~ WWE: The Blueprint ~

[WrestleWizard]

Segment VIII: The Revolution's First Defense

The arena was still buzzing from the chaotic fallout of WrestleMania XX when the soft, classical instrumental of Molly Holly’s theme began to play, drawing a wave of boos. The former champion emerged, not with the regal confidence of a queen, but with the cold, focused fury of a deposed monarch. Dressed in her immaculate ring gear, her expression was a mask of indignation as she marched to the ring, her eyes burning a hole through the woman who had taken everything from her. The crowd’s jeers were answered by an explosion of raw, grungy guitar as Lita’s theme hit, and the new Women’s Champion burst onto the stage to a deafening roar. The title was slung over her shoulder, not like an accessory, but like a hard-won battle standard. She charged down the ramp, a whirlwind of red hair and rebellious energy, the physical embodiment of the revolution that had triumphed less than twenty-four hours earlier.

The bell had barely sounded when Molly Holly came tearing across the ring like a storm let loose. There was no hesitation, no lock-up, no circling—it was raw fury. She speared Lita into the corner, driving her shoulder deep into the champion’s midsection once, twice, a third time, each impact drawing a groan from the crowd. Molly had studied those ribs since WrestleMania, and she made them her target, pounding away with merciless precision. She grabbed Lita by the wrist and hurled her down hard to the canvas, then stomped down with the heel of her boot, each blow landing like a hammer. With Lita writhing in pain, Molly bent low, cinched her arm around the waist, and wrenched her into a grueling abdominal stretch. The look on Molly’s face was chilling—teeth clenched, eyes narrowed, every inch of her body bent on causing punishment rather than winning quickly. The referee hovered nearby, asking Lita if she wanted to submit, but the champion’s head shook wildly, hair whipping around as she refused to give Molly the satisfaction.

For the next few minutes Molly toyed with her prey, shifting from holds to high-impact attacks that only deepened the rib damage. She dropped a knee across Lita’s midsection, then another, then dragged her up only to slam her back down with a snapmare, following with a stiff running kick to the spine. Lita tried to roll away, but Molly gave her no space, dragging her up again and throwing her shoulder-first into the corner before charging with a knee lift that nearly folded the champion in half. From there she hooked the arms and delivered a picture-perfect double underhook suplex, bridging for a pin, but Lita somehow kicked out at two. Molly slapped the mat in frustration, then rolled her foe over and clamped down with a waistlock on the mat, digging her forearm into the ribs and twisting cruelly. The champion gasped for air, her face etched with anguish, but Molly only tightened the pressure, leaning her full weight into the hold. The arena began to clap and stomp, a rhythmic chant of “Let’s go, Lita!” swelling louder with each second.

That chant seemed to awaken something deep within the champion. With a guttural scream, she fired her elbow back into Molly’s ribs, then again, then a third time, loosening the grip. Summoning every ounce of strength she had, Lita rolled her hips and hurled Molly over with a desperate hip toss. The crowd erupted as Molly hit the mat hard. Staggering to her feet, Lita ducked a wild clothesline and came roaring back with one of her own, knocking Molly down. She repeated it again, and again, three clotheslines in quick succession, and suddenly the match had turned on its head. She grabbed Molly by the hair and drove her face-first into the canvas with a snap DDT, the impact jolting the crowd to its feet. Lita flung herself across Molly for the cover—one, two, but Molly kicked free at the last heartbeat. Still, the eruption from the crowd told the story: the champion was alive.

Feeding off that energy, Lita rose and pointed to the top rope, a signal that sent the arena into a frenzy. She climbed gingerly, clutching her ribs, but Molly had life left in her yet. Just as Lita launched herself into the moonsault, Molly rolled toward the corner and thrust both knees up. The collision was sickening—Lita’s ribs slammed down onto Molly’s knees, and she collapsed in agony. Molly pounced instantly, hauling Lita up and snapping her over with a perfect German suplex, bridging beautifully. The referee dove in—one, two, th—Lita jerked her shoulder up at the last possible instant. A gasp spread through the crowd, followed by thunderous applause at her resilience. Molly sat up wide-eyed, then slammed her fist against the mat in disbelief. She dragged Lita to the corner, climbing the ropes with her back to the ring. The audience knew what was coming: the Molly-Go-Round. Molly steadied herself, leapt, and spun—but at the last moment Lita shoved her mid-rotation, sending Molly crashing chest-first to the mat below in a brutal spill.

Both women lay motionless for a moment, the crowd roaring encouragement. Slowly, painfully, Lita pulled herself up by the ropes. Molly staggered to her feet, clutching her chest, only to walk straight into the champion’s trap. With a burst of energy, Lita hooked her head and planted her with a devastating Twist of Fate. The noise was deafening, the entire arena shaking as fans leapt to their feet. But Lita was not done yet. She rolled onto her stomach, clutching her ribs in agony, before dragging herself inch by inch toward the corner. Every rung of the turnbuckles felt like a mountain climb. The fans willed her upward, stomping, screaming, begging her on. Finally she stood at the top, arms spread wide in defiance. Molly lay prone on the canvas, still gasping for breath. Lita took one final breath and soared through the air with her trademark Litasault, twisting gracefully before crashing down with pinpoint accuracy onto Molly’s chest.

The landing drew an explosion of sound, the kind that rattles the walls. Lita hooked the leg, pulling Molly tight against her. The referee’s hand hit—one! two! three!—and the bell clanged in victory. Lita rolled to her side, clutching her ribs with one arm while raising the Women’s Championship with the other. Molly slid under the ropes, furious and dazed, retreating up the aisle with venom in her eyes. But inside the ring, the image was unmistakable: a battered, bruised, yet unbroken champion standing tall, proving once again that her fire could not be extinguished.

As the referee handed Lita her championship, she collapsed to her knees, clutching the title to her chest, the physical and emotional toll of the last twenty-four hours washing over her. She pushed herself to her feet, her body aching, and took a microphone, her voice cracking with emotion. "Last night," she began, her voice trembling, "last night was for every single one of you who ever felt like you didn't fit in. For everyone who was ever told you were too different, too reckless. Last night, we proved them all wrong!" The crowd roared in approval. "Molly Holly said this title was about dignity and tradition. Well, I'm here to say that this title is about heart! It's about passion! And as long as I am your Women's Champion, I will defend it with everything I have, for all of you!"

Her expression then hardened, the celebratory fire in her eyes turning into a defiant blaze. "But it seems like there's always someone new waiting in the back, ready to tell you what you are. Earlier tonight, I heard what Gail Kim had to say. I heard her say that I'm not a champion... that I'm a 'symbol' that's meant to be broken." Lita took a step forward, her voice now low and steady, filled with a dangerous intensity. "Well, Gail, you're right about one thing. I am a symbol. I'm a symbol for every person who fights for what they believe in. And let me tell you something about this symbol... it doesn't break." She raised the championship high, her knuckles white. "This symbol fights! So, Gail, if you want a piece of this, if you want to try and break me... you know exactly where to find me. I'm right here!" Lita's music exploded through the arena as she stood tall in the center of the ring, the fighting champion of a new era, already staring down her next war.

SEGMENT IX: Randy Orton vs. Ric Flair

The camera cut backstage to the interview area, where Todd Grisham stood with a microphone, his expression a mixture of anticipation and professional concern. "My guest at this time," he began, "scheduled for action next against his former mentor, 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair... Randy Orton." The camera panned to reveal Orton, who leaned against a production crate with a cool, dismissive arrogance. He was completely fresh, showing no signs of wear from the previous night, only the supreme confidence of a man who believed he had conquered the world.

"Randy," Grisham said, "last night at WrestleMania, you didn't just defeat Batista; you stood tall over the ruins of Evolution. Tonight, you face the patriarch of that group, Ric Flair. What are your thoughts heading into this match?"

Orton let out a cold, humorless chuckle, pushing himself off the crate. "Thoughts? Todd, you're giving this far too much credit. Ric Flair is a fossil. He's a walking, talking history lesson that nobody wants to hear anymore. Last night was the end of an era. Tonight isn't a match; it's a public execution. I'm going to do to Ric Flair exactly what I did to him at WrestleMania: put him out of his misery and prove that the age of Evolution is extinct. As for Batista..."

Before he could finish the sentence, a blur of motion exploded into the frame. Batista, a freight train of pure muscle and rage, blindsided Orton, driving him off the crate and into a stack of metal scaffolding with a sickening crash. Grisham scrambled for safety as Batista unleashed a torrent of raw, untamed violence. He hauled Orton up by his vest and threw him like a ragdoll into the cinder block wall, Orton's head cracking against the concrete with a dull thud. "You stabbed us in the back!" Batista roared, his voice a guttural snarl. He dragged Orton through the backstage corridor, the camera crew scrambling to keep up with the chaotic brawl. As they neared the gorilla position, Ric Flair, already in his magnificent ring robe, stepped out and joined the assault, cackling as he delivered a series of vicious stomps to Orton's already injured ribs. The two-on-one mugging was merciless. They dragged Orton's limp body through the curtain and shoved him violently onto the stage. The crowd roared in a mixture of shock and fury as Orton's music hit, and the battered superstar, his body screaming in protest, began the long, painful crawl down the ramp as his opponents waited in the ring, ready for the bell to ring on a match that had already become a slaughter.

The clang of the bell served only as the official start to the slaughter that had already begun backstage. Randy Orton, still reeling from the brutal two-on-one assault, struggled to his hands and knees as Ric Flair circled him, a predator savoring the moment. With Batista standing guard at ringside like a monolith of pure rage, Flair immediately went on the offensive, unleashing a torrent of vicious stomps on Orton's already battered ribs. A cacophony of knife-edge chops followed, each punctuated by a triumphant "WOOO!", turning Orton's chest into a raw, crimson canvas. The first few minutes were not a wrestling match, but a public flogging, as Flair used every bit of his veteran experience to exploit the damage his enforcer had inflicted just moments before.

Running on pure survival instinct, Orton finally created an opening. As Flair indulged in a classic strut, Orton sprang forward, driving a thumb deep into the legend’s eye. The illegal tactic, unseen by the official, gave Orton the space he needed to breathe. He exploded with a desperate burst of offense, catching Flair with a sharp dropkick and following up with a methodical attack on Flair's back. For a brief moment, the "Legend Killer" seemed to reemerge from the battered shell, dissecting his former mentor with a cold precision that silenced the crowd. As Flair staggered to his feet, Orton began to pound the mat, signaling for the RKO. The entire complexion of the match was poised to change on that one, serpentine strike.

It was a change that would never come. As Orton coiled, ready to strike, Batista leaped onto the ring apron, roaring at his former stablemate. The referee's attention was immediately diverted, ordering Batista back to the floor. Orton, his focus broken, turned and barked at Batista, "Get down from there!" This momentary distraction was his undoing. Behind the referee's back, Ric Flair, the dirtiest player in the game, rose to his feet and delivered a brutal, blatant low blow that crumpled Orton in an instant. As Orton collapsed to the mat, gasping in agony, the referee turned back, completely oblivious to the foul. Flair, smirking, simply rolled the incapacitated Orton onto his back, hooked his legs, and defiantly placed both of his own feet on the middle rope for illegal leverage. The referee dropped to the mat, his count echoing Orton's fate: one, two, three. The bell rang. But the night was far from over for Randy Orton. As soon as the match ended, Batista stormed the ring. The two men, the vengeful remnants of Evolution, began a savage two-on-one beatdown. Flair held Orton's arms while Batista delivered a series of brutal, clubbing blows to his back and ribs. The crowd's boos were deafening, but they were ignored. The assault culminated with a thunderous Batista Bomb that left the Legend Killer motionless in the center of the ring.

Just as it seemed the carnage was over, the iconic, snarling riff of Motörhead's "The Game" detonated from the speakers. Triple H, dressed for his main event match against Shawn Michaels, emerged onto the stage, but he wasn't empty-handed. In his grip was his signature sledgehammer. He walked down the ramp with a cold, deliberate purpose, the steel weapon resting on his shoulder. He slid into the ring, and the three original members of Evolution stood over the broken body of their former protégé. Triple H surveyed the damage, a cruel smirk on his face. He then raised the sledgehammer high and brought it crashing down into Orton's already bruised ribs with sickening force. Orton's body convulsed in agony. But Triple H wasn't done. He threw the sledgehammer aside, grabbed Orton by the hair, and dragged his limp body to the center of the ring. With a final, definitive roar of dominance, he hooked Orton's arms and drove him into the mat with a devastating Pedigree. The faction's music hit, and the three men stood tall over Orton's broken body, a reunited, vengeful force of nature. The Main event is next.

 

[WrestleWizard]

Segment X: Special Guest Referee: Kurt Angle; Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H

The final, thunderous chords of Evolution's theme music faded, leaving a tense, humming silence in Jersey. In the center of the ring, Triple H stood over the broken body of Randy Orton, his chest heaving, a cruel smirk of satisfaction on his face. He was dressed for war in his black trunks and boots, ready for his main event match, but he had made time for this brutal piece of business first. Ric Flair cackled, stomping near Orton's head, while Batista circled the carnage, a predator surveying his kill. The crowd rained down a torrent of boos, a sound of pure, undiluted hatred for the reunited faction.

Suddenly, a swarm of referees and backstage officials rushed down the ramp, their faces a mixture of urgency and fear. They slid into the ring, creating a human barrier between Evolution and their victim. Several officials immediately tended to Orton, checking on him with concerned whispers, while the lead referee, Charles Robinson, got in Triple H's face, ordering him to his corner. At the same time, a larger contingent of security guards in black polo shirts surrounded Flair and Batista. "Get them out of here! The match is next!" Robinson yelled, pointing emphatically toward the entrance ramp.

Flair, his face flushed with adrenaline and victory, was incensed. "Don't you put your hands on me! Wooo! We run this show!" he screeched, jabbing a finger in a security guard's chest. Batista simply stared down the men surrounding him, his massive frame an immovable object of defiance. It took the combined effort of nearly a dozen men to finally corral the two enraged legends and begin slowly, forcefully, escorting them out of the ring and up the ramp. Flair jawed at the crowd the entire way, while Batista never took his cold, menacing eyes off the ring, a silent promise that this was far from over. As they disappeared behind the curtain, a team of EMTs arrived with a stretcher for the motionless Randy Orton. The message was clear: Triple H was now alone.

The arena was a powder keg of hatred and anticipation as the final match of the night began. First to enter was the special guest referee, the NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Kurt Angle. He walked to the ring not in a suit, but in his wrestling gear with a referee's shirt stretched taut over his muscular frame, the Big Gold Belt gleaming around his waist. He moved with a focused, professional air, a man determined to officiate by the book, despite the circumstances. Next, "Sexy Boy" erupted, and Shawn Michaels emerged to a massive ovation, looking battered from his war with The Rock but still carrying himself with the defiant swagger of "Mr. WrestleMania." Finally, with Triple H already in the ring, the bell rang, and the main event was underway.

The atmosphere was immediately toxic, but Angle was the picture of impartiality. He called for a clean lock-up, his commands sharp and clear. He administered his counts with a steady, even cadence, giving neither man an advantage. When Triple H tried to choke Michaels on the ropes, Angle was there instantly, physically inserting himself between them to force the break. When Michaels threw a closed fist, Angle issued a stern warning, his face a mask of pure professionalism. The match was a classic encounter between two legends, a story of hatred and history told through brutal, beautiful violence, with the World Champion having the best seat in the house.

For ten minutes, the action was a breathtaking back-and-forth. Triple H controlled the early pace with a methodical, punishing assault, but Michaels exploded into a fiery comeback. He hit his flying forearm, kipped up, and dropped a thunderous flying elbow onto Triple H's heart. The crowd was unglued as he retreated to the corner, stomping his foot, tuning up the band for Sweet Chin Music. As Triple H staggered to his feet, Michaels lunged, but The Game ducked and shoved him forward. Michaels stopped himself just short of colliding with Angle, who stood his ground, unflinching. The momentary hesitation was all Triple H needed. He spun Michaels around, kicked him in the gut, and went for the Pedigree.

But Michaels countered, back-dropping Triple H over the top rope to the floor. As Triple H recovered on the outside, Michaels saw his opening. He hit the ropes, built a head of steam, and launched himself over the top with a spectacular crossbody, crashing into Triple H and sending both men tumbling in a heap. Angle, ever the professional, began his ten-count. As the two rivals brawled on the floor, Michaels reversed an Irish whip, sending Triple H careening toward the referee. Angle, with his incredible reflexes, sidestepped the collision, but as he turned, he was met by a charging Shawn Michaels, who accidentally crashed into him with a flying forearm meant for Triple H.

