WWE: Unleash the Fury - The Return

[KOP]

Monday Night Raw | Episode #762
Monday February 25, 2008
U.S. Airways Center | Phoenix, Arizona

***TO BE LOVED***

Raw comes to us tonight from the home of WrestleMania 22 - the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona! The commentary duo of Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler welcome us as we are one week closer to WrestleMania XXIV! We will have two Great American Challenge Matches tonight with The Brian Kendrick taking on Rhyno and CM Punk going one on one with Kane with the winners advancing to the finals next week! PLUS we’re going to see La Résistance take on The Colon’s and a special edition of The Highlight Reel which is happening RIGHT NOW!

We can hear the faint sound of Jericho’s theme music playing as the camera pans over to show Jericho sitting in a chair with the Jeri-Tron 5000 behind him as always. Jericho awkwardly is quiet for the first minute before finally breaking silence for the first time in weeks. Jericho says he has a VERY special guest tonight. Jericho points to the ramp and says that his guest will be the 1 in 15-1. “Ladies and gentlemen…please welcome my special guest…CHRIS JERICHO!!!”

This draws some jeers from the fans who are seemingly not amused by Jericho’s actions. Jericho soaks in the boos finally showing some emotion for the first time in nearly two months. Jericho says that he has been quiet for a while now because he doesn’t feel as if he has to speak up - “my actions speak for themselves.” Jericho insinuates that his actions since he walked out on Raw back in December have led him to some very deep thinking and soul searching which led to him attacking “The Phenom” at the Royal Rumble. “And finally, the third and final step of the process is to call out The Undertaker for WrestleMania which I’ve done but apparently my challenge has fallen on deaf ears.” Jericho says he expected some type of retaliation but it just appears as if The Undertaker doesn’t have it in him to step up to the plate for one more WrestleMania match and that’s why he’s been in “hiding” since The Royal Rumble.

Jericho says it is unfortunate that The Undertaker wants to take the cheap way out instead of putting his storied undefeated streak on the line against “THE BEST EVER - Y2J.” Jericho then says since it appears that the Undertaker does not have the balls to step into the ring with him at WrestleMania that he’s going to have to call his own shots and that is why he’s calling him out RIGHT NOW!!!

THE LIGHTS GO OUT!

When the lights come back on THE UNDERTAKER IS BEHIND CHRIS JERICHO!!! Jericho looks up carefully at the Raw titan tron and he sees Undertaker is behind him. Jericho slowly turns around but he’s hit with an uppercut by Undertaker! Jericho tries fighting back but Undertaker hits him with a series of punches to the guts showcasing his quickness and ability to throw tough punches! Jericho stumbles backwards into the corner and high tails it out of the ring through the middle rope! Undertaker grabs the chair that Jericho had been sitting in for the Highlight Reel and throws it at Jericho as he falls up the rampway! Jericho is almost hit by the chair as he is pale as a ghost after having The Undertaker appear literally out of nowhere. ‘Taker calls for a microphone from ringside and he closes out the segment by uttering the words…

“Chris Jericho…Your fate has been sealed! At WrestleMania…you will REST…IN…PEACE!!!”

And just like that Undertaker has formally accepted the challenge of Chris Jericho at WrestleMania! Undertaker is going to be looking to avenge his highly disappointing loss at the Royal Rumble thanks to Jericho’s attack and it’s clear that he’s not going to hold anything back in his pursuit of revenge! JR discusses just how big of a match this is going to be as Undertaker looks to go 16-0.

Undertaker is seen standing in the ring one final time before we cut backstage and see the Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff on the phone in his office. Bischoff thanks the person on the other line and says he looks forward to seeing said person again. Bischoff hangs up the phone and right on cue in walks Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. Both men have their heads up despite their disappointing loss last week to Triple H in a Handicap Match in which they had an advantage to use DQ rules but Triple H did not. Bischoff asks Cade if he wants to explain what happened last week. Cade tells Bischoff that he’s sorry about losing last week and that he honestly has no idea how they managed to lose. Murdoch goes to speak but Bischoff stops him and says that he doesn’t want to hear the excuses. “The advantage I promised you two for Tag Team Turmoil next week is GONE! You’ll be starting off the match first and will have to earn your spots at WrestleMania now. Now get out of my office!” The redneck duo hang their heads in shame as Bischoff reclines in his chair and flips open his phone looking at a message before smiling and turning his attention to the television in his office that is showing the show tonight.

Match #1 | Tag Team Match
La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier and René Duprée) vs. The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito) w/ Maryse

Before the match begins we see a clip from Raw last week where La Résistance tried to cat call Maryse but miserably
failed. Maryse ended up giving a kiss to Carlito instead spiteing the duo of Grenier and Duprée. As the match carries on we see Carlito and Primo appear as if they are going to be able to put the match away soon. Primo tags in his brother Carlito but almost instantly Maryse hops onto the apron as Carlito asks what she is doing! Maryse appears to be leaning in for a kiss from Carlito mid-match which is rather confusing to Carlito but Carlito isn’t going to turn down a kiss! Carlito closes his eyes and moves his mouth towards Maryse but MARYSE SLAPS CARLITO RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE! Carlito stumbles back in shock as Primo asks Maryse what in the hell that was about! Carlito is scooped up by Grenier and lifted up as Dupree joins him and they hit AU REVOIR! Grenier runs over knocking Primo off the apron as Dupree hooks the leg of Carlito and it’s elementary at this point as La Résistance continue their dominant return to the WWE!

Match Result: La Résistance def. The Colon’s

A surprising heel turn from Maryse who apparently has aligned herself with La Résistance! JR is absolutely stunned while King says he’s not surprised that Maryse is a traitor! Maryse holds Grenier and Duprée’s arms high in the air before receiving a hug from both men on the outside of the ring. Primo is checking on his brother who is holding his neck and then turns to his face where he received the slap from Maryse! Maryse shouts in French briefly at the brothers before she heads to the back with Grenier and Duprée.

The WWE Champion - “The Animal” Batista is shown arriving backstage to Monday Night Raw! The driver of the black SUV that Batista has arrived in opens the door and lets out the champion as he’s handed his luggage and adjusts his sunglasses. Batista wheels his luggage towards his locker room as Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discuss whether or not we will see John Cena and Batista come face to face tonight for the second week in a row.

**********

WrestleMania Rewind | WrestleMania XXII
Sunday April 2, 2006
U.S. Airways Center | Phoenix, Arizona

Continuing the trend of showing WrestleMania Rewinds in the buildings that the WrestleMania took place - this week’s features WrestleMania XXII which took place on April 2, 2006 in this very building. The main events featured Randy Orton securing another notch in his “Legend Killer” belt by defeating “The Great One” The Rock. Edge retained his World Heavyweight Championship against his brother Christian and in the main event Rob Van Dam defeated Kurt Angle to capture his first ever WWE Championship.

34 Days Until WrestleMania XXIV

**********

Match #2 | The Great American Challenge Tournament Semifinals
Rhyno vs. The Brian Kendrick

The first semifinal match of the evening to determine who moves to the Great American Challenge Tournament finals next week takes place as The Brian Kendrick faces off against Rhyno in what is surely to be an interesting match. Rhyno is unable to gain a full advantage due to The Brian Kendrick’s tactics of avoiding the ring at all costs as Kendrick finds himself sliding in and out trying to take Rhyno off of his game. Kendrick gets Rhyno caught off guard though after sliding back into the ring and hitting Rhyno with a running dropkick to the head! Kendrick grabs Rhyno off the mat looking for the Sliced Bread #2 but Rhyno pulls Kendrick in and hits a Spinebuster! Rhyno backs himself into the corner looking for the GORE but Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes jump the barricade!

The World Tag Team Champions have arrived as DiBiase jumps on the apron but Rhyno hits him with a right hand! Rhyno turns his back to Kendrick now as Rhodes jumps on the apron and eats a right hand of his own from Rhyno! Rhyno goes to turn around to try for the Gore again but before he can even do so he gets pushed chest first into the turnbuckles and pulled in with a school boy from Kendrick. Kendrick grabs the tights and throws his feet on the bottom rope to which the referee doesn’t see and Kendrick steals a victory to move on to the finals next week!

Match Result: The Brian Kendrick def. Rhyno

An absolutely livid Rhyno watches as Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes head up the rampway! DiBiase and Rhodes wave at Rhyno mocking him for losing in the tournament match but they aren’t celebrating for long because MATT HARDY attacks Rhodes from behind knocking him off of the ramp and onto the ground! This allows Hardy to brawl with DiBiase for a few seconds before Rhyno heads up the ramp and tells Hardy to give him DiBiase! Hardy holds the arms of DiBiase back before letting go right in time as RHYNO GORES DIBIASE ONTO THE STEEL STAGE RAMP!!! Rhyno looks at Matt Hardy who has extended his hand and after staring at Hardy’s hand for a few seconds he reaches out and shakes hands with an unlikely ally. Hardy and Rhyno both raise one another’s hands as they stand over the World Tag Team Champions after having both been eliminated respectively in the Great American Challenge tournament because of outside interference from Priceless.

The Brian Kendrick is ECSTATIC backstage as he passes by two of the members of the Women’s Division - Candice Michelle & Katie Lea Burchill. Kendrick asks the two women if they saw what happened just now with his victory over Rhyno! Candice lets Kendrick know that they did see the match but Kendrick is leaving out one very important part - that he had help from Priceless thanks in part to their interference plus his cheating tactics. Kendrick is at a loss for words that anyone would try and negate his victory and he tells Candice that unlike her he’s actually competing on Raw and not just standing by in catering. “In fact, do yourselves a favor and save this for when you need to speak to the NEXT United States Champion…” Kendrick pulls a business card out of his jacket and flicks it at Candice and Katie Lea who both shake their heads in disgust at the gall of TBK.

TBK continues walking until he bumps into the United States Champion John Bradshaw Layfield! Layfield asks if he just heard Kendrick correctly that he will be the next United States Champion! The Brian Kendrick who is never one to mince words says that he exactly said that and that it’s time for people to take notice of greatness on the horizon and that greatness is indeed three letters…TBK! JBL laughs at The Brian Kendrick telling him “son you'd stand no chance if you were lucky enough to step into the ring with the WRESTLING GOD! If you knew what was best for you you’d stick to competing in the Cruiserweight division.” JBL shines up his belt with his jacket before telling Kendrick “if you’d excuse me I have some championship business to attend to”. It appears that maybe for once The Brian Kendrick is at a loss for words at the amount of “disrespect” he’s been shown tonight.

