BLACK SCREEN
IN WHITE LETTERS - "EARLIER TONIGHT - THREE HOURS AGO"Fade from black, to ...*BACKSTAGE - PARKING LOT*A car screeches into the parking lot. The door is flung open and the camera pans up from the floor to reveal the furious face of "The Game" Triple H ...
His teeth clenched, as well as his fists, he slams the door shut. He stomps toward the main doors to the arena, flinging them open and entering. He pauses, but before he can move any further, Todd Grisham approaches.
He takes a gulp as Triple H looks at him up and down, dismissive.
Triple H: I'll save you the bother. I have nothing to say to you, to this crowd, to anyone. But there is someone that I know is watching, and I want to send him a message.
Triple H swats Grisham aside as he moves closer to the camera.
Triple H: John, we're men, not boys. We both know this is not over, so at the end of the night, I'm going out to that ring and you're gonna make sure you're already out there to greet me, because if you don't ... if you don't, well, there will be hell to pay ... and John ...
You don't wanna' make this any harder on yourself than its already gonna be.
Violently shoving the camera, and its operator, to the floor, all that can be seen are the footsteps of Triple H as the multi-time WWE Champion walks off, message sent. Loud and clear.
Monday Night RawMonday 3rd April, 2006
Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL
Game On
Opening Video.
Pyro.
Shot of a rabid, cheering audience.
All the usual opening semantics are in place. We cut straight to ringside where Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler, as usual, are standing by.
JR: Welcome to Monday Night Raw! We are LIVE from Chicago! Wrestlemania is now in the rear-view mirror and a new WWE year starts apace!
King: A new year, but some things never change. Triple H might not be happy about it, but John Cena still reigns atop the mountain as the WWE Champion.
JR: That may be for now, but as Triple H just made abundantly clear, he's not done with John Cena or the WWE Title just yet ... and that should concern all ... not least John Cena himself.
... to the ring ...Wearing a shirt with a floral pattern, shades on, looking cool, SHELTON BENJAMIN stands, Intercontinental Title placed proudly over his shoulder.
He smiles widely as he jaws with members of the audience in the front row. Smiles, that is, until ...
"... YOU THINK I'M CUTE ... I KNOW I'M SEXY ... I'VE GOT THE LOOKS ... THAT DRIVE THE GIRLS WILD ..."*SEXY BOY*
The crowd goes positively BERSERK as "The Heartbreak Kid" SHAWN MICHAELS rocks and rolls out onto the stage.
Michaels drops to his knees and prays to a higher power, bouncing back up after a few seconds. Instead of his usual slapping of hands, Michaels seems a bit more focused on business, walking straight toward Benjamin, and indeed the ring.
Benjamin's face has dropped, fleeting smiles intertwined with a look of worry as he realizes the task that awaits him.
JR: Whoa, hold on just a minute! How about this as a way to start the year! It's not for the title, but even still, Shelton Benjamin versus Shawn Michaels! WOW!
King: The Intercontinental Champion, one of the most athletically gifted stars in the world today up against a man whose CV speaks for itself. We're being spoiled tonight, JR.
JR: That we are, King.
Michaels rolls into the ring, right away getting right into the face of Benjamin.
The champ backs up toward the ropes, pointing his finger at the referee, who does him a favor and backs Michaels away so the usual pre-match rituals can be undertaken.
Michaels smirks as Benjamin takes his time to compose himself.
1 :: Non-Title Match
Shelton Benjamin versus The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels
Michaels attacks right from the off, forcing Benjamin back into the ropes before dispatching him from the ring. A focused spring in his step, Michaels follows him to the outside, grabbing the head of the champion before throwing him face first into the unforgiving steel of the ring post!
Back inside the ring and a couple of minutes have passed. Benjamin has struggled to keep himself in the game, unable to escape the grasp of Michaels. The Gold Standard spots an opening after Michaels arrogantly fails to cover him after a dropkick. Instead, he climbs to the top rope, only for Benjamin to spring to his feet and jump up, delivering an enzugiri to the back of Michaels, The Heartbreak Kid falling off the top rope and to the mat below.
Benjamin gains control for the following minutes, a viscious onslaught that targets the iconicly injured back. At one point, Michaels is hanging prone in the corner, back facing Benjamin as he runs like an express train from the opposite corner and delivers a running dropkick, but only for a count of two, Michaels able to stretch out his leg toward the rope and break the referees count.
