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Post by DTP. on Oct 25, 2021 9:27:06 GMT -5
A recap video from last week airs, showcasing the night of build up to revealing Brock Lesnar's new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship and opponent at Summerslam. At the end of the night, Co-General Manager Shane McMahon would drop a bombshell by announcing the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, whom would come down to the ring and end the show with an intense stare down with Lesnar.
The Monday Night Raw opening video then airs, the PNE Coliseum being the host to the show tonight as the cameras come inside of there afterward, the stage of the Vancouver building lit up by pyrotechnics as the voices of Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler welcome everyone to the show from commentary! Tonight, we hear from 'The Rattlesnake' himself in Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Women's Championship is on the line as Canada's own Trish Stratus defends against Jazz and, in the main event, a Lumberjack Match for the Intercontinental Championship when Randy Orton defends against his rival and former champion, Booker T!
Glass shatters as Stone Cold Steve Austin has arrived to a thunderous ovation from the crowd to kick things off. Marching down to the ring, he climbs the turnbuckles and throws his signature middle fingers in the air. After finishing his salute to the fans from each corner, he stands in the middle of the squared circle with a microphone in his hand. "Feels good to be back." He says to loud cheering. "And on the subject of being back, I'm back for one reason and one reason only: Going to Summerslam and becoming the World Heavyweight Champion." He explains that he was told the night after WrestleMania by Eric Bischoff that because of what his doctors told him about his neck injuries, he was a liability to be on the roster and therefore wouldn't be allowed to compete anymore. "But if you know Stone Cold Steve Austin, you know I've never been one to listen to anybody and damn sure no doctor!" He paces back and forth a little bit and then leans across the ropes, explaining that he is walking in to Phoenix, Arizona for Summerslam and going up against the biggest and baddest Monday Night Raw has to offer in Brock Lesnar and he is well aware of that. "But you can also bet your ass that I'm walking out the new World Heavyweight Champion and that's the bottom line because Stone Cold sa-"
Before he can finish his catch phrase, a "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" interrupts things as out to the stage drawing boos is Paul Heyman, the agent of Brock Lesnar. "Steve, Steve, Steve. Been a while, my old friend! Y'know, I was just as shocked as everyone else to see you last week but... as shocked as myself and everyone else was, my client Brock Lesnar... he could care less who you are, or, better yet, who you have been." He tells Austin that some may call it admirable what he is doing by challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship and stepping back in to that ring against doctor's orders, but others may call it how he sees it - very stupid. "I don't think you understand what you're getting yourself in to, Steve. I think you should actually do what you did the last time you were supposed to face Brock Lesnar - go the hell back home." Austin chuckles from the ring and tells Heyman he ought to shut his mouth already. "Do me a favor, Paul, and bring that big, dumb S.O.B. out here so I can open a can of whoop ass!" The Vancouver fans approve of the idea, but Heyman is left to laugh in response and tell Austin he has some unfortunate news - Lesnar isn't even here tonight! "And he's not here for your own good, Steve... and, truth be told, he won't be at Summerslam either." Austin looks confused and angered by the statement, Heyman throwing an 'unless' afterward, however.
"Unless next week, Steve, you come down to that ring as you are right now... for business, not a fight... and you sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. Because if you're going to face Brock Lesnar for the World Heavyweight Championship on August 24th, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona, Steve, he will be responsible but not pressed charges against for when he ends your career once and for all..." Austin looks around the arena and, after thinking it over for a moment, asks the audience for advice. "If you think Stone Cold Steve Austin should sign a stupid piece of paper so he can whoop Brock Lesnar's ass at Summerslam - give me a 'hell yeah'!" The crowd responds in kind, Heyman smirking at the response. "Well, Steve, we will see you next week... but just remember: You can not adhere to the advice of your doctor's... but you will have no choice but to face the reality when you face 'The Executioner' Brock Lesnar." Heyman then turns around and returns to the back, Austin with a grin as he throws up a middle finger in that direction. He then calls for some beers from ringside, crashing two cans against each other and pouring them upon himself. A beer bash under way, Austin has his sights set on Summerslam no matter what, it appears.
The cameras turn to the back where Shane McMahon is seen watching a monitor in the back of what just went down when the Co-General Manager of Raw is approached by the World Tag Team Champions, Chris Jericho and Christian. "Gentlemen, to what do I owe this honor?" McMahon asks with a hint of sarcasm, Jericho telling him that he should consider this an honor, for they have an invitation for him. "See, tonight is going to be another edition of Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel - with Christian - of course." Christian smiles and proceeds to point to McMahon and asks if he'd like to be their special guest to talk about how things have been going around here, including his decision to bring back Stone Cold Steve Austin. Without hesitation, to the surprise of the Tag Team Champions, McMahon says he'd be happy to. "I'll see you out there." He says with a smile and walks away.
Seen in the Evolution locker room backstage is Triple H and Ric Flair, 'The Nature Boy' talking about Randy Orton's Intercontinental Championship defense in a Lumberjack Match with Booker T later. "We've got to protect that boy because everyone is going to be out to get him, Hunter." HHH replies with a nod, bringing up there could be people such as Hulk Hogan trying to get involved. "And I don't know about you, Naitch, but I'm sick and tired of Hogan... I'm sick and tired of Booker T... and I don't know who the hell they're suggesting could be a friend to back them up but Evolution runs Monday Night Raw and we need to put all of them in their place and I say we do it tonight!" Flair is in agreement, but also throws out the idea that they need to get a plan together about these lumberjacks first.1) Women's Championship: Trish Stratus(c) def. Jazz (w/Theodore Long) in yet another back-and-forth match between two rivals, ending with Trish pulling off Stratusfaction to win via pinfall in 5:35.As the crowd cheers the fellow Canadian Stratus on while she celebrates the victory, Jazz ends up striking her in the back from behind. Putting the boots to Stratus, Gail Kim ends up running down from the back - ducking a Jazz clothesline and nailing her with a big kick to the stomach and then a hurricanrana that sends her to the outside. Long aids Jazz to her feet and pulls her away from the ring quickly, Kim then taking her eyes off of Jazz to retrieve Strartus' Women's Championship belt and bring it over to her friend. "Gail Kim was requested by Trish Stratus last week to stay in the back," Ross says from commentary. "She obliged - but clearly Trish needed some help from that poor sportsmanship of Jazz afterward!"
As Stratus gets to her feet, Kim goes to hand her the championship belt - but instead doesn't let go once Stratus gets a grip on it. Gail looks around the arena and then throws a sudden boot in to the stomach of Stratus! The fans are caught by surprise and quickly break out in boos, Kim proceeding to pick up the Women's Championship belt, pull it in to her arm and then run right through Stratus with a strike to the face with the gold! "What in the hell?!" Ross questions in disbelief. Kim stands over Stratus' motionless body and grows a sly grin across her face, holding the belt above her own head as she has turned her back on what everyone thought was her friend and idol!
Seen in the back warming up for his match later tonight is Booker T when in to the room comes Goldust - wearing the outfit of a lumberjack, prompting Booker to roll his eyes and throw his hands out. "This get up again, man?!" He questions. Goldust lowers his head slightly, but Booker assures his former partner that he is just giving him a hard time. "Well, Book, we may not be tag team partners anymore... but I just wanted to stop by and show my support for you as myself and The Hurricane will be super cheering you on!" Booker pats Goldust on the arm and says he appreciates it. "How about you do me another favor and go mess with Ric Flair while you're at it, too?" Goldust gives a salute and tells Booker 'anything for him'. He then leaves the room, Booker laughing to himself as he goes back to preparing for later tonight.
Back inside the PNE Coliseum, The Highlight Reel set is prepared in the ring as the theme music of Chris Jericho hits as he arrives with Christian, the World Tag Team Champions making their way down to the ring together. "Welcome to Raw is Jericho!" Chris says, quickly giving an additional welcoming to The Highlight Reel. "With Christian!" Says the other half of the tandem. "This has quickly become the most must see part of Monday Night Raw, hasn't it, Christian?" Jericho asks, saying that just like the end of last week's show was almost as must see when Stone Cold Steve Austin made his return.
"And that brings me to the guest on tonight's edition of The Highlight Reel, the man that brought Stone Cold back here to Raw to face Brock Lesnar for the World Heavyweight Championship at Summerslam, ladies and gentlemen the Co-General Manager of Raw... Shane McMahon!" Jericho points up to the stage as McMahon makes his way out, shuffling across the stage and high fiving some fans on his way down and in to the ring. Once inside, he is welcomed to the show by Jericho and Christian where 'Y2J' brings up the Austin situation from last week, questioning if McMahon is getting a little power hungry. "Me? A McMahon getting a little power hungry?!" Shane asks back with a chuckle. "Look, Chris, I know I have my father's genetics but I don't see myself as power hungry. I see myself as someone that wants what is best and what is right for Monday Night Raw and, well, that's why I brought Stone Cold back despite what Eric Bischoff thinks." He further explains that Bischoff and himself can work together, but some things just need to be done a certain way whether that is liked by Bischoff and other WWE superstars or not.
Before things can go much further in the interview, Eric Bischoff's music interrupts as the other Co-General Manager marches his way down and in to the ring - shaking his head as he apologizes to Jericho and Christian for interrupting. "Y'know, Shane, you keep talking about doing what is best for Raw but since you have been here I feel like you have done nothing but try and undermine me!" McMahon quickly stands up and tries to tell Bischoff it isn't like that - but Bischoff isn't having any of it. "I was appointed Raw General Manager by your father last year, someone that I went to war with, because he knew I could bring Raw to it's highest of heights yet! And while he's been busy on Smackdown, you get comfy and cozy with the WWE Board of Directors and get yourself conveniently appointed as my Co-General Manager and to top it all off you get your way by bringing in Stone Cold Steve Austin back..." McMahon asks Bischoff if he is finished and cuts Eric off before he tries to say more, telling him about how there is no power trip going on here.
"I was appointed to this position because of your abuse of power, Eric. You're lucky that you remained a Co-General Manager and that you have been given a second chance. You're lucky that I have gone back to the Board of Directors to tell them that, as much of an ass as you can be, you do have some good ideas around here." Christian intervenes from the side and says that he and Jericho actually have a good idea of their own, prompting both McMahon and Bischoff to look the way of the World Tag Team Champions. "You see," Jericho adds on. "Last week, Kane finally showed back up from his disappearing act and brought us our missing World Tag Team Championship belt but in the process also had the audacity to attack your champions!" Christian says that if RVD and Kane think they're going to get a rematch - they should expect the opposite and he wants Bischoff and McMahon to make it known that RVD and Kane won't get the opportunity they think they're going to get. The Co-General Managers look to each other, McMahon suggesting they try and work this out together - pulling Bischoff of to the side.
After some brief conversation and even a little bit of arguing, the two seem to come to some sort of agreement. "You're good with that?" McMahon asks, Bischoff giving a nod. "Alright, gentlemen. You're partially right - Kane was inactive due to injury. However, Rob Van Dam defended the World Tag Team Championship on his own when you two won those titles. So, a resolution will be made via a match." McMahon explains that Christian, since he was the one so valiantly against a title defense, will go one-on-one with Kane tonight. While Christian is already up in arms about that, McMahon further adds that if Kane wins - he and Rob Van Dam will earn a shot at the World Tag Team Championship at Summerslam. "Oh, and by the way, gentlemen... that match will take place - right now!" Jericho and Christian are in disbelief, trying to reason with Bischoff but getting a lowered head and an exit from the ring from Eric instead. McMahon then follows out as Christian will take on 'The Big Red Machine' - next!
2) Kane (w/Rob Van Dam) def. World Tag Team Champion Christian (w/World Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho) via pinfall in a bout with Christian taking every cheap shot possible and trying to use Jericho his advantage, only for RVD to thwart Jericho's attempt at pushing Kane off the top rope. Kane hits his top rope clothesline and then puts Christian with a Chokeslam, giving him the pinfall victory at 6:26.
With the win, Kane and RVD have secured another opportunity at the World Tag Team Championship at Summerslam. As they celebrate the victory, Jericho and Christian are none too pleased on the outside, even arguing with each other over whose fault it is! Back in the ring, the crowd gives a chant of RVD's initials as he and Kane then motion for the belts across their waists.
Backstage, Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski are seen talking to each other when they are approached by Ric Flair and Batista, the former asking if they are going to be lumberjacks in tonight's main event. "What's it to you, old man?" Steiner asks with some hostility, Batista stepping forward with Flair quick to hold back his fellow Evolution member. "How about we stop where we are and you boys each take this..." Flair then reaches in to his suit pocket and pulls out a wad of cash, pulling a few out and offering it to both men. Steiner and Nowinski look to one another before taking the money, Flair saying he hopes they're on the same page now. "Don't you worry, Mr. Flair. Everything is crystal clear." Nowinski says with a smile before walking away with 'Big Poppa Pump'. As Flair and Batista prepare to walk away, around the corner comes The Hurricane and Goldust, the super hero with both fists on his hips. "What in the name of all that is bribery is going on here?" Hurricane asks, staring at Flair.
"Offering money to lumberjacks to have your boy Randy Orton's back against our boy Booker T's? What's up with that?!" Batista tells them to mind their own business, then glares at Goldust. "And you... Halloween is a little earlier, isn't it? Then again, you're always dressed up like some sort of freak." Goldust says he isn't afraid of 'some meat head' and if he is attempting to intimidate him it isn't going to work! "And tonight, Booker T will be protected by his super friends against your greedy, bribed scum!" Flair rubs his hands together as Batista is getting more heated, suggesting that maybe they can go talk to Eric Bischoff about seeing if they can do something about this situation, suggesting that the two of them see Goldust and Hurricane in the ring before the main event tonight. Flair pats Batista on the chest and leads him away, Hurricane giving Goldust a thumbs up in the mean time. In the back following the break, Test and Stevie Richards are seen talking with each other outside of the 'office' of The APA, Test asking Richards if he brought the stuff. Richards holds up a six pack of beer and Test knocks on the door, Bradshaw's voice heard from inside telling them to come in. "Gentlemen, we come in peace," Test says as they enter. "We'd like to apologize for our behavior last week, we just got a little overprotective of Stacy and Victoria. So, we'd like to give you this peace offering." Richards places the beer on the table, Bradshaw and Farooq taking one out. "This isn't what we usually drink... but it'll do." Farooq says, Test apologizing for it not being what they usually drink. "I have heard there is a special way to have those, though..." He and Richards then take a bottle each out of the pack and instead of taking the caps off, they crack the bottles over the heads of both members of The APA! Farooq and Bradshaw fall to the ground while the crowd boos inside of the arena, Richards pointing over the two men and yelling. "Stay away from our girls or there will be worse than that to come!" He and Test then walk off together, leaving The APA laying and holding the back of their heads on the floor.
3) Batista and Ric Flair def. The Hurricane and Goldust with a cocky Flair getting off to a hot start only to get too overconfident, giving Hurricane and Goldust plenty of offense in. After a thumb to the eye of Goldust, however, a tag to Batista is made with Evolution's 'Animal' coming in and plowing right through the competition, eventually putting Goldust away with the Batista Bomb for the win at 3:59.
Hurricane comes in to the ring after the bell and runs right in to a spinebuster from Batista, prompting Flair to come in and hold him back. "Save some energy for later, big man! Save some energy!" He warns, backing Batista up to the ropes and out of the ring as both Goldust and Hurricane are left down at the hands of 'The Animal'.
Cutting backstage, Gail Kim is seen leaving the arena when she is approached by Terri Runnels trying to get a word with her about why she attacked Trish Stratus earlier. "Answers," Kim says as she stops in her tracks. "Can wait until next week. But know one thing: I will be taking the Women's Championship soon enough." Kim then keeps on walking, as it appears further explanation will not come tonight.
Meanwhile seen talking with each other is Billy Gunn and Al Snow, Gunn making it very clear to Snow that he has a big opportunity tonight after coming up short last week and he hopes Snow can earn him that contract he has been seeking. "I'm more than glad to try and help," Snow says. "I think it can work out pretty well! Think of it, Billy. You're 'The Ass Man', right? Meanwhile, I've got 'Head'! We could be something special... we could be... Ass Head!" Gunn stops himself, thinks about it and begins to shake his head. "What does everybody want?!" Snow shouts. "Ass Head!" Gunn runs his hand across his face and says they can talk about this more if they go out there and beat The Basham Brothers. Snow is hyped up, the two then heading down the hallway as that match is coming up after the break.
Standing by in the back following the break is Jonathan Coachman as he introduces his guest at this time to be the Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton. Coachman asks about the Lumberjack Match tonight, mentioning all the possible factors Orton could be dealing with, from Booker T himself to Hulk Hogan to this possible friend of theirs. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Coach, let me stop you right there..." Orton smirks and places a hand on Coach's shoulders. "Nobody likes Booker T and nobody likes Hulk Hogan. So, any talk Hogan had last week about some 'friend' to back them up... I don't buy it. Even if it were true, there would be no stopping Evolution! I mean, read the shirt!" He then turns around to show the back of his Evolution shirt to read 'Made, Laid, Paid'. Orton then turns back around and pats his championship belt around his waist, telling Coachman he isn't worried about any factors - he has beaten Booker T, he will beat him again and anybody that tries to get in the way of that will be left laying at the hands of himself and the rest of Evolution.
4) The Basham Brothers (w/Rico) def. Billy Gunn and Al Snow in a match up that, despite their best efforts, Snow and Gunn just can't seem to stay on the same page. After Rico enters the ring, Gunn charges and clotheslines himself along with Rico over the top rope. Snow, meanwhile, is left to fall to The Basham Brothers' legsweep/clothesline combination, resulting in him being pinned at 3:13.
Gunn slides back in to the ring too late as Doug and Danny slide out, raising their arms up together as they then aid Rico back to his feet. Gunn gets to a knee and leans at Snow's side, as he is left unsure if he will be able to get another opportunity to get himself a job on Raw and a spot in the tag team division.
In the back, Terri Runnels is in the halls as Booker T is making his way down, Terri looking for a quick word from him before his Intercontinental Championship Lumberjack Match with Randy Orton. "Yeah, Terri, I'm ready to go but..." He trails off as Hulk Hogan walks up, nodding his head as he wishes Booker luck. They shake hands with Booker asking if Hogan's friend is going to be here in case things go down. "I made the call, brother. I left a message and, well, I don't know. But I know one thing, Booker man, I'll be there if Evolution decides to try and mess things up!" Booker thanks him and they bump fists - the main event coming up next!
Talking in their shared office following the commercial break is Eric Bischoff and Shane McMahon, Bischoff expressing how while they agreed on things earlier, he still thinks McMahon is a bit out of line and unnecessary around here. In to the room then barges the World Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho and Christian, still seeming to be arguing about where things went wrong earlier. "You know what, Chris?" Christian questions as he looks to McMahon and Bischoff. "It's not your fault and it's not my fault... it's their fault!" McMahon asks what they are talking about, Jericho quickly agreeing with Christian and saying that the match with Kane should have never happened on such short notice earlier. Bischoff then butts in, "I just want to say - it wasn't really my idea..." McMahon rolls his eyes as Christian and Jericho quickly begin to attack him about it.
"Guys, guys! You know what? You're right. Christian had to face Kane on short notice and now there is a World Tag Team Championship match at Summerslam. But, you'll have plenty of time to prepare for that. As a matter of fact, how about I allow you to prepare for next week when this time, Chris Jericho goes one-on-one with 'The Big Red Machine' Kane!" Jericho is outraged over that, with Bischoff himself even trying to point out that McMahon is getting out of line. "Gentlemen, if you'll please leave now - we have a main event to watch!" McMahon then waves the World Tag Team Champions off as they head out of the room still angered, Bischoff shaking his head and telling Shane he isn't making a lot of friends around here. "It's not about making friends, Eric. It's about doing business. But, you know that already, right?" He flashes an ear-to-ear grin and invites him to take a seat, kick back and watch the Intercontinental Championship match.
5) Lumberjack Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Randy Orton(c) vs Booker T is revisited with the interesting Lumberjack stipulation, with the outside enforcers seeming split on whom they help out and whom they take some shots at. With the contest lasting through a commercial break, Booker T ends up getting tossed in to the steel steps by Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski - leading to banged up Goldust and The Hurricane coming to his aid. As an all out brawl breaks out between the lumberjacks, things grow completely out of had and spread in to the ring with the match being forced to go to a no contest at 10:40.
In the mix of things, Orton and Booker continue to go at it in the corner of the ring until down from the back comes Triple H, Ric Flair and Batista - the trio pushing through a series of superstars on their way to jumping Booker from behind. The boos of the crowd are quick to turn to cheers, however, as not long after coming down to the ring is Hulk Hogan. A catch of a fist from a charging Lance Storm on the outside, Hogan drops Storm with a big right hand before getting in to the ring and mixing it up with Flair, Batista, then HHH. The numbers game adds up quickly against Hogan though, with Booker trying to help but also falling to Evolution. As things begin to look more and more dire for the two men, however, familiar music hits around the arena as stepping through the curtains is Kevin Nash!
"It's Kevin Nash!" J.R. shouts. "It's 'Big Daddy Cool', it's 'Diesel, it must be the friend that Hulk Hogan called up and somebody that still has a bone to pick with that damn Evolution!" Nash marches his way down the ramp as Storm stands back up out of the lumberjacks and eats a big boot from the seven footer. Nash then grabs a hold of the top ring ropes and brings himself on to the apron - staring down all four members of Evolution. Nowinski ends up running in to the ring and charging at Nash but he eats a right hand, the big man then stepping over the ropes and dropping the Harvard graduate with a big boot followed by a Jack Knife powerbomb. Evolution stays staring him down with Nash motioning for them to come fight! Flair takes the first step forward but falls to a big right hand, Orton then dropped with a headbutt and Batista shoved back then nailed with a big boot. HHH doesn't seem to want any part of this - but gets shoved from behind by Hogan in to a boot as well!
Stevie Richards then steps up to Nash and takes a knee to the stomach followed by a Jack Knife powerbomb. Both of The Basham Brothers then come in to a double clothesline, Rico then stepping up and taking a Jack Knife powerbomb as well. As all of this goes down, Booker and Hogan watch on from the corners of the ring while HHH, Orton and Batista regroup on the outside. Flair is left in the ring by himself without them, trying to pull himself between the ropes only to have Nash grab him by the back of the neck. Flair tries to plead with his former World Tag Team Champion partner, but Nash isn't having any of it as he throws Flair forward to a big boot from Hogan! Hulk then cups his ear to the crowd and claps his hands before bouncing off the ropes and returning with the signature leg drop!
"Ric Flair doesn't deserve this, J.R.!" King tries to argue from commentary. Nash then drags Flair back up by his hair and tosses him in to the grip of Booker, whom delivers the Book End! Nash then points out at the rest of Evolution, pulling Flair up one last time to give him one big Jack Knife powerbomb in the center of the ring. The Vancouver crowd cheers as Nash's music hits once again, raising his arms up along with Hogan and Booker - HHH, Orton and Batista looking very unhappy at what has transpired as Monday Night Raw concludes!
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Post by ✖ AJ on Oct 26, 2021 20:31:38 GMT -5
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Post by ✖ AJ on Oct 31, 2021 7:38:27 GMT -5
The Smackdown opening video airs, followed by the introduction from Michael Cole and Tazz from Skyreach Place in Kelowna, British Columbia north of the border in Canada! Tonight, two big championship matches as Chris Benoit will defend the United States Championship against Rhyno. Then, for the WWE Tag Team Championship, a historical rivalry is renewed as The Dudley Boyz defend against Matt and Jeff - The Hardy Boyz!
Making his way out to kick things off this week is Rey Mysterio, but he doesn't appear at all to be his usual joyous self. Once in the ring, he makes that even more clear after being handed a microphone. "Last week, I walked in to Smackdown with the Cruiserweight Championship... and I walked out empty handed." He explains facing Matt Hardy and being right on the verge of retaining his championship when Kurt Angle got involved and cost him that match and his championship. "Luckily for me, I also won King of the Ring back in June. So, at Summerslam, I'll be going to face Kurt and I'll be more than happy to take away his championship and become the WWE Champion!" The crowd is behind the proclamation from Mysterio, but he says he doesn't want to have to wait until Summerslam - he wants Angle right here, right now!
A few moments of waiting before Kurt Angle's music hits and the WWE Champion steps out to the stage with a twisted smile. "What's the matter, little guy? Obviously, you still need to learn that you're not just messing with anybody - you're messing with the absolute best in this business!" Angle takes a couple steps forward and tells Mysterio that he had figured in their match at Summerslam last year, Mysterio would've learned then - but he has come back time and time again, situation after situation. "And now, because you somehow won the King of the Ring tournament by a frickin' miracle, you think you belong in the big leagues with Kurt Angle? You have got to be kidding me!" Mysterio leans across the ropes and waves his hand, telling Angle that's enough talking and to bring it on right now. "That's funny, Rey," Angle says with a scoff. "You have a lot of guts. I'll give you that... but you're not even going to make it to Summerslam if I step in to that ring right now." Mysterio tosses his microphone behind him and holds his arms out, continuing to encourage Angle in to the ring with him.
After looking around the arena and gauging the reaction of the crowd, Angle steps to the ropes and on to the apron - only to stop himself and wag a finger. He steps back down, telling Mysterio he is doing him a favor! The audience begins to buzz a little, however, as Los Guerreros come walking down from the back - Angle turning in to them and being grabbed by the neck before being tossed in to the ring. As Angle gets to a knee, he yells at Eddie and Chavo for getting involved. Mysterio then runs up from behind and dropkicks Angle between the ropes - setting him up in prime position for the 619. As he is prepared to go for it though, Team Angle comes running down and they blow right by Los Guerreros in order to get in to the ring and cut Mysterio off with a double clothesline. Eddie and Chavo hop right in afterward and they begin to trade blows with Haas and Benjamin, Angle and Mysterio eventually joining in and mixing it up. As things are chaotic, out to the stage comes General Manager Mick Foley calling for everyone to stop. After a few more louder orders, the two sides split apart with Foley saying that he has seen enough - for now. "Y'know, we've got a heck of a show tonight... but I think, judging by this situation, things could be a little more than a heck of a show. So, the six of you can split things up for now, because later on tonight we're going to have a six man tag team match: Kurt Angle and Team Angle versus Rey Mysterio and Los Guerreros." Both sides seem very happy with that announcement, as this has been tacked on to a night that already has two championship matches to come as well!
At commentary, Cole and Tazz discuss what is still to come tonight - including a look in to a match that was made for Summerslam last week. They cut to footage from last Thursday, showing The Undertaker and Goldberg's confrontation that led to them agreeing to face each other one-on-one at Summerslam. Coming up next, a special look in to The Undertaker ahead of that epic battle.
With The Undertaker versus Goldberg set for Summerslam for the first time ever, a video package highlighting The Undertaker is shown - his over decade of dominance in the WWE being looked over and the evolution of 'The Dead Man'. His multiple WWE Championship victories to being undefeated at WrestleMania, interview excerpts are also highlighted in the video, coming up to current day with The Undertaker addressing Goldberg: "He may be one of the toughest tasks I've had over my career, but there is no doubt in my mind that when he steps in to my yard at Summerslam... he'll realize that I'm not next... that he isn't the hunter... that he is the prey."
Back inside of the Skyreach Place arena, Josh Mathews is standing by backstage as he introduces his guests at this time to be the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Dudley Boyz. He brings up the obvious history they have with The Hardy Boyz and asks what that will factor in to their WWE Tag Team Championship defense tonight against them. "Obviously, there is a long, long, storied history with Matt and Jeff and ourselves," Bubba says while patting D-Von on the arm. "But D-Von and I have never had cracks in our relationship. Obviously, we've had disagreements and we've even had times where we were pulled apart but never... not once... have we turned our back on the other. You look at Matt and Jeff? It's not what it used to be. It hasn't been for a long time. So, as good and as crazy as those boys are... they ain't taking what is ours!" D-Von is in full agreement, giving a loud and proud "oh my brother, testify!" before they head off.
A split screen is United States Champion Chris Benoit and Rhyno, as coming up after the commercial break they will be going one-on-one for Benoit's gold.
1) United States Championship: Rhyno def. Chris Benoit(c) in a very physical contest, both men with hard-hitting action and multiple near victories. After breaking free of the Crippler Crossface, Rhyno avoids a corner clothesline and catches Benoit on the turnaround with the Gore - putting him down for the three count, crowning a new United States Champion in 7:44.
Ending Benoit's reign of less than two weeks, Rhyno is presented with the U.S. Championship as he gets to his feet - proudly raising it over his head. As he celebrates with the belt on his way up the ramp, Benoit sits up in the ring in disbelief - questioning the referee about what happened exactly. Distraught over the defeat, Benoit begins to slap his hands in to the mat. "Foley!" He shouts while grabbing the shirt of the official. "This is Mick Foley's fault!" While Benoit's tantrum continues, Rhyno remains atop the stage as the new champion regardless of who Benoit points his finger at.
In the back, Sean O'Haire is seen watching a monitor while running his hand across his chin. "Funny how fast things can change." He says to himself when he is approached by Torrie Wilson, whom asks how he is doing. "Look, Sean, I just wanted to apologize for Billy's actions last week... we have a history and, I don't know, he just gets emotional." O'Haire shakes his head and tells Wilson not to apologize for Billy Kidman's behavior. "Some men, Torrie, just have a hard time handling their emotions and outbursts. From my view, it seems like something Billy may have a tendency to do when things aren't going exactly his way, am I right?" Wilson slightly nods, to which O'Haire assures her that she has no reason to feel bad and definitely shouldn't apologize. "I do appreciate it, however. Thank you for checking up on me." He then gives Wilson a gentle touch on the chin, flashes a smile and walks away.
Elsewhere in the back, Jeff Hardy is seen getting warmed up for his match to come when he is approached by his brother, new Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy and protégé Shannon Moore. "Jeffrey, by the end of the night is going to be just like old times." Matt says happily while hugging his Cruiserweight Championship belt tight. "And myself? I will be a double champion! Because regardless of how long we've been apart as a full time tag team, we have always been brothers. And we know The Dudley Boyz too well! I think we even have their number over the years!" Jeff claps his hands together and says all that matter is tonight, doing whatever it takes to become WWE Tag Team Champions. "You've learned a lot from me, brother," Matt says while placing a hand on Jeff's shoulder. "Follow my lead and I assure you, we will reach our goal tonight."
Following the break, Chris Benoit is seen angrily walking through the halls when he bursts in to the office of General Manager Mick Foley - quick to push a production member out of the way and get in Foley's face. "You cost me the United States Championship, Foley!" He shouts, Mick quickly getting defensive about Benoit putting his hands on the production member and to calm down. "I'm not going to calm down, Foley! In my home country, no less, you screwed me over! You gave Rhyno a shot at my United States Championship for no reason last week and now, because of a fluke, he has what is rightfully mine! What I worked my ass off for to get!" Foley nods, quickly pointing out that Benoit only won the United States Championship after having Edge roughed up by Rhyno and conveniently, Edge went down that night. "The way I see it, Chris, it's perfectly reasonable." Taking a step closer to Foley, 'The Rabid Wolverine' tells him that he made it very clear that he had nothing to do with Edge being taken out after their match. "I had no reason to!" Foley says he has plenty of reason to doubt that and suggests that Benoit leave now. Scoffing, Benoit says that he might just have to go over Foley about this. As he leaves, Foley begrudgingly tells him to 'have a nice day'.
