WWE.com RAW Results: February 16, 2004 -ICONS COLLIDE: WRESTLEMANIA DREAM MATCH TAKES SHAPE ON EXPLOSIVE RAW
Bakersfield, CA- Just 24 hours removed from a chaotic No Way Out pay-per-view, Monday Night RAW exploded with WrestleMania implications, shocking returns, and simmering tensions boiling over. Evolution felt the sting of defeat, Shawn Michaels unleashed a new, darker side, and a WrestleMania dream match was unexpectedly born.
DREAM COLLISION: ICONS SET WRESTLEMANIA COLLISION COURSE
By WWE.com Staff - February 17, 2004
The wrestling world stands frozen in shock this morning after witnessing what many are calling the most explosive confrontation in Monday Night RAW history. In a moment that will be replayed for generations to come, two of sports entertainment's greatest icons—stood face-to-face, setting the stage for what could be the most anticipated WrestleMania match of all time.
The electricity in Bakersfield's Rabobank Arena was palpable from the opening bell, but no one could have anticipated the seismic shift that would occur when the second hour began. The lights dropped suddenly, plunging the arena into darkness, save for a single spotlight that cut through the blackness to illuminate the entrance ramp. When Shawn Michaels emerged, longtime WWE fans immediately sensed something different. Gone was the flamboyant entrance, the pyrotechnics, and the signature HBK strut. In their place stood a man consumed by purpose—dressed in black leather, hair pulled back tightly, eyes fixed forward with laser-like intensity. This wasn't the showman who had entertained millions; this was a predator with a point to prove.
"The crowd's reaction was unlike anything I've heard in years," said ringside commentator Jim Ross. "It wasn't unanimous cheers or unanimous boos—it was this strange, electric tension. People didn't know whether to embrace or fear this version of HBK."
| "I AM WRESTLEMANIA" - HBK UNLEASHED |
Michaels entered the ring with deliberate steps, refusing to acknowledge the mixed reaction. Taking the microphone, he surveyed the audience with cold calculation before breaking his silence.
"You all think you saw the end of Shawn Michaels last night, didn't you?" he began, referencing his brutal match with Kurt Angle at the previous night's No Way Out pay-per-view. "You think Kurt Angle beat me and now I ride off into the sunset, right? Fade out with some Hall of Fame video and a handshake. That's how the story ends, huh? Well, not this time. Not for me."
The intensity in Michaels' voice grew with each passing word. Years of frustration seemed to pour out as he paced the ring like a caged animal.
"I've bled too much. Sacrificed too much. I've given this business more than any man alive," HBK continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "You don't get to decide when I'm finished—not Kurt Angle, not Eric Bischoff, not Vince McMahon... and sure as hell not the spoiled little kids in the front row who think they know what 'WrestleMania moments' are!"
The audience's reaction shifted dramatically, as boos cascaded down from the rafters. Michaels, unfazed, doubled down on his message.
"You chant for new blood. You beg for new faces. You forget who built the damn platform they're walking on. I AM WrestleMania. Madison Square Garden? That building doesn't breathe without me inside it."
Michaels' face reddened as he recalled his legacy, pointing to the WrestleMania X ladder match that many consider the greatest match in the event's storied history.
"I laced up my boots in 1994 and stole the show in the Garden. Ten years later—and you think I'm not headlining this year? You think I'll sit backstage and watch someone else take the spotlight I EARNED with every drop of blood I've lost in that ring?"
Suddenly, Michaels stopped pacing. The arena fell silent as he planted himself in the center of the ring, microphone gripped tightly in his hand.
"I don't want a match at WrestleMania... I want THE match. I want the spotlight, the pressure, the legacy. I want the biggest damn challenge this company can throw at me. I want the match that proves Shawn Michaels still IS... the Showstopper!"
The challenge hung in the air for only seconds before the arena erupted with those iconic opening notes—"IF YA SMELLLLLLLL..."—sending the crowd into a frenzy that registered on local seismographs.
The Rock appeared on the entrance ramp, bathed in spotlight, wearing his signature sunglasses and a custom leather jacket. Unlike Michaels, he took his time, savoring the electric atmosphere as 15,000 fans chanted his name in unison. He didn't speak for what felt like an eternity, simply absorbing the moment while Michaels stood in the ring, a subtle nod acknowledging what was about to unfold.
