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Lita (c) vs. Trish Stratus vs. Victoria vs. Gail Kim
June 6, 2004
The Context:The Women's Championship picture has devolved from a simple rivalry into a chaotic power struggle involving four distinct, dangerous personalities. Lita, the daredevil champion, finds herself encircled by enemies on all sides. Her nemesis Trish Stratus is obsessed with reclaiming her throne. Victoria, the unpredictable wildcard, wants to hurt everyone indiscriminately. And Gail Kim, the technical assassin, has emerged from the shadows not as a pawn, but as a silent predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike. General Manager Eric Bischoff, unable to contain the violence to singles matches, has made the call: A Fatal 4-Way Match where the first pinfall or submission decides the champion. The odds are stacked against Lita, who can lose her title without even being involved in the decision.
The Catalyst (May 10th) The chaos began in the aftermath of the Draft. During a highly anticipated match between Victoria and Gail Kim, Trish Stratus made her presence felt. But this wasn't just interference; it was a statement. Trish attacked Victoria, causing a disqualification, and then signaled for a further beatdown. Lita, nursing injured ribs from a previous encounter, rushed the ring to save her former rival, Victoria. However, the numbers game shifted unexpectedly. Gail Kim, seeing an opportunity to take out the champion, blindsided Lita with a chop block. It wasn't an alliance with Trish; it was opportunism. As Lita lay prone, Trish locked in a submission, screaming that Lita was a "broken champion," while Gail stood over them, eyeing the title belt with a hungry, possessive glare. The message was clear: everyone wanted the gold, and Lita was the prey.
The Fracture (May 17th) With Lita absent to sell the rib injury, the contenders turned on each other. Trish Stratus cut a promo claiming she was the "Queen" of the division and that the title was her birthright. She dismissed Gail Kim as a "flash in the pan" and Victoria as a "psycho." This arrogance backfired immediately. Gail Kim interrupted, not with words, but with action, engaging Trish in a technical wrestling clinic that left the former champion scrambling. Just as things heated up, Victoria’s music hit. The "Vicious Vixen" stormed the ring, not to align with anyone, but to create chaos. She laid out both Trish and Gail with a Widows Peak, standing tall in the center of the ring, pulling her hair and screaming. It became evident that there were no teams here—only four women with singular goals.
The Uneasy Alliances (May 24th) In an attempt to restore order, Eric Bischoff booked a tag team match: Lita & Victoria vs. Trish Stratus & Gail Kim. The match was a psychological minefield. Lita, heavily taped, struggled to trust the unstable Victoria, who refused to tag out, wanting to inflict pain herself. On the other side, the tension between Trish and Gail was palpable, with both women constantly trying to steal the spotlight. The finish came when Lita, fighting through pain, hit a Twist of Fate on Gail. However, before she could cover, Trish threw Victoria into Lita, breaking the pin and causing mass confusion. In the scramble, Gail Kim rolled up a distracted Lita for a shocking three-count. Gail had pinned the champion. The post-match scene was anarchy: Trish argued with Gail, furious that she didn't get the pin, while Victoria shoved Lita, blaming her for the loss.
The Total Collapse (May 31st) On the final Raw before King of the Ring, Bischoff demanded a "Summit" to make the Fatal 4-Way match official. He hoped that a verbal confrontation would keep the peace, but it was a powder keg waiting to explode. Trish insulted Lita’s injury history, calling her "damaged goods." Gail Kim coldly stated she had already pinned Lita and would do it again on Sunday. Victoria simply stared at the others, vibrating with intensity, before flipping the podium over onto Trish. The summit dissolved into a four-woman brawl that spilled out of the ring and up the ramp. Security tried to intervene but were tossed aside. The defining image of the night saw Lita, desperate to prove she was still the high-flying risk-taker, climbing the stage scaffolding and diving onto all three challengers below. As bodies lay strewn across the steel stage, Lita clutched her ribs in agony but held the title high. She had survived the brawl, but at what cost to her body?
Heading into Sacramento, the variables are endless. Trish Stratus has the experience and the cunning. Gail Kim has the technical prowess and the momentum of pinning the champion. Victoria has the unpredictability and raw power. And Lita has the heart of a champion, but a broken body. In a match where alliances are non-existent and danger comes from every direction, can Lita survive the odds, or will a new Queen be crowned in the chaos of the Fatal 4-Way?
ROUNDTABLE: Who Leaves Sacramento as Women's Champion?
June 6, 2004
WWE.com has gathered a panel of experts from Raw, SmackDown, and Heat to break down the chaotic Fatal 4-Way match for the Women's Championship. With alliances shattered and careers on the line, our experts weigh in on who will survive the carnage at King of the Ring.
Jim Ross (Raw Play-by-Play): "Folks, this is a demolition derby, plain and simple. Lita has the heart of a lion, but her body has been through hell. Those ribs are a target you can see from the cheap seats. Trish Stratus is as cunning as they come, and she’s got a mean streak a mile wide. But don’t sleep on Victoria; she’s unpredictable, and in a match with no rules, chaos favors the insane. However, my gut tells me that Gail Kim is the one to watch. She’s cold, calculated, and she’s already pinned the champion. She’ll let the others destroy each other and pick the bones." Prediction: Gail Kim
The Coach (Raw Color Commentary): "JR, you’re too sentimental. Lita is damaged goods. Victoria is a loose cannon. Gail is talented, sure, but she lacks the big-match experience of a true queen. There is only one woman in this match who knows how to manipulate every situation to her advantage. Trish Stratus isn't just a wrestler; she’s a mastermind. She started this chaos to get her title back, and she’s going to finish it. The Queen reclaims her throne tonight." Prediction: Trish Stratus
Ivory (WWE Experience Host): "I’ve been in the ring with all of them. This isn't about wrestling ability anymore; it's about survival. Lita is hurt, yes, but that’s when she’s most dangerous. She fights best when her back is against the wall. Plus, she doesn't have to be the one to get the pin, but she also doesn't have to be pinned to lose. That stipulation scares me. But I think Lita’s desire to prove she’s not 'broken' will carry her through. She’ll hit a moonsault off something high and leave with the gold." Prediction: Lita
Todd Grisham (Sunday Night Heat): "I saw Victoria flip a table last week with one hand. She’s terrifying. In a Fatal 4-Way, the first fall wins. Victoria hits the Widows Peak out of nowhere, and it’s lights out. She doesn't care about alliances or strategies; she just wants to hurt people. I think she catches Trish or Gail while they're arguing and steals this one." Prediction: Victoria
Tazz (SmackDown Color Commentary): "Let me tell ya somethin', Cole. You got a lot of moving parts here. Trish and Gail? They got bad blood, no doubt about it. But don't sleep on Victoria, she's loopy, she's dangerous! But here's the thing, Lita? She's hurtin'. She's fightin' on fumes, baby. I hate to agree with Coachman, but Trish is smart. She's gonna let Gail do the heavy lifting, then bam! She steals it. Book it." Prediction: Trish Stratus
Technical Mastery vs. Blunt Force – The Road to King of the Ring
Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. HBK & Luther Reigns - If HBK and Reigns win then HBK will get a World Heavyweight Championship Match at the next PPV Vengeance
- If Angle/Styles win then HBK will never get another chance at the World Heavyweight Championship as long as Angle is champion
May 6th: The Genesis of Conflict
The post-draft era of SmackDown began with a definitive statement from World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle. Fresh off a career-defining victory at Backlash, Angle opened the season premiere with his "State of SmackDown" address, declaring a new order built on the "Three I's"—Intensity, Integrity, and Intelligence. He promised to flush out the "attitude" of the past in favor of pure athleticism. This sermon was interrupted by the brand’s biggest acquisition, Shawn Michaels. The "Heartbreak Kid," visibly disgusted by his draft status and feeling disrespected by being moved from the flagship show, didn't come to pay homage; he came to demand a title shot to "save" the brand from Angle’s boring utopia. Angle, projecting the icy arrogance of a champion at his peak, laughed in the icon’s face. He told Michaels that on his show, reputation means nothing without results, ordering HBK to "earn his place" in the King of the Ring tournament later that night.