Rhyno and Matt Hardy enter the office of the Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff with Rhyno ENRAGED at what occurred mere moments ago with Priceless interfering and costing him his match against The Brian Kendrick. Rhyno and Hardy both tell Bischoff they are tired of Priceless’ antics and the constant attacks and have both come to the conclusion that in order to stop Priceless they will need to team together to do so. Bischoff asks the duo why exactly they are in his office because he has other important business to attend to to which Hardy interrupts him. Hardy says that Bischoff has lost all control of Monday Night Raw due to his ongoing personal issues with Triple H and the McMahon Family and that he’s partly responsible for the chaos that has been ensuing here on Raw. Hardy tells Bischoff they are here to enter Tag Team Turmoil next week as a team! Bischoff, seeming insulted by Hardy’s comments, says that Rhyno and Hardy can team together but they will have to start the Tag Team Turmoil match next week against Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch because of their attitudes. Rhyno and Hardy exit the office as Bischoff combs his hands through his hair trying to figure out what his next step is in his ongoing issues.

The Women’s Champion Mickie James is shown heading towards the arena for her match which is NEXT! Mickie gets close to gorilla position before Melina stops her. Melina says she’s worried about Beth Phoenix retaliating against Mickie tonight. Melina tells Mickie she knows that Beth is understandably upset about losing her championship to Mickie last week and she’s just worried that Beth may strike at any moment. Melina offers to back Mickie up out at ringside but Mickie assures Melina she can handle it. Mickie heads off towards the arena as Melina lets out a sigh in a failed attempt to help back up her friend.

Match #3 | Non-Title Singles Match
Mickie James vs. Jillian Hall

Fresh off her victory last week to capture her third Women’s Championship, Mickie James is right back at competition as she faces off against Jillian Hall. Mickie makes quick work of Jillian showcasing why she’s the champion after a Mick Kick puts away Jillian giving Mickie another victory.

Match Result: Mickie James def. Jillian Hall

Mickie’s music cuts off after about ten seconds of playing as “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix walks out onto the stage. Beth tells Mickie she’s not going to wait until WrestleMania to cash in her rematch clause! “Oh no Mickie…we’re going to do this NEXT WEEK on Raw!” Mickie has her championship belt back over her shoulder now as she looks down at the belt and tells Beth “you’re on” for next week! Beth and Mickie both stare one another down as we have a huge championship rematch set for next week!

[URL='http://[URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVBxc4lsye8']https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVBxc4lsye8[/url]

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young & Eddie Graham

***MY TIME IS NOW***

Fresh off making his announcement last week that he would stay on Raw and challenge Batista at WrestleMania XXIV - JOHN CENA - comes out to deafening pops here in Phoenix! Cena thanks the fans for coming out to Monday Night Raw and says that we are only thirty four days away from WrestleMania! “And speaking of WrestleMania…it was in this very building two years ago I defeated Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 22”. There’s a loud cheer from some fans who presumably may have been at the event. Cena says though that we’re not here to talk about the past tonight. “Everyone knows my story. Everyone knows the struggles I’ve had since losing my WWE Championship in January 2006 but that…that’s in the past. The Road to Redemption…”

***I WALK ALONE***

Not wanting to hear anymore of Cena - the WWE Champion Batista has arrived on the scene. Batista stays at the top of the ramp telling Cena that “enough is enough. You come out here spewing the same story week after week to get sympathy from these fans and no one cares John. Your words don’t mean a whole lot because you haven’t backed up your words for over two years now so why do you think anything is going to change on March 30th when we face off?”

Cena tells Batista that if he wants to talk he can come down to the ring and they can come face to face and discuss their differences just like they did last week. Batista tells Cena he has other important affairs to attend to tonight but he just couldn’t stomach listening to Cena saying the same garbage week in and week out. Batista says he came out here to do the fans a favor and spare them from having to listen to Cena’s pity party continue on any longer. Cena retaliates to Batista’s comments regarding his “pity party” telling him that “this is not a pity party. This is reality and reality is I’m going to be whooping your ass and taking back the WWE Championship in YOUR HOMETOWN at WrestleMania.”

Batista lowers his sunglasses as he lets out a chuckle saying that “you don’t even believe what you just said John.” Batista reminds Cena that last week that he tried to claim that they will forever be linked together due to their WrestleMania 21 championship victories where they were dubbed “the future of the company” but Batista reminds Cena that he’s the only one who has kept that momentum for three years now. “You’re a relic of the past John. You said earlier you don’t want to talk about the past but you live in the past constantly trying to garner sympathy with your so-called “Road to Redemption” fairytale. But newsflash John…the fairytale comes to an end when I bury your career for good at WrestleMania”.

Cena once again challenges Batista to come down to the ring and let them talk face to face to which Batista says he has to get going but next week…next week he will gladly come face to face with Cena because he received word earlier when he arrived that next week is the official contract signing for their WWE Championship Match at WrestleMania! Batista walks off as Cena plays to the fans a bit more before walking around the ring and slapping hands with the fans and posing with a rowdy group of guys in the front row with a sign that says “We’ve Cena Nuff of Batista”. Cena high fives the guys and does the championship belt motion around his waist before we head backstage.

Eric Bischoff & Paul Heyman are in their office with The Big Show. Bischoff and Heyman tell The Big Show they are glad to see him back fully healthy but they need him to take care of business tonight. Bischoff reminds Big Show that each time they have sent him out there to take care of Triple H he has failed! Heyman tells Big Show there is no way they can continue utilizing his services if he is going to be a liability going forward to which Bischoff shakes his head and says he fully agrees. Bischoff tells Big Show that if he loses tonight he doesn’t have to worry about being in the Bischoff and Heyman Alliance anymore because his future in this company will be very bleak. “Now go out there and take care of business tonight!” Big Show exits the office clearly understanding the assignment he has been given as Bischoff and Heyman discuss with one another that The McMahon Family is not here tonight as we head back into the arena.

Match #4 | The Great American Challenge Tournament Semi-Finals
CM Punk vs. Kane

With a spot on the line in next week’s finals match against The Brian Kendrick - CM Punk does battle with one of his biggest opponents literally and figuratively to date in his young career - “The Big Red Machine” Kane! Kane and Punk go at it for around seven minutes with some time constraints on the show already starting to show. Kane appears to be heading to victory after a Big Boot and an attempt to goozle Punk but Punk ends up kicking at the knee of Kane forcing him to break the goozle. Punk knows he won’t be able to most likely lift Kane up for the GTS just yet so he does some mongolian chops followed by a Running Bulldog. Punk fights off Kane once more who seems to be rallying but a swift roundhouse kick stuns Kane and Punk lifts Kane up onto his shoulders! JR and King believe there is no way Punk can hit the GTS but HE DOES! Punk hits the GO TO SLEEP on Kane and he falls on top of Kane hooking the leg and moving on to finally face his former tag partner and former friend The Brian Kendrick NEXT WEEK with a spot at WrestleMania on the line!

Match Result: CM Punk def. Kane

Todd Grisham is standing by backstage with the man who attacked Edge in the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match on SmackDown this past Friday - RANDY ORTON! Todd immediately gets to the point and asks Randy what exactly he was thinking when he put Christian’s arm over Edge to give Christian the victory on SmackDown. Orton tells Todd that he knows the one thing that would anger Edge more than missing out on main eventing a third straight WrestleMania is missing out and his brother taking his opportunity. “Edge is a narcissist. A very dangerous man that has charaded around here for quite a while now as a “good guy” but in reality he’s a very bad person.” Orton tells Todd that as part of Rated RKO he was easily able to tell that Edge’s ulterior motive was to manipulate and use others to get to where he ultimately wanted to get to. Orton tells Todd that he feels sorry for Christian because Christian has rode his brothers coattails for years and that he doesn’t deserve the hand that has been dealt to him. Grisham then asks Randy what exactly Edge has done that has been bad. Orton tells Grisham that he doesn’t have enough time in the day to talk about why exactly Edge is a terrible person but he’s going to do what needs to be done. Orton said he’s going to listen to the voices in his head and he’s going to take out Edge once and for all. Grisham asks Todd when that is going to take place and Orton looks at Todd with a blank stare and simply mouths “WrestleMania” before walking away.

Match #5 | Hardcore Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Hardcore Holly

A quick five minute Hardcore match as requested from Mr. Kennedy as a showcase for Mr. Kennedy to show Mick Foley what he will do to him at WrestleMania. Kennedy of course gets a big fight from the veteran Hardcore Holly who is no slouch in these matches himself. Holly gives Kennedy a few stiff shots - one with a steel chair and one with a kendo stick to the head causing Kennedy to get busted open. Kennedy looks enraged from this kendo stick shot and it just angers him even further to where he finishes Holly off with a Green Bay Plunge onto a steel chair lying on the mat! Kennedy gets the victory and wipes away the blood as he sits up seething from the match that he didn’t expect to necessarily go that way.

Match Result: Mr. Kennedy def. Hardcore Holly

Following his victory Mr. Kennedy calls for a microphone and after taking a deep breath he says “Where’s your hero now? Three weeks ago I did what I said I was going to do and that was slap the ever living taste out of Mick Foley’s mouth! I might have even slapped some respect into him! But where is Mick at? Three weeks and he hasn’t bothered to come back to Monday Night Raw?” Several boos are pouring in around the U.S. Airways Center as Kennedy tells them it’s the truth! “Mick hasn’t bothered to show his face around here for three entire weeks! Meanwhile - he’s always talking about how he does this for the fans and how he loves to entertain you all but where is he? I’ll tell you where he’s not at? HE’S NOT HERE TONIGHT!”

Even more jeers pour down on Mr. Kennedy as Kennedy tells the fans that unlike Mick Foley he shows up every single week and gets better and better every week! “Mick is a sad, sad man! Hell - you can’t even call him a man! He’s a sad excuse of a human! He feeds you all what you want to hear but he never backs up his words! Unlike Mick - I am here week in and week out and that’s why come WrestleMania I’ll….

“HEY KEN…”

The words echo around the U.S. Airways Center as Mr. Kennedy looks up at the titantron expecting Mick Foley to appear since he’s not here tonight but the titantron never comes on! Kennedy looks to his side and slowly turns around to realize MICK FOLEY IS BEHIND HIM! Foley has Socko on his hand and he reaches into the mouth of Mr. Kennedy with the MANDIBLE CLAW! Kennedy is brought down onto his knees as Foley continues to shove Sock into Kennedy’s mouth! Foley is letting Kennedy have it after having been slapped across the face three weeks ago and taking verbal beatings week in and week out! Foley drives Socko even deeper into the mouth of Mr. Kennedy! Foley finally believes Kennedy has had enough as he rips Socko out of Kennedy’s mouth before posing for the fans! Kennedy is rolling around the mat in disgust and holding onto his jaw as we see Foley exit the ring! Foley throws his hand (with Socko) in the air as Phoenix erupts in cheers as Kennedy is lying on the mat looking up the aisle at Foley in absolute disgust at what just happened.

As we return from the break JR & King run down the gigantic WrestleMania XXIV card and focus in on the key match ups from Monday Night Raw - the Hell in a Cell Match between Triple H and Kurt Angle for Ultimate Control of the WWE, the Last Man Standing Match between Mr. Kennedy and Mick Foley and finally the WWE Championship Match where John Cena looks to finally end his road to redemption by regaining championship gold for the first time in two years but standing in his way is “The Animal” Batista. JR says that this will be one of the BIGGEST extravaganzas to ever take place in WrestleMania history and you do NOT want to miss this! Only thirty four days remain until the superstars of WWE invade the Nation’s Capital! JR and King tell us it's time for our main event now!