When Rock finally raised the microphone, the reaction was deafening.
"Finally... The Rock has come back... to Monday... Night... RAW."
Backstage sources report that the decibel level reached during this moment was among the highest ever recorded at a WWE event, forcing audio technicians to make emergency adjustments to prevent equipment damage.
"Shawn Michaels. Mr. WrestleMania. The Showstopper. The Main Event. The Icon," Rock continued, emphasizing each moniker with theatrical precision. "You stood in that ring and asked for the match. You asked for pressure. You asked for legacy. You asked for the biggest challenge possible..."
The Rock removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes locked directly on his potential WrestleMania opponent.
"So tell The Rock this, Shawn... are you ready for that pressure when it comes in the form of the most electrifying man in sports entertainment? Are you ready when that legacy is standing right in front of you, looking you dead in the eye, and asking: 'You sure you still got it?'"
The crowd erupted into "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!" chants that echoed throughout the arena, creating a soundtrack to what was quickly becoming one of RAW's most historic segments.
| TWO LEGENDS, ONE DESTINATION: MADISON SQUARE GARDEN |
Michaels, leaning casually against the ropes, let the chants wash over him before slowly raising his microphone. His response was measured but laced with venom.
"You're damn right I still got it," HBK shot back, his expression darkening. "You call yourself the most electrifying man in sports entertainment... I call myself the man who stole every show you've ever watched."
The crowd gasped audibly as Michaels delivered his next lines, cutting straight to The Rock's Hollywood aspirations.
"You walked out to Hollywood. I stayed. I fought. I bled. So you want WrestleMania in the Garden? You want to share that spotlight with me? Just know this, Rock: I'm not coming to entertain. I'm coming to beat you."
The tension in the arena reached unbearable levels as The Rock slowly made his way down the ramp, never breaking eye contact with HBK. The People's Champion entered the ring with deliberate steps, each bringing him closer to the confrontation fans had dreamed about for years.
"Then The Rock says this—Shawn Michaels, WrestleMania XX... You bring your legacy. You bring your heartbreak. You bring your soul. The Rock will bring the pain, the passion, and the People's Elbow. And when it's all said and done? There will only be one icon left standing."
What happened next will be etched into WWE lore forever. The two superstars stood mere inches apart, neither willing to break first. The crowd noise reached an unprecedented peak as Michaels began the familiar routine—the stomp of his foot signaling the potential Sweet Chin Music.
In a display of lightning-fast reflexes, Rock anticipated the move, catching Michaels' leg mid-air before it could connect. For several breathtaking seconds, they remained frozen in this position—Michaels balanced on one leg, his kick intercepted by The Rock's powerful grip.
"You could feel the history being made," said WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, who was calling the action. "Two men who represent different eras, different styles, different legacies—suddenly existing in the same space and time. It was like watching matter and antimatter collide."
The standoff intensified as both men's faces contorted with adrenaline and determination. Veins bulged in The Rock's forearm as he maintained his grip, while Michaels' jaw clenched in defiance. Then, in perhaps the most shocking moment of all, Rock slowly lowered HBK's foot to the canvas and backed away.
No punches were thrown. No final words exchanged. The Rock simply turned and walked out of the ring, leaving Michaels standing alone—but the message had been delivered loud and clear.
EVOLUTION IMPLODES? TRIPLE H ERUPTS IN CHAOTIC RAW MAIN EVENT
The fallout from No Way Out continued to send shockwaves through WWE as Monday Night RAW delivered one of the most explosive episodes in recent memory. What began as Evolution's attempt to reclaim lost gold ended in stunning fashion, with the faction showing dangerous fractures and the World Heavyweight Champion finding himself face-to-face with his WrestleMania destiny.
EVOLUTION ADDRESSES THEIR NO WAY OUT FAILURES
The night began with Evolution's unmistakable theme music filling the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California. The group's leader, World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, strode confidently to the ring flanked by "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, with Randy Orton and Batista following closely behind. Despite the group's unified entrance, observant fans noticed the tension simmering beneath the surface.
Triple H, microphone in hand, immediately addressed the elephant in the room—his unsuccessful challenge against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at No Way Out.
"Let's get something straight," The Game began, pacing the ring with visible irritation. "What happened last night was nothing more than a temporary setback. Brock Lesnar didn't beat me—circumstances beat me."