The humiliation for Michaels became absolute during the main event, a King of the Ring qualifying match against Randy Orton. Angle set up a desk at ringside, mockingly holding up Olympic scorecards to "grade" Michaels' performance, giving him 2s and 3s for his signature moves. The psychological warfare worked; a distracted and seething Michaels took his eyes off Orton to scream at Angle, walking right into an RKO for the 1-2-3. Angle stood over the fallen legend, clapping sarcastically, while Michaels sat in the ring, realizing that on this brand, his legacy offered him no protection against the "Wrestling Machine." Backstage, Michaels destroyed the interview set, shouting that if Angle wanted a war on his terms, he had made a grave mistake.
May 13th: The Proxy War
Kurt Angle continued his crusade to reshape the roster by approaching the "Phenomenal" AJ Styles backstage. Angle offered to take the young technician under his wing, seeing a kindred spirit in Styles’ prowess and recent King of the Ring qualifier victory. However, the logic hole of their alliance was closed here: Styles, brimming with confidence, respectfully declined the offer. "I respect your gold medals, Kurt," Styles said, "but I don't need a handler. I’m here to build my own legacy." Angle, though insulted, pivoted quickly. He decided to use Styles as a prop to taunt Michaels anyway, praising Styles to the commentary team as "the athlete Shawn wishes he still was" during Styles' semifinal match against Randy Orton.
The match was a technical masterpiece, with Styles seemingly on the verge of an upset that would solidify his stardom. But Shawn Michaels, consumed by bitterness over his own elimination and Angle's constant comparisons, refused to let the "new generation" shine at his expense. In a moment of pure spite, HBK hopped the barricade—not to attack Angle, but to ruin Angle’s "favorite prospect." While the referee was distracted, Michaels delivered a thunderous Sweet Chin Music to Styles, costing the rookie the match and his King of the Ring dreams. It wasn't just interference; it was a scorched-earth tactic. Michaels grabbed a headset and looked directly at Angle: "You want technical perfection, Kurt? I just broke it. I don't care about the rules anymore."
May 20th: The Mercenary and The Stakes
Realizing he could not out-wrestle Kurt Angle in a fair fight, Shawn Michaels arrived on SmackDown with a new, dark strategy. He admitted to the world that his technical wrestling days were behind him if it meant losing to Angle. He needed an equalizer—something that didn't care about wrist locks. Enter Luther Reigns. A monolithic force of nature, Reigns was introduced not as a partner, but as a "blunt instrument" purchased to do a job. In a terrifying display, Reigns cleared the ring of Angle's private security team, tossing grown men like lawn darts while Angle watched from the ramp, visibly calculating the threat. Reigns cornered Angle, preparing to powerbomb the champion onto the concrete steps.
Suddenly, AJ Styles flew into the frame, leveling Reigns with a Phenomenal Forearm and saving Angle from a broken neck. The "logic bridge" for the team was solidified backstage immediately following the save. When Angle thanked Styles, the Phenomenal One cut him off cold: "I didn't do it for you. I did it because Shawn cost me the King of the Ring. You want him? So do I." General Manager Teddy Long, seeing the escalating violence, booked the tag team match for King of the Ring: Angle and Styles vs. Michaels and Reigns. To ensure maximum volatility, Long added a high-stakes stipulation: If Shawn Michaels’ team wins, HBK gets a World Heavyweight Championship match at the next Pay-Per-View. If Kurt Angle's team wins then HBK will never get a World Heavyweight Championship match while Angle is still the champion. Now, Angle wasn't just fighting for pride; he was fighting for his reign.
May 27th: A Study in Contrast
The chemistry—or lack thereof—between the two teams was put to the test in a "Tune-Up" episode. In a match against the Basham Brothers, Angle and Styles proved that mutual respect is a powerful weapon. Despite their personal friction, they operated like a well-oiled machine, cutting the ring in half with quick tags and a seamless blend of amateur wrestling and aerial offense. They fought with a shared purpose—the preservation of the sport's integrity—and secured a dominant submission victory. Angle raised Styles' hand, finally earning the young star's nod of respect.
On the other side of the bracket, Shawn Michaels and Luther Reigns were a picture of dysfunction against local competitors. Michaels wrestled the majority of the match, refusing to tag in his partner, visibly untrusting of the big man's lack of finesse. Reigns, tired of being treated like a prop, eventually forced a tag by slapping Michaels’ chest hard. Reigns ended the match immediately with one stiff, clumsy clothesline. The victory was secured, but the tension was undeniable; Michaels looked at Reigns not with pride, but with the frustration of an artist forced to paint with a sledgehammer. The commentary team drove the point home: Angle and Styles had the skill, but Michaels and Reigns possessed a volatile power that might just be enough to steal the win.