Match #6 | Singles Match
Triple H vs. The Big Show

A near ten minute affair to close out the night is our main event as Triple H looks to defeat The Big Show once more and to possibly put Big Show away off of Raw for good. Big Show comes out with a purpose in this match though clearly amped up and angered by the fact his job is on the line tonight and he uses that anger to punish Triple H at the beginning of the match. Big Show tosses Triple H around after hitting him with a series of slaps to the chest causing the Game’s chest to light up red like a christmas tree. Big Show grabs Triple H by the throat pushing him into the corner while shouting at him that “he’s done”. Big Show goes to lift Triple H up for a Chokeslam but Triple H holds his ground and breaks free of the chokehold that Big Show has on Triple H! Triple H goes to kick Big Show in the sternum but he’s pulled to the outside by WILLIAM REGAL AND PAUL BURCHILL? Regal and Burchill both attack Triple H as Triple H works to fight off both men as the referee calls for the bell.

Match Result: Triple H def. The Big Show via DQ

Triple H is having to fend off two men and he appears to be doing so after hitting Regal with a hard closed fist to the head before hitting Burchill with a Spinebuster onto the cold floor! Triple H goes to grab Regal once again but he’s attacked from behind by Elijah Burke & Kenny Dykstra! Burke and Dykstra both grab Triple H throwing him into the ring underneath the bottom rope as Big Show hits Triple H with a Big Boot! Big Show tells Dykstra and Burke to restrain Triple H! Triple H tries fighting off Dykstra and Burke but he’s chop blocked from behind by William Regal taking him down to one knee! Burke applies a chokehold around the neck of Triple H as we see Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman make their way out to the ring now. Bischoff shouts at Big Show to “do it” to which Big Show once again tells Regal, Burke, and Dykstra to hold Triple H up for him. Big Show reaches back and hits Triple H with a KNOCKOUT PUNCH as Triple H is knocked out cold and left lying at the feet of Burke, Dykstra, and Regal. Regal slides to the outside helping up his tag partner Burchill before they rejoin Heyman, Bischoff, and Big Show in the ring.

Jim Ross questions what exactly this random assembly of superstars are doing having done the dirty work for Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman here tonight. All seven men raise their hands high in the air as Raw comes to a close with the Heyman and Bischoff Alliance having presumably grown even stronger in a battle for supremacy that will lead to either the McMahon Empire or the Bischoff and Heyman Alliance in ultimate control of the WWE come WrestleMania!

**********

Quick Match Results:

La Résistance def. The Colon’s
The Brian Kendrick def. Rhyno in the Great American Challenge Tournament Semifinals
Mickie James def. Jillian Hall in a non-title match
CM Punk def. Kane in the Great American Challenge Tournament Semifinals
Mr. Kennedy def. Hardcore Holly in a Hardcore Match
Triple H def. The Big Show via DQ

**********

NEXT WEEK ON RAW...

Official WWE Championship Match Contract Signing
feat. WWE Champion Batista & 2008 Royal Rumble Winner John Cena

#1 Contender's Tag Team Turmoil Match
Winners Face Priceless at WrestleMania XXIV
Matt Hardy & Rhyno vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch vs. The Colon's vs. La Résistance vs. Santino Marella & Goldust vs. The Bluebloods

Women's Championship
Mickie James (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

Great American Challenge Tournament Finals
Winner Faces JBL at WrestleMania for the United States Championship
CM Punk vs. The Brian Kendrick

PLUS...

THE MCMAHON FAMILY RETURNS!

ALL THIS AND MORE LIVE NEXT MONDAY ON RAW!!!

**********

WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Official Theme Songs: "Light it Up" by Rev Theory & "Good Life" by Kanye West

WWE Championship | FIRST TIME EVER
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Umaga © w/ Armando Estrada vs. Christian

Hell in a Cell Match | For Ultimate Control of the WWE
Triple H w/ The McMahon’s vs. Kurt Angle w/ Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff
w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Winner Earns a WWE or WHC Match Opportunity Anytime Before WM XXV
Rey Mysterio vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???
vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

United States Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. CM Punk OR The Brian Kendrick

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

World Tag Team Championships
Priceless (c's) vs. Winners of Tag Team Turmoil NEXT WEEK on RAW

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

PLUS...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, & Eddie Graham​

 

[KOP]

Friday Night SmackDown | Episode #445
Friday February 29, 2008
Tucson Convention Center | Tucson, Arizona

***RISE UP***

It’s a special leap year edition of Friday Night SmackDown as we are welcomed to the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona! Michael Cole and Tazz thank us for tuning in tonight as we expect there to be major fallout from last week’s controversial finish with Randy Orton interfering and costing Edge the opportunity to face Umaga at WrestleMania. But perhaps the most telling part of the match was the fact that Orton draped Christian (Edge’s brother’s) arm over Edge to give Christian the victory and the main event spot at WrestleMania. Cole then tells us that we will have two more qualifying matches for Money in the Bank tonight as well with Bobby Lashley taking on Chuck Palumbo and Test taking on Mark Henry. But first…it’s time for the WWE Tag Team Championship Open Challenge Match!

***AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE***

The WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz have ARRIVED albeit due to a smattering of boos from the fans. The duo go through the trademark JoMo slow pose as they hold their championships up high and Miz tips his fedora to the fans before taking a bow! The champions head into the ring and before their opponents can make their way out they request and receive a microphone from ringside. The Miz opens up by saying “I really hate to disappoint all of you who thought Cryme Tyme would defeat us at No Way Out but…you know what John…I ACTUALLY DON'T’T HATE DISAPPOINTING THESE LOSERS IN TUCSON AT ALL!!” Miz laughs as he smacks Morrison on the shoulder laughing at his own “joke” if that’s what you want to call it. Miz continues on with “If you really thought those two wannabe gangsters could defeat the GREATEST TAG TEAM OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY then you were sadly mistaken. And with that being said we’re starting to run out of competition here on SmackDown because we’ve beaten everyone there is to beat! But we are feeling a little generous after our big win on Sunday that we are willing to put our WWE Tag Team Championships on the line against ANY team who wants to suffer a humiliating loss. So whoever wants to come out here and get embarrassed by the Chick Magnet and the Shaman of Sexy, good luck!”

***FBI***

Miz and Morrison are legitimately shocked as we hear the music of the Full Blooded Italians play loud over the speakers in the San Diego Sports Center! Nunzio and Big Vito make their way out with microphone in hand as Nunzio speaks to the WWE Tag Team Champions in the ring: “We couldn’t help but hear you two goofballs out here running ‘ya traps about how you’re the greatest tag team of the twenty-first century! Big Vito and I just happened to be in town tonight doing some business with some old business partners and figured the twos of us could do what our brothers from the Bronx couldn’t do at No Way Out and that’s win YOUR WWE Tag Team Championships! So whaddya say? That’s if you two’s got the guts to go head to head with the F..B..I!”

Miz is livid wondering just who these think they are by coming out here and interrupting the WWE Tag Team Champions! Morrison has to calm Miz down as the FBI enters the ring. Nunzio steps towards Miz as he points his finger at Nunzio saying “this little guy thinks he can beat us”. Miz tells Nunzio “challenge accepted” to which he receives a slight shocker once Vito enters the ring and the much larger opponent comes face to face with The Miz! Miz gulps not realizing what exactly he may have just gotten Morrison and himself into. The duo hand their championships over to the referee who raises the belts up in the air as our opening contest is scheduled to begin now!

Match #1 | WWE Tag Team Championships Open Challenge
John Morrison & The Miz (c’s) vs. The Full Blooded Italians (Nunzio & Big Vito)

Making their return to WWE for the first time in over a year (presumably for one night only) - Nunzio and Big Vito are looking to back up their talk and to win the WWE Tag Team Championships for the first time ever. Morrison and Miz seem to be at a disadvantage and in possible danger of losing their champions after a failed attempt to hone in on Nunzio is thwarted when Nunzio makes a hot tag bringing in Vito. Morrison tries to enter the ring and help The Miz out but he’s quickly tossed out of the ring by Vito. Miz tries to blindside Vito but Vito turns around and hits Miz with a DDT! Morrison climbs back onto the apron and with Vito’s back turned he tags himself in and hits Vito with a Superkick before finishing him off with The Moonlight Drive to wrap up the victory for the champions and to secure the win in their Open Challenge to any tag team.

Match Result: John Morrison & The Miz def. The Full Blooded Italians to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

The World Heavyweight Champion UMAGA and ARMANDO ESTRADA are preparing to be interviewed backstage when past them walks “The Gold Standard '' SHELTON BENJAMIN. Umaga sizes up Benjamin as Armando Estrada lets out a chuckle and says that Benjamin must think that he is the hottest thing going on SmackDown today since he’s the new guy around here. Benjamin tells Estrada that he doesn’t think he’s the best around here necessarily but he lets his track record speak for itself. Estrada tells Benjamin that “if ‘ju want to claim ‘ju are the best then you have to beat the best and the best is MY SAMOAN BULLDOZER - ‘de WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION….UMAGA!!!!” Benjamin tells Estrada that he is feeling a little lucky since returning to SmackDown so he’s up for a challenge tonight. Estrada laughs at Benjamin saying that if he takes on Umaga tonight that Shelton Benjamin will NOT make it to WrestleMania and will be out for a VERY LONG time. Benjamin comes face to face with Umaga as “The Gold Standard '' doesn't back down from the giant opponent he will now be facing later on in tonight’s main event.

REY MYSTERIO is backstage as he walks past ROB VAN DAM. RVD congratulates Rey on being the first to qualify for this year’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Rey of course thanks Van Dam for telling him that and he says he heard that RVD has his own qualifying match next week. RVD confirms that is true as he will take on the “Masterpiece” Chris Masters. Rey tells RVD that while he does consider them to be good friends as they go way back - he’s just letting Rob know that he’s looking to avenge having his MITB briefcase stolen from him last year and that he will stop at nothing to grab that briefcase again. Van Dam says he understands and the feeling is mutual. In walks PAUL LONDON who tells the duo that he’s just received word he has a qualifying match next week also and that while he has always looked up to Rey and RVD as mentors - if he qualifies for the MITB Ladder Match that he too will have to do whatever it takes to earn himself his first ever World Heavyweight or WWE Championship match. The three superstars continue talking as the camera cuts away to commercial break.

“The Rated R Superstar” EDGE is seen entering the Tucson Convention Center as he walks past a locker room and does a double take. Edge stops himself and turns around and knocks on the door of the locker room which reveals the sign on the door to say Locker Room Reserved for Christian. The new number one contender opens the door and after a very awkward moment Edge tells his brother “we need to talk”. Christian motions for Edge to come on in as the door shuts behind the brothers as the camera fades away.