The World Heavyweight Champion's demeanor darkened as he continued. "But that's fine. Because while Lesnar limps around SmackDown with his blue title, I'm still standing here with the only championship that matters." He raised his World Heavyweight Championship high above his head as the partisan crowd showered him with jeers.
"And in six weeks, at WrestleMania XX, the wrestling world will witness the difference between an Olympic Hero and a true legend of this industry when I systematically dismantle Kurt Angle piece by pathetic piece."
Triple H's vitriol toward Angle intensified with each passing moment. "Kurt Angle thinks his gold medals make him special? Let me enlighten everyone—winning a medal twenty years ago doesn't entitle you to MY spotlight. Madison Square Garden isn't for amateur wrestlers playing professional. It's for the cerebral assassin who has dominated this business while Kurt was still wearing singlets and head gear."
The champion's face contorted with disgust as he continued his tirade. "Angle calls himself the most technically proficient wrestler in WWE history? Maybe. But WrestleMania isn't about technical proficiency—it's about being the best damn sports entertainer on the planet. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what I am."
RIC FLAIR ERUPTS, FRICTION EXPOSED
The 16-time World Champion Ric Flair took the microphone next, his face flushed with the trademark crimson intensity that has defined his legendary career.
"WOOOOO!" Flair exclaimed, eliciting a reflexive response from the crowd. "What happened last night was nothing short of highway robbery! The greatest tag team in this sport today—The Animal Batista and The Legend Killer Randy Orton—were screwed out of THEIR World Tag Team Championships!"
Flair's animated gestures punctuated each word as spittle flew from his mouth. "Those titles belong to Evolution! Not to some has-been like Booker T and certainly not to a spotmonkey like Rob Van Dam!"
In a shocking moment that sent murmurs through the crowd, Flair suddenly turned toward Batista. "And let's be honest about something else. If SOMEONE had been paying attention instead of showboating, maybe our World Heavyweight Champion wouldn't have had Brock Lesnar slip through his fingers!"
The arena fell silent as Batista's expression darkened, his massive frame tensing at the accusation.
Before The Animal could respond, Randy Orton quickly grabbed the microphone. "The Nature Boy is right about one thing—Triple H wouldn't have lost if it wasn't for certain... distractions." Orton shot a sideways glance at Batista. "But that's in the past. Tonight, we bring the tag team gold back where it belongs—to Evolution."
Triple H, sensing the deteriorating unity, stepped between his stablemates. "Evolution doesn't crack. Evolution doesn't falter. We adapt, we overcome, and tonight, those tag team titles come back to the most dominant force in sports entertainment."
BACKSTAGE TENSION BUILDS
Throughout the evening, WWE cameras captured revealing moments between Evolution members that suggested all was not well within WWE's most powerful faction.
In one tense exchange outside the locker room, Batista was seen confronting Orton. "You want to talk about distractions? How about you focus less on kissing the boss's ass and more on watching my back tonight," The Animal growled.
Orton's response was equally heated. "I've been carrying this team for months. Just don't spear me again, and we'll be fine."
In another segment, Triple H was captured in conversation with Flair, expressing concern about the tag team situation. "I need those two focused tonight, Ric. We can't afford any more setbacks. Evolution needs to present a united front heading into WrestleMania."
The Nature Boy assured his protégé. "Don't worry, champ. I've got them on the same page. By the end of the night, all the gold will be back where it belongs."
Later, in perhaps the most telling moment, Triple H was seen eyeing his sledgehammer thoughtfully while watching a monitor displaying highlights of RVD and Booker T's championship victory. "Sometimes," he muttered to no one in particular, "you need to take matters into your own hands."
MAIN EVENT: CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH REACHES BOILING POINT
The main event atmosphere was electric as Rob Van Dam and Booker T made their entrance, proudly displaying the World Tag Team Championships they had captured just 24 hours earlier at No Way Out.
"These two men are on cloud nine," Jim Ross observed from the announce table. "But Evolution is at their most dangerous when they're backed into a corner."
That observation proved prophetic as Randy Orton and Batista emerged to Evolution's theme music, their expressions betraying none of the earlier friction. Triple H and Ric Flair accompanied them to ringside, providing an intimidating presence that clearly communicated the importance of this match to the group's standing.