Back in the ring, Chris Kanyon stands with a microphone in hand. "Who betta than Kanyon?!" He asks to boos from the crowd, ignoring those jeers by continuing to ask over and over again until he is interrupted by the theme music of John Cena. Stepping out to the stage, Cena quickly calls for the music to be cut while shaking his head. "You out here asking who is better than Kanyon and the answer is simple - but let me elaborate on it a little bit before I burst your bubble like popping a pimple. You're a nobody, man, you're wasting time standing in that ring... you're in a match with John Cena, man, I'll beat you while still wearing my bling, bling! You got kicked out of The F.B.I. and that says a lot... you gotta be a special kind of crap, the kind that can't be taught! So 'who betta than Kanyon' is what you want to know? Practically everyone, man, because you frigin' blow! I see you're getting heated, ready to hit me like a good old Canadian hockey puck. But I'm like a goalie man and I don't give a..." He holds his microphone in the air for the crowd to finish with the profanity before sliding in to the ring and getting things started.
2) John Cena def. Chris Kanyon in an initially pretty competitive bout, only for Kanyon to get a little over confident when mocking Cena - being knocked to the mat with a clothesline. Cena goes off for a bit before avoiding a kick to the head, hoisting Kanyon off the mat and nailing the F-U that leads to the pinfall in 4:31.
Cena gets to his feet as the winner, arm raised by the referee. As he is celebrating the victory though, in to the ring from behind comes A-Train, breathing heavily as he leans back in the corner. Cena then turns in to a huge bicycle kick! The British Columbian crowd boos as A-Train yells over Cena before pulling him back up by the neck, kneeing him in the stomach a few times before lifting Cena on to his shoulder, laying Cena out with the Train Wreck! A-Train stands back up and pounds his chest, Cena holding his back as he cringes in pain - perhaps a measure of revenge from A-Train for Cena's trash talk and fight from last week.
The cameras pick up in the back to show The Dudley Boyz fired up and walking together, then cutting to show The Hardy Boyz and Shannon Moore elsewhere. This classic rivalry is revisited with the WWE Tag Team Championship on the line - next! 3) WWE Tag Team Championship: The Dudley Boyz(c) def. The Hardy Boyz (w/Shannon Moore) as this revived feud lives up to expectations, Matt and Jeff working very well together with some of their signature high spots getting them very close to victory repeatedly, but D-Von and Bubba Ray stand strong. The match lasts through a commercial break, The Dudley Boyz dominating Matt afterward. A desperation tag to Jeff leads to a ton of fast paced action, Jeff heads to the top rope for the Swanton Bomb only to be distracted by Matt attempting to stop him and call for a tag. As they argue, D-Von shoves Matt from behind in to Jeff - knocking him to the mat. With Matt then knocked to the floor on top of Moore, it leaves Jeff to stand back up in to the 3-D, putting him down for the count at 11:50.
Still WWE Tag Team Champions, Bubba Ray and D-Von are presented with the gold as they take their time atop the turnbuckles to celebrate. After they leave the ring, Matt slides in at Jeff's side, assisting his brother to his feet. Jeff shoves Matt back and it seems to be building to some tension but Moore comes in to try and get in between them. After a little bit more arguing between the brothers, Jeff extends his hand. Matt slaps it away - but then quickly embraces Jeff and pats him on the head. "Don't worry about it!" Says the Cruiserweight Champion. "We will get back on track! We will get back on track!'
In the locker room area, Team Angle are seen watching a monitor in disgust. "Those are our WWE Tag Team Titles..." Benjamin says, Haas agreeing when Kurt Angle walks in behind them, asking if they're getting ready for later. "Yeah, Kurt, but we're just thinking about how the WWE Tag Team Championship should still be ours." Haas replies, prompting Angle to quickly shut things down. "You two need to get your head in the game! Look, after we beat Los Guerreros and that twerp Rey Mysterio later, you can go ahead, be my guest and go get back your WWE Tag Team Championship. But tonight, we've got other business to handle - got it?" Haas and Benjamin nod in understanding, Angle telling them 'good' and leaving the room.
Warming up in the back for the main event still to come is Rey Mysterio when he is approached by his tag team partners for later on, Los Guerreros. Eddie and Chavo are hyped up for Mysterio as Chavo states he can't wait for their fellow Latino in Mysterio to become WWE Champion at Summerslam. "But you know what else, ese?" Eddie says with a smile. "We can't wait to go out there with you later tonight and put a whooping on Kurt Angle and his little wannabes." Mysterio asks if he heard about them calling themselves 'the world's greatest tag team' a couple of weeks ago, prompting laughter from Eddie and Chavo. "So, yeah, they're definitely Kurt Angle wannabes," Mysterio says with a chuckle. "And I'm still pretty ticked about my Cruiserweight Championship being ripped away from me last week. But we'll show them all about Latino heat later, boys. And at Summerslam, I'll show everyone a new WWE Champion."
Back inside of Skyreach Place, The Big Show's music hits as the seven-foot, five hundred pounder marches his way down to ringside where the same tumbler as last week is seen. Taking a microphone from off the ring apron, he looks around the arena. "Last week, I had this tumbler featuring every single Smackdown superstar available to have a match with me. I gave Brian Kendrick the opportunity of a lifetime to step in to the ring with a two-time WWE Champion! And what did he do with that opportunity? He failed!" The fans boo as Show says that this week, he'll draw another name and maybe they'll seize the opportunity. After spinning the tumbler a few times, he opens it up and reaches in - pulling out a small ball and opening it up, reading the name off to himself. "Well, what do you know? Another young upstart on the Smackdown roster. Let's give it up for... Jimmy Yang!" As Yang makes his way out, Cole begins to question things from commentary. "I don't know, Tazz, it seems a little suspicious to me that last week it was a rookie Cruiserweight in Brian Kendrick! This week, another rookie Cruiserweight with Jimmy Yang!" While Tazz argues it's probably just a coincidence, Show has a big smile on his face standing in the ring as a clearly intimidated Yang cautiously takes his time coming down to the ring.
4) The Big Show def. Jimmy Yang in a totally one-sided affair, Yang only able to muster a few punches after being knocked down multiple times before being laid out with a big boot. Show then hits a big Chokeslam, but decides against going for the pin and instead hitting a second Chokeslam before covering Yang and putting him away at 1:29.
Show rises back to his feet having hardly broken a sweat. He grabs the top rope and raises his hand with a roar while Cole and Tazz continue to argue on commentary about whether Show is rigging his own tumbler.
An image for Summerslam's match between The Undertaker and Goldberg is shown, Cole mentioning how we looked in to the career of The Undertaker earlier and heard from him ahead of this match, but coming up next - we look at and hear from Goldberg!
A video package airs after the break highlighting the dominant WCW career of Goldberg, including his absurd 173 match win streak. His jump to the WWE earlier this year is then highlighted, with him going right after a big target in The Rock for his first match in the WWE. After defeating 'The Great One' at Backlash, Goldberg would continue his success over the months, all leading to his confrontation with The Undertaker last week and setting the stage for their Summerslam match. "The Undertaker has been dominating the WWE for thirteen years - but over those thirteen years he has never faced Goldberg one-on-one... at Summerslam, 'Dead Man', you're dead meat... because you're next!"
5) Jamie Noble (w/Nidia and Shaniqua) def. Tajiri (w/Funaki) as with his new 'muscle' in Shaniqua, she comes to Noble's aid multiple times and even knocks Funaki down with a boot to the face. With the referee distracted by Noble complaining about an eye injury, Shaniqua drags a downed Tajiri out of the ring and hits him with a powerslam! She then tosses him back in to the ring, an apparently fine Noble taking advantage by hitting a Double Underhook Powerbomb, giving him the pinfall victory at 3:53.
Noble pumps his fists in the air as he leaps to his feet, Nidia coming in to the ring to hug her boyfriend in equal excitement. As soon as Shaniqua comes in, however, he breaks away from Nidia and hugs Shaniqua by the waist. After it being a little too long, Shaniqua pushes Noble aside and he apologizes - instead turning back to Nidia and putting his arm around her with a smile.
In the back, Josh Mathews introduces his guest to be the new United States Champion, Rhyno. After giving his congratulations, Mathews asks Rhyno what this means to him. "It means a hell of a lot," Rhyno replies. "It means that I am a champion in the WWE! It means that that my hard work has paid off! I spent eighteen months on the shelf after my neck surgery, I came back at WrestleMania and was this close to becoming Intercontinental Champion in my first match back... and since then I've been hungry... I've been hungry for gold and now I've got it. And I welcome any challenge... whether that is Chris Benoit or anybody else I will run through them with a Gore! Gore! Gore!" Tapping his head against the United States Championship belt, Rhyno then walks away with a smile from underneath his hair.
Coming up next - the main event six man tag team match as Kurt Angle and Team Angle take on Rey Mysterio and Los Guerreros!
After the break, Cole and Tazz discuss what has been announced for next week as we will see John Cena and A-Train go one-on-one! Plus, Rhyno plans to defend his newly won United States Championship. On top of tat, Goldberg and The Undertaker will be live and in the same ring!
6) Six Man Tag Team Match: Rey Mysterio and Los Guerreros def. WWE Champion Kurt Angle and Team Angle in a lengthy and back-and-forth match up featuring six very talented superstars. The bout lasts through a break, the pace picking up with Mysterio, Eddie and Chavo taking turns on Haas. A blind tag by Angle leads to Chavo being blindsided with a clothesline. After Angle goes off for a bit, however, Mysterio makes a blind tag of his own - Eddie making the save on Chavo after being put in the Ankle Lock, leading to Team Angle coming in and brawling with Los Guerreros to the outside. Angle, distracted by all of this, then turns in to a springboard hurricanrana from Mysterio, the leg being hooked upon landing with Mysterio getting the sudden one, two, three at 12:25!
Angle sits up with a look of total shock on his face, Mysterio standing up and having his arm raised by the referee. Counting to three in Angle's face, the WWE Champion rolls under the bottom rope with his hands on his hips - kicking the nearby steel steps in frustration, even. Los Guerreros return to the ring where they proceed to hoist Mysterio on to their shoulders in celebration. "If Rey Mysterio shocks Kurt Angle like that at Summerslam, we'll have ourselves a new WWE Champion!" Cole shouts. As the joy continues in the ring, Angle, Haas and Benjamin remain furious in the aisleway as the show goes off the air!
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 1, 2021 14:47:07 GMT -5
1) A-Train def. Spike Dudley via pinfall after the Derailer. (2:18) 2) The F.B.I. (w/Dawn Marie) def. Brian Kendrick and Paul London via pinfall after the Arrivederci from Nunzio to London. (4:11) 3) Ultimo Dragon def. Bill DeMott via pinfall, hitting the Asai DDT after a missed moonsault from DeMott. (3:57)
1) Scott Steiner (w/Christopher Nowinski) def. Maven via submission with the Steiner Recliner. (4:06) 2) Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade def. Buddy Wayne and Tony Kozina via pinfall after a spinebuster/dropkick combination to Wayne. (2:52) 3) Rob Van Dam def. Lance Storm via pinfall following the Five Star Frog Slash. (5:14)
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 3, 2021 5:14:33 GMT -5
The opening video for Monday Night Raw airs before the cameras enter The Mark of the Quad arena from Moline, Illinois where the stage is lit up by pyrotechnics, the voices of Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler from commentary welcoming everybody to the show as we are just two weeks away from Summerslam. As part of Summerslam, the World Heavyweight Championship is set to be defended with Brock Lesnar putting his gold on the line against Stone Cold Steve Austin. But first, tonight, Austin must sign a Hold Harmless Agreement before that match can be made official!
The theme music of Hulk Hogan hits throughout the arena, the Moline fans to their feet for the arrival of 'The Immortal' as he makes his way down the ramp alongside Booker T. The two of them come in to the ring together, Hogan giving a signature 'let me tell you something, brothers' to the crowd. "Two weeks ago, Booker T and 'The Hulkster' had their backs against the wall with Evolution! It's not that we couldn't put up a fight, but sometimes there is strength in numbers - especially if you're a bunch of dirty scumbags like Evolution, brother!" Booker adds on that is why Hulk called for a friend and while he had his doubts last week, it all came together. "Because now what we have is two thirds of the New World Order, man! What we got is Hulk Hogan and seven feet of a bad, bad, man! So, how about we bring him on out?"
Booker waves his hand toward the stage as arriving is Kevin Nash, 'Big Sexy' marching his way down and in to the ring where he slaps hands with Booker and embraces Hogan. "Well, damn, it feels good to be back." He says to cheers from the audience. "Y'know, Hulk, it wasn't that long ago that you were the third man, not me." He chuckles and then gets a bit more serious, bringing up how a few months back he got caught up in the mix of things with Evolution, where he was never really a member but Triple H brought him in with a false sense of security. "I thought Triple H was a brother. Somebody that I could trust... but I won't be making a mistake like that again, you can bet your ass on that." He brings up how two months ago, HHH broke his wrist by slamming a sledgehammer in to it. "Well, Hunter, I'm all healed and I'm ready to throw more than just some fists... that's why I'm back with two men I really respect and why I'm standing here tonight challenging your ass to a match!"
As the crowd cheers on the challenge made, Evolution's music hits but only out to the stage comes two members of the group in Batista and Ric Flair. 'The Nature Boy' has a microphone and begins to wave his hand with a slight laugh. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, big man," He says while shaking his head. "I don't think you're thinking things quite through! You may be seven feet tall, you might think you know Triple H - but believe me, you don't know Triple H. And you damn sure don't want to face him again here tonight!" Nash says he knows exactly what he wants and questions Flair why he is out here and not 'The Game' himself, with Flair explaining that HHH and Randy Orton are running a bit late. "Evolution business. Made, laid and paid, baby, woo!" He tacks on that Nash can wait for an answer to his challenge when HHH gets here himself and brings up how there is other business to handle here, then handing the microphone off to Batista. "Booker T," He says with a glare. "It's me and you tonight. I'd recommend that you save yourself the trouble by laying down in that ring and just letting me place my boot over your chest before you get seriously hurt." Booker looks to Nash and Hogan and steps forward, telling Batista there is no way in hell he's going to be doing that. "As a matter of fact, I'm ready for you right now, sucka!" Batista is fired up and begins to make his way down to the ring - Flair coming right behind him fired up himself, as it looks like we're going to be diving straight in to action after the break!
1) Batista def. Booker T as during the break, the referee ejected Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash after getting in to it early in the match. Things are back and forth between the two men, with Booker withstanding Batista's power, but ends up coming up short as after missing a Scissors Kick, Batista hits a spinebuster followed by the Batista Bomb, putting Booker down for the count at 6:16.Rising back to his feet over Booker, Batista rips his arm away from the referee and instead has some choice words for Booker. Batista then places his boot on Booker's chest and raises his fists in the air.
The cameras then pick up in the parking lot out back, a limousine seen pulling up and stopping. The driver gets out and opens the back door, Triple H and Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton stepping out. They are immediately approached by Terri Runnels, whom excuses herself and asks Triple H if he heard about Kevin Nash's challenge toward him tonight. "Kevin Nash challenged me?" He asks with a scoff. "Does he not remember what happened last time? Funny, Terri. Funny. You know what, let me get settled in, let me think about it... because I don't know if I want to waste my time." He and Orton proceed to walk away, leaving Terri, Nash and everyone else without an answer.
Seen in his office backstage is Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff along with Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski when in to the room walks the other Co-General Manager, Shane McMahon. "You wanted to see me, Eric?" Shane asks with Bischoff immediately saying that as a matter of fact, he did. "See, Shane, you are the reason that Brock Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin are having a match at Summerslam. And because of that, tonight, Steve Austin has to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement for his safety." Bischoff shakes his head and tells McMahon this is exactly the type of thing that happens when Shane doesn't exactly think things through. "So tonight, I'm going to go out there with Scott and Chris and we're going to oversee things and make sure they're done properly, understand?" McMahon folds his hands and shrugs his shoulders, saying that's fine with him. "You have fun with that, Eric." He pats Bischoff on the arm and leaves the room, Bischoff looking back to Steiner and Nowinski after he leaves and saying that's how you put your foot down!
Back inside the Mark of the Quad arena, The Basham Brothers and Rico are in the ring as the latter has a microphone in hand. "The last two weeks, Doug and Danny have had to deal with Billy Gunn and whatever partner he picks out of a hat." Rico says that tonight, they aren't playing those games - they're challenging any other team to a match. After a few moments, out comes the team of The Hurricane and Goldust. They pose atop the stage together, bump forearms and make their way down to the ring.
2) The Basham Brothers (w/Rico) def. The Hurricane and Goldust in a fairly competitive contest with The Basham Brothers gaining control after Hurricane is pushed off the top rope and to the outside floor by Rico, leaving Goldust - despite his best efforts - to fall to a legsweep/clothesline combination that leads to him being pinned at 3:30.
Hurricane staggers back in to the ring after the bell as The Basham Brothers continue to put the boots to Goldust. Rico comes in and drops Hurricane from behind, leading to a three-on-two beat down. Running down from the back for assistance, however, is Billy Gunn! He slides in and begins to throw punches and clotheslines at Doug, Danny and Rico. After tossing Rico to the outside at the feet of The Basham Brothers. As Gunn checks on Hurricane and Goldust, Rico begins to yell from ringside for Gunn's attention. "You want to keep this up, huh?!" He questions. "You don't belong here, Billy! But if you want to keep this up... Doug and Danny and myself will give you one last chance next week... so choose wisely this time around." He and The Bashams then head to the back, Gunn left nodding in approval from the ring as it seems he will get one more opportunity to join Raw's tag team division.
Following the break, Jonathan Coachman is atop the stage as he introduces his guest - Gail Kim. She steps out as Coachman is quick to bring up what happened last week, showing footage on the titantron of Kim attacking Trish Stratus following her successful Women's Championship defense against Jazz. Coachman brings up Kim's supposed friendship and admiration of Stratus, asking what prompted her to attack Stratus. "Every woman that comes in to this business should have one goal: Become Women's Champion... and Trish thought I was just going to sit back and bide my time, wait my turn. Well, I'm not." Kim says that she is sick of being Trish's little sidekick, she's ready to take over and become the new Women's Champion herself. Out to the stage behind Kim then walks Molly Holly, hands on her hips as Coachman holds the microphone out to her, Holly telling Kim that she has a lot of nerve. "You haven't even been here for two full months and you think you just deserve to be the Women's Champion?" Kim says she'll make this very simple: If Molly has a problem, then to face her later on tonight. Holly smirks and tells Kim she has a lot to learn around here - she accepts.
3) World Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho (w/World Tag Team Champion Christian) def. Kane (w/Rob Van Dam) via pinfall in a bout that goes through a commercial break, Jericho spending a lot of time messing with Kane's mask and even teasing removing it a few times. 'The Big Red Machine' throws a lot of heavy hits and uses his power against Jericho, having to deal with the mask situation and Christian on the outside. RVD even has to be Kane's eyes at one point when blinded, but Kane continues to overcome. A Chokeslam attempt leads to Jericho grabbing the mask again, however, and spinning it around - blinding Kane as he instead pulls him down in to a small package for the win at 6:31.
Jericho is quick to roll out of the ring and get out of dodge with Christian as RVD hits the ring and Kane furiously stands back up adjusting his mask back around. "Talk about underhanded!" J.R. says. RVD holds Kane back inside of the ring, having him save it for another day as Jericho and Christian mock them from atop the stage - having gotten away with one tonight.
The cameras then pick up backstage to show World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar stepping out of his locker room with Paul Heyman. They then transition to another part of the back where out of his own locker room steps Stone Cold Steve Austin. Coming up next, Austin will have to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement ahead of his match with Lesnar at Summerslam. Standing in the ring after the commercial is Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff, his assistant Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski. The ring has a black covering with a table in the middle, Bischoff holding a contract in his hand that he raises above his head while addressing the crowd. "As you are all well aware of, at Summerslam, the World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line when Brock Lesnar defends against... Stone Cold Steve Austin." The Illinois fans cheer loud for the mention of Austin, Bischoff waving his hand and telling them to settle down, saying that the World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line only on the condition that Austin signs this Hold Harmless Agreement. "See, after WrestleMania this year, I sent Steve Austin home. Not out of spite, not because of the fact that I don't like him - but because his health was a liability to the Monday Night Raw brand and a liability to my responsibility as the General Manager of Raw. So, if I had it my way, Austin would still be at home on his couch where he belongs!" Bischoff says that despite that, he didn't make this decision to bring Austin back and he didn't make this decision to put him in the main event of Summerslam - that was all Shane McMahon. "And since Shane allows ill advised decisions to be made without thinking them through, so I'm out here to make sure things are done properly. So, let's get this under way..."
Bischoff first introduces the World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, whom makes his way out to the stage with Paul Heyman. The two of them head down to the ring as the crowd boos their arrival, the duo entering the ring and stepping to one side of the table with Lesnar staring Bischoff down in the process. Bischoff goes to speak but Heyman stops him with a hand up. "If you don't mind, Mr. Bischoff, I'd like to say a few words before our guest joins us." Bischoff nods in allowance with Heyman stating that he wants to make this very clear - this is for Stone Cold Steve Austin's own good. "The reason for this Hold Harmless Agreement is because Stone Cold Steve Austin's career should already be over yet he insists on stepping back in to the ring and putting his life at risk, too." Calling Lesnar 'The Executioner', as he dubbed last week, Heyman explains that Lesnar does not care about Austin's well being, he cares about the lawsuit when Austin is laying in the middle of this ring with a broken neck. "However, unlike six years ago at Summerslam, Austin isn't going to pull off a miracle and win that match somehow... there ain't no way, ain't no how! Brock Lesnar is going to destroy you, Austin. So you've been warned before you come out here and sign this agreement... you have been warned of making the biggest mistake of your entire life."
Glass shatters to an eruption from the crowd, Stone Cold Steve Austin coming out from the back and down to the ring. After circling around it a couple of times, he comes in and locks eyes from across the table at Heyman and Lesnar, having a few choice words for the World Heavyweight Champion before Bischoff tells him to hold it. "Austin, we're not out here for you to fight and argue. We're out here to make sure you sign this Hold Harmless Agreement and that's it!" Austin says he begs to differ, pointing out that Heyman got to speak, he should get an opportunity to speak. Pushing Bischoff's buttons a bit, Austin appears to finally get his way. "Let me get this straight..." He says while pointing at Heyman. "You think that Stone Cold Steve Austin stepping in to the ring with Brock Lesnar would be the biggest mistake of my life?" Heyman nods in response, prompting Austin to say he has made a lot of bad decisions and he doesn't think this is one of them. "You think I don't know how bad Brock Lesnar is? You think I don't know how tough of a S.O.B. he is? Doesn't mean I'm afraid of 'em. Stone Cold Steve Austin isn't afraid of nothing and nobody. You may kick my ass at Summerslam, Brock. Hell, you may even leave me broken in half, injured and back in the hospital. But one way or another, I'm gonna stomp a mudhole in your ass and walk it dry before leaving the World Heavyweight Champion!" As the crowd cheers, Steiner takes a step forward and tells Austin that's enough. "I think it's time you shut your big mouth and sign the papers already!"
"What?" Austin quickly asks, with Steiner trying to respond but continuing to be cut off by the same question, frustrating him. Nowinski puts a hand out in front of Steiner and speaks up. "Mr. Austin, as a lawyer and a Harvard graduate, I think the best educated decision you could make right now is to sign this agreement and walk away before something heinous happens to you." Austin looks around the arena, smirking ever so slightly. "Should we just get to business and sign the papers?" Austin asks the crowd to boos. "They don't seem to think so... how about this one... if you think Stone Cold should put signing these papers on hold to open a couple cans of whoop ass - give me a hell yeah!" The audience pops with a 'hell yeah!' response, Austin stepping up to Steiner and flipping him off. A couple of punches are thrown in response by 'Big Poppa Pump' but Austin ducks underneath a clothesline and nails a Stone Cold Stunner! As Steiner flies backwards, Lesnar and Heyman step out of the ring and begin to walk around it. Bischoff tries to yell at Austin as he stands back up and catches Nowinski charging at him - sending him by the neck high over the top rope and to the floor! "Damn it, Steve!" Bischoff shouts. "Why do you have to be this way?! Why can't you just sign this damn paperwork and be a civil human being for once in your life?!" Austin places his hands on his hips and then picks up his microphone from the table, nodding his head and telling Bischoff he's right. "I should be professional... I should sign these papers... hell, I could even take 'em home and FedEx 'em to ya. But before I do that..." Bischoff's eyes widen as Austin gives him two middle fingers, proceeding to hit him with the Stone Cold Stunner right after! The Illinois crowd is loud as Austin stands right back up and picks up the Hold Harmless Agreement from the table - signing his name on the dotted line! He drops the papers on Bischoff's lifeless body and turns his attention back to Lesnar and Heyman as they now stand atop the stage, throwing them a couple of middle fingers as well before calling for some beers from ringside. He throws a beer bash in celebration with the crowd as his match with Lesnar at Summerslam is official and tonight, hell has been raised with Bischoff, Steiner and Nowinski the victims of circumstance!
Replay footage from before the break is shown with Ross and Lawler on commentary arguing about Austin's actions. The cameras then pick up backstage to Jonathan Coachman chasing after the World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, trying to get a word with them on what just happened. "Steve Austin is a foolish, foolish man." Heyman says, going on to say that signing that agreement was bad enough, but laying his hands on Eric Bischoff was a poor decision as well. Lesnar stops Heyman there and speaks up. "You better make sure Bischoff doesn't do anything to stop our match from happening," He warns to his manager. "I want to be the one to put Austin out once and for all. Not him." Lesnar then keeps on walking, Heyman left to look to Coachman and say that going ahead and facing Lesnar at Summerslam is still the worst decision Stone Cold Steve Austin has ever made.
4) The APA def. Test and Stevie Richards (w/Stacy Keibler and Victoria) in what is initially a back and forth, hard hitting fight. As things spill to the outside though, Test and Richards both use Keibler and Victoria as shields from Simmons and Bradshaw. The two Divas are unimpressed by the antics, as once things get back in to the ring - the two of them walk out. With Test and Richards both distracted by them leaving, Richards turns to a spinebuster from Simmons, leading to Test turning in to the Clothesline From Hell from Bradshaw, putting him down for the count at 4:19.
Bradshaw and Simmons stand tall and are announced the winners, arms raised by the official. As they are celebrating in the ring, Keibler and Victoria look back from atop the stage and shake their heads in disgust. They then walk through the curtains, Richards and Test on all fours on the outside questioning where they are going!
In the back, Terri Runnels is standing outside the locker room of Evolution, knocking on the door and having it answered by Ric Flair. As she tries to question him about Triple H, Flair ignores it and decides to flirt in 'Nature Boy' fashion instead. He finally lets up as Triple H walks up behind him, pulling the legend back a bit. Terri then asks 'The Game' if he has decided on Kevin Nash's challenge for tonight. "Y'know, Terri, I have given it some thought." He replies. "I've been thinking about it... and, you've got Hulk Hogan... you've got Booker T... now you've got Kevin Nash... but we've got... Ric Flair, Batista, Randy Orton and... oh, right, me." HHH laughs and says that's four to three and not that he needs the numbers, he has them. "So, I'll face Kevin Nash tonight. And if Booker T and Hulk Hogan want to get their asses kicked by Evolution again... then they can be my guest." He then walks back in to the locker room and shuts the door behind him.
In the back following the break, Test and Stevie Richards are seen pleading with Stacy Keibler and Victoria as they continue to try and walk away from them, prompting Stacy to turn around and say she has had enough of this. "Victoria and I have been treated like crap for way too long by you guys! And now you put us in harm's way like that?" Test tries to explain that it's strategy, with Richards saying they were just using their resources. "You don't have a whole brain between the two of you." Victoria replies with a snarl. "So both of you can take your excuses and shove it!" She then leads Stacy away, Test and Richards left looking distraught over the situation.
5) Gail Kim def. Molly Holly with Molly in total control at the start until a dropkick from Kim knocks her off of her feet. After some fast paced offense from Kim leads to a series of near falls, a clothesline from Molly stopping that only for her attempt to swing momentum to be stopped by a kick to the stomach, then face with Kim then nailing a hurricanrana with a bridge, getting the pinfall at 4:05.
Kim pops back to her feet with Molly getting to a knee right after, Kim ripping her arm away from the official immediately and plowing right through Holly with a boot to the face! Kim stands over her with a smile as the audience boos, Gail motioning around her waist in indication of the Women's Championship.
Backstage, Kevin Nash is seen tying his boots ahead of his match with Triple H when in to the room comes Hulk Hogan and Booker T, whom is holding his ribs. Nash asks Booker how he is feeling, with Booker saying he'll be fine - he'll get Batista back eventually. "Tonight, brother, you've got Triple H." Hogan says, patting Nash on the chest. "Want some back up out there or what?" Nash tells Hogan he appreciates the offer, but he's going to give HHH a chance one-on-one. "But if Evolution wants to get involved, we'll be right out there, dog." Booker says. Nash gives a fist bump to both men and says he supposes it's time to play the game. "And time to kick 'The Game's ass." He then heads out, the main event coming up after the break!
In his office laying on the couch after the commercial break is Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff, appearing to be in pain as Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski are furiously standing over him talking about what they want to do to Stone Cold Steve Austin. The door then opens and everyone is immediately on the defensive but Paul Heyman is who walks in with his hands up. "Gentlemen, let me first start off by saying how unprofessional Steve Austin was earlier." Bischoff stands up quick to tell Heyman he's damn right, but has to sit right back down. Heyman puts his hands together and tells Bischoff that Austin had no right to put his hands on him - the Co-General Manager of Raw. "May I add, the should be sole General Manager of Raw. Nevertheless, Mr. Bischoff, at the request of my client and your World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar... Brock doesn't want any repercussions for Austin's actions, with all due respect." Bischoff says that he could easily bring this to the Board of Directors and have Austin's match at Summerslam taken away for wrongfully assaulting him. Heyman says he understands that, but Lesnar wants to do this himself. "I promise you, Eric, that after Summerslam... you won't have to worry about Stone Cold Steve Austin ever again, thanks to 'The Executioner' Brock Lesnar..." Bischoff ponders the words over and then looks back to Heyman, telling him he damn sure hopes that is the case. Heyman gives an understanding nod and leaves the room, Bischoff laying back down, wincing as he holds his neck while Steiner happens to mentions that he could take Austin out himself if he really wanted to - Nowinski saying he begs to differ after what he saw earlier!
6) Kevin Nash def. Triple H via disqualification as the two former friends turned bitter rivals go it alone, with HHH still pulling out underhanded tactic after tactic, all to no avail as Nash won't go down that easily. As Nash begins to dominate and sets up for a powerbomb, however, HHH slips free and rakes the eyes - bouncing off the ropes only to return to a huge big boot. 'The Game' rolls under the bottom rope due to this, Nash having to argue with the referee before exiting and trying to follow after HHH, walking straight in to a shot to the stomach via a sledgehammer, causing a disqualification at 7:14.
The boos come down from the Mark of the Quad crowd as HHH rolls Nash back in to the ring. "Triple H doing what he does best - take the easy way out!" J.R. exclaims. "And it's a damn shame for all of his natural talent to go to waste time and time again!" HHH waves his hand toward the stage with a smile as down from the back comes the other three members of Evolution. Orton, Flair and Batista all take their time coming down and in to the ring as all four surround Nash as he is on all fours. As perhaps expected, however, running right down behind them is Hulk Hogan and Booker T. They hit the ring and try put up a fight, Nash even getting involved but the numbers game once again proving to be too much to handle. With Hogan and Booker pummeled to the mat in separate corners, it leaves Nash in the middle of the ring on his own once again, HHH standing over him.
