speed, slamming the door behind them. Coach stood there, and called after them.

COACH: “That’s alright guys, no problem. No need to thank me or anything.”

There was no response.

COACH: “…Fine.”

86

KING: “What the? Come on JR, you know everything, what’s going on?”

JR: “I'm not sure King, but it seems that someone’s been messing with Evolution’s personal limo.”

KING: “That’s disgraceful! Whoever did it should be locked up for vandalism! LOCKED UP I tell you!!”

(Commercial Break)

And then things got worse

We returned to RAW with Flair and Orton hurrying along backstage. Bursting through some doors, they entered the parking lot with intense looks on their faces.

It was Orton who saw it first.

ORTON: “Dammit!!”

He rushed over to a white limo with ‘EVO’ as its license plate. However - it was also covered with numerous dents, the side mirrors were smashed, and there was graffiti EVERYWHERE. The messages included such sentiments as ‘Evolution sucks’, ‘Blandy Orton’, and so on. Orton fell to his knees in front of the vehicle, while Flair looked on aghast.

FLAIR: “Holy…what kind of sick sumbitches have the nerve to do something like this?!”

Orton looked around on the other side of the car.

ORTON: “Hey Ric, look at this.”

Flair went round, and together they looked at a particular piece of graffiti scrawled across the car door:

“MATTITUDE 4 LIFE”

Slowly, Flair and Orton looked at each other.

ORTON: “Son of a…”

But suddenly both men were attacked from behind by Matt Hardy and Edge! Edge stomped the hell out of Flair, while Matt slammed Randy’s head against the car hood. With both members of Evolution left lying, Edge and Matt gave each other the high five before making a quick exit.

85

JR: “Edge and Matt Hardy, getting revenge against Evolution for the beatdown they suffered last week!”

KING: “Revenge?! That wasn’t revenge - that was criminal assault and destruction of personal property! Lock them up!!”

JR: “Well I’d say that ‘assault’ was no different from what Evolution did to them last week King. And as for the limo…I think it’s good to see Evolution taken down a peg or two once in a while.”

KING: “Why are you always sympathising with the criminals JR? What Edge and Matt Hardy did was illegal, plain and simple!”

Tonight is the first night of the rest of your life

We were in a locker room backstage with…William Regal and Eugene! The crowd cheered for the first time they’d seen Eugene since Summerslam. Eugene was sitting down on one of the benches, looking mildly unhappy, while Regal paced back and forth in front of him. After a moment, he stopped and turned to Eugene.

REGAL: “Now listen to me lad, you’ve got to put everything that happened at Summerslam behind you, do you understand? You have to look to the future – and your future begins tonight.”

He placed his hands on both of Eugene’s shoulders, and made him look him in the eye.

REGAL: “Tonight…is the first night of the rest of your life, Master Eugene. This is the night when you stand up for yourself, look life square in the face and declare that you wont stand for any of its codswallop anymore. Tonight we’re going to go out there, and we may not know who we’ll be facing, but one thing’s for certain. You and I are going to go out there – TOGETHER – and we’re going to wipe the floor with those snot-nosed little toerags. You got that?”

Regal lifted Eugene up to his feet.

REGAL: “Now come on lad, we’ve got a match to win. No matter what your Uncle Eric has in store for us, keep your chin up and you’ll pull through.”

Eugene looked sadly at Regal for a few seconds before suddenly embracing him in a hug! While Regal looked surprised at first, he then just smiled.

REGAL: “Well done lad, well done.”

They then headed off towards the ring for their match.

73

KING: “Sickening.”

JR: “Oh be quiet King. Up next William Regal and Eugene will be teaming together against ‘a team of Eric Bischoff’s choosing’ – it’s gonna be a hell of a match folks, and it’s coming up right after this.”

(Commercial Break)

We returned from the break just as Regal and Eugene were making their entrance to the ring – to Eugene’s theme music, of course. Eugene seemed uplifted by the positive reception he received from the crowd, and waved to them happily as Regal watched on and smiled. As their music died down, they awaited their opponents.

“I’M BAAACK!”

The General Manager of RAW Eric Bischoff made his way out onto the stage, complete with his usual smirk. Regal narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

BISCHOFF: “Well now William, I told you I’d have a team ready for you to face this week, so allow me to introduce – the World Tag Team champions, La Resistance!”