From the opening bell, the contest was a masterclass in contrasting styles. RVD and Booker T utilized their innovative offense, with Van Dam's aerial assault complementing Booker's explosive striking combinations. The champions moved with the fluid coordination of veterans who had competed together for years, despite their relatively new partnership.
"Look at the teamwork!" Jerry "The King" Lawler exclaimed as RVD launched himself off Booker T's shoulders to deliver a devastating Five Star Frog Splash attempt that Orton narrowly avoided.
In contrast, Evolution's challengers relied heavily on their power advantage and individual brilliance rather than cohesive strategy. Batista's raw strength allowed him to manhandle both champions, while Orton's technical precision created numerous near-falls that had the crowd holding their collective breath.
The match reached a fever pitch when all four men ended up fighting on the outside of the ring. As the referee began his count, Flair created a diversion on the opposite side of the ring, allowing Triple H to slide Orton a steel chair. The Legend Killer concealed the weapon, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
When action resumed in the ring, Batista and Booker T were the legal men. The Animal dominated with power moves, culminating in a spinebuster that nearly secured the victory. As Booker somehow kicked out at 2.9, frustration visibly mounted on the faces of all Evolution members at ringside.
The climactic sequence began when Batista tagged in Orton against his better judgment, clearly wanting to finish what he had started. As Orton entered, he immediately reached for the hidden chair while the referee was distracted by Triple H on the apron.
In a moment that perfectly captured the deteriorating cohesion within Evolution, Orton swung wildly with the chair—but Booker T ducked! The steel crashed against Batista's skull with a sickening thud that echoed throughout the arena. The Animal collapsed to the outside as RVD, sensing opportunity, tagged himself in. Booker T hit Orton with the scissors kick.
"Look out!" Jim Ross shouted as Van Dam ascended to the top rope. "RVD measuring Orton... FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! COVER! ONE... TWO... THREE!"
The arena erupted as RVD and Booker T successfully retained their championships, leaving Evolution in disarray at ringside. Flair was beside himself, Triple H stood stone-faced, and Batista was slowly regaining consciousness while shooting daggers at Orton.
TRIPLE H UNLEASHES FURY, WRESTLEMANIA XX FOE MAKES SAVE
The celebration proved short-lived. Before the Tag Team champions could properly savor their victory, Triple H slid into the ring with frightening purpose. The World Heavyweight Champion blindsided Booker T with a clothesline that nearly took his head off, then turned his attention to RVD, driving him into the canvas with a high-impact spinebuster.
"This is uncalled for!" Jim Ross protested as the assault continued. "Triple H is taking out his frustrations on the tag team champions!"
The Game's fury seemed to intensify with each passing moment. He methodically dismantled both champions, targeting RVD's previously injured knee and focusing on Booker T's neck with precision that showcased why he's considered one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE history.
When referee Mike Chioda attempted to intervene, Triple H shoved him aside with such force that the official tumbled through the ropes. This cleared the path for what came next—The Game sliding out of the ring and retrieving his trademark equalizer.
"My God, he's got the sledgehammer!" Ross exclaimed as Triple H re-entered the ring, the weapon gripped tightly in his hands. "Somebody needs to stop this before someone gets seriously injured!"
The World Heavyweight Champion raised the sledgehammer high above a prone Rob Van Dam, a sadistic smile spreading across his face—when suddenly the arena exploded with the sound of Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle's entrance theme.
"It's Angle! Kurt Angle is here!" Ross shouted as the camera cut to the entrance ramp, where Angle was sprinting toward the ring with intense determination. Despite the brutal beating he had endured from Shawn Michaels just 24 hours earlier, the Wrestling Machine moved with purpose, his eyes locked on Triple H.
The Game quickly turned to face the incoming threat, but Angle slid under the bottom rope and launched himself at the champion with a ferocity that sent both men tumbling across the canvas. The sledgehammer flew from Triple H's grasp as Angle mounted him, delivering a flurry of strikes that drove The Game toward the corner.
"These two men will meet at WrestleMania XX for the World Heavyweight Championship," Lawler reminded viewers, "but Angle isn't waiting six more weeks!"
Evolution attempted to intervene, with Flair, Orton, and a still-dazed Batista approaching the ring—but they were cut off by the arrival of RVD and Booker T, who had recovered enough to even the odds. The resulting brawl on the outside allowed Angle and Triple H to continue their one-on-one confrontation in the ring.
