Post by VinMan on Feb 25, 2010 1:22:43 GMT -5
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT
Monday Night Raw
(AIRDATE: FEBRUARY 02, 2004)
WWE logo appears on screen.
Footage is shown highlighting the Tag Team Title feud between Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard and Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.
“When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside…” The music of Hulk Hogan plays as he heads to the ring.
J.R.: The yellow and the red can signify only one thing and that’s the Immortal Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster is headed this way as we welcome you to Monday Night Raw. Hello everyone. I’m Jim Ross along with Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside and we are sold out here in State College, Pennsylvania on a night where the World Tag Team Titles will be decided in a rare two out of three fall contest.
Hulk Hogan is in the ring with microphone in hand.
Hogan: Listen up Hulkamaniacs. WrestleMania is right around the corner and after Smackdown we know that Edge is going to face Bret Hart for the WWE Title. That leaves Kurt Angle open to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against someone else. Oh and that someone else should be Hulk Hogan brother! Who better to face Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX….
The Miz comes out.
Miz: I’ll tell you who better. It’s me the Miz. That’s right. Don’t start making faces at me or waving your finger around. I have proven in a matter of weeks that I am going to be carrying this company for a very long time to come. I am going to be the face of the WWE. Hulk Hogan, you were the face of the WWE. You were the face of professional wrestling. But Hogan your face is pathetic. No one wants to see you anymore. You need to step aside and let the future of this business take his place in the main event and headline WrestleMania. No one has ever accomplished what I have in this short period of time and established themselves like this. I am going to be the first and only WWE Superstar to headline WrestleMania in under a three month window from debuting. You know why that is? I’ll tell you why. Because I’m the Miz!!!! And I’m Awesome!!
J.R.: I don’t know about you King, but the Miz has sure insinuated himself in real good since participating in his very first Royal Rumble just over a week ago. This Miz sure likes himself an awful lot.
King: The Miz may be overly cocky J.R., but I think stepping up to the plate instead of sitting back is just what he needs to get ahead.
“It’s all about the Game…” Triple H’s music plays and he heads down to the ring.
J.R.: Business has picked up as the Cerebral Assassin is now making his way to the ring.
Triple H: It’s hard to sit back in the locker room and listen to this nonsense when neither of you should be anywhere near the main event at WrestleMania. Hulk Hogan, no one can ever take away the fact that you are one of the most accomplished and recognizable Superstars in the history of this business. I’ll give you that. But Hulk come on now. You’ve headlined enough WrestleMania’s. Back when WrestleMania was new and you only had one or two coats of orange on your skin that was your time. Now it’s my time. It’s the Game’s time. I have been dominating this industry for a long time now and it’s time for me to get what’s mine… the World Heavyweight Championship. Miz on the other hand, you haven’t even gotten out of your diapers and into your big boy pants to be demanding a WrestleMania main event. So why don’t the two of you walk to the back and let…
“You can’t see me….” John Cena heads down to the ring.
King: By the time we find out who actually is getting a shot at Kurt Angle the entire locker room will have cleared out and it might be WrestleMania.
Cena: Let’s cut to the chase fellas. I want in on the WrestleMania World Title match and I don’t care what I have to do to get there. So if you guys want to make it interesting, I say you want some. Come get some!
Goldberg shows up next and he also comes to the ring.
J.R.: This is like an all-star get-together here on Monday Night Raw and we are only getting started.
Goldberg: I’ll make it real simple for everyone. I want the title shot and that means you’re all next!
Mr. Kennedy runs down the ramp and looks around. Stone Cold Steve Austin follows and nails Kennedy. Austin sends Kennedy into the ring. Triple H nails Kennedy. Miz takes a shot at Kennedy as well. Hogan gets in a shot and Kennedy gets scooped up by John Cena and he hit’s the FU. Kennedy slowly pulls himself up and Goldberg spears him. Kennedy falls back out of the ring and Austin grabs him and drags him away.
J.R.: Mr. Kennedy just got an all-star beating and now it’s the Texas Rattlesnake who is leading the loud mouth Green bay native away. Austin and Kennedy had an exchange at the Royal Rumble and Stone Cold is hell bent on getting him some of Mr. Kennedy.
Triple H delivers a spine buster to Cena. The Miz rolls out of the ring. Goldberg goes to spear Triple H, but he moves and Hogan gets nailed. Hogan rolls to the outside. Triple H goes for the Pedigree on Goldberg, but he back drops him and then clotheslines the Game to the outside. The Miz gets back into the ring with a chair and blasts Goldberg with it. Miz nails Goldberg with the Reality Check.
J.R.: What a wild way to kick things off here on Monday Night Raw. The Miz is somehow the only man standing as the Raw Superstars are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to face Kurt Angle for the World Title at WrestleMania. Don’t go away!
-Commercial Break-
A limousine pulls up and out steps Nature Boy Ric Flair.
J.R.: Ric Flair has arrived. One would assume Flair will address the challenge made by Chris Jericho last week here on Raw.
King: Ric Flair is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, but will he accept Jericho’s challenge?
J.R.: Time will tell as we head back to the ring as Chris Masters, drafted from Smackdown is about to take on newcomer Colin Delaney in his second ever match.
CHRIS MASTERS VS. COLIN DELANEY
Masters shoves Delaney down to the canvas out of a lock up as Masters’ manager Simon Dean looks on. Delaney gets to his feet and Masters sends him down again. Masters beals Delaney across the ring.
King: So far Delaney is not faring any better than he did against the Game last week in his first outing.
J.R.: I admire the heart and determination of this youngster, but he does give up considerable size and experience to the Masterpiece.
Masters charges in and Delaney moves. Delaney delivers an arm drag. He nails Masters with a dropkick and goes to the ropes, but Masters connects with a huge clothesline. Masters drops a knee and then slams Delaney down. Masters delivers a suplex and makes the cover, but Delaney kicks out at two. Chris Masters gets set for the Masterlock, but Delaney rolls him forward for a near fall. Delaney goes to the ropes. He ducks under, but gets caught in a power slam. Masters launches Delaney in the air and drops him across the top rope and then hooks on the Masterlock. Delaney taps out.
Winner: Chris Masters by submission.
J.R.: Well week two is no improvement for Colin Delaney as he tries valiantly, but fails to go over on Chris Masters who is successful on his first night here on Monday Night Raw.
Gene Okerlund is backstage with Eric Bischoff.
Gene: I am here with the General Manager of Monday Night Raw, Mr. Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff: Gene, it’s obvious from the opening of Raw tonight that everyone is looking for that golden ticket to face Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Well after what went down earlier I would first like to announce that later tonight we are going to have a match between the very outspoken and brash the Miz and his opponent will be Goldberg! As far as the World Title is concerned, right here next week we will see a Six Pack Challenge to determine just who will face Kurt Angle at WrestleMania. Featured in that match will be Goldberg, the Miz, John Cena, Triple H, and Hulk Hogan.