The crowd booed as the champions came out, waving their French flag as they made their way down the ramp.

BISCHOFF: “I figured they’d be suitable, since I know that the French have no love lost for the British either. But that’s not all!”

Regal’s eyes widened as Bischoff’s grin seemed to achieve the impossible and grew wider.

BISCHOFF: “Because you see even though I said you’d be facing a ‘team’ of my choosing, I didn’t say how many people would be on this ‘team’! So without any further ado, your THIRD opponent for tonight’s match…”

“WEEEEEEEELLLLLLL……WELL IT’S THE BIG SHOW!”

This…isn’t good.

Eugene and William Regal vs. Sylvain Grenier, Rob Conway, and Big Show

3-on-2 Handicap Match

Almost before he knew what was what, Regal found himself being seriously pounded by a 500lb giant in the form of the Big Show. Show tossed Regal back and forth across the ring, choking him out with his boot, and generally giving him a hard time. Show took a moment to taunt Eugene before going for the pin – 1…2…but Regal kicked out.

Show threw Regal into his corner, and made the tag out to Sylvain Grenier. The Tag Team champion tried to keep the advantage, but he couldn’t dominate in quite the same way that the Big Show could, and Regal took the opportunity to fight back with some stiff European Uppercuts. A Neckbreaker later, he drilled Grenier into the mat with a Double Underhook Powerbomb, and went for the cover – 1…2…but Rob Conway ran in to break up the fall. The referee put Conway back into his corner, but while he did so Grenier hit Regal with a low blow! Grenier grinned cockily as he stood over the ‘crippled’ Regal, and taunted him by slapping him across the face. He kept making numerous tags in and out to his fellow Tag champion Conway, in order to utilise the two-on-one advantage as regularly as possible. However once when Conway went for a suplex, Regal reversed the move into an STO and managed to make the tag out to Eugene!

Eugene came in basically just stood in the middle of the ring, happily reversing every move that came against him. Conway tried for a running clothesline; Eugene hit him with an Arm Drag. Grenier ran in to interfere; Eugene flipped him up and over with a Monkey Toss, and so on. At one point Conway snuck up on him from behind, and grabbed him around the chest. However Eugene countered the hold, knocked Conway down onto the floor, and locked on the Regal Stretch!! Eugene was using Regal’s own submission hold on Conway! Conway was in great pain, but he was saved by a GIANT elbow drop onto Eugene’s back from the Big Show. Big Show then started beating mercilessly on Eugene – ignoring the referee’s threat of a disqualification. Regal ran in to try to help, but Big Show grabbed him by the neck and tossed him aside. He then picked Eugene up, and clasped him by the throat…signalling for the Chokeslam! But suddenly, in ran Shelton Benjamin with a steel chair! *SMACK* Chairshot to the back of the Big Show! *SMACK* Chairshot to Sylvain Grenier! Revenge for last week! The referee called for the disqualification!

WINNERS: Sylvain Grenier, Rob Conway, and Big Show, by DQ via interference

Match: 72

Crowd: 69

Overall: 70 (1.75 stars)

The bell had rung, but the fighting was still going on! Rob Conway went to attack Benjamin from behind, but Regal grabbed him and knocked him down with a stiff left hand (“the power of the punch!”). Shelton and Eugene then joined hands to double-clothesline Big Show over the top rope!! With the ring cleared of their opponents – Regal, Eugene and Benjamin welcomed the cheers of the crowd as the Big Show and La Resistance fumed their way back up the ramp.

Don’t let them get to your head

We were in a relatively empty section of the backstage area, with just one or two of the usual lackeys hanging about and doing their business. Then, in the distance, we could hear some very angry noises…

ORTON: “EDGE!! HARDY!! GET YOUR ASSES OUT HERE!!”

Randy Orton stormed down the corridor, looking like he was about ready to gut someone and have them for a family barbeque.

ORTON: “I KNOW YOU’RE STILL SOMEWHERE IN THIS BUILDING, COME ON OUT AND TAKE ME ON FACE TO FACE FOR ONCE!!”

Flair followed on behind him, quietly apologising to anyone they happened to pass for Orton’s disruptive behaviour.

FLAIR: “Randy…come on now, you’re not going to get anywhere from running around the building like this. Let’s go back to the suite and we’ll cook something up there, okay?”

Orton, however, wasn’t listening. He grabbed a random lackey and pinned him against the wall.

