WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW
March 31 2008
We are shown a video package highlighting what happened at Wrestlemania XXIV the previous night, played in slow motion to classical music, emphasizing the stature of the event. Highlights and the finish to each match are shown in turn, including HBK/Ric Flair, Big Show/Mayweather and both title bouts. The tone of the music, however, changes to something more ominous at the end of the package, however, when highlights of Vince McMahon’s ground-breaking announcement are shown.
When the video ends, “Want To Be Loved†is played along with the RAW opening video package, before the camera cuts to the arena where and elaborate pyro display takes place. The usual sight of fans on their feet cheering and waving banners greets us as Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler welcome us to the show.
JR: Welcome to Monday Night RAW folks! And what a night this could prove to be King!
King: Too right JR! I can’t believe the announcement that Mr. McMahon made at WrestleMania last night….things are certainly going to change around here!
JR: You’re too right they are King. That’s right folks, tonight sees Mr. McMahon’s superdr…..
Just as JR is speaking, ‘No Chance’ hit’s the speaker system and Vince McMahon appears from under the titantron, kicking off tonight’s show. McMahon struts to the ring with his exaggerated stride, looking around the arena and smiling, whilst the crowd try to decide whether they should cheer or boo.
JR: Well, here we go, Mr. McMahon is out straight away to kick this thing off.
King: I can’t wait JR!
He climbs the steel steps and enters the ring between the ropes and then walks to the other side to request a microphone. Once he has possession of one, he doesn’t delay in bringing it to his mouth to speak.
Vince: Looking around this arena, I’m delighted to see so many of you here for this historic
night!
The crowd pops for his acknowledgement of them.
Vince: Well as you all know, I made my announcement last night. I shook the entire foundation of this company with that announcement, and my feelings haven’t changed one iota. So without further ado, let me bring out the General Managers of RAW and SmackDown! to kick this thing off!
The crowd boo heavily as William Regal and Vickie Guerrero hurriedly make their way down the ramp and climb the steps to enter the ring. Both have beaming smiles of anticipation etched across their faces as Vince McMahon hands each one a microphone.
Vince: You’re excited, huh!?
Vince smiles as he looks from Vickie to Regal as both smile back at him.
Vickie: Yes Mr. McMahon! This is a huge opportunity for us, there’s so much talent to choose from!
Regal: Of course sir. It is an honor to be a part of such a monumental moment in wrestling history.
Vince: Well that’s great. But let me ask you, Mr. Regal. Do you honestly think you’ve done a good job as General manager of RAW?
Regal’s smile disappears instantly.
Regal: Well sir, I….I think that….I…..
Vince: What about you Vickie?
Vickie just stares back at Vince, shocked and speechless.
Vince: Ya know, ratings are down and to be frank, the buck has to stop with both of you. The booking has been bad, viewship is down, merchandise sales are down…
Regal: Mr. McMahon, I think I can…
Vince gets right into Regal’s face, finally exploding.
Vince: SHUT UP!
Regal recoils in shock.
Vince: The truth is, I can’t trust you two anymore. I CAN’T LET MY COMPANY GET INTO THAT STATE AGAIN, AND I CAN’T ACCEPT THE FALL FROM GRACE! With that in mind, I’d like to say to you both…
The crowd sing along and finish Vince’s sentence before he has a chance to.
Vince: YOOOUUUU’RE FIIIIIRED! Now get the hell out of my ring, both of you. Get!
Vince walks towards the former GMs, forcing them to retreat out of the ring. Regal stares at Vince in anger as he walks up the ramp whilst Vickie is in tears. Both disappear behind the curtain.
Vince: Well, that was fun!
The crowd cheers.
Vince: Now lets focus on the title situation, there is only 3 title holders, that is the WWE, World Heavyweight and the Women’s, so that means whoever drafts Randy Orton, The Undertaker and Beth Phoenix will receive the title they hold. So the IC, U.S. and both Tag titles are now vacant, wait just wait, the former ECW title will be now turned back into the Hardcore Championship with the 24/7 rule intact. But that belt can be held on either Smackdown or Raw but now let me introduce the new General Managers .