As Nash is pulled up in position for the Pedigree, however, the music of Shawn Michaels hits! HHH's eyes widen in the center of the ring as 'The Heart Break Kid' comes through the curtains and charges right to the ring! "We haven't seen Shawn Michaels in a few weeks!" King says, pointing out HBK's absence since Vengeance. Michaels takes HHH down with a diving clothesline and then kips back up to throw punches at Flair, Orton and Batista. With the opening in place, Hogan and Booker return to help in the battle, Nash eventually coming in as well. As Batista, Flair and HHH scatter from the ring, Orton is left staggering up via the ropes by himself with Michaels aiming for Sweet Chin Music only for Batista to sweep Orton's legs out from beneath him and pull him under the ropes to safety. While booing comes as a result of the Sweet Chin Music not being executed, cheers take over once the music of Co-General Manager Shane McMahon hits. He comes out to the stage with a microphone in hand and says that this is a sight to see. "Because it seems to me, Evolution, that possibly for the first time... you have an even match up here." He gestures down to the ring and says that seeing this gives him quite the idea. "I think that there are way too many scores to settle to not make this happen. So, let's do it! At Summerslam: No Holds Barred - Eight Man Tornado Tag Team Match! Evolution's Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton and Ric Flair face the team of Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Booker T and 'The Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels!" Evolution is up in arms over the match made while their four opponents inside the ring are thrilled. With that match set, Michaels, Hogan, Nash and Booker raise their arms together to the dismay of Evolution as the show comes to an end.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 4, 2021 5:12:52 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Nov 10, 2021 12:46:00 GMT -5
Following the opening Smackdown video, the cameras enter the Savvis Center from St. Louis, Missouri with the stage hit by pyrotechnics to kick things off, Michael Cole and Tazz from commentary. Cole mentions that later on tonight, we will see Goldberg and The Undertaker face to face after their respective heated words were shared last week. Plus, Rey Mysterio pinned the WWE Champion Kurt Angle and plans to address things, The Hardy Boyz will confirm if they are re-united or not and, right now, the #1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship will be determined!
1) #1 Contenders Match for a WWE Tag Team Championship Match at Summerslam: Team Angle vs Los Guerreros goes to a No Contest in a competitive contest that lasts through a commercial break, Benjamin and Haas trying to pull out all the stops with a ton of double teams that just can't put Eddie and Chavo away. After a comeback via Los Guerreros, however, Eddie ends up hitting a Frog Splash on Haas. Just as the referee is about to make the three count, however, Benjamin yanks him by the leg under the bottom rope. A brawl begins on the outside with Chavo and Haas eventually joining in, total chaos on the outside with the referee getting his count eventually up to ten at 11:17.
The bell keeps on ringing despite the brawl between the two teams when things are interrupted by the music of The Dudley Boyz. The WWE Tag Team Champions step out to the stage. "Ladies, ladies, ladies!" Bubba shouts. "You guys are so caught up kicking each other's asses to face us... you forgot about us!" He laughs and says that they were waiting to see who they were going to face at Summerslam, but he believes there is a better solution. He then whispers something to D-Von, whom seems to be in agreement. "So, we could go to Mick Foley and tell him let's just schedule a rematch... or... we do things The Dudley Boyz way! Because at Summerslam, we'd like to propose that we don't just face Team Angle, we don't just face Los Guerreros - we face both Team Angle and Los Guerreros!" As Team Angle and Los Guerreros look confused, Bubba tacks on that they'll go and offer this right up to Foley right now, but - once again - The Dudley Boyz way. "We'd love to prove once again that we are the best tag team in this business by beating the four of your... in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match!" The St. Louis crowd pops for the proposition, Team Angle looking taken aback by it while Los Guerreros seem all for it, D-Von then taking the microphone and happily proclaiming: "Oh my brother, testify!"
The cameras then pick up in the back to show Rey Mysterio, the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship, as after pinning his Summerslam opponent and WWE Champion Kurt Angle last week, he will be addressing things - next!
Standing in the back following the break is Josh Mathews, introducing his guest at this time to be The Big Show. The boos come from inside of the arena as Mathews brings up Show's use of a tumbler to select a random opponent resulting in two much smaller men from the Cruiserweight division in Brian Kendrick and Jimmy Yang. "Are you trying to say something, Josh?" Show asks. Mathews stutters as he explains that he isn't the one saying it but people are suggesting that Show might be rigging the tumbler. "Rigging the tumbler?" The big man yells as he takes Mathews by the collar of his suit jacket. "Let me make something clear to you... anybody's name could be picked out of there that isn't in a scheduled match. Hell, I could even pick your name! Who knows?" He snickers and lets Mathews go, saying not to worry - it's slim odds. "But I have a really, really good feeling about tonight, Josh."
Back inside the Savvis Center, Rey Mysterio's music hits and out comes the 2003 King of the Ring and number one contender for the WWE Championship. Once in the ring, he calls for a microphone and asks if everybody is as fired up for Summerslam as he is. "Because if what happened last week happens in just ten days... I'll be the new WWE Champion." He then brings up that if anybody missed what happened last week, he has some footage to remind them. He then gestures up to the titantron, replaying the six man tag team match of him and Los Guerreros against Kurt Angle and Team Angle, where he would pull off the victory by pinning Kurt with a springboard hurricanrana. Back in the arena, the crowd cheers as Mysterio asks if they liked that. "Because it just goes to show that at any point in time - I can beat Kurt Angle one, two, three in the middle of this ring and at Summerslam I'm going to do it again!"
Before Mysterio has the opportunity to say anything more, he is interrupted and caught off guard by the arrival of Chris Benoit. The former United States Champion comes down and in to the ring and quickly cuts Mysterio off as he tries to speak up. "No offense, Rey, but nobody cares! Nobody cares about your rah-rah speech. What people care about is the fact that Mick Foley has it out for me!" Mysterio shakes his head as Benoit brings up having to defend the United States Championship against Rhyno for no good reason other than Foley thinking he had something to do with the attack on Edge at Vengeance. "Because of something I didn't do! It's ridiculous and I want something to be done about it!"
The theme song of Mick Foley then hits, the Smackdown General Manager stepping out to the stage and appearing unimpressed as he looks down to the ring. "Chris, you can continue to deny any wrongdoing at Vengeance but I'll continue to hold my beliefs. The fact of the matter is, Chris, I had you defend the United States Championship and you lost it to Rhyno - not anyone else." Benoit furiously snaps back that Foley has it in for him, that he shouldn't have had to defend the championship so soon. Mysterio then chirps in from behind, telling Benoit that he thought he knew him better. "You're not the same man I used to know, Chris. You're just like Kurt Angle - nothing but a crybaby and a coward!" Benoit turns around slowly and stares Mysterio down - stepping up to him and looking down angrily. Foley tells them to back it off, saying there is a very simple solution to this. "Tonight, here - right here in St. Louis, Missouri - we're going to have Chris Benoit versus Rey Mysterio!" The two men continue to stare down and have some words as they will now officially be in action later.
After the break, Cole and Tazz from commentary mention the match made for later prior to the break between Rey Mysterio and Chris Benoit, but also make the announcement that Foley has officially booked for Summerslam the Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWE Tag Team Championship! The Dudley Boyz, at their own suggestion, will defend their gold against Los Guerreros and Team Angle.
In the back, WWE Champion Kurt Angle is walking in the back muttering to himself. "Who the hell does he think he is... crybaby? coward? I'm neither of those things..." He then bumps shoulders with someone as he comes around the corner of a hallway, Ultimo Dragon revealing himself as he turns and comes face-to-face with Angle. "Oh, great! Another masked freak!" Angle says while placing his hands on his hips, looking Dragon up and down. "Y'know, people like you don't belong in the ring with people like me! But I'll make an exception just to make an example before I beat Rey Mysterio. So what do you say you and I get it on in that ring? I mean..." Angle pauses and closes his eyes, waving his finger. "What I meant was... we go down to that ring and your ass is mine!" He stops himself again and frustrated puts a finger in Dragon's face, saying he wants a match with him tonight! "Got it?! Good!" Angle then walks away, Dragon shrugging his shoulders in confusion, appearing to not even have understood what Angle was saying!
Inside of the arena, John Cena's music hits and he makes his way out with a microphone in hand - calling for his music to be cut as he begins to rap about his match tonight with A-Train, mocking him by saying he's more afraid of Thomas The Tank Engine. "This man's a gorilla, he's got hair coming from his toes to his back - I'm gonna beat his ass so bad, it'll leave more than one crack! But don't you worry, A-Train, when it's all said and done, next week you can call out sick. See, I'm the doctor of thuganomics and I'm diagnosing you with having a little..." He then raises his mike up for the crowd to finish the line.
2) John Cena def. A-Train as after big power and control for A-Train early on, Cena mounts a big comeback. After avoiding a corner big boot, A-Train gets tangled up enough to allow Cena to get positioned in the center of the ring, ducking a wild and frustrated clothesline from A-Train, hoisting him off the mat on to his shoulders and nailing the F-U for the three count at 5:08.
Cena emerges to his feet to cheers from the crowd, taunting to the crowd and waving his hand in front of his face over A-Train's body. He then leaves the ring and heads to the back, full of momentum and confidence right now!
Picking things up backstage, The F.B.I. are seen in the back talking to some members of the Smackdown roster as they are taking money. "Bets, bets!" Nunzio shouts. "Place your bets on The Undertaker and Goldberg - c'mon!" As they keep getting money and Palumbo writes things down, Cole and Tazz question from commentary what they are really up to, Cole suspected they're never up to anything good.
Coming down to the ring following the time away is the Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy, his follower Shannon Moore and brother Jeff Hardy in tow. Once in the ring, Matt says he wants to address last week's WWE Tag Team Championship match with The Dudley Boyz. "My brother Jeff and I went to battle against old foes and we came up just short... and a lot of people have questioned what is the next step for Jeff and myself? Are The Hardy Boyz back together? These same people have said that it could take just a couple more times teaming up to get ourselves back on track!" He suggests that maybe these people are right. He then turns to Jeff and says that he, however, wants to know what his brother thinks - questioning if he believes in their brotherhood, their bond and the way of Mattitude.
Jeff looks around the arena and then shrugs his shoulders. "Matt, there's a lot of things in my life I can change. One thing I can never change, though, is that you and I are brothers." Jeff admits that maybe he hasn't fully bought in to this whole 'Mattitude' thing, but he has grown to have trust for Matt once again. "And, hell, we were just one Swanton Bomb away from standing here WWE Tag Team Champions, right? I know we got in to a bit of a disagreement but that's what brothers do sometimes." Matt looks over to Moore and asks for his opinion. "M-my opinion?" Shannon questions, with Matt smacking him upside the head and asking who else he could be talking to. "I... I don't know, Matt." The Cruiserweight Champion rubs his chin and asks how Moore could not know. "You've been my follower for what? Eight months now? If there is somebody I could trust - other than my own flesh and blood - it would be a loyal MFer like yourself, Shannon. I'm asking for your opinion and I want it right now!" Moore replies that he is afraid of giving the wrong answer, Jeff then stepping forward and telling Moore that it's alright, he doesn't have to answer. "Hey!" Matt says as he steps in between them. "You don't get to tell him what to do." Moore speaks up and tells Matt that nobody tells him what to do. Appalled by that, Matt gets right in Moore's face and points in his face - telling him to watch it!
Jeff pulls his brother back and tells him to leave Moore alone. "This isn't even about, Shannon, Matt. This is about us! This is about us being brothers! Trusting each other again! Re-forming The Hardy Boyz and living the dream we had as kids to be WWE Tag Team Champions one more time! I'm all in, bro. I'm all in." Jeff then puts his arms out to offer his brother a hug, Matt looking around the arena as they cheer on him accepting the gesture. "You trust me?" Matt asks to a positive 'yes', Jeff then holding his arms out again. "Because I don't trust you... now." Moore then drops to a knee behind Jeff and throws an arm up - delivering a low blow! "What the hell?" Cole shouts in disbelief. "What the hell is going on?!" Matt puts the boots to Jeff, Shannon joining in as well. After a lengthy beat down of boots, Moore pulls Jeff up by his hair as Matt picks his microphone back up. "You've always been this way, Jeff! Trying to walk before you know how to crawl! Since you were a baby! Trying to do something before you think it through! Always trying to be better than I was! But I'm your older brother! I am wiser and I know more than you and as your older brother it is my job... it is my job to put you in your place because a black sheep like you needs to face reality! And that reality is that you are nothing without me!" He then tosses the microphone away and orders Moore to pull Jeff up, throwing a kick to the stomach and nailing the Twist of Fate in the center of the ring! Matt then stands back up to loud boos from the St. Louis crowd, Moore presenting him with the Cruiserweight Championship - Matt raising it up proudly over his head over Jeff's body.
Meanwhile in the back, the locker room of Goldberg is seen. Up to the door comes The F.B.I., Nunzio looking to Palumbo and Marie before nodding and knocking on the door. After a few moments, it rips open and Goldberg stands and stares them down. "What?" He simply asks, Nunzio seeming a bit nervous as he explains that The F.B.I. has been collecting bets on the match at Summerslam. "And, in our crosshairs, we've heard some things..." Goldberg crosses his arms and asks what kind of things. "Y'know, things," Nunzio says as he still appears pretty nervous. "It just, uh, sounds like Taker, he, uh, really thinks he can kick your ass and he thinks he's gonna be able to do it tonight, too." Goldberg asks if that's so, Palumbo quick to throw out that they aren't taking 'The Dead Man's side, they're just trying to relay the message. Goldberg nods and says he'll see about that. "Now, if you don't mind - beat it." He then shuts the door in the face of the three, Marie saying that was rude - Nunzio quick to shush her. "He coulda heard that!" He whispers, the trio then heading off.
Elsewhere backstage, WWE Champion Kurt Angle is making his way toward the ring as he will be going one-on-one with Ultimo Dragon - next!
3) Non-Title Match: WWE Champion Kurt Angle def. Ultimo Dragon in a match that catches Angle off guard, Ultimo with some high flying tactics that he clearly wasn't expecting. A series of near falls from Dragon make Angle second guess things, forcing him to retreat on the outside. A crossbody to the outside looks even more promising for Dragon as he gets Angle back in to the ring but a springboard moonsault is avoided with Angle catching him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Dragon tries to come back and attempts the Asai DDT but Angle plants him back on the mat, nailing the Angle Slam before pulling his straps down and applying the Ankle Lock! Dragon tries to crawl to the ropes but Angle drags him right back to the middle of the ring, forcing a tap out at 7:53.
Angle refuses to let go of the hold despite the bell continuing to sound, instead dropping to the mat and wrapping his legs around Dragon's. The referee tries to get Angle to let go but he doesn't do so until he feels like it. Getting back to his feet, Angle demands the official retrieve his WWE Championship belt - which he does - Angle raising it above his head and even throwing a boot on Dragon's ankle for good measure before leaving the ring.
In his office backstage is Mick Foley, shaking his head at his television. "Kurt Angle may be good - but that's just..." Before he can finish the sentence, Chris Benoit barges in and asks Foley if he thinks this is funny. "You're just going to throw me in to a match with Rey Mysterio, huh? No rematch for my United States Championship or anything?" Foley says he figured Benoit would appreciate being in the main event tonight, to which Benoit says if Foley really doesn't have it out for him - he'll add a stipulation to this match. "When I beat Rey Mysterio, I get his spot at Summerslam and face Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship." Foley tells Benoit that is ridiculous, 'The Rabid Wolverine' saying that just proves his point. Foley shakes his head and says he has a different solution, actually. "If you can go out there tonight and beat Rey Mysterio, I'm not going to give you his WWE Championship match at Summerslam. But you know what I will do, Chris? I'll add you to the match at Summerslam. How about that?" Benoit scoffs, saying that he doesn't agree - but he'll take it. "And after I do win tonight, I'll head to Summerslam and become WWE Champion. You think you don't like Kurt Angle as champion, Mick? Wait until it's me." Benoit then turns around and leaves the room, Foley half-heartedly wishing him good luck. In the back sitting on his motorcycle is The Undertaker, being talked to by The F.B.I. "I swear, Take, Goldberg said he'd beat you in two minutes flat at Summerslam!" Nunzio says, 'The Dead Man' laughing and asking if he's serious. Nunzio says he is dead serious, no pun intended. "Big Bill has a lot of balls, huh?" Taker asks, Palumbo pointing his cigar towards Taker and saying that they have him as the favorite at Summerslam for what it's worth. "Alright, good to know. Now, how about you boys - and lady - run along?" Nunzio laughs as if it's a joke, but Taker stares him down. The three then slowly walk away, Taker left shaking his head and talking under his breath.
Back in the arena, The Big Show's music hits and the seven footer comes down to ringside where his tumbler is set up. He spins it around multiple times with a big smile across his face, picking up a microphone and asking everyone if they also believe this conspiracy theory. "Do you really think that a seven footer monster like myself needs to rig this? I can beat anybody! And I'm going to prove it once again tonight... let's see who the lucky one is tonight." He opens up the tumbler and retrieves a ball, stepping in to the ring with it and saying he has a good feeling. "Let's see here..." He says, opening up the ball and chuckling as he reads the name. "This... this could be something spectacular... the lucky name is... Torrie Wilson!" Everyone is shocked by the name drawn, Show even showing the name to the camera. "You can't make this up, folks. What are the odds?" Wilson then slowly makes her way out from the back, eyes wide and in disbelief. "Cole, I think... I think you might be right for once..." Tazz says. "There's... there's no way, right?" As Wilson gets halfway down the ramp, however, Sean O'Haire marches his way down and says this is nonsense. "Come on, Show. The gig is up. We know what you're doing here." Show tells O'Haire that this is completely random and to let Wilson go. "Show, you can supposedly beat anybody and you say you can prove it. If you are a man of your word, let me take Torrie's place tonight." Wilson tries to tell O'Haire that isn't necessary, Sean continuing to push Show by saying that if he wants to display how impressive he is - then to go ahead and try and beat him instead. "You know what, O'Haire," Show replies as he leans across the ropes. "It might just be even more fun to beat you up and make little Torrie watch." He lets out a laugh as O'Haire proceeds to charge the ring!
4) The Big Show def. Sean O'Haire (w/Torrie Wilson) as O'Haire is aggressive right out of the gate, but even at his big stature is outsized and outpowered by Show. A few leaping kicks keep Show off balance, but a top rope double axe handle has O'Haire caught with a big club to the stomach. Show stays on the offensive from there, eventually wearing O'Haire down enough to drop him with not one, but two Chokeslams that lead to the pinfall at 3:52.
Show stands back up with a sneer, looking out of the ring at Wilson and wagging a finger for her to come in. She is hesitant, however, until Show leaves with a laugh. Wilson then gets in to the ring and kneels at O'Haire's side, whom looks dazed from the match. Show, meanwhile, raises a hand in the air from the aisle with a roar, proud of his work as he heads to the back.
A split screen shot of in the back is shown of The Undertaker and Goldberg. The two Summerslam opponents will come face-to-face with each other - next!
In the parking lot, Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy and Shannon Moore are seen walking to their car when Josh Mathews runs up to them trying to ask about why they just attacked Jeff Hardy. "Did you not open your ears and hear what I said out there, Joshua?" Matt asks while opening the car door. "Jeff does not know how to listen. Jeff does not follow the way of Mattitude. I gave him chance after chance after chance and I tried to help him... without me, he is nothing. He will only weigh me down. Jeff Hardy is no brother of mine - Jeff Hardy is dead to me!" He then gets in to the car with Moore and proceeds to drive out of the building.
Back in the arena at ringside, Cole and Tazz discuss the situation with Matt and Jeff, Cole expressing his disgust for Matt's actions and saying he thought Jeff was incredibly tolerant of his brother's 'annoying behavior'. The theme music of The Undertaker then hits, the crowd coming to their feet for the arrival of 'Big Evil'. After riding his motorcycle down and around the ring, he steps over the ropes and calls for a microphone rather quickly. "We've got business to get down to tonight!" He says while pacing a bit. "Bill Goldberg had a lot to say last week and apparently has had plenty more to say ever since. So, let's skip the B.S., Goldberg, and get you on down here so we can work this out." Waiting a few moments, Taker continues to urge Goldberg on - saying he knows he's back there and to quit stalling.
Goldberg's music eventually does hit and he makes his way through the curtains - staring down at Taker in the ring. Taking a moment to stare at Taker's bike before entering the ring, the two men then come face-to-face. "You've got a lot of nerve," Taker says. "You think I'm next? You think you can beat my ass in two minutes flat?" Goldberg laughs a little, telling Taker he doesn't think those things. "I know these things. This may be your yard, 'Dead Man', but I'm more than glad to walk on it... go up to your front door... kick it down and leave you laying." Taking a look around the arena, Taker asks why they should bother waiting until Summerslam then. He tosses the microphone aside and the two have some more words with each other until down from the back comes The F.B.I., Nunzio waving his hands and telling them to hold up just a minute. "Guys, guys, we can't be doing this tonight!" He says while entering the ring with Palumbo and Marie. "There is a lotta money riding in the back on your match. We can't be tampering with that! So, hows about the two of you just calm it down and head to the back?" Taker then pulls his eyes off of Goldberg and stands over Nunzio - pointing down at him and having some choice words. Palumbo then comes up and spins Taker around, prompting some words between them. Nunzio, meanwhile, reaches in to his boot and pulls out a small pipe - charging up behind Taker and whacking him in the back of the knee! Palumbo then puts Taker fully on the ground with a boot to the face as he and Nunzio begin a beat down. Encouraging Goldberg to get involved, he instead just watches on from the corner. As the assault continues, however, Goldberg shakes his head and walks up behind Nunzio - pulling him back forcefully by the hair and tossing him in to the corner! Palumbo then runs forward but misses a clothesline, Goldberg instead charging right through him with a Spear! Taker emerges back to his feet and sees Goldberg standing over Palumbo, seeing Nunzio running forward but intercepting him with a grab by the throat. Looking back to Goldberg briefly, Taker then hoists Nunzio in the air and lays him out with a Chokeslam! With Palumbo and Nunzio rolling out of the ring, Taker and Goldberg are left to stare each other down once again, as despite their differences they seem to be on the same page about one thing.
Seen in the back is Sean O'Haire holding his ribs as Torrie Wilson checks on him, saying she is going to go get some ice. As she walks down the hallway, however, Billy Kidman approaches her and asks if she is alright. "Am I alright, Billy?" She asks in disbelief. "Why... why weren't you out there to stop that from happening? Why was Sean out there?" Kidman raises his hand in a cast and says he had his hand in a cast the last two weeks! Wilson shakes her head, saying she needs to get some ice for Sean's ribs. "Because he went out there and he fought that giant to protect me." She then continues on her way, Kidman left looking disgruntled.
Elsewhere in the back, Chris Benoit is seen making his way toward the ring for the upcoming main event when he is stopped by WWE Champion Kurt Angle. "You really are a slick son of a bitch." Angle says to Benoit's surprise and, perhaps, disapproval. "I'm impressed, even, actually. Trying to slide your way in to the WWE Championship match at Summerslam... y'know, if you win tonight and go on to Summerslam... we can team up together and take out that little masked freak together! And then we can tear it up like we've done before!" Benoit nods and asks Angle why he would want to team up against Mysterio so badly. "Is it because he pinned you last week and you're afraid that he'll do it again? So you want me to back you up?" Angle tries to deny it but Benoit tells him to save his breath. "I'm going to go out there, I'm going to beat Rey Mysterio and then I'm gong to go to Summerslam and beat him and you and become the new WWE Champion... something I should have done at the beginning of this year against you anyway." Benoit then continues walking with the main event coming up next!
After the break, The F.B.I. are seen together backstage, Marie trying to tend to both Nunzio and Palumbo as they complain about the pain in their backs and necks. Up to the group of them then comes Smackdown General Manager Mick Foley, saying he is sure glad he ran in to them. "Y'know, I had a great idea after what happened out there. You weeded out the rest of The F.B.I., so clearly you two are the best that your group has to offer, right? Well, how about you go up against two of the very best that Smackdown itself has to offer?" Palumbo asks what the hell he is getting at, Foley with a smile on his face as he says that next week - Nunzio and Chuck Palumbo go up against the team of The Undertaker and Goldberg! Nunzio's eyes widen as he begins to yell in disbelief, having to be held back by Palumbo over it. "Have a nice day!" Foley says with a thumbs up before walking away with a smile.
Back inside the arena, Kurt Angle's music plays and the WWE Champion proceeds to make his way out for a second time tonight. He makes his way over to ringside, taking a seat next to Cole and Tazz as he is joining in on commentary for the main event.
5) If Benoit Wins, He Is Added to the WWE Championship Match at Summerslam: Rey Mysterio def. Chris Benoit in a very heated, back-and-forth battle. With the match lasting through a commercial break, Benoit tries to keep things very mat oriented and powers Mysterio with takedowns and suplexes each time he fights back to his feet. Mysterio's quickness begins to give him an edge, however, until Benoit tosses him shoulder first in to the turnbuckles. After a German suplex, he applies the Crippler Crossface only for Mysterio to fight through it all and eventually get to the ropes and force a break. After an argument with the official, Benoit is caught off guard by a flurry of Mysterio offense, a sudden Sharpshooter attempt being reversed with Mysterio pushing Benoit back, ducking a returning clothesline and nailing a hurricanrana that sets him between the ropes - leaving him prone for the 619 that Mysterio nails! A top rope splash follows with Mysterio getting the pinfall at 13:41!
The celebration for Mysterio doesn't get to last long, however, as while the referee raises his arm as the winner, Angle comes up from behind and drops him with a forearm to the back of the head. A vicious beat down commences afterward, the WWE Champion backing the official off as he takes Mysterio getting to his feet via the ropes and plants him with the Angle Slam! "Come on, that's enough, Kurt!" Cole pleads from ringside. It isn't enough for Angle, however, as he picks the leg of Mysterio and applies the Ankle Lock - wrenching away at it as he continues what he started earlier with Ultimo Dragon. Dropping to the mat and wrapping his legs around Mysterio's, he demands the King of the Ring winner tap out. Mysterio refuses initially, but the pain eventually becomes too much and he begins to tap out on the mat. The referee continues to try and force Angle off, but the WWE Champion doesn't do so until satisfied. Angle finally lets up and Mysterio immediately grabs for his ankle, being stood over by his Summerslam foe. Angle then picks his WWE Championship belt up from off of the mat and raises it over his head, the referee continuing to keep a hand up as he checks on Mysterio beneath Angle. With that, the show fades to black and Smackdown comes to an end.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 11, 2021 4:23:47 GMT -5
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 12, 2021 4:37:31 GMT -5
1) La Resistance def. Paul London and Brian Kendrick via pinfall after the Bonsoir. (2:54) 2) Tajiri def. Ken Anderson via pinfall following the Buzzsaw Kick. (2:42) 3) Jamie Noble (w/Nidia and Shaniqua) def. Jimmy Yang via pinfall with a Double Underhook Powerbomb after a powerslam from Shaniqua on the outside. (3:02) 4) Non-Title Match: United States Champion Rhyno def. Bill DeMott via pinfall following the Gore. (4:25)
1) Rodney Mack (w/Theodore Long) def. Tommy Dreamer via pinfall after the Black Out. (4:06) 2) Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade def. Ken Anderson and Slater Vaine via pinfall after a spinebuster/dropkick combination to Vaine. (3:20) 3) Non-Title Match: Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton (w/Ric Flair) def. Maven via pinfall following the RKO. (5:14)
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Post by DTP. on Nov 14, 2021 20:08:36 GMT -5
The show kicks off with a group of the Raw superstars seated in the back when in front of them walks Raw Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff, sporting a neck brace, along with Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski. "Last Monday night, Stone Cold Steve Austin showed how unprofessional he is and always has been. Last Monday night, he had to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement for his World Heavyweight Championship match with Brock Lesnar this Sunday at Summerslam... and instead of just coming down to the ring and signing that contract... he had to cause trouble." Bischoff reminds everyone of how he didn't just pick a fight with Steiner and Nowinski, he Stone Cold Stunned he himself as well. Bischoff throws out that his fellow Co-General Manager Shane McMahon, whom isn't here tonight, is at fault for all of this for bringing Austin back in the first place. "And I could have had Steve Austin removed from his match this Sunday for what he did last week but Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman themselves encouraged me not to... but tonight, I'm asking... no - I'm ordering you select superstars to block off that ring later tonight when Lesnar and Heyman are out there. And if Stone Cold Steve Austin even dares to try and come down to that ring... I think you all know what to do."
The Monday Night Raw opening video airs afterward, the cameras then panning inside of the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler giving the welcome from commentary just six days away from Summerslam! Tonight, we hear from World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin before their clash on Sunday. Plus, 'The Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels will go toe-to-toe with 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair!
1) Rob Van Dam (w/Kane) def. World Tag Team Champion Christian (w/World Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho) ahead of the World Tag Team Championship match on Sunday, the Michigan native RVD getting a warm welcome from the crowd. A long and competitive match that lasts through a commercial break, Jericho tries to interfere and faces the wrath of Kane for it. As he is chased off, Christian is left wondering why 'Y2J' has ran up the stage while in mid-Unprettier, RVD pushing out of it and nailing a spin kick. After the Rolling Thunder is hit, RVD leaps on to the top rope - Kane still keeping Jericho at bay as the Five Star Frog Splash is delivered, giving Van Dam the pinfall win at 10:50.
RVD gets back to his feet with his arm raised as the winner, Kane soon thereafter joining in to the ring to celebrate the win. Christian, meanwhile, slumps under the bottom rope as Jericho cautiously makes his way back down to try and assist. A shove away is met with some arguing from the World Tag Team Champions, RVD and Kane watching happily from inside of the ring as this kind of thing could be just the advantage they need to win back the gold this Sunday night.
Walking down the halls after the break is Stone Cold Steve Austin, the audience from inside of the Van Andel Arena cheering loud for 'The Texas Rattlesnake'. He stops in his tracks as he is suddenly approached by Lance Storm, whom puts his hands up and tells Austin that he just wanted to be the first to give him an official warning. "What?" Austin replies, Storm trying to answer again but being met with another "What?" in response. Austin keeps it up until Storm starts to speak louder, Austin then feigning falling asleep and snoring. "I'm sorry, Lance, you're just so damn boring that I dozed off there!" Storm looks offended by the comment, telling Austin he just wants him to know that he needs to watch himself out there by orders of Eric Bischoff. "What are you gonna do about it?" Austin asks. "You gonna stop me if I try and raise some hell later? Let me be the first to give you a fair warning, Lance... stay out of Stone Cold's way or so help me God I will stomp a mudhole in your ass and walk it dry, son!" After a brief stare down, Austin cracks a slight smile and continues on his way, Storm standing up straight but clearly gulping out of some sense of nervousness.
Elsewhere in the back, Jonathan Coachman is standing by as he introduces his guests at this time to be the four men that will face Evolution this Sunday at Summerslam: Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Booker T and Shawn Michaels. Coachman thanks them all for their time and brings up how Evolution has been a strong, unified group for the majority of this year and asks if they really think they can all come together and beat Evolution in six days. "Do you see this team?" Nash asks with a chuckle. "This is one of the most decorated groups of men you'll ever see in this business." Booker agrees, saying they've got one of the biggest and baddest in Nash, one of the best to ever compete in the ring in Michaels, arguably the biggest star of all time in Hogan. "And a five time, five time, five time, five time, five time WCW Champion in yours truly." Hogan gives a 'you know something, brother' and explains that Evolution may have the past, present and future but the past is the past and the future isn't here just yet because the four of them are still alive and kicking and lacing up their boots. "Last week, I joined these three men," Michaels tacks on. "Because just like the three of them... I can't stand Evolution and I can't stand what they're all about! I've got a long, long history with Triple H, I've known guys like Randy Orton and Batista and everyone knows about 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair." Michaels says tonight he gets the opportunity to go one-on-one with Flair, vowing to put the old man to the test before the four of them head to Summerslam and show Evolution that they're not running things around here like they think they are.
Standing in the ring following the break is Test and Stevie Richards, each with a microphone in their hand as Test orders the crowd to shut up. "Stacy, Victoria, you walked out on us last week," Stevie says. "And we're here tonight to show you made the wrong decision!" Test says that they can come down here hiding behind The APA, but him and Richards are going to make things right after last week. "By kicking Bradshaw and Simmons' asses! We'll do it because we won't have the two of you weighing us down!"