June 3rd: The Trap is Sprung
The psychological warfare reached its zenith on the "Go-Home" edition of SmackDown in Los Angeles. Kurt Angle stood in the center of the ring, hosting an "Olympic Medal Ceremony" for AJ Styles, ready to present him with a Team Angle singlet to solidify their unit. However, Styles never made his entrance. The TitanTron flickered to life, revealing a chaotic scene in the parking lot. Luther Reigns had ambushed Styles near the rental cars, violently tossing the "Phenomenal One" through a windshield. A horrified Angle watched his partner’s destruction, sprinting backstage only to find it was a decoy strategy.
As Angle arrived at the wreckage, he was blindsided by Shawn Michaels, who attacked him with a steel chair. The "Technical Masterpiece" was dragged back into the arena where Reigns awaited. The segment ended with a chilling visual: Reigns holding Angle's leg against the steel ring post while Michaels smashed it with the chair—a focused attack to eliminate the Ankle Lock from Angle's arsenal. With Styles hospitalized and Angle unable to put weight on his leg, Michaels and Reigns stood tall over the fallen champion. They had proven their hypothesis: Technical mastery means nothing when you have a blunt instrument. The road to King of the Ring ends with the Champions broken, and the challengers looking unstoppable.
CAN A BROKEN ANGLE SURVIVE? THE WRESTLING WORLD WEIGHS IN
Let’s go around the horn with our panel of experts for their predictions on this volatile matchup. We'll start with the color commentator for SmackDown, Tazz.
Tazz (SmackDown Commentator): "Look, Cole, let me tell you somethin’. You know I got nothin’ but respect for Kurt Angle. The guy’s a machine, a legit tough guy, and this kid Styles, he’s got some serious skills. Any other day of the week, I’m bettin’ on technique. But we saw what happened on SmackDown. You can’t slap an Ankle Lock on somebody when you can barely stand on your own two feet. Michaels and that monster Reigns took away Angle’s best weapon. It pains me to say it, but brute force is gonna trump gold medals tonight. I’m going with Michaels and Reigns."
Jim Ross (Raw Lead Announcer): "Bah Gawd, Tazz, I hate to agree with you, but the facts are the facts. We are looking at a desperate Shawn Michaels. A desperate man is a dangerous man, especially when that man is arguably the greatest performer in history fighting for one last shot at the gold. You add in Luther Reigns—who is frankly a walking condominium with a bad attitude—and the odds are stacked. Kurt Angle has the heart of an Olympic champion, and young AJ Styles has a phenomenal future, but tonight? Tonight they are walking into a massacre. Angle is compromised. Michaels and Reigns win, and Heaven help the Champion after that."
Jerry "The King" Lawler (Raw Color Commentator): "Oh, please, JR, save the sob story for someone who cares! Kurt Angle and his boring 'Three I’s' are finally going to get what’s coming to them. Isn't it ironic? The 'wrestling machine' is going to break down because he got outsmarted. Shawn Michaels realized he didn't need to out-wrestle Angle; he just needed to hire a 300-pound blunt object to cripple him! It’s brilliant! That little rookie Styles is going to be running for his life out there. This is going to be easiest payday of Luther Reigns' life. HBK and Reigns take it, and the Heartbreak Kid gets his title shot! Woo hoo!"
Ivory (Backstage Interviewer/Host): "I look at this from a tactical standpoint. On one side, you have Angle and Styles, who, when healthy, are a cohesive, technical unit. On the other side, you have Michaels and Reigns, who barely tolerate each other. Usually, the cohesive team wins. However, the psychological warfare Shawn Michaels has played is masterful. He’s broken Angle physically and tried to break Styles mentally. I don't like their methods, and I don't think they’ll ever be friends, but Michaels and Reigns have the momentum and the health advantage. I have to pick Michaels and Reigns."
Todd Grisham (Heat Announcer): "Guys, I spoke to the SmackDown trainer just twenty minutes ago. He wouldn't confirm the extent of the damage to Kurt Angle's ankle, but he did say the Champion refused analgesic injections because he wants to 'feel the match.' That sounds brave, but it might be foolish against someone like Luther Reigns. The stipulation is the key here. Shawn Michaels wants that title shot more than anything. I think the hunger of HBK combined with the injury to Angle is too much to overcome. Put me down for Michaels and Reigns as well."
FINAL PREDICTION TALLY
Kurt Angle & AJ Styles: 0 Votes Shawn Michaels & Luther Reigns: 5 Votes (Tazz, JR, The King, Ivory, Grisham)
Confirmed Card for King of the Ring 2004
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: TABLES MATCH WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. The Dudley Boyz
Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. The Big Show
Fatal Four Way Womens Championship: Lita (c) vs. Trish Stratus vs. Gail Kim vs. Victoria
Tag Team Match Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels & Luther Reigns
In the unpredictable landscape of World Wrestling Entertainment, rivalries are often born from the pursuit of gold. But occasionally, a conflict arises that transcends championships—a conflict rooted in pure, unadulterated jealousy. This Sunday at King of the Ring in Sacramento, United States Champion John Cena defends his title against Christian in a match that has become the most volatile personal war on SmackDown. What started as a dispute over tournament seeding has mutated into a violent saga of sabotage, leaving the champion battered and the challenger emboldened by his own malice.
The seeds of this rivalry were sown on the very first night of the new SmackDown era, May 6th in Milwaukee. The night was supposed to be a celebration of the blue brand's new acquisitions, but for Christian, it was a nightmare. While John Cena advanced in the King of the Ring tournament with a hard-fought victory over Rob Van Dam, Christian found himself on the outside looking in, seething with resentment. The "Doctor of Thuganomics" was riding a wave of momentum that "Captain Charisma" felt belonged to him. Christian didn't wait for a match to voice his displeasure; he chose violence. Following Cena's victory, Christian slid into the ring and delivered a sickening low blow, dropping the champion to his knees. But he wasn't finished. With a cold calculation, Christian unfolded a steel chair and executed the Unprettier, driving Cena's face—and more critically, his ribcage—directly onto the unforgiving steel. It was a statement made in cold blood: if Christian couldn't be the King, he would make sure the favorite wouldn't make it to the coronation.
The physical toll of that attack was immediate. Cena was diagnosed with cracked ribs and severe bruising, an injury that would sideline most competitors. Yet, on May 13th in Oklahoma City, the United States Champion defied medical advice. He demanded a match against his attacker, putting his title on the line to get his hands on Christian. The match was a grueling test of human endurance. Christian, wrestling with a ruthless intelligence, targeted the champion's taped midsection with surgical precision. He utilized abdominal stretches, knee strikes, and gutbusters, silencing the crowd as Cena writhed in agony. It took a superhuman effort for Cena to rally, countering an Unprettier attempt into a desperate F-U (Attitude Adjustment) to secure the pinfall. However, the victory was pyrrhic. As the referee raised his hand, Cena collapsed to the canvas, clutching his ribs, gasping for air. He had retained his title, but Christian had exposed a fatal weakness.