Vince: Ya know, I’ve learnt never to trust anyone who isn’t a McMahon with something so important in my company. RAW, my flagship show, my baby…has suffered. And there’s only one man who can ensure that the high standard of the show is maintained, that man is … me, Vincent Kennedy McMahon.
The crowd pops again at this announcement, seemingly on Vince’s side.
Vince: You might also be wondering who I could possibly charge with running SmackDown. You don’t have long to wait. That person is here tonight. Allow me to introduce the NEW General Manager of SmackDown!
Vince enthusiastically thrusts his arms up and out towards the titantron to welcome the new GM of SmackDown. ‘Here Comes The Money’ rings out and the crowd are on their feet straight away, realising who it is and loving it.
Shane O’Mac appears from behind the curtain, dressed in a Versace suit much like that of his father, doing his trademark dance and skip across the top of the ramp and taking in the adulation of the fans. Shane walks down the ramp, occasionally stopping to dance again, before jumping up onto the apron of the ring and climbing through the ropes into the ring. He immediately hugs his father before relieving him of his microphone. He takes in the cheers for a second longer before starting to speak.
Shane: Shane O’Mac’s back baby!
The crowd pops as Shane smiles.
Shane: I’m delighted to be the new GM of SmackDown. It was time for some changes around here and it was up to my dad and me to enforce them. No-one knows how this company works better than the McMahons and rest assured that you will be seeing some quality entertainment from now on, on both shows, as a result of the hard work of my father and me.
The crowd chant “Shane O’Mac!, Shane O’Mac!â€
Shane: Now I believe we were going to have a match to determine who got the draft pick.
Shane covers his mic and leans towards his dad, but you can still hear him ask “that right, dad?â€. Vince nods.
Shane: OK, we’ve both picked a Superstar to represent us and the winner wins the first draft pick for his nominator. Let’s get this started!
Shane and Vince both leave the ring and head up to the ramp.
King: Wow JR, what a way to kick off RAW tonight - both GMs fired!
JR: They were obviously deemed surplus to requirements, King. Mr. McMahon wanted a fresh start.
King: Yeah. I didn’t like that Regal anyway…
Vince: Ladies and Gentlemen representing Raw will be …
Santino Marella’s music hits as he makes his way to the ring as Shane tries and holds his laughter in …
Shane: Nice pick, father … representing Smackdown is …
Jeff Hardy’s music hits as he makes his way to the ring
Shane looks at his father … shrugs as the both head to the back …
1st Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Santino Marella
Winner wins first draft pick for whoever he is representing
Before the match can start, Santino can’t help but say his piece on the microphone. Jeff stands patiently in the corner.
Santino: Jeff-a Hardon, who are you? You think-a that the fans-a they like-a you? WRONG! I am-a the new Hardy Boy. I can-a do your moves, I can paint-a some nice pictures. The fans-a, they no like you anymore. They come to see the new high-flier, me, Santino Marella! I will-a show you my fancy moves and win-a the first draft pick for RAW!
Jeff can’t take the crap any longer and doesn’t hesitate in taking Santino down with a clothesline. Santino is up quickly and takes a swing at Jeff, but Jeff ducks and gets in a couple of right hands himself before whipping Santino against the ropes and performing a drop toe-hold when Santino comes back. Santino clutches his face and rolls onto his back allowing Jeff to grab his legs double-leg leg drop him to the crotch. Santino writhes for a minute before getting up and takes another swing at Hardy, missing again, before Jeff does a sit-out jaw breaker to floor Santino. Jeff goes for the pin. 1...2...Santino kicks out. Santino still seems to be grounded, so Jeff goes up top for a Swanton Bomb. He taunts the crowd before flying off of the top turnbuckle, only to have Santino move out of the way! Both men slowly get to their feet. Once there, Jeff runs at Santino, but Santino dodges again, and Jeff stops just short of crashing into the referee. Both men our down as well as the ref, Santino slowly starts to get up, as Hardy gets up a second later as we hear music in the background and its ….
Randy Orton. The WWE Champion runs down the ramp slides in the ring an hit’s the RKO on Jeff Hardy. He tells Santino to pin, as Orton pulls the ref over 1 … 2 … 3. Mr. McMahon gets the first pick for Raw, as Santino gets up and starts to run around the ring with joy.