Match #2 | Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Test w/ Matt Striker & Mike Knox vs. Mark Henry

The first Money in the Bank Qualifying Match of the evening takes place as two of the biggest superstars on SmackDown square off against one another. Before the match we see clips of last week where Striker, Test, and Knox ambushed Mark Henry following the cancellation of Henry’s match against the no show Dolph Ziggler. Henry looks ready to put Test away and earn himself a spot on the card at WrestleMania 24 but Matt Striker hops onto the apron distracting the referee. This gives Mike Knox time to come into the ring and chop block Henry down onto one knee setting him up for a Running Big Boot to put the World’s Strongest Man away and to give Test a spot in his first WrestleMania match in nearly six years!

Match Result: Test def. Mark Henry to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

SmackDown General Manager JONATHAN COACHMAN and his intern - MS. TERRELL - are shown watching the conclusion of the MITB Qualifying Match and Coach tells Ms. Terrell he is greatly pleased about her idea! He believes that SmackDown having the opportunity to have TEN superstars compete in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match this year will greatly showcase the talent that the blue brand possesses! Ms. Terrell thanks Mr. Coachman for allowing her to be able to present him the idea and helping negotiate with upper management. Coachman tells Ms. Terell she is of course welcome and he needs her to start working on her other idea she has pitched recently. Ms. Terell says she will get on that but right as she prepares to exit the office - the Intercontinental Champion GREGORY HELMS barges in past her. Helms sarcastically excuses himself saying he didn’t see Ms. Terrell there.

Helms says he wasn’t paying attention when he walked in just like she clearly wasn’t paying attention to the outstanding performance he put on at No Way Out when he defeated Rob Van Dam to retain the coveted Intercontinental Championship. Ms. Terrell reminds Helms that “just like last week I told you that I did notice your victory but you’re leaving out a very key point and that is that you had to cheat to defeat RVD.” Helms face sours as he tells Ms. Terrell that he’s not going to put up with the blatant disrespect of the top champion here on SmackDown and that he will talk to someone who actually wields power here.

Helms now turns his attention to Mr. Coachman as he informs the SmackDown GM Mr. Coachman that he doesn’t believe he should have to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match seeing as he is the most decorated Intercontinental Champion and without a doubt the future of SmackDown! Coachman says he understands where Gregory is coming from but he’s not here to hand out opportunities and Helms knows that. He said that Helms has certainly been on a roll and is a very decorated champion in the WWE but that he has to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match just like everyone else! Coachman says he has a formidable opponent in mind for him too to qualify against next week and that opponent is none other than…EZEKIEL JACKSON! Helms is absolutely enraged as his face turns beet red and he sees his way out of the GM’s office as Mr. Coachman tells Ms. Terell he’s looking forward to hearing her next idea as the two sit down and discuss plans as we fade to commercial.

We return from the commercial break to see MVP standing in the ring along with his hired muscle - his bodyguard BIG E! MVP says that he is a little “heart broken” about having lost the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match last week but that perhaps the stars just didn’t align for him this year to main event WrestleMania for the World Heavyweight Championship. “That being said if you didn’t think the highest paid superstar in WWE history wasn’t going to be featured in a high profile match at WrestleMania then you are sadly mistaken!”

Tucson smatters Montel Vontavious Porter with boos as MVP puts his arm around Big E who remains stone faced. “Ya know something E, I owe you an apology! I owe you an apology because despite me taking out my anger last week because of your loss at No Way Out to my former bodyguard Ezekiel Jackson - you handled yourself professionally and in a manner that well..was quite show stopping if I must say!”

The HBK references continue as MVP laughs a bit but Big E stays the part and keeps the stone face. “Well it really only stopped the show for one person - SHAWN MICHAELS!”

And there it is! While everyone knew who and what MVP had been referencing - it’s very evident now. “Now I want to make it very clear that I did not order Big E to attack Shawn Michaels backstage. I know that’s hard for you nimrods in Tucson to believe but it’s true. Big E went into business for himself. Big E saw what happened at No Way Out when Shawn Michaels' music came on and cost him his match. Big E knew what had to be done and that was to take Shawn Michaels out of the equation last week. And that…that ladies and gentlemen is why Big E is in charge of protecting the most valuable asset in the WWE - MONTEL VONTAVIOUS PORTER!”

“And while we’re talking about valuable assets - let’s talk about what yours truly will be doing at WrestleMania.”

MVP says earlier in the day he spoke with SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman and requested that he be granted a WrestleMania match against “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels. And while Coach initially seemed hesitant - MVP confirms that the match has been confirmed and it will be taking place at The Showcase of the Immortals. MVP says he’s made for these moments. He’s the hottest ticket in town and fans everywhere pay to see him and him alone. “The days of Shawn Michaels being a money draw are long gone. You’re looking at the true money man who will sell out WrestleMania by himself”

MVP says next week he’s introducing a new talk show (The VIP Lounge) and he’s inviting his WrestleMania opponent Shawn Michaels to be his very first guest. MVP says make no mistake though he’s not bringing Shawn Michaels on to drive up the ratings. He’s bringing Shawn Michaels on so he can look him straight in the eyes and tell him he’s going to finally put the old dog down to sleep at WrestleMania. MVP and Big E exit the ring and make their way out as Michael Cole and Tazz discuss the impending return of Shawn Michaels next week and whether or not he will accept MVP’s invitation to join him on the debut of the VIP Lounge.

Backstage - EDGE and CHRISTIAN are shown in Christian’s locker room presumably discussing the issues that Edge had said needed to be addressed earlier in the evening. Edge asks Christian what last week was about (in reference to Christian pinning him) and he asks Christian if he had anything to do with Randy Orton coming out and attacking him. Christian looks at Edge and says “Are you serious right now? I missed THREE WEEKS because of taking a Punt Kick to the head for you at the Royal Rumble and you want to accuse me of being in bed with Randy Orton? Never mind the fact he has attacked you for WEEKS on end now and all of a sudden I’m the one to blame?” Edge calms Christian down and says he just has to make sure that he can trust him to which Christian does calm down and he apologizes for his comments. Edge tells Christian he has to go now because he’s got to get on the road because he has some business to handle on Monday Night Raw but he just wanted to clear his mind and make sure that Christian wasn’t aligning himself with the wrong people. Christian tells his brother he understands where he is coming from but he would never double cross him like that. Edge exits the locker room as Christian seems still taken aback his brother would accuse him of such things as he throws his headphones on and listens to some music as the camera fades away.

**********

WrestleMania Rewind
WrestleMania XIV | Sunday March 29, 1998
Fleet Center | Boston, Massachusetts

Mike Tyson commits the ultimate double cross as he knocks Shawn Michaels out cold in the main event of WrestleMania XIV giving Stone Cold Steve Austin the WWF Championship.

**********

SIMON DEAN is making his way backstage trying to successfully sell his patented “Simon System” products. Simon has an energy bar and is trying to successfully convince some stagehands to purchase the products. When the stagehands do not offer to purchase them Simon begins to turn to insulting them telling them they’d be better off eating one of his Simon System products instead of the five Snickers bars you shove down your throat daily! Simon goes to walk off but he bumps into the Cruiserweight Champion EVAN BOURNE. “Simon says it’s unfortunate that I didn’t receive an invitation to join the Cruiserweight Open last week because we all know that thanks to the patented Simon System that I would have endured the tenuous match and went the distance!” Bourne looks at Simon Dean very confused before Simon apologizes and says he forgot that the last time he was here that Evan Bourne was not in the WWE. Simon introduces himself and then offers his Simon System energy bar to Bourne but Bourne politely declines. Bourne says he’s got to get going as he walks away with Simon left holding his energy bars unable to sell any and seething at the fact that no one was interested in his products.

And speaking of Evan Bourne - his WrestleMania opponent Chavo Guerrero competes in his first one on one match since returning to the blue brand in a shocking fashion last week. Michael Cole & Tazz show us a clip as Chavo makes his entrance of last week’s #1 Contender’s Cruiserweight Open with Guerrero making a surprise return to SmackDown and pinning Billy Kidman after a Frog Splash.

Match #3 | Singles Match
Chavo Guerrero vs. Juventud Guerrera w/ Psicosis & Super Crazy

It’s the battle of returning superstars as we see Juventud Guerrera competing against Chavo Guerrero in a quick match up to further showcase the Cruiserweight division. Juventud has his fellow Mexicool brothers - Psicosis and Super Crazy - at ringside with him but alas they are only out there to watch Juventud fall prey to Chavo Guerrero. “The Juice” looks for a Leg Drop onto Chavo Guerrero from the top rope but Chavo rolls away and pulls Juventud up hitting the Three Amigos! Chavo slaps his chest as he mocks Psicosis and Super Crazy telling them “SmackDown is MY HOME!” before ascending the top ropes and hitting a beautiful Frog Splash. Chavo stares down Psicosis and Super Crazy as he pins Juventud and earns a victory in his first one on one match on SmackDown in quiet some time.

Match Result: Chavo Guerrero def. Juventud Guerrera

Chavo calls for a mic after the match and says that he’s returned to SmackDown to restore some much needed respect to the Cruiserweight division. “For too long I’ve sat back and watched as superstars such as Gregory Helms and now this young up start rookie Evan Bourne have made a mockery of MY Cruiserweight Championship! WELL NO LONGER! If Evan Bourne thinks he’s going to stop Chavo Guerrero from becoming a SIX TIME Cruiserweight Champion at WrestleMania then I’ve got some bad news for him!” Chavo points down to Juventud and says that “For quite a while now WWE has been bringing back cruiserweights to try and restore respect to the division”. Their answers to doing so was bringing back Tajiri, Billy Kidman and this guy (points to Juventud who’s still down on the mat as Psicosis and Super Crazy tend to him). What about Chavo Guerrero? Well apparently Jonathan Coachman forgot about Chavo Guerrero and that’s why I took matters into my own hands last week and seized the opportunity of a lifetime when it was announced ANY cruiserweight would be eligible for the Cruiserweight Open. I did what had to be done by returning to SmackDown to restore credibility to a dying division and at WrestleMania I bring back what has been a long time in the making - Chavo Guerrero as your SIX TIME WWE Cruiserweight Champion.” Chavo drops the mic as he rolls out of the ring and pats his chest and holds his fist high in the air as Chavo has called his shot for WrestleMania against Evan Bourne.

As we return from break we see some highlights from the in ring “takeover” of No Way Out by Charlie Haas throwing a fit following his loss to Rey Mysterio. Haas talked about his unjust suspension and the lack of follow up from the Board of Directors concerning his back pay and his filed complaint against SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman. The “takeover” however didn’t last long though as Coachman sent security out to escort Haas out of the arena. Haas threatened to sue Coachman and the WWE if the security touched him to which Coachman obliged and did not allow security to touch Haas. Haas left the arena on his own terms but now we hear from Michael Cole and Tazz who tell us that Charlie Haas will return next week on SmackDown along with an attorney to serve papers to SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman. What will happen when the GM is served right in the middle of the Road to WrestleMania?