Bischoff turns and walks away.
Gene: Wait, Eric Bischoff… Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, it seems we are missing one name as it relates to that Six Pack Challenge for next week.
J.R.: Not sure why Eric Bischoff would forget the sixth participant, but what a huge match next week to determine the number one contender for the World Title at WrestleMania.
King: Speaking of titles, do you know what’s next?
J.R.: I most certainly do King. The World Tag Team Titles will be on the line in a two out of three fall contest. It’s Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard defending against Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. It’s a huge tag team title match and it’s next!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Slam of the Week: Footage shows the conclusion of last week’s match between Haas & Benjamin and Anderson & Blanchard.
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (2/3 FALLS)
ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD © VS. SHELTON BENJAMIN & CHARLIE HAAS
Blanchard and Haas start the match. Haas applies the headlock. Blanchard goes behind and takes Haas to the mat. Blanchard applies the front face lock. Haas gets free, but Blanchard gets the headlock applied. Haas sends him in. Tully knocks him down with a hard tackle and makes the cover for a one count. Blanchard goes back to the headlock. Haas sends him in. Tully knocks him down again. Tully misses an elbow and Haas takes him over with a hiplock, but misses an elbow. Tully uses an Oklahoma Roll for a near fall. Tully takes Haas to the corner and tags in Arn Anderson. Tully and Arn send Haas in and nail him with a double elbow. Anderson continues to work on Haas. He snap mares him over and applies a chinlock. Haas gets up and backs Arn to the corner. Haas misses a shot and Arn nails him. Arn sends him in and connects with a power slam for a near fall.
J.R.: Arn Anderson delivers one heck of a power slam, but Haas makes it clear that he’s not done just yet.
King: He will be done if he doesn’t make a tag to Benjamin soon.
Anderson pounds on Haas. Haas fires back. Haas finally gets to his corner and tags Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin nails Arn. He sends him in, but Arn reverses. Benjamin ducks and delivers a clothesline. Benjamin hit’s a second clothesline and then nails Anderson with a dropkick for a two count. Benjamin fires away with forearm shots and goes for a side Russian leg sweep, but Anderson elbows out and delivers a back suplex. Benjamin tags Haas back in. Anderson heads for his corner, but Haas nails Tully on the apron. Haas goes for a suplex on Anderson, but he blocks it and delivers his own suplex. Anderson tags Tully in. Tully nails Haas and sends him in for a clothesline. Blanchard delivers a dropkick and then rams Haas into the turnbuckle. Blanchard chops Haas and delivers a back breaker for a near fall.
J.R.: These two teams are putting forth their best effort to obtain a lead in this two out of three fall contest. You don’t want to be down a fall and have to come back to win two straight.
Blanchard elbows the back of the neck on Haas and then delivers the sling shot suplex. Blanchard makes the cover, but Benjamin comes in for the save. Tully delivers a knee lift to Haas and then sends him into the corner. Arn nails Haas with his boot and Tully tags Anderson in. Anderson rams Haas into the buckle and then sends him in. Haas gets a foot up, but Arn blocks it and then plants Charlie with a spinebuster He makes the cover, but Benjamin saves again.
King: Shelton keeps saving Charlie Haas, but how long can he keep it up.
Arn Anderson clotheslines Benjamin out of the ring. The referee tries to keep Benjamin from coming back in. Anderson sets up Haas and Blanchard comes off the top delivering the spike piledriver on Haas. Anderson makes the cover and the referee makes the count to three.
1st Fall Winner: Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard.
J.R.: Anderson and Blanchard capitalize on Benjamin’s distraction of the referee for a spike piledriver and the Tag Team Champions are in control picking up the first fall. Benjamin and Haas will have to play catch up now.
The second fall beings and Anderson quickly plants Haas with a side slam. Anderson has the cover, but Benjamin again stops the count. Benjamin pounds on Anderson. Arn sends Benjamin into the corner and he bounces back and their two heads crack together.
King: That’s going to cause a couple of Excedrin headaches.
Charlie Haas rolls up Arn Anderson from behind, but only gets two. Haas officially tags Benjamin in. Benjamin pounds on Arn and kicks and stomps him. Benjamin delivers an inverted side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Benjamin lands a leg drop. Benjamin sends Anderson in. Arn reverses and Benjamin ducks under and then connects with a heel kick. Benjamin goes for a DDT, but Arn lifts him up into the corner. Arn moves in, but Benjamin moves and delivers an inverted back breaker. Benjamin leaps up top and comes off with a cross body for a near fall.
J.R.: Shelton Benjamin is showing his tremendous ability hear as he takes control over Double A Arn Anderson.
Benjamin tags Haas back in. Haas sets Anderson up on the top rope. Benjamin leaps over his partner dropping down on Anderson. Haas and Benjamin hit a double suplex on Arn. Haas covers Arn and gets a near fall. He slams Anderson and then goes up top. Haas comes off the top, but Anderson catches him with a big boot. Anderson tags Blanchard back in. Blanchard elbows Haas and scoops him up. Haas slips out and pushes Blanchard in. Benjamin hooks Tully and snaps him off the rope. Hass delivers a German suplex with a bridge and gets a three count.
J.R.: And with that this two out of three fall contest has been evened up and now we are back to square one.
2nd Fall Winner: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin.
Haas kicks, but misses an elbow. He misses another elbow. Blanchard chops and sends him in. Haas reverses. Blanchard connects with a sunset flip for a near fall. Blanchard goes to the ropes, but gets nailed by Benjamin from the outside. Charlie Haas knees Tully and tags in Shelton. The two deliver a double gut buster on Tully. Benjamin makes the cover, but Arn Anderson makes the save. Blanchard and Benjamin exchange blows into the corner. Benjamin hooks Tully and plants him with a DDT. He makes the cover, but Anderson comes in for the save again.
King: Tully Blanchard needs to get out of there.
Shelton Benjamin slams Tully and then delivers a springboard into a bulldog. Arn Anderson comes in and delivers a spine buster to Shelton. Haas comes in and dumps Anderson out of the ring. Tully dropkicks Haas to the outside. Blanchard goes up to the top turnbuckle. Sharmell comes out and gets the attention of the referee. Tully meanwhile hit’s a cross body off the top onto Benjamin and has the cover, but the ref is tied up. Booker T. runs in and drills Blanchard with the scissors kick. Benjamin rolls over onto Blanchard. The referee gets back to position and counts to three.
3rd Fall Winner: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin.