Winner: Santino Marella via pinfall @ 6.42
RAW gains the first draft pick of the night.
Vince McMahon music hits as he comes out to the podium.
Vince: With the 1st pick of the WWE Draft Raw selects: WWE Champion Randy Orton.
Orton gives a slick grin as Santino yells at the crowd, but once he turns around he is hit with an RKO and the crowd cheers.
- Commercial -
We return to see Shane McMahon standing at the podium.
Shane: With the first selection for Smackdown … I choose … The World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker.
The Crowd pops as we hear Vince McMahon’s music as he rushes to the podium
Vince: With the second selection for the Raw brand Vince McMahon chooses … Edge.
King: Wow, the Rated-R Superstar is heading back to Raw.
Shane walks right up to the podium.
Shane: Well lets not wait much longer, Smackdown second selection is … The King of Kings … HHH.
We then head to the back as Todd Grisham is with HHH.
Todd: HHH you just heard you have been drafted to Smackdown what are your thoughts …
HHH: Well, I’m very pleased to be headed to Smackdown but lets face there is only one thing on my mind and that is wearing championship gold. Last night, I was so close to holding the WWE Championship but Randy Orton came from nowhere to take the victory away from me. Quite frankly, I would do anything to get one more shot …
Orton walks up
Orton: Well that’s to bad Hunter. Because now your on Smackdown and you will never get another shot at this title or myself. I’m the WWE Champion and you cant do nothing about it, their wont be any rematch tonight or never, you will just have to face it that the better man came out on top once and for all …
Orton walks off …
- Commercial -
We returned to see both General Managers at the podium
J.R: Ladies and Gentlemen welcome back as both Raw and Smackdown have two men on their rosters and we our about to see 4 more men selected.
With the 3rd selection for Raw , we select … Chris Jericho
Crowd Pops
With the 3rd selection for Smackdown , I select … John Cena
Crowd boo’s.
Vince: And one more thing comes to mind … for one of the Main Events tonight we will have the team of John Cena and HHH versus WWE Champion Randy Orton and the Samoan Bulldozer … Umaga.
Vince: Lets get back to the draft, the 4th selection for Raw is … The Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels …
Shane looks on with frustration.
Shane: The 4th selection for Smackdown is Jeff Hardy.
Both GM’s exit as we hear John Morrison’s music hit.
J.R: The Top superstars in the business are falling fast off the draft boards. But the next match should be a dandy
King: That’s right J.R, John Morrison will have his hands full with raws newest selection Shawn Michaels …
HBK’s music hits as he makes his way to the ring.
Match 2-
John Morrison vs. Shawn Michaels
Both men stare down each other as they circle the ring before the lock up in the middle, Morrison goes for a quick head lock but HBK counters by sending Morrison off the ropes … Morrison bounces off the ropes as he goes under an HBK clothesline… Morrison keeps going as he bounces off the ropes again but this time Hbk hit’s a flying forearm. Both men get up quickly. Hbk connects with a right hand … and another as Morrison stumbles in the corner, HBK continues on the attack as he connects with right hand after right hand, when Morrison is finally knocked all the way to the bottom turnbuckle, the ref finally breaks it up as HBK jumps back and yells to the crowd. Morrison struggles to his feet and HBK walks back over but gets hit with a boot to the face by Morrison. Morrison slowly hit’s a right hand to the mid section, then connects with another and then swings HBK around and sends him to the corner. HBK crashes into the turnbuckle … Morrison looks to connect with a clothesline but HBK ducks as Morrison runs into the turnbuckle once he turns around he is hit with Sweet Chin Music. HBK goes for the cover 1 … 2 … Morrison kicks out. HBK cant believe it. He slowly gets up looks around the arena in disbelief. HBK walks over to Morrison pulls him up slowly but Morrison connects with a low blow which the ref could not see. He slowly gets up and starts to pound away on Michaels. He pulls HBK up by the hair and both men lock up as Michael sends Morrison off the ropes but he counters, as Morrison jumps off the middle rope and connects with a springboard kick to Michaels head. Morrison heads towards the corner, he climbs the turnbuckle standing at the top waiting for Michaels to get up. Once Michaels gets to his feet, Morrison jumps off looking for a two-handed smash to the head but HBK counters with Sweet Chin Music. He goes for the pin 1 … 2 … Morrison kicks out some how. HBK can not belief it. He lays on the mat for a moment, and slowly gets up and heads to the corner. He starts to tune up the band for one more Sweet Chin Music. After a few moments, Morrison finally gets up and HBK connects with a 3rd Sweet Chin Music. He covers Morrison, 1 .. 2 .. 3.