That was the final spark. Angle tumbled to the floor, his face twisting in a mask of pure fury. The professionalism shattered. He ripped off his referee shirt, threw it down, and slid back into the ring, a predator unleashed. He tackled Michaels to the mat, raining down a series of furious, mounted punches. Triple H, seeing the chaos, slid back into the ring and joined the assault on Michaels. But this was no alliance. After a few stomps, Angle shoved Triple H aside and dropped him with a thunderous German suplex, drawing a massive pop from the crowd.

The main event had devolved into the chaotic three-way war that had been promised for Backlash. Angle hit an Angle Slam on Michaels. Triple H recovered and planted Angle with a spinebuster. Michaels kipped up and delivered Sweet Chin Music to Triple H, sending him crumbling to the mat. As Michaels stood tall, Angle blindsided him, locking in a vicious Ankle Lock. The crowd roared as Michaels writhed in pain, but before he could tap, a recovering Triple H minutes later grabbed the sledgehammer he had left at ringside. He slid into the ring and brought the weapon crashing down across Angle's back, breaking the hold.

Angle collapsed, releasing Michaels. Triple H then turned his attention to his oldest rival. He stalked the downed HBK, a cruel smirk on his face, before kicking him in the gut, hooking his arms, and driving him into the mat with a devastating Pedigree. But he wasn't done. He turned to the stirring World Champion, snatched the Big Gold Belt from Angle's waist, and threw it to the mat. He then dragged Angle up and delivered a second Pedigree, spiking the champion's face directly onto his own title. The show went off the air with a final, chilling image: Triple H, standing tall over the broken bodies of both the World Heavyweight Champion and Mr. WrestleMania, hoisting the championship high above his head as if it were already his. After already helping dismantle Randy Orton just moments earlier on Raw, it was a definitive, violent statement: the new era on Monday nights would be defined by The Game.

WWE BACKLASH 2004
May 2, 2004
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

NEXT WEEK ON RAW

World Tag Team Championships
The Hardy Boyz (c) vs. Lance Cade & Mark Jindrak

WrestleMania XX Rematch
Batista vs. Randy Orton​

 

[Stojy]

If I'm honest, I'm not a huge fan of the show being posted in a bunch of parts. Just feels really disconnected and makes it hard to ascertain whether the show was match heavy/promo heavy/overbooked etc, because everything just feel like its own entity. I guess I'm more of a traditionalist that way, but as a reader, it all feels a bit disconnected and hard to follow for me.

I'll just comment on the final segment to Raw. Pretty standard booking with Trips/Michaels and Angle here, leading to the triple threat. I'm more interested in how heavily involved Triple H could possible stay with the Orton stuff, whilst he's still chasing the World Title. It feels like something will have to give soon.

Looking forward to seeing how SD follows Mania.

 

[WrestleWizard]

Thanks Stojy for the feedback. I agree and for me personally I think WWE.com style recaps will be my TV route going forward and PPVs will be full all out detail/effort. I love the criticism as it will only help me make a more enjoyable BTB!! Hopefully these recaps/articles will be enough to get the story across.

SmackDown Results: April 1, 2024

Latino Heat Turns to Vicious Venom as Guerrero Desecrates Mysterio’s Mask, Ignites War with Edge​

COLUMBUS, OH – Just days removed from one of the most shocking betrayals in WrestleMania history, the WWE Universe inside a sold-out Nationwide Arena did not have to wait long for answers. The April 1st edition of Friday Night SmackDown opened with the familiar hiss of hydraulics and the sight of Eddie Guerrero’s iconic lowrider rolling into view. But this was no celebration. Instead of the roaring cheers that once greeted Latino Heat, the atmosphere was drenched in a thick, venomous cocktail of boos and genuine hatred.

Eddie stepped out, his usual mischievous grin replaced by a cold, arrogant sneer. In his hand, he held the ultimate trophy of his treachery: Rey Mysterio’s sacred mask. With an exaggerated swagger in his step and pure disdain in his eyes, Guerrero strutted toward the ring, clutching the mask like a prized scalp. The jeers only seemed to fuel his arrogance as he held the mask high in the air, mocking the proud heritage it symbolized.

Taking the microphone, Eddie’s voice, once a beloved rasp, cut through the boos with bitter contempt. “You boo me? After everything I’ve given you? You’re all hypocrites!” he snarled, lashing out at the same audience that once adored him. He claimed his actions at WrestleMania were not betrayal, but liberation. For too long, he seethed, he had been shackled by honor, by friendship, by Rey Mysterio.

Eddie’s tone grew sharper as he spat Rey’s name. “Mysterio… my so-called brother… he was dead weight! For years, I carried him, I carried the burden of tradition, of ‘la raza,’ of respect. But respect doesn’t win you the main event. Respect doesn’t get you the WWE Championship.” He branded Rey’s mask as nothing more than a crutch—a shield for sympathy—while Eddie, he claimed, was the one doing the fighting. He then addressed the elephant in the room regarding his own family turmoil. "And Chavo? You people think I forgot about the Royal Rumble? You think I forgot what my own family did? That was Guerrero business! We settle our scores in-house. But Rey... Rey had to play the hero. He stuck his nose in our family's business. He tried to come between blood!" Eddie's voice dripped with venom. "So let me make something clear: When an outsider tries to break up the pack, the pack turns on them. Blood is thicker than water, and Mysterio, you ain't blood." In a chilling proclamation, Guerrero dismissed all notions of outside loyalty, declaring that the Guerrero family creed was the only one that mattered. “Lie, Cheat, Steal… it ain’t just a t-shirt. It’s who we are. And it’s who I am.”

The boos only intensified, but Eddie pressed on, revealing the true depth of his motive. He reminded the world that at WrestleMania, he had gone toe-to-toe with Goldberg and survived, proving his rightful place among the elite. According to Eddie, the constant need to protect Rey and uphold friendship had been the only chain keeping him from greatness. Now, with Rey broken and disgraced, Eddie promised his path to championship gold was clear. His hunger, his addiction to glory, would consume everything in his way.

Then came the final insult. With a look of sheer disgust, Eddie raised Rey’s mask one last time, before spitting venomous words: “This means nothing.” He tossed the symbol of Lucha Libre pride to the mat, he deliberately placed the sole of his boot onto the sacred fabric, grinding it into the canvas to scar the symbol of Lucha Libre pride as the crowd’s fury became a deafening roar.

Just as the boos for Guerrero reached a deafening crescendo, his tirade was suddenly sliced in half by the electrifying guitar riff of “Never Gonna Stop.” The arena exploded as Edge emerged, marching down the ramp with a grim determination that transformed the fans’ anger into a thunderous wave of cheers. Still visibly battered from his hellacious WWE Championship Match against Brock Lesnar, Edge moved with a noticeable limp, his ribs heavily taped beneath his shirt.

Sliding into the ring, Edge went nose-to-nose with Guerrero. “Last night,” Edge rasped, “I went through hell with Brock Lesnar, and I came this close. But I’m not done—my fight for the WWE Championship isn’t over.” The crowd roared before Edge’s gaze turned cold. “But then I see you… a guy I respected, a guy I thought had heart. And I’m not angry, Eddie… I’m disgusted.”

The words hung in the air, silencing the arena for a heartbeat before Edge delivered the final, devastating dagger: “What you did to Rey Mysterio… taking his mask, taking his pride… that wasn’t ‘Latino Heat.’ That was pathetic. You’re not a champion, Eddie. You’re not even a Guerrero… you’re a coward.”

The accusation lit a fire in Eddie’s eyes, and he snapped, throwing the first punch. But Edge, fueled by righteous fury, unleashed a torrent of fists that staggered Guerrero. Despite his injuries, Edge tackled him to the mat in a storm of strikes before stalking into the corner, his eyes blazing as he set up for the Spear. In a desperate act of survival, Eddie bailed out under the bottom rope, snatching Mysterio’s desecrated mask from the mat as he scrambled up the ramp. With a wicked smirk, Guerrero clutched the stolen mask, leaving Edge standing tall in the ring, seething with rage. The WWE Universe had witnessed the birth of a new, venomous Eddie Guerrero—and he had just ignited a war with a relentless new enemy.

GM Teddy Long Makes a Blockbuster Main Event!​

Backstage, the door to the General Manager's office flew open with such force that it slammed against the wall. A furious Brock Lesnar stormed in, the WWE Championship slung over his shoulder. He found the new SmackDown General Manager, Teddy Long, leaning back in his chair, cool and composed.

"Long!" Lesnar barked. "I just went through hell. I want competition, not a circus. Who's next?"

Teddy slowly rose from his chair, adjusting his suit. "Holla, holla, holla, playa. Settle down. I see you went to war with Edge, and congratulations. But things are gettin' heated around here. You got a problem with Edge. And now, Eddie Guerrero, he seems to have a problem with Edge, too. And let's not forget about the brand new United States Champion, John Cena, who's ready to prove himself."

Lesnar scoffed, "I don't have problems, Long. I am the problem."

"That may be," Teddy replied smoothly, "but tonight, you're also part of the solution. Because, you see, I'm gonna do what I do best. Tonight, for our main event... we're gonna have ourselves a tag team match!" In a blockbuster announcement, Teddy declared that Brock Lesnar would be forced to team with Eddie Guerrero to take on Edge and the new United States Champion, John Cena! Lesnar's face contorted in a mask of pure rage, but Teddy simply grinned. "Now can you dig that... sucka?! Holla!"

Bashams Punch Their Ticket in Triple Threat Chaos​

The Basham Brothers def. The World’s Greatest Tag Team and Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty to become No. 1 Contenders

In a chaotic Triple Threat Tag Team Match, The Basham Brothers emerged from the carnage to earn a future shot at WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick, who were watching intently from the commentary desk. The action was fast and furious from the opening bell, with all three teams brawling inside and outside the ring.

After a wild sequence that saw Rikishi clean house and Scotty 2 Hotty successfully deliver the W-O-R-M to Shelton Benjamin, the match broke down. As Scotty celebrated, he was nearly turned inside out by a brutal clothesline from Danny Basham. Doug slid in immediately, and the brothers hit their double-team elevated inverted DDT finisher for the victory.

Post-match, the new champions London and Kendrick rose from their seats, locking eyes with the triumphant Bashams. The contenders pointed to the gold, making their intentions crystal clear.

"The Hunt Begins": A Furious Goldberg Unleashes Hell on SmackDown​

Still seething from the humiliation he suffered at WrestleMania, a furious Goldberg marched to the ring with a singular, terrifying purpose: total annihilation. His opponent, local competitor John Walters, was obliterated in seconds, cut in half by a devastating Spear and finished with a ring-rattling Jackhammer.

After the demolition, Goldberg snatched a microphone. “You people saw what happened at WrestleMania!” he barked, pacing like a caged animal. “I wasn’t beaten. I was conned! Eddie Guerrero didn’t beat me like a man—he tricked me! But now… now the hunt begins. I’m not stopping until I’ve destroyed every single person on this show who stands in my way. And Eddie… your time is coming.”

Later, backstage, Goldberg’s path of rage led him to a dejected Big Show, who was lamenting his own WrestleMania loss. After a tense exchange where Goldberg mocked Show for losing to "a kid who thinks he's a rapper," the two behemoths stood nose-to-nose, on the verge of a cataclysmic explosion, proving that no one on SmackDown is safe from the fallout.

The Champ is Here! Cena's Celebration Derailed by a Hostile Takeover from a ‘Wrestling God’​

The electric atmosphere inside the arena reached a fever pitch as the new United States Champion, John Cena, sprinted to the ring to a thunderous ovation. "This title... this title is home!" Cena declared. "This is for every single person out there who's ever been told you're not big enough, not strong enough, or not good enough! This is the Ce-Nation's Championship, and it is here to stay!"

His celebration was cut short by the blare of a limousine horn and the pompous, orchestral theme of John "Bradshaw" Layfield. Dressed in an immaculate suit and cowboy hat, JBL strode to the ring with an air of immense superiority. "You are a disgrace to that championship's legacy," JBL sneered, calling Cena a "common street punk."

After a heated verbal exchange, JBL laid down his mission statement. "At WrestleMania, I didn't just win a match; I ended an era. That championship you're holding deserves a champion of my stature. A man of wealth, of power, of distinction. I am putting you, and the entire world, on notice. I am officially making a bid to acquire that asset. I am coming for my United States Championship." Refusing to fight on Cena's terms, JBL promised to strike when the market was favorable, leaving Cena with a new, dangerous enemy on the horizon.

Guerrero Proclaims Family Unity, but Cruiserweight Open is Struck by ‘Thunder’ as Legendary Jushin Liger Arrives!​

Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr., flanked by his father Chavo Classic, smugly addressed the WWE Universe, proclaiming that with Eddie's actions at WrestleMania, the Guerrero family was stronger and more united than ever. He then announced a Cruiserweight Open, with the winner earning a future title shot. Billy Kidman, Tajiri, Akio, Jamie Noble, Funaki, and Nunzio all answered the call.

But just as the match was about to begin, the lights cut out. An unfamiliar, electrifying guitar riff hit, and a name exploded onto the TitanTron: JUSHIN "THUNDER" LIGER.

Columbus, Ohio did not cheer; it detonated. The living legend, a global icon, emerged in his iconic full-body suit and horned mask. Liger marched to the ring, his presence otherworldly, and vaulted over the top rope. The segment ended with an unforgettable image: Liger, pointing a single, gloved finger directly at a horrified Chavo Guerrero, as the entire arena came unglued.

Liger Conquers Chaos! Japanese Legend Wins Cruiserweight Open​

In a breathtaking and chaotic encounter, Jushin "Thunder" Liger outlasted six other competitors to win the Cruiserweight Open and earn a future championship match. The action was a non-stop highlight reel, featuring spectacular dives, stiff Japanese Strong Style strikes between Liger and Tajiri, and multiple near-falls. In the stunning conclusion, Liger met Akio on the top rope and delivered a crushing top-rope Brainbuster for the victory. The legend stood tall as a terrified Chavo Guerrero clutched his title, realizing the dream match had now become his nightmare at Backlash May 2nd.

The Phenom Delivers a Final Eulogy for a Fallen Brother​

In a somber moment, the arena lights plunged into darkness, and the soul-shaking GONG of The Undertaker echoed through the building. Flanked by Paul Bearer, The Phenom made his deliberate walk to the ring to address the WWE Universe for the first time since defeating his brother Kane in an Inferno Casket Match at WrestleMania.

His voice a low, gravelly rumble, The Undertaker delivered a chilling eulogy. "The creature I faced last night... that was not my brother," he stated. "My real brother… died a long time ago. He wore a mask... to contain the inferno that raged within his own soul. He chose to remove that mask, and in doing so, he did not reveal a man… he unleashed a devil."

The Undertaker declared that his actions at WrestleMania were not about victory, but about performing an exorcism. "Last night, I did not bury Kane. I buried the weakness, the jealousy, the evil that had corrupted him. I buried the devil himself. The war is over. The cycle of vengeance is complete. And now… the soul of my brother… can finally… Rest… In… Peace.” With that, he dropped the microphone, and a final GONG left the arena in absolute silence.

Volatile Alliance Implodes; Edge and Cena Stand Tall in Chaotic Main Event​

Edge & John Cena def. Brock Lesnar & Eddie Guerrero

The blockbuster main event was a powder keg from the start. The tension between WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero was palpable, with tags being taken by force via aggressive slaps to the chest. The dysfunctional duo managed to isolate both John Cena and Edge for long stretches, with Lesnar inflicting monstrous punishment and Guerrero adding methodical, rule-breaking offense.

The match exploded when Edge received a hot tag, leading to all four men brawling in the ring. The pivotal moment came when Edge hit Lesnar with a massive Spear. As he went for the cover, Guerrero broke up the pin to save his hated partner. An enraged Lesnar rose to his feet, made a shocking decision, grabbed Eddie from behind, and planted him in the center of the ring with a devastating F-5.

The ultimate betrayal left the arena stunned. Lesnar simply smirked at the carnage he created and exited the ring, leaving his partner to the wolves. With Lesnar walking out, Edge, the legal man, hit a final, definitive Spear on the unconscious Guerrero for the victory. The show went off the air with the two new top heroes of SmackDown, Edge and John Cena, celebrating in the ring, while a smirking Brock Lesnar held his WWE Championship high on the stage, looking more dominant than ever.

Stock Crashes as JBL Savagely Ambushes Cena​

As SmackDown was nearing its conclusion, John Cena was seen walking through the backstage parking garage when, from the shadows, John "Bradshaw" Layfield emerged, viciously attacking the new United States Champion from behind with a steel tire iron.

"I told you, kid," JBL sneered over a crippled Cena. "A good businessman strikes when the market is right. And your stock... just crashed."