J.R.: Thanks to the interference from Booker T. and Sharmell we now have new World Tag Team Champions. Haas and Benjamin have recaptured the gold here with a very big assist from the United States Champion and his bride.
King: What do you suppose brought Booker T. and Sharmell out here?
J.R.: I don’t know the motivation, but hopefully we will get to the bottom of this.
On Sunday March 14 join the WWE Superstars on their quest to become part of history at the showcase of the immortals. It’s WrestleMania XX where it all begins again. Be a part of this spectacular event as it happens live from Madison Square Garden in New York City exclusively on pay per view.
-Commercial Break-
Mean Gene Okerlund is outside of Ric Flair’s dressing room. Gene knocks on the door. He knocks again. Gene tries the door and it opens and he finds Flair laying on the ground. Gene calls for help.
J.R.: The Nature Boy Ric Flair has been knocked out cold and you can only wonder who or what was the cause of this. We have a lot of questions to be answered here on Monday Night Raw. Right now however the Women’s Champion is in action in a non-title match.
NON-TITLE MATCH
VICTORIA © VS. TRISH STRATUS
Victoria kicks Trish as she takes off her ring attire. Victoria nails Trish with a forearm and the bell finally sounds. Victoria kicks Trish and then kicks her under the rope to the outside.
[i]J.R.: Victoria goes to work on Trish right away before the match even officially started. Now the Divas are out here in front of us.
King: I don’t mind if they get up close and personal with me J.R.[/i]
Victoria nails Trish and then drives her into the ring apron. Victoria rams Trish into the announce table. Trish elbows Victoria and rams her into the announce table as the referee has a count going. Trish hooks Victoria and plants her with Stratisfaction on the floor. The referee gets to a ten count as Trish rolls back in, but not in time.
J.R.: Well Victoria’s early attack on Trish has now backfired on the Women’s Champion, but both women have been counted out. We certainly have not heard the last between these two Divas.
King: Let’s hope for more of these Divas sooner than later.
J.R.: King, I’m told that Ric Flair is back on his feet and Gene Okerlund is standing by with the Nature Boy.
Gene: Ric Flair, first off are you okay and what happened?
Flair: Mean Gene, I’ve taken plenty of shots over the years, but this was a case of your new World Tag Team Champions Haas and Benjamin coming in here with an unprovoked two-on-one attack. I don’t know what’s on their mind, but I’ll be damned if I don’t have a response. Haas and Benjamin. The two of you want to take on the Nature Boy, well come on. Next week step into the ring I’ll bring the fight right to you. Wooooooooooo!
J.R.: Ric Flair has issued a challenge to the new World Tag Team Champions for next week. I hope Flair has thought this through. I also hope the Miz has thought things through, because he will face off against Goldberg still to come tonight on Raw!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Rewind: Footage shows Kane returning to Raw last week.
KANE VS. DOUG BASHAM
J.R.: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw. We are set for action as Doug Basham is set for singles action against the Big Red Machine Kane. Kane of course made his return last Monday to Raw looking to extract some vengeance against Muhammad Hassan, but Hassan escaped, at least temporarily.
King: If I was Muhammad Hassan, I would hire a security detail to keep Kane away from me.
Kane nails Basham. He nails him again and sends him into the turnbuckle. Kane whips Basham across the ring and follows in with a clothesline. Kane delivers a side slam and then goes all the way to the top rope. Kane comes off with a big clothesline.
J.R.: Kane hasn’t missed a beat here in the early going of this contest. Kane has been out of action for the last five or six months. Summer Slam was the last time we saw the Big Red Machine in action.
Kane gets set for the choke slam, but Basham elbows out. Basham goes to the ropes, but Kane catches him with a big boot. Kane elbows Basham and then drills him with a power slam. Kane delivers hard shots to Doug and then chokes him across the rope. Muhammad Hassan shows up in the entrance way. Kane sends Basham to the ropes. Basham hooks the ropes and rolls out as Kane gets a glimpse of Hassan.
J.R.: Muhammad Hassan is out here provoking Kane and I don’t know how wise that is. Meanwhile Basham is regrouping on the outside.
Basham rolls back into the ring He dropkicks Kane in the leg. Basham stomps on Kane and then sends him in, but Kane reverses. Basham ducks, but Kane clotheslines him. Kane hits another and then sends Basham in. Kane clotheslines him one more time and then scoops him up and spins him around, but Basham turns it into a DDT.
J.R.: Wait a second King. That Basham in the ring, that isn’t Doug Basham. That’s Danny Basham. I think they switched when Hassan had Kane distracted.
King: I think you’re right J.R. Well the Bashams have pulled one over here because the referee doesn’t seem to have a clue.
Basham goes up to the top rope. He jumps off, but Kane catches him with a hand around the throat. Kane plants Basham with a choke slam and then covers him for the three count.
Winner: Kane
Kane turns his attention to Hassan and goes to chase after him as Hassan takes off for the back.
J.R.: Well Kane picks up the win here against not one, but two Basham Brothers after the switcheroo, but Kane has turned his attention back to Hassan who better have a good hiding place.
King: I think the Miz may also need a hiding place, because up next he’s going one-on-one with Goldberg.
J.R.: That’s a huge match and still to come our big main event as Booker T. defends the United States Championship against Rey Mysterio. Don’t go away!
-Commercial Break-
A graphic on the screen saying “next week” shows five of the six challengers in the Six Pack Challenge.
J.R.: Oh what a main event we have for you next week here on Monday Night Raw. It will be a Six Pack Challenge to determine who faces Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. We know that Goldberg, the Miz, Hulk Hogan, Triple H, and John Cena will all be involved, but who will be the sixth participant?
King: I don’t know the answer to that J.R., but I do know that also next week we are going to have a WWE Women’s Title match as Victoria defends against Trish Stratus.
J.R.: Big things are happening on the Road to WrestleMania.
GOLDBERG VS. THE MIZ
Goldberg is on the ring apron. Miz tries to nail him. Goldberg nails Miz and then clotheslines him. Goldberg gets into the ring as the bell sounds. Goldberg pounds on Miz and rams him into the turnbuckle. He sends Miz in and connects with a big clothesline.
J.R.: Maybe the Miz bit off more than he can chew by getting himself into this predicament.
Goldberg lifts Miz up, but Miz slips out and pushes Goldberg in. Goldberg hooks the ropes and then clotheslines the Miz out of the ring. Goldberg goes out and nails the Miz and then lifts him up once more, but again Miz gets free and pushes Goldberg into the ring post. Miz rolls back into the ring and then nails Goldberg with a baseball slide back out. Miz rams Goldberg into the ring apron. He does it again. Miz pushes Goldberg back into the ring.
King: The Miz has turned it around J.R. Don’t underestimate the Miz.