Winner: Shawn Michaels via pinfall @ 12:24
- Commercial -
J.R. During the break we saw Shawn Michaels being a stand up guy.
Video: Shawn Michaels pulls up John Morrison and offers his hand. Morrison wait’s a little bit and finally shakes. HBK exits as Morrison holds his chin and looks on.
King: That is one of the reasons why HBK is the best at what he does. He knows Morrison showed great courage and fought off two Sweet Chin Music …
J.R: But 3 super kicks is to much as Shawn Michaels picks up the victory, but now Todd Grisham is backstage with John Morrison.
Todd: Great match John, why did you shake Shawn Michaels hand, that is somewhat unlike you …
John: It was a good match and he is one of the best wrestlers of all time. If someone like him does something like that, you don’t reject it.
Shawn Michaels walks up.
HBK: Kid, I have seen a lot of things in my lifetime and the fight and determination you just showed me was something else. You change your attitude towards the fans and others, you could be one of the best wrestlers in the business. If you want to be the best, your going to have to learn a thing or two, and I’m willing to teach you. So go home find a new outfit and get back at me next week with your answer …
HBK walks off as Morrison is left standing and pondering …
We now go to the stage as Mr. McMahon is about the make Raw’s next pick.
With the 5th pick for Raw the selection will be Mr. Kennedy
J.R: Well folks coming up next we will have an ol’ slobber-knocker, it will be Smackdown newest talent John Cena and HHH taking on the WWE Champion Randy Orton and the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga.
- Commercial -
We are backstage to see Shane and Vince going over something’s as Edge slams the door open …
Edge: I want my title back …
Shane: First off, who do you think you are, I don’t care what you want show us some respect …
Vince: Ok, Edge, calm down n talk
Edge: That World Heavyweight title belt should be around my waist, and since I got drafted to Raw, I wont be getting any more chances at the belt …
Vince: Okay, If Shane is okay with jeopardizing the World Heavyweight Title, you will have your match, Shane …
Shane: I have my faith in the Undertaker …
Vince: Well then that’s, that … tonight as the Main Event will be Edge vs. The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship, o and Edge you come in my office like that again, I will make sure I make you laugh a living hell …
We hear all 4 participates in the tag match music hit and all 4 make their way down to the ring separately.
Match 3
HHH/Cena vs. Orton/Umaga
HHH will let Cena start the match as the tension between the two is evident. Umaga will start as well as both men circle the ring and tie up. Umaga gets on the attack early by connecting with a shot to Cena’s throat. He bounces off the ropes as Umaga connects with a right hand, Cena bounces off the ropes again and Umaga connects with another right hand, this time around Umaga sends Cena across the ring … off the ropes and connects with a clothesline. Cena goes crashing down to the mat, as Umaga screams. Umaga walks over and tags Orton in. Orton walks around Cena, sizing him up, he pulls him up and drops to a knee to connect with an uppercut. Orton goes for the cover, 1 … Cena kicks out. Orton drags Cena over to the corner as he tags Umaga in, both men start to pound away on Cena, sending him in a sitting position on the turnbuckle. Orton walks backwards as the ref tells him to exit but instead he runs over towards HHH and connects with a cheap shot right hand and finally exit’s the ring. This gives Umaga time to walk to the other corner … he attempts for a running splash but Cena rolls out of the ring just in time and connects with a right hand to Orton sending him crashing to the floor. By that time Umaga walks over to the ropes but Cena grabs his feet and trips him, sending Umaga to the mat. Cena slides in and takes off to tag HHH in. HHH runs in and connects with a clothesline to Umaga, Orton gets in the ring and gets hit with another clothesline. Umaga gets up slowly only to get another clothesline, and once Orton gets up he gets hit with a spine buster. HHH gets up flexes and screams to the crowd but once he turns around he ducks a clothesline from Umaga and sends him off the ropes and connects with a flying knee. Orton meanwhile, rolls out of the ring and sits up on the ring apron. HHH walks to pull Umaga up but he counters and sends HHH off the ropes, Cena meanwhile tags himself in, as Umaga misses a clothesline … HHH goes off the opposite ring side ropes and connects with a clothesline as Cena connects with a shoulder block to the back of Umaga’s leg. HHH points at Cena as the two stare down each other, HHH pushes Cena away but Cena connects with a right hand. HHH goes stumbling into the ropes as Cena connects with a clothesline sending HHH outside to the floor. Cena then finally turns towards Umaga but at that time Umaga tags in Orton, who is crouching in the middle of the ring waiting patiently for Cena to turn around, and once Cena finally does Orton connects with an RKO. Orton goes for the cover 1 .. 2 .. 3.