What followed was a savage and systematic destruction. JBL brutalized Cena, slamming his head into a parked car and repeatedly crushing his arm in the door of his own pristine white limousine. The assault culminated with a truly hellacious Clothesline from Hell that left Cena in a motionless, bloody heap on the concrete floor. In a final act of dominance, JBL ripped the U.S. Title from Cena's grasp, draped it over his unconscious body, and calmly wiped a smear of Cena's blood onto a white handkerchief before departing in his limo. The night ended not with a celebration for the new champion, but with a brutal, unforgettable ambush, signaling the beginning of a dark and hostile takeover on SmackDown.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

NEXT WEEK ON SMACKDOWN

GM TEDDY LONG TO NAME WWE CHAMPION BROCK LESNAR'S BACKLASH OPPONENT

JUSHIN LIGER & CHAVO GUERRERO SIGN THE CONTRACT FOR THEIR BACKLASH CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Raw Results - April 5, 2004: HBK vs. Angle II, Orton Finds Phenomenal Ally, Hardy Boyz defend World Tag Team Championships and Much More

HOUSTON, TX – In one of the most chaotic and unpredictable nights in Raw history, the battle lines for Backlash were not just drawn—they were carved in steel and stained with bad blood. With every superstar jockeying for position on the road to the spring's most volatile pay-per-view, the flagship show erupted into a warzone. When the dust settled on a night that saw shocking alliances formed and bitter rivalries explode, it was World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle who stood tall over the broken bodies of his two top contenders, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Meanwhile, Randy Orton’s seemingly unwinnable war against Evolution took a stunning turn as he found a partner in the most unexpected of places.

Monday Night Raw opened under the shadow of a reunited Evolution, as the ominous strains of “Line in the Sand” heralded the arrival of Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista. Dripping with arrogance, the dominant faction declared their return was no nostalgia tour, but a hostile takeover with Randy Orton as its first casualty. The Game vowed that after he recaptures the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash, he would personally end The Legend Killer’s career. The Nature Boy then laid down a daunting challenge for the pay-per-view: a tag team match, daring Orton to find a single Superstar brave enough to stand with him against their united power. Capping off their grim prophecy, a seething Batista demanded an immediate rematch, promising to inflict a new level of pain on his WrestleMania rival. Just as their venomous words hung in the air, the arena erupted for a battered but unbowed Randy Orton. Stalking onto the stage with his eyes blazing with defiance, The Legend Killer mocked their failure to “finish the job” last week, proclaiming that he was still standing and still fighting. After brazenly accepting Flair’s Backlash proposition, Orton turned the entire segment on its head by locking eyes with The Animal and demanding their rematch happen right here, right now. The challenge was met with a furious roar from Batista, who shoved past his partners as officials scrambled to make the match, with Orton willingly walking into the lion’s den to face a vengeful Batista with Triple H and Ric Flair lurking at ringside.

In a match made just moments earlier, Randy Orton went to war with Batista in an intensely personal rematch from Wrestlemania XX. With Triple H and Ric Flair prowling at ringside like sharks, the hostile atmosphere was palpable as The Animal immediately targeted Orton’s pre-existing injuries from last week’s brutal assault. Batista’s raw power was on full display, but The Legend Killer’s resilience shone through as he weathered the storm, countering a spinebuster attempt into a spectacular swinging neckbreaker. Despite the lingering pain, Orton fought his way back, dropping Batista with his signature inverted backbreaker and beginning to pound the mat, signaling for a venomous RKO that would put The Animal down for good. The match’s boiling point was reached when Ric Flair’s timely distraction of the referee allowed Triple H to slide a sledgehammer into the ring. Though the official caught Batista before he could use it, the chaos was enough for The Animal to plant Orton with a thunderous spinebuster. When he hoisted Orton up for the Batista Bomb, The Legend Killer masterfully countered with a stunning RKO out of nowhere! But as Orton went for the pin, Flair yanked him out of the ring, forcing a disqualification. The bell only signaled the beginning of the carnage, as all three members of Evolution swarmed Orton for a merciless beatdown. The assault was briefly halted when World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle charged the ring, brawling with Triple H and sending one of his Backlash opponents into a furious retreat. Even with The Game neutralized, Orton was still left in a two-on-one mugging at the hands of Batista and Flair. Just as it seemed The Legend Killer would be completely dismantled, a theme song blasted through the arena, heralding the arrival of AJ Styles, who made his shocking debut last week on Raw. The Phenomenal One hit the ring like a lightning bolt, leveling Flair with a dropkick and flooring Batista with a discus clothesline to the roar of the Houston crowd. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a weary Orton, Styles grabbed a microphone and made a stunning declaration: “Orton—you need a partner at Backlash? You got one.” With the challenge accepted, the blockbuster match is now official, and for the first time in weeks, the odds against Evolution have finally been evened. Later in the evening, the Randy Orton & AJ Styles sent another shockwave through Texas. In a backstage interview, a defiant Orton declared that Evolution’s days of picking him apart were over, praising Styles for standing up when no one else would. The “Phenomenal One” echoed that confidence, stating he came to WWE to prove he is the best wrestler in the world and that his statement in the ring was just the beginning. Wasting no time, Styles then laid down a stunning challenge, calling out “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair for a one-on-one match next week on Raw. With Orton backing his new partner’s play, the duo has put Evolution on notice that their war is just getting started, leaving everyone to wonder if the 16-time World Champion will accept the challenge from Raw’s hottest new Superstar.

The unrelenting war between World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and Triple H could not be contained by the ring, as Raw returned from a commercial break to the sight of pure backstage carnage. Officials and security were powerless to stop the two bitter rivals as they crashed through corridors, slamming each other into production cases and steel walls with reckless abandon. The Game desperately swung a steel pipe, but the Olympic Gold Medalist ducked and responded with a thunderous belly-to-belly suplex on the unforgiving concrete floor. With Triple H writhing in agony, Angle saw his opening, looking to snap The Game’s ankle right there in the backstage chaos. But before the champion could cinch in the painful Ankle Lock, Shawn Michaels exploded into frame, delivering a stunning Sweet Chin Music that caught Angle flush on the jaw! The Showstopper’s trademark superkick echoed through the corridor, dropping the World Heavyweight Champion in a heap. As a battered Triple H crawled away, HBK stood over his fallen rival with a sly smirk. Leaning in close, Michaels delivered a venomous message: “I’ll see you tonight… champ.” With that, the main event for Monday Night Raw was made crystal clear, as another epic chapter in the storied rivalry between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels was set to be written.

One week after their celebratory coronation was demolished by a vengeful Chris Jericho, Intercontinental Champion Christian and Trish Stratus returned to Raw to address the chaotic assault and the brutal Last Man Standing match challenge for Backlash. In a tense in-ring interview conducted by Jim Ross, the smugness that defined the couple just seven days ago was gone, replaced by a raw, venomous anger. When JR asked if they now regretted pushing Jericho to such a dark place, Trish Stratus immediately seized the narrative, her voice trembling with fabricated fear and outrage. She accused Jericho of being an obsessed, unhinged maniac who crossed an unforgivable line when he shoved her to the ground during his wild attack. Framing herself as the victim, Trish claimed that Jericho's actions proved he was never the hero the fans believed him to be. Visibly agitated by the recollection of being hunted through the arena, Christian snatched the microphone from JR, his knuckles white. He dismissed last week’s beatdown as nothing more than a desperate tantrum from a broken man, but acknowledged the chilling transformation in his former friend’s eyes. With a cold fury, Christian officially accepted the Last Man Standing match, reframing it not as a title defense, but as a necessary evil. He explained that since Jericho himself admitted that "Y2J is dead," his job at Backlash was to exterminate what was left. Christian went into grim detail, promising that this wouldn't be a wrestling match; it would be a prolonged, methodical dissection using steel chairs, announce tables, and any other weapon he could find to systematically break Jericho down, piece by piece, until there was nothing left to get up from. Jim Ross posed one final, haunting question: Was Christian truly prepared for the level of violence required to keep this new Chris Jericho down for a ten-count? Christian leaned in close, his voice dropping to a low, menacing growl. He declared that a ten-count was temporary, and that his goal at Backlash was permanent. He promised the world that he would not just beat Jericho, but that he would inflict such catastrophic damage that Chris Jericho would be physically unable to stand ever again. With a final, chilling smile, Trish added that Jericho wanted to make them suffer, but at Backlash, he would finally learn the true meaning of being left broken, alone, and in the past, a chilling final promise for the horrific war that awaits at Backlash. As Jim Ross, his face etched with professional concern, tried to conclude the interview, Christian’s cold gaze remained locked on him. “You sound concerned for him, JR,” Christian hissed, his voice dangerously low. “After everything he did last week, after he put his hands on Trish, you’re still asking questions like you feel sorry for him?” Before JR could respond, Christian lunged forward, smashing the microphone directly into the JR's forehead with a sickening crack. Ross collapsed backward onto the mat as Trish let out a cruel laugh. The professional interview instantly devolved into a horrifying mugging, as Christian ripped off his expensive suit jacket and began stomping relentlessly on JR’s chest and head, the sound of his dress shoes echoing in the stunned arena. The assault became a systematic and bloody demolition. Trish reached down, grabbing JR by his hair and pulling his head up to slap him hard across the face. Christian meanwhile slid out of the ring and retrieved a steel chair, his eyes burning with a sadistic glee. Returning to the ring, he stood over the dazed and defenseless announcer and, with a full, vicious swing, brought the edge of the chair crashing down onto JR’s forehead. The impact busted Ross wide open, and a crimson mask immediately began to pour down his face, staining the black mat beneath him. Christian wasn’t finished, delivering another brutal chair shot to JR’s back before throwing the weapon down, his knuckles white with rage. With Jim Ross lying in a pool of his own blood, Christian’s sadistic work wasn’t finished. He crouched over the motionless announcer, his voice a mocking imitation of a referee as he began to count. "One... Two... Three..." Each number was slow and deliberate, a psychological twist of the knife. As he reached "Seven... Eight...," a swarm of referees and officials finally stormed the ring, but Christian held them at bay, screaming "Stay back!" He stood up and triumphantly yelled, "Nine... TEN! He's out!" Christian then grabbed a ringside camera, pulling it close to his face, his eyes wild and unhinged. “You see this, Jericho?!” he roared. “He couldn’t answer the count! At Backlash, this will be you, only there will be no one left to scrape you off the canvas! I hear you stayed home tonight, but you won’t have that luxury next week!” he seethed. “Because next week on Raw, you have to be here! You’re going to be in a match… a handicap match… against me AND Trish! He threw the camera down and stood tall with Trish on his arm, the couple bathing in the most venomous chorus of boos in recent memory, having left a beloved Jim Ross beaten and bloody to send their final, terrifying message.

In the Tag Team Division, the challengers, calling themselves "The Reflection of Perfection," attempted to assert their dominance early, but a fiery Matt Hardy was ready, weathering an initial storm and hitting a running bulldog for a two-count. However, the size and power advantage of Jindrak and Cade soon became a deciding factor, as they began a methodical dissection of Matt, isolating him from his corner and cutting the ring in half with a vicious and effective strategy. For several agonizing minutes, Jindrak and Cade punished Matt Hardy with a punishing tandem offense, utilizing quick tags to stay fresh while grounding the champion. Cade showcased his raw power by hoisting Matt into a grueling, extended vertical suplex, while Jindrak focused on submission holds, all while screaming insults at their opponent. The champions seemed to be on the verge of losing their titles, with every comeback attempt from Matt being expertly cut off by a brutal double-team maneuver. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Matt Hardy dug down deep, creating an opening out of sheer desperation by reversing an Irish whip into a Side Effect that left both him and Cade down on the canvas. The crowd erupted, sensing a change in momentum, as Matt crawled inch by inch toward his corner, finally making a desperate, diving tag to his brother. Jeff Hardy exploded into the ring like a bolt of lightning, a whirlwind of offense that overwhelmed the challengers. He dropped both Jindrak and Cade with clotheslines, his signature leg-drop combination, and then used Matt as a launching pad for a spectacular Poetry in Motion to the outside. The arena became unglued when Jeff hit a Whisper in the Wind on Jindrak for a heart-stopping near-fall that had the audience gasping in disbelief. The final moments of the contest descended into pure, unadulterated chaos as all four men brawled in and out of the ring. After Garrison Cade interfered to stop a Twist of Fate/Swanton Bomb combination, the action broke down completely. Matt Hardy recovered to hit a second Twist of Fate on Cade, while Jeff launched himself from the steel steps with an unbelievable corkscrew moonsault onto Jindrak on the arena floor. With both challengers neutralized, Jeff quickly scaled the ropes one last time, connecting with a flawless Swanton Bomb on Cade to secure the pinfall and retain the championships in an absolute classic.

Later in the evening, the cold, pulsating rhythm of Gail Kim’s theme filled the arena as she made her way to the ring with the fluid grace of a predator. Taking a microphone, she began to dissect the new Women’s Champion, Lita. Gail condescendingly mocked Lita's emotional speech from the prior week, framing her celebrated "heart" and "passion" as liabilities in the ring. With a chillingly analytical tone, she explained that precision and intelligence are what sustain a championship reign, not reckless emotion. She concluded her surgical verbal takedown by highlighting Lita’s obvious rib injury, calling the champion a "symbol" that had conveniently painted a target right on itself, a target she fully intended to break. The familiar screech of a guitar riff cut Gail’s monologue short as Lita’s music hit, bringing the crowd roaring to its feet. The Women’s Champion emerged, her midsection heavily wrapped in athletic tape, a visible testament to last week’s war. Marching into the ring, Lita got face-to-face with her challenger, declaring that her injuries were not a sign of weakness, but a receipt—proof that she could survive a war and still walk out the winner. She fiercely countered Gail’s cold logic by championing her connection with the fans and her own fighting spirit, vowing that the very "flaw" Gail saw in her would be the key to her victory. Gail’s only response was a smirk before she exploded forward with a vicious side kick, driving her foot with pinpoint accuracy into Lita’s taped ribs. The champion collapsed in a heap, gasping for air as the crowd let out a collective gasp. Gail immediately capitalized, briefly wrenching Lita into a painful submission before shoving her dismissively to the mat. With officials rushing to the ring, Gail calmly picked up the Women’s Championship belt from the timekeeper's table. She held it high over the fallen champion—a clear statement of her intent—before laying it across Lita’s body and exiting the ring, leaving a definitive and chilling calling card for the war to come.

Later in the night, the palpable tension between former tag team champions Booker T and Rob Van Dam finally boiled over in a tense backstage confrontation. In the harsh quiet of the arena corridors, RVD approached Booker T to apologize for their costly miscommunication last week, calling the mistake a "total accident" and explaining that he "saw an opening". The apology landed flat, as Booker T, with the weary exasperation of a frustrated veteran, immediately interrupted him. Booker pinned RVD with a stare of pure disappointment, reminding him that there was a specific strategy in place. "The opening was for you to hit the Frog Splash after I hit the Scissor Kick. The plan, Rob. We had a plan," Booker stated, his voice tight with frustration. RVD’s nonchalant response that "plans change" and that one has to be "flexible" only served to anger Booker further. He shot back that being "flexible" is what cost them a match against "two punks" and, more importantly, their status as champions. Booker’s final plea to get back on the same page was met with a half-hearted and unconvincing nod from RVD, prompting Booker to walk away in disgust. This unresolved tension followed them to the ring for their match against The Dudley Boyz, where their partnership completely imploded. The match was a hard-fought, back-and-forth affair, but the simmering issues between Booker and RVD were a constant, underlying presence that The Dudleys expertly exploited. In a tragically ironic twist, history repeated itself, but with the roles reversed. RVD had gained control of the match and ascended to the top rope, poised to deliver a match-ending Five-Star Frog Splash to D-Von Dudley. As he prepared to leap, Bubba Ray charged into the ring to interfere. Acting on pure instinct, Booker T rushed in and launched a Scissor Kick at Bubba Ray to protect his partner. Bubba Ray ducked at the last second, and Booker’s kick, intended to save the match, connected flush with RVD as he came flying off the top rope. The kick sent RVD crashing to the mat, and The Dudleys quickly capitalized, hitting Booker T with a 3D for the win. The match ended with a horrified Booker T staring at his hands, having accidentally cost his team the match with the very move he had lectured RVD about.