Match #4 | Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Bobby Lashley vs. Chuck Palumbo

Following his failed request for a match at No Way Out - Bobby Lashley has finally received an opportunity to showcase his skills as he gets pitted against Chuck Palumbo in our second Money in the Bank Qualifying Match of the night. The biker Palumbo puts up a good fight against Lashley as he dominates the first few minutes of the match but the determination and prowess of Lashley coupled with his strength simply becomes too much for Palumbo. Lashley countered a charging Palumbo with a Back Body Drop dropping the big Palumbo onto his side. Lashley would follow this up by showcasing his strength with a Military Press Drop before finishing Palumbo off with the Dominator to wrap up the victory and find his path to WrestleMania having officially cleared up following the victory.

Match Result: Bobby Lashley def. Chuck Palumbo to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Josh Mathews is shown backstage in the interview area as he welcomes his guest at this time DOLPH ZIGGLER. Ziggler “hobbles” into the scene saying he pulled a muscle earlier in the night. Mathews seems very skeptical of Ziggler who faked an illness last week to get out of his match against Mark Henry. Mathews asks Ziggler if he has seen a doctor yet to diagnose whether or not he did pull a muscle. Ziggler immediately accosts Josh telling him that he would never fake an injury or illness. “Those people came to see me! They came here to see the show stolen and by God when I can’t do that it upsets me.” Mathews tries to ask Ziggler about his one minute loss to Edge at No Way Out after tormenting Edge for months but Ziggler immediately stops him and says that he will not be discussing events in the past anymore. “I’ve turned my eyes to the road to WrestleMania and soon…soon my path to WrestleMania will be made very clear.”

We get a cutaway of UMAGA and SHELTON BENJAMIN both separately heading towards the arena followed by a cut of CHRISTIAN arriving at the commentary table with Michael Cole & Tazz - our main event between Umaga and Shelton Benjamin is NEXT!

Match #5 | The Main Event
Umaga w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shelton Benjamin

Shelton Benjamin has a “golden” opportunity tonight to prove why he is the “Gold Standard” by going one on one with the World Heavyweight Champion. Benjamin brings the fight to Umaga from the get go as once the bell rings he immediately charges at the champion throwing right hand after right hand after right hand. Umaga counters the attack though with a Headbutt as he looks to slowly dissect Benjamin now and put him away. Umaga takes the next few minutes throwing Benjamin around like a rag doll literally as he grabs Benjamin’s body and throws him high over his head crashing onto the mat. Umaga follows this up with a Samoan Drop and only gets a two fall count. Armando Estarda tells Umaga it’s time to “stop playing games” and to put Benjamin away. Umaga goes to place Benjamin’s head in the bottom corner turnbuckle as he looks ready to hit the Samoan Wrecking Ball! Benjamin is spared though because as he gets ready to take off we see JEFF HARDY APPEAR! Hardy has a steel chair in hand as he hits Umaga from behind with the chair! The referee calls for the bell as Hardy enters the ring with the chair still in hand!

Match Result: Umaga def. Shelton Benjamin via DQ

JEFF HARDY IS BACK! “The Charismatic Enigma” is relentless following his brutal assault at No Way Out from Umaga! Hardy is bringing the fight to the World Heavyweight Champion as we see Christian stand up at ringside taking note of this attack! Hardy charges after Umaga before he springs off the ropes jumping at Umaga and hitting him with a big right hand causing Umaga to stumble back a few steps but he’s still not off his feet! Hardy grabs the steel chair he attacked Umaga with and throws the chair at Umaga! Umaga slaps the chair out of the way and his anger is shining through now as he slaps his chest and charges at “The Charismatic Enigma”.

Hardy ducks underneath a clothesline attempt from Umaga before stopping in his tracks and turning around and hitting a dropkick to the back of Umaga’s legs! Umaga falls down onto his knees as Hardy grabs the steel chair and throws it at Umaga! The chair bounces off of Umaga’s face and we see Hardy grab the chair and hit Umaga from behind with the chair! Umaga tenses up as the chair shot clearly has fazed him! Christian hits the ring now as he’s apparently seen enough and he asks Jeff Hardy what he is doing out here. Hardy comes face to face with Christian and tells him he’s here to get revenge on Umaga after being hit with a Samoan Spike to the throat at No Way Out. Christian tells Hardy that he’s the number one contender and that while he understands Hardy wanting revenge - he needs to get to the back of the line. Hardy steps up to Christian as the two former rivals lock eyes and continue exchanging words with Christian telling Hardy he’s not going to just waltz back in here and steal his WrestleMania moment he earned last week. Hardy tells Christian he’s not looking to steal anything - he’s just looking for one more shot at Umaga.

As the two move closer we see the World Heavyweight Champion Umaga back onto his feet and he charges at Christian and Hardy before hitting a big shoulder block on Hardy sending Christian flying into the corner. Umaga goes to grab Hardy but Hardy trips up Umaga face first with a drop toe hold. An enraged Umaga gets back onto his feet and charges at Hardy once more as Hardy goes to kick Umaga for the Twist of Fate but Umaga catches Hardy’s leg and finishes the counter with a gigantic clothesline! Hardy is peeled off the mat by Umaga who’s looking to put Hardy out of action for good with another Samoan Spike! Umaga rares back to thrust his thumb into Hardy’s throat but CHRISTIAN HITS UMAGA WITH THE STEEL CHAIR ON UMAGA’S BACK! Christian continuously hits Umaga with the chair chasing the champion out of the ring as Armando Estrada tells him to retreat! Umaga backs up the ramp as Christian looks back at Jeff Hardy who’s sitting on the ring mat realizing just how close he was to being out of commission once again with the Samoan Spike. Hardy is sitting on the ground holding his head as Christian offers him his hand and helps him up. Christian shakes Hardy’s hand but instead of breaking free of the handshake Christian keeps his hand interlocked with Hardy’s as SmackDown comes to a close with tension building between Jeff Hardy and the man who presumably saved him - Christian.

**********

NEXT WEEK ON SMACKDOWN…

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Masters

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Gregory Helms vs. Ezekiel Jackson

Paul London will compete in a MITB Qualifying Match

MVP debuts his new talk show - the VIP Lounge with special guest “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels

Charlie Haas returns and has threatened to serve papers to SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman

**********

WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Official Theme Songs: "Light it Up" by Rev Theory & "Good Life" by Kanye West

WWE Championship | FIRST TIME EVER
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Christian

Hell in a Cell Match | For Ultimate Control of the WWE
Triple H w/ The McMahon’s vs. Kurt Angle w/ Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff
w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Test vs. Bobby Lashley vs. ??? vs. ???
vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

Grudge Match
"The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. MVP w/ Big E

United States Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. CM Punk OR The Brian Kendrick

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

World Tag Team Championships
Priceless (c's) vs. Winners of Tag Team Turmoil NEXT WEEK on RAW

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

PLUS...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, & Eddie Graham

**********
​

 

[DTP]

WWE Monday Night RAW - February 18, 2008:

It seems like you've been making some waves since the last time I was here. Anything to get to WrestleMania, right? Let's see where we are.

Vince McMahon kicking off the show was an interesting way to go, but it made sense in the context of making some matches for WrestleMania XXIV. It feels a little inauthentic to do it this way, but it works as far as getting it out of the way and just making things official like this. We're still a ways away, hopefully we don't get things announced too quickly when we've still got over a month or so to go. A LOT of star power and influence in this opening promo. You've taken a lot of liberties in bringing back Eric Bischoff, Paul Heyman, and incorporating Steve Austin into this storyline.

Mickie James defeating Beth Phoenix made for a good opening match, to grant us a new WWE Women's Champion. I'll be intrigued to see how what's in store for the women's division at WrestleMania XXIV, and whether we see the predictable Playboy overtones or not. I'd suspect Melina is one backstab away from getting a shot at the gold.

John Bradshaw Layfield as any champion makes for such a great and adaptable character. With the WWE United States Championship, you can do wacky stuff with him like this tournament concept. Carlito losing out to The Brian Kendrick truly goes to show how far Carlito's star has fallen. I'm surprised to see Primo already, as if I recall he hadn't come in yet. I guess you do need some element of tag team division, at least. I can't see Kendrick winning the tournament, that said.

It's always good to see Rhyno, who in my opinion never got fair shake in his tenures with WWE. He was always deserving of a lot more than what was given to him, but in fairness, this is a new era for guys like the aforementioned Ted Dibiase and Cody Rhode. Nice to see you've already assembled those boys.

La Résistance going over Val Venis and Steven Richards was...happening. It gave very 2004 vibes to this 2008 project. I suppose it did what was needed to reestablish Rene Dupree and Sylvain Grenier.

I also did a 2007 at one point where Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch had their credibility buffed, and became wild henchmen gunning for Triple H. It just feels right - it's a shame they never got the respect they deserved in that role. Good developments throughout to build for the main.

Unique trio of people announced for the WWE Hall of Fame...one of those names is not like the other.

Strange goings on with Chris Jericho, but it does all make sense when you learn of his budding feud with The Undertaker. It's a shame they never had a proper feud in real life. Their matches were always super good, though. Interesting angle to take with Y2J's character, but I'm wondering if or how we'll get to his serious heel persona we'd grow to love.

CM Punk would have loved working with Elijah Burke - that said, I always thought they had fun matches. Now CM Punk I could see winning this tournament to get a WWE United States Championship opportunity.

Nice use of the WrestleMania Rewind to lead into a promo on Mick Foley by Mr. Kennedy. I really liked that.

La Résistance and Maryse makes for a natural trio, but I'll be interested in seeing who the Colóns side with to mix it up with.

Triple H was always going to go over Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, but nice to see the odds stacked against him, giving very Attitude Era babyface vibes.

I genuinely forgot all about John Cena's announcement, but I did strongly like this closing promo for the lay of the land you have made, with two unique choices for World Champions heading towards WrestleMania. Umaga with the super-push to World Heavyweight Championship status was super refreshing to see, but obviously Cena and Batista is the big money match one may need for a WrestleMania headliner.

Strong show with building block pieces in place, coming out of No Way Out.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown - February 22, 2008:

I can really tell you're a fan of writing for Armando Estrada, based on his dialogue alone. Interesting dynamic with Estrada going face-to-face on the microphone with General Manager Jonathan Coachman. Perhaps more surprising to see Coach in such a coveted role, after years of being made an ass out of. It's still strange to see Umaga as World Heavyweight Champion heading towards WrestleMania, and him working with Shawn Michaels as a WrestleMania match is a different spin. Did they ever have a straight singles match?