2) Test and Stevie Richards def. The APA (w/Stacy Keibler and Victoria) in a match up dominated by The APA at the start, only for Richards and Test to use underhanded tactics to take back control, starting with a knee to Bradshaw's back from the apron via Test. Harassing Keibler and Victoria throughout the match. While a Test abdominal stretch to Simmons is aided by Richards, Keibler gets on to the apron to try and get the attention of the referee. Test ends up letting go of Simmons and in to the ring comes Bradshaw, trading punches with Test until a shot is ducked under. Test bounces off the ropes and returns with a boot, Bradshaw ducking underneath it with Keibler taking a shot that sends her to the floor! As Bradshaw and Victoria go to check on her, Test shows no care as Richards comes in to the ring and nails a superkick to Simmons that Test follows with a Pump Handle Slam for the pinfall at 4:04.
The referee doesn't even bother to raise the arms of Test and Richards, however, as he disapprovingly shakes his head at them before also going to check on Keibler on the outside. To boos from the crowd, Test and Richards show no remorse as they exit the ring with smiles and walk right past the situation on the outside as they head to the back.
Cutting backstage, Terri Runnels is standing by as she introduces Ric Flair as her guest. She doesn't get far in to mentioning the upcoming match with Shawn Michaels before 'The Nature Boy' interrupts things. "Everybody talks about Shawn Michaels being so great! Maybe the best in-ring performer ever! And he's good, Terri, oh, he's good. But he's not me!" He praises himself and reminds everyone that 'to be the man, you have to beat the man' and that he is, in his eyes, still the man. "The only ones that hold a candle to Ric Flair are Randy Orton, Batista and Triple H - Evolution! But tonight, Terri, 'The Nature Boy' is going out there alone against Shawn Michaels!" He explains he is going to show just what he has left in the tank and then this Sunday, Evolution will take it to Michaels, take it to Booker T, to Kevin Nash and to Hulk Hogan. He then lets out one big signature 'Woo!' before heading off as his match with Michaels is coming up next!
3) Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair via pinfall in a battle between two of the best to have stepped in to the ring, Michaels with the edge and forcing Flair to the recoup on the outside after a huge back body drop, the match going through a commercial break. Flair shows how he is 'The Dirtiest Player in the Game' after that, thumbs and rakes to the eyes and even a low blow kick while holding on to the official. A Figured Four Leglock is broken out of by Michaels as he reaches the ropes, however, with HBK mounting a comeback afterward. Following a slam in the center of the ring and heading to the top for an elbow drop, Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton runs down and gets on the apron. "Ric Flair said he was going to go this alone!" J.R. points out. "Obviously not!" Michaels comes down and has some words with Orton before dropping him with a right hand. Turning back around, Flair has made his way to the top rope himself but is tossed right off by Michaels, whom then goes to the top and hits the elbow drop. After tuning up the band, he puts Flair down with Sweet Chin Music and pins him at 11:32.
Michaels barely gets to his feet to celebrate before Orton is in to the ring to drop him with the RKO! The boos of the crowd turn to cheers rather quickly however as Booker T runs down from the back with Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash not far behind. Booker and Orton slug it out with Hogan and Nash not even making it in to the ring as Triple H and Batista come up from behind on the two of them. An all out brawl between the two sides ahead of their match at Summerslam, everyone is eventually back in to the ring aside from HHH, whom pulls a sledgehammer out from beneath the apron. He looks to sneak it in to the ring but ends up being dropped with a boot via Nash! Batista meanwhile eats Sweet Chin Music from Michaels, Orton falls to a Scissors Kick from Booker and Flair is hit with punches and a big boot from Hogan that sends him scurrying under the bottom rope. HHH then gets back to his feet on his own, trying to escape but instead being grabbed by the hair via Nash and planted with a Jack Knife Powerbomb! Michaels and Hogan then kick HHH under the bottom rope, looking down at Evolution once again left laid out at their hand! "Evolution might actually be in trouble this Sunday, J.R.!" Lawler says. "Even I have to admit it!"
In the back, Theodore Long is seen talking with Jazz and Rodney Mack when in mid-conversation, Stone Cold Steve Austin walks by and Long tells him to hold up. "I know you have a lot on your plate, playa, but I think you need to worry mostly about 'Redd Dogg' Rodney Mack more than anyone else, ya feel me?" Austin looks Long up and down and then Mack, snickering. "Worry about you? If anything, I'd be worried about Jazz." Mack takes some deep breaths as he moves forward, Long holding him back from doing anything. "Go ahead and try it, you dumb son of a bitch!" Austin says while locking eyes with Mack. "Here's a free rookie lesson, kid: Don't mess with Stone Cold Steve Austin." He then continues on his way, Long continuing to hold Mack back and tell him to keep his cool. Seen talking in the back following the break is the World Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho and Christian, the latter saying he just doesn't have the confidence this Sunday. "Are you kidding me, man?" Jericho questions. "You're Christian! Believe in yourself! We've got this! You've got this!" Jericho slaps Christian on the arm and walks off. Christian, meanwhile, is left standing and looking unsure of what his tag team partner had to say.
Back inside of the arena, The Basham Brothers and Rico make their way to the ring together. All smiles, the group waits until Billy Gunn steps out to the stage. A microphone in his hand, he paces a little back and forth. "I've been fortunate enough to have a few chances to earn my spot on Raw by finding the right partner. And last week, the three of you made a bad decision giving me one more! Because after searching over the past month or so, I think that I've found the right one." Gunn explains that he found someone similar to him: Someone that has been in teams before, been a tag team champion, been a singles champion, needing a little direction as of late. "And, kind of like myself, he could be considered an 'Ass Man' in his own right." A smile comes across Gunn's face as the music of Val Venis hits. Venis steps out to the stage and shakes hands with Gunn, the two marching their way down to the ring while Rico and The Basham Brothers appear none too impressed or pleased.
4) Billy Gunn and Val Venis def. The Basham Brothers (w/Rico) as after Doug and Danny Basham control things against Gunn early, Venis is tagged in and he comes in teeing off on the brothers. Rico tries to get involved but takes a kick to the chest for his troubles. As The Basham Brothers attempt to double team Venis, however, Gunn comes in to the ring and clears out Danny by throwing him shoulder first in to Rico once again trying to get up on to the apron. Doug, meanwhile, left by himself to fall to a Fame-Ass-Er from Gunn and the Money Shot from Venis, leading to the pinfall at 3:30.
Gunn and Venis give a double high five to each other after the victory, as Gunn has earned himself a spot on Raw and found himself a tag team partner! Meanwhile on the outside, Rico looks on in disbelief and even yells at Doug and Danny for their loss.
In their locker room in the back, Evolution is seen gathered together with Flair, Orton and Batista having reasons for what happened after the Michaels and Flair match. "Will the three of you shut up?!" HHH shouts. "We got our asses kicked out there! And I'll be damned if we allow it to happen again! This Sunday, we're going to put our foot down! Put it right down on the throat of Hulk Hogan, the throat of Booker T, the throat of Kevin Nash and the throat of Shawn Michaels! And we won't let up... we won't let up until the message is clear... Evolution runs this show... got it?" The others are in agreement, HHH telling them 'good' before walking out of the room.
At the announce desk following the break, J.R. and Lawler mention this Sunday, of course, being Summerslam from Phoenix, Arizona. They then proceed to run down what has been announced for the show thus far: An eight man, No Holds Barred Tornado Tag Team match as Evolution goes up against the team of Hulk Hogan, Booker T, Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels. Plus, the World Tag Team Championship will be defended by Chris Jericho and Christian against Rob Van Dam and Kane. On the Smackdown side of things, a triple threat Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWE Tag Team Championship with The Dudley Boyz defending against Los Guerreros and Team Angle. Then, in a first time ever one-on-one match, The Undertaker faces off with Goldberg. And, for the WWE Championship, a rematch from last year's Summerslam as Kurt Angle faces Rey Mysterio! Then, in the main event for Raw, the World Heavyweight Championship is up for grabs as Brock Lesnar will defend against Stone Cold Steve Austin!
Backstage, The Basham Brothers and Rico are seen frustrated as they are discussing the loss to Billy Gunn and Val Venis when Stone Cold Steve Austin walks by. "What's the matter with you?" Austin asks them. "You look like you just lost to 'The Ass Man' and a porn star or something." The crowd laughs in the background as The Basham Brothers point in Austin's face and tell him they're not in the mood after what just happened and to watch himself. "I don't think I have to worry about the two of you," Austin replies. "And especially you." He points right at Rico and then flips him off, waving the bird in front of Doug and Danny afterward as well. "Do yourselves a favor and stay out of good ol' Stone Cold's way later on." He then keeps on walking, leaving the three looking very frustrated.
Jonathan Coachman is standing by in another part of the back with Gail Kim, bringing up her challenge to Trish Stratus for the Women's Championship still going unanswered. "Obviously, Trish is afraid, Coach," She replies. "Because if she wasn't, my challenge would have already been accepted. But Trish knows and everyone else knows that if we face off again for the Women's Championship... I'm leaving the new champion." Kim says she is going to go out there in just a couple of minutes and face Jacqueline and she hopes Stratus is watching. "Because one way or another - I will become the Women's Champion at her expense!" Kim heads off, in action next.
Seen standing together in the back is Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski when Stone Cold Steve Austin walks by them and is stopped. "Real nice last week, Austin!" Steiner yells. "But you got lucky and it'll never happen again!" Nowinski adds on that by orders of Eric Bischoff, they'll be part of the group out there later on to make sure Austin is kept in line. "You're going to keep me in line?" Austin asks to nods. "You mean to tell me that a guy with two left feet is going to keep me in line? Or a guy that went to Harvard yet is the dumbest S.O.B. I've ever come across is going to keep me in line?" Nowinski takes offense to that comment but Austin tells him not to worry about it. "I don't care how high your GPA is or what school you went to. Hell, I don't care how big your muscles are or how small your brain is. You cross Stone Cold Steve Austin tonight and there will be unholy cans of whoop ass to open up! And that's the bottom line... cause Stone Cold said so." He then walks off, leaving Steiner and Nowinski looking furious!
5) Gail Kim def. Jacqueline with Jacqueline coming out of the blocks red hot with her power, only for Kim to combat it with some athletic moves and kicks. Double knees to the face from the corner, Kim then delivers a huge boot to the stomach of Jacqueline before putting her away with a hurricanrana bridged in to a pin for the three count at 2:51.
Kim stands back up over Jacqueline's body as her arm is raised, deciding to throw a couple of extra boots to the chest for good measure. Down from the back then runs Trish Stratus, the crowd cheering as the Women's Champion slides in to the ring and tackles Kim to the mat! Fists and forearms fly with Kim struggling to fight back, both women getting back up with Kim narrowly ducking underneath a Chick Kick and diving out through the ropes to get away. Stratus takes a moment to check on Jacqueline before calling for a microphone - staring Kim down as she is backing up the ramp. "I've heard you challenging me, Gail," She says. "And if it's a match with me for the Women's Championship you want - you'll get it this Sunday at Summerslam!" Stratus throws her microphone down, Kim pleased with the news as she motions for the belt around her waist. Meanwhile, Trish aids Jacqueline back to her feet while still having some choice words for her now-set challenger this weekend.
In the back, Paul Heyman is seen standing outside of a door, it soon opening as out steps the World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. The two give a nod to one another and then proceed to walk together. Lesnar and Heyman are set to address the World Heavyweight Championship match at Summerslam against Stone Cold Steve Austin - next!
A number of superstars stand at the bottom of the ramp following the commercial break, ordered by the Co-General Manager of Raw Eric Bischoff at the beginning of the night to prevent things getting out of hand tonight. The theme music of Brock Lesnar then hits, 'The Executioner' as he has been dubbed, making his way out with Paul Heyman as the superstars blocking the ring form a path to allow them through. Once in the ring, Heyman calls for a microphone and laughs before getting any words out. "Well, here we are! Six very short days away from Summerslam! Or, as Brock and myself like to call it, six very short days away from the end of Stone Cold Steve Austin." Heyman brings up how ever since Austin showed up a few weeks back, they have been trying to advise him to not go through with this match because it will not end well. "But that was all put to rest last week when Steve Austin, after causing a ruckus, signed his Hold Harmless Agreement. You see, Steve, that paperwork was less about Brock being held responsible for what he does to you, but more so to try and give you one last chance. Now? It's all signed, sealed and, soon, will be delivered. Brock Lesnar is your judge, your jury and he is 'The Executioner' and this Sunday night at Summerslam, the World Heavyweight Championship is what you desire to walk out with but come the end of that show... you won't be able to walk out at all."
Not long after those words from Heyman, Stone Cold Steve Austin arrives, the Michigan fans to their feet as soon as the signature glass shatter. Staying atop the stage, Austin shakes his head at the readied pool of superstars blocking him from coming down to the ring. "So what you mean to tell me is that Hold Harmless Agreement was to try and warn me? To try and protect me?" Heyman says that is exactly right, Austin gesturing his hand to the superstars blocking his way and asking what this is then. "Because this damn sure ain't to protect me. And Eric Bischoff ain't smart enough to come up with something like this on his own." Austin says he'll deal with that in a minute, but for now he just wants to speak to Lesnar. "And no, I don't expect you to say anything back because you let Paul take care of all of that since he carries your balls in his purse. But allow me to elaborate as to what is going to happen on Sunday, Brock. See, Stone Cold don't got nothin' to lose. Stone Cold has everything to win. Brock Lesnar? Has a big game talked for him. Has been built up as this unstoppable son of a bitch and you're a big, bad man Brock, I'll give ya that." Austin shrugs his shoulders and says that hasn't ever stopped him from stomping a mudhole in someone's ass and walking it dry and it sure as hell won't stop him this Sunday night. Heyman goes to respond but Lesnar takes the microphone out of his hand, stepping up to the ropes and leaning over them. "Steve, everyone thinks they can beat me until they actually step in to the ring with me. Then reality sinks in that they don't stand a chance! If you think it's going to be any different for you at Summerslam, then you're going to be in for a rude awakening." Austin runs his hands over his goatee a few times and says that, first of all, he's surprised to hear Lesnar actually speak for himself. "Second of all, it sounds like you are challenging me... are you challenging me?" Lesnar chuckles and hands his World Heavyweight Championship belt over to Heyman, motioning Austin to come down. The superstars on the outside look prepared for things, Austin looking to them and then out to the audience. "If you think Stone Cold Steve Austin should kick some ass, raise some hell and go down to that ring to whoop Brock Lesnar's sorry ass... gimme a hell yeah!" The crowd responds in kind, so Austin smiles and drops his microphone - marching his way down the ramp!
The Basham Brothers step forward and they each take a big right hand, Rico and Lance Storm as well. Johnny Stamboli, Rodney Mack, Stevie Richards and Test are floored as well before Austin is double teamed from behind by Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski. He, however, fends off Nowinski and sends Steiner in to the steel steps. Nowinski is then met with double middle fingers and dropped with a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin then turns and looks in to the ring and slides in, standing right up and locking eyes with Lesnar. Heyman waves his hand for Austin to stop, 'The Texas Rattlesnake' preparing to go forward only for his leg to be grabbed from behind by Test. Austin turns around and kicks him away, that small opening being just enough for Lesnar as he scoops Austin up on to his shoulders on the turnaround. "Here it comes, J.R. The F-5!" Lawler exclaims. Austin, however, fights out of Lesnar's grasp with a few elbows to the side of the head - dropping down behind him and throwing him the bird before dropping him with the Stone Cold Stunner! Lesnar falls backwards and right through the ropes! Heyman, in a panic, rushes to the outside at Lesnar's side, helping him as he stumbles back to his feet and then drops to a knee. Austin, meanwhile, sees the World Heavyweight Championship laying on the mat and slowly picks it up - staring down at it. Then, to an ovation from the Van Andel Arena, raises it up over his head. Austin then tosses it through the ropes at the feet of Heyman and Lesnar, calling for some beers from ringside as his music hits. A beer bash is under way with the squad of superstars left watching on from the outside, Lesnar front and center and being held back by Heyman. Austin gives a toast in their direction, motioning for the gold around his waist after downing two beers as he will look to become the new World Heavyweight Champion this Sunday! With that, Monday Night Raw comes to an end.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 16, 2021 1:30:02 GMT -5
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 17, 2021 17:38:54 GMT -5
The Smackdown opening video airs, the cameras in to the Joe Louis Arena from Detroit, Michigan afterward, the stage brightened by pyros while the voices of Michael Cole and Tazz give the welcome from commentary - just three days away from Summerslam! Tonight, after WWE Champion Kurt Angle's beat down, Rey Mysterio's status for Summerslam is up in the air and we will hear from Mysterio as to if he will be able to compete or not. Plus, The Undertaker and Goldberg are opponents on Sunday, but will team up tonight against a common enemy in The F.B.I.!
1) WWE Tag Team Champion Bubba Ray Dudley (w/WWE Tag Team Champion D-Von Dudley) def. Shelton Benjamin (w/Charlie Haas) and Eddie Guerrero (w/Chavo Guerrero) in a triple threat preview of this upcoming Sunday's Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. A chaotic match up that spans through a commercial break, there is just about as much commotion from the ones not in the match as there is the ones competing. In the mix of the pandemonium, Spike Dudley comes running down to the ring, where he climbs to the top rope and dives on to the outside on both Los Guerreros and Team Angle. He then tosses Benjamin back in to the ring where he staggers back up to a Bubba Bomb, giving the pinfall win for one half of the Tag Team Champions at 9:14.
Bubba gets back to his feet as D-Von and Spike join him, but Bubba doesn't seem too interested in celebrating. Instead, he pushes D-Von in the chest and tells him to get the tables! He then pushes Spike and tells him to get the ladders! He then points to himself and says he'll get the chairs! The three Dudley brothers then exit the ring and return to it with the three weapons in use for this Sunday's WWE Tag Team Championship match. After a table is set up, Eddie comes in and tries to break things up, the rest of the superstars coming in to the ring and getting involved. In the fray of things, chairs and ladders are used as weapons with, at the end, Chavo being put through a table with the 3-D via Bubba and D-Von! The WWE Tag Team Champions, and brother Spike, then leave the ring together and start to head up the ramp while the other four are left downed and beaten.
Standing by backstage after the break is Josh Mathews, introducing the WWE Champion Kurt Angle as his guest at this time, bringing up immediately the announcement Rey Mysterio has later on and the possibility that he is going to have to pull out of Summerslam. "Well, that would be a damn shame, wouldn't it?" Angle says with a serious look he can't maintain for too long. "Rey Mysterio made the mistake of winning the King of the Ring tournament, Josh. That mistake being that what was on the line was a WWE Championship match with the very best - me!" Angle then says that if Mysterio just so happens to be too injured for their match at Summerslam, it's probably the best thing for him.
2) Sean O'Haire (w/Torrie Wilson) def. Billy Kidman in what turns out to be a very competitive match, but Kidman continues to be distracted with Wilson every time he gets a leg up on O'Haire, trying to convince her to not hang around him. After reversing a powerbomb and planting O'Haire face first in to the mat, Kidman goes out to the apron and has some more words for Wilson before going to the top rope. He leaps off for the Shooting Star Press but O'Haire rolls out of the way. Kidman struggles back to his feet and falls to the Widowmaker, giving O'Haire the win via pinfall at 5:02.
O'Haire rises back on to his feet as the winner, having his arm raised by the official. He then exits the ring and looks over to Wilson, putting his hand out to her lightly. Appearing slightly hesitant at first, Torrie then looks back to Kidman on his side in the ring before taking O'Haire's hand. He grows a smile on his face as he leads Wilson toward the back, Kidman left looking quite upset on the mat.
Backstage, Funaki is standing by and introduces himself as 'Smackdown's #1 Announcer' before welcoming his guests at this time to be The F.B.I. Up to him then walks Nunzio, Chuck Palumbo and Dawn Marie. Funaki, in broken English, asks The F.B.I. what they're going to do when they face The Undertaker and Goldberg. "You act like you're worried about us," Nunzio replies. "You should be worried about The Undertaker and Goldberg! The F.B.I. is going to whack 'em both!" Palumbo says that after what they pulled last week, they're going to have to learn the hard way what happens when you mess with The Full Blooded Italians. The three then head off, their match against Taker and Goldberg up next.
Back from the break, footage from earlier today is shown of John Cena in an unclear part of backstage. He opens up a rap by saying that he has been an outcast since day one, being different is how he has always been. "I've had a lot of people having my back and it has made me feel good... being some white kid from West Newbury, not straight out of the hood. To be accepted and cheered has made a difference, made me want to dish out a different type of pain! Kicking asses of ugly mothers like A-Train!" Cena says he's trying to turn over a new leaf, make some leaps and bounds. "You can knock me down but I'll keep getting up - I've got more than twelve full rounds. Etch my name in the books, put it down in history - the name is John Cena... you can't see me." He waves his hand in front of his face and then puts out his fists and pinky fingers in signature fashion. "Word life!"
3) Goldberg and The Undertaker def. The F.B.I. (w/Dawn Marie) in a totally one sided match. The two opponents for Summerslam's massive clash in Goldberg and Taker take turns trying to one up the other throughout, having some words for each other in between. After Palumbo is taken out via a Spear, Nunzio is left to fall to a Last Ride Powerbomb from Taker for the three count at 2:33.
Taker gets back to his feet and raises both fists above his head. As he is celebrating the win, Goldberg kneels in the corner from behind. 'Big Evil' then slowly turns around and plants his feet in preparation, Goldberg not moving as he grows a smile across his face. "I think Goldberg was about to Spear The Undertaker!" Cole says. "Or was he just playing mind games?" Goldberg then walks up to Taker and pats him on the shoulder. "See ya Sunday!" He says before heading toward the ropes. Taker, however, takes Goldberg by the arm and pulls him back - grabbing the throat and nailing a Chokeslam! "Maybe Goldberg should've pulled the trigger, Cole!" Tazz suggests. Taker walks over Goldberg's body and exits the ring, getting on his motorcycle and preparing to leave only to turn back and see Goldberg sitting back up, chuckling to himself. "See ya Sunday!" Taker says back, with Goldberg nodding in approval.
In his makeshift office in the back, Smackdown General Manager Mick Foley is talking on a very long corded phone when he is approached by Chris Benoit. "So, are you going to do the right thing?" Benoit asks to Foley's confusion, hanging up his phone and questioning what the hell Benoit is talking about. "I should be taking Rey Mysterio's place in the WWE Championship match this Sunday!" Very quickly, Foley shuts that down by saying that, first of all, Benoit lost to Mysterio last week. "Second of all, even I don't know what Rey Mysterio's status is - he has been very adamant about revealing everything to everyone at the same time tonight." Benoit isn't pleased with things, telling Foley that he needs him to do something else, then. "I want my rematch for the United States Championship tonight." Foley looks off to the side and then up to Benoit, saying that as much as he doesn't care for 'The Rabid Wolverine' as of late, he knows he is owed a rematch. "So, if it's a rematch with Rhyno you want tonight... you've got it." Benoit nods and tells Foley that's more like it, but also tells him that if Mysterio isn't able to compete at Summerslam - he knows who the right person to take his place is. Benoit then walks away, leaving Foley shaking his head.
At ringside, Cole and Tazz discuss the situation between Matt and Jeff Hardy, talking about how since Jeff came to Smackdown, Matt has tried to convert him to his 'Mattitude' ways, to which Cole argues it has been more about Matt using Jeff to his advantage. Nonetheless, they transition over to a video package that shows some early days of Matt and Jeff, then the two of them breaking in to the business together and their rise as a team - having some classic matches as The Hardy Boyz would go on to become multiple time Tag Team Champions. Re-united after about a year apart, Matt would try and guide Jeff to supposed success via his 'Mattitude' mentality with Jeff's daredevil nature and wanting to do things a certain way upsetting Matt on a couple of occasions, with the two losing to The Dudley Boyz in a WWE Tag Team Championship match after an argument. Just last week, Matt would cut ties with his brother, assaulting him along with Shannon Moore and proclaim him to be nothing without Matt. The video package concludes with the announcement that this Sunday, Matt and Jeff will square off with each other for the Cruiserweight Championship. Coming up next, Jeff goes one-on-one with his brother's protégé, Shannon Moore.
4) Jeff Hardy def. Shannon Moore as Jeff is fired up as soon as the bell rings, his aggression proving to be effective against Moore early until he completely whiffs on Whisper in the Wind. Moore works Hardy on the mat a bunch, eventually dropping Jeff with a series of dropkicks and an enzuigiri, each time resulting in a two count on a cover. Moore then decides to go to the top rope and attempt a moonsault but Hardy gets back to his feet and crotches him on the top. An inverted Twist of Fate is hit to put Moore on the mat, allowing Jeff to head to the top himself and hit the Swanton Bomb. The cover is made and he gets the pinfall at 3:49.
Back on his feet, Jeff has his arm raised by the referee but his celebration is short lived as his brother and Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy's music interrupts things. Stepping out to the stage with a microphone in hand, Matt congratulates Jeff on the 'hard-fought victory'. Matt then makes the excuse for Moore being that he is still a protégé, which is miles ahead of where Jeff was and is. "We had potential to do great things together, but you had to do what you have always done: Put yourself first, try to take the spotlight... and fail." Jeff stares a hole right through his brother from the ring, Matt continuing on by saying that this Sunday will be the end of this between them. "You never learned your final lesson, Jeff. You never learned that you can never be your older brother... and that you will always be the no good black sheep and a waste of potential!" Jeff continues to stare, no words to return as Matt is joined by Shannon atop the stage, the two then returning through the curtains together.
In the back, The Big Show is seen walking down the halls. He will be in action via his tumbler once again - next. Seen walking in the back following the commercial break is Nidia when she hears some grunts and yells from a room. "Jamie?" She says to herself before busting the door open - seeing Jamie Noble running on a treadmill with Shaniqua hitting him with a whip as he does so. "What... what is this?!" Noble is very nonchalant through his sweat and breaths to tell Nidia it's all a part of his training. As Nidia continues to question it, Shaniqua towers over her. "I'm getting Jamie in to the best shape of his life." She says while turning up the speed on the treadmill behind her. "There's no reason for you to ask what we are doing here!" Noble tries to tell Shaniqua to slow it down but she keeps on informing Nidia of how things work. Suddenly, Noble falls down face first and slams in to the wall off-screen behind them. Shaniqua then slowly turns around, looks at the ground and then back at Nidia. "Was... was that part of it?" Nidia asks.
Back in the Joe Louis Arena, The Big Show's music hits as the seven foot, five hundred pounder makes his way down to the ring where his tumbler is set up at ringside. Rolling it around a few times, Show picks up a microphone and says that this is week four of his 'brilliant' idea. "I've given opportunities to Brian Kendrick, Jimmy Yang and last week, I gave an opportunity to Torrie Wilson! But, apparently her new boyfriend or whatever decided to get his ass kicked instead." Show says that the point he is making is that anybody could be drawn from here and have a chance to take him on and that continues tonight. He rolls the tumbler a couple more times and then draws a ball, entering the ring and opening it up. "What do you know?" He says with a chuckle. "Someone that could use a chance to shine after living all these years in the shadows of those closest to him: Spike Dudley!" Cole on commentary immediately calls shenanigans on this as Spike ends up soon making his way out - but doesn't appear hesitant as he instead charges right for the ring!
5) The Big Show def. Spike Dudley as, despite Spike being fired up, Show runs right through his much smaller opponent. A military press is slipped free of after some corner beat downs, Spike trying to get something going as he chips away at Show's legs and hits him with a few forearms to the face. A leap off the top rope results in him being caught, however, and sent flying across the ring with a fallaway slam. Show continues on the assault with boots, slams and tosses before hitting not one, not two, but three Chokeslams before covering Spike and putting him away at 2:25.
Show, looking very proud of himself, places his foot on the face of Spike while having his arm raised. The crowd boos as, once again, Show has had a relatively easy task leading to victory.
In the back stands Josh Mathews, this time introducing the United States Champion Rhyno as his guest. Mathews first congratulates Rhyno on winning the championship two weeks ago, saying that tonight he has his first defense in a rematch with Chris Benoit - in his hometown of Detroit. "And that's what makes it mean just that much more, Josh." Rhyno says while patting the belt over his shoulder. "Being here in my hometown for my first defense... I've got the Joe in my corner. As for Chris Benoit? He has been burning all of his bridges... and tonight he will burn his rematch clause when I beat him in the middle of that ring with a Gore... Gore... Gore!" With a laugh, Rhyno then heads off with the United States Championship match coming up after the break.
At ringside, Cole and Tazz welcome everyone back to Smackdown, mentioning how we are just seventy-two hours away from Summerslam. With that, they run down the card for this Sunday. First, on the Raw side of things, the World Heavyweight Championship is on the line when Brock Lesnar defends against Stone Cold Steve Austin. Then, for the Women's Championship, Gail Kim faces off against his former mentor, friend and champion Trish Stratus. The World Tag Team Championship will also be defended as Chris Jericho and Christian battle Rob Van Dam and Kane. And, in a No Holds Barred Tornado Tag Team Match, Evolution faces a formidable foursome as they face off with Hulk Hogan, Booker T, Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels. Moving on to the Smackdown side of things, for the first time ever, Goldberg and The Undertaker clash one-on-one! The Cruiserweight Championship is up for grabs as it is brother versus brother: Matt Hardy defending against Jeff Hardy. The return of Tables, Ladders and Chairs comes at Summerslam as well with The Dudley Boyz putting the WWE Tag Team Championship on the line against Los Guerreros and Team Angle! And, while still up in the air, Kurt Angle is scheduled to defend his WWE Championship against 2003 King of the Ring, Rey Mysterio. Cole mentions we will hear from Mysterio shortly, to which he hopes it isn't the news they fear of Mysterio being unable to compete this Sunday night.
6) United States Championship: Rhyno(c) def. Chris Benoit in, much like their bout two weeks ago, a hard-hitting, back and forth contest. Lasting through a commercial break, Detroit's own in Rhyno has the fans behind him while Benoit shuts things down multiple times while working things on the mat. After Rhyno reaches the ropes during a Crippler Crossface, 'The Rabid Wolverine' lets the count go to four and grows very frustrated. Heading to the outside, he returns with a chair in hand and prepares to use it on Rhyno only for the referee to pull it out of his hands from behind. Some arguing between the two commences, the chair being tossed back to the outside. Benoit has some more words for the official before turning right in to a Gore! Rhyno hooks both legs off of it and gets the one, two, three at 8:55.
The crowd cheers for their hometown champion, Rhyno being presented with his championship that he holds proudly above his head. As he exits the ring and makes his way to the back, Benoit gets on all fours in the ring and begins to slap the mat in frustration. The referee tries to come over but Benoit shoves him away - getting in his face even, prompting the official to protect himself by leaving the ring altogether.
The cameras pan backstage to show Rey Mysterio on a crutch to his left side, the 2003 King of the Ring and number one contender for the WWE Championship set to announce his status for Summerslam - next.
After the break, Los Guerreros and Team Angle are seen having an argument coming out of the trainer's office when they are approached by the WWE Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz. "So which one of yous was it?!" Bubba questions to the confusion of the other two teams. "Who put Big Show up to kicking our little brother's ass out there?" Los Guerreros deny anything to do with it while Team Angle say they didn't either - but they're glad it happened. That prompts Bubba Ray and D-Von to look at each other before throwing fists at Benjamin and Haas! Shrugging their shoulders, Eddie and Chavo get in to the mix of things as well, leading to backstage officials and referees arriving on to the scene to try and break things up - total chaos ahead of the Tables, Ladders and Chairs match on Sunday!