ORTON: “HAVE YOU SEEN EITHER OF THOSE SCUMBAGS COME THIS WAY?!?”

LACKEY: “N-n-no, M-mister Orton s-sir…”

Orton dropped him and continued on, still fuming. Flair finally managed to catch up with him, and put a hand on his shoulder.

FLAIR: “Come on Randy, we’ll get them back, you can betcha ass we will. But now we’ve gotta calm down a bit and think up a really good plan that’ll teach them for good. Whaddya say?”

Orton looked at Flair, and after a few seconds of silence…he strode off with purpose.

FLAIR: “Where are you going now?!”

ORTON: “I’m going to the ring!”

FLAIR: “The ring?! Hey, Randy, come on now. Stop it Randy. Randy??”

78

JR: “Well Randy Orton isn’t in the best of moods following what Edge and Matt Hardy did to him earlier tonight…and it looks like he’s on his way out here King!”

KING: “Good! Finally Randy can make Edge and Matt Hardy face up to what they have done! If no-one else will do the right thing, sometimes you have to take your own initiative, and that’s what Randy Orton’s doing tonight!”

JR: “Well I hope he knows what he’s doing King. I have the feeling that things can only get worse for Randy Orton tonight…”

A Giant in chains

RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff was sitting in his office, looking a lot less happy than he had done fifteen minutes ago. A knock came on his door.

BISCHOFF: “Come in!”

The door opened and in walked the Big Show!

BIG SHOW: “You wanted to see me?”

Bischoff got up out of his chair and stared Show right in the face.

BISCHOFF: “Yes I did Show, and you know why? Because you didn’t do what I ordered you to do, and that was beat the LIVING HELL out of Eugene! Sure, you won the match by DQ, but at the end of day what I saw was Eugene, William Regal and Shelton Benjamin standing tall in that ring. Now what do you have to say for yourself?!”

Big Show glared down at him.

BIG SHOW: “What do I have to say for myself? Let me remind you of something, Eric. Last year I left RAW for SmackDown because I wasn’t getting the title shots and main events that I deserved. I only came BACK on the condition that I would be in the main event scene again, but here I find myself taking part in some stupid handicap match. Quite frankly, if things don’t change, and change SOON, there are going to be some…very…serious…consequences.”

Big Show cracked his knuckles as he said this. However, despite being threatened by a 500lb man, Eric Bischoff was not intimated. He knew where he stood, and where he stood…had leverage.

BISCHOFF: “Oh really? Well let me remind YOU of something, Show. You’re lucky you have a job at all! I took you back after SmackDown had thrown you out onto the street, and I could damn well send you back there! Now I followed MY end of the deal last week, when I added you to the Number One Contendership match for the World Title. You couldn’t get the job done? That’s too bad! That isn’t MY fault, that’s YOUR fault Show! Now I suggest that if you want to be considered for a shot the next time an opportunity comes up, that you had better hold up YOUR end of the deal as well! And that means you do…whatever…I…say!”

Eric prodded his finger against Big Show’s chest as he said those last three words. Show clearly looked pissed off, but Eric continued.

BISCHOFF: “If I tell you to take part in a handicap match, you’ll do it! If I tell you to open up HEAT for me every Sunday night, you’ll do it! If I tell you to smile and kiss filthy little babies while signing autographs for bratty teenagers, you will do it Show! There’s nowhere else for you to go Show, this is all you’ve got! I’M all you’ve got! You’re going to have to be nice to me, or you’re going to have to start looking for another occupation! That’s the way it is Show - DEAL WITH IT!”

Show continued to glare at Bischoff. After a long silence, he spoke with barely restrained anger, and completely unrestrained sarcasm…

BIG SHOW: “Yes…BOSS.”

He then turned and left the office. Bischoff remained, even more smug than usual…

82

Big Show lost 1 point of overness for not chokeslamming Eric through his office desk when he had the chance (87 – 86)

JR: “Eric Bischoff has got the Big Show blackmailed! He’s got him wrapped around his little finger!”

KING: “Come on now JR, ‘blackmailed’ is a little harsh isn’t it? He’s just reminding Show to uphold their business agreement, which is for the Big Show to help Eric in whatever he wants.”

JR: “It’s damn close to extortion King! That Eric Bischoff certainly has a lot of nerve, forcing him to…oh great, what now?”

EEEVOLUTION!