The Cruiserweight Open was a nice blast from the past, considering how many relics of the Ruthless Aggression era were featured here. I don't know how to feel about a ten minute time limit in a match like this, but it would make perfect sense for WWE to book the WWE Cruiserweight Championship division. Chavo Guerrero coming in to steal the win just made sense, and was really the most sensible pick to make. Guerrero and Evan Bourne, if it get time and isn't reduced to a dark match spot, could be good. I'm not sure about WrestleMania quality, but it could be very good.

Shelton Benjamin going over Drew McIntyre was fine, given how Shelton is still in the prime peak of his career in 2008, and I feel like Drew was still very new to the game. That said, you've brought Big E in already, and I didn't even realise how long he'd been working.

Edge and Christian's exchange leads me to believe there is either a tag team match coming for them at WrestleMania, or we're due to see a feud begin. I would presume Randy Orton's involvement may hinder this from happening, though.

I'm glad to see the Money in the Bank Ladder match officially get announced, as for a moment I did think you were going to not do it at this year's WrestleMania. It serves good purpose to get more boys on the card for the biggest show of the year. I'm not sure how to feel about it going SmackDown exclusive, though, given how the contract would surely allow the victor to pursue whichever World Championship they want, right? Rey Mysterio beating Jamie Noble was as plain as day to see, it made sense in his hometown. I don't know if I buy Rey getting the briefcase, though.

Bobby Lashley killing Colin Delaney was elementary. The size difference would have been amusing to see, though.

A faction headed by Matt Striker is...well out of left field. It does get Test and Mike Knox in the mix, though. They make for decent lackeys, even if imagining Test's roided-up body in glorious WWEHD is a grotesque image. It spared us from a styles clash in Dolph Ziggler and Mark Henry going one-on-one, anyway.

You are really putting the rocketstrap on Big E's back. It works, especially if the idea is Shawn Michaels pulling a WrestleMania match out of a very green E. I don't know if I agree this is the best usage of him, though. To be determined.

What, you mean to tell me Chris Masters isn't going to WrestleMania? Bull. Shit. Actually, refreshing to see someone like Christian win this, as strange a dynamic as it is to see him go on the World Heavyweight Championship hunt going after Umaga. It would be feelgood to see him get the title win his brother Edge has got previously. It would also add fuel to the fire of Edge and Christian feuding down the line. I suspect elsewhere we've got Randy Orton and Edge coming up - I'll be very interested in seeing how you do it differently to how WWE will do in twelve years' time.

Overall, this was a solid week of action, with a lot more cemented for WrestleMania XXIV. I really like the foundations you've set in place here, but I actually feel more excited (if possible at all) about where we go once WrestleMania is behind us.

I'll catch up with the most recent week of television when I can.

 

[KOP]

WWE News & Notes

WWE Cancelling Sunday Night Heat & Velocity & Debuting New Show

Earlier today news broke that WWE has decided to cancel Sunday Night Heat & Velocity and will be replacing it with a single show that will feature matches that are taped prior to Monday Night Raw & Friday Night SmackDown. Sunday Night Heat initially debuted in 1998 on the USA Network while Velocity debuted in 2002 on SpikeTV. However, since 2005 Sunday Night Heat and Velocity have aired exclusively on WWE.com. WWE has announced that a new show - WWE Superstars - will air on Thursday nights on the WGN Network and will be a one hour show featuring superstars from Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.

Former WWE Champion Set to Return after WrestleMania

Following his surprising return after a year sabbatical from the WWE - WWE.com has now learned that former five time WCW World Heavyweight Champion Booker T will make his full time return to the WWE after WrestleMania. Talks had initially begun with Booker T back in December 2007 regarding his return to the full time roster. Some initial discussions had led to possibly bringing Booker T back full time after his surprise Royal Rumble appearance but no concrete plans for Booker T at WrestleMania were ever locked down. Creative thus decided it would be best to wait until April for him to make his return when a "new year" essentially begins for WWE

Final WrestleMania Preparations Are Commencing

Now that we have reached the month of March and are less than a month away from WrestleMania XXIV, it is being said that all preparations creatively and operationally are being locked into place in order to prepare for the Grandaddy of 'em All to go off as smooth as possible hopefully. WWE is set to move in to FedEx Field approximately a week and a half before with the stage build rumored to be quite extravagant this year. WWE has been playing big on the patriotic theme with this year's WrestleMania being the first ever to air in the Nation's Capital and are set to have quite the stage set according to rumors.

Inter Promotional Battle Royal Announced for WrestleMania Pre-Show

WWE.com has received exclusive information that a twenty-four man Inter Promotional Battle Royal has been confirmed for the WrestleMania XXIV pre-show. While no competitors have been named yet - we have received word that superstars competing in this Battle Royal will be announced very soon. The Inter Promotional Battle Royal has become somewhat of a WrestleMania tradition with the first one taking place back in 2005 at WrestleMania 21 and having taken place ever since. Stay tuned to WWE.com for more information as we will release the names of confirmed superstars for the Battle Royal once we receive word.

**********

Thanks for the comments DTP! I've been reading your thread and have really enjoyed your Draft episodes recently plus just how you've done the pandemic era so well. I plan on jumping in there and hopefully giving you some feedback soon.

The tag team division is quite the mess and something I have been trying to work to fix for a while now in the thread but staying somewhat realistic to the timelines and signings. Hopefully La' Resistance carries over well into the thread even though they were about a year out of WWE by this time after a failed reunion but worst case they help beef up the tag division some. Same thing kinda goes for the Cruiserweight division which I absolutely love booking but it's kind of at somewhat of a cross roads. I figured bringing back some 2003-2005 era cruiserweights would help rejuvenate the division for a little bit while still working on pushing it towards the future (i.e. the Evan Bourne reign). Throughout the tenure of the thread it's predominantly been Jamie Noble & Gregory Helms dominating the division which is a catch-22. It makes them look great but perhaps makes some of the others look less credible. The Women's division IMO is even worse but working on trying to fix that post WrestleMania. I'm like you in looking forward more to post WrestleMania at this point as it's going to feel a lot more "fresh".

Initially my plans called for MITB to be inter-promotional as I have done at the first two shows but once I made some changes (CM Punk was originally going to be in it) along with a few other changes to the WM card I went in a SmackDown exclusive direction. Also once I looked at the SD side of the card for WM I felt it was a little lopsided compared to Raw's side so in order to try and balance it I felt this exclusive MITB Ladder Match would bring some more balance. I've never done a ten man ladder match before though and let me say it was quite challenging but I think it will come across well with the diverse styles. I do know if I book one again for the next WrestleMania (if I ever reach WrestleMania 25) that it will not be a ten man again. The good thing too like you said is the winner will be able to challenge for either WWE or WHC so it being brand exclusive this year really is just determinant on the eligible superstars to compete

Lots of stuff to try and fix and the good thing is WM is a good portion complete already but I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready to reach April in story time and just get things headed in a different direction. ​

 

[DTP]

WWE Monday Night RAW - February 25, 2008:

With WrestleMania coming up, I'm anticipating a heavy influx of major angles to set us up for the Road to WrestleMania home stretch. This was accomplished pretty well in the opening promo, as Chris Jericho and The Undertaker prepare to battle for the first time on a major stage. They had some solid matches in 2009-2010, and I was quite surprised they didn't provide them a singles program. I always saw Jericho as being a great candidate to be on Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak list in this period. I suspect the probable loss will see Jericho reform into his deadly serious demeanor.

The jury is still out on La Résistance I'm afraid, but with that said, they did have several showings in dark matches in 2007, so I'm not totally opposed. At this juncture, the right team won over the Colóns, and it was glaringly obvious this was coming with Maryse being a French-Canadian. I feel for Carlito for taking the fall two weeks in a row. It's almost like you are protecting Primo, which is strange. He is newer, but Carlito is totally the star of the team.

The Brian Kendrick, given the early phase of his push, was the best fit to win this Great American Challenge Tournament match. I can't see him beating out CM Punk, who I see as the clear favourite to challenge John Bradshaw Layfield at WrestleMania for the WWE United States Championship. Did TNA Wrestling hemmorhage money or something? Kurt Angle, Christian and Rhyno back within a couple of years of leaving for them. I hope we see Ted Dibiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes get something more substantial in the coming months. I probably wouldn't have had JBL bury Kendrick, it doesn't set a very good precedent. Maybe that was the intention - but it does negate the finals by doing this here and not after next week.

Rhyno and Matt Hardy serving as a tandem opposite Ted Dibiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes again brings me back to 2004, where we have a lot of the old guard blending in with the modern day. It's such a strange point in time, but I just hope Rhyno and Hardy's tenure as a team is temporary - they feel somewhat thrown together.

Mickie James beating out Jillian Hall got the new WWE Women's Champion a win, but the important aspect was the aftermath. Unless Melina is turning on Mickie, I can't see Beth Phoenix recapturing the title next week in the rematch. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania, potentially.

John Cena and Batista truly is the biggest possible match you could book for WrestleMania, outside the Triple H and Kurt Angle match. Great angle here, your writing truly accentuated its' importance. Cena and Batista had a decent match at SummerSlam 2008, but its' build was impacted by the awkward booking; and of course, the injury that prematurely cut the rivalry short. I continue to be interested by Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman's consortium opposite Vince McMahon. With Floyd Mayweather nowhere in sight, very intrigued by what Big Show may do at WrestleMania. For a laugh, maybe him in Money in the Bank would be hysterical for the visual alone.

CM Punk over Kane was to be expected, setting up the finals of the Great American Challenge Tournament next week. As I've said, I predict Punk being the one to challenge John Bradshaw Layfield at WrestleMania, and most presumably take the WWE United States Championship...but you have the opportunity to surprise everyone with the outcome of the finals against The Brian Kendrick next week.

Randy Orton challenging Edge to a match at WrestleMania was very expected, but the more I think about it, the more I feel it's a sadly ceased opportunity to not expand the World Heavyweight Championship match. With how SmackDown ended, with Christian winning the Fatal 4-Way match after Orton literally placed his hand on Edge's chest - man, the potential was totally there for you to play with that psychological "will-they, won't-they" war for Edge and Christian. Alas, I'll be interested in how you convey Christian to look like a proper challenger to dethrone Umaga.

Mr. Kennedy defeating Hardcore Holly was fine for what it was, and it definitely needed the stipulation to set Kennedy up for the Last Man Standing match against Mick Foley. I wouldn't have minded Mick Foley coming out to deliver a promo instead of a revenge attack.

Triple H defeating the Big Show in the main event worked fine, with an added bump in the road with William Regal and Paul Burchill's involvement. It comes somewhat straight out of left field, but I really liked this ending also featuring the at-odds HHH opposite Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman's colossal faction. You're doing wonders setting up the Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania, but I do wonder where Kurt Angle was tonight, as well as Stone Cold Steve Austin. I think as special guest referee, Austin would have helped enforce neutrality headed into the biggest match in WWE's corporate history.

Decent RAW, these shows get better with the week.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown - February 29, 2008:

I can't help but feel there is much work to be done for Christian and Umaga's road to WrestleMania to feel special. Let's see how you spice things up for the World Heavyweight Championship picture.