Michaels is soon back in a semblence of control though, a few backhand chops and a desperation Belly to Back Suplex, but only for a count of two. His back still causing him severe issues, Michaels is slow to gain his footing. As he does, Benjamin grabs his foot, transitioning him into a dragon whip. He keeps the leg hooked, trying to grapevine and secure an ankle lock, only for Michaels to grab a turnbuckle in the corner, flipping Benjamin into it face first!
Benjamin bounces back out, confused and dazed, his senses all messed up ... SWEET CHIN MUSIC CONNECTS! ... but Michaels flip flops and hits the mat hard! Breathing heavily, Michaels pain is stark, every second that passes helping Benjamin recover and come too.
Michaels and Benjamin both recover, getting to their feet with the help of the ropes. Both come together in the center of the ring and trade strikes. Slap for slap, punch for punch, kick for kick ... until Michaels gets the upper hand before slamming Benjamin into the corner! Benjamin is rocking and rolling, barely keeping his footing as Michaels sets himself ... SWEET CHIN MUSIC!!!
... DUCKED! ... Michaels turns ... SUPERKICK OF HIS OWN BY BENJAMIN! MICHAELS CRUMPLES TO THE FLOOR AS BENJAMIN HOOKS THE LEG! ...
...
... THE REFEREE COUNTS TO THREE! BENJAMIN HAS DONE IT. SHELTON BENJAMIN HAS BEATEN SHAWN MICHAELS!
WINNER: SHELTON BENJAMIN via PINFALL
JR: OH ... MY ... GOD! I cannot believe it, Shelton Benjamin has beaten Shawn Michaels, without even a hint of the dastardly deeds we have become accustomed to from him.
King: This is big, huge ... massive. Shelton Benjamin has proved tonight he is a player and is not to be taken lightly.
JR: As for Shawn Michaels ...
As the bell tolls, Michaels remains flat out. Benjamin clambers to his feet, he seems as surprised as anyone at what has happened, but gleefully acceps the referee's offer to raise his hand.
Benjamin begins to smirk, then smiles widely as he grabs his Intercontinental Title, and standing above the prone body of The Heartbreak Kid, he holds it aloft.
Meanwhile, after a couple of minutes, Michaels starts to come too, this marking Benjamin's cue to leave. The champ does, but Michaels is not in the mood for revenge.
Instead, he sits, he runs his hands through his hands, shaking his head ruefully.
{commercial}
As Raw returns, we're backstage. Todd Grisham is stood next to a big screen, the crowd erupting when next to him appears Mr. Money in the Bank himself, ROB VAN DAM!
Van Dam smirks as he holds the case in his right hand, taking a look down and nodding his head.
Grisham: Rob, last night at Wrestlemania, you became only the second ever Mr. Money in the Bank as you defeated 7 other men. Before I get your thoughts on whats next, lets take a look back at how you did it at about this time twenty-four hours ago ...
*Money in the Bank Ladder Match - Recap*As the video ends, we return to a shot of RVD, smiling widely.
Grisham: So Rob, there stands only one thing the world wants to know ...
? ? ? ? ?: Why are you getting this interview instead of Shelton Benjamin?
Van Dam and Grisham pause, the camera turning to reveal SHELTON BENJAMIN. The Intercontinental Champion still has beads of sweat dripping from his brow.
Benjamin: Don't worry Todd, I don't need to talk. Unlike this guy, I don't talk. I act, and I back it up when it matters most, against the best this business has to offer. 'Ya want to know why?
RVD shrugs, still in a pretty jovial mood.
Benjamin: 'Cause there ain't no stoppin' me.
Benjamin smiles, making sure to point out the title over his shoulder. Before he leaves, he glances down at what Van Dam holds in his hand.
The Money in the Bank briefcase.
*ringside*
We settle on a live shot of the ring, just a referee and Lillian Garcia stood in it.
... ... YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME ... ...
*METALINGUS*
Smoke rises up from the stage and a decidedly mixed reaction greets the arrival of "The Rated R Superstar" EDGE and his lovely red-haired psycho siren, LITA.
Edge and Lita share a marked non-PG kiss as he takes her hand and the two power-walk down the ramp toward the ring.
JR: Here comes a man who showed a new, and dangerous side last night.