Miz climbs to the top rope. He comes off, but Goldberg catches him. Goldberg presses Miz above his head and then turns it into a power slam. Goldberg makes the cover, but Miz gets a shoulder up. Goldberg elbows Miz and then hiplocks him over. Goldberg drops the leg across the arm. He plants his knee in and then forearms the Miz. Goldberg sends in the Miz. Miz kicks Goldberg, but Goldberg doesn’t budge and he clotheslines the Miz. Goldberg hangs up the Miz in the corner. Goldberg charges in, but Miz pulls himself up and then hooks a sunset flip for a near fall. Goldberg charges at Miz again, but he pulls the rope down and Goldberg goes out to the floor. Miz delivers a double axe handle to Goldberg off the apron. He sends Goldberg into the ring steps.
J.R.: I have to admit that the Miz is giving Goldberg a lot more trouble than I expected.
Miz pushes Goldberg back into the ring. Miz comes off the top, but misses a big leg drop. Goldberg drills Miz into the corner. Goldberg whips him across. He whips him across to the other side. Goldberg delivers a power slam. He sets up for the Jackhammer, but Miz delivers a thumb to the eye. Miz nails Goldberg. He sends him in, but Goldberg reverses. Goldberg drops down. Goldberg leap frogs the Miz and then blasts him with the spear.
King: That may be lights out for the Miz.
Goldberg gets Miz up and plants him with the Jackhammer. Goldberg covers the Miz, but Hulk Hogan shows up to ringside and pulls Miz’s foot onto the rope.
J.R.: Hulk Hogan just saved the Miz from certain defeat. Hogan was speared, inadvertently I do believe earlier tonight by Goldberg.
Goldberg argues with Hogan. Miz rolls up Goldberg from behind grabbing a handful of tights and gets a three count.
Winner: The Miz
J.R.: Can you believe this? The Miz has just picked up a huge victory over Goldberg. This is unbelievable.
King: The Miz is making history in short order here in the WWE.
J.R.: Well let’s see if Rey Mysterio can make history tonight. Can he defeat Booker T. to become the United States Champion? It’s our main event and it is next!
-Commercial Break-
A video package highlights the history between Rey Mysterio and Booker T.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
BOOKER T. © VS. REY MYSTERIO
Rey tries to go after Booker, but he backs off into the ropes. The referee has to hold Rey back. Booker T. comes at Rey, but he arm drags him over. Booker T. slides out of the ring.
J.R.: Booker T. heads for the high ground right away sensing trouble from Rey Mysterio.
Booker returns to the ring. They lock up. Booker applies the head lock. Rey goes to send Booker in, but he holds on. Rey pushes Booker off this time to the ropes. Booker knocks down Rey and goes to the ropes. Rey ducks under and then leap frogs over and takes Booker down with a drop toe hold. Rey gets ready for the 619, but Sharmell reaches in. Rey stops before he gets caught, but Booker rolls out of the ring.
J.R.: Once again Booker T. leaves the ring. That’s some Champion.
King: You don’t have to like his tactics J.R., but they are effective in that Booker T. is keeping Rey from connecting with the 619.
Rey Mysterio dives out of the ring onto Booker T. Rey slides back into the ring. Booker T. pulls himself up onto the ring apron. Rey springs off of the corner turnbuckle and hooks Booker with a head scissors back into the ring. Rey makes the cover, but Booker quickly kicks out. Rey pounds on Booker. Booker fires back. Booker sends him in. Rey ducks and hit’s a springboard cross body for a near fall. Rey punches and kicks Booker in the corner. Rey chops Booker. Booker kicks Rey, but Rey then nails Booker with a heel kick and a low dropkick for a near fall. Rey pounds on Booker. He sends him in. Booker reverses. Booker goes to kick Rey, but he catches his leg and spins him around and rolls him up for a near fall. Booker dropkicks Mysterio.
J.R.: Rey had control over the U.S. Champion, but Booker nails Rey with a dropkick and takes control back.
Booker nails Rey with hard shots. He chops Rey and sends him in. Booker connects with a clothesline. He plants a knee and then gets a two count. Booker runs Rey into the corner. Booker delivers a back suplex for a two count. Booker drops elbows on Mysterio. He goes for the Book End, but Rey kicks off the ropes and takes Booker over. Booker comes back with a heel kick and then nails Rey with hard shots to the lower back. Booker plants Rey with a side slam, but he kicks out. Booker hangs Rey up in the corner on the ropes. Booker goes for a scissors kick, but Rey pulls up and back. Rey shoulders into Booker and flips over him back into the ring. Booker kicks Rey in the face. Booker makes the cover, but Rey gets a shoulder up.
King: Oh what a huge boot to the face by Booker T. That will rearrange your face even if you are wearing a mask.
J.R.: Once again Rey tried to shift things into his favor, but Booker comes right back and returns to the drivers seat.
Booker pounds on Rey. He rams him face first into the mat. Booker slams Rey and goes up top. Booker delivers a missile dropkick and gets a near fall. Booker knees Mysterio. He sling shots him under the bottom rope and gets another near fall.
King: Rey is resilient. I’ll give him that.
Booker whips Rey into the corner. He lifts him up top. Booker pounds on Rey and then climb sup and delivers a superplex. Booker drops the leg and makes the cover, but Rey kicks out again. Booker kicks Rey and goes for the scissors kick once again, but Rey ducks and delivers a huracanrana. Booker charges at Rey, but misses into the corner. Rey plants Booker with a bulldog and then connects with the seated senton for a near fall. Rey hits an enzugiri and then goes to the top. Rey delivers a big splash. He makes the cover, but Booker gets a shoulder up.
J.R.: That was close, but Booker somehow kicks out.
Rey and Booker exchange blows. Booker sends him in, but Rey reverses. Booker connects with a sunset flip, but Rey rolls through and kicks Booker in the face. Booker comes after Rey, but he takes him down and Booker falls into the ropes. Rey goes for the 619 and connects. Rey goes for the West Coast Pop, but Sharmell reaches into the ring. Rey avoids her and drops a leg on Booker T. The referee is warning Sharmell about her actions. Rey has Booker covered, but Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin show up. Benjamin nails Rey with a tag title belt. Booker picks up Rey and plants him with the Book End. Booker makes the cover and gets the three count as Haas and Benjamin walk away.
Winner: Booker T.
J.R.: Rey Mysterio had the U.S. Title won here, but between Sharmell’s interference and an assist from our new World Tag Team Champions it is Booker T. who comes out still holding the United States Title. There has to be some collusion between Booker T. and the Tag Champs after what has transpired here tonight. I hope we can get to the bottom of it. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for joining us here on Monday Night Raw. We will see you next week for the 6 Pack Challenge. Good night everyone!