John Morrison and The Miz truly were The tag team on SmackDown and RAW in 2008. They should be holding the WWE Tag Team Championship for a long time, I feel. Their promo particularly was well-written. Nunzio and Vito being in the mix brings things back to 2005, but I do suppose that's a necessity with such a lacklustre tag team picture in this period. Let's hope you can bolster the ranks up with new guys, as opposed to those of yesteryear.

I definitely would not be adverse to seeing Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam mixing it up, either reprising their tag team, or against one another en route to WrestleMania. Paul London existing in WWE is a nice added bonus, and I just hope we see him get somewhere without The Brian Kendrick by his side.

I can't even imagine Test and Mark Henry having a decent match, but it got Test into Money in the Bank regardless. I was never a big fan of bulking up the Money in the Bank Ladder match to featuring ten participants, but with those added slots, we are able to see more variety in talents. Test will surely get some good power spots in, but I just hope it isn't plagued with the New Breed absurdity of Matt Striker and Mike Knox involvement. I wonder where Mark goes now?

You clearly had a vision for Gregory Helms as WWE Intercontinental Champion, and it worked well in this segment with Jonathan Coachman and Ms. Terrell. I like the idea of Coachman having an intern to accompany him with his duties as General Manager - even if Coachman playing the straight-man GM role is odd, after years of being a comedy heel stooge.

I was a big fan of MVP's promo on Shawn Michaels, and it set the scene for Shawn Michaels to make a mockery of the brand-new VIP Lounge. I'm sure the VIP Lounge existed already, did it not? I have memories of Rey Mysterio on the show in the SmackDown Fist days, at least - unless that was another talk show seg? MVP is a drastic improvement for HBK's WrestleMania angle - but it will be hard to live up to the reality of Shawn vs Ric Flair from WrestleMania of real life, that year. I hope Big E's involvement is kept to a crucial minimum.

Edge and Christian's tense confrontation in the dressing room was everything I wanted it to be. Very good drama, and surely a sign of things to come in the fallout of WrestleMania, I would suspect.

Simon Dean being back again is a bizarre choice, but it did make sense to give Evan Bourne something fun to do. He should be portrayed well as WWE Cruiserweight Champion, after all. I was very surprised to see Juventud Guerrera be handed *another* chance to redeem himself after how he was unceremoniously let go in 2005. Nonetheless, Chavo Guerrero getting the win made a heap of sense. His promo made sense afterwards, but I don't know about this match still. Either it gets time in the pre-show spot, or it is a tragic victim of being jammed between two colossal WrestleMania matches. Hopefully I'm wrong!

Bobby Lashley beating Chuck Palumbo just made sense, and I could genuinely see Lashley having a great shot at winning Money in the Bank this year. Palumbo had the most potential when he became the biker, so hopefully it bodes well for his trajectory moving on.

Umaga defeating Shelton Benjamin made for a decent main event, even if it served as a tool to reintroduce Jeff Hardy. Now this is a WrestleMania angle - I immediately look forward to Jeff returning to chase the World Heavyweight Champion, and wouldn't be surprised to see him usurp Christian to win his first World title at WrestleMania. Jeff and Umaga always had great matches in 2007/8, so this works well. Christian's involvement is a unique one, with that said. I still feel like if a Triple Threat match is the idea, Christian needs more segments and singles wins not involving Edge that will establish him as one of the top guys on an already star-studded SmackDown roster.

Overall, delightfully impressed with the twists and turns you've implemented this week on television. WrestleMania looks set with ten matches already - wondering how we round things out with still over a month to go.

 

[KOP]

Monday Night Raw | Episode #763
Monday March 3, 2008
Conseco Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, Indiana

We open up with a video package highlighting the ending of Raw last week with Elijah Burke, William Regal, Paul Burchill, & Kenny Dykstra all ambushing Triple H in his match against The Big Show. Had The Big Show lost to Triple H he would have been fired. Triple H tried fighting off the five men but the numbers were simply too much even for “The Game” to manage and he ultimately fell prey to a Knockout Punch from The Big Show. The final image we see is Eric Bischoff & Paul Heyman standing over Triple H with the five men in the ring. We now cut into the regular Raw opening video package as we are ready to kick off Raw!

***TO BE LOVED***

The fans in Indianapolis are going wild as Raw is LIVE on the air! Jim Ross & Jerry “The King '' Lawler welcomes us to Monday Night Raw as the Road to WrestleMania continues to hit roadblocks! We are in for a HUGE night of Monday Night Raw as we have three gigantic matches tonight with Mickie James defending her Women’s Championship against Beth Phoenix, the Number One Contender’s Tag Team Turmoil Match and the finals of the Great American Challenge Tournament between former tag team partners and champions - CM Punk and The Brian Kendrick. But first we’re kicking things off with the WWE Championship Contract Signing!

Eric Bischoff is in the ring and receives loud boos as can be expected. Bischoff is beaming from ear to ear after seeing the opening video package as he sarcastically welcomes fans to Eric Bischoff’s Monday Night Raw. Bischoff says we need to get this show rolling right now because he’s got A LOT of business to handle tonight but first let’s get to the main event of WrestleMania. It’s time to put pen to paper and make this first time ever match official! Bischoff asks John Cena to come out first and right on cue we get…

***MY TIME IS NOW***

The number one contender John Cena is out first for the contract signing as he comes out to a raucous Indianapolis crowd! The fans celebrate Cena’s arrival as Cena is adorned in his usual ring get up gear - colorful t-shirt with jean shorts and cap. Cena enters the ring and goes through his usual entrance tossing his cap into the crowd to a lucky fan. Eric Bischoff watches as Cena walks over to the table and Bischoff extends his hand. Cena who clearly is disgusted with Bischoff’s actions and his manner of managing Raw for the last several months now declines the hand shake as he takes a seat awaiting his opponent at WrestleMania to enter. Bischoff introduces the WWE Champion Batista next…

***I WALK ALONE***

Dressed to the nines reminiscent of his Evolution days - “The Animal” Batista comes out laser focused on the ring as he keeps his eyes locked on the number one contender. The two have been going at verbal spats for the last two weeks and most likely will find themselves in it again tonight. Batista sets off his pyro before making his way down the ramp and into the ring. Batista shakes hands with the Raw GM before taking a seat and adjusting himself.

Bischoff thanks the two men for making this Contract Signing happen tonight and he says he is going to give both men an opportunity to speak. Bischoff looks ready to let Cena talk first but Batista picks up his microphone and tells Bischoff since he is the champion that he calls the shots around here and that he will go first. “I’m going to get to the point and keep this short. The charade is up John. The parading around Raw talking about how it’s the road to redemption for you and how it’s your destiny to finish it off by winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania will come crashing down on March 30th. You’re a fraud John! You’ve tricked these idiots into thinking that you actually have a chance at WrestleMania and they’re too stupid to see that you have no chance! Your time is up John! You need to let this go!”

The fans in Indianapolis are booing the champion of course as Cena just sits back in his chair smirking at the champion. This angers Batista as he asks Cena what he’s smirking about. “You sit there with that stupid ass smirk on your face just waiting for the opportunity to “speak your mind” as you always do John but you haven’t backed up your words in YEARS! You’ve been irrelevant since you lost your ONLY WWE Championship to Kurt Angle TWO YEARS AGO! And somehow you manage to win the Royal Rumble and think that people are all of a sudden going to take you seriously? You’re a fraud John! You’ve got every single person in this arena hyped up thinking that you’re going to take down “The Animal” at WrestleMania when in reality you don’t have a snowball's chance in hell.”

“There’s a reason we’ve never wrestled one on one before…it’s because you’re not on my level.”

“Triple H…Chris Jericho…Randy Orton…The Undertaker…One by one they’ve all fallen prey to “The Animal” and up next is…YOU JOHN!” Batista points over at the WWE Championship that is displayed on the table as he tells John Cena to “take a good look at the WWE Championship because this is the closest you will ever get to the championship belt ever again!”

Batista takes a seat as Cena picks up his microphone and takes a look at the WWE Champion before standing up and leaning against the ropes. Cena says he doesn’t know how he’s going to recover from that verbal berating he just took from Batista. “You know you are right about one thing and that is I’m here to speak my mind. While you sit there and run your trap week in and week out - I’ve fought my way back to credibility and respect. I’ve had to work harder than any superstar in the back to get my way back to the top of the food chain and now that I’m back on top…I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE EVER AGAIN!”

The fans loudly cheer Cena’s comments as he walks towards Batista now and is standing at the table across from the champion. “But that’s the only thing you were right about because everything else you said you couldn’t possibly be more dead wrong! January 27, 2008 was the start of the rejuvenation of the career of John Cena! It was over two years in the making! Two years ago like you said on January 2, 2006 - I lost the WWE Championship to Kurt Angle on Monday Night Raw inside of a Steel Cage. Ever since that night I’ve not been right! I’ve fought and clawed to work my way back to the WWE Championship and now that I’ve received another opportunity I am not going to lose this one!”

Batista looks at Cena and picks up his mic asking him if he truly believes the nonsense he is spewing from his mouth right now. “Do you honestly think this fairy tale ending you have created in your mind is going to come to fruition? Because I don’t John! Reality is going to set in when you’re standing across the ring from “The Animal” at WrestleMania and I send you right back to the end of the line for good!”

Cena tells Batista he understands why he wants to write him off so quickly. “Just three years ago you and I ushered in a new era of the WWE when you won the World Heavyweight Championship and I won the WWE Championship on the same night. Ever since then though our career paths have been NOTHING alike! You’ve swam with the sharks and have gone on to become a three time champion! Hell I’ll give you the credit you deserve Dave! You’ve gone toe to toe with the best of the best and you’ve taken each and every one of them down one by one just like you mentioned earlier! You’re one hundred percent correct about that! And I…I’ve struggled to keep my head above water but I finally broke free once again at the Royal Rumble and I’m jumping right into the damn deep end with you now! All of the names you’ve mentioned….you failed to mention one! You failed to mention MY NAME! This is the DREAM MATCH people have waited for now for three years! The two men who were set to be the faces of the company going one on one on the grandest stage of them all! Dave Batista versus John Cena with the ULTIMATE prize of the WWE Championship up for grabs! It doesn’t get any bigger than this!”

The fans are cheering on Cena as he’s getting into the zone now and doing a truly great job of hyping up the main event. Cena carries on by saying that the fans are in for one hell of a fight come WrestleMania! “The first ever one on one match between us…it’s not going to be pretty. It’s not going to be a technical masterpiece. It’s going to be a knock down drag out fight and only one man will emerge as WWE Champion…

“And it won’t be you Dave.”