The crowd jeered as a VERY angry Randy Orton headed towards the ring.

KING: “What do you mean ‘what now’? It’s Randy Orton! He said he was going to come out here, and here he is to grace us with his presence!”

JR: “Spare me.”

Orton roughly grabbed a microphone from an official sitting at ringside and entered the ring. He didn’t address the crowd – he didn’t even wait for them to quiet down. He had important issues that needed addressing.

ORTON: “Alright you two punks! Think you’re smart do you? Think you’re clever? Huh? Well if you’ve got any stones whatsoever, you’ll come out here and face me! Come on now, either one of you! Matt Hardy! Edge! Back up your actions and get the hell out here RIGHT NOW!”

Orton paced up and down the ring, but no response seemed to be forthcoming.

ORTON: “Come on! What’s wrong, huh?! Got a problem with looking me in my face? Hell, I’ll take you both on, just – “

Search for: matt hardy

Enter keyword: version 1.0

Connecting…10%...30%...70%...100%

OHHH YEEEAAAAAHH!!

Randy Orton’s words were answered as the Sensei of Mattitude Matt Hardy made his way down to the ring. He taunted Orton on his way down the ramp, but Orton leapt out of the ring and attacked him on the outside! They brawled, until Orton slammed Matt’s head into the steel stairs. He then rolled him into the ring…and we had a match!

Randy Orton vs. Matt Hardy Version 1.0

Orton kept going strong, forcing Matt into a corner and stomping a mudhole in him. He picked him up, and whipped him right back into the turnbuckle – at full velocity, causing Matt’s sternum to hit it with great impact. Orton had a lot of frustration to let out, and it looked like this could be his opportunity. However, his anger also kept him unfocused, because when he whipped Hardy against the ropes and bent down for the Monkey Flip, he did not anticipate the possibility of receiving a kick to the face instead. Matt took this mistake and ran with it, hitting Orton with a DDT, and then again with the Side Effect! Matt hooked the leg – 1…2…but Orton kicked out.

Hardy started putting the boots to Orton, and even knelt down to add a few punches to the head for good measure. He hit a quick Leg Drop across Orton’s neck and went for the cover again – but again Orton kicked out. Matt picked him up and put on a head lock, but Orton elbowed him to the gut to break his way out of it, and managed to scoop Hardy up into a Backbreaker. Here Orton resumed his furious assault, pounding into Matt’s head with left and right hands. Dragging Matt by the legs, he set up position in front of the turnbuckle and tossed Matt up and over so that his forehead hit the turnbuckle! As Matt staggered back, Orton gave him the finger, and went for the RKO…but Matt pushed him away. As Orton spun round, Matt grabbed him in another head lock. He threw the guns – “Ahhhhhhh!” – but Orton shoved him away before the Twist of Fate could be hit.

Suddenly, Edge ran into the ring. Orton backed off from seeing the doubled odds against him…but instead Edge hit Matt with a swift chop on the back of the head! Matt went down, and Orton looked on in shock as the referee called for the bell – it was a disqualification!”

WINNER: Matt Hardy Version 1.0, by DQ via interference

Match: 78

Crowd: 87

Overall: 84 (2.75 stars)

As Matt Hardy’s music played, Orton still stood there with a look of shock and confusion. But then suddenly Matt leapt back to his feet and grinned. Orton looked back and forth between Edge and Matt, both of whom had rather unnerving smirks on their faces…until they attacked him! Edge and Matt beat down on Orton, pummelling him into the mat – with Edge even hitting the Edgecution! Ric Flair came running down the ramp, but by the time he got to the ring Edge and Matt had already left. While Flair attended to Orton in the ring, Edge and Matt walked back up the ramp. When they could see that Orton was looking their way, they played out what they had just done, with Edge hitting Matt with a weak chop to the head – and Matt going down like he’d been shot! Matt got up and gave a little bow for his performance, and he and Edge did a high five just like they’d done earlier. They outsmarted Orton yet again!

JR: “Edge and Matt Hardy outsmart Evolution! Matt Hardy picks up another win over Randy Orton, thanks to a cunning plan between himself and Edge!”

KING: “That wasn’t a cunning plan! They cheated JR! Matt Hardy should have been the one disqualified!”

JR: “What, for taking a shot to the back of the head? They pulled one over Randy Orton King, plain and simple.”

KING: “Oh…it’s just not fair. Poor Randy, won’t anything go his way?”