Winner: Randy Orton and Umaga via pinfall @ 9:56
After the match Orton and Umaga are celebrating on the stage as HHH finally gets up stares at Orton and then turns and stares down Cena.
- Commerical -
Shane McMahon is at the podium with the 5th selection for Smackdown …
Shane: The 5th pick for Smackdown will be … the Animal Batista.
Vince comes out onto to the stage
Vince: For the 6th 7th and 8th pick for each of the us we will be selecting 3 superstars at a time. We have both selected and agreed upon the selections
Vince: The 3 superstars that will represent Raw will be … John Morrison … CM Punk … and MVP.
Shane: The 3 superstars heading to Smackdown will be … Matt Hardy … Big Show … and the womens champion Beth Phoenix.
J.R: It looks like the women’s championship will be heading to Smackdown.
We go backstage as Todd Grisham is with Batista …
Todd: Batista you are the newest member to the Smackdown brand, what are your thoughts …
Batista: It is a privilege to be back home on Smackdown. With superstars like HHH and John Cena heading to Friday nights, Smackdown should be now be called the A- show . But don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t matter who’s on the roster, no one I mean no one will get in my way of capturing that World Heavyweight Title ...
Batista looks angry as we see Mr. Kennedy walking up
Kennedy: Hello David … First off I have no problem with you but did I just hear you say Smackdown will be the A-show. Who do you think you are by thinking Smackdown will be the top show, huh, I don’t care who got drafted to what show but I do know one thing, and I will speak up for you, Smackdown doesn’t have the best thing that happen to this industry his name is Miiiiiissssssssssssssttttttttttttttttteeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrr Kennedy …. Kennedy.
- Commercial -
Maria music hits as she heads to the ring
Beth Phoenix’s music hits as she makes her way to the ring
J.R: You are looking at the newest member of the Smackdown brand, and she is taking her womens title with her.
Match 4-
Beth Phoenix vs. Maria
Both women look to lock up but Maria runs by Phoenix and connects with a kick to the mid-section. Shes on the attack as Maria connects with two rights hands but the women’s champion looks unfazed. As Maria goes for a third right hand Phoenix blocks it and connects with a right hand of her own. Maria goes crashing to the mat. The Glamazon stands over Maria telling her to get up but once Maria gets up she gets picked up as the glamazon runs her into the turnbuckle. If that wasn’t enough, Phoenix shows her strength by picking up Maria over her head. She walks to the middle of the ring and just drops Maria to the mat. The glamazon doesn’t wait long to continue the attack… she pulls Maria up and pulls her in and picks her up looking to connect up a suplex. She shows her strength by holding Maria in the air for 5 - 7 seconds before sending her crashing to the mat. She goes for the cover 1 .. 2 .. 3.
Winner: Beth Phoenix via pinfall 5: 42
Vince McMahon music hits as, himself and Shane come out to make the final two draft picks.
Vince: Ladies and Gentlemen, make sure you check out wwe.com for the results of the supplemental draft to see which superstars goes to which brands. The final two draft picks for Raw are … Umaga … and … Rey Mysterio.