King: Edge did not just beat Mick Foley last night at Wrestlemania, he destroyed him. Mick Foley will NEVER be the same again.
JR: Neither will Edge. That image of Edge and Foley flying through that flaming table will forever be etched in my mind.
Singles MatchThe Rated R Superstar Edge versus Johnny McJobface
In what won't come as much of a surprise, Edge runs roughshot over his poor, young victim, Lita cackling with delight at ringside as Edge damn near rips the poor lad in two with a devastating Spear. The referee puts Johnny out of his misery and counts to three as quickly as he can.
WINNER: EDGE via DEMOLITION
Even before the bell stops tolling, Edge is atop poor Johnny, the blows raining down, Edge's eyes wide, his teeth gritted, a smile breaking out every so often as his enjoyment within the chaos and anarchy increases.
Lita applauds from ringside as Edge picks Johnny up by his hair. Smirking and running his hands through his hair, Edge slaps the young man before grabbing him by the head and tights and delivering him shoulder first into the ring post in the corner!
The broken soul falls backwards, but briefly shows a sign of fight as he scrambles to get to his feet ... ONLY TO BE TAKEN OUT WITH YET ANOTHER SPEAR ... the impact heavy, thunderous even ...
Edge lets out a big sigh as Lita re-enters the ring. She approaches the Rated R Superstar, stroking his long, blonde mane. Edge seems to snap out of whatever trance he was in, Lita giving him a brief kiss on the lips to calm and congratulate him.
JR: Well that was ... emphatic, but even moreso, uncalled for.
King: You may not like his methods, but Edge is a man not to be messed with. Wrestlemania only just seems to have served to intensify those deep, dark thoughts and actions that Edge has been displaying in the past few months.
JR: Whatever it, or they are, I don't like it. Not one bit.
Lita grabs a microphone, handing it to her beau.
Edge: If you thought what I did to Mick Foley at Wrestlemania was extreme, you've seen nothing.
Edge smirks, Lita smiles, looking lovingly at her partner-in-crime.
Edge: Sit back, relax and enjoy, because from this night onwards, Monday Night Raw will be strictly Rated R.
Edge grabs the arm of Lita, pulling her close and planting a kiss on her lips. He then turns his head toward the hard camera and smirks.
Then, with a dismissive step over the beaten, bruised body beneath them, Raw's IT couple exit the ring and make their way up the ramp.
{commercial}
When we return from the break, we're in the back. The camera zooms out from an image of one of the two World Tag Team Titles hung up on a hook. There with one boot propped up on a chair, lacing his boots is the behemoth himself, THE BIG SHOW.
His attention is soon turned to something, or rather someone else, turning his head and there facing him is the other half of the World Tag Team Champions, "The Big Red Machine" KANE.
Kane: You ready for tonight?
Big Show: Ready?
Show seems offended by the question as Kane stares dead ahead at him.
Big Show: You're DAMN RIGHT I'm ready.
... but are you?
Kane, like Big Show befoore him, looks bemused.
Kane: I've been in Ladder Matches ... Steel Cage Matches ... Hell in a Cell ... Buried Alive Matches ... an Inferno Match ... and you're asking me if I'm ready?
Big Show shrugs his shoulders. Kane snarls.
Big Show: You asked me, so I thought I'd return the favor.
Kane: Oh, I'm ready ... I'll show you, Masters and that Caribbean idiot just how ready I am when we retain these titles later tonight.
Show smiles and extends an outstretched clenched fist.
He likes the sound of Kane's talk, his monstrous partner giving him a fist bump before he turns and leaves.
Big Show nods his head as he goes back into preparation mode ahead of a huge Tag Team titles defence.
JR: Big Show and Kane are certainly focused and seem on the same page. They will need to be because they will be defending those titles against Chris Masters and Carlito in a rematch from last night at Wrestlemania.
King: On the same page? We're we watching the same thing or am I just a smart man?
... to the ring ...
Inside the ring, a referee and Lillian Garcia are standing, but that's not all. The sultry and scrumptious Candice Michelle is ready, gear on and ready to go into combat.
*OBSESSION*
The crowd stands but the boos are heavy for the NEW Womens Champion MICKIE JAMES as she strides out onto the stage. Laughing, James skips down the ramp, making a point of motioning toward the few pounds of gold sat proudly around her waist.