In a main event dripping with personal animosity and championship implications, World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels tore the house down in a spectacular rematch from their No Way Out classic. The bell rang to an electric atmosphere, but this was no technical feeling-out process. Michaels, fueled by his quest for revenge, refused to engage Angle on the mat, using his speed and striking ability to stick and move, frustrating the Olympic Gold Medalist. Angle, seething with a need to reassert his dominance, relentlessly pursued takedowns, looking to ground HBK and prove his wrestling superiority once and for all. The early moments were a masterclass in storytelling, as Michaels’s fiery desire for retribution clashed with Angle’s cold, calculated grappling prowess. The tide of the match turned when Angle finally caught a kick from Michaels, transitioning it into a brutal dragon screw that sent HBK crumbling to the mat. From there, the "Wrestling Machine" went to work, beginning a methodical and sadistic dissection of Michaels' lower back, the same area he had targeted at No Way Out. Angle arched his back, sending Michaels flying with a series of thunderous release German suplexes, each one drawing a collective groan from the capacity crowd. He followed with a brutal belly-to-belly suplex on the arena floor, leaving Michaels gasping for air and seemingly on the verge of defeat as the champion controlled the pace with suffocating precision. Just when it seemed Angle’s assault was insurmountable, the defiant grit of Mr. WrestleMania shone through. Fighting on pure heart, Michaels created separation with a desperate enzuigiri and began to mount his signature comeback. He exploded with a flying forearm, kipped up to a thunderous ovation, and delivered a series of inverted atomic drops before slamming the World Champion to the mat. With the crowd roaring him on, HBK scaled the top rope and connected with his iconic flying elbow drop, crashing down onto Angle’s heart. He retreated to the corner, tuning up the band, but as he lunged for Sweet Chin Music, Angle brilliantly ducked under the kick, catching Michaels’s leg and locking in a vicious Ankle Lock. The closing minutes of the contest were a heart-stopping display of near-falls and reversals that had the entire arena on its feet. Michaels, screaming in agony, managed to roll through the Ankle Lock, sending Angle crashing into the turnbuckle. As Angle stumbled back, dazed, HBK finally connected with Sweet Chin Music! The crowd exploded, certain the match was over, but somehow, Angle kicked out at 2.9, a feat of resilience that left Michaels in stunned disbelief. A furious Angle retaliated moments later, catching a charging Michaels and planting him with a devastating Angle Slam, but this time it was HBK who found the will to kick out just before the three-count. Completely spent and fueled by pure hatred, the action spilled to the outside. Angle, in a fit of rage, tore the cover off the announce table, looking to end the match definitively. He hoisted Michaels onto the table, but HBK fought back, trading frantic right hands with the champion. As both men stood precariously on the table, Angle wrapped his arms around Michaels' waist, and in a truly shocking moment, arched his back and sent both himself and Michaels crashing through the table with a colossal German suplex. Both men were laid out in a heap of shattered wood and broken bodies as the referee began his ten-count. The crowd screamed, willing either man to move, but neither could answer the call. The referee’s hand hit ten, and the bell rang, signaling a chaotic and unsatisfying double countout, leaving their war for supremacy completely unresolved.

As the chaotic double countout left both Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels down, the arena exploded when the music of Triple H hit, and "The Game" stormed the ring to turn the main event into a three-way war. Triple H immediately targeted Shawn Michaels, but the brawl quickly consumed all three men, with shifting momentum that saw World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle plant Triple H with an Angle Slam on Triple H, his focus shifted to Michaels. However HBK kipped up and hit the champion with a stunning Sweet Chin Music that laid him out cold. With the champion eliminated from the equation, a weary Triple H staggered to his feet, walking directly into a another Sweet Chin Music from his former best friend. With both the World Champion and "The Game" now motionless on the canvas, a battered and exhausted Shawn Michaels was the only man left standing. Raw went off the air with the stunning image of HBK posing victoriously over his two fallen Backlash opponents, having made the final and most emphatic statement in their war for the World Heavyweight Championship. His eyes fell upon the fallen Angle and the World Heavyweight Championship at ringside. In a shocking move, Michaels slid out of the ring, grabbed the "Big Gold Belt," and returned to deliver a brutal shot to the face of both Angle and Triple H. Raw went off the air with the stunning and controversial image of Shawn Michaels standing over his fallen opponents, hoisting the championship high above his head in a clear and defiant message of what he believes is his destiny at Backlash.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

THIS WEEK ON SMACKDOWN

GM TEDDY LONG TO NAME WWE CHAMPION BROCK LESNAR'S BACKLASH OPPONENT

JUSHIN LIGER & CHAVO GUERRERO SIGN THE CONTRACT FOR THEIR BACKLASH CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE MATCH

NEXT WEEK ON RAW

AJ STYLES vs. RIC FLAIR

CHRIS JERICHO vs. CHRISTIAN & TRISH STRATUS

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Smackdown Results - April 8, 2004; A blockbuster WWE Championship announcement is made for Backlash; Jushin "Thunder" Liger and Chavo Guerrero sign the contract for their title match.

The opening moments of SmackDown carried a heavy sense of dread and disdain as the unmistakable sight of JBL’s signature white limousine pulled slowly into the arena. The chrome glistened under the lights, the longhorns on the hood glared with authority, and as the driver’s door opened, out stepped John “Bradshaw” Layfield himself. Dressed in a tailored designer suit, boots polished to perfection, and his trademark cowboy hat tilted with smug confidence, JBL emerged looking every bit the Wall Street wolf he claims to be. His expression showed no remorse for his recent actions, only the cool arrogance of a man convinced he operates above consequence. As he made his way to the ring, the boos from the crowd cascaded down like a storm. JBL ignored them, clutching his gold Rolex and straightening his tie with a superiority that seemed to mock every man, woman, and child in attendance. Once inside the ring, he raised a microphone to his lips and, with a smirk, ordered the audience to “settle down.” To JBL, their jeers were background noise, insignificant chatter from what he called “common street punks” who were about to receive, in his words, “a valuable financial lesson from a Wrestling God.” JBL began by addressing the controversial moment from last week, when he left John Cena bloodied and broken. With a tone as cold as it was calculated, he declared that what the world saw was not an attack, but rather a “market correction.” He explained that the United States Championship was a “blue-chip asset,” one with decades of tradition and prestige. But, he sneered, John Cena had cheapened it—turned it into the so-called “Ce-Nation’s Championship”—and in doing so, dragged its market value into the gutter. JBL likened his assault on Cena to a shrewd investor swooping in to stabilize a failing stock before it ruined an entire portfolio. Then, in a moment that silenced even the loudest boos, JBL reached into his suit pocket and slowly unfolded a handkerchief. The stark white fabric was stained with Cena’s blood. Holding it aloft with disdain, he announced that this was “the receipt from the transaction,” the proof of purchase for his calculated correction. Gasps echoed through the arena as JBL casually folded it back into his pocket, as though it were a trophy in a collection of business conquests. From there, JBL’s message grew even more ominous. He declared that a “Wrestling God” does not answer to the fans, nor to the General Managers, nor to anyone in power within WWE. Instead, he answers to a higher calling: the restoration of dignity, order, and, most importantly, market value. To JBL, SmackDown was not merely a show—it was a corporation in need of a hostile takeover, and he was the ruthless executive ready to execute it. But before JBL could exit the ring, the arena shook with the thunderous opening of Big Show’s entrance theme. The world’s largest athlete stormed down the ramp, his face burning with intensity as the crowd erupted in a mixed reaction, the crowd prefers almost anyone but JBL at this point. Towering over JBL, Show made it clear that he wasn’t here for corporate lectures—he was here for the U.S. Title. Grabbing a mic, Show reminded everyone that as the former champion, he had a guaranteed rematch clause, and he intended to cash it in immediately. JBL, unfazed, smirked in Show’s face and mocked him for “clinging to outdated policies like a desperate investor begging for a bailout.” He claimed that Show had squandered the U.S. Championship’s value already, and that the belt needed a man of true financial acumen—a Wrestling God—to restore it. The two giants exchanged verbal barbs, the tension in the ring building to a boiling point, with the crowd on its feet waiting for an explosion. That’s when SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long made his way out to the stage, throwing his hands up to cool things down. With his trademark swagger, Long dropped a bombshell: “Let me holla at ya, playas! Rematch clauses? That’s a thing of the past here on SmackDown. If you want a title shot, you gotta earn it!” The audience erupted with cheers, loving the announcement. Teddy then declared that right here, right now, there would be a huge Number One Contender’s Match. The winner would go on to face John Cena for the U.S. Championship at Backlash! The crowd roared in approval as JBL and Big Show stood face-to-face in the center of the ring, the stage set for an explosive showdown. SmackDown was about to witness the first battle in JBL’s so-called “hostile takeover,” and the prize at stake was nothing less than Cena’s championship destiny at Backlash.

With Teddy Long’s blockbuster announcement still echoing through the arena, the bell rang and the Number One Contender’s Match was officially underway. The atmosphere was electric as two titans stood across the ring: the smug, calculating John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and the furious, vengeance-driven Big Show. The winner would punch his ticket to Backlash, where a U.S. Championship clash with John Cena awaited. Big Show wasted no time asserting his dominance. The world’s largest athlete charged forward, hammering JBL with colossal clubbing blows that reverberated through the arena. JBL staggered into the corner, nearly losing his cowboy hat as Show delivered a bone-rattling chop to his chest that echoed like a gunshot. The crowd roared as Show lifted JBL high above his head and tossed him across the ring with ease, sending the self-proclaimed “Wrestling God” scrambling for an escape. But JBL, ever the strategist, found his opening. As Show pursued him to the outside, JBL grabbed a handful of ring steps and shoved them into the giant’s knees, toppling him for the first time in the contest. Back inside, JBL pounced, targeting Big Show’s legs with methodical precision—chop blocks, elbow drops, and a series of hard stomps designed to chop the giant down to size. The boos rained down, but JBL only grew more arrogant, adjusting his tie mid-match as if to flaunt his superiority. Show, however, refused to stay down. Feeding off the crowd, he powered back to his feet, shrugging off JBL’s offense and unleashing a thunderous headbutt that nearly knocked the Texan out of his boots. A massive sidewalk slam followed, then a military press that rattled the ring. When Big Show raised his hand high for the Chokeslam, the arena erupted, ready to see JBL’s corporate arrogance silenced. But just as Show’s hand closed around JBL’s throat, the “Wrestling God” pulled a desperate maneuver, driving a thumb into Show’s eye. With the referee’s view obstructed, JBL seized the moment, bouncing off the ropes and delivering a devastating Clothesline from Hell that spun Big Show inside out. The crowd gasped as JBL collapsed on top of him for the three-count, stealing the victory from the jaws of defeat. The boos thundered louder than ever as JBL, still clutching his blood-stained handkerchief in his pocket, raised his arms in triumph. He had not only survived the wrath of Big Show, but also earned his place as the No. 1 Contender to John Cena’s U.S. Championship at Backlash. With his trademark smirk, JBL pointed to the hard camera and mouthed, “Hostile takeover,” as SmackDown went off the air with a chilling message: Cena’s next challenger was not a monster—but a merciless businessman.

Backstage, the camera cut to a furious Big Show storming through the corridor. Having just lost his number one contender's match, the giant was a walking powder keg of rage, muttering to himself and kicking over a production crate with explosive force. He ripped the door off a nearby locker and hurled it down the hall, his face a mask of pure frustration. Suddenly, a figure stepped out from the shadows, leaning against the wall with a predatory calm. It was Goldberg. Still on his self-declared ‘hunt’, he watched Show’s tantrum with a look of utter contempt. "Still throwing temper tantrums, Show?" Goldberg grunted, his voice dripping with derision. He took a deliberate step forward, reminding the giant of their tense encounter just one week prior. "Let me get this straight. First you lose to a kid who thinks he's a rapper, and now you get outsmarted by a glorified accountant with a cowboy hat. Maybe the problem isn't them. Maybe it's you." That was the final straw. With a guttural roar, Big Show charged, and the two behemoths collided with the force of a car crash, finally reaching the ‘cataclysmic explosion’ they had narrowly avoided before. Show’s massive fists rained down on Goldberg, driving him back against a steel equipment case. Goldberg answered with a series of stiff knee strikes to the giant’s midsection, creating just enough space to shove the seven-footer with all his might. Big Show stumbled backward, crashing through a catering table laden with food and drinks, sending debris flying everywhere. The brawl spilled out into the wider backstage area as WWE officials and referees scrambled to separate them, but their efforts were futile. Goldberg grabbed a steel chair, but Big Show snatched it from his hands, bent the steel frame with his bare hands, and tossed it aside. He grabbed Goldberg by the throat, ready for a Chokeslam on the concrete floor, but Goldberg broke the hold with a thunderous headbutt. Fueled by pure adrenaline, Goldberg let out a primal scream, lowered his shoulder, and hit a running Spear that sent both men crashing through a temporary partition wall, shattering it into pieces. Just as they began to stir amongst the wreckage, SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long rushed onto the scene with a phalanx of security guards. "Holla, holla, holla! That's enough, playas!" Teddy yelled, as security finally managed to pull the two enraged titans apart. They strained against the guards, still trying to get at each other, their eyes locked in a murderous glare. "You two wanna fight? You wanna tear my show apart? Fine! You can do it at Backlash, in the ring, where you belong! Backlash, it's gonna be Goldberg versus The Big Show! Now can you dig that?!" The two giants were dragged away in opposite directions, still shouting threats. The backstage area was in complete ruins, a testament to the war that had just unfolded, and a terrifying preview of the destruction to come.

Just when WWE Champion Brock Lesnar thought he had conquered SmackDown, a chilling gong and an iconic Deadman have signaled that his reign of terror is facing its gravest threat yet. The April 8th edition of SmackDown concluded with a blockbuster announcement from General Manager Teddy Long, and a thunderous statement from The Undertaker, who left the seemingly invincible Brock Lesnar motionless in the center of the ring. The night’s final segment began with the confident, menacing swagger of the WWE Champion. Brock Lesnar stormed to the ring alone, his title slung over his shoulder like a prize of war. After dismantling his own tag team partner, Eddie Guerrero, with a shocking F-5 last week, Lesnar was in no mood for pleasantries."I am the alpha predator of this jungle," Lesnar snarled into the microphone, his voice dripping with disdain. "I am the problem that has no solution. All I need is competition. So, Teddy Long, get out here and feed The Beast! Bring me a man, because there is no one left who can stop me!" Just as Lesnar’s tirade reached its peak, he was cut off by a familiar tune. SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long emerged onto the stage, cool and collected. "Holla, holla, holla!" Long exclaimed, silencing the booing crowd. "Playa, I hear you loud and clear. You want competition? Well, at Backlash, you will defend your WWE Championship against... The Undertaker!" As the announcement was made, the arena was plunged into an unnerving darkness. A single, soul-shaking GONG echoed through the building, sending a wave of electric anticipation through the audience. As plumes of smoke filled the entranceway and eerie blue light flooded the scene, the legendary silhouette of The Undertaker appeared. To a deafening ovation, The Phenom made his slow, deliberate march to the ring, his cold eyes locked on the WWE Champion. For the first time, the typically unflappable Brock Lesnar appeared shaken, clutching his championship belt as the Deadman stepped through the ropes. The two titans stood nose-to-nose in a chilling standoff. Never one to be intimidated, Lesnar broke the silence with a sudden, desperate shove. It was a costly mistake. The Undertaker didn't flinch, instead grabbing the champion by the throat with an iron grip. Lesnar struggled for a moment, his immense power useless against The Phenom's supernatural strength. With a deafening roar from the crowd, The Undertaker lifted the 295-pound champion high into the air and slammed him down onto the canvas with a cataclysmic Chokeslam. The impact shook the ring, leaving the WWE Champion in a motionless heap. As SmackDown went off the air, the final image was of The Undertaker standing tall over his fallen foe, slowly raising his arm as the arena's blue light cast a haunting glow on the scene of destruction. The challenge has been made, the first shot has been fired, and the champion has been emphatically put down. The war for the WWE Championship has begun, and The Beast has already been sent to Hell.

Following the chaotic events of last week, a determined Edge stood backstage, the fire of retribution still burning in his eyes. He spoke of the satisfaction of pinning Eddie Guerrero in the main event , but quickly shifted his focus, reminding the wwe fans that his ultimate goal remains the WWE Championship and that his fight with Brock Lesnar is far from over. Just as the words left his mouth, however, his speech was violently cut short. From out of nowhere, Eddie and Chavo Guerrero Jr. blindsided the Rated-R Superstar, a clear and vicious statement that the Guerrero family is indeed more united than ever. The two-on-one assault was a brutal symphony of destruction, a perfect example of the family's "Lie, Cheat, Steal" mantra. Eddie and Chavo unleashed a merciless barrage of stomps and fists, specifically targeting Edge's heavily taped ribs, a pre-existing injury from his war with Lesnar. They slammed Edge's head into a steel equipment case before dragging him across the concrete floor, where Chavo held him down so Eddie could repeatedly drive a steel chair into his already damaged midsection. The savage beatdown concluded with the Guerreros leaving Edge in a motionless heap, a grim and painful message that while Edge may have his sights set on the WWE Champion, he must first survive a war with a family bound by venom.