Allies…for now

We were backstage to see Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho making the final preparations for their tag team match up next. Jericho finished tying up his last boot, and was ready to go. He tapped Benoit on the shoulder, and warned him half-jokingly:

JERICHO: “Hey, just remember that it’s not Unforgiven yet, so be sure to remember who your opponents are out there okay?”

Benoit turned and looked at him.

BENOIT: “Don’t worry about me, because my mission tonight is to do something, that I plan on doing again at Unforgiven – Triple H is going to tap…out.”

And with that, Benoit walked past Jericho and headed towards the ring. Jericho watched him go, and smirked, before following on behind him.

87

KING: “They can say what they want – I just can’t believe that Benoit and Jericho are going to be capable of working together tonight.”

JR: “They’re going to have to King if they want to beat Triple H and Batista. It’s our main event, and it’s next!”

(Commercial Break)

Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho vs. Triple H and Batista

The two representatives of Evolution made their way out first, not accompanied by their fellows (who, quite frankly, were busy with their own problems). Jericho and Benoit came out separately, and it was decided that Benoit would be starting out against Batista.

In your classic mismatch of power verses technical ability, both men had their ups and downs. Eventually Benoit’s mastery of wrestling seemed to have won through, as he went for a cover off a German Suplex but only managed to get the two count. He tagged out to Jericho, who continued the offence with some fast paced impact. Taking Batista down with the Bulldog, Jericho bounced off the ropes with the Lionsault – but Batista rolled out of the way, and Jericho hit the hard canvas! Batista tagged out to Triple H, and the World Heavyweight champion was quickly all over the fallen Jericho. Jericho did reverse an Irish whip, but couldn’t make anything more of it as Triple H countered with a Knee Smash to the forehead. He then landed a Spinebuster and went for the pin – 1…2…but Jericho got his shoulder up.

Leading Jericho back over to his corner, Triple H tagged in Batista and played his part in delivering a Double Suplex before exiting to the ring apron. Batista used his strength of Body Press Jericho, dropping him down onto the mat from eight feet in the air. He whipped Jericho into a neutral turnbuckle, and followed him in with a clothesline. He went for another one, but Jericho kicked him away with a boot to the face. Batista tried again, but Jericho moved out of the way, and Batista hit the turnbuckle sternum-first. Stumbling backwards, he was met with a Dropkick to the head that knocked him off his feet. Quickly getting back up, he swung at Jericho, but Jericho ducked and swept Batista’s legs out from underneath him…stepping over to lock in the Walls of Jericho!! Batista shook his head in pain and tried to reach for the ropes, but he couldn’t get near them. Jericho even took a couple of steps forward to make it even harder for him! Just as Batista looked like he might tap, Triple H ran in to hit Jericho on the back of the head and knock him out of the hold. The referee immediately came over to put Triple H back into his corner, as Jericho stumbled forward to make the tag…and Benoit was in! But no! The referee rushed over to hold him back – he had been so busy controlling Triple H that he hadn’t seen Jericho tag out! The crowd booed furiously as Batista and Triple H viciously double-teamed Jericho while the referee’s back was turned, putting them firmly back in control of the match. By the time the referee did turn round, Triple H was back on the apron and Batista made the calm tag out, bringing the World champion back in.

Triple H toyed with Jericho now, using slow, high impact moves to bring the pace of the match down to his level. He then locked on the Main Event Sleeper, and Jericho wilted under the hold. Triple H grinned cockily as he tightened his grip, and the referee held Jericho’s arm up once, twice…but Triple H’s smirk was wiped off his face as Jericho held his arm up on the third time of asking, and started fighting back with elbows to the gut! He forced Triple H to release the hold, and started delivering forearms to the champion at a furious pace! Backing Triple H into the ropes, he whipped him across the ring and took him down with a flying elbow on the rebound. In full swing now, Jericho seemed to be on his second wind of the match. He looked over to Benoit who was asking for the tag, but shook his head – he was on a roll. Besides, he was going to make a statement for Unforgiven by pinning the World Heavyweight champion! Jericho ascended to the top rope, and waited for Triple H to get to his feet before taking him back down again with a Missile Dropkick. Seeing that Triple H was in the suitable position, he decided to go for it again – Lionsault!! This time it connected!! Jericho made the cover – 1…2…no!!! Batista broke up the fall! Surely it would have been over then if it hadn’t been for Batista! As the referee returned Batista to his corner, started slowly crawling towards his corner – seems that now he *did* want to tag in Benoit after all. Just as he was almost in reach…he felt himself being grabbed by the ankle, as Triple H tried to hold him back. Jericho hopped back to his feet – or foot, since Triple H was still holding one of them – and leapt up with an Enzuiguri!! The sound of the sharp kick connecting with the back of Triple H’s head echoed throughout the arena as Jericho leapt to make the tag – and Benoit was in!!