Crowd pops
Shane: The Final Two Smackdown draft picks are: … JBL and … Santino Marella
J.R: That’s it, both brands have their 10 draft picks …
King: But that’s not it for tonight we still have the main event …
J.R: That’s right King, Its Edge vs. The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title and its next .
- Commercial -
Match 5 - Main Event
World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker © vs. Edge
As The Undertaker stands in the middle of the ring unbuttoning and removing his jacket and his hat, Edge goes into a rage, pointing at the title belt around ‘Takers waist, shouting “That’s MY belt! You took it away from me! MY title!†Undertaker doesn’t move a muscle, keeping his eyes locked on Edge, letting him lose his temper. When ‘Taker is ready, the bell rings and the two Superstars circle each other before locking up. ‘Taker wins a battle of strength and immediately backs Edge into a corner, where he holds him to a 4-count. As he backs away with his arms up, his attention turns to a complaining referee, allowing Edge to charge out of the corner and shoulder block Undertaker to the floor. This is where Edge begins to take control, mounting The Undertaker and pounding him with lefts and rights, before picking him up and whipping him into the ropes. As Undertaker comes back, Edge hip-tosses him, before pushing on and launching an arsenal of offensive moves, including suplexes, clotheslines and an arm bar. After hitting a dropkick on The Undertaker, he locks in a sitting headlock, keeping ’Taker there for a good 2 minutes. ’Taker begins to fade and it looks like he’s gone but he starts to battle back as the referee goes to lift his arm for the third time. Edge can’t believe it as Undertaker battles to his feet but Edge is on guard and manages to kick him in the gut and drop him with a Face Plant before ’Taker can complete his comeback. He goes for the first attempted pin fall. 1...2...‘Taker kicks out. Edge continues his assault and manages to pull off a superplex from the top turnbuckle and goes for second pin attempt. 1...2...’Taker kicks out just before the three but stays grounded. Edge looks frustrated but gets up and taunts the crowd - “Look at your Phenom now!†He sets up for the spear to finish off the match. ‘Taker gets to his feet and turns around as Edge starts his run up……NO! ‘Taker moves out of the way and Edge goes shoulder first into the ring post! He staggers backwards and walks straight into a HUGE DDT from The Undertaker. He goes for the cover. 1...2...another near fall as Edge kicks out just in time. Momentum now switches as Undertaker picks up Edge and whips him against the ropes, hitting a thunderous clothesline when Edge rebounds back. He then picks Edge up and whips him into the corner where he hits a running body splash, before twisting his arm and performing an Old School. Undertaker is firmly in control, but out of nowhere, Hawkins and Ryder appear next to each other on the ring apron, pointing and trash talking at ‘Taker to distract him. ‘Taker just stares straight at them, unaware that Edge has recovered and is setting up for another spear. Undertaker eventually turns around as Edge begins another run-up, but The Phenom moves again, and Edge crashes into Hawkins and Ryder on the ring apron. Edge gets up and holds his head in disbelief as he looks at his fallen lackeys outside the ring, and turns straight into a waiting Undertaker, who lifts him up for a mammoth Tombstone Piledriver. Undertaker goes straight for the cover. 1...2...3.
Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker via pinfall @ 14.08
Undertaker kneels down and holds the belt in the air as raw goes off the air.
Raw Draft Picks
Randy Orton
Edge
Chris Jericho
Shawn Michaels
Mr. Kennedy
John Morrison
CM Punk
MVP
Umaga
Rey Mysterio
Smackdown Draft Picks
Undertaker
HHH
John Cena
Jeff Hardy
Batista
Matt Hardy
Big Show
Beth Phoenix
JBL
Santino
Quick Results
Santino defeats Jeff Hardy - Raw receives 1st draft pick
HBK defeats John Morrison
Orton/Umaga defeat HHH/Cena
Beth Phoenix defeats Maria
World Heavyweight Championship- Undertaker defeats Edge
There will be a special supplemental draft to be held later tonight at 10pm. WWE.com will give all the draft updates. New rosters will be posted tomorrow once the supplemental draft has been completed.