Back in the arena, the Detroit fans come to their feet as Rey Mysterio's music hits throughout the arena. Unable to give his usual flashy entrance, however, Mysterio makes his way out on a crutch. He comes down to the ring and carefully enters while taking his time, being handed a microphone from ringside. Looking down at the mat as he steps in to the center of the squared circle, he tells the audience this is very tough. "When I came to the WWE last year, I had a lot of goals in mind. I wanted to become Cruiserweight Champion. I wanted to compete at Summerslam, Survivor Series, the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania and I did all of those things... it has been a crazy ride that has just gotten crazier, man." He brings up being entered in to the King of the Ring tournament and despite checking off a bunch of those goals, he hadn't even really thought that far. "Then I won the King of the Ring. I beat some tough guys to get through that tournament and fought through a lot... but I did it... and I earned myself a WWE Championship match at Summerslam... a match... with Kurt Angle." He says that it is funny that he has battles with Angle since coming here, including at last year's Summerslam event, and knows how good Angle is. "But I didn't realize what a low life he was until last week."
Mysterio gestures up to the titantron, which highlights last week's events where he defeated Chris Benoit in the main event of Smackdown, only for Angle to assault him afterward - eventually applying the Ankle Lock for an extended amount of time, leaving Rey laying to end the show. "And obviously you see me on a crutch today." Mysterio says back in the arena. "And that's because Kurt... he did a number on my ankle. He twisted, turned and pulled with full intent to snap it in half... well, Kurt, you partially succeeded. You didn't break my ankle, but you gave me some severe injuries to my ligaments. Because of what you did last week... it doesn't appear that I am going to be able to compete for the WWE Championship against you at Summerslam." The crowd boos the announcement, even Cole and Tazz disappointed on commentary. Mysterio goes on to say that this is just a setback, because once he is healed up - he is going to come back and whether Angle is the champion or not, he's going to get himself some revenge. "And then, I'll be more than happy to become a WWE Champion you people can be proud of!"
The crowd applauds Mysterio as he begins to head to the ropes, only for Kurt Angle's music to play and interrupt things. A sick smile on his face, Angle makes his way down to the ring and stands on the apron - looking Mysterio up and down as his grin appears to be growing even more. Stepping through the ropes, he twirls a microphone in his hand and shrugs his shoulders. "What did I tell you, Rey? You winning the King of the Ring tournament was the biggest mistake you could have made. Messing with me... is the biggest mistake you could have made." Angle looks at Mysterio's crutch and says that, clearly, he was right. "If you hadn't made this mistake, Rey, you could have been just fine. At least when you lost at Summerslam, you could've still been Cruiserweight Champion! Now, you have nothing! And, I'm gonna break your ankle too! You think I feel bad about this, Rey? Because I don't. You don't belong in the ring with me! You don't belong in a WWE Championship match! And now... I'm going to finish what I started with you last week." He tosses his microphone aside and takes a step forward - kicking the crutch out from underneath Mysterio's arm! Rey falls on to all fours, Angle laughing as he unstraps the WWE Championship belt from his waist and tosses it aside. Mysterio, however, suddenly stands up at full speed with the crutch in hand and smacks Angle right in the ribs with it! "Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" Cole yells. "Rey is perfectly fine! Rey is moving just fine!" Mysterio then cracks the crutch across Angle's back and it snaps in half! Angle is on both knees in agony, struggling to get back up and being dropkicked from behind once he does - dropping him across the middle rope. Mysterio then looks all around the arena growing increasingly louder, bouncing off of the ropes and coming back with the 619 to Angle! The WWE Champion flies back across the ring and rolls right to the outside - leaving Mysterio to pick up his microphone. "I'm not injured at all, Kurt!" He says to cheers. "I'm going to be at Summerslam this Sunday! And I'm going to be walking out the new WWE Champion!" He throws the mike down and lifts the WWE Championship belt up - heading to the second rope and raising it above his head. Angle, meanwhile, watches on in disbelief from the floor on the outside as he has been completely fooled tonight! Smackdown comes to a close, Summerslam now on the horizon.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 18, 2021 5:07:04 GMT -5
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 19, 2021 7:30:23 GMT -5
1) Ultimo Dragon def. Jimmy Yang via pinfall following a Asai Moonsault. (4:58) 2) John Cena def. Bill DeMott via pinfall after the F-U. (3:14) 3) La Resistance def. Bobby Rude and Eric Young pinfall after the Bonsoir. (2:55) 4) Charlie Haas (w/Shelton Benjamin) def. WWE Tag Team Champion D-Von Dudley (w/WWE Tag Team Champion Bubba Ray Dudley) and Chavo Guerrero (w/Eddie Guerrero) via pinfall after a roll up to Chavo with Benjamin holding his legs down. (8:11)
1) Sean O'Haire (w/Torrie Wilson) def. Billy Kidman via pinfall after the Widowmaker. (3:38)
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Post by ✖ AJ on Nov 30, 2021 6:38:07 GMT -5
A video package set to "St. Anger" by Metallica airs, the faces of a number of WWE superstars set to compete tonight at Summerslam being flashed through. Highlighted first if the King of the Ring tournament, Rey Mysterio winning this year's event - the Cruiserweight determined to rise up the ranks and knock off Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship, avenging a loss at this same event a year ago with higher stakes. The rise of Evolution is focused on next, their running roughshod over Monday Night Raw over the year, using their foursome as an advantage in numbers against all comers. Opposing them, a formidable group of four men with a common enemy in them: Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Booker T and Shawn Michaels. The debut of Goldberg the Smackdown after WrestleMania earlier this year is looked on, taking down many opponents, making a huge impact while painting a target on his back as he has yet to be pinned or submitted. Following an interaction in a Vengeance fatal four way match, The Undertaker - one of the most decorated veterans in the WWE - would make the challenge for a first time ever match, proclaiming the WWE ring to still be his yard. Lastly looked on is the blockbuster return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, being named the number one contender to Brock Lesnar's World Heavyweight Championship by Raw's Co-General Manager, Shane McMahon. Weeks of looking to raise hell, Austin would sign a Hold Harmless Agreement due to his injury history, 'The Rattlesnake' has no plans to go down without a fight and certainly has no intentions of not walking out the new World Champion.
The cameras proceed to enter the America West Arena from Phoenix, Arizona, the stage brightened by a pyrotechnics display as the crowd is red hot for Summerslam! Michael Cole and Tazz are on commentary at ringside for Smackdown, as they express their excitement for the entire show, including three championship matches for the blue brand as well as a first ever one-on-one battle between The Undertaker and Goldberg. After passing things over to the Spanish announce team next to them, they send things up to the Raw squad of Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler. They too are pumped up for tonight's event, with a huge eight man tag team match and three championship matches of their own, headlined by the return to the ring of Stone Cold Steve Austin against Brock Lesnar! That is to come later on, however, as tonight they are kicking things off the World Tag Team Championship!
The bell sounds as starting things off are Jericho and RVD, the prior seeming very confident as after an initial lock up, he sends RVD to the mat and takes the time to gloat to the crowd. "I'm the king of the world!" He shouts before turning in to a high leg to the face. Van Dam beats Jericho up in the corner for a while afterward before making the tag to Kane, 'The Big Red Machine' coming in and whipping Jericho off the ropes before putting him down with a big boot. A scoop slam and a sidewalk slam follow with a two count coming out of it, Jericho finally managing to get free of Kane as he is lifted up for a military press and slips free. A low dropkick and then one to the face - Kane starts to get back up quickly and Jericho makes a frantic diving tag to Christian. Heading to the top rope, Christian dives off for a double axe handle but Kane catches him in mid-air with an uppercut. Walking around Christian's body, Kane then turns to see Jericho flying off the top rope as well but catches him with an uppercut also. As Y2J rolls out of the ring, Christian throws a chop block to the back of Kane's leg to bring him down to a knee. Clubbing a few times across the back, Christian looks to get momentum going but after bouncing off the ropes, he returns right in to a big clothesline. Kane then pulls Christian back up by the neck and launches him in to the corner, another clothesline but this time against the turnbuckles being nailed. RVD is brought back in and after a few big kicks to the chest, he monkey flips Christian halfway across the ring. Van Dam stays right on Christian as he strikes away at him against the ropes, an Irish whip being reversed with RVD still able to come out on top as he slides under the legs and nails a spinning wheel kick. A cover is made but only results in a count of two. Van Dam looks to stay on the attack, but is pushed off of the ropes with Jericho throwing a knee in to the back, allowing Christian to get things back together with an inverted DDT. He hooks the leg but RVD gets his shoulder up at two. A few knees to the neck and chest follow with Christian then tagging Jericho back in. Hands held out as he enters the ring, Jericho has some words for Kane as he drops some fast elbows on to RVD. A cocky cover while flexing gives Jericho a short two count, so he mounts over RVD and pummels him with punches before transitioning in to a chinlock. Trash talking through the entire hold, the Phoenix crowd starts to get behind Van Dam as he starts to fight his way back to his feet. Failing to get his out of the grasp, however, Jericho instead pushes him to the mat and goes for the Walls of Jericho! RVD spins his hips and gets free of it, however, standing back up and having his leg caught on a kick, yet he rolls through and nails Jericho in the face.
RVD begins to try and crawl his way to the corner but Christian comes in and drops an elbow on the back of his neck, prompting Kane to step over the ropes and the referee to come in front of the big man to put a stop to things. With Kane arguing about what is happening, Christian sees an opening as he tosses RVD to the outside, Jericho and him following Van Dam and double teaming him against the barricade before double whipping him in to the steel steps. Jericho brings RVD back in to the ring and instead of going for the pin, he grabs RVD's legs for another attempt at the Walls of Jericho, but pauses to trash talk Kane. As he goes to turn things over, RVD swings out of the hold, yet Jericho comes right back with a forearm to the face. Some more words for Kane, Jericho then runs to the ropes and attempts a lionsault only to have RVD gets his knees up and plant them right in the stomach! Jericho rolls around in pain, both men then starting to make their way to their respective corners where Kane and Christian get tagged at the same time. Both men enter the ring and Christian stumbles as he realizes what he is up against - Kane taking the opportunity to drop him with a big boot. Jericho staggers back up on the apron and takes a boot as well - sending him crashing to the floor. Christian attempts to jump on Kane's back with a sleeper, but 'The Big Red Machine' backs up to the corner and slams Christian in to the turnbuckles spine first. A sidewalk slam straight out of the corner follows, Kane then stepping out to the apron and ascending to the top rope where he dives off with a signature clothesline. Back to his feet, Kane raises his hand high in the air, prepared for the Chokeslam. Jericho tries to run in to the ring but is cut off by Van Dam with a dropkick that sends Y2J flying back through the ropes and down on the apron. Christian staggers back to his feet and Kane proceeds to lift him high in the air before hitting the Chokeslam! Instead of going for the pin, Kane calls for more damage to be done as he points RVD to the top rope. The crowd growing louder, Van Dam proceeds to hoist himself to the top but just as he measures up for the Five Star Frog Splash, Jericho hurries over and pushes him off and chest first in to the barricade! Kane runs over and grabs Jericho by the throat, lifting him up but having his mask grabbed and spun around the same way Jericho did two weeks ago on Raw! Kane drops Jericho and falls back in to the corner trying to adjust himself - Christian coming over and stopping it with a boot to the mid-section. Jericho slaps Christian on the back to tag himself in, but Christian doesn't seem to realize it as he pulls Kane by the arms and plants him with the Unprettier. Jericho then gets in to the ring and moves Christian aside - springboarding off the ropes and hitting the lionsault. The leg is then hooked and Jericho gets the three count for the team. Chris Jericho and Christian def. Rob Van Dam and Kane via pinfall to retain the World Tag Team Championship! (10:56)
RVD dives in under the ropes too late as the bell sounds, Jericho back to his feet with his fists raised high in glory. Christian looks on with his hands on his hips, walking up to his partner and asking what that was about. "I don't think Christian appreciated Jericho stealing the glory!" Lawler suggests. The referee hands over the World Tag Team Championship belts to Jericho, Y2J shoving one right in to Christian's chest. "We won, didn't we?!" He questions before leaving the ring, Christian staring down at his belt and then following after his partner - telling him to lighten up! RVD helps a frustrated Kane fix his mask, meanwhile, as neither of them are pleased with the loss.
The cameras pick up backstage in the locker room area where Shawn Michaels, Booker T and Kevin Nash are seen talking with each other and seeming to be disagreeing about how they're going to handle Evolution themselves later. In then walks their partner, Hulk Hogan, whom tells them to simmer down. "Let me tell you something, brothers. It's not about who does exactly what out there. What matters is that the four of us stick together with the common goal: Put Evolution in their place, dude." Michaels claps his hands together and says that Hogan is right. "We've all got our problems with Evolution. We all want to beat up Ric Flair, we all want to beat up Randy Orton, we all want to beat up Batista and we certainly all want to beat up Triple H... and we can do all of that together." Nash says that he's cool, he just wants to go out there and kick some ass. Hogan asks Booker how he is feeling. "How am I feeling? I'm feeling like we're going to go out there and put a whooping on those fools! Now can you dig that, sucka?!" The four are all smiles as they seem plenty ready for their match still to come.
Meanwhile, in their shared office are the Co-General Managers of Raw, Eric Bischoff and Shane McMahon. The latter comments on a heck of an opener we just saw, although he wasn't a big fan of the way it ended. "You know how I hope things end?" Bischoff replies, still sporting a neck brace. "I hope things end tonight with Brock Lesnar not just beating Stone Cold Steve Austin - but putting an end to his career once and for all!" McMahon nods and tells Bischoff that his favoritism is part of the reason why he was called in to be Co-General Manager, Bischoff quick to argue back that his issues with Austin are very much justified, such as his injured neck. In to the room then walks Smackdown's General Manager, Mick Foley, a glass of milk in his hand. "Oh, man, I saw that Stone Cold Stunner that Steve Austin gave you a couple of weeks ago. That was funny, real quality stuff! I love watching Raw every Monday night." McMahon thanks Foley and tells him that he has been doing a great job running Smackdown himself. "Oh, give me a break!" Bischoff shouts. "Foley runs Smackdown like he runs a marathon - he doesn't!" Foley is quick to respond to Eric by saying if he couldn't run his show, he would have a Co-General Manager to put him in line. He then looks over to McMahon, whom raises his eyebrows. "You know what... I... I don't need to deal with this! I've got a phone call to make!" Bischoff then storms out of the room out of frustration, Foley and McMahon sharing a laugh before shaking hands with one another. Matt is very hesitant to have the match start as he remains on the outside, talking to his protege in Shannon Moore on the outside. Jeff is tired of waiting and launches himself over the top rope on to Matt - the two getting back to their feet and throwing fists at each other. Jeff then tosses Matt in to the ring, following and having the bell sound as things are officially under way. Matt tries to respond with some strikes but eats a dropkick, Jeff then putting him down a second time with an arm drag. Matt puts his hands up quickly to try and plead for forgiveness, but it's a ruse as he gets back up and swings a punch only to have his wrist to be caught and be taken down with an arm drag again. Frustrated by things, Matt charges his brother but is brought down with a headlock takeover. Matt slaps the mat as gets up again, whipping Jeff off of the ropes, laying down on the return with Jeff then leapfrogging him in response, the younger Hardy brother coming off the ropes full speed with a huge clothesline that nearly turns Matt inside out! "Jeff Hardy certainly wants to become the Cruiserweight Champion tonight," Cole says. "But he wants to get some sweet revenge on his egomaniac of a brother in the process!" After taking time to stare and scowl down at Matt, Jeff mounts over the Cruiserweight Champion with punches. Matt fights his way to the ropes and grabs a hold of them, the referee having to come in after a four count and pull Jeff off by the waist. With the official holding Jeff back in the corner and warning him of things, Matt sees an opportunity and blasts a boot to Jeff's face! A couple of boots to the back and Matt kicks his brother under the bottom rope. The referee steps in to stop Matt from going to the outside, the champion continuing to distract things as Moore comes around on the outside and gets a few cheap shots in on Jeff. The kicks turn to punches before he drags Jeff up, running toward the ring post only for Jeff to reverse control of things and instead slam Shannon face first off of the steel! Matt then tries for a baseball slide but Jeff side-steps it, instead taking his brother by the neck and tossing him in to the post as well! Bringing things back in to the ring off of that, Jeff hooks the legs for a near fall.
Both men get back to their feet where, after a brief exchange, Matt pushes Jeff between the ropes and chokes him across the middle one. Behind the back of the official afterward, Moore is back to his feet to continue the choke himself. Matt then delivers a gutwrench suplex for a two count, clubbing his brother afterward for good measure. Moore then comes in to the ring and kneels on all fours as Jeff gets up in the corner, Matt with a smile on his face as he uses Shannon to leap off of his back and hit a clothesline! A sleeper hold is then applied but Jeff slips his way down and out, only to be put right back down to the mat with a clothesline followed by a fist drop for another near fall. The champion begins to grow a bit frustrated as he kicks Jeff in the ribs, following him to the ropes and using the second one to nail a leg drop for yet another count of two. "Stay down, Jeff!" He yells while standing back up and throwing another boot to the body. "You need to just give it up already!" Matt then drags Jeff back up by his hair and places him in position for the Twist of Fate, only for Jeff to slip free of it and push his brother away. A jawbreaker is nailed. Ducking a clothesline, he nails Whisper in the Wind afterward! Moore then getting on to the apron and causing issues with the official. Jeff, both hands on his hips, has had enough of it and steps over to Moore - a hand full of hair as he flips him over the ropes and in to the ring. With Matt getting up in the corner, Jeff returns the favor by using Moore as a stepping stool to hit Poetry in Motion! Jeff then throws some kicks to Moore as the referee begins to roll him out of the ring. Matt, back to his feet behind his brother, attempts a backslide but Jeff kicks out just in time. A small package is attempted afterward, also for two, with a roll up following that for an even shorter two. Both men push back up and Matt throws a boot to the stomach, hooking a hold of Jeff for the Side Effect only to take a series of elbows to the back of the head. Jeff then throws a kick back to the stomach as well after breaking free, setting up for the Twist of Fate only for Matt to spin right out of it and nail the Twist of Fate himself! The cover is made and both legs are hooked in the process with Matt getting the pinfall victory.Matt Hardy def. Jeff Hardy via pinfall to retain the Cruiserweight Championship! (9:09)The boos come down for Matt as he gets back up and falls against the ropes with a smile. The official hands over his Cruiserweight Championship belt and raises his arm, Matt having some words for his defeated brother: "I told you! I told you that you would never be me, little brother!" He then leaves the ring and holds Moore up on the outside, raising the belt up in celebration as Jeff watches in disappointment from his stomach in the ring. Standing by backstage is Josh Mathews, introducing the WWE Champion Kurt Angle to be his guest at this time. Angle walks up with a scowl, Mathews bringing up how Rey Mysterio feigned the seriousness of his injury this past Friday. "Yeah, he did!" The Olympic gold medalist replies. "And this is the type of person that people want to see as WWE Champion? Give me a break! I'm the definition of a champion." Angle says that to this day, he still practices his three I's and it has resulted in him being successful. "And not only that, I have led young men - two rookies - with the three I's and turned them in to successful soon-to-be three time champions just like myself! That's how good I am, Josh!" Up to him then comes Team Angle. Haas and Benjamin shake hands with Angle, whom tells them that tonight is going to be a good night for them - he can feel it. "Tables, Ladders and Chairs? So what!" Angle shouts while his proteges don't appear to seem as confident, Haas saying that they've never been in this kind of match. Benjamin tells Angle they're going to go out there and give it their best. "No, no, no. That's not good enough..." Kurt says. "You're going to go out there and use everything I have taught you this year and you are going to utilize it in order to leave once again the WWE Tag Team Champions! Put your hands in, damn it!" He puts his hand out, Haas and Benjamin hesitant at first before Angle demands it further. The two put their hands in, Kurt giving a "Team Angle on three!" and proclaiming it proudly. He gives the two hard pats on the back and heads off. Before The Dudley Boyz can even make their entrance, Los Guerreros and Team Angle begin to brawl with each other. Bubba Ray and D-Von then race their way down to the ring to join the battle, each grabbing a chair from the outside as they slide under the bottom rope - the bell sounding as they crack Eddie and Benjamin across their backs with the chairs. Chavo comes up to D-Von and takes a shot to the stomach, Haas trying to get out of the ring but being hit in the back by Bubba. Tossing the chairs to the mat, the champions lean across the ropes and are all fired up, Eddie back to his feet from behind and smacking D-Von in the spine with a chair! He quickly tosses it to Benjamin getting back up and throws himself back down to the mat, Bubba turning around and locking eyes with Benjamin. "Oh, you want some now, huh?" He questions as Benjamin quickly tosses the chair away. "Eddie Guerrero lies, cheats and steals, man," Tazz says. "And we just saw some lying from 'Latino Heat'!" Bubba throws big right hands at Benjamin for the incident, followed with a clothesline over the ropes. Chavo then runs up behind Bubba and unleashes a big shot with a chair from behind! Bubba drops to the mat and rolls to the outside, Eddie and Chavo high fiving with the prior heading to the outside and climbing up one of the ladders set up at the bottom of the aisle. His four opponents all rise to their feet together with Eddie leaping off the top of the ladder with a crossbody on to them! Slapping his chest a few times, Eddie then closes the ladder up and slides it in to the ring at Chavo's feet. He follows in and the two set it up in the center, making sure it is where they want it to be before beginning an ascent. Haas and Benjamin pull themselves back in, however, and grab each man by their leg. Yanking them to the mat, the two teams begin to trade punches and fall back in to the corners. The Dudley Boyz see an opening and come in to the ring behind them, climbing up the vacant ladder. As they get near the top, however, Team Angle and Los Guerreros break off from fighting each other as the four work together to push the ladder down and hang the champions across the top rope! The partnership doesn't last after that, however, as Eddie and Chavo strike Haas and Benjamin from behind and put the boots to them.
The ladder is positioned in to the corner by Chavo as he brings Benjamin back to his feet, looking to suplex Shelton on to the ladder. Using his legs to block it, however, Benjamin is then aided by Haas after he tosses Eddie to the outside, Team Angle reversing the situation on Chavo by instead hitting a double forward suplex on to the ladder! Chavo flops on the mat holding his mid-section, wincing in pain as he rolls to the outside. Team Angle then look to the outside to see Bubba Ray and D-Von setting up a pair of tables side-by-side and go after them to put a stop to things, slamming them face first off the tables before getting in to an exchange of fists that falls up against the ring apron, the tables and then off against the barricade. As those two are in the middle of their brawl, Eddie sees an opportunity to sneak in to the ring and set the ladder back up - working his way up carefully. As he nears the top of the ladder though, Benjamin comes racing in to the ring and hops his way halfway up the ladder in one fell swoop - hooking Eddie by the waist from behind and pulling him down a few rungs. Trying to yank Eddie off for a German suplex to no avail, Bubba returns to the ring and slides beneath Benjamin - taking him by the legs and delivering a powerbomb that drops not just Benjamin hard but Eddie as well! Choice words for the two as Bubba stands over them, he then walks around the ladder and in to another ladder to the gut at the hands of Chavo! Clutching his own mid-section after the forward suplex he took, Chavo then takes his ladder and bridges it on the ropes and in between the one standing. Haas comes running up from behind and clobbers Chavo with a clothesline from behind, taking him right back up and slamming him face first off the bridged ladder. Tossing Chavo chest first over it afterward, Haas yells at his tag team partner. Benjamin starts to climb up the standing ladder and then sits on the top - looking down at Haas before diving off with their signature leapfrog on to Chavo on the ladder! Both men fly down to the mat and roll around in significant pain upon impact, Haas even looking like that hurt him! As he checks on Benjamin, D-Von takes him by the leg and drags him to the outside. Some punches exchanged, Bubba meanwhile brings a table in to the ring and sets it up. Haas is chased back in by D-Von and is quickly set up for the 3-D through the table with Benjamin just barely able to pull the table out of the way! He then flips the table in to D-Von's face as he charges, Bubba coming up from behind and nailing a Bubba Bomb for the troubles. Frustrated, Bubba sets the table back up against the ropes and pulls the ladder from the center leaning against the other set of ropes back to a still position.
Bubba begins to climb up the ladder but Eddie comes up behind him and throws a big chair shot to the legs and then to the back, bringing Bubba down to the mat. A big shot to the head follows with Eddie tossing the chair back down before beginning his ascent up the ladder himself. Instead of going for the belts, however, Eddie looks down at Bubba, shakes his arms and chest and hits a Frog Splash from the ladder! They roll to the outside and everyone - sans Benjamin - are gathered together and begin to fight along with one another. In the mix of things, Chavo and D-Von work together to whip Haas in to the steel steps. Chavo and D-Von then begin to throw shots at one another with Eddie and Bubba coming in to the fray, all four then looking back in to the ring together to see Benjamin near the top of the ladder - diving off with a sunset flip on to all four men on the outside! Everybody is laid out, Benjamin and Haas eventually the ones to get back to their feet together. As they help each other get their footing back, they have a bit of a discussion before each going and grabbing a steel chair. Walking back over to their opponents, they begin to throw chair shot after chair shot to the back of The Dudleys and Guerreros. After feeling satisfied with having everybody down, they return to the ring and take hold of the ladder leaned against the ropes and bring it back to the center. Taking a moment to pre-celebrate with one another, they give a double high five and then start to go up each side of the ladder. As they reach the top and look up to the belts, they notice down below Eddie trying to shake the ladder himself. Team Angle laughs it off and mocks him even until they Bubba Ray in the ring as well with a hand on the ladder. D-Von and Chavo join thereafter with Benjamin and Haas beginning to plead with them to stop. "Team Angle look like they're going for a ride!" Cole exclaims. Bubba Ray, D-Von, Eddie and Chavo then all push together to send the ladder toward the ropes and Team Angle through the two tables set up on the outside! After observing the damage, the Guerreros and Dudleys begin to tee of on one another. Chavo re-positions the ladder they just pushed over and attempts to climb up it with D-Von trying to stop him before going up the other side. Bubba Ray boots Eddie and sets up the other ladder left in the corner of the ring, placing it right next to the other. Ascending and trying to grab the belts himself, Bubba is stopped by Eddie coming up on the other side of him. The two teams continue to fight atop the ladders with Chavo finally taking D-Von by the neck and slamming him face first off the top rung - dazing him and sending him falling to the mat below. Bubba looks down at his fallen brother and tries to fight off both men but Eddie throws his face off the steel as well. Bubba loses grip with one hand but re-steadies himself as he sees the table he left up down below. Eddie then gives a nod to Chavo before pushing over the ladder - hooking Bubba's waist and nailing a sunset flip through the table! The crowd is electric as Chavo is left all by himself to take down one of the WWE Tag Team Championship belts. He then reaches up and retrieves the other - giving him and his uncle the victory! Los Guerreros def. The Dudley Boyz and Team Angle to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions! (17:20)Chavo holds both belts high above his head in celebration, as he and his uncle are now two-time WWE Tag Team Champions! Cole and Tazz run through replays from throughout the match before coming back live to Bubba Ray slamming his fist in to the floor on the outside as D-Von tries to carefully help him up. Team Angle, meanwhile, remains down and out in the rubble with the referee checking on them and calling for some help from the back. Inside of the ring, Eddie is aided to his feet by Chavo - whom presents him with one of the belts. The two embrace one another before holding the gold up high above their heads, the Phoenix crowd cheering the result and their effort en route to victory.
A camera shot of outside of the America West Arena is seen, the voice of Jim Ross from Raw mentioning how we are live tonight from Phoenix, Arizona. He brings up what a hell of a championship match we just saw from Smackdown, and coming up next is their own with the Women's Championship on the line, but the cameras pan backstage to show Evolution in their locker room with Ric Flair giving up a fired up speech to Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista. "Past, present and future, baby! Woo! Made, laid and paid! Woo! Evolution... running the show." Orton rubs his hands together and says that he loves how fired up 'The Nature Boy' is, but he really wants to do something special tonight. "I want to be the one to kill the legend of Hulk Hogan, boys. It would mean the world to me considering Hulk goes all the way back to the very first WrestleMania with my father." Flair waves his hands and tells Orton to slow his roll, he gets what Randy is trying to say but they have a job to do. "Ric's right," HHH adds. "And I love the spirit, Randy, I really do. But the four of us need to go out there tonight and not just Hulk Hogan, but Booker T, Kevin Nash and that damn Shawn Michaels, too... and put them all in their place. We need to show them what Evolution is all about. When we're done with that... feel free to kill what is left of Hulkamania as you see fit, kid." Orton has smile on his face, getting a pat on the back from Batista as the four look ready to go for that match up still to come.
Stratus and Kim get in each other's faces before the match can begin, the referee trying to separate them before deciding to just call for the bell. Stratus comes out of the gates looking to be aggressive, locking up with Kim but having her arm quickly taken behind her back - the challenger with a few hard tugs and a couple of take downs, making a point to target the upper arm and shoulder. Stratus comes back with a few shots that rock Kim in to the corner, the champion to the second rope as she rains down for the ten punches only for Kim to slip free at eight and swipe out Trish's legs, sending her down awkwardly on the turnbuckles. Kim then nails a dropkick that sends Stratus through the ropes and to the outside, Gail staying on the attack as she throws Stratus against the barricade a couple of times - still targeting the shoulder. Stratus responds with a boot to the stomach and a hard shove in to the ring apron, pushing her opponent back in to the ring and shaking the arm. Sliding under the bottom rope, Kim is back up already and drops a knee on the bad shoulder. Forcing Stratus up in to the corner, Kim hits a few kicks to the mid-section and a forearm to the face before stretching Stratus' arm with some help from the ropes, forcing the official to start a count where he gets to four before Kim releases. Hands in the air while backing off, Kim then ducks a wild Stratus right hand and pulls her down to the mat in an armbar. Kicking her legs in frustration, Stratus works her way over to the ropes in order to force a break. Kim pushes the count of the referee again off of it, taking hold of Trish's legs to try and drag her away. The champion responds with a push off to the chest, getting back up and nailing a few hard chops followed by a series of forearms. Kim reverses a whip to the ropes but Stratus comes back with a hard boot to the gut. Attempting the Stratusfaction, Trish fails to get much momentum on the spring to the ropes and it allows Kim to just throw her down to the mat instead. Shaking the bad arm, Kim mocks Stratus by pulling her back up by her hair - Trish with an elbow to the chest followed by a huge slap across the face! Kim is stunned at first and tries to respond with a shot to the face only for Stratus to duck underneath it and land the Chick Kick on the turnaround! She tries to go for the cover but Kim instead rolls under the bottom rope. "I'm not sure if that was instinct or luck!" King says. Stratus, frustrated, follows after Kim to the outside and pulls her back in to the ring. Following Gail, Trish heads to the corner but takes a boot to the face. Kim drags herself back up fully and catches Stratus with a hurricanrana that sends the champion shoulder first between the turnbuckles and in to the ring post! Stratus slowly pulls herself out from the position she is in, Kim not giving any time to recover though as she takes Stratus by the arm, steps over it and pulls her down to the mat in a cross armbreaker! Stratus' injured shoulder obviously being fully effected, she tries to fight her way out and then to the ropes. Stuck in the middle of the ring and facing tremendous pain though, Stratus ends up having to tap out! Gail Kim def. Trish Stratus via submission to become the NEW Women's Champion! (6:34)
The crowd boos the result as Kim rolls out of her grasp of Stratus, an apparent look of shock and joy across her face as she is presented with the Women's Championship. Her enjoyment turns to cockiness rather quickly, however, as she stands up with the belt over Stratus and yells down at her. "I told you it was my time, Trish! Mine!" After J.R. and Lawler replay the finish to the mat, back live the official checks down on a still in great agony Stratus while Kim raises the belt above her head up the aisle.
The cameras pan backstage to show The Undertaker shadow boxing with a couple of security guards off to the side watching. A big match up with Goldberg is still to come later tonight!