After a furious exchange of blows, Angle gained the decisive advantage, catching Triple H's arm and wrenching it into his signature Angle Lock. The World Heavyweight Champion screamed in agony, desperately clawing toward the ropes as his WrestleMania opponent applied relentless pressure.
"Triple H is trapped in the middle of the ring!" Ross called out. "The Cerebral Assassin has nowhere to go!"
Just before the champion could be forced to submit, Ric Flair broke free from the outside melee and slid into the ring, breaking the hold with a chop block to Angle's knee. This created just enough separation for Triple H to escape through the crowd, clutching his championship belt and glaring back at the ring with a mixture of rage and apprehension.
Monday Night RAW went off the air with Kurt Angle standing tall in the center of the ring, pointing directly at Triple H and then motioning that the World Heavyweight Championship would soon be around his waist. The Olympic Hero's message was clear—the road to WrestleMania had just become intensely personal.
BACKSTAGE FALLOUT
WWE.com has learned exclusively that the situation continued to deteriorate backstage following RAW's conclusion. Multiple sources report a heated verbal altercation between Evolution members, with Batista and Orton having to be physically separated by road agents.
"This isn't over," Batista was heard shouting. "Not by a long shot."
Triple H reportedly called an emergency meeting of Evolution in his private locker room, from which even Ric Flair emerged looking concerned. When approached for comment, the 16-time World Champion would only say, "Evolution adapts. That's what we do. Madison Square Garden will still belong to us when WrestleMania is over."
Kurt Angle, speaking briefly with WWE.com reporters while receiving medical attention on his knee that Ric Flair attacked, was more direct in his assessment: "Triple H has hidden behind Evolution for too long. At WrestleMania, it's just him and me—and that gold medal around my neck isn't the only gold I'll be taking home from New York City."
As the WWE fans process this explosive edition of Monday Night RAW, several questions remain unanswered: Can Evolution maintain unity heading into WrestleMania? Will Triple H's focus be divided between Angle and his faction's internal struggles? And how will this impact the remaining 6 weeks on the Road to WrestleMania?
Stay tuned to WWE.com for breaking updates on this developing situation as we continue our countdown to the twentieth anniversary of The Showcase of the Immortals.
HIGHLIGHT REEL CHAOS: BISCHOFF TARGETED, JERICHO DESTROYED
What began as another edition of the always-unpredictable "Highlight Reel" segment deteriorated into one of the most shocking displays of violence ever witnessed on Monday Night RAW, leaving the stunned and RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff scrambling for safety.
The familiar strains of "Break The Walls Down" electrified the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield as Chris Jericho made his way to the specially decorated set of his talk show segment. The former Undisputed Champion's entrance lacked its usual flair and showmanship, however, as an uncharacteristically serious expression dominated Y2J's features.
"Welcome to RAW is JERICHO!" he announced to a thunderous ovation, though his delivery carried an underlying tension that seasoned Jerichoholics immediately detected. "Welcome to the Highlight Reel!"
The elaborate set featured Jericho's trademark lavish decor—leather furniture, ornate rugs, and the massive "Jeritron 3000" video monitor. But tonight, something was different. Jericho paced the set with agitated energy, occasionally glancing toward the entrance ramp with barely concealed contempt.
"Tonight, I've invited a very special guest," Jericho continued, his voice taking on an edge rarely heard outside his most heated rivalries. "Someone who needs to answer for decisions that go beyond the boundaries of professional competition and cross into the realm of personal degradation. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome—though I use that term extremely loosely—RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff!"
The crowd's reaction shifted instantly from adulation to vehement disapproval as Bischoff's theme music hit. The General Manager emerged with his characteristic swagger, dressed impeccably in an Italian suit, though looking somewhat hesitant about entering Jericho's domain.
Bischoff cautiously made his way to the Highlight Reel set, maintaining a safe distance from his visibly agitated host. The General Manager reached for a microphone, attempting to project his usual authoritative presence despite the hostile environment.
"Chris, I appreciate the invitation," Bischoff began with forced politeness, "though I must say I'm a bit confused about the reason for it. If this is about your match next week, I—"
"This isn't about my match," Jericho interrupted sharply, cutting off the General Manager mid-sentence. "This is about something far more disgusting. This is about you, Eric—the depths to which you've sunk not just as a General Manager, but as a human being."