Before SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long could make his way to the ring for the official contract signing, the arena lights dimmed and a stunning video package aired, chronicling the career of the man who shocked the wwe fans with his arrival last week. The video introduced the audience to the "global icon" and "living legend," Jushin "Thunder" Liger. Through a series of quick, dynamic cuts, the package showcased his breathtaking and innovative offense from arenas around the world. It highlighted his unique look, featuring his "iconic full-body suit and horned mask". The video emphasized the hard-hitting nature of his "Japanese Strong Style strikes" with clips of devastating kicks and palm strikes. The highlight reel heavily featured his triumphant debut on SmackDown, replaying his spectacular dives and his victory in the chaotic Cruiserweight Open. The package culminated with a slow-motion replay of the stunning top-rope Brainbuster that secured his victory and a future title shot. The video faded to black on the unforgettable image from last week: Liger, standing tall in the ring and pointing a single, gloved finger directly at a horrified Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero.

After the highlight package, SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long stood in the center of the ring, ready to officiate the contract signing for the Cruiserweight Championship match at Backlash. The champion, Chavo Guerrero Jr., emerged first, accompanied by his father Chavo Classic, with an air of unearned arrogance that did little to mask the fear he displayed a week ago. Taking the microphone, Chavo’s bravado returned. "You people see this man, Jushin Liger, and you see a legend. I see a relic! This is the Guerrero era now. My family is united, we are stronger than ever, and no man in a silly mask is going to change that." As Chavo spoke, the familiar, electrifying guitar riff hit, and the arena once again detonated for the arrival of Jushin "Thunder" Liger. The living legend marched to the ring with a quiet intensity, his otherworldly presence silencing Chavo instantly. Without a word, Liger took his seat, picked up the pen, and signed the contract for their Backlash encounter. He slid the contract over to Chavo, his gaze never breaking from the champion. Visibly unnerved by Liger’s stoicism, Chavo began to berate him. "Is that it? Nothing to say? You come to my show, you win one little match, and you think you're worthy?". Chavo scribbled his signature on the contract and, in a fit of rage, flipped the table over, charging at Liger. But the legend was ready. Liger sidestepped the attack and unleashed a series of stiff Japanese Strong Style kicks and a vicious palm strike that sent Chavo reeling. As Liger hoisted the stunned champion up for a Liger Bomb, Chavo Classic slid into the ring, pulling his son to safety. The Guerreros scrambled up the ramp as Liger stood tall, holding the championship contract high. The dream match had become Chavo's nightmare, and Backlash was now one step closer.

A singles contest meant to serve as a preview for the upcoming WWE Tag Team Championship match devolved into a brutal and decisive statement from the No. 1 Contenders, The Basham Brothers. Paul London, representing the champions, brought his signature speed and high-flying offense against the raw power of Doug Basham in a hard-fought match. With their respective partners, Brian Kendrick and Danny Basham, watching from ringside, the bout was a powder keg from the start, showcasing the stark contrast in styles between the two teams. London’s aerial assaults were repeatedly grounded by Basham’s methodical, punishing offense, giving the wwe fans a glimpse of the challenge awaiting the new champions. The match reached its climax when London ascended to the top rope, ready to finish the contest. However, a brawl between their partners on the outside drew the referee's attention, creating a pivotal opening for the challengers. Seizing the opportunity, Doug Basham used a cunning low blow to neutralize the champion before planting him with a vicious inverted DDT for the tainted victory. The win, while controversial, was only the opening salvo in the Bashams' destructive plan for the evening. Any semblance of sportsmanship was discarded as the Bashams launched a savage post-match assault. Brian Kendrick’s attempt to aid his partner was met with a two-on-one swarm that ended with the sickening crack of a championship belt striking his back. The challengers then used the very symbols of tag team excellence as weapons, brutally striking down both London and Kendrick with the heavy steel plates. The champions were left defenseless as The Basham Brothers systematically dismantled them in the center of the ring, turning their triumph into a terrifying display of dominance. The carnage culminated in a horrifying and symbolic act of desecration. With Paul London nearly unconscious, The Basham Brothers executed their signature double-team elevated inverted DDT, driving London’s head directly onto one of the championship belts laid flat on the mat. They left the champions beaten, broken, and buried under the dented symbols of their reign. The Bashams didn't need to steal the titles; they proved they could take them by force, leaving a chilling message that their hostile takeover of SmackDown's tag team division is imminent. It was announced later in the evening that London and Kendrick will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Basham Brothers in 2 weeks on Smackdown.

In a battle for momentum, Shelton Benjamin defeated Scotty 2 Hotty in a thrilling singles contest. The match was born from the fallout of last week’s chaotic Triple Threat Tag Team Match, where both men’s teams came up short in their quest to become No. 1 Contenders. The animosity was personal, stemming from a key moment in that match where Scotty 2 Hotty successfully delivered the W-O-R-M to Benjamin just before the bout concluded. Benjamin, a world-class athlete, was clearly determined to avenge that embarrassment, grounding Scotty with his impressive technical wrestling. Scotty 2 Hotty fought back valiantly, using his unorthodox offense and the energy of the wwe fans to keep the former amateur standout off balance. Late in the match, it appeared history was about to repeat itself as Scotty began his signature dance moves, setting up for another W-O-R-M. This time, however, Benjamin was ready. As Scotty dropped for the chop, Benjamin athletically rolled out of the way, sprang to his feet, and caught the unprepared Scotty with a devastating T-Bone suplex. The explosive maneuver was enough to secure the three-count, giving Benjamin a much-needed victory and reasserting his dominance on the SmackDown roster.

The landscape of the Cruiserweight division grew more intense as two veterans from last week’s Cruiserweight Open, Tajiri and Jamie Noble, squared off in a hard-hitting affair. With the legendary Jushin “Thunder” Liger now established as the next challenger for Chavo Guerrero’s title, the rest of the division is in a fierce scramble to prove who is next in line. This match was a prime example of that fight, as Noble’s scrappy brawling went head-to-head with the stiff kicks and "Japanese Strong Style" of Tajiri, which was on display last week. Both competitors exchanged multiple near-falls in a back-and-forth contest that had the audience on the edge of their seats. The wily Noble seemed to have the match in hand as he hoisted Tajiri onto his shoulders, signaling for a Tiger Bomb. However, the Japanese Buzzsaw slid down Noble's back and, with the referee momentarily out of position, spewed a shocking blast of green mist directly into Noble’s eyes. Blinded and reeling, Noble was a sitting duck for a vicious Buzzsaw Kick to the side of the head, giving Tajiri a crucial and cunning victory as he moved one step closer to a future Cruiserweight Championship opportunity.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

NEXT WEEK ON SMACKDOWN 4.15.04

BLOCKBUSTER TAG TEAM MATCH
Chavo Guerrero & Eddie Guerrero vs. Edge & Jushin Liger

JOHN CENA RETURNS

NEXT WEEK ON RAW 4.12.04

AJ STYLES vs. RIC FLAIR

CHRIS JERICHO vs. CHRISTIAN & TRISH STRATUS

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

"One Crown. One Throne. One Shot at Glory."

KING OF THE RING

LIVE JUNE 13th, 2004

The winner earns a World Championship opportunity at SummerSlam — where kings become legends.​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Raw Results - 4.12.04 Backlash tensions explode as a blockbuster main event is set, a legendary tag team rivalry is reborn, and former partners come to blows backstage.

The road to Backlash took another chaotic turn as Monday Night RAW opened with the man who left last week's show standing tall, Shawn Michaels. Bathed in a chorus of cheers, the Showstopper strode to the ring with a confident swagger, declaring that the lasting image from the previous week—HBK holding the World Heavyweight Championship high above the fallen forms of Kurt Angle and Triple H—was not a moment of chance, but a "preview of the inevitable." Michaels proclaimed that while Angle and Triple H are obsessed with each other, he is the only one singularly focused on the grandest prize, promising the wwe fans that Backlash would be the official coronation for what they already knew: that the Heartbreak Kid is the true king of the mountain. His victory speech was cut short by the blaring anthem of an infuriated World Heavyweight Champion, Kurt Angle. Marching to the ring with a scowl etched on his face, Angle accused HBK of being the ultimate opportunist and a coward. The Olympic Gold Medalist lambasted Michaels for attacking him from behind after a grueling main event, claiming that HBK knows he can't beat him or Triple H in a fair fight. Angle stated that while Michaels may have stolen a moment, he is the one with the gold and the integrity, vowing to make HBK tap out at Backlash just as he did to Triple H at WrestleMania XX, proving once and for all that a showman stands no chance against a wrestling machine. As the champion and challenger stood nose-to-nose in the center of the ring, the iconic buzz of "The Game" echoed through the arena, but Triple H was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the Cerebral Assassin appeared on the TitanTron, looking cool and collected. With a smirk, he stated that he couldn't care less who attacks whom, because the bickering between Angle and Michaels was merely a squabble over his property. Triple H declared that the World Heavyweight Championship belongs to him and that he would reclaim it at Backlash. Citing his unparalleled influence, he informed both men that he had a conversation with General Manager Eric Bischoff and, in the interest of giving the fans a blockbuster main event, tonight would feature Kurt Angle versus Triple H. The announcement came with a crucial and manipulative caveat designed by The Game himself: Shawn Michaels would be officially banned from ringside for the duration of the contest. The stipulation was a masterstroke, designed to isolate the World Heavyweight Champion and prevent the kind of chaotic interference that cost Triple H his focus the week prior. While Angle seethed at the political maneuvering, Triple H coolly signed off, leaving the champion to glare at Michaels, the clear implication being that any outside involvement would have severe consequences, forcing HBK to watch the main event from the sidelines.

The main event was a brutal and methodical war, with World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and Triple H trading heavy blows and high-impact maneuvers. As the grueling contest wore on, both men were visibly exhausted. Just then, the camera found Shawn Michaels in the front row, holding up a ticket. Having cleverly circumvented his ringside ban by becoming a paying customer, his smug presence was pure psychological warfare. The sight of his rival sent the champion into a blind rage. Angle lost all focus on his opponent, screaming at Michaels from the ring, which provided the opening the Cerebral Assassin needed. Triple H spun the distracted champion around and delivered a devastating Pedigree to secure the pinfall, gaining critical momentum heading into Backlash. Triple H’s celebration was cut short as Shawn Michaels vaulted the barricade and slid into the ring, unloading with a flurry of right hands. The two brawled wildly, their fight spilling to the outside and crashing over the announce table. Just as the brawl intensified, a recovered Kurt Angle exploded back into the picture, grabbing Michaels and planting him on the floor with a thunderous Angle Slam. He then slid back into the ring, ducking a clothesline from a winded Triple H and immediately locking in the Ankle Lock. Trapped in the center of the ring, Triple H frantically clawed at Angle's hands and writhed in agony. After a long and desperate struggle, The Game finally managed to kick his way free, scrambling out of the ring to escape the champion's wrath. The show ended with Kurt Angle standing tall in the ring, having lost the match but won the final battle, leaving both of his Backlash opponents battered and reeling.

One week after Christian delivered a chilling and brutal assault on legendary announcer Jim Ross, Chris Jericho was forced to walk into a lion's den in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match against "Captain Charisma" and Trish Stratus. The match was a direct result of Christian's sadistic challenge, and from the opening bell, it was clear that the duo's plan was not just to win, but to systematically punish Jericho. Despite the overwhelming odds, a darker, more intense Jericho fought with a fire rarely seen before, fueled by the personal betrayal of his former friends and the vicious attack on J.R.. He valiantly fought off Christian's advances, simultaneously keeping a wary eye on Stratus, who lurked on the apron, waiting for any opportunity to interfere. Jericho used his veteran instincts to turn the tide on multiple occasions, nearly securing victory after a bulldog and a Lionsault attempt that was only broken up by Trish grabbing Christian's leg. However, the constant two-pronged assault began to wear him down. Every offensive flurry was met with an attack from his blind side, and every attempt to lock in the Walls of Jericho was thwarted by Stratus's interference. The numbers game, as it so often does, proved to be too much for one man to overcome, no matter how determined. The inevitable turning point came when Jericho finally had Christian reeling and set up for the finish. In a calculated move, Trish Stratus jumped onto the ring apron, feigning an injury to draw the referee's full attention. With the official's back turned, Christian seized the opportunity, grabbing a steel chair and delivering a sickening blow directly to Jericho's skull. The impact echoed throughout the arena, sending Jericho crumbling to the mat. Christian then contemptuously dragged his former friend up and sealed the tainted victory with the Unprettier. Not content with simply winning the match, Christian and Trish prepared to inflict further damage, aiming to recreate the heinous chair assault they perpetrated on Jim Ross the week before. As Christian stood over Jericho with the chair raised high, a surge of adrenaline brought the battered warrior back to life. Jericho exploded to his feet, snatching the chair from Christian's grasp. As the cowardly duo scrambled out of the ring, Jericho slid out and retrieved a kendo stick from underneath the apron. With a primal roar, he chased Christian and Trish up the entrance ramp, swinging the weapon wildly and sending his Backlash opponents fleeing for their lives. Though he lost the match, Jericho made a definitive statement: at Backlash, in a Last Man Standing match, there will be no referees to save Christian from his righteous fury.

The highly anticipated showdown between "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair took center stage on Monday Night RAW, a match made official after Styles boldly challenged the 16-time champion the previous week. The matchup represented a classic clash of generations—the innovative, high-flying offense of the newcomer against the wily, veteran instincts of the legend. This was more than just a match; it was the next chapter in the war Randy Orton and his new partner AJ Styles declared on Evolution. For Styles, it was a chance to prove his debut victory was no fluke , while for Flair, it was an opportunity to punish the man who dared to align with his faction’s most hated enemy, Randy Orton. From the opening bell, Styles used his signature fast-paced and innovative offense to keep Flair guessing, utilizing a blistering series of strikes and aerial assaults similar to those that won him his debut match. However, Flair, a master of ring psychology, weathered the storm and began to employ every dirty trick in his extensive playbook. "The Nature Boy" slowed the pace with underhanded tactics, including eye pokes, timely shoves into the turnbuckle, and a blatant use of the ropes for leverage that drew the ire of the official. Despite the chicanery, Styles fought back, showing the resilience that would be needed to survive a war with Evolution. As the contest reached its apex, Styles countered a Figure-Four Leglock attempt and rocked Flair with a Pele Kick, leaving the legend dazed and vulnerable. Seizing the moment, Styles hoisted Flair onto his shoulders, preparing to drive him into the mat with the Styles Clash finisher. But just as victory seemed imminent, the monstrous Batista stormed the ring and blindsided Styles with a brutal clothesline, giving the young superstar the win via disqualification but leaving him in a heap on the canvas. The message was clear: a match against one member of Evolution is a match against them all. The 2-on-1 assault didn't last long, as Randy Orton, repaying the favor from the previous week when Styles evened the odds for him, sprinted to the ring. "The Legend Killer" exploded into action, tackling Batista and trading furious right hands with "The Animal." Flair recovered and joined the fray, turning the ring into a chaotic four-man brawl that spilled from corner to corner. Officials rushed down to separate the four combatants, but the damage was done. The battle lines for Backlash have been drawn, and tonight's explosive ending proved that the tag team showdown between the newfound alliance of Orton and Styles and the veterans of Evolution will be nothing short of a war.

The newly formed and dangerous alliance between Gail Kim and a vengeful Molly Holly was on full display as Gail Kim faced the formidable Victoria in singles competition. The partnership, born from a shared disdain for Women's Champion Lita's style, has quickly become the most menacing threat in the division. Following her brutal attack on Lita’s injured ribs last week, Gail Kim entered the match with a cold, calculated focus, using this contest as a public dissection to send yet another message to the champion. With Molly Holly looking on approvingly from ringside, Gail set out to make an example of Victoria. From the opening bell, this was less of a match and more of a systematic dismantling. Gail Kim completely dominated the contest, relentlessly targeting Victoria’s midsection and back with a vicious array of kicks, strikes, and submissions. Every move was a clear and deliberate warning shot to Lita, mirroring the strategy both Gail and Molly have employed of targeting the champion's known injuries. Victoria mounted a brief but spirited comeback, only to be cut off by Gail’s superior technical prowess and unforgiving aggression. The end came decisively, with Gail Kim locking Victoria in a brutal, gut-wrenching submission hold that contorted her opponent’s body and applied excruciating pressure to her ribs and lower back. With nowhere to go, Victoria had no choice but to tap out, giving Gail Kim a dominant and emphatic victory. The hold and the targeted assault served their purpose perfectly, demonstrating the kind of pain and punishment that awaits Lita when she finally steps in the ring with her number one contender. Refusing to let her actions speak for themselves, Gail Kim grabbed a microphone after the match while she and Molly Holly stood over her fallen opponent. With a cold and menacing tone, she declared that her attack on Victoria was just a sample of what's to come. "Lita!" she yelled, "At Backlash, it won't just be your ribs. Your legs, your neck, your entire body will be a target until there is nothing left!" She finished by proclaiming that Lita's reign as a "fluke champion" is on borrowed time and that she will personally see to it that the era of the "punk-rock princess" comes to a painful and definitive end.