Coming up next, however, is the Eight Man No Holds Barred Tornado Tag Team Match. A video package proceeds to air, showcasing the formation of Evolution earlier this year. The group would go on to use their numbers to their advantage, leading to much success for them, at the expense of Hulk Hogan, Booker T and Kevin Nash - whom even had a relationship with them briefly. The package shows the formation of Hogan, Nash and Booker as a team together to go up against Evolution but needing a fourth, which would lead to Shawn Michaels stepping up based off his history with Triple H and friendship with Nash. With a formidable four to finally able to even the numbers with Evolution - will Raw's powerful faction be defeated or showcase their dominance yet again?
Evolution having made their entrance first awaits their arrival of their opponents. Nash arrives, followed by Booker and Shawn. They stay at the bottom of the ramp, the music of Hogan then hitting with Hulk's partners hitting the ring as Hogan is making his way out - prompting Evolution to step out and plan things some more out there. Hogan wraps up his entrance in the ring, HHH leading the rest of the group in to the ring a bit hesitant, all four stepping up to come face-to-face with their opponents. After some words are exchanged, fists begin to fly and the bell sounds - four different brawls spreading things to corners. Booker and Orton spill to one part of the outside as Nash and Flair go out the other. Michaels and HHH trade shots back and forth while Hogan withstands some heavy blows from Batista. Avoiding a clothesline, however, Hogan launches Batista over the top rope. Leaving him and Michaels with HHH, they get a few double team punches and chops in before whipping 'The Game' off the ropes and catching him with a double back body drop. HHH rolls to the outside and Michaels stays on the attack, leaping over the ropes with a crossbody on to Batista. Hogan steps through the ropes and goes after HHH, hitting him with a few punches against the barricade. Back in the ring, Nash tosses Flair under the bottom rope and follows - 'The Nature Boy' begging him off as he goes back to the corner. Nash follows and takes Flair by his hair, Ric with a thumb to the eye to back the big man off. "Even in No Holds Barred," Lawler says. "Ric Flair is still the dirtiest player in the game!" Flair throws a few punches and chops off of it, strutting to the ropes and bouncing off right in to a sidewalk slam! Flair yells out in pain as he staggers back up in the corner where Nash comes up to him and drives an elbow to the head. Orton comes in from behind and clubs Nash in the back - the seven footer slowly turning around with his eyes widened. Orton tries to back off but has his neck grabbed before being tossed in to Flair. Nash throws a series of elbows to both men, Orton falling to the mat with Flair taking two steps forward before flopping down in signature fashion in to Orton's groin! Batista then comes in to the ring as Nash turns around, lifting the big man up and planting him with a spinebuster! Flexing over Nash's body, he helps Orton back up while Flair rolls out, a double team of stomps to Nash coming. Booker rolls back in to the ring and ducks under a strike from Orton, hitting him with a leaping side kick. Batista then runs forward and Booker ducks a clothesline from him, a couple of chops and a kick to the stomach. Booker then bounces off the ropes and seems poised for the Scissors Kick but Orton snatches him by the neck from behind and delivers a backbreaker.
Orton pulls Booker back up and motions Batista over, the two taking turns with strikes to Booker before whipping him across the ring - Nash taking his partner by the legs and yanking him under the bottom rope. Batista and Orton have some words for Nash before turning around to see Michaels flying off the top rope at them - the duo able to catch HBK in mid-air. As they spin around with him, though, Hogan is back in the ring to hit Batista with a big boot and cause Michaels to fall on both men. HBK rolls to the outside as HHH is irate on the outside - walking up the steps as he points at Hogan. The two have an exchange of words with the Evolution leader stepping in and getting nose-to-nose with Hogan. "Business is about to pick up!" J.R. says. Before the two can exchange fists though, Flair comes in to the ring from behind on his knees and low blows Hogan! The crowd boos as HHH laughs about it - Nash furiously getting on to the apron with HHH charging at him and sending him off with a forearm to the face. Hogan kneels in the corner, HHH and Flair charging after him and putting the boots to the chest and fists to the head. HBK then comes in and spins HHH around, the two of them trading rights with Michaels getting the upper hand before ducking a clothesline - running at Flair and clotheslining himself with Ric over the top rope. Both get right back up on the outside and get in to a chop battle, Michaels eventually landing a really hard one that gets Flair all fired up - spinning in a circle and stepping forward to a back body drop on to the floor! In the ring, HHH turns around to see Hogan stepping up to him, hoisting the legend off the mat and planting him with a spinning spinebuster. A series of mounted punches follows with HHH yelling in Hogan's face in the process. Getting back to his feet and pointing down at Hogan, the leader of Evolution is suddenly blindsided with Sweet Chin Music from HBK! Before Michaels even can go for the pin, Orton slides in from behind with a kendo stick in hand and snaps it right across the spine of Shawn! Dropping to his knees, HBK winces in tremendous pain. Orton then looks over to Hogan and reaches down at him - removing his weight belt and raising it high. "What is Orton doing with that?!" Lawler questions. Orton then proceeds to use the belt and whip Hogan across the back! He then goes to Michaels and does the same. Going back and forth, Orton then steps to the ropes and holds the belt up to the booing crowd. Those boos slowly turn to cheers, however, as Booker comes in to the ring from behind and waits for Orton to turn before dropping him with the Book End!
As Orton rolls out of the ring, Booker stands up in the center and looks around the building as the audience begin to cheer him on - the former five-time WCW Champion raising his hand in front of his face. A crowd pleaser, Booker performs a spinaroonie for the Phoenix fans. As soon as Booker pops back to his feet, however, Batista catches him with a spinebuster! Nash then returns to the ring and drops Batista with a big boot, Orton charging and taking a scoop slam. The seven footer then turns to see Flair going to the top rope - walking over and launching 'The Nature Boy' off and in to the mat as Flair's trend of failure from high risk continues. Nash then pulls his straps down and positions Flair for the Jack Knife powerbomb, HHH returning to the ring with a sledgehammer in hand. Charging toward Nash, Hogan is able to save the situation by taking the hammer from behind. HHH turns with his eyes widened - Hogan looking at the hammer before tossing it away and pointing a finger in the face of 'The Game'! Wagging his finger, HHH tries to turn around but Nash stands in the way and gives him a big right hand. HHH then turns to one from Hogan, the duo going back and forth a bit before Hogan whips Hunter off the ropes and plants him with a big boot on the return. Clapping and cupping his ear, Hogan has the crowd fired up as he bounces off the ropes and prepares to return for the leg drop only for Orton to come out of nowhere and instead drop him with the RKO! Orton stands back up with a smile but is quickly met with a running clothesline from Nash that sends him over the top rope and to the floor. Batista then comes in behind Nash and the two of them come chest-to-chest, having some words before trading blows with one another. After a missed dive in to the corner, Nash positions Batista for the Jack Knife powerbomb yet Orton comes up and RKOs him as well! Back to his feet with some words for Nash, Orton is spun around by the man he won the Intercontinental Championship from in Booker and is kicked in the gut, the Scissors Kick following! As Booker gets back up, Flair slides in from behind with brass knuckles on his hand and drills Booker in the back of the head! Giving a loud 'Woo!', Flair begins to strut in celebration only to turn to Sweet Chin Music from Michaels! HBK gives his own little strut, but turns in to a Spear from Batista that sends him rolling under the ropes immediately in pain. Evolution's muscle stands back up and leans over the ropes - pointing down at Michaels. He then turns and walks back to the middle of the ring right in to a Hogan scoop slam! "Hulkamania! Hulkamania!" Ross shouts as Hogan is once again setting the stage for his signature leg drop. As he looks poised to drop the leg, however, HHH returns to the ring from behind with his sledgehammer and breaks it right over the back of the legend! "Damn you, Triple H! That son of a bitch!" Ross yells. An evil grin from ear to ear, HHH drags Hogan back in to position for the Pedigree before planting him in the center of the ring. The slow turn over and the cover is made - but Nash drops an elbow on HHH just before the referee can count to three! Nash brings HHH back to his feet and pummels him with a series of shots in the corner, whipping his former best friend off the ropes and delivering a huge big boot. A fired up Nash is still a bit wobbly, however, and ends up being spun around by Batista - whom knees him in the stomach before displaying his crazy strength by hitting the Batista Bomb! The cover is then made on Nash with the far leg hooked for the one, two, three! Evolution def. Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash and Booker T via pinfall (16:14)
Batista rolls off of Nash and gets to a knee, looking out to the disapproving crowd as he has his arm raised for his team. HHH re-enters the ring with a smile on his face, patting Batista on the back and raising his arm himself. Orton and Flair soon join in on the celebration, Ross and Lawler proceeding to run through replays of the frenzied finish all leading up to Batista getting the win for his team over Nash. Back live, the Evolution four stand together in the aisle - raising their arms up in unison while their opponents are left down and defeated inside and out of the ring. Raw's premier stable, despite not having the numbers advantage they usually have, has once again proven themselves.
A promo video airs for the next WWE pay-per-view, Unforgiven, taking place on September 21st from the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania!
Following the advertisement, back in the arena, Hogan is seen being assisted to his feet by Michaels, Nash and Booker but he pulls away from them on his own - assuring that he is alright. He steps through the ropes himself, the others in tow as he begins to make a slow walk toward the back. Over at ringside, the Smackdown commentary team mentions what a war we just saw over on the Raw brand - but now we transition over to them and the WWE Championship: Kurt Angle versus Rey Mysterio.
A video package airs, highlighting the debut of Mysterio last year, leading to a match at this same event against Angle where, despite tremendous effort, he would come up just short. Since then, Angle has gone on to become a two-time WWE Champion while Mysterio has bounced around, yet remained successful. At King of the Ring, Mysterio would overcome all odds and win the entire tournament, giving him a shot at the WWE Champion at Summerslam whom, after walking out of Vengeance still the champion, would turn out to be Angle. Claiming Mysterio not being worthy of the same ring and mocking his size, Angle would end up costing Mysterio his Cruiserweight Championship against Matt Hardy. In he coming weeks, Mysterio would pin Angle in a six man tag team match with Angle's response being attempting to seriously injure Rey's ankle. After feigning a serious issue while on crutches, Mysterio would attack a preying Angle, vowing to walk out of Summerslam as the new WWE Champion.
Angle enters first and stands in the middle of the ring fully prepared for Mysterio, the number one contender pulling a fast one in the same exact way he did last year - standing on the apron behind Angle instead of making an entrance. A springboard hurricanrana from behind and is hit and the bell rings, Mysterio then catching the champion with a drop toe hold between the ropes - setting up for the 619. As Mysterio goes for it, however, Angle manages to pull himself out of the way and roll to the outside. He looks to regroup and Mysterio teases going for a big dive but Angle backs away - leaving Rey getting the crowd going in the middle of the ring. Angle then slides back under the ropes and taps his temple, telling Mysterio 'not this year'. Circling around a bit, Angle slips behind Mysterio with Rey using a side headlock to take things down. Angle slips free with a headscissors, both men back up with Angle hitting a waistlock takedown. Mysterio fights right back to his feet and hits a couple of arm drags, a leg pick followed by a cartwheel bulldog for a one count. Mysterio stands back up and points out to the crowd, then turning to a vicious clothesline from Angle! Some boots follow before Angle drags Mysterio up - going for a back suplex with Mysterio able to land on his feet. Hitting the ropes, Rey comes roaring back with a flying headscissors. A sunset flip bomb follows from the challenger, leading to a two count. Back to their feet, Angle side-steps Mysterio and tosses him in to the corner chest first - a clothesline from behind coming right after. Dragging Mysterio back up by his mask, a back suplex is nailed for a two count. A bearhug is applied with Mysterio fighting his way to his feet and working his way out with some forearms to the face. He backs Angle off to the ropes and then charges, his waist hooked with the WWE Champion hitting a belly-to-belly over the top, on to the apron back first and to the floor. Angle follows after Mysterio and gives him no time for recovery, a toss in to the barricade followed by a press slam chest first across the announce table. Angle then hurls Mysterio back in to the ring and holds his arms out to the booing crowd.
Continuing to stay on the attack, Angle slides in and applies an armbreaker to Mysterio - whom has to quickly struggle to the ropes to force a break. Still not giving Mysterio any room to breath, Angle drags him back up and throws a few shots to the back before taking the former Cruiserweight Champion over his shoulder. Running to the corner, Mysterio surprises Angle by reversing things in to a victory roll for a close two count. Both men pop back up with Mysterio hitting a springboard hurricanrana. Favoring the arm slightly, Rey then bounces off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and nails Angle with a tornado DDT. Both legs are hooked and Angle is able to kick out at two once again. Mysterio scurries his way to the corner and out to the apron - climbing to the top rope. Angle is back to his feet and grabs a hold of one of Mysterio's legs but is kicked off, diving off and being avoided - Rey having to roll through on the mat only for Kurt to be right behind him and hook the waist for a huge German suplex. Angle follows Mysterio toward the ropes and takes him by the leg - lifting it up high and slamming the knee and shin in to the mat. Angle does it a couple more times before the referee intervenes, Angle pushing the official out of the way and taking Mysterio's leg again. Rey holds the middle rope, however, and uses his other foot to push Angle away. Back up, Mysterio ducks under another clothesline and bounces off of the ropes, coming right back to Angle taking him by the tights and shoulder and launching him on the mat and under the bottom rope - sending Mysterio crashing hard in to the base of the announce table. Angle laughs to himself as he goes to the outside - hooking Mysterio from the front after lifting him back up and hitting a belly to belly across the Spanish announce desk. Not breaking the table, Angle drags Mysterio by the neck and hurls him back in to the ring where he follows for a cover and only gets a count of two. Despite the fight of Mysterio, Angle appears to be very confident as he stands back up, motioning Rey to his feet. A series of suplexes follow, Angle with a floatover for a near fall. Picking the leg, he starts to target it with some knees and kicks. Another big German suplex for a two count and Angle seem to be growing more frustrated.
Grabbing the leg, an Ankle Lock is applied but Mysterio doesn't stay in it very long as he is able to use his forearms to roll through and instead get back up and put an Ankle Lock on Angle himself! Twisting and wrenching away at the hold, Angle is in shock and yells out in pain. The champion digs his way to the ropes and forces a break, pulling himself out to the apron afterward. Mysterio waits for Angle to stand back up before hitting a springboard dropkick that sends Angle to the floor. Running across the ring, Mysterio then comes back with a huge somersault tope that takes Angle out! Mysterio is down off of it for a little while as well, but pulls himself back up and rolls in and out of the ring to break up the count of the referee. Composing himself some, Mysterio raises a finger to the crowd and waits for Angle to get back up before charging at him for a wheelbarrow bulldog only for Angle to place him back on the ground before scooping him back up with an Angle Slam in to the ring post ankle first! "Oh no!" Cole shouts. "Rey's ankle right in to the steel!" Angle gets back up and catches his breath some, pulling Mysterio up by the neck and on to the apron. The WWE Champion then begins to pull himself up the turnbuckles, sitting on the top rope and bringing Mysterio with him. He then pulls Rey up in position for the Angle Slam from the top but before they can fall back - Mysterio is able to reverse it in to a hurricanrana to the mat! Despite being hobbled, Mysterio gets back to his feet and dropkicks a staggered Angle in between the top and middle rope. Limping his way up, Rey bounces off the other side of the ring and comes back for a 619 attempt but the slowness allows Angle to catch the legs before contact can be made. He then drags Mysterio to the middle of the ring and applies the Ankle Lock to the bad leg! Mysterio is in clear trouble as he tries to pull away in each direction of the ring, the Phoenix crowd trying to cheer him on as after a lengthy struggle he gets his fingertips on the ropes. Angle notices it though and drags Rey right back to the middle of the ring - dropping to the mat and wrapping his legs around Mysterio's! A brief attempt to try and get free or to the ropes, Mysterio realizes he has nowhere to go and the pain is too tremendous, therefore forcing him to tap out! Kurt Angle def. Rey Mysterio via submission to retain the WWE Championship! (14:53)
Angle keeps the hold locked in for a few moments after the bell, letting up eventually and getting right back to his feet. The referee retrieves and presents him with the WWE Championship, Angle holding it over his head. He then takes a moment to hold it in front of Mysterio's. "I told you that you didn't belong with me, Rey! I told you!" Angle then leaves the ring with the gold over his shoulder, Mysterio left down on the mat looking frustrated in defeat despite having given Angle a hell of a fight.
The cameras then pick up in the back to Stone Cold Steve Austin pacing in the back in preparation for his match still to come. He stops in his tracks, however, when he is approached by Mr. McMahon. The two lock eyes with the crowd buzzing in the background. "I don't like you." McMahon says, Austin with a snicker as he shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know if you know this or not Vince... but I don't like you, either." The two then share a lengthy laugh together, slowly coming to a stop before getting very serious again. "But I expect nothing less from you... than to go out there and give 'em hell." McMahon says. The two then give a nod to one another with McMahon walking away, leaving Austin back to himself.
A video package proceeds to air for Goldberg versus The Undertaker, highlighting the years of domination both men have had over their careers, leading up to their first face-to-face on Smackdown. After each participating in the WWE Championship match at Vengeance and taking one another out, a confrontation would take place with the two agreeing they were standing in each other's way in becoming WWE Champion, setting the stage for a first time one-on-one between the two. The video continues to highlight the domination of both men and the respect for one another, but also the desire to put the other one down. The duo would team up together to face the F.B.I. on Smackdown, one-upping each other and dominating in the contest. Goldberg would tease striking Taker afterward, but instead fall to a Chokeslam afterward - leaving him laughing over what happened. The package comes to an end with Taker claiming that the ring is still his yard - while Goldberg would state Taker was 'next'.
The bell sounds and the two men come to the middle of the ring - staring each other down while having some words. Taker then leans back and throws the first punch, getting a few hard ones in but Goldberg withstanding it and ducking in to the gut. Charging things in to the corner, Goldberg nails a series of shoulder thrusts to the stomach before backflipping out. Running forward, Taker catches Goldberg with an elbow to the face and then hits the ropes and returns with a boot to the face. Goldberg is back up against the ropes and things return in to the corner, leading to a break out of back and forth fists. Taker is shoved back and Goldberg lands a mule kick that puts 'Big Evil' to the mat. Giving a slit throat taunt, Goldberg smiles at Taker as his eyes widen - standing back up and charging right in to a toss through the ropes and to the floor. A frustrated Taker slaps the announce table and rips the cover off - turning to see Goldberg leaning over the ropes. Swiping the legs out, Taker drags Goldberg to the outside and they trade blows with the latter getting the upper hand and hoisting Taker on to his shoulder. Running toward the ring post, Taker slips behind and slams Goldberg face first in to the steel! Removing the Spanish announce table covering as well, Taker then rolls in and back out of the ring to break up the count. Hitting a series of jabs against the barricade, Taker proceeds to bring Goldberg on to the Smackdown table with him. "Look out, Cole! Look out!" Tazz shouts. Setting up for a Last Ride Powerbomb, Goldberg pushes Taker back and causes him to wobble to stay standing on the table. Instead, Goldberg charges with a diving Spear that sends him and Taker through the Spanish announce desk! The crowd erupts as the referee comes to the outside to check on both men. After assuring they're both not seriously injured, he returns to the ring and begins his count. At six, Goldberg gets on all fours. At seven, back to his feet. Eight, he manages to roll back in to the ring. At nine, he stands up behind the official and grabs his arm just as he is about to get to ten. "Don't count his ass out!" He says. "Don't do it!" Goldberg then staggers back to the outside and pulls Taker up from all fours in order to toss him back in to the ring. Walking around to the other side, Goldberg sets the stage for another Spear. Taker stumbles back to his feet and Goldberg charges - being avoided and slamming shoulder first in to the turnbuckles. Taker then grabs him by the throat on the turnaround and nails a Chokeslam! A slow cover is then made with the far leg hooked but Goldberg is able to kick out at two. Taker stands back up with help from the ropes and pulls his straps down, calling for the finish. He positions Goldberg for another Last Ride but instead gets pushed back in to the turnbuckles aggressively. Goldberg flies off the ropes and returns with a second Spear! Hopping right back up, Goldberg himself calls for the end and drags Taker back up with a hook of the neck - hoisting him off of the mat and nailing a big time Jackhammer! The leg is hooked upon impact and Goldberg gets the three count! Goldberg def. The Undertaker via pinfall! (6:48)
The audience gives a mixed reaction for the result as Goldberg rises to his feet, arm raised up as the winner. He heads to the second rope and raises his fists in the air, looking back at Taker as he prepares to leave. Leaving the ring, Goldberg looks back to see Taker left struggling to sit up. After he finally does, he takes a look to Goldberg on the outside where a nod is given - perhaps one of respect - with Taker slowly returning the favor.
Following an advertisement for WWE Shopzone, Jonathan Coachman is seen standing by backstage as he introduces his guest at this time to be Paul Heyman. Coachman brings up that we are moments away from his client Brock Lesnar defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Stone Cold Steve Austin. "Let's cut the crap, Coach. Weeks and weeks, we have been talking about one of the biggest stars in the history of this business, 'The Texas Rattlesnake' going up against 'The Big Thing', 'The Executioner', 'The' Brock Lesnar... all of this hype... for a funeral, Coach." Heyman claims that he is the one that made Austin in this business when he gave him a chance about a decade ago. "But that was then, this is now. That star is faded and Brock Lesnar's is beaming! He has been running through everyone since day one and he is more dangerous than ever! Tonight is the end of the road for Stone Cold Steve Austin... tonight... is just another pit stop for Brock Lesnar."
A promo video airs showing Stone Cold Steve Austin slowly walking through curtains toward the ring, clips of some of his signature moments of his career being shown: His 'Austin 3:16' statement, his bloodied face in his WrestleMania match with Bret Hart, his first WWE Championship win, multiple Royal Rumble victories, a Stone Cold Stunner to the boss in Mr. McMahon. "Ladies and gentlemen, 'The Next Big Thing' Brock Lesnar!" is then heard from the voice of Paul Heyman, the video transitioning to show the debut of Lesnar and his fast rise, winning the King of the Ring tournament, causing Hulk Hogan to pass out, defeating The Rock to become WWE Champion, winning the Royal Rumble and becoming World Heavyweight Champion on Raw - all within a year. Transitioning to four weeks back, Lesnar and Heyman would stand together awaiting the announcement of a new number one contender with Co-General Manager of Raw Shane McMahon bringing back Stone Cold Steve Austin as that challenger. Injury history and having been removed from Raw, Heyman would refuse the match unless Austin would sign a Hold Harmless Agreement - vowing that Lesnar would end his career and put him in the hospital. Austin would gladly sign the contract before brawling with Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski, before hitting Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff with a Stone Cold Stunner. In an attempt to keep the two apart this past Monday, Bischoff would order part of the Raw roster to the ring - only for Austin to fight them all off en route to coming to the ring and trading blows with Lesnar, escaping an F-5 in order to hit him with a Stunner. The voice of Lesnar is then heard over an image of him with the World Heavyweight Championship raised over his head: "Steve, everyone thinks they can beat me until they actually step in to the ring with me. Then reality sinks in that they don't stand a chance! If you think it's going to be any different for you at Summerslam, then you're going to be in for a rude awakening." Following that, Austin having a signature beer bash is shown with a voice over of him stating upon his return: "Feels good to be back. And on the subject of being back, I'm back for one reason and one reason only: Going to Summerslam and becoming the World Heavyweight Champion."
The referee calls for the bell as Austin comes in, vest still on, throwing hands at Lesnar. The official gets in the way of things as Lesnar is backed in to the corner - Austin taking his vest off and throwing it in Brock's face. Furious, Lesnar charges out and lifts Austin off the mat and slams him back in to the opposing corner. A few hard elbows and strikes, Austin spins things around and slams Lesnar's face off the top turnbuckle before unloading on him with a few punches before turning to boots, stomping a mudhole. Backing off, raises a couple middle fingers to the crowd before seeing Heyman on the apron - swiping at him and having him drop to the floor untouched. Coming back to Lesnar, he is shoved on his back, getting right back up to a shoulder block. Dragging Austin back up quickly, Lesnar plants him with a big spinebuster in the center of the ring. Instead of going for the pin, however, Brock backs away and simply grins as if he is preparing further destruction in his mind. Austin staggers back to his feet and stumbles a bit, straightening himself out to flip the bird toward Lesnar! 'The Executioner' charges and gets tossed in to the corner and met with more right hands, a pull out and a big whip back in to the corner sends Lesnar up and over the ropes and to the floor! Landing on his feet, Brock is still furious as he kicks the steel steps and Heyman has to come over and help him get collected. Austin rolls out behind them and takes Lesnar from behind - tossing him in to the barricade and putting the boots to the body. Heyman tries to come up and stop things but Austin snaps back around and causes Heyman to back up quickly and fall over. As Austin stands over Heyman, Lesnar comes up from behind and clubs Austin in the back. 'The Texas Rattlesnake' is then thrown full force in to the steel steps, Lesnar bringing him back in to the ring after and delivering a belly-to-belly suplex. A cover is made but Austin kicks out at two. Pulling Austin right back up, Brock hits a short-arm clothesline and covers for another two count. A laugh to himself, Lesnar drags Austin up again and throws a couple of knees to the stomach. Looking out to Heyman, Lesnar is then pushed back by Austin whom catches him with a big right hand on the return. Lesnar throws a right of his own with Austin responding with a flurry of them. Lesnar then suddenly goes for a clothesline but Austin ducks underneath it, bouncing off the ropes and coming back with a clothesline of his own.
Staying on the attack after the knock down, Austin gets up and pushes off of the ropes again, coming back with a forearm drop to Lesnar's head. A second one is then hit and the cover is made but Lesnar presses Austin off of him at a short count of two. While Stone Cold is shocked by Lesnar's power, he charges right back up with some boots to the body. Lesnar then spins him around on one and hits a big back suplex. Kneeling right over Austin off of that, Lesnar hits some hard right hands to the skull. The referee intervenes and tries to get Lesnar to stop but the World Heavyweight Champion mounts right back on and keeps the assault going, finally pulling off on a second intervening from the official. Austin rolls on to his side as he is beginning to bleed from the strikes - Lesnar throwing a boot to the head as he sees it. The referee backs off 'The Executioner' and checks on Austin, whom gets on all fours and takes a boot to the ribs. Lesnar then yanks him up and hits a gutwrench suplex. A cover is made but Austin stays alive and kicks out at two. Lesnar stands back up and motions for Austin to rise, Stone Cold using Lesnar's legs to pull himself to a knee. A few right hands to the body and Austin stands up straight, getting some in on the face until Lesnar cuts him off with a knee to the mid-section. Forcing Austin to stay on his feet, Lesnar whips him off of the ropes but Stone Cold comes back with a Lou Thesz press - raining down punch after punch! Brock fights to push him off, getting back up and charging only to be stun gunned on the ropes. Austin then makes his way out to the apron and climbs to the top, diving off for a double axe handle only to be caught in mid-air, Lesnar catching him by the waist and ramming him full speed in to the turnbuckles. Refusing to let go of his clasp, Lesnar brings Austin back toward the middle of the ring and places him in a tight bear hug. "Stone Cold was starting to roll and this monster of a man, this monster of a champion put a quick stop to it." Ross says. Austin tries to fight out of the hold but begins to tire, blood streaming down in his face as he yells out in frustrated agony. Slowly, his fight starts to slow down and he seems to be on the verge of passing out. A nearly lifeless body, the referee steps in to raise his arm up - releasing and watching it drop. A second time and it seems that Austin is done for. As Heyman screams from the outside for his client, the referee goes to drop the arm a third time but Austin holds his fist up, turning it in to a middle finger to the sky. The Phoenix crowd roars as Lesnar's eyes widen in disbelief, Austin proceeding to throw elbow after elbow to the back of the head, punches following as the grip loosens. Lesnar finally lets go and Austin charges at him with a clothesline that sends him over the top rope and to the floor below!
The building is electric as Austin goes to the outside, seeming to have total second wave of energy as he tees off on Lesnar some more before diving in to him over the barricade and in to the crowd. Lesnar throws wild shots that Austin avoids as he continues to lay in to him with strike after strike, the World Heavyweight Champion trying to retreat as Austin whips him back over the barricade and follows. A middle finger in Heyman's direction, Austin throws Brock face first off the ring apron before getting him back under the bottom rope. Lesnar staggers to his feet and Austin kicks the gut - going for the Stone Cold Stunner only for his leg to be caught and be spun around with Lesnar attempting a clothesline but having it ducked underneath. Austin then catches him on the turn with the Stone Cold Stunner! "Stone Cold Stunner! Stone Cold Stunner! New World Heavyweight Champion!" Shouts an ecstatic J.R. Lesnar, however, manages to kick out just in time on the pin attempt! Austin is in disbelief as he shakes his head and questions the count. Lesnar rolls out to the apron and Heyman quickly runs over to check on his champion, Austin not allowing much of that to go on as he kicks Lesnar's body off the apron and back down to the floor. Bucking at Heyman and causing him to back off, Austin takes Lesnar by the legs and looks behind him before falling backwards and catapaulting Lesnar face first in to the ring post! Austin stands back up and looks out to the America West Arena with a nod. He then moves back over to Lesnar struggling to get to a knee as he is now busted wide open as well. Austin gets a few punches in to the wound before bringing him back in to the ring, catching a stumbling Lesnar with a spinebuster. Leaning in over Brock's body, presumably for another Stunner, Heyman slides under the bottom rope with the World Heavyweight Championship belt in hand, trying to get involved. Austin doesn't allow it as he drops an elbow on him for his troubles! Dragging Heyman up by his jacket and ponytail, a pleading effort is made for no harm to be done but Austin isn't having any of it. He instead gives Heyman a double bird before hitting him with the Stone Cold Stunner! Heyman falls back and rolls out of the ring, Austin then turning straight in to Lesnar hoisting him off the mat and hitting the F-5! A tired cover is made and just as the referee's hand is about to hit the mat for the three - Austin places his foot on the bottom rope!
The Arizona fans can't believe it and neither can Lesnar as he rolls off with his face down in the mat. "Stone Cold is still alive, 'King'! Stone Cold is still alive!" Ross shouts. Lesnar pushes his hands underneath him and gets back to his feet against the ropes, wiping away at the blood on his face. Shaking his head, he lets out a frustrated yell before forcing Austin back to his feet. "You're done! It's finished!" He shouts while holding Austin by his neck. He then sets the stage for another F-5, only this time Austin is able to slip off of the shoulders and catch him with the Stone Cold Stunner a second time! Austin tries to dive and make the cover but Lesnar rolls under the bottom rope - maybe instinctively. Austin places his hands over his bloodied head as he knows he just missed an opportunity. After thinking it over, he pulls himself to the outside and drags Lesnar up from all fours - launching him with authority in to the steel steps. Frustrated, Austin then pushes Brock back in to the ring and places his head down on the apron. Rolling in after the champion, he sees him staggering back up and steps forward right in to a scoop off of the mat and the F-5 in the center of the ring! Lesnar makes the slow crawl over afterward and hooks both legs for the one, two, three. Brock Lesnar def. Stone Cold Steve Austin via pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship! (20:32)
As Lesnar's music hits, the crowd that was so clearly behind Austin is surely disappointed. Both men remain laid out and bloodied on the mat, Heyman slowly pulling himself in to the ring clutching his ribs while also holding the World Heavyweight Championship belt. Slowly, he moves over to Lesnar and places the title next to him, joyfully shouting "you did it!" repeatedly. Lesnar sits back up and Heyman assists him back to his feet, the championship in Lesnar's hands as he raises it above his head. Not even taking a moment to look back at Austin, Lesnar and Heyman leave the ring together and begin to head toward the back while holding each other up.