JR: Here comes a woman who within six months of her debut, stands today as the WWE Womens Champion.
King: Not just that, but look at how she won it. She overcame the challenges, both physical and mental that came with challenging for the title against her idol and one-time friend. Mickie James is a force to be reckoned with.
James enters the ring, the referee there as she takes her title off. She continues to look forward, staring a hole through Michelle who is busy exchanging pleasent words with someone in the front row.
When she turns, James look changes, frown lines appear, her eyes widening, her head lowering, before she races forward and takes Michelle out with a massive clothesline.
Non-Title :: Singles Match
Candice Michelle versus Womens Champion Mickie James
James continues the brutality after the bell rings, pounding Michelle until shes a cowering, damn near emotional wreck, writhing around on the mat in pain. Smirking, James relents, allowing the referee to get into the middle of them and protect Michelle, only for the champion to get in a cheap rake to the eye, just as Michelle gets to her feet.
After dominating for a fair few minutes, Candice starts to mount a comeback, briefly scaring the champion, some kicks catching her off guard and knocking her from the ring. Showing her wiley ways and ring experience though, James throws a photographer at ringside in her path, Michelle hesitating just long enough for James to get away. Once back inside the ring, Candice follows, only to be tripped up, the assault continuing anew.
In the end, Mickie James is just too much for Candice to handle and after about seven minutes of trying her best to defend herself and compete, a devastating Mick Kick knocks her out-cold, the new Womens Champion covering for the count of three.
WINNER :: MICKIE JAMES via MICK KICK
As the bell rings, James slams the hooked leg back down to the mat. The camera closes in on her as she cackles in delight.
Michelle lays out cold beneath her as James arm is raised in victory by the referee.
JR: Intense. Cold. Devastating. Mickie James has just put in a fearsome display and all of Raw's women's division will have watched with interest.
King: Interest, but trepidation too.
As Candice lays prone in the center of the ring, James face turns to stone once more as she turns back to her crestfallen opponent and starts laying in the boots once more!
... ... ...
*TIME TO ROCK 'N ROLL*
The crowd EXPLODES as the new former Womens Champion TRISH STRATUS appears and makes a beeline straight for the ring!
JR: HERE SHE COMES! HERE COMES TRISH! BUSINESS HAS PICKED UP!!
Stratus slides into the ring and James directs a Mick Kick at her, only for Stratus to duck! ... James turns, and seeing Stratus primed and ready, she ducks and rolls and escapes from the ring under the bottom rope!
Stratus shouts and kicks out at the ropes, furious as James JUST gets out of dodge. Running around the ring, she grabs her title from next to the announce table, scrambling back to the ramp.
Backing up it, she locks eyes with Stratus, now knelt beside Candice Michelle, but her eyes still firmly locked on the new champion, a deep seated revenge burning bright in her eyes.
JR: Trish Stratus is not backing down. She's primed, she's ready and shes coming for what she feels is hers. The WWE Womens Title!
King: That may be so, and she is entitled to her contracted rematch, but I do think she may benefit from taking a bit of time and plotting a better strategy than just going in all guns blazing against someone as deranged as Mickie James.
James gets to the top of the ramp, seemingly peeved about her attack having been thrawted. However, as she looks at her Womens Title, the smile spreads back across her face.
She raises it high, catching even more attention from Stratus who nods her head in recognition but can visibly be seen mouthing "It'll be coming home soon!" as James remains standing, title hoisted above her head, Stratus helping Michelle to her feet inside the ring.
{commercial}
The Voice of the Voiceless
The Second City Saint
The Straightedge Savior
CM PUNK
COMING SOON TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW
*cut to ringside*
JR: Big news, the sensation known as CM Punk is finally ready to make his WWE bow and he's going to be right here exclusively on RAW!
King: We have heard a lot about this kid and we will find out if he can live up to the hype in the near future.
*cut to the back*
The camera cuts to the back. Todd Grisham is walking apace, mic in hand, a camera following his every move, weaving in and out of the personell littering the halls.
Eventually, Grisham stops, tapping an at first un-identified man on the shoulder. That man turns around, revealed to be none other than the WWE Champion ... JOHN CENA! ...
Cena smirks, a stark contrast to Grisham's face, one of concern.
Cena: Come on Todd, relax, chill out ... whats up man?
Grisham: Well John, it's Triple H, you see ...