Fresh off their successful World Tag Team Championship defense against Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade last week, Matt and Jeff Hardy came to the ring to address the wwe fans. With their titles draped over their shoulders, they spoke of cementing their legacy and turning back every challenge that comes their way. However, as the champions celebrated, their address was cut short by the brash entrance of Bubba Ray and D-Von, The Dudley Boyz. The Dudleys made it clear they were not impressed by the Hardys' recent victory, reminding everyone that while the Hardys were dealing with upstarts, they were busy dismantling the former championship team of Booker T and Rob Van Dam. Bubba Ray Dudley took the microphone and declared that the implosion of Booker T and RVD, which saw the team dissolve after another costly miscommunication, was a direct result of the punishment inflicted by him and his brother. He claimed that this victory puts them at the front of the line for a title shot. D-Von added that their history with the Hardys is long and violent, and it was time to add another chapter—and another set of championships—to the Dudley legacy. They officially threw down the gauntlet, challenging The Hardy Boyz to a World Tag Team Championship match at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view. Before the Hardys could respond, the arrogant duo of La Resistance stormed the ring, complaining that they were the rightful number one contenders and deserve a fair shot and that The Dudley Boyz were cutting in line. The verbal confrontation quickly devolved into chaos as all three teams began brawling in the center of the ring. The Hardys and Dudleys briefly worked together to dispatch the french duo before immediately turning their attention back to each other, trading vicious right hands as officials rushed to separate the legendary rivals. The segment ended with the two teams being pulled apart, but the challenge had been laid, and the battle lines for the World Tag Team Championships have been redrawn with a legendary and violent rivalry at its center. It was announced on Raw that next week La Resistance will face The Dudley Boyz with the winners facing the Hardy Boyz for the World Tag Team Titles at Backlash.

The collapse of the partnership between Booker T and Rob Van Dam has gone from a professional disagreement to a personal and violent vendetta. The conflict, which began two weeks ago with a miscommunication that saw RVD accidentally kick Booker T, reached its breaking point last week. Following a backstage argument , an ironic twist saw Booker T inadvertently hit RVD with a Scissor Kick during a match, leading to their team's official dissolution. This week, the animosity boiled over entirely. During a backstage interview, Booker T was attempting to explain that the partnership was over and that he was moving on when he was angrily confronted by Rob Van Dam. RVD accused Booker of hypocrisy, claiming that Booker's Scissor Kick last week was a far more egregious error than his own accidental kick. The argument escalated quickly, with both men trading heated accusations of blame for their recent failures. The verbal insults soon gave way to physical violence as Booker T shoved RVD against a production crate. RVD fired back with a series of strikes, and the two former champions erupted into a chaotic brawl in the backstage hallway. They exchanged wild punches, sending equipment and catering flying as they crashed through a nearby table. The fight was broken up by a swarm of officials and road agents who struggled to pull the two furious superstars apart. Even as they were separated, Booker T and RVD continued to scream threats at one another, making it clear that their issues are far from settled and will now only be resolved one-on-one in the squared circle.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

NEXT WEEK ON RAW 4.19.04

#1 Contender's Match for the World Tag Team Championships
DUDLEY BOYZ vs. LA RESISTANCE

RVD vs. BOOKER T

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Smackdown Results - April 15, 2004; A Grave Sermon Delivered, John Cena Returns, Eddie vs. Liger

SmackDown kicked off with a chilling reminder of last week’s shocking conclusion: the thunderous return of The Undertaker, who sent a clear and devastating message to WWE Champion Brock Lesnar with a massive Chokeslam that shook the very foundation of the ring. The message was sent, but tonight, the full sermon was delivered. The arena lights dimmed, save for a single, eerie spotlight in the center of the ring, illuminating the legendary manager Paul Bearer. Clutching his iconic urn, Bearer spoke in his signature haunting tone, warning the wwe fans that Brock Lesnar's unbridled arrogance and disrespect for the WWE Championship had awakened a dormant, unstoppable force. Before the ominous words could fully settle, the familiar, soul-piercing GONG echoed through the arena, plunging the capacity crowd into darkness. When the purple light returned, The Phenom himself stood beside his long-time manager. With cold, calculating eyes fixed on the camera, The Undertaker spoke directly to the absent champion. “This WWE Championship is hallowed ground,” The Deadman declared, his voice a low, terrifying growl. “And you, Brock Lesnar, have desecrated it with your disrespect.” The Undertaker proclaimed that Lesnar’s dominance was nothing more than a fleeting moment of brute force against mortals. But now, he had stepped into the realm of the immortal. The Deadman delivered a grave warning for their impending clash at Backlash. “At Backlash, your reign will not just end... your era of dominance will be buried,” he vowed, before delivering the ultimate finality: “And you… will Rest… In… Peace.” Just as the chilling words hung in the air, the TitanTron flickered to life, showing the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in his private locker room, laughing contemptuously. Flanked by his advocate Paul Heyman, The Beast Incarnate seemed utterly unimpressed. “You’re a dinosaur, Deadman,” Lesnar scoffed. “And while I respect the legend, the 'Next Big Thing' is all about evolution. It’s about moving forward.” The Beast made it clear that intimidation was not a factor. “Your spooky mind games won’t work on me,” Lesnar snarled. “At Backlash, I will not be buried. I will make The Undertaker my next victim.” The screen cut to black, leaving the wwe fans with a stark contrast: The Undertaker’s grim, supernatural promise of damnation and Brock Lesnar’s cold, predatory confidence. The battle lines have been drawn for Backlash, where an unstoppable force is set to collide with an immovable object. The question now is, whose era will come to a soul-crushing end?

During the broadcast, the camera cut backstage to show Eddie and Chavo Guerrero walking through the corridor with an arrogant swagger. Fresh off their vicious two-on-one assault on Edge last week, Eddie Guerrero addressed their actions. "Let what happened to Edge be a lesson to everyone," Eddie sneered, echoing his sentiments about Rey Mysterio. "You stick your nose in the Guerrero family's business, you get put down. Edge called me a coward, but he's the one who was left in a motionless heap." Their bragging was cut short as they were confronted by SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long. "Let me holla at ya, playas," Long said, his expression serious. "You seem real proud of yourselves. Well, because of what you did to Edge's ribs with that steel chair, my medical staff isn't clearing him to compete tonight. So that blockbuster tag team match I had planned will have to wait until next week." A sinister smirk spread across Eddie's face. "That's a shame. I guess Edge isn't as tough as he thinks he is." "Oh, don't you worry about Edge," Teddy replied. "But as for tonight, you're not getting the night off. You're going to compete in our main event against the man who has your nephew shaking in his boots... Jushin 'Thunder' Liger!" Eddie and Chavo were stunned as the legendary Liger stepped into the frame, his gaze fixed on Eddie. "That's right!" Teddy exclaimed. "Tonight, it's Eddie Guerrero versus Jushin 'Thunder' Liger! And listen up, Eddie, because I just got off the phone with Edge. He said to tell you he's coming for you. So at Backlash, it's official! It's gonna be you, Eddie Guerrero, taking on Edge! Now can you dig that?!" As Teddy Long walked away, leaving the three competitors in a tense standoff, Eddie’s shock turned to rage. He shot a look at Chavo and the two Guerreros lunged at Liger, attempting another two-on-one assault. But the living legend was ready. Liger sidestepped Eddie’s charge and met Chavo with a stiff kick to the chest. Before Eddie could recover, Liger spun and leveled him with a vicious palm strike that sent him reeling backward. The Japanese icon followed up with a blistering spinning heel kick to Chavo, sending both Guerreros stumbling away. Stunned by the legend's explosive offense, the Guerreros chose to retreat, leaving Liger standing tall and proving that their family advantage may not be enough against him.

In a shocking main event announced earlier in the night by General Manager Teddy Long, Eddie Guerrero was forced to go one-on-one with the legendary Jushin "Thunder" Liger. The match was born from the Guerreros' backstage boasting over their savage assault on Edge last week, an attack that left the Rated-R Superstar unable to compete. While Eddie's Backlash opponent was at home nursing his injured ribs, Liger stood as a formidable roadblock, looking to gain momentum before his own Backlash title match against Chavo Guerrero. The match began with Liger showcasing the breathtaking and innovative offense that has made him a global icon. A series of devastating kicks and palm strikes sent Eddie reeling, forcing him to slide out of the ring to regroup with Chavo. True to his nature, Eddie Guerrero waited for his opportunity to "Lie, Cheat, and Steal" his way to an advantage. As Chavo distracted the referee, Eddie delivered a thumb to Liger's eye, grounding the legend and taking control. For several minutes, Eddie punished Liger, grounding the high-flyer and arrogantly mocking him, seeing him as nothing more than a "relic". However, the living legend would not be denied. Liger fought his way back to his feet, unleashing another volley of Japanese Strong Style strikes that backed Eddie into the corner. The match reached a fever pitch as Liger planted Eddie with a Liger Bomb, but Chavo quickly placed his uncle's foot on the bottom rope to break the pinfall. As Liger argued with the referee, Eddie grabbed a steel chair, looking to end the match the same way he ended his assault on Edge. Suddenly, Edge's music hit the arena, and the crowd erupted. A heavily bandaged and visibly injured Edge stormed onto the entrance ramp, his eyes burning a hole through Eddie. The sight of his vengeful Backlash opponent caused Eddie to freeze, his face a mixture of shock and fury. That momentary distraction was all it took. Liger grabbed the stunned Guerrero from behind, hoisted him onto his shoulders, and drove him into the mat with a second, thunderous Liger Bomb for the clean 1-2-3. As SmackDown went off the air, Jushin "Thunder" Liger celebrated his monumental victory while a furious Eddie Guerrero came to his senses in the ring, staring up the ramp at a smirking Edge. Eddie's obsession with Edge cost him dearly tonight, and he now heads towards Backlash knowing that Edge will stop at nothing to get his revenge.

Following the backstage war that left a path of destruction last week, SmackDown continued with an intensity that only one man could bring. The arena pulsed with the familiar, deafening chants of "Goldberg!" as the hunter himself marched to the ring, his expression a cold mask of focus. With the announcement of his match against The Big Show at Backlash still fresh in the minds of the wwe fans, Goldberg grabbed a microphone, his voice cutting through the noise like a razor's edge. "Last week, Big Show threw a temper tantrum because he got outsmarted by a suit with a cowboy hat," Goldberg growled, wasting no time addressing the giant's recent loss to JBL. "He tore up the backstage area because he couldn't handle his own failure. And then, he made the mistake of stepping to me. Show, you want to call what happened last week a fight? That was just a preview. At Backlash, your temper tantrums are over. Your excuses are over. Your career... is next!" Before Goldberg could continue, the TitanTron flickered to life, revealing a livid Big Show backstage. "You think this is a joke to me, Goldberg?" the giant bellowed, his voice distorted with rage. "You walk around here on your 'hunt,' passing judgment on everyone, but you have no idea what real frustration is! You have no idea what it's like to be me! At Backlash, I'm not just going to beat you, I'm going to make an example out of you. I'm going to show you and the whole world what happens when you push a giant too far!" To punctuate his threat, Big Show turned his fury on his surroundings. With a guttural roar, he stormed towards a parked WWE production truck. In a stunning display of inhuman strength, the world's largest athlete single-handedly lifted the front of the vehicle, flipping it onto its side with a sickening crash of metal and shattering glass. Officials and backstage personnel scattered as the enraged giant stared into the camera, his eyes burning with intensity. Back in the ring, Goldberg watched the destruction on the screen not with fear, but with a predatory smirk. The display of power did nothing to intimidate him; it only seemed to fuel his own fire. He raised the microphone one last time, his message short and chillingly clear. "You're next!"

JBL's signature white limousine pulled into the arena as boos rained down from the rafters. Dressed in a pristine suit and cowboy hat, the "Wrestling God" made his way to the ring with a smug confidence, embodying the "Wall Street wolf" he claims to be. He grabbed a microphone, his smirk widening as he addressed the audience. "Last week, I told you that my attack on John Cena was a necessary 'market correction'," JBL began, his voice dripping with condescension. "I stabilized a failing asset. And as you can see, the 'common street punk' who calls himself your champion isn't here tonight. He's at home, licking his wounds, because he learned a valuable lesson: you cannot mix business with the streets. At Backlash, this hostile takeover becomes official. I will take my United States Championship, and I will restore the dignity that he dragged through the gutter!" Just as JBL raised his arms to soak in the hatred, an unfamiliar sound cut through the arena: the piercing wail of an ambulance siren. The entire building watched in stunned silence as an emergency vehicle slowly backed its way into the arena and down the entrance ramp. The back doors swung open, and out stepped John Cena. He was not the vibrant, chain-wearing champion the fans were used to. He wore simple street clothes, and the signs of JBL's assault were still visible. His left arm was in a sling, his ribs were heavily taped, and a noticeable limp accompanied his slow, deliberate walk to the ring. The look on his face wasn't one of flash or bravado; it was one of pure, unadulterated rage. The crowd erupted as Cena entered the ring and stood face-to-face with a suddenly unnerved JBL. Cena ripped the microphone from the announcer and his voice was low and raw. "You're right, Bradshaw," Cena seethed, his words cutting through the noise. "You call me a street punk? Well, tonight, I'm not the U.S. Champion. I'm just a guy from the streets you jumped from behind. You talk about 'blue-chip assets' and 'market corrections'. Where I come from, we just call that being a coward." Cena took a painful step forward, his eyes locked on JBL. "You hold up my blood on a handkerchief like it's a trophy? You keep that receipt. Because at Backlash, I'm coming to collect. This isn't about the 'Ce-Nation's Championship' anymore. This isn't about a wrestling match. This is about survival. You put me in an ambulance, but you made one mistake... you didn't finish the job." With that, Cena dropped the mic, tore the sling from his arm, and charged. He unleashed a furious barrage of punches, tackling JBL into the corner and stomping away with a rage the wwe fans had never seen from him. The assault was relentless, but the injured ribs and arm were taking their toll. JBL weathered the storm and fired back, driving his boot into Cena's taped midsection and targeting the injured arm. JBL rebounded off the ropes for a Clothesline from Hell, but Cena, running on pure adrenaline, ducked under the arm and hoisted the bigger man onto his shoulders for the F-U. The arena exploded, but as Cena lifted the "Wrestling God," a shooting pain shot through his body. His injured ribs gave out, and he collapsed to the mat, dropping JBL. Seeing his chance, a terrified JBL scrambled out of the ring and grabbed the United States Title from the timekeeper's table. As the injured Cena struggled to get to his knees, JBL slid back into the ring and viciously smashed the steel championship belt over Cena’s head. The champion collapsed face-first to the mat, motionless once again. Standing over his fallen foe, JBL draped the U.S. Title across Cena's unconscious body, a grim callback to the end of his parking lot assault. With a smug sneer, the "Wrestling God" raised his arms, his hostile takeover one step closer to reality.

In a classic matchup of technical skill versus raw power, Charlie Haas of The World's Greatest Tag Team scored a significant singles victory over the massive Rikishi. Both men were looking to regain momentum after their respective teams came up short in last week's Triple Threat Tag Team Match. Rikishi used his size advantage early, overpowering Haas and sending him scrambling to the outside. However, the former amateur standout used his wrestling acumen to ground the big man, methodically targeting Rikishi's legs to chop him down to size. After a late-match rally from Rikishi that nearly ended with a Banzai Drop, Haas's partner, Shelton Benjamin, provided a timely distraction, allowing Haas to clip Rikishi's knee and execute a picture-perfect rolling German suplex for the impressive pinfall victory.