After Lesnar and Heyman make it through the curtains, Brock's music fades out and Austin slowly rolls on to his side in the ring. On all fours and then to a knee, he looks out to the crowd giving him a warm reception via a standing ovation. Hands on his hips as he fully stands, Austin wipes away at the blood in his eyes and then moves over to the ropes. "That may very well have been the last time Stone Cold Steve Austin competes in that ring, ladies and gentlemen," J.R. says. "And if it was - it was a damn privilege to be here to call it." Continuing to admire the love from the fans, Austin looks over to ringside and raises his hand for some beers - having a couple tossed to him. Despite the loss, Austin looks to end the night in signature fashion as Summerslam comes to an end.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 9, 2021 18:48:32 GMT -5
Seen standing in his office to start things this week is Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff, a smile on his face as he welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. "Last night, Stone Cold Steve Austin had his last hurrah... going down at the hands of the World Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar." Bischoff brings up how Austin was given that opportunity at Summerslam by Shane McMahon, but now it is his turn to determine a new number one contender for Lesnar and the World Championship. "And I'm not going to be like Shane. I'm not going to pick favorites. Instead, I'm going to take members of our Raw roster tonight... and put them in a battle royal. The winner will go on to our next pay-per-view event Unforgiven and challenge Brock Lesnar for the World Heavyweight Championship."
The opening video for Raw follows, the cameras then coming inside of the Tucson Convention Center, twenty-four hours removed from Summerslam. As the stage is brightened by pyrotechnics, Jim Ross gives the introduction from commentary alongside Jerry 'The King' Lawler, bringing up the battle royal that Bischoff just announced. Also tonight, a look in to what happened after Summerslam went off the air last night with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Plus, Hulk Hogan is here to address the fans and his future.
The theme music of Evolution then hits throughout the arena, the group of four coming off of a victory over Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash and Booker T last night arriving with smiles on all of their faces. Once in the ring, Triple H calls for a microphone and stands in the center proudly. "What did we tell you?" He asks the booing crowd. "We told each and every single one of you that this is Evolution's show! We told each and every single one of you that nobody would stop Evolution! And last night, you put up Kevin Nash... you put up Booker T... you put up Shawn Michaels... you put up Hulk Hogan... and the four of them? Couldn't handle Evolution." Flair then takes the microphone and lets out a big 'Woo!', bringing up that he has been in this business for thirty years, stating that last night was one of his proudest nights. "Being alongside Hunter, Randy and Batista and winning that match made me feel young again, baby!" Orton then speaks up, saying that last night they stood tall and proved by they are the past, present and future of this business. "While Ric was doing what 'The Nature Boy' dies, Hunter was showing that he was 'The Game', and Batista was getting the winning fall and showing how he is 'The Animal' of Evolution... I was out proving why they're going to call me 'The Legend Killer' when I dropped Hulk Hogan with the RKO!" He hands the microphone off to Batista, whom says that nothing has ever felt better than dropping Kevin Nash with the Batista Bomb and pinning him in the middle of this ring.
HHH then takes the microphone back and says that this is a solidified unit. "Each of us have our individual goals and we each do individual things but it all comes together to keep Evolution strong. It all comes together to knock anyone down that gets in our way! And it will continue for days, weeks, months and years to come!" Before he has the opportunity to say anything more, Booker T's music ends up interrupting things. The members of Evolution look none too impressed with Booker's arrival as he comes down to the ring and slowly enters it - looking across at the four as he holds a microphone in his hand, tapping it in to the palm of the other. "Y'know, man. I won't lie. The four of you got it done last night. You won. But that don't mean that I'm done!" He paces a little bit and says that he's still feeling a little fired up and he wants to have a match tonight. "With you!" He says before pointing his finger in the face of Triple H, much to the surprise of 'The Game', whom ends up laughing it off rather quickly. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Book. I think you need to calm down just a bit. As much as I'd love to kick your ass right here, right now, I've got a battle royal to win later so I'm a little busy." Booker shakes his head and tells HHH he's in the battle royal too, but he doesn't feel like waiting! As the two draw closer to being face-to-face, Shane McMahon ends up making his way out from the back, the Co-General Manager of Raw drawing everyone' attention from atop the stage.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news," He says with a shrug of the shoulders. "But, Hunter, you're not in the battle royal tonight." HHH looks confused and questions what McMahon is talking about, with Shane bringing up the stipulation he had when facing Brock Lesnar earlier this year. "The two of you faced off inside Hell in a Cell in what was your final match against each other. You know this. That means that you can't be the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship as long as Brock is champion." As HHH is livid and Booker laughs it up, 'The Game' shouts how this is bull crap! McMahon looks to be thinking things over, then raises a finger and says that he does have a solution for HHH. "I tell you what, Hunter. I'll be willing to lift that stipulation just this one time... on one condition: You face Booker T tonight. And if you win? You can participate in the battle royal later on." HHH looks to the rest of Evolution and then back at McMahon, asking if he is being serious, claiming that it would be an abomination to Raw to not have him compete in that battle royal. McMahon responds that he doesn't have to accept the offer, but that is the best he can do - so HHH can take it or leave it! Furious, but realizing he doesn't have much of a choice, HHH looks to Booker and says he is on! Evolution then leaves the ring together, Booker with a smile on his face as he tells Hunter he'll see him later.
Seen talking in the back with each other after the break is the World Tag Team Champions, Chris Jericho and Christian, with Y2J expressing how tonight is a big opportunity for the both of them. "We took care of Kane and Van Dam last night, now we can take care of half the roster and one of us can go on to Unforgiven against Brock Lesnar!" Christian nods and tells Jericho that sounds good and all but he can't help but think Jericho will take the glory all for himself just like he did last night. Jericho is caught off-guard by the comment, asking Christian what he is talking about. "I had Kane beat in the middle of the ring! Unprettier! One, two, three! And you tagged yourself in and stole the spotlight, Chris!" Jericho puts his hands up and tells Christian to take it easy, explaining that the only reason he was able to hit Kane with the Unprettier is because he turned Kane's mask around. "Alright, that's enough," Christian says to cut off his tag team partner's further explanation. "I'm sorry. You're right. Let's just go out there tonight, get to the final two and let the better man win." Jericho shrugs his shoulders and says that is all he ever planned on! Christian then heads off, Jericho shaking his head before following.
Back inside of the arena, Terri Runnels is standing in the ring as Gail Kim's music hits, the new Women's Champion making her way down - removing the belt from her waist and raising it over her head. Terri congratulates Gail on becoming the new Women's Champion, with Kim snatching the microphone away before more can be said. "Looks like I'm in the spotlight now!" She says to boos. "I spent the last couple of years looking up to Trish Stratus... knowing that one day I'd be the one to take her down. And I did just that last night at Summerslam just like I said I would!" Kim says she has proven herself and will continue to silence any doubters. She is then interrupted by Molly Holly's arrival. She comes to the ring with a microphone in hand and tells Gail she hasn't silenced anybody. "I'll admit it, you've been pretty impressive in your short time here, sweetheart. And you even managed to get one over on me a couple of weeks ago... but I'm not buying it. That's why in our rematch right now I'm going to prove you're just a cocky flash in the pan." Kim smiles in response - slapping Molly across the face!
1) Non-Title Match: Women's Champion Gail Kim def. Molly Holly in what turns out to be a tough and competitive match between the two women, Kim's cheap shot from before the bell giving her the early advantage only for the veteran Molly to stay in it. Kim targets the arm throughout and after avoiding the Molly Go Round, she shoves Holly in to the turnbuckles shoulder first before pulling her down in to the mat in a Cross Armbreaker, Molly trying to fight through the pain before tapping out at 4:02.
Kim wrenches at the hold just a bit longer after the bell rings, getting to a knee after releasing her grip with a grin. The referee hands over the Women's Championship - Kim holding it up above her head and having some words for the crowd, even holding the belt in Molly's face afterward before leaving.
In the back, Shawn Michaels is seen warming up for an upcoming match up when he is tapped on the shoulder, HBK turning around to see Hulk Hogan. The two have a brief stare down, then a nod. "Listen, Hulk, I'm really sorry about last night." Hogan shakes his head and tells Michaels not to feel bad at all. "Brother, we went out there and gave Evolution one heck of a fight. I'm proud of what you did. I'm proud of what we all did. It just didn't end the way we wanted." Michaels says it was an honor to tag with Hogan, suggesting they do it again sometime. "Maybe, Shawn," Hulk replies. "Maybe some day... I've got some things to say tonight, but I'm going to go do it in that ring a little later. Good luck tonight." The two then shake hands before Hogan parts. Michaels, meanwhile, is in action - next.
At the announce table following the break, J.R. and Lawler discuss Summerslam last night being a blockbuster show - including a big time main event when Brock Lesnar retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Stone Cold Steve Austin. They then transition to footage from after Summerslam went off the air, where Austin would have a few beers before taking a microphone to address the crowd. "That certainly didn't go entirely... according to plan," He would say. "But you bet your ass Stone Cold Steve Austin didn't go down without a hell of a fight." Austin would continue on by saying that he doesn't know if this is the last time, he doesn't know if there is more ahead - but if this is the last time, it has been one hell of a ride. "And you won't hear ol' Stone Cold say it a whole lot... but I love the sh*t out of you guys..." He'd drop the microphone to a big ovation from the crowd before having a few more beers before leaving the ring, downing two last ones atop the stage before going through the curtains.
2) Shawn Michaels def. Christopher Nowinski (w/Scott Steiner) in a mostly one-sided contest, Nowinski getting a few cheap shots in and having some involvement from Steiner. Michaels, however, ends up escaping from Nowinski's version of a Steiner Recliner and tees off on him with some signature offense. Steiner gets on the apron out of frustration and Michaels tosses Nowinski in to him before nailing a back body drop. After a top rope elbow, Michaels tunes up the band and puts the Harvard graduate down with Sweet Chin Music for the three count at 3:24.
Michaels stands back up in celebration and enjoys the victory, hoping that he can add to a successful night when he - along with Nowinski and Steiner - takes part in the battle royal later on.
Cutting backstage, Batista and Ric Flair are seen together when Triple H approaches them. "You're in." HHH says to Batista. "Randy says he has something else on his mind and he told me to let Bischoff know that you're in the battle royal." He tells Flair that he knows he has his situation and he wishes he could be in there too. "I plan on taking care of Booker T with ease. It's a damn joke that Shane McMahon is making me go through this but I'm going to do it... then we can make sure that I get to go to Unforgiven and get another shot at Brock Lesnar and the World Heavyweight Championship." HHH says he is counting on Batista, bringing up how he had a big night last night getting the winning fall for Evolution. "Just remember what this is all about." Batista nods and tells Hunter not to worry about it, he has no problem paving the way for the leader of Evolution.
The theme music of Hulk Hogan out of the break brings the Tucson crowd to their feet, 'The Immortal' hyped up as he makes his way down and in to the ring, playing up the audience for an extended period of time before calling for a microphone. "Well, let me tell you something, brother," He says in signature fashion to start things off. "Last night, Hulkamania had a chance to run wild once again! I paired up with some good friends and great competitors with Kevin Nash... Booker T... and Shawn Michaels... and we went up against Evolution." Hogan says that, unfortunately, they weren't able to get the win but he is definitely proud of the fight they put up. "And I've come out here tonight to tell all of you Hulkamaniacs that I appreciate your support and have appreciated your support for the past two decades! That is why I hope that all of you can understand when I tell you that this is a point and time that I have to head back home, heal up a little bit, spend time with my family... and when 'The Hulkster' is done with that time... maybe we can run wild again!"
As Hogan seems prepared to leave, however, Randy Orton makes his way out from the back. The Intercontinental Champion twirls a microphone in his hand as he calls for Evolution's music to be cut. "Hold on, hold on, hold on," He says while walking down the aisle. "Are you people really buying in to this crap?" He shakes his head before entering the ring, Hogan not looking at all impressed by Orton's presence. Orton says that Hogan can claim to be injured, he can talk about wanting to go back home with his family. "And you can even pretend to give a damn about these people, Hogan! But we all know the truth! The truth that not only can you not defeat Evolution... you're petrified of the idea of 'The Legend Killer' putting you out of your pathetic misery... because after I laid your ass out in the middle of this ring with the RKO, I know that you felt it... you felt evolution passing you by... you felt Randy Orton killing the legend of Hulkamania!" The Arizona fans boo heavily as Orton grins from ear to ear, Hogan looking around the building before staring straight in to the eyes of the Intercontinental Champion. "I know what you're trying to do, kid. But it isn't going to work. See, Hulkamania was born not too long after you were. Hulkamania was running wild on your daddy at WrestleMania I, brother, and we've been through that history lesson." Hogan says that he isn't going to give Orton the satisfaction of getting his hands on him, getting him all worked up. "But I'll tell you this: When I'm all healed up, once I've sat back and enjoyed some time back home... it's very possible that this situation can be revisited. And it's very possible that Hulkamania can run wild on a second generation of Orton's, brother!" Randy looks frustrated as Hogan tells him that he has a ton of potential and a bright future, but it isn't going to come at his expense. "So whatcha gonna do, brother, when Hulkamania walks out of this ring on you?" A smile from Hulk and he walks past Orton, leaving the ring and slapping hands with some of the fans in the front row. Orton, meanwhile, clutches his Intercontinental Championship tight to his shoulder, watching Hogan intently as he heads toward the back.
Backstage, The APA are seen in their bar room office with many of superstars taking bets on who is going to win the battle royal later, The Hurricane and Goldust in front of the table talking to each other and trying to come up with some money. "What do you mean you don't have any gold? You're Goldust!" Hurricane shouts. "What's up with that?!" Behind them, Test and Stevie Richards are seen arguing with The APA, saying that they aren't a part of the battle royal and it's a joke because they beat The APA's asses last week! "Did somebody say asses?" Asks Billy Gunn, Val Venis right next to him. "Now, usually, I am an ass man... but not a jackass man!" He points at Test and Richards, whom are quickly offended by the comment. "Y'know, we're not in the battle royal either," Venis says. "So maybe we can have ourselves a tag team match here tonight, huh?" Richards seems a bit hesitant but Test is quick to tell the two that they're on!
Elsewhere in the back, Booker T is seen walking down the halls and looking pumped up. The cameras then pick up to show Triple H and Ric Flair also heading to the ring - Booker versus Triple H coming up next!
3) If Triple H Wins, He Enters Tonight's Battle Royal: Booker T def. Triple H (w/Ric Flair) in what turns out to be a long and back and forth match, lasting through a commercial break with Booker overcoming HHH's wear down technique and Flair's attempts at involvement. After a Scissors Kick from Booker, he seems to be on the verge of victory when he hooks both legs of 'The Game' only for Flair to yank the referee out of the ring at a count of two. An elbow drop on the back of the referee's head, Flair gets up with a 'Woo!', Booker being distracted by the situation and being turned in to a Pedigree from HHH! As Flair rolls the referee back in to the ring, Shane McMahon makes his way down from the back - arms held out as Flair turns around to get in his face. The two have an argument back and forth about Flair's involvement, 'The Nature Boy' shoving McMahon back and getting popped with a big right hand in response! HHH yells from inside of the ring for McMahon's actions - Booker then rolling HHH up from behind with the referee counting the one, two, three to end it at 11:40!
Booker rolls under the bottom rope quickly as HHH stands back up with his eyes widened - questioning the referee's count in disbelief. McMahon, meanwhile, holds up Booker's arm as the winner on the outside. HHH furiously holds on to the top rope while pointing at McMahon. "You son of a bitch!" He shouts in frustration, kicking the ropes repeatedly even as Booker backs up the ramp, Shane shrugging his shoulders.
The cameras then pick up in the back to Hulk Hogan with a bag over his shoulder in a stairwell, preparing to leave the arena when he is suddenly grabbed from behind by Randy Orton and thrown face first in to the wall! Hogan falls to the floor and Orton proceeds to pummel him with punch after punch to the head. "You're not leaving on your terms, old man - you're leaving on mine!" After one more big right hand, Orton stands up and takes a couple of steps back. Then, at full speed and power, he proceeds to kick Hogan in the face and send him tumbling down the stairs! "What in the hell is wrong with him?!" Shouts J.R. from commentary. Orton looks down at what he has just done, a twisted smile on his face as he looks around and leaves the scene - Hogan left motionless at the bottom of the staircase.
Following the break, Ross and Lawler recap what happened moments ago with Randy Orton kicking Hulk Hogan down a flight of stairs. Back live, Hogan is seen being checked on by medics as he has regained consciousness but still seems out of it.
4) Billy Gunn and Val Venis def. Test and Stevie Richards in a fast paced tag match, Gunn and Venis with the upper hand early until a cheap shot from the apron via a Test knee. Richards and Test turn things in their favor and continue to have display some underhanded tactics against Venis, including using each other behind the back of the official. As they are celebrating after putting Gunn down with a double flapjack, Stacy Keibler and Victoria begin to walk down from the back. They stop at ringside and help Venis to his feet, running their hands across his face and chest and asking if he is alright - much to the anger of Test and Richards! Inside the ring, Gunn pushes Richards in to Test from behind before hitting him with the Fame-Ass-Er! On the outside, Venis tosses Test in to the ring post and then gets on to the apron, heading to the top rope before nailing the Money Shot on Richards for the win at 4:18.
Venis pops to his feet and, along with Gunn, has his arm raised as the winners. They then leave the ring, Keibler and Victoria giving them each and approving kiss on the cheek. After Gunn and Venis leave, Eric Bischoff's music ends up hitting. He steps out to the stage and stops the women from going to the back. "Ladies, ladies, hold on just a minute!" He says. "You're not going anywhere just yet." Keibler and Victoria look confused as Bischoff says that if the two of them want to get involved in matches, maybe they need to take part in one. "So let me tell you what I am going to do! Next week, Eric Bischoff is going to present: The Battle of the Sexes! We're going to have Stacy Keibler and Victoria in that ring... against Test and Stevie Richards." The Co-General Manager laughs to himself as the two ladies seem completely shocked by the news. Meanwhile, Test and Richards both look sickeningly pleased with the news!
Seen in the back is Paul Heyman, knocking on a door and having it open with World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar stepping out. The two of them begin to walk together as they will be addressing last night's match and the battle royal still to come after the break.
Seen in their office after the break are Co-General Managers Shane McMahon and Eric Bischoff, the latter asking McMahon what the hell he is thinking getting involved in Triple H and Booker T's match. "What am I thinking? What are you thinking?!" McMahon questions, bringing up the Battle of the Sexes match Bischoff just made for next week. The door then bursts open and in storms an absolutely irate Triple H, breathing heavily as he gets right in the face of McMahon. "Who the hell do you think you are?! What is your problem?! Huh?! You cost me my match - you stuck your damn nose where it didn't belong!" McMahon shouts Hunter's name repeatedly to get him to quiet down. "I gave you an opportunity that I didn't have to," Shane says. "And you tried to take advantage of it. All I did was go down there to put a stop to it... and you lost fair and square to Booker T." HHH still breaths heavily and points a finger in McMahon's face, warning him that this isn't the last he has heard from him about this. 'The Game' then leaves the room, slamming the door on the way out. "Good luck with that." Bischoff says with a chuckle from behind, McMahon left staring at the doorway.
Back in the Tucson Convention Center, Brock Lesnar's music hits as he arrives out to the stage along with Paul Heyman. The two stay put up there as Heyman holds a microphone in his hand, asking how nice it was for Stone Cold Steve Austin to say what he had to say at the end of last night. "And while Stone Cold Steve Austin was ending his night with a good bye and some beers to down his sorrows, Brock Lesnar left still the World Heavyweight Champion." Heyman says that he has warned everyone about Lesnar being the judge, jury and 'The Executioner' - but nobody seems to want to listen. "And now, right here tonight, you've got half the locker room vying for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Unforgiven and if I were one of these superstars I would be running for my life to not participate in this match." Heyman explains that winning this battle royal to the common man may seem like a good idea, you earn yourself a possible once in a lifetime opportunity to compete for the World Title. "But you see, that's the thing... it's once in a lifetime... and, perhaps, the end of a lifetime in general. Because Brock Lesnar does one thing and one thing only: Destroy every single person and every single thing in his path. So, before we get to this battle royal... I hope those participants have listened very loud and clear to our warning. Good luck." The two then begin to make their way over to the commentary table as some of the participants in the match begin to make their way out from the back. Heyman hops in on commentary while Lesnar takes a silent seat next to them - as they will be observing the main event coming up next!
5) Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship: Kane last eliminates Rob Van Dam at 13:35. Order of elimination: 1) Lance Storm by Shawn Michaels after a Sweet Chin Music knocks him over the top and to the floor. 2) Goldust by Batista following a spinebuster and toss from the neck out of the ring. 3) Christopher Nowinski by Tommy Dreamer after a kendo stick shot across the head while on the apron. 4) Tommy Dreamer by Batista after a snap of Dreamer's kendo stick and a push with it to the throat over the ropes. 5) Maven by Jericho and Christian with a team up toss over the ropes and to the floor. 6) Christian by Batista after an attempt by Jericho to eliminate his partner, leading to a double clothesline. 7) Chris Jericho by Batista via the double clothesline to himself and Christian. 8) Rodney Mack by Rob Van Dam during a commercial break. 9) Doug Basham by Bradshaw and Ron Simmons during a commercial break 10) Danny Basham by Bradshaw and Ron Simmons during a commercial break. 11) Scott Steiner by The Hurricane via a pull down of the ropes on a clothesline attempt. 12) Booker T by Ric Flair with a pull over the ropes after Flair faked not being in the match throughout. 13) Ric Flair by Kane after being tossed in to the ring by Booker, leading to a clothesline over. 14) Ron Simmons by Batista with a dump from behind over the ropes at the same time as Bradshaw. 15) Bradshaw by Batista with a dump from behind over the ropes at the same time as Simmons. 16) The Hurricane by Batista after being caught on a crossbody, leading to a fallaway slam to the floor. 17) Shawn Michaels by Batista following a Sweet Chin Music attempt is caught and a clothesline. 18) Batista by Rob Van Dam and Kane after a Chokeslam from Kane and a Five Star Frog Splash from RVD, leading to a double team toss over the top rope. 19) Rob Van Dam by Kane following back and forth action between the two tag team partners, Kane managing to get the win after a Chokeslam to RVD, leading to the winning elimination.
The Tucson audience cheers the result as 'The Big Red Machine' is announced as the winner. As he stands tall as the winner, Lesnar proceeds to start marching his way down from the announce table to the ring. The World Heavyweight Champion then steps through the ropes and walks right up to Kane - looking up at the masked seven footer. "Brock Lesnar has overcome plenty of challenges thus far," J.R. says. "But, man, oh, man, is Kane going to be one hell of a challenge come Unforgiven!" As the two stare down - Kane slowly raises his hands up and brings them back down as flames rise from the turnbuckles. Lesnar isn't phased by it, however, as he keeps his eyes locked on Kane. With the championship match set for Unforgiven, Monday Night Raw concludes.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Dec 11, 2021 4:22:57 GMT -5
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Post by ✖ AJ on Dec 19, 2021 7:14:33 GMT -5
After the opening video for Smackdown, the cameras come in to the Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, the stage hit by pyrotechnics as the voices of Michael Cole and Tazz from ringside welcome everyone to the show, just four nights removed from a massive Summerslam event!
The ring is set up with a couple of flags of Mexico and other traditional Mexican items, the theme music of Los Guerreros then hitting and bringing the hometown crowd to their feet. Eddie and Chavo, the new WWE Tag Team Champions, come out in one of Eddie's signature low riders, the hydraulics drawing a pop from the crowd as they then exit together with the title belts held above their heads. The two then enter the ring together and are very excited, Eddie with a microphone as he says it was awesome to win the WWE Tag Team Championship at Summerslam, but even better to celebrate his and Chavo's first night as the champions again home in El Paso! "Chavito, how are you feeling, man?!" He asks, Chavo saying that he is beyond excited. He then grabs a couple of sombreros from a table set up and puts one on, handing the other to Eddie. "We went from tables, we climbed ladders and we used chairs with The Dudley Boyz and Team Angle and we walked out of that car crash the new champions and I have never felt better after an ass kicking!" Eddie laughs, saying that they thought it would be a great idea to come out here tonight and celebrate with their people. He points to the sombreros, motions to the flags of Mexico and says that they even plan on having some good old fashioned Gradma Guerrero cooking later tonight. "And everybody is invited! We're going to party all night long! Órale!"
As Eddie and Chavo prepare to keep things going, they are interrupted by the arrival of Kurt Angle. The WWE Champion proceeds to step out to the stage to the dismay of the crowd and Los Guerreros. "You know, I wouldn't normally give a damn about whatever the heck is going on in that ring right now... but I've got a problem with the two of you having a celebration thrown and not me!" He says that, as a matter of fact, that acting like this is Mexico is also insulting to him. "Because El Paso is in the United States! Of America! Did you know that?! You're insulting my country!" Eddie cuts Angle off and says that they're well aware of where they are, stating that they love the USA too - but they love their Mexican heritage too and it runs deep here in El Paso. "Yeah? Well I think Mexico sucks!" Angle replies. "And I kicked Rey Mysterio's ass at Summerslam so what does that say about your people, boys? The point I'm making is that we shouldn't be out here celebrating this la cucaracha bullcrap - we should be celebrating Kurt Angle: WWE Champion!" The crowd boos and Eddie begins to step through the ropes but Chavo stops him. "Hey, Kurt! Hey, Kurt! You've got a lot to say in enemy territory... but do you got a lot to do?" He looks over to Eddie and then back to Kurt, suggesting that he face his Uncle right here tonight! The El Paso fans are ecstatic over the idea, Eddie keen to it as well. As Angle immediately begins to decline the challenge, General Manager Mick Foley's music hits and he steps out to the stage with a smile. "In case you gentlemen forgot, it is - for some crazy reason - I've got the power to make the matches around here! And... I like the way you think, Chavo." He looks over to Angle, whom tells Foley not to do anything stupid. "Oh, Kurt, I've done plenty of stupid things in my life and I consider this far from stupid... tonight, we're going to have Kurt Angle versus Eddie Guerrero!" The Haskins Center is delighted but Foley says that he isn't done there. "And you know what else? We're going to make it... for the WWE Championship! That's right! Kurt Angle versus Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship right here in El Paso, Texas!" Foley gives a big thumbs up and tells everyone to have a nice day! He then returns to the back, Angle looking beyond furious as Los Guerreros stand in the ring very hyped for the opportunity Eddie now has later on!
Seen walking in the back with a clipboard in his hand after the break is Chris Benoit, walking down the halls until he approaches The F.B.I. "Gentlemen, and lady, I'd like to get you on board and your signatures for this petition to remove Mick Foley as General Manager of Smackdown!" Nunzio and Palumbo look to each other and nod, Palumbo pointing out that they've definitely got a bone to pick with Foley. "Yeah, look what he did to us last week," Nunzio says. "Throwing us in a match against The Undertaker and Goldberg! Abuse of power and trying to start trouble, if you ask me." Benoit offers them up the clipboard and they each sign it, Nunzio then even offering that they help him with this. "Be my guest. I'm sick of this tyranny and this poor management!" Benoit thanks them for signing it and tells them to bring their friends around to get their names on this so they can move this along.
1) Ultimo Dragon def. Charlie Haas (w/Shelton Benjamin) in a contrast of mat wrestling and high flying. Benjamin gets involved once Dragon gains some momentum and it allows Haas to almost come away with the win via a roll up with the tights, Ultimo able to kick out. After dropkicking Haas in to Benjamin getting on to the apron, Dragon catches Haas by surprise with the Asai DDT and gets the pinfall at 5:40!
As Dragon gets to his feet and has his arm raised by the referee, Benjamin runs in to the ring from behind and drops him with a forearm to the back of the head! Putting the boots to Dragon, Haas eventually comes back to and joins in on the assault. The boos of the audience turn over to cheers, however, as Rey Mysterio comes running down from the back! He ducks under a kick from Benjamin and catches Haas with a dropkick that sends him through the ropes and to the floor. Benjamin then comes at Mysterio but is leaped in to with a hurricanrana! Benjamin quickly rolls out of the ring off of it, Haas helping him up as they begin to back away from the ring. Mysterio tries to encourage them to come back, but Team Angle doesn't seem interested at all. Mysterio then assists Dragon to his feet - a fellow luchador that had his problems with Kurt Angle recently. They stand tall together as Team Angle backs away.
Back from the break, footage from earlier today is shown of Jeff Hardy in the back, explaining how this past Sunday at Summerslam he went toe-to-toe with his brother Matt for the Cruiserweight Championship. "And after my brother spent months manipulating and using me and successfully convincing me that we had reformed our bond... I had all the plans in the world to defeat him and take what is clearly most important to him." Jeff says that Matt goes to extra lengths to get what he wants though, clearly. "And the way I see it - I won't ever be able to beat Matt as long as it's a handicap match with Shannon Moore at his side. So, I want one more chance, Matt." Jeff shrugs his shoulders and says he actually doesn't expect this to go anywhere - but he figures he'll throw it out there to give Matt a chance to 'be a man'. "I want a rematch with you next week, Matt. One more time for your Cruiserweight Championship. But this time... I want to take it to a Hardy Boyz level! To a Team Xtreme level! I want to face you, my brother, inside of a steel cage." Jeff concludes by saying that the ball is in Matt's court.
2) La Resistance def. Brian Kendrick and Paul London in a mostly one sided match, as aside from a couple of high flying moves from Kendrick and London, Dupree and Grenier dominate. After a double flapjack across the ropes to Kendrick, London is left to fend for himself only to fall to the Bonsoir, being pinned by Grenier at 2:53.
The crowd disapproves of the victory, yet La Resistance obviously has no care for what they think. The duo take their French flag from ringside and wave it above their heads while ignoring the jeers.
The cameras then pick up in the back to The Big Show walking down the halls, the seven footer set to be in action once again following the break with his 'luck of the draw' tumbler.
Standing by backstage is Josh Mathews as he is with The Dudley Boyz, bringing up how they were the ones that wanted Tables, Ladders and Chairs at Summerslam and, in the end, Los Guerreros walked out with the WWE Tag Team Championship. "We're well aware of what happened, Josh," Bubba says. "We're well aware of the risk we took and we're well aware of the outcome! But that isn't going to stop us from getting back those belts, okay?" He says that he understands Eddie is busy tonight and they're going to respect that - but next week they're invoking their rematch clause with Los Guerreros. As D-Von goes to give a 'oh my brother, testify', he stops mid-way when La Resistance approaches them with smiles on their faces. "I think it is time you two step aside!" Dupree says with a laugh, Grenier adding on by saying that the time for The Dudley Boyz has come and gone and now it is time for La Resistance to get their opportunity. "Oh yeah?" Bubba asks to nods. "How about the two of you kiss our all-American asses, huh?" Bubba pats D-Von on the chest and they walk away, leaving Dupree and Grenier looking very disgruntled with Bubba's words.
Inside of the arena, The Big Show makes his way out from the back and heads down to the ring where his tumbler is set up, where he rolls through and draws out a name. Instead of opening the container for it, however, he enters the ring with a microphone and says he has a few things to say before he gets to his opponent tonight. "I don't appreciate these allegations over the weeks that the name I draw happens to be 'easy' or 'convenient' for me! I can beat anybody! I don't need to make things easier! I'm seven feet tall, I'm five hundred pounds. Nobody and I mean nobody is going to stop me so I have absolutely no reason to rig this, alright? So let's get down to business, huh?" He goes to open the container but stops halfway through when John Cena's music ends up hitting, much to the confusion and anger of Show. Cena steps out to the stage with a microphone in hand, calling for his music to be cut.