Monday Night Raw
(AIRDATE: FEBRUARY 02, 2004)
WWE logo appears on screen.
Footage is shown highlighting the Tag Team Title feud between Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard and Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.
“When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside…” The music of Hulk Hogan plays as he heads to the ring.
J.R.: The yellow and the red can signify only one thing and that’s the Immortal Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster is headed this way as we welcome you to Monday Night Raw. Hello everyone. I’m Jim Ross along with Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside and we are sold out here in State College, Pennsylvania on a night where the World Tag Team Titles will be decided in a rare two out of three fall contest.
Hulk Hogan is in the ring with microphone in hand.
Hogan: Listen up Hulkamaniacs. WrestleMania is right around the corner and after Smackdown we know that Edge is going to face Bret Hart for the WWE Title. That leaves Kurt Angle open to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against someone else. Oh and that someone else should be Hulk Hogan brother! Who better to face Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX….
The Miz comes out.
Miz: I’ll tell you who better. It’s me the Miz. That’s right. Don’t start making faces at me or waving your finger around. I have proven in a matter of weeks that I am going to be carrying this company for a very long time to come. I am going to be the face of the WWE. Hulk Hogan, you were the face of the WWE. You were the face of professional wrestling. But Hogan your face is pathetic. No one wants to see you anymore. You need to step aside and let the future of this business take his place in the main event and headline WrestleMania. No one has ever accomplished what I have in this short period of time and established themselves like this. I am going to be the first and only WWE Superstar to headline WrestleMania in under a three month window from debuting. You know why that is? I’ll tell you why. Because I’m the Miz!!!! And I’m Awesome!!
J.R.: I don’t know about you King, but the Miz has sure insinuated himself in real good since participating in his very first Royal Rumble just over a week ago. This Miz sure likes himself an awful lot.
King: The Miz may be overly cocky J.R., but I think stepping up to the plate instead of sitting back is just what he needs to get ahead.
“It’s all about the Game…” Triple H’s music plays and he heads down to the ring.
J.R.: Business has picked up as the Cerebral Assassin is now making his way to the ring.
Triple H: It’s hard to sit back in the locker room and listen to this nonsense when neither of you should be anywhere near the main event at WrestleMania. Hulk Hogan, no one can ever take away the fact that you are one of the most accomplished and recognizable Superstars in the history of this business. I’ll give you that. But Hulk come on now. You’ve headlined enough WrestleMania’s. Back when WrestleMania was new and you only had one or two coats of orange on your skin that was your time. Now it’s my time. It’s the Game’s time. I have been dominating this industry for a long time now and it’s time for me to get what’s mine… the World Heavyweight Championship. Miz on the other hand, you haven’t even gotten out of your diapers and into your big boy pants to be demanding a WrestleMania main event. So why don’t the two of you walk to the back and let…
“You can’t see me….” John Cena heads down to the ring.
King: By the time we find out who actually is getting a shot at Kurt Angle the entire locker room will have cleared out and it might be WrestleMania.
Cena: Let’s cut to the chase fellas. I want in on the WrestleMania World Title match and I don’t care what I have to do to get there. So if you guys want to make it interesting, I say you want some. Come get some!
Goldberg shows up next and he also comes to the ring.
J.R.: This is like an all-star get-together here on Monday Night Raw and we are only getting started.
Goldberg: I’ll make it real simple for everyone. I want the title shot and that means you’re all next!
Mr. Kennedy runs down the ramp and looks around. Stone Cold Steve Austin follows and nails Kennedy. Austin sends Kennedy into the ring. Triple H nails Kennedy. Miz takes a shot at Kennedy as well. Hogan gets in a shot and Kennedy gets scooped up by John Cena and he hit’s the FU. Kennedy slowly pulls himself up and Goldberg spears him. Kennedy falls back out of the ring and Austin grabs him and drags him away.
J.R.: Mr. Kennedy just got an all-star beating and now it’s the Texas Rattlesnake who is leading the loud mouth Green bay native away. Austin and Kennedy had an exchange at the Royal Rumble and Stone Cold is hell bent on getting him some of Mr. Kennedy.
Triple H delivers a spine buster to Cena. The Miz rolls out of the ring. Goldberg goes to spear Triple H, but he moves and Hogan gets nailed. Hogan rolls to the outside. Triple H goes for the Pedigree on Goldberg, but he back drops him and then clotheslines the Game to the outside. The Miz gets back into the ring with a chair and blasts Goldberg with it. Miz nails Goldberg with the Reality Check.
J.R.: What a wild way to kick things off here on Monday Night Raw. The Miz is somehow the only man standing as the Raw Superstars are anxiously awaiting an opportunity to face Kurt Angle for the World Title at WrestleMania. Don’t go away!
-Commercial Break-
A limousine pulls up and out steps Nature Boy Ric Flair.
J.R.: Ric Flair has arrived. One would assume Flair will address the challenge made by Chris Jericho last week here on Raw.
King: Ric Flair is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, but will he accept Jericho’s challenge?
J.R.: Time will tell as we head back to the ring as Chris Masters, drafted from Smackdown is about to take on newcomer Colin Delaney in his second ever match.
CHRIS MASTERS VS. COLIN DELANEY
Masters shoves Delaney down to the canvas out of a lock up as Masters’ manager Simon Dean looks on. Delaney gets to his feet and Masters sends him down again. Masters beals Delaney across the ring.
King: So far Delaney is not faring any better than he did against the Game last week in his first outing.
J.R.: I admire the heart and determination of this youngster, but he does give up considerable size and experience to the Masterpiece.
Masters charges in and Delaney moves. Delaney delivers an arm drag. He nails Masters with a dropkick and goes to the ropes, but Masters connects with a huge clothesline. Masters drops a knee and then slams Delaney down. Masters delivers a suplex and makes the cover, but Delaney kicks out at two. Chris Masters gets set for the Masterlock, but Delaney rolls him forward for a near fall. Delaney goes to the ropes. He ducks under, but gets caught in a power slam. Masters launches Delaney in the air and drops him across the top rope and then hooks on the Masterlock. Delaney taps out.
Winner: Chris Masters by submission.
J.R.: Well week two is no improvement for Colin Delaney as he tries valiantly, but fails to go over on Chris Masters who is successful on his first night here on Monday Night Raw.
Gene Okerlund is backstage with Eric Bischoff.
Gene: I am here with the General Manager of Monday Night Raw, Mr. Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff: Gene, it’s obvious from the opening of Raw tonight that everyone is looking for that golden ticket to face Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Well after what went down earlier I would first like to announce that later tonight we are going to have a match between the very outspoken and brash the Miz and his opponent will be Goldberg! As far as the World Title is concerned, right here next week we will see a Six Pack Challenge to determine just who will face Kurt Angle at WrestleMania. Featured in that match will be Goldberg, the Miz, John Cena, Triple H, and Hulk Hogan.