With his tag team partner Paul London still recovering from last week's brutal post-match assault, a fired-up Brian Kendrick faced off against the sadistic Danny Basham. Vengeance was clearly on Kendrick's mind as he used his breathtaking speed to stick and move, avoiding the raw power of his larger opponent. Danny Basham, along with his brother Doug at ringside, was content to punish Kendrick, grounding his high-flying offense just as they had done to his partner a week ago. The turning point came when Doug Basham attempted to interfere, but a bandaged Paul London limped down the ramp to even the odds. In the ensuing chaos, Kendrick caught the distracted Danny Basham with a tornado DDT, followed by his electrifying finisher, Sliced Bread #2, to score a huge, emotional victory. The win gives the champions a much-needed morale boost heading into their WWE Tag Team Championship defense against the Bashams in two weeks.

The scramble for position in SmackDown's Cruiserweight division continued as Jamie Noble went one-on-one with Akio. Both men were looking for a crucial win after suffering losses last week; Noble fell victim to Tajiri's green mist, while Akio was the man Jushin "Thunder" Liger pinned to win the Cruiserweight Open. The match was a fast-paced and hard-hitting affair, with Noble's scrappy brawling clashing with Akio's martial arts-inspired offense. After a series of thrilling near-falls, Noble countered a springboard kick from Akio, catching him in mid-air and planting him firmly in the center of the ring with a devastating Tiger Bomb to secure the victory and move one step closer to a future title opportunity.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

NEXT WEEK ON RAW 4.19.04

#1 Contender's Match for the World Tag Team Championships
DUDLEY BOYZ vs. LA RESISTANCE

RVD vs. BOOKER T

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[Stojy]

Taker/Lesnar having a bigger segment on this edition of SD was the logical option. Also dig the heelish tactic of Brock and Heyman appearing on the titantron. This segment was solid enough and did its job, felt like a typical Undertaker program really. One thing I do want to say, and I know this is minor, but for some reason it irks me as a reader when you refer to Brock as 'The Beast Incarnate' in 2004, even though that wasn't his moniker until his return in the 2010's.

Eddie/Edge is a fun stop gap until Mysterio is back so I don't mind this direction. I'm still not sold on the Eddie/Chavo alliance considering they just broke up a few months earlier in a heated, personal rivalry. The other thing I've noticed is that you seem to have given Teddy Long the catchphrase of "can you dig that", which ultimately, doesn't work for me. "Can you dig that, sucka" is Booker's catchphrase and I don't recall this ever being Long's so it's just uncomfortable and weird, tbh. Liger/Eddie is a holy shit type of main event though, and Edge evening the odds and helping Liger win worked well.

I really like Show/Goldberg as a promo. Just two giants destroying each other works for me. I thought you wrote Goldberg's promo nicely, which isn't always easy to see. Short and sharp seems to work. One little nitpick is that maybe two in ring segments with the same structure ie. wrestler a in ring, wrestler b appears on titantron is too similar for the same show. With that being said, loved the crazy show of strength from Big Show. Very typical of this error, and creates a SD moment. Nice.

I've really enjoyed the booking of JBL throughout. The character change and his constant references to stock market in his promos are really, really good. Again, similar to the bandaged up Edge running down earlier, now we get a bandaged up Cena. Marks for the ambulance driving into the arena though because that would have been fun. Promo here was fine, although it's 2004 so Chain Gang > Ce-Nation lol. But yeah, in general an okay segment to continue this angle.

Haas over Rikishi works for me, as does Kendrick over Basham. I'm glad you seemingly have two tag feuds going at once to further the division. I think end goal just has to be WGTT/London and Kendrick though.

And you'll never get any complaints from me as long as "Jamie Noble boy" is picking up victories

I thought this episode of SD seemed good. A few execution things that I maybe would have done differently, but I am digging the overall direction of all the angles. Looking forward to more.

 

[WrestleWizard]

Raw Results – April 19, 2004: Pick Your Poison​

CALGARY, ALBERTA — On a pivotal Monday Night RAW just weeks before Backlash, the three contenders for the World Heavyweight Championship are forced into a treacherous game of "Pick Your Poison." Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels will each hand-pick the opponent for one of their rivals, leading to a night of unpredictable, high-stakes matchups designed to strategically weaken the competition.

In the first "Pick Your Poison" match, Triple H selected Christian to face World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle in a non-title contest. The match was a technical affair, but Christian's focus was clearly split, still seething from the events of the prior week against Chris Jericho. As "Captain Charisma" looked to gain an advantage, a vengeful Chris Jericho appeared on the entrance ramp, the mere sight of his Backlash opponent causing a fatal distraction that allowed Angle to hit the Angle Slam and secure the victory.

For his pick, Kurt Angle chose "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton to go to war with "The Showstopper" Shawn Michaels. The bout was an instant classic, with the brash young Orton's aggression meshing perfectly with the veteran resilience of HBK. Just as Michaels prepared to deliver Sweet Chin Music, Evolution's own, Ric Flair and Batista, stormed the ring and began a beatdown of Orton while HBK fled, forcing the referee to call for a disqualification. However, the 2-on-1 assault was short-lived, as AJ Styles—repaying Orton for his help the previous week—sprinted to the ring to even the odds and clear out the Evolution veterans.

The night's main event saw Shawn Michaels' selection come to fruition as Triple H was forced to face the phenomenal newcomer, AJ Styles. "The Game," who declared last week that the World Heavyweight Championship was his property, was visibly stunned by the blistering speed and innovative offense of Styles. As the match reached its apex, Styles countered a Pedigree attempt, and when Ric Flair tried to interfere continuing the conflict from earlier in the night, Randy Orton cut him off at ringside payback at its finest. The brief distraction allowed Styles to rock a stunned Triple H with a Pele Kick and connect with the Styles Clash for the clean 1-2-3, scoring a monumental upset that sent shockwaves through the WWE and gained him and Orton critical momentum in their war against Evolution.

Moments after it was officially announced that Women's Champion Lita would defend her title against Gail Kim at Backlash, the champion made her defiant return to Monday Night RAW, two weeks after a vicious backstage assault had left her sidelined. With her ribs heavily taped, Lita addressed her now-official challenger, proclaiming that the shared "disdain for [her] style" from Gail and Molly Holly was simply jealousy and that she would prove she was no "fluke champion". The champion's address was cut short by the menacing duo, who stalked their injured prey and surrounded the ring, poised to inflict more punishment. However, just as the 2-on-1 assault was about to begin, Victoria charged the ring to a massive ovation, seeking retribution after being the victim of a "systematic dismantling" by Gail Kim the previous week. Stunned by this unexpected alliance, the cowardly pair reluctantly retreated, leaving an injured but unbowed Lita standing tall with her unlikely new ally against the "most menacing threat in the division". It was later confirmed that this confrontation has led to a blockbuster tag team match for next week's go-home episode of RAW, where Lita and Victoria will team up to face Gail Kim and Molly Holly.

The personal animosity that began with the dissolution of their tag team and erupted into a chaotic backstage brawl last week was finally brought into the ring, as former partners Booker T and Rob Van Dam looked to settle their issues. The match was a heated and physical affair, fueled by the accusations of blame both men had traded for their recent failures. As RVD gained the upper hand and ascended to the top rope for a potential match-ending Five-Star Frog Splash, Booker T made a shocking decision, shoving the referee into the turnbuckle and delivering a vicious low blow to RVD while the official was stunned. Capitalizing on his underhanded tactic, Booker T delivered a brutal Scissor Kick—the same move that inadvertently cost RVD a match weeks ago—to secure a tainted victory. The bell was not the end, however, as a remorseless Booker T grabbed a steel chair and unleashed a savage post-match assault on RVD, viciously targeting his back and leaving his former friend motionless in the center of the ring, making it clear his vendetta has only just begun.

In a high-stakes match born from last week's chaotic three-team brawl, The Dudley Boyz faced La Resistance to determine who would challenge Matt and Jeff Hardy for the World Tag Team Championships at Backlash. With the champion Hardy Boyz watching from the commentary table, La Resistance used every underhanded tactic they could, but the veteran power and brawling prowess of Bubba Ray and D-Von proved to be too much for the arrogant French-Canadian duo. After Bubba Ray and D-Von dispatched René Duprée, they turned their attention to Robért Conway, planting him in the center of the ring with a thunderous 3D for the victory. The win makes it official, as The Dudley Boyz have now punched their ticket to Backlash, reigniting a legendary rivalry as they stood victorious in the ring, locking eyes with the champions

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hardy Boyz (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
Lita vs. Gail Kim

NEXT WEEK ON RAW 4.26.04

THE "GO HOME" RAW SHOW BEFORE WWE BACKLASH

HBK/HHH/ANGLE LAST FACE TO FACE BEFORE THE EPIC TRIPLE THREAT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Lita and Victoria vs. Molly Holly and Gail Kim

The Highlight Reel w/ Guest Trish Stratus

"FIRST TIME EVER"
AJ Styles one on one with Batista

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Smackdown Results 4.22.04 A Perfect Trap: Lesnar & New Allies Decimate The Undertaker​

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On a night defined by brutal physicality and personal animosity, SmackDown emanated from Knoxville with an explosive energy that set a violent tone for Backlash. While WWE Champion Brock Lesnar’s shocking and calculated ambush of The Undertaker left the wwe fans speechless, it was John Cena’s unadulterated rage that kicked off the show. Responding to last week’s assault, the U.S. Champion unleashed a furious tirade not with his words, but with a steel chain, chasing John Bradshaw Layfield from the arena before systematically destroying the millionaire’s prized limousine. The night of carnage continued as Eddie & Chavo Guerrero used their signature duplicity to injure Edge and score a tainted main event victory, while Goldberg answered The Big Show’s challenge with some destruction of his own.

Thuganomics Unleashed: Cena Destroys JBL’s Limousine

SmackDown kicked off with John Bradshaw Layfield’s arrogant "Hostile Takeover Celebration." With his pristine white limousine parked on the entrance stage as a monument to his wealth, the Wall Street magnate stood in the ring and toasted to his "market correction" of John Cena. Proclaiming Cena a "cheap, fad stock," JBL vowed to complete his hostile takeover at Backlash. His speech was cut short by the familiar anthem of the U.S. Champion, but the John Cena that appeared was not the one fans were used to. With a thick steel chain wrapped around his fist and a look of pure fury in his eyes, Cena stormed the ramp. Forgoing a microphone, Cena sprinted directly for the ring, his intentions crystal clear. A terrified JBL immediately bailed, escaping through the crowd with Cena in hot pursuit. The chaotic chase went all around the arena, with the "Wrestling God" narrowly escaping the champion's wrath by scrambling backstage and out of the building. Left seething on the entrance ramp and denied his physical retribution on JBL, Cena turned his rage towards the next best thing: JBL’s limo. The Doctor of Thuganomics brutally unleashed his frustration on the expensive vehicle. He used his steel chain to shatter the windows into a spiderweb of glass. He then grabbed a lead pipe and smashed massive dents into the hood and side panels. For the exclamation point, Cena pulled out a can of spray paint, tagging the ruined limo with his signature "WORD LIFE" and "Thuganomics" insignia, sending a costly and deeply personal message that this war is far from over.

Noble Navigates Chaos to Victory

The deeply competitive Cruiserweight division was on full display as Jamie Noble, Tajiri, and Akio battled in a thrilling Triple Threat Match. The action was a non-stop blur of speed and skill. In the chaotic final moments, Tajiri locked Jamie Noble in the Tarantula, but was forced to release the hold to confront a charging Akio. The Japanese Buzzsaw stopped Akio in his tracks with a face full of his poisonous green mist. With Akio blinded, Noble took advantage of the momentary distraction, planting Tajiri with a devastating Tiger Bomb to score a huge victory and move one step closer to a Cruiserweight Title opportunity.

The Hunter Answers with Destruction

Still seething over Goldberg's comments from last week, The Big Show stomped to the ring to boast about his own feat of strength: flipping a multi-ton production truck last week. The World's Largest Athlete warned Goldberg that this was a mere demonstration of the power that would break him at Backlash. His tirade was interrupted by a live feed on the TitanTron, showing Goldberg backstage next to Big Show’s personal, customized tour bus. "You like flipping things, Show?" The Hunter asked with a predatory grin. What followed was a stunning display of retaliatory destruction. Goldberg tore a mirror off the bus, kicked massive dents into its side, and then, in an unbelievable show of force, charged and speared the bus door completely off its hinges. As a furious Big Show destroyed the ringside area in a fit of rage, Goldberg delivered a chilling final message: "You're next!"

Bashams Send a Brutal Message

With WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick providing commentary, The Basham Brothers sent a clear and violent message. The sadistic siblings decimated two local competitors in a matter of minutes, finishing them with their signature Ball and Gag. Unsatisfied, Doug and Danny hit the move a second time before confronting the champions at the announce table, vowing that their fairytale championship reign would come to a brutal end next week on Smackdown.

The Beast's Ambush Leaves The Phenom in Ruins

In what was meant to be a simple address to the wwe fans, Brock Lesnar entered the ring alone and proclaimed that The Undertaker’s era was over and his mind games were pathetic. The WWE Champion’s speech was cut short by the appearance of Paul Bearer on the entrance ramp, urn in hand. Seeing an opportunity, the arrogant champion stalked up the ramp, tossed the sacred urn aside, and began a vicious assault on the defenseless manager. As expected, this brought out The Undertaker. Following a gong and a blackout, The Phenom appeared in the center of the ring, ready for a fight. Lesnar grinned, accepting the challenge and walking toward the ring. But it was all a ruse. As Taker’s attention was fixed on the champion, The World’s Greatest Tag Team, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, emerged from the crowd and attacked The Deadman from behind. Lesnar joined the fray, and the three Superstars unleashed a horrifying 3-on-1 assault on the legendary Phenom. The brutal beatdown culminated in a thunderous F-5 from Lesnar. The champion, flanked by his new allies, stood over the fallen Undertaker, mockingly raising the urn in a shocking display of dominance.

Guerreros Target Injury to Pin Edge in Main Event

In the night's main event, the bad blood between two rivalries boiled over in a massive tag team match pitting Eddie & Chavo Guerrero against Edge & Jushin "Thunder" Liger. The match was an instant classic, mixing the high-flying artistry of Liger and Chavo with the pure hatred between Edge and Eddie. Latino Heat was relentless, sadistically targeting Edge’s already injured ribs at every opportunity. A courageous Edge, fighting through immense pain, finally made a hot tag to Liger, who entered the ring like a house on fire. The Japanese legend nearly secured the victory, but the action soon spilled into chaos. With the referee distracted, Eddie and Edge’s brawl tumbled to the outside. Chavo Guerrero interfered, clipping Edge’s knee from behind and leaving him helpless. Seizing the moment, Eddie Guerrero grabbed a steel chair and delivered a sickening, undefended shot directly to Edge’s heavily taped ribs. As Edge collapsed in agony, Chavo neutralized Jushin Liger by throwing him viciously into the steel ring steps. Seeing his opportunity, Eddie rolled Edge's motionless body back into the ring. Dripping with arrogance, Eddie Guerrero covered his Backlash opponent, placing a boot on his chest as the referee slid back in to make the three-count. Eddie had not only beaten Edge, he had exploited his injury to do so, pinning him just 10 days before their pay-per-view encounter. SmackDown went off the air with the victorious Guerreros standing tall, Eddie sneering over the fallen body of Edge, proving he will stop at nothing to win and leaving the world to wonder if Edge will even be at 100% for his chance at revenge at Backlash.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hardy Boyz (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
Lita vs. Gail Kim

NEXT WEEK ON RAW 4.26.04

THE "GO HOME" RAW SHOW BEFORE WWE BACKLASH

HBK/HHH/ANGLE LAST FACE TO FACE BEFORE THE EPIC TRIPLE THREAT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Lita and Victoria vs. Molly Holly and Gail Kim

The Highlight Reel w/ Guest Trish Stratus

"FIRST TIME EVER"
AJ Styles one on one with Batista

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Raw Results, April 26, 2004: Absolute Pandemonium Erupts on Final Stop Before Backlash​

HERSHEY, PA – On the final Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view, the fragile peace that barely existed on the red brand shattered completely. In a night that featured a colossal “first time ever” clash, a brutal No Disqualification war, and a hijacked talk show, the final face-to-face between the three combatants for the World Heavyweight Championship predictably descended into uncontrollable chaos, providing a violent preview of the war to come.

Evolution’s Animal Caged by The Phenomenal One in Chaotic Opener​

The night kicked off with a much-anticipated “first time ever” encounter as AJ Styles went one-on-one with Evolution’s enforcer, Batista. The match was a direct result of the ongoing war between the team of Randy Orton & Styles and Evolution. Styles, still riding the momentum of his shocking clean pinfall victory over Triple H last week, used his breathtaking speed and agility to keep the powerhouse Batista off balance. However, the raw strength of “The Animal” was undeniable, as he grounded Styles and began to systematically pick him apart. As the match raged on, the inevitable interference from Evolution began. With the referee distracted, Ric Flair attempted to aid Batista from the outside, but Randy Orton—repaying Styles for his help last week —sprinted to the ring to neutralize “The Dirtiest Player in the Game.” The ringside chaos spilled into the ring, and the referee called for the bell, ending the contest in a disqualification. The bell did nothing to stop the violence, as a massive four-man brawl erupted between the Backlash opponents. Officials swarmed the ring to separate the four men, whose hatred for one another will finally boil over this Sunday.