Cena: Todd, Todd, come on man. Breath. I get it. I know. John Cena's got a TV. I saw what Triple H told you earlier on. I get it. You're worried and you're here to deliver his warning that he's looking for me ... am I right?
Grisham shrugs his shoulders.
Cena: That's what I thought.
... Todd, you've known me a while now, yeah? The one thing you know about me is John Cena, he's no hide and go seek champion. It's probably my biggest problem. I just don't know when to back down. It ain't a word in my vocab Josh, but don't worry, unlike Triple H, I won't get you to run back and forward with threats.
Cena pats Grisham on the chest, but politely pushes him to one side as he faces the camera, with a cold, piercing hard stare.
Cena: Game, you know where I'll be. I ain't hard to find. Let's cut out the middle men and settle this like the prizefighters we are.
Anytime. Any place.
Cena smiles, giving a salute before he picks up the WWE Title layed on a table behind him. He takes a look at the prized few pounds of gold. He smiles as he takes one last look at the camera and Grisham before walking away.
Grisham continues to stand still, adjusting his tie, still looking around, clearly on edge.
*cut to ringside*
JR: We now go back to the ring, where a very unhappy Matt Striker is standing by.
King: Well you'd be unhappy too JR, look who he's got to partner with tonight!
Standing beside Striker, decked out in cotton shirt, is a man not quite decked out in quite as elegant gear. The famous EUGENE stands, clapping his hands enthusiastically, Striker scoffing, quite the odd-couple ready to try and get on the same page in pursuit of a rare victory for them both.
KENNY! ... JOHNNY! ... MITCH! ... NICKY! ... MIKEY!
AND WE ARE! ...
THE SPIRIT SQUAD!
The hollering and band tunes that have become familiar permeate every nook and cranny of the arena as the natives shower the boos down on KENNY, JOHNNY, MITCH, NICKY AND MIKEY as they bounce around with great enthusiasm before jogging down the ramp toward the ring.
JR: Oh man, what fun. These five men, or should I say boys, really do grind my gears.
King: Oh come on JR, these men, yes men, are amazing! Maybe you need to try and see if a bit of their spirit can rub off on you?!
Striker continues to scoff, huff and puff as Kenny and Nicky roll into the ring, presenting themselves as the competitors, whilst Mitch, Mikey and Johnny stand at ringside, cheer leading for Kenny and Nicky.
Eugene meanwhile tries to indulge Striker in a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who is the man to start the match. Striker snarls before pushing Eugene, pushing his finger into his chest before retiring to the ring apron.
Tag Team Match
Matt Striker and Eugene versus Kenny and Nicky
Eugene starts off the match, and as you would expect, it does not go well. Nicky and he engage in some fun and games to begin with, but when Kenny tags in, that's when things step up a gear, an evil one, the youngest of The Spirit Squad taking the assault to him without remorse.
Indeed, Eugene perhaps would have been in a position to defend himself if he had a partner with any interest in being just that. Instead, Striker stood on the ring apron, disgusted, hardly moving a muscle as he looks on, annoyed and without thought or feeling for his partners woes.
Striker does not change his stance either. Infact, it gets worse for Eugene. When he does muster up the energy to mount a comeback, he is shocked and deflated as Striker hops down from the ring apron, shrugging his shoulders and leaving, leaving Eugene alone to his fate. Kenny is again the man to do the damage, pushing Nicky aside before driving Eugene to the mat with a neckbreaker and following it up with the Sky High leg drop, the count of three quickly following.
WINNERS :: KENNY and NICKY via PINFALL
As the bell rings, Kenny continues the assault for about a minute, before Nicky and the other members of The Spirit Squad slide into the ring and stop him.
After a few seconds of calming himself down, Kenny seems back in the fun zone as he leaps and high fives his fellow team-mates, a big, if not extremely easy win, his scowl replaced a wide smile as the fivesome high five, Kenny staying stood in the center of the ring as the other members celebrate on the four turnbuckles that surround him.
JR: An impressive win, but lets be clear. Matt Striker was the sole reason The Spirit Squad won that match
King: ... so you're telling me Eugene could have been on the winning side tonight? Get a grip JR! Matt Striker is clever. Too clever. He knew there was no point going to bat for something and someone so beyond saving.
JR: Man, you're on form tonight, King.