Benoit was all fired up having been unable to enter the match for a while now, and he when straight to work on Triple H, who looked scared for his life! Benoit delivered a series of stiff chops right across the chest of the World champion, backing him into the corner. He then whipped him across into the opposite turnbuckle, causing Triple H to clatter painfully into it chest-first. Triple H staggered backwards from the impact, turning around into a Belly to Belly Suplex! And another! Triple H made a tired swing with his right hand, but Benoit ducked underneath it and came up behind him – German Suplex! His arms were still locked in – a second one! And the third!! Benoit was OWNING Triple H in the ring!

With Triple H down on the mat, Benoit drew his thumb across his neck – it was time to go up top! But before he could do so Batista ran in and speared him off his feet! This prompted Jericho to run in as well, and the match structure quickly broke down. Batista and Jericho continued to brawl, eventually sending each other over the top rope and out of the ring. Meanwhile, Triple H and Benoit - the legal men - were slowly getting to their feet. Triple H was slightly faster, and he reached over to grab Benoit…but suddenly found himself flipped off his feet and locked into the Crippler Crossface!! The crowd roared as Benoit reared back, putting even more pressure of Triple H’s neck. Elsewhere, Batista was climbing back into the ring and was about to go and break up the submission hold. Seeing this, Jericho quickly leapt to the top rope and launched himself at Batista with a Flying Crossbody – only for Batista to see him and move out of the way, causing Jericho to splash right on top of Benoit!! As Jericho held his ribs in pain from the awkward impact, Batista picked him up and tossed him back out of the ring, following him over. Benoit also struggled back to his feet, holding his back in pain from Jericho’s splash, and turned into a…Pedigree! Triple H with a Pedigree on Benoit!! Triple H hooked the leg – 1…2…3! It’s over! Evolution win the match!

WINNERS: Triple H and Batista, by pinfall (clean)

Match: 89

Crowd: 90

Overall: 89 (3.75 stars)

Triple H gained 1 point of overness for getting the pinfall on Benoit (94 – 95)

Batista gained 1 point of overness for looking very dangerous and growling a bit (73 – 74)

After Triple H and Batista posed in celebration for the crowd, they exited the ring just as Jericho ran back in to try for some revenge. Meanwhile Benoit got back up, and saw Jericho. He spun him around to face him and argued with him about what the hell just happened. Jericho argued back, and eventually all of this prompted Jericho to shove him, and Benoit shoved him back, and soon they were brawling! Officials filled the ring to try and pull them apart, as Triple H stood on the stage watching it all, and laughing…

OVERALL SHOW RATING: 81

TV Ratings: 5.92

Attendance: 7,546

Best Match: Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho vs. Triple H and Batista - 89

Worst Match: William Regal and Eugene vs. La Resistance and Big Show - 70

Best Segment: Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho prepare for their match - 87

Worst Segment: William Regal motivates Eugene for their match - 73

Edited August 6, 2004 by stokeriño

[D-Extreme]

That RAW was very solid man! The opening segment and the follow up main event was a good way to build up the Unforgiven PPV match between HHH/Jericho/Benoit.

The Hardy/Edge vs Flair and Orton feud is shaping up as well. For a while there I thought you gave Edge a heel turn and then...SWERVE!....you should have gotten this up before the nominations man...I could have nominated that segment. Oh well awards are just awards anyways. I cant wait to see Unforgiven, or maybe next RAW to see what develops in that build up for the Triple Threat matchup.

[kaplanir]

Face vs. face tension is a great way to hype a triple threat and you used that well in the opening segment. I'm sure the next show will see more of that tension following the main evnet.

[Olive the other Jiberdeer]

Ugh..

I'm now home, but am veeery sick. Thus is why I'm going to take a bit o' time with the Smackdown results.

*Falls over*

[thatshortguy]

Closed and moved to Archives.