The psychological warfare escalated on May 20th in Las Vegas. John Cena had just survived a chaotic tournament semifinal against Eddie Guerrero, advancing only thanks to the interference of Rey Mysterio. Exhausted and barely standing, Cena was easy prey. Christian, dressed in street clothes and looking fresh, stormed the ring and blindsided the champion. He stomped on the injured ribs, ensuring they wouldn't heal in time for the next round. Standing over a fallen Cena, Christian grabbed the microphone and delivered a chilling ultimatum. He mocked Cena's "fighting spirit" and laid out the stakes: Cena had to face Randy Orton the following week for a spot in the finals. Christian warned that even if Cena survived Orton, he would be waiting. "You want to be King?" Christian taunted. "You won't even make it to Sunday with that title."
That prophecy nearly came true on May 27th in Chicago. The main event was set: John Cena vs. Randy Orton, with the winner advancing to the King of the Ring finals to face Triple H. It was the biggest opportunity of Cena's career, and he fought with the heart of a champion. Despite Orton targeting the ribs, Cena rallied, preparing to put the Legend Killer away. But Christian was the x-factor. Lurking at ringside, he didn't physically attack; he mentally broke the champion. Christian hopped onto the apron, screaming insults, drawing Cena's attention away from the match. The momentary lapse in focus was all it took. Cena took a swing at Christian, missed, and turned around directly into a lightning-fast RKO from Randy Orton.
With the King of the Ring dream shattered, the animosity reached its boiling point this past Thursday, June 3rd, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Christian hosted a special edition of "The Peep Show" in the center of the ring, inviting a "medical expert" (a local actor in a lab coat) to explain to the audience why John Cena was physically unfit to compete on Sunday. It was a public humiliation designed to brand the champion as "damaged goods." Cena, refusing to listen to the propaganda, stormed the ring to a thunderous ovation, tossing the furniture aside and sending the fake doctor scrambling. He cornered Christian, ready to unleash weeks of pent-up aggression. However, "Captain Charisma" proved he was always one step ahead. As Cena lunged, Christian pulled a concealed pair of brass knuckles from his tights, driving them with a sickening thud directly into Cena's injured ribs. The champion instantly crumpled to the mat, gasping for air as the LA crowd fell into a hushed silence. Christian didn't just stand tall; he sat on a steel chair over the writhing body of John Cena, holding the United States Championship in one hand and the brass knuckles in the other, posing for the cameras with a sadistic smirk.
Now, the stage is set for Sacramento. The three-count in Chicago ended Cena's dream of becoming King, but the assault in Los Angeles may have ended his chances of leaving Sunday as champion. John Cena enters the ARCO Arena with a broken dream and a broken body. He faces a challenger who is fresh, confident, and firmly inside his head. This Sunday, John Cena isn't just fighting for the United States Championship; he is fighting for retribution against the man who cost him everything. But with his ribs brutally re-injured just days before the event, is the champion walking into a trap? Christian has already proven he can break John Cena's spirit—on Sunday, he looks to permanently break his reign.
ROUNDTABLE: Who Leaves Sacramento as United States Champion?
June 6, 2004
WWE.com has gathered a panel of experts to break down the volatile United States Championship match. The rivalry between John Cena and Christian is the most personal feud on SmackDown, marked by sabotage, broken ribs, and brass knuckles. Our experts weigh in on who walks out with the gold.
Michael Cole (SmackDown Play-by-Play): "I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of John Cena. Yes, Christian cost him his King of the Ring dream, and yes, those ribs are brutally injured. But Cena fights with a passion and a will that transcends pain. He already beat Christian once with those broken ribs. He is fighting for respect, not just the title. I believe the Doctor of Thuganomics finds a way to overcome the psychological warfare and the physical trauma." Prediction: John Cena
Tazz (SmackDown Color Commentary): "Listen to me, Cole! Cena's ribs are cracked, he's got a punctured lung, and Captain Charisma just hit him with brass knucks a few days ago! This ain't about heart, baby; it's about medical science. Christian is fighting with calculation and venom. He knows exactly where to apply the pressure. Cena's going to be in the F-U position, and his shoulders are going to give out from the pain. Christian takes the gold, and Cena loses everything." Prediction: Christian
Ivory (WWE Experience Host): "This match is simple: it’s about ruthlessness. Cena is fighting for the fans, but Christian is fighting for the win. He knows Cena cannot execute his offense without excruciating pain. After that brass knuckles shot, Cena is walking in compromised, and Christian will not stop until he's completely immobilized. It’s a smart strategy, and it’s going to lead to a new champion." Prediction: Christian
Josh Mathews (SmackDown Backstage Interviewer): "Cena is walking into an emotional trap. Christian isn't worried about the pinfall; he's worried about breaking Cena's spirit. He humiliated Cena on 'The Peep Show' and then violently re-injured him. The mental edge is completely with Christian. The referee will be focused on the ribs, but Christian will sneak in the knuckles or a handful of tights for the victory. It's time for 'Captain Charisma' to have his moment." Prediction: Christian
Todd Grisham (Sunday Night Heat): "While Christian has been incredibly cruel, Cena's determination is legendary. He survived the chair shots, and he survived the King of the Ring bracket. I think Grisham's Law applies here: the veteran grit of Cena overcomes the psychological games. Cena will dig deep and find the one move—perhaps a desperate pin or a timely counter—to steal the victory." Prediction: John Cena
PREVIEW: King of the Ring Tournament Finals: Randy Orton vs. Triple H
June 6, 2004
It was the faction that was promised to reign forever. Evolution was designed to represent the past (Ric Flair), the present (Triple H), and the future (Randy Orton and Batista) of this industry. But this Sunday at King of the Ring, that timeline collapses upon itself. In a match that is as much a Shakespearean tragedy as it is a wrestling contest, the "Legend Killer" Randy Orton will collide with his mentor, the "King of Kings" Triple H, to determine the 2004 King of the Ring. This isn't just a tournament final; it is the final battle of a civil war that began the moment the "Future" decided he no longer needed the "Present."
While the tension has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, the first shot of this war was fired months ago on the road to WrestleMania XX. In a moment that shook the foundation of WWE, Randy Orton committed the ultimate betrayal. claiming that Evolution was merely a mechanism to hold him back, Orton shocked the world by turning on his brothers, delivering devastating RKOs to Batista, Ric Flair, and Triple H himself. That act of defiance led to a brutal clash at Madison Square Garden, where Orton proved his words weren't hollow by defeating "The Animal" Batista and burying Ric Flair with an RKO post-match. Triple H watched from the throne as his creation destroyed his soldiers, but the chaos of the Draft Lottery prevented immediate retribution—until now.