As the five victorious youngbloods leave the ring, the referee gets down and checks on Eugene, still basically out cold, the only slight movement bend his neck, craned to the side, his hand holding it gingerly.
As Nicky, Mitch, Mikey and Johnny disappear up the ramp, Kenny stops, he looks back and smirks, before a slight snarl appears ... before he's hollered at by his green lantern buddies and he follows them behind the curtain.
*cut to the back*
As we cut to the back, we see a full-length mirror set up in a locker room. The camera pans out before a figure steps in front of it. There flexing his muscles and admiring his chiseled physique is none other than "The Masterpiece" CHRIS MASTERS.
As Masters continues to admire himself, he is soon stopped in his tracks as the cool man himself, CARLITO CARIBBEAN COOL, appears, the usual wide, slimy grin on his face.
Carlito: Masterpiece, my amigo, are you ready for tonight?
Masters: Ready? I was born ready. We're not gonna' make the same mistake twice.
Carlito: Mistake? Nah man, no mistake, it just was not meant to be. But tonight? Tonight is different. I can feel it. The Big Show, Kane, they ain't on the same page. They never have been. Tonight is our night.
Masters: You're damn right. Those titles are coming here to where they belong. As if this beautiful body could get any more perfect.
Carlito smirks, taking a big bite from an apple. Mssters stops, knowing what this means ... most of the time.
Carlito: Tonight, Chris Masters and Carlito become World Tag Team Champions ... and that ...
... that's cool.
Masters smirks and nods his head, slapping Carlito on the chest as the latter leaves, as Masters continues to flex in front of the mirror.
JR: Next up, it's our MAIN EVENT. Chris Masters and Carlito get one more chance to become World Tag Team Champions as they challenge The Big Show and Kane for the titles ... and its LIVE after this short commercial break!
King: Oh man I can't wait. A Wrestlemania rematch, JR!
{commercial}
JR: We're back live and we've just heard that Shawn Michaels has requested mic time next week here on Raw. After two big, dissapointing losses in twenty-four hours, what does The Heartbreak Kid have to say for himself? We'll find out next week.
King: I don't know what he's got in store, but Shawn Michaels has always been one to act more than talk, so whatever he's got to say, it must be big, it must be important ...
*cut to the ring*
Lillian Garcia is stood by, alongside a referee.
Garcia: The following match is scheduled for one fall and is a Wrestlemania rematch for the WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS!
*MASTERPIECE*
As gold sparks emerge from the stage floor, turning around, his arms our wide, flexing his muscles is "The Masterpiece" CHRIS MASTERS.
Masters smirks as he points at his complexion, no argument in how impressive physically able he looks.
... I SPIT IN THE FACE OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE COOL ...
The swift tunes of the Carribean kick in and that signals the arrival of the man known as CARLITO. Tossing an un-eaten apple in his left hand, he high fives with Masters, the two men heading down the ramp toward the ring, the focus of the two clear for all to see.
JR: These two have been bound together by ego and a common interest: to be champions of the world. They get a second, and probably final chance to do just that here tonight.
King: These two men are cocky, brash, ultra-confident, but they are extremely talented, and they'll need all that and more here tonight.
Carlito and Masters are now inside the ring, Masters flexing on one of the buckles as Carlito circles the ring, tossing his apple from hand to hand, when ...
...
... WEEEELLLLLLLLL .... IT'S THE BIG SHOW ...
The crowd goes wild as silver fireworks shoot up and out from them emerges the seven foot, five hundred pound bulldozer himself, THE BIG SHOW.
Carrying a World Tag Team Title in one hand, he raises the other, clenching his first, snarling as he heads down the ramp, stopping at the bottom as Masters and Carlito stare him down from inside the ring.
... ...
... THE FIRES OF HELL EXPLODE ...
*SLOW CHEMICAL*
As flames lick up, the red and black clad monster of evil trudges out, "The Big Red Monster" KANE emerging from the shadows of hell with his World Tag Team Title dragged alongside him.
Kane reaches the bottom of the ramp, before he lifts his arms, bringing them down and making all four turnbuckles explode in flames, sending Carlito and Masters scattering from the ring! As they do, Kane and Big Show share a knowing nod before they climb into the ring.
JR: Here they are, the champs, in all their brutal glory. If that is not an intimidating sight, I don't know what is.
King: Intimidating? Maybe, but not off putting. Carlito and Chris Masters have not got to this point by accident, JR. Don't write them off!