The intensity in Jericho's voice caused Bischoff to take an instinctive step backward, his confident facade momentarily slipping. The crowd sensed the genuine tension, their jeers for Bischoff intensifying.
"Last week," Jericho continued, moving closer to his increasingly uncomfortable guest, "you sanctioned a match between Trish Stratus and Christian. A match that wasn't about competition. It wasn't about proving who the better athlete is. It was about humiliation. It was about subjecting a woman to the ego-driven sadism of your twisted agenda."
Bischoff attempted to interject, but Jericho was in no mood for excuses. The former Undisputed Champion's voice rose as he recounted the events from the previous week's RAW.
"You stood there," Jericho accused, pointing directly at Bischoff, "and you watched Christian target Trish specifically because of her connection to me. You approved that match knowing exactly what Christian's intentions were. Not to compete, but to inflict punishment. To send a message."
The General Manager's initial discomfort gave way to a smug smile as he collected himself, straightening his tie with rehearsed nonchalance.
"First of all, Chris," Bischoff replied with mock concern, "I'm touched by your sudden chivalrous concern for Trish Stratus. Really, I am. But let's not pretend this is about anything other than your ego being bruised because Christian has exposed the truth about your relationship with her."
The crowd booed vociferously as Bischoff continued, gaining confidence with each word. "As for sanctioning that match—yes, I did. Because unlike you, I respect Trish Stratus as a competitor. She's a multiple-time Women's Champion who doesn't need Chris Jericho fighting her battles or questioning my decisions about who she competes against."
Jericho's jaw visibly tightened as Bischoff pressed on, the General Manager now circling the set with growing authority.
"But since you've decided to make this a public forum for airing your personal grievances," Bischoff continued, "let me be perfectly clear about something. What happens in my ring, under my watch, is MY business. Not yours. If I decide Trish Stratus should face Christian, or The Big Show, or the entire roster in a Gauntlet Match—that's my prerogative as General Manager."
Bischoff moved dangerously close to Jericho now, lowering his voice to a near-whisper that the microphones barely caught. "And between us, Chris... I think we both know why you're really upset. It's not about Trish's well-being. It's about the fact that when she was lying there in the ring, it wasn't you she was looking at. It was Christian."
The comment proved to be the breaking point. In an explosion of fury rarely witnessed from the usually controlled Jericho, Y2J lunged forward, spearing Bischoff with such force that both men crashed through the decorative table on the Highlight Reel set, sending fragments of glass and wood scattering across the ring.
"My God! Jericho has completely lost it!" Jim Ross exclaimed from the announce table as the assault continued. "He's physically attacking the General Manager of RAW!"
Security personnel rushed toward the ring but hesitated at the ringside area, clearly uncertain about how to handle the volatile situation. Jericho, meanwhile, mounted the prone Bischoff, delivering a series of punches that left the General Manager's face reddened and his carefully styled hair in disarray.
"Somebody needs to stop this!" Jerry "The King" Lawler shouted as Jericho dragged Bischoff to his feet by his designer tie.
The crowd's reaction transformed from shock to enthusiastic approval as Jericho forced Bischoff into position for his devastating submission maneuver.
"He's going for the Walls of Jericho!" Ross called out. "Jericho's going to break the General Manager in half!"
With surgical precision, Jericho executed the move, wrenching Bischoff's legs into the painful hold while the General Manager screamed in agony. The arena erupted into cheers as Bischoff desperately slapped the mat, begging for mercy that wasn't forthcoming.
"Tap out, you pathetic excuse for a man!" Jericho shouted, audible even without a microphone as he increased the pressure on the submission hold. "Tap out!"
Just as it appeared Bischoff might suffer serious injury, the arena's attention shifted to the entrance ramp, where Christian emerged at a full sprint. The former Intercontinental Champion slid into the ring behind the focused Jericho, who remained oblivious to the impending danger as he maintained the punishing hold on Bischoff.
"Look out, Jericho!" Ross warned futilely as Christian launched a devastating assault from behind, driving his forearm into the back of Jericho's neck with sickening force.