Bischoff turns and walks away.
Gene: Wait, Eric Bischoff… Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, it seems we are missing one name as it relates to that Six Pack Challenge for next week.
J.R.: Not sure why Eric Bischoff would forget the sixth participant, but what a huge match next week to determine the number one contender for the World Title at WrestleMania.
King: Speaking of titles, do you know what’s next?
J.R.: I most certainly do King. The World Tag Team Titles will be on the line in a two out of three fall contest. It’s Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard defending against Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. It’s a huge tag team title match and it’s next!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Slam of the Week: Footage shows the conclusion of last week’s match between Haas & Benjamin and Anderson & Blanchard.
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (2/3 FALLS)
ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD © VS. SHELTON BENJAMIN & CHARLIE HAAS
Blanchard and Haas start the match. Haas applies the headlock. Blanchard goes behind and takes Haas to the mat. Blanchard applies the front face lock. Haas gets free, but Blanchard gets the headlock applied. Haas sends him in. Tully knocks him down with a hard tackle and makes the cover for a one count. Blanchard goes back to the headlock. Haas sends him in. Tully knocks him down again. Tully misses an elbow and Haas takes him over with a hiplock, but misses an elbow. Tully uses an Oklahoma Roll for a near fall. Tully takes Haas to the corner and tags in Arn Anderson. Tully and Arn send Haas in and nail him with a double elbow. Anderson continues to work on Haas. He snap mares him over and applies a chinlock. Haas gets up and backs Arn to the corner. Haas misses a shot and Arn nails him. Arn sends him in and connects with a power slam for a near fall.
J.R.: Arn Anderson delivers one heck of a power slam, but Haas makes it clear that he’s not done just yet.
King: He will be done if he doesn’t make a tag to Benjamin soon.
Anderson pounds on Haas. Haas fires back. Haas finally gets to his corner and tags Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin nails Arn. He sends him in, but Arn reverses. Benjamin ducks and delivers a clothesline. Benjamin hit’s a second clothesline and then nails Anderson with a dropkick for a two count. Benjamin fires away with forearm shots and goes for a side Russian leg sweep, but Anderson elbows out and delivers a back suplex. Benjamin tags Haas back in. Anderson heads for his corner, but Haas nails Tully on the apron. Haas goes for a suplex on Anderson, but he blocks it and delivers his own suplex. Anderson tags Tully in. Tully nails Haas and sends him in for a clothesline. Blanchard delivers a dropkick and then rams Haas into the turnbuckle. Blanchard chops Haas and delivers a back breaker for a near fall.
J.R.: These two teams are putting forth their best effort to obtain a lead in this two out of three fall contest. You don’t want to be down a fall and have to come back to win two straight.
Blanchard elbows the back of the neck on Haas and then delivers the sling shot suplex. Blanchard makes the cover, but Benjamin comes in for the save. Tully delivers a knee lift to Haas and then sends him into the corner. Arn nails Haas with his boot and Tully tags Anderson in. Anderson rams Haas into the buckle and then sends him in. Haas gets a foot up, but Arn blocks it and then plants Charlie with a spinebuster He makes the cover, but Benjamin saves again.
King: Shelton keeps saving Charlie Haas, but how long can he keep it up.
Arn Anderson clotheslines Benjamin out of the ring. The referee tries to keep Benjamin from coming back in. Anderson sets up Haas and Blanchard comes off the top delivering the spike piledriver on Haas. Anderson makes the cover and the referee makes the count to three.
1st Fall Winner: Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard.
J.R.: Anderson and Blanchard capitalize on Benjamin’s distraction of the referee for a spike piledriver and the Tag Team Champions are in control picking up the first fall. Benjamin and Haas will have to play catch up now.
The second fall beings and Anderson quickly plants Haas with a side slam. Anderson has the cover, but Benjamin again stops the count. Benjamin pounds on Anderson. Arn sends Benjamin into the corner and he bounces back and their two heads crack together.
King: That’s going to cause a couple of Excedrin headaches.
Charlie Haas rolls up Arn Anderson from behind, but only gets two. Haas officially tags Benjamin in. Benjamin pounds on Arn and kicks and stomps him. Benjamin delivers an inverted side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Benjamin lands a leg drop. Benjamin sends Anderson in. Arn reverses and Benjamin ducks under and then connects with a heel kick. Benjamin goes for a DDT, but Arn lifts him up into the corner. Arn moves in, but Benjamin moves and delivers an inverted back breaker. Benjamin leaps up top and comes off with a cross body for a near fall.
J.R.: Shelton Benjamin is showing his tremendous ability hear as he takes control over Double A Arn Anderson.
Benjamin tags Haas back in. Haas sets Anderson up on the top rope. Benjamin leaps over his partner dropping down on Anderson. Haas and Benjamin hit a double suplex on Arn. Haas covers Arn and gets a near fall. He slams Anderson and then goes up top. Haas comes off the top, but Anderson catches him with a big boot. Anderson tags Blanchard back in. Blanchard elbows Haas and scoops him up. Haas slips out and pushes Blanchard in. Benjamin hooks Tully and snaps him off the rope. Hass delivers a German suplex with a bridge and gets a three count.
J.R.: And with that this two out of three fall contest has been evened up and now we are back to square one.
2nd Fall Winner: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin.
Haas kicks, but misses an elbow. He misses another elbow. Blanchard chops and sends him in. Haas reverses. Blanchard connects with a sunset flip for a near fall. Blanchard goes to the ropes, but gets nailed by Benjamin from the outside. Charlie Haas knees Tully and tags in Shelton. The two deliver a double gut buster on Tully. Benjamin makes the cover, but Arn Anderson makes the save. Blanchard and Benjamin exchange blows into the corner. Benjamin hooks Tully and plants him with a DDT. He makes the cover, but Anderson comes in for the save again.
King: Tully Blanchard needs to get out of there.
Shelton Benjamin slams Tully and then delivers a springboard into a bulldog. Arn Anderson comes in and delivers a spine buster to Shelton. Haas comes in and dumps Anderson out of the ring. Tully dropkicks Haas to the outside. Blanchard goes up to the top turnbuckle. Sharmell comes out and gets the attention of the referee. Tully meanwhile hit’s a cross body off the top onto Benjamin and has the cover, but the ref is tied up. Booker T. runs in and drills Blanchard with the scissors kick. Benjamin rolls over onto Blanchard. The referee gets back to position and counts to three.
3rd Fall Winner: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin.
J.R.: Thanks to the interference from Booker T. and Sharmell we now have new World Tag Team Champions. Haas and Benjamin have recaptured the gold here with a very big assist from the United States Champion and his bride.