JR: Show me where I did, King.
Carlito and Masters regroup on the outside, slowly clambering back up onto the ring apron after the show of fierce force by the champions.
Kane and Big Show share a smirk, the latter taking the reigns as Kane heads to the ring apron. Carlito and Masters don't seem as certain on who will start, though Masters eventually steps forward, with plenty of encouragement from Carlito, who it's fair to say is more than happy to let The Masterpiece start things off.
Main Event for the World Tag Team Championships
The Big Show and Kane (c) defend against Carlito and Chris Masters
Show and Kane begin as the proverbial house on fire, two very big, humongous houses indeed, hard-hitting, heavy landing lefts and rights, and a couple of big boots too sensing Masters to the outside. Carlito, for once, lets his heart dictate his head as he rushes in, only to be disposed of too, the challengers forced to regroup on the outside as Big Show and Kane stand dominant inside the ring.
Things don't change much for the next couple of minutes either. That is, until Masters re-enters the ring and chops Kane by the knee. After Carlito disposes of Big Show by dropkicking him from the apron, it allows he and Masters to corner the Big Red Machine from his partner.
Indeed, Masters and Carlito ultalise quick tags, sometimes as quick as every 30 seconds to ensure each of them are fresh and able to attack at thier ultimate capabilities Even when Kane does try and get an advantage, he's so close to one of Masters and Carlito in the corner that the chance of escape from the anguish soon passes. Masters comes close a couple of times to putting The Masterlock on Kane, but the big man is so big and strong that he fails to get it properly hooked.
These couple of failed attempts soon turn out to be vital as Kane eventually manages to get to The Big Show, the entire complexion of the match changing. Carlito and Masters are forced to change tact, resorting to hit and run attacks, the two monsters back toward thier best, especially The Big Show. In truth, the match never gets back to any sort of rythym of rule for the remainder, the ego's and bodies just way too big to be contained by just one referee.
However, just as it seems like Kane and Big Show have wrestled control, backing Carlito up with palm strikes that only get harder and more fierce, a portion of the crowd stands, gaining the attention of the champions. The eyes of the golden couple widen, because ...
... LANCE CADE ... TREVOR MURDOCH ... THE REDNECK WRECKING CREW are running through the crowd! Carlito and Masters use their wits, dropping to the mat and rolling from the ring, but Big Show and Kane have no such luck ... Cade and Murdoch knocking the two months out cold with a pair of devastating lariats!
DOUBLE DQ :: THE BIG SHOW AND KANE ARE STILL WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
The bell continues to ring, but it's no use. Boos reign down from below as Carlito and Masters scatter in opposite directions, out through the crowd and to safety.
Back inside the ring, as the crowd continues to boo, Cade and Murdoch hover over Kane and Big Show before they sit on them both and lefts and rights follow, one after another, damn near caving in the skulls of the champions of the world.
JR: Somebody stop this! THAT'S ENOUGH!
King: All the things the champions have done in their careers and you're going to suggest Cade and Murdoch are not going exactly what they have, and would do in their position?
JR: oh give me a break, King.
As Carlito and Masters look on from the stage, Cade disappears out of the ring, rummaging around underneath it. He then emerges, sliding back into the ring ... and in his hand, he holds a rope with a brass cowbell attached to one end!
Big Show and Kane get to their feet, but as they do, Cade knocks them both flying, busting them open as the cowbell creates a wide gash on both of the champions foreheads!
Murdoch is like a man possessed as he again mounts Kane, rights and lefts
following, before he does the same to Big Show. Cade meanwhile, he stands above his bloodied prey, snarling, before smirking, enjoying the destruction he and Murdoch have caused.
JR: This is despicable. There's trying to make a name for yourselves, then there's being cowards and this is the latter.
King: Like it or not, we're talking about them and the champions have noticed them. Job done.
JR: Yes, but at what cost? We've been robbed of a world class Tag Team Titles match all because these two Texans are angry no ones talking about them?
King: Got it in one.
Murdoch has now stopped the assault, at the behest of Lance Cade. The Rough House puts the aforementioned bullrope over his neck, still specks of blood covering the cow bell itself. Murdoch stands next to him, seething like a wild animal, his eyes those of a man, or animal who'd still be carrying out the assault if not for Cade's words.