"Yo, yo, yo! Look everybody, it's The Big Show! Seven feet tall, five hundred pounds, to get his ass out of bed you gonna need a truck with a tow... he brags about his size, like it's something natural. Man, there ain't nothing normal about any of you - eating fifteen big macs a day is anything but practical! Gimme a break man, just because you big you think you can throw your weight around? You gotta stop it man - you defying gravity and dragging us all down!" Show looks very unhappy as Cena continues to crack weight jokes and says that Show is totally rigging this tumbler. "You've got names of every small dude and woman that walk through those halls - it shows us one thing, Show, you've definitely got no balls! If you had a set, you'd man up right now and face me - it'd be must see TV! So what's it gonna be, Show? Because seeing this game every week is making me sick... I don't think you're any good man, I just think you suck a lot of..." He raises the microphone up to the crowd for them to finish the line and then drops the mike to the mat. Cena takes a few steps closer to Show and throws his hands out. The giant looks absolutely furious - clutching his fist so hard the container in his hand breaks apart. Show then suddenly takes a step back and instead steps over the top rope to boos from the crowd. "Not tonight." He says while shaking his head, stepping down to the floor and backing up the aisle. Cena shakes his head and calls Show a 'chump' multiple times, throwing his pinky fingers and thumbs up to the cheering crowd as, despite not getting a fight out of Show, has stood up to him and got him to back down.
After the commercial break, Chris Benoit and The F.B.I. are seen in the back coercing some production crew members to sign Benoit's petition to remove Mick Foley as General Manager. Palumbo and Nunzio hand out some money while Marie flirts, Benoit looking very satisfied as the signatures keep coming in.
3) Tajiri def. Jamie Noble (w/Nidia and Shaniqua) in a competitive cruiserweight contest, very back and forth with a multitude of near falls. After Noble escapes a tarantula from Tajiri, he trips 'The Japanese Buzzsaw' in to the turnbuckles face first. His momentum is unable to be picked up on though as Nidia and Shaniqua begin to argue on the outside. Leaning between the ropes, Noble fails to get their attention so he has to step to the outside to split the two women apart. As soon as he returns to the ring, however, he is nailed with the Buzzsaw Kick which puts him down for the count at 4:19.
Tajiri is announced as the winner, prompting a smile across his face as he stands back up. While he leaves the ring with a happy victory, Noble is left to get on all fours and look to the outside as Nidia and Shaniqua continue to argue. In his daze, Noble goes back out to break up the fight between the two to what appears to be no avail.
Backstage, Billy Kidman is seen sitting on a production trunk when he is approached by Sean O'Haire and Torrie Wilson. Kidman is immediately on the defense but O'Haire assures him that he isn't here to cause any problems. "As a matter of fact, Billy, I'm here to bring some resolution." O'Haire expresses his dislike to the way things have gone between them in recent weeks and he'd like to bring things back to neutral, because he isn't interested in making enemies with Kidman. "See, I was told earlier by Mick Foley that I was going to have a match with the United States Champion Rhyno tonight. That's a hell of an opportunity, Billy. And, well, I'd like to extend the olive branch by giving you that opportunity instead." Kidman questions what the catch is, but O'Haire is assuring in that there is no catch other than that the match is coming up in just a few minutes and he needs an answer. "Because if you defeat Rhyno, Billy, I would think that would put you next in line for a shot at his United States Championship. But, hey, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know." Kidman nods and ponders it for a moment, saying he isn't so sure if he trusts O'Haire - but he'll take the chance. Billy then walks off, leaving O'Haire and Wilson behind, Sean saying he'll make sure to keep a close eye on things. Still recruiting signatures for his petition is Chris Benoit, this time being approached by the WWE Champion Kurt Angle. "Differences aside," Angle says. "I like what you're doing. Mick Foley is a pathetic excuse for a General Manager. What the hell was that earlier?! Just gifting Eddie Guerrero a shot at my WWE Championship! What a joke..." Angle proceeds to sign the petition proudly and tells Benoit he'll retain his WWE Championship tonight and he'll be more than glad to be the first to show Foley the door on the way out. Angle walks away and Benoit keeps going, stepping up to Orlando Jordan and asking him if he is going to be a part of the solution, that being to get Mick Foley removed as General Manager. "Nah, Chris," Jordan replies. "I like Mick. He's been giving me a lot of chances to prove myself on Velocity." After Benoit gets the expected answer of 'no' when he asks if that means Jordan isn't going to sign the petition, he takes the young superstar to the ground and places him in the Crippler Crossface! Backstage personnel quickly runs over to break things up, Benoit eventually letting up on the hold once the amount of people on him grows. Jordan is left in pain on the ground, 'The Rabid Wolverine' recommending that he re-think his decision.
4) Non-Title Match: United States Champion Rhyno def. Billy Kidman as Kidman puts up a big fight against the U.S. Champion, almost knocking him off by reversing a powerbomb in to a faceplant in to the mat. Sean O'Haire, accompanied by Torrie Wilson, walk down the aisle to watch the contest halfway through with Kidman knocking Rhyno down with an enzuigiri. Heading to the top rope, he ends up diving off at 'The Man Beast' but is caught with a Gore in mid-air! The crowd rise to their feet upon the impact as Rhyno gets the pinfall off of it at 6:04.
While the crowd is still hyped over the finish of the match, Rhyno is all business as he demands a microphone after the bell. "What's the matter, O'Haire?" He questions while looking up the aisle. "Billy Kidman gave me a good fight. Is that something you don't think you can do? What's the deal?!" O'Haire doesn't seem phased by the words as Rhyno continues to try and encourage him to come down to the ring. O'Haire turns Wilson around and begins to lead her toward the back, Rhyno throwing his microphone down in frustration - turning and charging in to a rising Kidman with a second Gore! Pounding his chest, he then picks up his United States Championship and raises it above his head. O'Haire turns his head at the curtains with a smile before walking through them with Wilson, leaving Rhyno furious over O'Haire's refusal to step in to the ring with him.
General Manager Mick Foley is seen at his makeshift office backstage after the break when he has a clipboard slammed down in front of him by Chris Benoit. "Take a good look, Mick," Says 'The Rabid Wolverine' with a smile. "Because the list just keeps on getting longer!" Foley looks at the sheet for a few moments before handing the clipboard back over to Benoit, saying he is impressed. "Honestly, Chris, this may be the most impressive work you've done since I became Smackdown General Manager. If you put this much actual legwork in to your matches, maybe you would still be the United States Champion!" Benoit sarcastically chuckles and tells Foley to keep on laughing it up, because he is confident that by Smackdown next week, he'll have enough signatures to submit this to the WWE Board of Directors. "And then your ass will be out of here!" Benoit then walks away, telling Foley to start counting the days.
Cutting to footage from earlier in the day, Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy is seen holding his title belt over his shoulder and bringing up how he heard of the challenge from his brother Jeff. "He wants to face me in a Steel Cage Match for my Cruiserweight Championship... foolish. Absolutely foolish and something only Jeff would come up with!" Matt scoffs and says that it may come as a surprise to many, however, that he is accepting this challenge. "But why? Why Matt?! You don't have anything to prove! I know this. But Jeff thinks he does... and, one last time, little brother, I will let you try and prove yourself but everyone and I mean everyone is fully aware that you will always live in my shadow."
Back live in the backstage area, Josh Mathews is standing by and introduces his guests to be the new WWE Tag Team Champions Los Guerreros. Mathews brings up the obvious main event we are just moments away from, with Eddie challenging Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship in his hometown. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime, holmes! The WWE Championship! Kurt Angle! El Paso, Texas, viva la raza!" Eddie can't help but smile and laugh as he pats Chavo on the chest and says that putting that out there in to the universe really worked out and tonight, they're going to be leaving as the new WWE Tag Team Champions and him the new WWE Champion. "And then we're going to go have some of grandma's cooking, right?" Chavo says, to which Eddie says of course. Getting a bit more serious, though, Eddie expresses that this opportunity really does mean a lot to him. "Everything I've been through, Chavito, everything I've worked my entire life for comes down to this... let me do it on my own." Chavo seems a bit surprised, but tells his Uncle if that's what he wants - that's cool with him. Eddie expresses his love for his nephew, the two embracing before Eddie heads off - the main event coming up next!
5) WWE Championship: Kurt Angle(c) def. WWE Tag Team Champion Eddie Guerrero in a lengthy, competitive main event. Guerrero digs deep and feeds off the crowd as he pushes Angle to the limit, getting near falls off creative pin attempts. The match lasts through a break with Angle seemingly unable to maintain any type of momentum against 'Latino Heat'. An Angle Slam attempt is reversed in to a spinning DDT and Guerrero yet again gets a two count. After hitting his signature three amigos, Guerrero goes for the Frog Splash but Angle manages to move out of the way. An Angle Slam is hit quickly after but Eddie kicks out just in time! A furious Angle stays on the attack from there, Guerrero fighting back hard. An attempt at a hurricanrana is blocked, however, with Angle pinning Guerrero's legs over his shoulders and scoring the sudden pinfall at 13:45.
Angle rolls off with a look of relief on his face as Guerrero sits up appearing very disappointed. Confirming the count of the official, Guerrero slaps the mat in frustration. Angle then runs up from behind and hits Eddie with a forearm to the back of the head! The El Paso crowd boos loud as Angle continues to put the boots to Guerrero, eventually applying the Ankle Lock! Guerrero refuses to submit despite Angle's shouts for him to tap, the boos of the crowd turning over as the music of Goldberg ends up hitting. "Oh my!" Cole shouts. "Goldberg is here!" Coming out from the back, Goldberg locks his eyes on the ring and a shocked WWE Champion. Goldberg then begins to march his way down to the ring - sliding under the bottom rope with Angle stomping away immediately. Goldberg fights to his feet, however, and ends up catching a right hand from Angle before dropping him with a hard clothesline. Goldberg then sets himself up in the corner and waits for Kurt to stand back up before running right through him with a Spear! Goldberg leaps back to his feet as Angle rolls to the outside clutching his ribs and yelling out in pain. Goldberg picks up the WWE Championship belt from up off of the mat, dangling it over the ropes while smiling down at Angle. "I think Goldberg wants next... and I think he knows who is next!" Tazz says. Goldberg then tosses the belt down at Angle, motioning for it around his waist! Cole then signs things off for this week's Smackdown.
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Post by ✖ AJ on Dec 23, 2021 1:02:10 GMT -5
1) WWE Tag Team Champion Chavo Guerrero def. Bill DeMott via pinfall with a sunset flip. (4:18) 2) A-Train def. Y.D. Gates via pinfall after the Derailer. (1:45) 3) John Cena def. Chris Kanyon via pinfall following the F-U. (4:39)
1) The Basham Brothers (w/Rico) def. Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade via pinfall after a legsweep/clothesline combination. (3:38) 2) Maven def. Mike Knox via pinfall following a top rope crossbody. (2:15) 3) Rodney Mack (w/Theodore Long and Jazz) def. Derrick Neikirk after the Blackout. (2:41) 4) Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski def. The Hurricane and Goldust via submission with the Stener Recliner on Goldust. (5:03)
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Post by ✖ AJ on Dec 25, 2021 6:01:02 GMT -5
The opening Monday Night Raw video airs, the cameras then entering the Cajundome from Lafayette, Louisiana with the voices of Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler welcoming everyone to the show!
Making his way out to start things tonight is Rob Van Dam, all smiles as he makes his way down and in to the ring and requests a microphone from ringside. "Alright, alright. Good to see you guys, too, man." He laughs and says that tonight, it isn't about him though - it's about his good friend and tag team partner. "Not only my friend and my tag team partner, he's the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven! So let's bring him on out here! Come on, Kane!" The stage is hit by a big firey pyro as 'The Big Red Machine' marches is way through the curtains and heads down and in to the ring. The two share a high five with Van Dam tacking on that he wants to make it clear to Kane that he has no hard feelings about last week. "I know you had to do what you had to do and that includes eliminating me from the battle royal at the end. It's cool, dude! You know I'll be right in your corner rooting you on, man." Kane nods as he is handed over the mike by RVD, thanking him and saying that he has been waiting a long time for this opportunity. "A few months back, Rob, you know that Brock Lesnar tried to not just injure me... but end my career. He smashed my leg up against that ring post and tried to put me out for good to set an example. But nobody... and I mean nobody makes an example out of me!" He says that now, he gets to head to Unforgiven and face Brock Lesnar once again. "And this time it's for the World Heavyweight Championship... and this time if anybody is going to be put on the shelf it's going to be Brock Lesnar!"
Not too long after stating that, Brock Lesnar's music hits and he arrives with Paul Heyman. The World Heavyweight Champion stares down from the ramp as Heyman holds him back, encouraging him to wait. "It's real cute to see the support you are showing for your friend, Rob. Even though we all know deep down inside you wish you were the number one contender yourself - you stand by Kane! You stand in his corner and you encourage him... encourage him to his impending doom." Heyman shrugs his shoulders and says that he finds it peculiar of Kane to think he is going to put Brock Lesnar on the shelf. "Nobody has ever done that, Kane. Nobody ever will. Nobody can even beat Brock Lesnar let alone put him out of commission!" RVD steps forward and insists that they put that theory to test, maybe Lesnar should come down to the ring and face them. "As a matter of fact, Brock, we'll go easy on you, man, we'll even let you get a tag team partner." Lesnar scoffs and takes the microphone from Heyman, whom continues to try and hold him back, saying he doesn't need a partner - he'll come down there and fight them both himself. Heyman continues to put himself in front of Lesnar, the theme song of Raw Co-General Manager Shane McMahon interrupting things. Shuffling out to the stage, McMahon says he had to come out here before tensions rose even further. "In the interest and integrity of our World Heavyweight Championship match at Unforgiven, I can't just allow you to walk down there and fight Kane and Rob Van Dam two-on-one, Brock." McMahon says that what he is going to do is live up to RVD's idea - tonight, they're going to have a tag team match in the main event: Kane and RVD vs Brock Lesnar and a partner of his choice. "So, Brock, I guess you've got to try and make a friend tonight!" McMahon then returns to the back, Lesnar shouting at Heyman that he isn't doing that. Kane and RVD, meanwhile, look pleased with the announcement.
The cameras pick up in the back to the Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton walking down the halls with a smug grin on his face. Terri Runnels approaches him and brings up Orton's assault on Hulk Hogan last week, questioning what he has to say for himself. "I've got nothing to say," Orton replies. "Not to you, anyway... I'll speak my mind later on tonight in the ring." He then continues on his way, Terri shaking her head and looking disgusted with the young superstar.
Seen in their office following the break is Eric Bischoff and Shane McMahon, the prior telling McMahon that he really got Triple H mad last week - warning him not to get on the wrong side of 'The Game'. Shane insists he knows HHH well enough to know what he is doing. The door to the office then bursts open as in walks a furious Brock Lesnar, his agent Paul Heyman in tow trying to calm down the World Heavyweight Champion. "I don't want no damn tag team partner!" Brock shouts. "I'll kick the crap out of Van Dam and Kane by myself!" Bischoff has a big smile, McMahon noticing it and then turning back to Lesnar. "Brock, I'm - we're - not going to allow that... but if you don't want to find a partner, I can assign one to you." Lesnar shakes his head as Heyman tries to reason with him, making it very clear that he isn't doing it. McMahon nods and says he figured as much. "So, I guess I'll have to assign you a partner... how about... Triple H?" Lesnar shakes his head frantically as Heyman works to back him out of the room. "You're making a big mistake!" Heyman warns as he heads out with Brock, Bischoff raising his eyebrows and crossing his arms to McMahon. "You're making a lot of friends lately, Shane." He says.
Back inside of the arena, Scott Steiner and Christopher Nowinski head down to the ring together, 'Big Poppa Pump' demanding a microphone. "Looks like 'The Big Bad Booty Daddy' has a match with Booker T tonight," He says before ordering the crowd to shut up. "Last week, you got a B.S. hand from Shane McMahon, Book! That ain't happening this week! As the Assistant to the real General Manager of Raw, Eric Bischoff, I'm gonna make sure of it! And the Assistant to the Assistant to the General Manager, Christopher Nowinski, will be on hand to make sure nothing fishy goes down!" Steiner then moves on to insulting the Louisiana fans, bringing up all the disgusting fried food they eat. As soon as he starts to talk up his muscles, Booker T's music interrupts and the five-time WCW Champion makes his way down.
1) Booker T def. Scott Steiner (w/Christopher Nowinski) in a fairly competitive match up between the two former WCW stars, Steiner working the ground and power game while Booker chips away to stay in it. Nowinski looks to get involved as he gets on the apron but Booker tosses him over the ropes and brings him in the hard way. Steiner then charges and misses a clothesline in to the corner - Booker avoiding a charging Nowinski and letting him splash right in to Steiner. After ejecting Nowinski from the ring, Booker puts Steiner down with the Scissors Kick and gets the pinfall at 4:57.
The crowd cheers for Booker as he gets to his feet as the winner, his arm raised by the official. As Steiner is aided on the outside by Nowinski, Booker takes the time to perform a spinaroonie for the Lafayette crowd, much to their delight and approval.
In the back, Batista is seen when he is approached by Ric Flair, 'The Nature Boy' with a smile on his face as he asks Batista if he is ready. "We've got a shot at the World Tag Team Championship tonight, baby, woo! Time to bring some more gold to Evolution!" The door to the room is then busted open as in walks Triple H, breathing heavily as he questions if they heard what Shane McMahon did. "First, he screws me over last week and now? Now he is having me team up with Brock Lesnar?!" Flair tries to calm HHH down as he starts throwing some furniture, but 'The Game' isn't hearing any of it and says that he is going to go find Shane McMahon and give him a piece of his mind right now.
Seen in their office once again backstage is Co-General Managers Eric Bischoff and Shane McMahon when the door opens and in walks Triple H - getting right in the face of McMahon. "What the hell are you thinking?! Huh?! What is going through your head, Shane?! Are you trying to piss me off?!" McMahon puts his hands up and tells HHH to relax, but it goes nowhere as HHH says that McMahon cost him his match with Booker T last week and now he puts him as Brock Lesnar's tag team partner, someone he knows he doesn't get along with. "The way I see it, Hunter, I'm giving you an opportunity." Shane replies. "After what happened last week, I figured maybe you'd want to be a part of the Raw main event and get a chance in the spotlight. I know how much you love to be in the spotlight." HHH draws closer to McMahon and points in his face, warning him there are consequences to his decisions. "So maybe you should start thinking a bit more before you act..." HHH then leaves the room, slamming the door on his way out. Bischoff once again noting sarcastically how good McMahon is at making friends lately.
Back inside of the arena, Billy Gunn and Val Venis head to the ring together where Venis gives a 'hello ladies' to the crowd on the microphone. As he begins to talk about 'southern comfort', he is cut off by the arrival of Rodney Mack, Theodore Long and Jazz with Long hollering for the music to be stopped. "Hold on a minute, playa," He says to Venis. "You don't know the first thing about southern comfort! Just like you don't know the first thing about what you're getting in to tonight when you step in to the ring with Rodney Mack! Believe that!" Long says that he is backing 'the Mack' and they're going to put Venis out of work just like his previous career.
2) Val Venis (w/Billy Gunn) def. Rodney Mack (w/Theodore Long and Jazz) as after an early assault from Mack leads to him getting too cocky, Venis begins to make a big comeback. After a big power slam from Mack, he has some words for Gunn on the outside - missing a clothesline in the corner on Venis. A DDT is hit with Val then heading to the top rope and nailing the Money Shot for the pinfall at 2:34.
Mack rolls to the outside afterward at the feet of Long and Jazz, whom both look disappointed in him. Gunn, meanwhile, enters the ring and celebrates along with Venis. Long then grabs a microphone and says that this isn't over. "Rodney Mack is a rookie! He has a ton of potential and he's just about to prove it! Billy Gunn, next week, 'The Mack' wants you in this ring!" Billy has no hesitation to accept the challenge, Long and Jazz pulling a confused looking Mack up the ramp and toward the back.
Cutting backstage, Jonathan Coachman is standing by with the World Tag Team Champions Christian and Chris Jericho. Coach brings up their upcoming title match against Batista and Randy Orton, with Jericho going to answer only for Christian to stop him. "I've got this," He says. "You never let me go first! You always gotta be the one to talk, you always gotta be the one to get credit!" Jericho tells him to take it easy and Christian takes a deep breath, apologizing and explaining that he just hasn't been feeling right recently. "But after tonight... maybe things will be better." Jericho laughs and says it'll damn sure be better when they beat the meat head and the retirement home escapee! They then walk off together as the World Tag Team Championship is on the line - next!
Talking in the back after the commercial break is Stacy Keibler and Victoria, the two having a bit of a playful conversation with each other when they are approached by Co-General Manager Eric Bischoff. "You two seem very, very relaxed considering the match you ladies are in tonight." He says. "Y'know, I'm glad I ran in to you, actually. Because after last week where I arranged the Battle of the Sexes match I thought to myself... that's really unfair to put you two in a tag team match with Test and Stevie Richards!" Bischoff then forms an evil grin on his face, saying he thought he'd make it a little more fair and make it a no disqualifications tag team match! He lets out a laugh and wishes them luck, Keibler and Victoria with looks of much concern on their face as Bischoff walks away.
3) World Tag Team Championship: Batista and Ric Flair def. Christian and Chris Jericho(c) in a back and forth battle for the gold, Batista and Flair working really well together after a hot start from the champions. Jericho ends up in turmoil at the hands of the challengers, eventually making a diving tag to Christian after escaping Batista's grasp in a bear hug. Christian charges in and tries to fend off both men but a huge spinebuster from Batista puts a stop to his run. Jericho ends up making a blind tag during a powerslam and the referee informs Batista during a pin attempt of it. Jericho nails a bulldog and a lionsault but as he goes for the Walls of Jericho, Flair comes in - whiffing on a clothesline. Jericho then dropkicks him and it ends up pushing Flair in to Christian - knocking his partner through the ropes. As Y2J shows concern, it allows Batista to get back up behind him, wait for a turn, throw a boot to the stomach and deliver the Batista Bomb right in the middle of the ring - leading to the pinfall at 8:03.
The crowd boos as Flair's eyes light up from the corner, ripping the World Tag Team Championship belts from the official and rewarding one over to Batista himself. 'The Animal' of Evolution lets out a roar as he holds his title over his head. Christian stands up on the outside against the barricade - looking shocked at the result as Jericho remains down on the mat, Flair letting out a ton of 'Woo's to the crowd as he and Batista head up the ramp together proudly.
Backstage, Randy Orton is seen walking with a smile as through the curtains comes Flair and Batista, all fired up as they raise their belts to Orton, whom says he loves to see it. "Evolution is flying high, baby! And we're just getting started tonight." Orton says he's heading to the ring right now - he has some things to say about Hulk Hogan.
The theme music of Evolution hits, the Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton arriving from the back with a wide smile on his face. Once in the ring, Orton twirls a microphone in his hand and stops himself before he can even start talking as the boos come down. "What's the matter? You people act like you've been kicked down a flight of stairs or something!" He laughs at his reference to assault on Hulk Hogan last week, telling the disapproving audience to get over it. "Not only should you get over it... you should get used to it! Because I'm Randy Orton! I'm a third-generation superstar and I'm the future of this business! I am exactly what Evolution is all about! I've got dashing good looks, I'm the current Intercontinental Champion, I'm a future World Champion and I am now also 'The Legend Killer'..." Orton says that he is so proud of what he did last week, he wants to re-live it. "As a matter of fact, why don't we?!" He then gestures up to the titantron and shows replays of where he kicked Hogan down a flight of stairs last Monday night. "Down goes Hogan! Down goes Hogan! Oh, man! Let's see that again!" The clip is rewound and shown again, Orton continuing to urge the replay to keep showing.
In the midst of the replays, Shawn Michaels' music ends up interrupting. Orton's smile fades as 'The Heart Break Kid' steps out from the back. Heading down to the ring, Michaels stands across from Orton and simply shakes his head. "Randy Orton..." Michaels says. "Third generation superstar... and a first generation scumbag." Orton scoffs as Michaels says that after what he saw last week, he had to come out here and say a few things. "Because what you did to Hulk Hogan last week, Randy... it makes me sick. It makes my stomach turn. Plain and simple... it really makes me angry. I get it, kid! I get it! You want to make a name for yourself because you're young and you're hungry and you thought that kicking Hulk Hogan down a flight of stairs while he had his back turned would get everyone talking about Randy Orton." Michaels says that he definitely got people talking, but not for any good reason - because the word being thrown around to describe Orton over the past week is 'coward'. "See, Randy, you're nearly the total package. There's a few things keeping you from what you think you are... first off, you're running with Evolution. Second, you've got this ego so big that it reminds me of the old Shawn Michaels... except I think your head might be getting even bigger... and third, you're just what I said you are: A coward." Michaels says that a real man looking to cement his legacy, whether it be as 'The Legend Killer' or 'The Showstopper', will go face to face with a man. "And he'll prove himself like a man. He won't attack somebody from behind to try and prove a point. So, kid, I guess what I've got to ask you is... why don't you man up and prove yourself right now with 'The Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels?" The Louisiana crowd is all for the suggestion as Michaels tosses his microphone down, urging Orton to throw a punch. The Intercontinental Champion proceeds to remove his shirt as he is fired up, tossing his title belt on the mat. Looking as if he is about to strike, Orton instead spits right in Michaels' face! HBK stands still and looks off to the side, slowly moving his hand up to wipe the saliva away. After doing so, he goes to charge but Orton dives through the ropes and quickly snatches his championship belt off the mat - backing up the ramp. The boos are loud for the disrespectful Orton as Michaels steps to the ropes and stares him down, pointing in Randy's direction and having some choice words.
In the back following the break is Test and Stevie Richards, all smiles as Test is adamant about finally putting Stacy and Victoria in their place. "They want to make us look stupid? We're going to make them respect us." Richards is in agreement, but says while it will be easy to beat some sense in to them and win tonight, they need to make sure to take their time and get their point across. Test pats Richards on the chest and says he likes the way he thinks.
Elsewhere in the back, Triple H is seen pacing back and forth when he is walked up to by his tag team partner later on, the World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar along with Paul Heyman. "I don't want any part of this." Lesnar says, HHH in firm agreement. "So why don't you stay out of the champ's way and let me handle things?" HHH scoffs and questions if Lesnar is being serious, to which Brock says he is. "Or else what, Brock? Because I know you damn sure won't dare pick a fight with me. You and I both know that the only guy that can possibly kick your ass around here is me." Lesnar laughs and reminds HHH that the only time he ever got one over on him it required all of Evolution to get it done. HHH points out that Evolution isn't around right now - so maybe they settle this right here. Heyman then quickly gets in between the two as they get nose-to-nose, asking them to come to their senses. "Obviously the two of you are never going to get along or like each other... but instead of fighting one another how about for one night we get on the same page by destroying Kane and Rob Van Dam instead?" HHH pulls away slowly and warns Lesnar not to mess with him. Brock tells him the same before walking off with Heyman in tow.
In the locker room area, a frustrated Christian throws a water bottle at the wall when behind him comes Chris Jericho, apologizing repeatedly with Christian screaming that he doesn't understand what the hell is going on. "We barely made it out alive against Kane and RVD at Summerslam, you tried to eliminate me from the battle royal last week and now we lose the World Tag Team Championship to Flair and Batista! Are you trying to sabotage us, Chris?!" Jericho tells Christian not to be ridiculous - of course not. "Why the hell would I do that?! How dare you even accuse me of something like that!" Christan runs his hands across his face, Y2J saying he has a solution and he already went to Eric Bischoff about it. "Next week, we're getting our rematch with Flair and Batista. We're not waiting. We're going to get back what is ours, alright?" Christian shakes his head and doesn't have a response as he instead just storms out of the room, leaving Jericho to throw his hands out and shout in Christian's direction that they'll get back on track next week.
Following the break, Women's Champion Gail Kim is seen standing by in the back, Terri Runnels beside her as she asks Kim how she is feeling after her first two weeks as Women's Champion. "I've always been a champion in my book, Terri," She responds. "This championship? Just shows everyone else that. And anybody else that wants to step up to Gail Kim will be put in their place."
4) No Disqualifications Battle of the Sexes Match: Stacy Keibler and Victoria def. Test and Stevie Richards as Victoria starts things off with Richards, an initial bit of offense from Victoria being met with Richards grabbing her by the hair and manhandling her. After a scoop slam, he makes a tag to Test - whom demands Victoria tag in Keibler. Hesitant, Stacy obliges and comes in to the ring where she ends up running from her ex-boyfriend before being caught by the arm and placed in position for the Pump Handle Slam. Laughter from Test is then brought to a sudden end as The APA's music ends up hitting. Bradshaw and Ron Simmons march their way down to the ring - stepping in and trading blows with Test and Richards! In the midst of things, Test tries to come in to the ring with a chair but Keibler rips it from his hands. Test is furious but ends up being turned around by Simmons, hit in the back with the chair by Stacy and then tossed in to a Clothesline From Hell from Bradshaw! Richards then stands up in the middle of the ring surrounded - Keibler handing the chair off to Victoria as she ends up hitting him in the head with the chair! With The APA's encouragement, she then makes a cover - Stacy with a cover on Test as well as the official counts the three at 4:10!
The crowd cheers the stunning result as Victoria and Stacy get to their feet very happily. Bradshaw and Simmons raising their arms up as the winners. "How embarrassing for Test and Stevie Richards!" King shouts. J.R., meanwhile, suggests that is a damn good thing and The APA did the right thing. Bradshaw and Simmons proceed to raise the two women on their shoulders atop the stage as Test and Richards are left looking stunned, angry and embarrassed in the ring!
In the back, Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton is seen muttering under his breath in the back when he is stopped by Goldust. "So, you're 'The Legend Killer' now, hm?" Asks 'The Bizarre One' with a dramatic deep breath. "Y'know, some may say that Goldust is a legend!" Orton shakes his head and asks what the hell Goldust wants, calling him a 'freak' in the process. "Well, I'd like a match... with you... next week." Orton looks off to the side and laughs, then staring back at Goldust and questioning if he is serious. "You know what? I got no problem with that... I'll be more than happy to kick your ass next week. Just do me a favor, will you? Tell Shawn Michaels to watch what I do to you and spare himself from becoming a victim of 'The Legend Killer'..." Orton adjusts his title belt over his shoulder and continues on his way, Goldust pumping his fist at the challenge being accepted.
Seen heading to the ring together is Kane and Rob Van Dam, the two hyped up as they strategize about their upcoming match. Elsewhere, in separate parts of the back, Brock Lesnar and Triple H are seen also heading to the ring as they reluctantly team up against Kane and RVD - next.
5) Kane and Rob Van Dam def. World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and Triple H (w/Paul Heyman) in a tag team bout where, despite having some success on their own, Lesnar and HHH fail to get along and the experienced duo of Kane and RVD take advantage of things. As Lesnar and HHH get in to an argument, Van Dam dropkicks Lesnar in to HHH - knocking him to the outside. The World Heavyweight Champion is then met with a double team from RVD and Kane, the number one contender with a Chokeslam that is followed up by a Van Dam Five Star Frog Splash! As Lesnar rolls to the outside, Kane and RVD are celebratory with one another. On the outside, HHH retrieves a sledgehammer from under the ring and hides as he looks to pick his spot. Sliding in to the ring slowly, HHH goes to reach down for the hammer only to have it pulled away from him by Shane McMahon! The Co-General Manager backs away as HHH is fuming - demanding McMahon hand it back over to no avail. Kicking the ropes in frustration, HHH then turns right in to a clasp around his throat by Kane as he is hoisted off the mat and slammed back down with a Chokeslam! The cover is then made and Kane gets the three count for his team at 7:49.
The Cajundome cheers for the result as Kane and RVD stand tall together as the winners. HHH rolls under the bottom rope and sits up against the ring - breathing heavily enraged as he stares toward McMahon up the ramp, the Co-General Manager looking at the sledgehammer in his hand and then back at 'The Game'. Meanwhile, Lesnar is held back on the outside by Heyman from going after an inviting RVD and Kane as the show draws to an end!
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