The Draft ruthlessly tore what remained of the stable apart, isolating Orton on SmackDown while leaving a paranoid Triple H on Raw. Critics expected Orton to falter without the "Game's" protection; instead, he evolved. In the first round of the King of the Ring tournament, Orton shocked the world again by defeating Shawn Michaels—a man Triple H has battled for years—cleanly in the middle of the ring. Post-match, Orton didn't thank his mentor; he looked into the camera and declared that he had surpassed him. That same week on Raw, a desperate Triple H was forced to use a sledgehammer to survive a first-round encounter with The Big Show. The contrast was stark: the student was winning on merit, while the master was clinging to power by any means necessary.
As the tournament progressed, the psychological warfare intensified. On the May 17th Raw, Triple H barely escaped a semi-final clash with Goldberg, relying on outside interference to steal a victory. Meanwhile, the shadow of Evolution loomed large over the other side of the Raw bracket, where Batista was dominating. The inevitable collision between Triple H and Batista in the Raw Bracket Finals on May 24th became the turning point of the entire saga. Triple H, realizing he couldn't physically dominate the monster he helped create, turned to the devil he knew best: Ric Flair. In a heartbreaking betrayal, the "Nature Boy" returned not to mediate, but to choose a side. Flair slipped brass knuckles to The Game, allowing Triple H to knock out Batista and advance to the finals. Evolution had cannibalized its own, sending a clear message to Randy Orton: loyalty is dead, and the King eats first.
On the SmackDown side, Randy Orton’s path to the finals was forged in fire. On May 27th, he faced United States Champion John Cena in a grueling bracket final. While Triple H was relying on shortcuts, Orton displayed a resilience and cunning that mirrored his mentor's prime years. Capitalizing on a distraction by Christian, Orton struck with a lightning-fast RKO to punch his ticket to Sacramento. The celebration, however, was short-lived. Triple H appeared via satellite from his leather throne on Raw, delivering a chilling sermon to his former protégé. He warned Orton that Sunday wasn't a match, but a lesson, claiming to be the "Legend Maker" who could destroy what he created. Orton’s retort was simple and cutting: "The student becomes the Master."
The hostilities reached a boiling point this past week on the final SmackDown before King of the Ring, during a sanctioned face-to-face summit. Triple H, flanked by Ric Flair, arrived not to negotiate, but to demean. He mocked Orton as an "ungrateful child" who owed his entire existence to Evolution, sneering that Orton was merely holding the spot warm until Triple H decided to take it back. But Orton refused to be intimidated. Standing toe-to-toe with his former mentor, the "Legend Killer" fired back with a passionate rebuttal, telling Triple H that his time as the "Game" was over and that he was now just an insecure tyrant clinging to a crumbling empire. The verbal jousting quickly dissolved into chaos when Triple H slapped Orton across the face. Orton tackled Triple H instantly, sparking a wild, uncontrolled brawl that saw security, referees, and even Teddy Long rushing the ring to separate them. As the show went off the air, both men were still tearing at each other, eyes filled with pure hatred, proving that Sunday will not be a wrestling match—it will be a fight for survival.
This Sunday, the ARCO Arena hosts the final act of this fratricidal war. Triple H enters with the experience, the ruthlessness, and the "Nature Boy" in his corner. He is fighting to prove that he is still the undisputed god of the wrestling world. Randy Orton enters with momentum, youth, and a burning desire to kill the legend of the man who made him. Will the "Legend Killer" fulfill his destiny and take the crown? Or will the "King of Kings" remind the world why you never bet against the House? The King of the Ring tournament ends Sunday, but the scars from this battle will define WWE for years to come.
Annihilation and Vengeance: The War for the Soul of Raw
WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
The Context: The WWE Championship match at King of the Ring is the inevitable collision between the ultimate power and the ultimate darkness. Brock Lesnar, the "Beast Incarnate," stands as the undisputed alpha of the new Raw, backed by the maniacal brilliance of Paul Heyman. His challenge is The Undertaker, a vengeful force who has undergone a psychological transformation, fighting not for a title reign but for retribution against the man who humiliated him. This is more than a championship contest; it is a fight for territorial dominance, a war that can only end when one man is utterly destroyed.
Chapter 1: The Backlash of Betrayal (May 2nd) The war between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar reached its first flashpoint at Backlash in Toronto, but it ended in controversy and the reunification of the Brothers of Destruction. The Undisputed Championship match was a brutal, grueling affair with both men trading their heaviest blows. The Undertaker successfully subdued Lesnar with the Hell's Gate submission, forcing the referee to check on the champion. Lesnar was mere seconds away from losing his title—and his consciousness—when the referee was forced to call for the bell due to interference from Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, who stormed the ring to attack The Phenom. The Undertaker won the match by disqualification, but Lesnar retained the WWE Championship.
Chapter 2: Brothers Reunited (May 2nd Aftermath) The chaos of the match was compounded by a shocking return. Following the disqualification, Lesnar and his allies looked to eliminate The Undertaker entirely, but the arena lights cut out. When the red lights flickered on, Kane—now wearing his classic mask from the Brothers of Destruction days—stood in the ring. In a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Kane and The Undertaker exchanged a silent fist bump, confirming the reunification of the Brothers of Destruction. Lesnar, Haas, and Benjamin immediately retreated, their faces etched with shock. The Undertaker walked out of Backlash with vengeance denied, but with a colossal ally by his side, shifting the momentum dramatically away from The Beast.
Chapter 3: The Point of No Return (May 10th) The war escalated sharply on the May 10th edition of Raw. Lesnar, now visibly angered by the return of Kane, vowed to eliminate The Undertaker's alliance. Lesnar's presence was immediately felt during the King of the Ring qualifier pitting The Undertaker against JBL. Lesnar, unconcerned with the rules or championship lineage, slid into the ring like a predator. The Beast maliciously cost The Undertaker his chance at the crown, smashing the WWE Championship title belt across the back of The Phenom's skull before delivering a catastrophic F-5 in the center of the ring. This assault was not just an attack; it was a reversal of fortune and a statement that Lesnar considered The Undertaker to be yesterday’s news—a target that needed to be eradicated to solidify his dominance over the entire brand.