King: What do you suppose brought Booker T. and Sharmell out here?
J.R.: I don’t know the motivation, but hopefully we will get to the bottom of this.
On Sunday March 14 join the WWE Superstars on their quest to become part of history at the showcase of the immortals. It’s WrestleMania XX where it all begins again. Be a part of this spectacular event as it happens live from Madison Square Garden in New York City exclusively on pay per view.
-Commercial Break-
Mean Gene Okerlund is outside of Ric Flair’s dressing room. Gene knocks on the door. He knocks again. Gene tries the door and it opens and he finds Flair laying on the ground. Gene calls for help.
J.R.: The Nature Boy Ric Flair has been knocked out cold and you can only wonder who or what was the cause of this. We have a lot of questions to be answered here on Monday Night Raw. Right now however the Women’s Champion is in action in a non-title match.
NON-TITLE MATCH
VICTORIA © VS. TRISH STRATUS
Victoria kicks Trish as she takes off her ring attire. Victoria nails Trish with a forearm and the bell finally sounds. Victoria kicks Trish and then kicks her under the rope to the outside.
[i]J.R.: Victoria goes to work on Trish right away before the match even officially started. Now the Divas are out here in front of us.
King: I don’t mind if they get up close and personal with me J.R.[/i]
Victoria nails Trish and then drives her into the ring apron. Victoria rams Trish into the announce table. Trish elbows Victoria and rams her into the announce table as the referee has a count going. Trish hooks Victoria and plants her with Stratisfaction on the floor. The referee gets to a ten count as Trish rolls back in, but not in time.
J.R.: Well Victoria’s early attack on Trish has now backfired on the Women’s Champion, but both women have been counted out. We certainly have not heard the last between these two Divas.
King: Let’s hope for more of these Divas sooner than later.
J.R.: King, I’m told that Ric Flair is back on his feet and Gene Okerlund is standing by with the Nature Boy.
Gene: Ric Flair, first off are you okay and what happened?
Flair: Mean Gene, I’ve taken plenty of shots over the years, but this was a case of your new World Tag Team Champions Haas and Benjamin coming in here with an unprovoked two-on-one attack. I don’t know what’s on their mind, but I’ll be damned if I don’t have a response. Haas and Benjamin. The two of you want to take on the Nature Boy, well come on. Next week step into the ring I’ll bring the fight right to you. Wooooooooooo!
J.R.: Ric Flair has issued a challenge to the new World Tag Team Champions for next week. I hope Flair has thought this through. I also hope the Miz has thought things through, because he will face off against Goldberg still to come tonight on Raw!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Rewind: Footage shows Kane returning to Raw last week.
KANE VS. DOUG BASHAM
J.R.: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw. We are set for action as Doug Basham is set for singles action against the Big Red Machine Kane. Kane of course made his return last Monday to Raw looking to extract some vengeance against Muhammad Hassan, but Hassan escaped, at least temporarily.
King: If I was Muhammad Hassan, I would hire a security detail to keep Kane away from me.
Kane nails Basham. He nails him again and sends him into the turnbuckle. Kane whips Basham across the ring and follows in with a clothesline. Kane delivers a side slam and then goes all the way to the top rope. Kane comes off with a big clothesline.
J.R.: Kane hasn’t missed a beat here in the early going of this contest. Kane has been out of action for the last five or six months. Summer Slam was the last time we saw the Big Red Machine in action.
Kane gets set for the choke slam, but Basham elbows out. Basham goes to the ropes, but Kane catches him with a big boot. Kane elbows Basham and then drills him with a power slam. Kane delivers hard shots to Doug and then chokes him across the rope. Muhammad Hassan shows up in the entrance way. Kane sends Basham to the ropes. Basham hooks the ropes and rolls out as Kane gets a glimpse of Hassan.
J.R.: Muhammad Hassan is out here provoking Kane and I don’t know how wise that is. Meanwhile Basham is regrouping on the outside.
Basham rolls back into the ring He dropkicks Kane in the leg. Basham stomps on Kane and then sends him in, but Kane reverses. Basham ducks, but Kane clotheslines him. Kane hits another and then sends Basham in. Kane clotheslines him one more time and then scoops him up and spins him around, but Basham turns it into a DDT.
J.R.: Wait a second King. That Basham in the ring, that isn’t Doug Basham. That’s Danny Basham. I think they switched when Hassan had Kane distracted.
King: I think you’re right J.R. Well the Bashams have pulled one over here because the referee doesn’t seem to have a clue.
Basham goes up to the top rope. He jumps off, but Kane catches him with a hand around the throat. Kane plants Basham with a choke slam and then covers him for the three count.
Winner: Kane
Kane turns his attention to Hassan and goes to chase after him as Hassan takes off for the back.
J.R.: Well Kane picks up the win here against not one, but two Basham Brothers after the switcheroo, but Kane has turned his attention back to Hassan who better have a good hiding place.
King: I think the Miz may also need a hiding place, because up next he’s going one-on-one with Goldberg.
J.R.: That’s a huge match and still to come our big main event as Booker T. defends the United States Championship against Rey Mysterio. Don’t go away!
-Commercial Break-
A graphic on the screen saying “next week” shows five of the six challengers in the Six Pack Challenge.
J.R.: Oh what a main event we have for you next week here on Monday Night Raw. It will be a Six Pack Challenge to determine who faces Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. We know that Goldberg, the Miz, Hulk Hogan, Triple H, and John Cena will all be involved, but who will be the sixth participant?
King: I don’t know the answer to that J.R., but I do know that also next week we are going to have a WWE Women’s Title match as Victoria defends against Trish Stratus.
J.R.: Big things are happening on the Road to WrestleMania.
GOLDBERG VS. THE MIZ
Goldberg is on the ring apron. Miz tries to nail him. Goldberg nails Miz and then clotheslines him. Goldberg gets into the ring as the bell sounds. Goldberg pounds on Miz and rams him into the turnbuckle. He sends Miz in and connects with a big clothesline.
J.R.: Maybe the Miz bit off more than he can chew by getting himself into this predicament.
Goldberg lifts Miz up, but Miz slips out and pushes Goldberg in. Goldberg hooks the ropes and then clotheslines the Miz out of the ring. Goldberg goes out and nails the Miz and then lifts him up once more, but again Miz gets free and pushes Goldberg into the ring post. Miz rolls back into the ring and then nails Goldberg with a baseball slide back out. Miz rams Goldberg into the ring apron. He does it again. Miz pushes Goldberg back into the ring.
King: The Miz has turned it around J.R. Don’t underestimate the Miz.