Carlito and Masters have now gone, but as Kane and The Big Show lay out cold, Cade and Murdoch exit the ring. They approach the announce booth, Murdoch staring down JR before he and Cade's heads are turned and they stare at the World Tag Team Titles that sit on a table next to the ring bell.
The ticked off Texans look at each other and nod before they slowly back up and leave. All the while, they look back inside the ring at the mayhem caused, Kane and Big Show still having hardly moved after the brutal assault.
JR: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch may have won this battle, but I've got a feeling a brand new war is on the horizon.
King: Don't forget Carlito and Masters, either. They had a chance at a win, and a chance at becoming Tag Team Champions stolen in plain sight.
JR: Well, whatever, all I know is The Big Show and Kane won't take this laying down.
King: Too late for that, JR.
Big Show is just starting to come to his senses inside the ring.
Cade and Murdoch reach the top of the ramp and they look back.
As they do, Kane sits upright, his head turning on sixpence, his glare turned toward The Redneck Wrecking Crew.
They stand, undaunted, raising thier fists high. Cade looks at the cowbell wrapped around his neck and smirks as Kane continues to stare a hole through them, Big Show all the while helping himself up with the help of the ropes.
{commercial}
... NEXT WEEK ON RAW ...
SHAWN MICHAELS SPEAKS
KENNY versus EUGENE
SHELTON BENJAMIN versus ROB VAN DAM
... and more
*cut to ringside*
JR: Big news. Not only will we hear from Shawn Michaels next week, we will also see a HUGE singles match, Shelton Benjamin will get his chance to prove himself to Rob Van Dam, and everyone else next week as they go one on one! Along with Kenny of The Spirit Squad taking on Eugene, it's looking like yet another edition of Raw not to be missed.
King: A few huge matches, an important speech from a Hall of Famer, the build to Backlash continues apace and it'll kick up a notch next week.
JR: That's next week, but for now ...
JR is cut off as a massive thud is heard from the stage. The camera zooms over there, where the battered, limp body of the aforementioned Eugene lays prone on the steel of the ramp.
It becomes clear almost right away what has happened, the crowd on thier feet and the boos raining down from below as "The Game" TRIPLE H appears, hovering over poor Eugene with a Sledgehammer in hand!
The camera zooms in, only to see the blood pouring from his poor head. A gang of referees rush out onto the stage, but are powerless to stop The Game as he stands with the sledgehammer, ready to attack.
As Eugene writhes around in agony, a pool of blood collecting around him in the process, the referees continue to plead with Triple H to relent. However, he shows no signs of doing so, drawing the ire of the crowd.
Just as all hope seems lost, Triple H's eyes widen, the referees parting like the red sea as the WWE CHAMPION, JOHN CENA, rushes out from behind the curtain!
The tension is strident. It's rife. Tangible. Cena starts to walk toward Triple H, who does not look away. Instead, he grabs Eugene by his long hair, threatening him once more with the sledgehammer! Cena is forced to back off, an uneasy pause engaged in. Neither man moves a muscle, as the blood continues to trickle down Eugene's face and onto the leather boot of Triple H.
"You've got my attention. You got it."
The desperation is apparent in Cena's face, never one to back down when someone is in trouble. Triple H snarls, he looks at Cena up and down, he shakes his head, the sledgehammer continuing to be wielded.
"Give me what I want."
Cena shakes his head, unable to believe the lengths The Game will go to to get what he wants. He looks down at the stage for a moment, before he lifts his head high again. He still pauses, but as he does, Triple H starts to lift the sledgehammer once more!
"STOP!"
"You've got it."
... and with that, Cena had made the deal with the devil. Triple H smiles. He has finally got what he wanted. He looks at Eugene, still in his masterful, tight grasp, he sniggers before he throws him face first down to the unforgiving steel! Cena rushes forward, as Triple H circles him and the fallen Eugene, taking Cena's place near the curtain. His shock tactics had worked exactly as planned.
He smiles, as Cena drops to his knees, removing one of his shirts to wipe away the blood and put pressure on the wound. The referees move closer too, leaving Triple H an isolated, but not lonely figure. He continues to stand, he stares, almost as if he's in a trance. He takes one more glance at his trust sledgehammer as Cena looks up from Eugene, locking eyes with his great rival.
"I'll see you at Backlash, Champ ..."
[/ENDS]