Chapter 4: Psychological Retaliation (May 17th) The aftermath of the initial assault forced The Undertaker into temporary exile, leading Paul Heyman to publicly gloat about having "exorcised the demon." Heyman demanded that General Manager Eric Bischoff ban The Undertaker from the arena for "threatening the safety of the WWE Champion," confident that the silence meant surrender. The Phenom, however, responded with a chilling psychological strike. During a Lesnar exhibition match, the arena plunged into darkness. When the lights returned, Lesnar’s opponent had vanished, replaced by an empty, flame-engulfed casket sitting in the center of the ring. A singular message from The Deadman was displayed on the TitanTron: "Your Soul is Mine." Lesnar, usually unflappable, responded by seizing a steel chair and destroying the coffin in a blind rage, proving that while he controlled the physical ring, The Undertaker had already successfully begun to dismantle his mind.
Chapter 5: The Descent into Hell (May 24th) The psychological warfare reached its peak with the contract signing for the WWE Championship, a match Eric Bischoff was forced to sanction after Lesnar’s attack on The Undertaker. Heyman, confident that he could control the situation, furiously signed the contract on Lesnar’s behalf. However, just as the contract was finalized, the arena was consumed by darkness, smoke, and pyrotechnics. The erratic pyrotechnics distracted Lesnar long enough for The Undertaker to emerge, not from the ramp, but from underneath the ring canvas. In a scene that horrified Paul Heyman, The Phenom dragged Lesnar into the "depths of hell," pulling the WWE Champion down through the torn canvas floor. Lesnar eventually clawed his way out, gasping for air and clutching his throat, his face pale with terror. It was the first time the WWE Universe had ever seen the Beast Incarnate look truly vulnerable, showing the world that The Undertaker was capable of dragging Lesnar into a fight where physical power meant nothing.
Chapter 6: The Show of Force (May 31st) With the WWE Champion visibly shaken, The Undertaker delivered a rare, cold message on Raw. He dismissed the WWE Championship, claiming he was fighting for vengeance and the eradication of the man who publicly humiliated him. Lesnar, desperate to regain his aura of invincibility, issued an open challenge to any veteran in the back, resulting in the brutal decimation of a former champion. Lesnar grabbed the microphone, screaming that he was not afraid of myths or shadows, only to be answered immediately by The Undertaker's gong. The Phenom walked to the ring, forcing the inevitable brawl. Security and officials flooded the aisle, struggling to keep the titans separated, but Lesnar managed to hit a brutal Spear that drove Taker through the timekeeper's barricade. Yet, The Undertaker sat up instantly in the wreckage, his eyes locked on the champion, dragging his thumb across his throat and confirming that destruction alone would not be enough.
Chapter 7: The Final Sacrifice (June 3rd) The final "Go-Home" show on Raw featured a segment designed to break Lesnar's focus entirely. The Undertaker was scheduled to face a local opponent, but the match became a chaotic diversion. Taker bypassed the opponent and cornered Paul Heyman, trapping his terrified advocate against the ropes and applying a deep chokehold. The segment was a test of Lesnar's loyalty, forcing him to choose between the integrity of his title reign and the life of his advocate. As Lesnar rushed to save Heyman, Taker simply vanished, disappearing in a puff of smoke. The Beast was left in the ring with his sobbing, hyperventilating advocate, who was physically unharmed but psychologically shattered. Lesnar stared toward the camera, a look of pure, murderous intent crossing his face, knowing he was walking into King of the Ring alone, with his greatest strength—his psychological edge—having been completely erased by The Phenom.
Conclusion: The King Must Fall King of the Ring 2004 is defined by the absolute nature of this main event. The WWE Championship hangs in the balance, but the true prize is the symbolic control of the Raw brand. Will the Beast continue his reign of terror, or will The Undertaker reclaim his yard and achieve the ultimate retribution? Sacramento will host a night of unprecedented brutality, and when the final bell tolls, only one man will walk away from the carnage whole.
Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero - Unsanctioned Match
The Context: A War of Identity
The conflict between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio has transcended professional rivalry to become the most personal, violent, and culturally charged war in SmackDown history. It is a feud defined by the desecration of heritage and the complete erosion of a brotherhood that once seemed unbreakable. Rey Mysterio enters King of the Ring not as a superhero, but as a man stripped of his armor, fighting for the concept of "venganza" against the man who stole his identity. Eddie Guerrero, consumed by a Machiavellian obsession with power and ego, stands as the architect of Rey's ruin. With the King of the Ring tournament collateral damage to their hatred, the only resolution is an Unsanctioned Match—a barbaric environment where the rules of the sport are suspended, leaving only room for judgment.
The Desecration at Madison Square Garden (WrestleMania XX)
The tragedy that birthed this war occurred in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania XX. In a Cruiserweight Championship match steeped in tradition, Rey Mysterio put his mask on the line against Chavo Guerrero Jr., fighting to defend the honor of his ancestors. The match was a spectacle of heart against numbers, but the ending remains a scar on WWE history. With Chavo Classic running interference, the Guerreros overwhelmed Rey. In the match's final, heartbreaking moments, the sacred mask was torn from Rey Mysterio’s face, exposing him to the world in an act of ultimate humiliation. While Chavo Jr. secured the pinfall, it was the presence and approval of the Guerrero family patriarchs that twisted the knife. Rey was left curled in the fetal position, face buried in a towel, while the Guerreros paraded his identity like a war trophy. It was here that the brotherhood died, replaced by a shame that would curdle into a thirst for revenge.
The Wounded Animal's Return (Backlash 2004)
The fallout from WrestleMania festered until it exploded at Backlash in Toronto. Eddie Guerrero, now fully embraced by his dark side, faced Edge in a singles match that turned into a masterclass of brutality. Eddie, aligned with Chavo, ruthlessly targeted Edge’s taped ribs, exploiting injuries with a sadistic grin that chilled the Canadian crowd. Despite a valiant effort from Edge, who fought through agonizing pain and interference, Eddie secured the victory. But the post-match assault was where the true story unfolded. As the Guerreros prepared to cripple Edge with steel chairs, the arena erupted with the return of Rey Mysterio. Unmasked, eyes burning with a new, terrifying intensity, Rey stormed the ring. He moved with a fury the Guerreros hadn't anticipated, clearing the ring and standing tall over his battered ally, Edge. The message was clear: Rey was no longer hiding in the shadows; he was hunting the family that tried to erase him.