Miz climbs to the top rope. He comes off, but Goldberg catches him. Goldberg presses Miz above his head and then turns it into a power slam. Goldberg makes the cover, but Miz gets a shoulder up. Goldberg elbows Miz and then hiplocks him over. Goldberg drops the leg across the arm. He plants his knee in and then forearms the Miz. Goldberg sends in the Miz. Miz kicks Goldberg, but Goldberg doesn’t budge and he clotheslines the Miz. Goldberg hangs up the Miz in the corner. Goldberg charges in, but Miz pulls himself up and then hooks a sunset flip for a near fall. Goldberg charges at Miz again, but he pulls the rope down and Goldberg goes out to the floor. Miz delivers a double axe handle to Goldberg off the apron. He sends Goldberg into the ring steps.
J.R.: I have to admit that the Miz is giving Goldberg a lot more trouble than I expected.
Miz pushes Goldberg back into the ring. Miz comes off the top, but misses a big leg drop. Goldberg drills Miz into the corner. Goldberg whips him across. He whips him across to the other side. Goldberg delivers a power slam. He sets up for the Jackhammer, but Miz delivers a thumb to the eye. Miz nails Goldberg. He sends him in, but Goldberg reverses. Goldberg drops down. Goldberg leap frogs the Miz and then blasts him with the spear.
King: That may be lights out for the Miz.
Goldberg gets Miz up and plants him with the Jackhammer. Goldberg covers the Miz, but Hulk Hogan shows up to ringside and pulls Miz’s foot onto the rope.
J.R.: Hulk Hogan just saved the Miz from certain defeat. Hogan was speared, inadvertently I do believe earlier tonight by Goldberg.
Goldberg argues with Hogan. Miz rolls up Goldberg from behind grabbing a handful of tights and gets a three count.
Winner: The Miz
J.R.: Can you believe this? The Miz has just picked up a huge victory over Goldberg. This is unbelievable.
King: The Miz is making history in short order here in the WWE.
J.R.: Well let’s see if Rey Mysterio can make history tonight. Can he defeat Booker T. to become the United States Champion? It’s our main event and it is next!
-Commercial Break-
A video package highlights the history between Rey Mysterio and Booker T.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
BOOKER T. © VS. REY MYSTERIO
Rey tries to go after Booker, but he backs off into the ropes. The referee has to hold Rey back. Booker T. comes at Rey, but he arm drags him over. Booker T. slides out of the ring.
J.R.: Booker T. heads for the high ground right away sensing trouble from Rey Mysterio.
Booker returns to the ring. They lock up. Booker applies the head lock. Rey goes to send Booker in, but he holds on. Rey pushes Booker off this time to the ropes. Booker knocks down Rey and goes to the ropes. Rey ducks under and then leap frogs over and takes Booker down with a drop toe hold. Rey gets ready for the 619, but Sharmell reaches in. Rey stops before he gets caught, but Booker rolls out of the ring.
J.R.: Once again Booker T. leaves the ring. That’s some Champion.
King: You don’t have to like his tactics J.R., but they are effective in that Booker T. is keeping Rey from connecting with the 619.
Rey Mysterio dives out of the ring onto Booker T. Rey slides back into the ring. Booker T. pulls himself up onto the ring apron. Rey springs off of the corner turnbuckle and hooks Booker with a head scissors back into the ring. Rey makes the cover, but Booker quickly kicks out. Rey pounds on Booker. Booker fires back. Booker sends him in. Rey ducks and hit’s a springboard cross body for a near fall. Rey punches and kicks Booker in the corner. Rey chops Booker. Booker kicks Rey, but Rey then nails Booker with a heel kick and a low dropkick for a near fall. Rey pounds on Booker. He sends him in. Booker reverses. Booker goes to kick Rey, but he catches his leg and spins him around and rolls him up for a near fall. Booker dropkicks Mysterio.
J.R.: Rey had control over the U.S. Champion, but Booker nails Rey with a dropkick and takes control back.
Booker nails Rey with hard shots. He chops Rey and sends him in. Booker connects with a clothesline. He plants a knee and then gets a two count. Booker runs Rey into the corner. Booker delivers a back suplex for a two count. Booker drops elbows on Mysterio. He goes for the Book End, but Rey kicks off the ropes and takes Booker over. Booker comes back with a heel kick and then nails Rey with hard shots to the lower back. Booker plants Rey with a side slam, but he kicks out. Booker hangs Rey up in the corner on the ropes. Booker goes for a scissors kick, but Rey pulls up and back. Rey shoulders into Booker and flips over him back into the ring. Booker kicks Rey in the face. Booker makes the cover, but Rey gets a shoulder up.
King: Oh what a huge boot to the face by Booker T. That will rearrange your face even if you are wearing a mask.
J.R.: Once again Rey tried to shift things into his favor, but Booker comes right back and returns to the drivers seat.
Booker pounds on Rey. He rams him face first into the mat. Booker slams Rey and goes up top. Booker delivers a missile dropkick and gets a near fall. Booker knees Mysterio. He sling shots him under the bottom rope and gets another near fall.
King: Rey is resilient. I’ll give him that.
Booker whips Rey into the corner. He lifts him up top. Booker pounds on Rey and then climb sup and delivers a superplex. Booker drops the leg and makes the cover, but Rey kicks out again. Booker kicks Rey and goes for the scissors kick once again, but Rey ducks and delivers a huracanrana. Booker charges at Rey, but misses into the corner. Rey plants Booker with a bulldog and then connects with the seated senton for a near fall. Rey hits an enzugiri and then goes to the top. Rey delivers a big splash. He makes the cover, but Booker gets a shoulder up.
J.R.: That was close, but Booker somehow kicks out.
Rey and Booker exchange blows. Booker sends him in, but Rey reverses. Booker connects with a sunset flip, but Rey rolls through and kicks Booker in the face. Booker comes after Rey, but he takes him down and Booker falls into the ropes. Rey goes for the 619 and connects. Rey goes for the West Coast Pop, but Sharmell reaches into the ring. Rey avoids her and drops a leg on Booker T. The referee is warning Sharmell about her actions. Rey has Booker covered, but Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin show up. Benjamin nails Rey with a tag title belt. Booker picks up Rey and plants him with the Book End. Booker makes the cover and gets the three count as Haas and Benjamin walk away.
Winner: Booker T.
J.R.: Rey Mysterio had the U.S. Title won here, but between Sharmell’s interference and an assist from our new World Tag Team Champions it is Booker T. who comes out still holding the United States Title. There has to be some collusion between Booker T. and the Tag Champs after what has transpired here tonight. I hope we can get to the bottom of it. Ladies and gentlemen thank you for joining us here on Monday Night Raw. We will see you next week for the 6 Pack Challenge. Good night everyone!