Legendary Tag Team Rivalry Reaches Boiling Point​

Following the opening contest, World Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz came to the ring. Matt and Jeff Hardy spoke of their long and storied history with their Backlash opponents, The Dudley Boyz, acknowledging the legendary battles they’ve had in the past. They stated that while they respect the Dudleys, this is a different era, and they have no intention of relinquishing their titles. Their promo was cut short by the arrival of Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley, who became the #1 contenders after defeating La Résistance. Bubba Ray declared that respect wouldn’t win the Hardys the match at Backlash and that their destiny was to become ten-time tag team champions. After a heated verbal exchange, fists began to fly. The two iconic teams brawled in and out of the ring until they were separated by officials, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing for their championship encounter.

Lita Fights Through the Pain as Women’s Division Tensions Explode​

In a tag team contest, Women’s Champion Lita teamed with Victoria to take on the sinister alliance of Gail Kim and Molly Holly. Lita was clearly still feeling the effects of the attack from two weeks prior, entering the match with her ribs heavily taped. Gail and Molly were relentless, immediately targeting Lita’s injury with a vicious and focused assault whenever she was in the ring. However, the champion’s partner, Victoria, proved to be the equalizer. After receiving a hot tag, Victoria entered the ring and completely overwhelmed both opponents with her impressive power. In the end, Lita showed the heart of a champion, battling through immense pain to hit a Twist of Fate on Molly Holly. She then scaled the ropes and delivered a breathtaking Moonsault to secure the hard-fought victory. Though she stood tall with Victoria, Lita clutched her ribs in agony, showing the world that while her fighting spirit is intact, her injury remains a serious liability heading into her title defense against Gail Kim at Backlash.

RVD Gets His Revenge in Brutal No DQ Match​

The deeply personal rivalry between former tag team partners Rob Van Dam and Booker T came to a violent head in a No Disqualification match. The animosity, which began with in-ring miscommunications and escalated to a chaotic backstage brawl, was palpable from the opening bell. Both men used steel chairs, trash cans, and kendo sticks to punish one another. Booker T looked to end the match after a vicious Scissor Kick onto a steel chair, but RVD showed incredible resilience by kicking out at two. In the end, RVD countered a charging Booker T with a spinning heel kick into a chair, followed it with the Rolling Thunder, and sealed his victory with a spectacular Five-Star Frog Splash for the pinfall.

Christian Hijacks The Highlight Reel, Vows to End Jericho​

The set for Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel was in the ring, but Christian and Trish Stratus appeared instead, claiming they were taking over the show to send one final message before his Last Man Standing match at Backlash. Christian mocked Jericho, calling him a shell of his former self ever since their partnership dissolved. He replayed footage of his vicious chair assault on Jim Ross, promising that an even worse fate awaited Jericho on Sunday. Trish Stratus added her own insults, but their tirade was cut short by the sound of Jericho’s music. A darker, more intense Chris Jericho appeared on the entrance ramp with a kendo stick in hand. He stated that the time for talking was over and that at Backlash, he would make Christian pay for every one of his sins. Jericho then charged the ring, and a wild brawl ensued. Jericho got the upper hand, chasing Christian and Trish through the crowd with his kendo stick, giving them a painful preview of the brutality that awaits in their Last Man Standing match.

Uncontrollable Mayhem Erupts in Final World Title Confrontation​

As promised, the final segment of the night saw World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels meet in the ring for one final face-to-face encounter. Flanked by a wall of security, the three rivals wasted no time trading venomous verbal barbs. Triple H, still seething from his loss to AJ Styles , declared that last week was a fluke and that the World Heavyweight Championship was his property that he was coming to reclaim. Shawn Michaels, confident after his own "Pick Your Poison" victory over Chris Jericho, proclaimed that his resilience would once again lead him to the top. The champion, Kurt Angle, simply stated that he was genetically superior to both men and would prove it by making one of them tap out at Backlash. The war of words quickly escalated. Triple H shoved Michaels, who fired back with a right hand. The security team’s efforts were futile as all three men exploded in a flurry of violence. Angle hit Michaels with an Angle Slam, only to be taken down by a Spinebuster from Triple H. As “The Game” stood over him, Michaels shot to his feet and connected with Sweet Chin Music, knocking Triple H out cold. Before HBK could celebrate, Angle clipped his knee from behind and locked in a torturous Ankle Lock. Michaels screamed in pain as Angle wrenched back, refusing to let go. Dozens of officials and superstars from the back rushed the ring, desperately trying to pry the champion off his challenger. The show went off the air with a chaotic scene of all three men being forcibly restrained in opposite corners of the ring, screaming at each other as the road to Backlash reached its violent and unpredictable conclusion.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

**THIS SUNDAY**

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hardy Boyz (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
Lita vs. Gail Kim

PLUS.....MAY 3RD THE LANDSCAPE OF WWE WILL CHANGE FOREVER

​

 

[WrestleWizard]

Smackdown Results April 29th, 2004 A Terrifying Vision: Undertaker Shatters Lesnar’s Psyche with a Chilling Final Warning Ahead of Backlash​

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada – On an absolutely unforgettable final SmackDown before this Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view, the WWE Champion’s arrogance was met with a horrifying dose of supernatural reality. After escaping a physical beating in the main event, a terrified Brock Lesnar was confronted with a chilling vision of his own demise—a casket containing his doppelgänger—leaving The Beast psychologically shattered by The Undertaker's ultimate mind game. It was a night of incredible drama and violence where a courageous John Cena was pushed to his absolute limit in a sadistic Gauntlet Match orchestrated by John Bradshaw Layfield. Hometown hero Edge also returned to get a piece of an opportunistic Eddie Guerrero, and a colossal weigh-in between Goldberg and The Big Show ended in shocking destruction, setting a brutal and unpredictable stage for this Sunday.

The Champion’s Hubris, The Phenom’s Ominous Silence

SmackDown kicked off with an overwhelming air of arrogance as WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, flanked by his newly hired guns, The World's Greatest Tag Team, marched to the ring. A smug Lesnar replayed the footage of their 3-on-1 demolition of The Undertaker from last week, mocking The Phenom's mystique and declaring that he had exposed the legend as "just a man." Lesnar boldly proclaimed that The Undertaker was broken and afraid, and issued an open challenge for The Deadman to answer his call by the end of the night. Later, SmackDown GM Teddy Long confirmed that The Undertaker was indeed in the arena, and that he would get his chance at retribution when he faced both Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match in the main event.

Liger Sends a Message to the Cruiserweight Champion

With Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero joining the commentary team, his Backlash challenger, Jushin "Thunder" Liger, squared off against the scrappy and dangerous Jamie Noble. Chavo spent the entire match running down his legendary opponent, claiming Liger was a relic of the past. Inside the ring, however, the legend proved his skills were timeless, weathering Noble's aggressive offense before planting him in the center of the ring with a thunderous Liger Bomb for the decisive victory. Liger stared daggers at a suddenly quiet Chavo at the announce table, making it clear he is more than ready to capture the gold this Sunday.

London & Kendrick Retain in a Classic

In a highly anticipated WWE Tag Team Championship match, Paul London & Brian Kendrick defended their titles against the brutal Basham Brothers. The match was a story of survival, as the champions withstood a methodical and punishing assault from the sadistic siblings. But the heart and breathtaking innovation of London and Kendrick proved to be the difference-maker. After a series of thrilling near-falls that had the Montreal crowd on its feet, the champions mounted one final, high-flying comeback, culminating in a picture-perfect 450 Splash from London onto Danny Basham for the hard-fought, title-retaining victory.

A Champion's Courage, A Millionaire's Cruelty, and A Liar's Greed

Earlier in the evening, a furious John Bradshaw Layfield, still seething over the destruction of his prized limousine last week, announced that he had used his immense wealth to sanction a "JBL Bounty Gauntlet Match." A massive cash prize was offered to any Superstar who could incapacitate United States Champion John Cena before their title match at Backlash. What followed was an incredible display of guts and resilience from the Doctor of Thuganomics. One by one, Cena took on the bounty hunters, overcoming the raw power of Rhyno, the blistering speed of Akio, the colossal size of Matt Morgan, the scrappy tenacity of Tajiri, and the bruising force of A-Train. After five grueling victories, Cena was on his knees, a portrait of pure exhaustion. Just when it seemed his trial by combat was over, the arena was filled with the familiar sound of a low-rider's hydraulics. To the utter shock of the wwe fans and the absolute delight of JBL at the commentary table, Eddie Guerrero emerged, a greedy smirk plastered on his face. Seeing a golden opportunity, Guerrero entered the ring as the sixth Gauntlet opponent. The fresh-as-a-daisy Guerrero toyed with the depleted champion, hitting his Three Amigos suplexes before connecting with a spectacular Frog Splash to steal the victory and JBL's bounty money. But Cena's night of pain was far from over. As Eddie celebrated with his newly won cash, JBL removed his suit jacket and entered the ring. The "Wrestling God" delivered a vicious and definitive statement, brutally stomping away at Cena's already injured midsection before nearly taking his head off with a thunderous Clothesline from Hell. As officials tended to the fallen champion, JBL stood over his Backlash opponent's unconscious body, draping the U.S. Title across his chest in a final, grim warning. Following a commercial break where medics assisted Cena to the back, Eddie Guerrero remained in the ring, bounty in hand, to address the Montreal crowd. He bragged about his victory before turning his attention to Edge. The promo drew out Edge, who received a deafening ovation from his countrymen. After a fiery exchange, Edge dropped Eddie with a massive Spear. Though he collapsed in pain, clutching his injured ribs, he had made his point, standing tall over the man who had won the huge cash bounty moments earlier.

The Giant Makes a Heavy Statement at Weigh-In

In a segment designed to hype the clash of the titans, Teddy Long officiated a weigh-in between Goldberg and The Big Show. After the tale of the tape revealed a staggering 208-pound advantage for the giant (493 lbs. to 285 lbs.), the verbal jabs quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Goldberg charged for a Spear, but in a jaw-dropping display of power, The Big Show caught him in mid-air, hoisted him up, and drove him through the reinforced industrial scale with a monstrous Chokeslam. The giant stood tall amidst the wreckage, having made a powerful and destructive final statement.

Lesnar Escapes a Beating, But Not His Fate

In the night's main event, The Undertaker sought retribution against Brock Lesnar's new allies in a Handicap Match. The Phenom looked unstoppable in the early going, but the flawless teamwork of Haas and Benjamin eventually allowed them to gain the upper hand. As they wore him down, it seemed Lesnar’s plan was working to perfection. But The Undertaker roared back, and just as he was about to hit a Tombstone Piledriver on Shelton Benjamin, Brock Lesnar charged the ring, causing an immediate disqualification. The bell was a mere formality as the 3-on-1 assault began, looking like a carbon copy of last week’s demolition. But this time, it was different. In a moment that sent a chill through the arena, The Undertaker suddenly sat straight up, his eyes burning with an unholy fire. He rose to his feet and single-handedly dismantled his attackers, throwing Haas and Benjamin from the ring with frightening ease. Lesnar, his face a mask of shock and disbelief, found himself cornered. The Deadman grabbed the champion by the throat, hoisting him high for a massive Chokeslam. But in a desperate act of self-preservation, Lesnar drove a vicious low blow, breaking the hold. The champion didn't stand and fight; he scrambled out of the ring and scurried up the entrance ramp, his usual arrogance replaced with pure, unadulterated fear.

He thought he had escaped. He was wrong.

As Lesnar reached the top of the stage, gasping for air, a single, soul-piercing GONG echoed through the arena. The lights cut out. When they returned, an ornate, black casket was standing upright on the stage, blocking his path. A horrified Lesnar froze, staring in disbelief as the casket door slowly creaked open. Inside, standing motionless with a vacant, terrified expression, was a man dressed exactly like Brock Lesnar—a ghastly doppelgänger. The real champion looked on in absolute horror, his mind unable to process the terrifying vision before him. In the ring, The Undertaker slowly dragged his thumb across his throat. SmackDown went off the air with the unforgettable image of the WWE Champion trapped—physically safe, but psychologically shattered, haunted by a vision of his own demise. The Undertaker may not have gotten his hands on Lesnar tonight, but he has surely captured his soul.

WWE BACKLASH
May 2, 2004
Toronto, Canada

**THIS SUNDAY**

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

LAST MAN STANDING
Christian vs. Chris Jericho

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

TAG TEAM MATCH
AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

Big Show vs. Goldberg

Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hardy Boyz (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
Lita vs. Gail Kim​

 

[WrestleWizard]

The Official Backlash 2004 Prediction Contest!​

The Future is in YOUR Hands!​

Welcome, everyone, to the most important prediction contest in the history of this BTB. The card for Backlash is set, the superstars are ready for war in Toronto, but the biggest battle is right here. This isn't just for bragging rights. This is for control. The winner of this contest will earn a reward that will shake the very foundation of the future of this BTB. The winner gets to choose ONE superstar or tag team and decide which brand (RAW or SmackDown) they will be drafted to in the upcoming WWE Draft (Winner will privately message me their choice).

Will you send a world champion to the rival show? Will you break up a dominant faction? Will you give your favorite superstar a fresh start? The choice, and the power, will be yours.

Rules:

• 2 Points for every correctly predicted winner.
• 1 Point for every correctly answered bonus question.
• The person with the most total points at the end of the night wins.
• Tiebreaker: The tiebreaker question at the end of the contest will be used to determine a winner in the event of a tie.
• All predictions must be submitted before the official posting of Backlash (Around ~ Oct 1).

Good luck. The future is on the line.

THE OFFICIAL BALLOT​

1. Women's Championship: Lita vs. Gail Kim

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will the match-winning pinfall occur immediately following a top-rope maneuver? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Who will be the first to attempt a move from the top rope? (Lita/Gail Kim)

2. World Tag Team Championships: Hardy Boyz (c) vs. The Dudley Boyz

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will a table be broken at any point during this match? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Besides a table, will a steel ladder be used as a weapon in this match? (Yes/No)

3. Singles Match: Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Who will have the first pinfall attempt of the match? (Edge/Eddie Guerrero)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will the referee be knocked down (incapacitated) at any point during the match? (Yes/No)

4. Singles Match: Big Show vs. Goldberg

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will Goldberg successfully execute a Jackhammer on The Big Show? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will this match go longer than 5 minutes (from bell to bell)? (Yes/No)

5. Tag Team Match: AJ Styles & Randy Orton vs. Batista & Ric Flair

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Who will score the winning pinfall or submission for their team? (Styles/Orton/Batista/Flair)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will Ric Flair perform his signature "figure-four leglock" during the match? (Yes/No)

6. Cruiserweight Championship: Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will this match be the shortest match on the main card? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will Chavo Guerrero attempt to unmask Jushin Liger during the match? (Yes/No)

7. United States Championship: John Cena (c) vs. John "Bradshaw" Layfield

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will the winner win the match using their primary finishing move (F-U for Cena, Clothesline From Hell for JBL)? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will John Cena use his steel chain as a weapon during the match? (Yes/No)

8. Last Man Standing Match: Christian vs. Chris Jericho

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): What foreign object will be used to score the final 10-count? (e.g., Steel Chair, Championship Belt, Ring Bell, etc. - Be specific!) If you believe no foreign object will be used to determine winner just say "None"
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will either competitor be busted open (visibly bleed) during the match? (Yes/No)

9. WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. The Undertaker

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Will the match end via a clean pinfall/submission (no interference, no foreign objects used in the finish)? (Yes/No)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Will a competitor be put through an announcer's table? (Yes/No)

10. World Heavyweight Championship: Kurt Angle (c) vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

• Winner Prediction (2 pts):
• Bonus Question #1 (1 pt): Who will take the fall (be pinned or submit) to end the match? (Angle/Triple H/Michaels)
• Bonus Question #2 (1 pt): Who will be the first competitor to break up a pinfall attempt on another opponent? (Angle/Triple H/Michaels)

​

TIEBREAKER QUESTION​

In the event of a tie, this question will determine the ultimate winner.
Predict the total number of finishing moves (successful or not) attempted by Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels in the main event. (Ankle Lock, Pedigree, Sweet Chin Music). The closest prediction without going over wins. If all predictions go over, the closest prediction wins.