The Unveiling of Vengeance (May 6th)
The psychological warfare shifted on the May 6th edition of SmackDown, when Rey Mysterio walked into the arena for the first time in his WWE career without his mask to address the universe. Dressed in street clothes, his exposed face etched with the trauma of WrestleMania and the resolve of Backlash, Rey cut the most powerful promo of his career. He explained that the mask was the weight of his heritage, a sacred symbol passed down through generations that Eddie Guerrero had conspired to destroy. "I will no longer hide behind the pain you inflicted, Eddie," Rey warned, staring into the camera. He declared that by choice, he now walked exposed man-to-man, removing the last barrier between himself and his former friend. "This is no longer about championships. This is about blood, honor, and Venganza!"
The King of the Ring Sabotage (May 6th)
Later that same night, the war consumed the King of the Ring tournament. In a main event match between Eddie Guerrero and Edge—a rematch from their brutal Backlash encounter—Rey Mysterio intervened to stop Eddie from utilizing a steel chair. Driven by his mission to strip Eddie of his advantages, Rey rushed the ring. However, chaos creates casualties. In a moment of catastrophic miscalculation, Eddie ducked a chair shot, and Rey accidentally blasted Edge—his own ally—square in the skull. Eddie capitalized instantly, pinning the unconscious Edge to advance. But victory wasn't enough. Eddie attacked the horrified Rey, trapping his head against a steel chair and delivering a sickening Con-Chair-To. The sound of steel on skull signaled the end of any remaining humanity in Eddie Guerrero.
The Fallout and the Descent (May 13th)
The consequences of the Con-Chair-To were severe. On the following SmackDown, General Manager Teddy Long announced that both Rey Mysterio and Edge were placed on indefinite medical suspension due to the brutality of the attack. Eddie Guerrero’s reaction was chilling. Arriving in his lowrider, he showed zero remorse, dismissing the injuries of his former friends as "taking out the trash." He claimed Rey was a disgrace to their culture and that he had done the business a favor. Eddie then proved his callousness in the ring against Hardcore Holly, torturing him with submissions long after the bell rang. This was no longer the lovable "Latino Heat"; this was a man who found pleasure in the suffering of others, fully detached from his conscience.
The Costly Intervention (May 20th)
Eddie Guerrero seemed destined for the King of the Ring finals, dominating his semifinal match against United States Champion John Cena. He had neutralized Cena’s offense and locked in the Lasso from El Paso, seconds away from victory. But vengeance doesn't adhere to medical suspensions. The arena lights flickered red, and a disturbing video played on the TitanTron of a masked figure burning an "I'm Your Papi" shirt. Distracted and paranoid, Eddie broke the hold. That distraction allowed a hoodie-clad Rey Mysterio to slip through security. Rey slid into the ring, striking Eddie’s knee with a lead pipe. The blow allowed Cena to hit the F-U and eliminate Eddie from the tournament. Rey had cost Eddie his crown, proving that even suspended, he was the ghost haunting Eddie’s ambitions.
The Final Challenge (May 27th)
Robbed of his tournament destiny and consumed by rage, Eddie Guerrero hijacked the May 27th broadcast of SmackDown, transforming the show into a standoff. He sat in the center of the ring, armed with a steel chair, and refused to leave until Rey Mysterio showed his face. Eddie threatened ring crew, announcers, and officials, creating a volatile hostage situation that forced General Manager Teddy Long to intervene. Long, flanked by security, attempted to reason with the former champion, warning him of severe legal consequences if he didn't vacate the ring. Eddie simply laughed, his eyes wild with obsession, declaring that the law meant nothing compared to his need to destroy Rey Mysterio. Just as the situation threatened to spiral into a riot, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the skybox. There stood Rey Mysterio, defying his medical suspension, wearing a neck brace but radiating an intensity that silenced the arena.
Rey grabbed a microphone, his voice echoing with cold determination as he stared down at his former friend. He told Long to save his threats of lawsuits and suspensions, declaring that the only law that mattered now was survival. Rey spoke directly to Eddie’s soul, telling him that this feud had gone beyond the bounds of professional wrestling—it had become a matter of life and death. He issued the ultimate challenge: a match at King of the Ring where the WWE would hold no liability for the violence that ensued. No rules. No disqualifications. No mercy. "You wanted a murderer, Eddie?" Rey roared, removing his neck brace to show he was ready for war. "At King of the Ring, you'll get one." It was the birth of the Unsanctioned Match, a stipulation born not from competition, but from a mutual desire for mutual destruction.
The Legalization of Violence (June 3rd)
On the final SmackDown before the Pay-Per-View, the contract for chaos was signed. General Manager Teddy Long, washing his hands of the liability, sanctioned the fight. The segment that followed was a preview of the horror to come. Rey appeared, ripping off his neck brace to signal he was ready to sacrifice his body. Eddie, accompanied by hired security, mocked Rey’s physical brokenness. The verbal sparring turned physical when Eddie delivered a vicious headbutt to Rey's injured jaw. As security held Rey back, Eddie utilized his chair once more, twisting Rey's body around the ring post in a torture rack. He stood over the screaming Rey, proving that even without a match started, he could break him at will.
The stage is set for Sacramento. The ARCO Arena will host a fight with no rules, no pins, and no boundaries—only raw hatred. Rey Mysterio fights to reclaim the honor stripped from him at WrestleMania and the dignity stolen at Backlash. He fights to prove that the spirit of lucha libre survives even without the mask. Eddie Guerrero fights to eradicate the last witness to his betrayal, seeking to bury his guilt under the broken body of his former brother. This Sunday, one man will find venganza, and the other will be left in the ruins of their shared history.
ROUNDTABLE: Who Will Be Crowned King of the Ring?
June 6, 2004
The King of the Ring tournament concludes with the ultimate grudge match. Randy Orton, the "Legend Killer," faces his mentor, Triple H, in the finals. The winner earns a World Championship match at SummerSlam. Our panel of experts weighs in on the Civil War of Evolution.