The impact broke Jericho's grip on Bischoff, who immediately rolled out of the ring, gasping for air and clutching his lower back. Christian, meanwhile, showed no mercy in his assault on his former tag team partner, delivering a series of methodical strikes that drove Jericho into the corner.
"This is payback for Jericho sticking his nose in Christian's business last week," Lawler observed as the attack continued with increasing brutality.
In a particularly vicious moment, Christian gripped Jericho by his trademark long hair and whipped him across the ring with such force that Y2J's momentum carried him directly into the massive "Jeritron 3000" monitor. The impact shattered the screen in a shower of sparks and broken glass, with Jericho collapsing among the debris as the crowd gasped in collective shock.
"For the love of God!" Ross exclaimed. "Christian just threw Jericho into his own video monitor! The Jeritron 3000 is destroyed, and Jericho might be in even worse condition!"
Backstage medical personnel rushed toward the ring as Christian surveyed the damage with cold satisfaction. But the former Intercontinental Champion wasn't finished. As Jericho stirred among the wreckage, attempting to rise to his hands and knees, Christian methodically removed the decorative furniture from the ring, clearing space for what would come next.
"No, Christian! Enough is enough!" Ross pleaded as Christian stalked the badly damaged Jericho.
With calculating precision, Christian grabbed his dazed opponent by the hair once more, positioning him for his finishing maneuver. The crowd fell into a horrified hush as Christian executed the Unprettier, driving Jericho's face into the canvas with such impact that Y2J lay completely motionless in the center of the ring.
"The Unprettier! Christian just knocked Jericho out cold!" Ross called, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Somebody get some help out here immediately!"
As medical staff rushed into the ring, a new development unfolded that added another layer to the increasingly complex situation. Trish Stratus's music hit, and the multiple-time Women's Champion emerged from the back with visible concern, rushing to the ring despite the potential danger.
Trish slid under the bottom rope and immediately went to Jericho's side, gently cradling his head as she checked for responsiveness. The crowd's reaction was mixed—some cheering her apparent concern for Jericho.
ADDITIONAL RAW HIGHLIGHTS
LA RÉSISTANCE DOMINATES TAG DIVISION CONTENDERS
In a spirited mid-card contest, La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier and René Duprée) secured a decisive victory over the fan-favorite duo of The Hurricane and Rosey. The French-Canadian tandem demonstrated their growing cohesion with several impressive double-team maneuvers before Grenier pinned Hurricane following their signature Au Revoir finisher. Post-match, La Résistance made their championship aspirations clear, directly addressing newly-crowned Tag Team Champions RVD and Booker T from the entrance ramp.
WOMEN'S CHAMPION MOLLY HOLLY VICTORIOUS; LITA RETURNS TO SAVE VICTORIA
Women's Champion Molly Holly continued her impressive reign by defeating former champion Victoria in a technically sound contest that showcased both competitors' in-ring prowess. Holly secured the victory with a well-executed Molly-Go-Round, but refused to end her assault after the bell. As Victoria endured a post-match beating, the Rabobank Arena erupted when Lita's music hit, marking her return after defeating Victoria at No Way Out. The red-headed diva cleared the ring, pointing to the WrestleMania XX sign while staring down the Women's Champion, making her championship intentions crystal clear.
MAVEN TRIUMPHS IN QUICK ENCOUNTER WITH RICO
Former Tough Enough winner Maven delighted the Bakersfield crowd with a victory over the flamboyant Rico in a brief but entertaining contest. After weathering Rico's unorthodox offense, Maven connected with a perfectly executed dropkick for the three-count, earning one of the night's loudest ovations from the appreciative audience.
KANE UNLEASHES BACKSTAGE DESTRUCTION ON STEVEN RICHARDS
In a chilling backstage segment, the Big Red Machine violently reminded the entire universe of his destructive capabilities by decimating Steven Richards in the backstage area. The unprovoked attack saw Richards thrown through a glass panel and left unconscious amid the wreckage as Kane stared menacingly into the camera. A direct message to the Undertaker, who he faces in a Inferno Casket Match at Wrestlemania XX.
WRESTLEMANIA XX CARD
March 28th, 2004
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
World Heavyweight Championship
Triple H (c) vs. Kurt Angle
WWE Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Edge
Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock
Inferno Casket Match
The Undertaker vs. Kane
Chris Jericho vs. Christian
Women's Championship
Molly Holly (c) vs. Lita