Jim Ross (Raw Play-by-Play): "This is Shakespearean, folks. The student versus the teacher. Triple H created the monster that is Randy Orton, and now he has to destroy it. But Orton has a fire in his belly that I haven't seen since a young Rocky Maivia. Triple H is obsessed with control, but obsession can make you sloppy. Orton is focused on one thing: killing the legend of the King of Kings. I think the torch gets passed tonight, whether Hunter wants to let go or not." Prediction: Randy Orton
Jerry "The King" Lawler (Raw Color Commentary): "JR, you're forgetting who we're talking about! This is The Game! The man who has dominated this business for years. He knows every trick in the book because he wrote the book! Orton is good, I'll give him that, but he's emotional. He's angry. Triple H is cold and calculating. Plus, he's got Ric Flair in his corner. That's the X-factor. Experience wins championships, and it wins crowns." Prediction: Triple H
Michael Cole (SmackDown Play-by-Play): "I have to disagree, King. Randy Orton has been on a tear on SmackDown. He beat Shawn Michaels! He beat John Cena! He is proving every week that he doesn't need Evolution to be a star. Triple H is fighting to hold onto the past; Orton is fighting for the future. And let's not forget, if Orton wins, he faces Kurt Angle at SummerSlam. That is a dream match waiting to happen. Destiny is on the Legend Killer's side." Prediction: Randy Orton
Jonathan Coachman (Raw Backstage Interviewer): "Please. Randy Orton is an ungrateful brat who bit the hand that fed him. Triple H made him a star, and tonight, he's going to remind him why he's the boss. Triple H has been in more high-pressure matches than Orton has had hot meals. The pressure of the finals will crack the kid. The King of Kings becomes the King of the Ring. It's best for business." Prediction: Triple H
Tazz (SmackDown Color Commentary): "Here's the deal, Cole. Triple H is tough, no doubt. But he's been relyin' on shortcuts lately. Sledgehammers, brass knucks... he's desperate. Orton? He's hittin' that RKO out of nowhere on everybody. He's faster, he's younger, and he's hungrier. Triple H is lookin' over his shoulder; Orton is lookin' straight ahead. The Legend Killer takes the crown. Boom." Prediction: Randy Orton
Final Tally
Randy Orton: 3 Votes
Triple H: 2 Votes
ROUNDTABLE: Can The Deadman Bury The Beast?
June 6, 2004
The war for the soul of Raw reaches its climax as WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defends against a vengeful Undertaker. With Paul Heyman's mind games backfiring and The Undertaker's supernatural powers on full display, our experts predict who leaves Sacramento with the gold.
Paul Heyman (Advocate for Brock Lesnar - Guest Panelist): "This entire roundtable is an exercise in futility. You are asking if a mortal man, even a 'Phenom,' can defeat a Conqueror? My client, Brock Lesnar, is not just a champion; he is a force of nature. The Undertaker deals in smoke and mirrors; Brock Lesnar deals in F-5s and broken bones. The Deadman's 'vengeance' is a fairy tale. The Beast's dominance is a reality. Brock Lesnar retains, and he retires the myth forever." Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Jim Ross (Raw Play-by-Play): "With all due respect, Paul, your client looked terrified last week on Raw. The Undertaker has dragged Brock Lesnar into deep waters. We've never seen Lesnar this rattled. He's reacting, not dictating. Taker isn't fighting for a title; he's fighting for his yard. When it gets personal like this, you bet on the Deadman. I think we see a new champion tonight." Prediction: The Undertaker
Tazz (SmackDown Color Commentary): "I've been in the ring with Brock. The guy is a machine. But JR's right—his head ain't in the game. He's lookin' at shadows, jumpin' at noises. Taker has broken him down mentally. Physically? Brock's a freak. But if Taker hits that Tombstone early? It's lights out. I'm goin' with the upset. Taker takes it." Prediction: The Undertaker
Michael Cole (SmackDown Play-by-Play): "I have to go with the numbers. Brock Lesnar is younger, stronger, and faster. He's the 'Next Big Thing' for a reason. The Undertaker is a legend, but Father Time is undefeated. Lesnar survived the Hell's Gate at Backlash (technically). He knows what to expect now. He'll weather the storm and catch Taker with an F-5. The Beast reign continues." Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Lilian Garcia (Raw Ring Announcer): "I was there when the ring collapsed at the contract signing. I saw the fear in Brock's eyes. You can't train for that kind of fear. The Undertaker has a psychological edge that I don't think even Paul Heyman can fix. Brock is a beast, but The Undertaker is a phenomenon. I'm picking the Deadman." Prediction: The Undertaker
Final Tally
The Undertaker: 3 Votes
Brock Lesnar: 2 Votes
ROUNDTABLE: Who Survives the Unsanctioned Match?
June 6, 2004
It is the most personal feud in SmackDown history. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio. No rules. No liability. Just pure hatred. Our experts break down a match where the only objective is to destroy the opponent.
Chavo Guerrero (Eddie's Nephew - Guest Panelist): "You people don't understand. Rey Mysterio is a parasite. He leeched off the Guerrero name, and now he's trying to destroy it. My Uncle Eddie has finally opened his eyes. He's not held back by 'morals' or 'friendship' anymore. He is a wrestling machine focused on one thing: winning. Rey is emotional; he's crying about a mask. Eddie is focused on ending a career. Eddie wins, and he does it easily." Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Michael Cole (SmackDown Play-by-Play): "Chavo, you are delusional. Eddie Guerrero has become a monster. What he did to Rey—the mask, the Con-Chair-To—it's unforgivable. But Rey Mysterio fights with a heart I have never seen in anyone else. He is fighting for his heritage, for his family's honor. In an Unsanctioned Match, you need to be willing to go to a dark place. Rey is already there. I think he finds a way to get his venganza." Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Tazz (SmackDown Color Commentary): "This is gonna be ugly, Cole. Real ugly. Eddie is vicious, bro. He's breaking rules when there are rules. Imagine him with no rules! But Rey... Rey's got a lead pipe, he's got a killer instinct we ain't never seen. I think Rey's willingness to sacrifice his own body is the key. He'll crash and burn if he has to, just to take Eddie with him. I'm pickin' the 619." Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Josh Mathews (Backstage Interviewer): "I spoke to Rey last week. He's scary calm. But Eddie... Eddie is unhinged. He held the show hostage! In an environment like this, the more calculated man usually wins. Eddie has the size advantage and the mean streak. Rey relies on speed, and it's hard to be fast when you're swimming in broken glass and steel chairs. Eddie grinds him down." Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Ivory (WWE Experience Host): "This breaks my heart. They were brothers. But Eddie crossed a line you can't uncross. Rey isn't just fighting for himself; he's fighting for everyone Eddie betrayed. That kind of righteousness is powerful. Plus, Rey is unpredictable. Eddie expects a wrestler; he's getting a brawler. Rey Mysterio shocks the world and beats Eddie at his own violent game." Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Final Tally
Rey Mysterio: 3 Votes
Eddie Guerrero: 2 Votes
FINAL Card for King of the Ring 2004
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: TABLES MATCH WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. The Dudley Boyz
Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. The Big Show
Fatal Four Way Womens Championship: Lita (c) vs. Trish Stratus vs. Gail Kim vs. Victoria
Tag Team Match Kurt Angle & AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels & Luther Reigns
Unsanctioned Match - Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
WWE Championship Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
King of the Ring Finals Raw vs. Smackdown Randy Orton vs. Triple H