Batista stands up taking clear offense to John Cena’s comments as the two lock eyes with one another with only the table separating them. Batista who has yet to sign the contract picks it up and signs it as quick as can be before shoving the contract into the chest of Cena. Cena looks down at his chest in a “did he really just do that manner” before grabbing the contract and looking through it. He flips it over to his name and signs the contract on the dotted line and this match is now official! Batista picks up his WWE Championship throwing it over his shoulder and going around the table. Batista looks like he’s about to exit but Cena steps over and stops him from doing so! Cena looks Batista in the face as the two men come nose to nose! Cena goes to speak but the champion moves his right hand up and pushes Cena in the face with his open hand completely disrespecting and dismissing Cena before walking past the number one contender! Cena is taken aback by the disrespect from the champion to literally shove him away by pushing him in the face so Cena responds by spinning Batista around and SCOOPING HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDERS BEFORE HITTING AN F-U THROUGH THE TABLE! Cena stands over the WWE Champion telling him that “he won’t take any disrespect from anyone” as the camera focuses on Cena kneeling over Batista as we head to commercial break!

Back from the commercial break Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler show us a replay of the end of the Contract Signing between the WWE Champion Batista and the number one contender John Cena! Batista pushed Cena in the face shortly before Cena would retaliate with an F-U through the contract signing table! JR says that he has received word that during the commercial break that Eric Bischoff has booked two HUGE matches next week - where Batista will pick John Cena’s opponent and Cena will pick Batista’s opponent. It’s the return of the Pick Your Poison matches!

The camera now cuts into the ring where the two teams kicking off the #1 Contender’s Tag Team Turmoil Match - Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch and Matt Hardy & Rhyno are awaiting the bell to ring. The winners of the Tag Team Turmoil will move on to face Priceless at WrestleMania for the World Tag Team Championships!

Match #1 | #1 Contender’s Tag Team Turmoil Match
Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch vs. Matt Hardy & Rhyno

The opening portion of the Tag Team Turmoil Match pits the start up tag team of Matt Hardy and Rhyno against the duo of Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch. Cade & Murdoch were “punished” by Eric Bischoff due to their failure to take out Triple H two weeks ago and as a result will have to run the gauntlet to try and qualify for WrestleMania. Unfortunately for Cade & Murdoch though their misfortunes continue as they are unable to advance in Tag Team Turmoil after some miscommunication with one another. Murdoch made a tag with Cade backed into the corner unbeknownst to his partner and he ends up eating a Gore for his trouble! Cade tries to charge after Rhyno but Rhyno back body drops Cade over the top rope before covering Murdoch pushing Rhyno and Matt Hardy on to the next round of Tag Team Turmoil.

Match Result: Matt Hardy & Rhyno def. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Matt Hardy & Rhyno vs. The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito)

Up next is the brothers duo of Primo & Carlito who are looking to book their way to WrestleMania against the makeshift team of Matt Hardy and Rhyno. Both teams get about six minutes to work their magic. Primo and Carlito both fall prey though to Hardy and Rhyno thanks to interference from La’ Resistance after their music hits! Primo is hanging over the ropes wondering where Sylvain Grenier & René Duprée are but they are nowhere to be found! Primo turns around trying to regain his focus but he’s kicked right in the sternum and reeled in for the Twist of Fate! Carlito tries to come into the ring to break up the pinfall but Grenier and Duprée finally appear and pull Carlito off the apron! Both men begin to double team Carlito as the referee counts the pinfall and immediately turns to trying to get this match back under control!

Match Result: Matt Hardy & Rhyno def. The Colon’s

Matt Hardy & Rhyno vs. La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & René Duprée)

The next portion of the match ends pretty quickly as Grenier and Duprée get into the ring trying to start the match and the referee does end up calling for the bell to signal the start of the match but Carlito and Primo quickly pull both men out of the ring and it is on! Maryse who betrayed Primo & Carlito last week, is barking orders at Grenier and Duprée but they are clearly overmatched right now! Both teams end up brawling through the crowd and the referee has no choice but to start a ten count which ultimately La Résistance are unable to answer as they are trying to run away and escape from the brothers duo.

Match Result: Matt Hardy & Rhyno def. La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & René Dupree) via countout

Santino Marella & Goldust are shown headed to the ring as Tag Team Turmoil will continue…NEXT!!!

Matt Hardy & Rhyno vs. Santino Marella & Goldust

When we return from the break we see the duo of Hardy and Rhyno starting to show signs of fatigue as they are now into their fourth (officially) match of the evening. Santino Marella looks as if he is about to defy the odds and defeat the duo of Hardy and Rhyno! Marella reaches into his tights pulling out his trusty “Cobra” as he refers to it with it really just being a snake puppet. Santino throws the snake on and goes for the Cobra Strike but Rhyno catches Santino’s arm and pushes it back before pulling Santino in and hitting a big Belly to Belly Suplex! Rhyno makes the tag bringing in Hardy who connects with a Leg Drop off the top rope before pinning Santino and advancing on to the final stage of Tag Team Turmoil.

Match Result: Matt Hardy & Rhyno def. Santino Marella & Goldust

Matt Hardy & Rhyno vs. The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill)

But Hardy and Rhyno have no time to breathe because they are ambushed from behind by William Regal & Paul Burchill! Regal and Burchill begin to dissect Hardy and Rhyno both respectively before Regal settles in as the legal man in the match. Both Regal and Burchill take turns alienating Hardy throughout the course of the next three minutes. A double vertical suplex from both Burchill and Regal onto Hardy causes Hardy to sit up clutching his back as the fatigue is starting to set in! Burchill teases Rhyno throwing fake punches at him as Rhyno telling him that he can’t do anything about it but Rhyno does indeed do something about it! Rhyno grabs Burchill pulling him into his corner pulling him over the ropes dumping Burchill onto the outside!

Rhyno then grabs Burchill and rams him back first into the steel steps! Regal tries to roll to the outside to go and help his partner but Rhyno stops him and throws him right into Burchill who is slumped up against the steel steps himself! Rhyno then grabs the veteran Regal, throwing him into the ring! Regal gets back onto one knee and notices Matt Hardy coming towards him so he reaches into his tights and tries to grab the brass knucks he has positioned in there but he’s unable to get to them so he instead sweeps Hardy off of his feet. The referee goes to confront Regal about the brass knucks saying that he saw them to which Regal says “you saw nothing” to him. Regal gets back onto his feet and is arguing with the referee before Matt Hardy rolls him up with a schoolboy but only gets a two count! Regal is back up now as he swings at Hardy once again but Hardy ducks underneath it and hits Regal with the Twist of Fate before covering and booking his team's way to WrestleMania with the pinfall victory!

Match Result: Matt Hardy & Rhyno def. The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill) to become the #1 Contender’s for the World Tag Team Championships

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler congratulate Hardy and Rhyno as the unlikely duo ran the gauntlet and have now booked themselves a match at WrestleMania against Priceless for the World Tag Team Championships! Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase are shown backstage watching on a monitor looking unimpressed at the two men they have both attacked costing them their spots in the Great American Challenge Tournament. JR says that this match will be very personal come WrestleMania and that Priceless better watch their backs because Matt Hardy and Rhyno are out for vengeance!

Randy Orton is shown arriving backstage as he exits his car and goes to grab his luggage out of the trunk of his car. Orton pulls the luggage out and closes the trunk only to have his head slammed on to the trunk by EDGE! THE RATED R SUPERSTAR IS HERE!!! Edge is here for revenge after Orton screwed him over once more - this time though with a WrestleMania main event on the line! Edge grabs Orton and drags him over by the car before grabbing Edge’s head and SLAMMING IT THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW! The window shatters as we see some blood start to trickle out of the forehead of Orton! Edge is going absolutely NUTS right now as he grabs Orton and drags him by the head into the backstage area!

Orton escapes but stumbles as he tries to get away but Edge charges at Orton and knocks him down with a big right hand! Orton stumbles and loses his balance as he makes it to a hallway and tries to pull himself up with the aid of the table but he catches a Big Boot from Edge knocking him back down! Edge grabs Orton’s head and pulls the Viper up before slamming him into the wall! Edge then grabs Orton and Irish whips him THROUGH A DOOR! The wooden door collapses as shards of door go everywhere! Security and road agents finally come charging down the hallway telling Edge to stop! Orton is out of it as Edge is seething telling the road agents to let him get after Orton! Ricky Steamboat is one of the agents and he tells Edge he understands why he’s angry but this has to stop now! Edge looks ready to get right back on top of Orton again but the agents and security are finally able to separate Edge from Orton and bring Edge out into the hallway.

A tired Eric Bischoff walks up and tells Edge HE NEEDS TO GO! This is Monday Night Raw and not Friday Night SmackDown and he has no damn business being here! Bischoff tells security to take Edge away! Security officers tell Edge that he has to go now. The Rated R Superstar leaves the arena to a wide array of cheers from the fans who are excited to see Edge finally get one over on his former tag team partner after having been cost a main event spot at WrestleMania this past Friday. Edge looks over his shoulder as he exits.

Bischoff goes to turn around and he walks right into MR. MCMAHON! Bischoff’s eyes widen as the Chairman of the Board as Bischoff is now standing face to face with the man whom he is looking to overtake in power come WrestleMania! Mr. McMahon tells Bischoff that it’s going to take more than five men to keep Triple H down and out. Bischoff asks Mr. McMahon if he saw the same thing to end Monday Night Raw last week as he did. Bischoff reminds Mr. McMahon that The Big Show knocked Triple H out COLD last week leaving him on the mat to end Raw. Mr. McMahon tells Bischoff he did see it but he talked to Hunter earlier in the night and he said Triple H is looking for revenge and he will fight ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY in that damn ring tonight! Bischoff tells Mr. McMahon that Triple H is in luck then because he’s needing to book a main event tonight. “So since Triple H is looking to fight ANYBODY and EVERYBODY…how about we have ourselves a little Handicap Match tonight? Triple H versus Elijah Burke, Kenny Dykstra and the man who knocked Triple H out last week - THE BIG SHOW!” Mr. McMahon says he speaks for Triple H when he’s saying this and that “he doesn’t give a damn how many people you throw at him - he’s going to decimate each and every man who gets in his way.” McMahon tells Bischoff to enjoy his last few weeks at being able to wield his power as General Manager because he will be unemployed come March 30th. We head to commercial break with Mr. McMahon walking away.

Todd Grisham is backstage with MR. KENNEDY and immediately asks him about his Hardcore Match last week on Monday Night Raw against Hardcore Holly. Kennedy says that unsurprisingly no one is really giving him the credit he deserves. All week long he’s heard about Triple H, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, etc. But no one wants to talk about Mr. Kennedy. Kennedy reminds Todd that he beat one of the toughest guys in the locker room last week in a Hardcore Match yet everyone wants to talk about everyone BUT him. “That’s all going to change at WrestleMania however Todd because my name will be written in the history books as the man who retired Mick Foley once and for all.”

Todd then immediately switches to trying to ask Mr. Kennedy about Mick Foley appearing after his match and shoving Socko down Kennedy’s throat. Kennedy says that Foley is an abhorrent and absolutely horrendous person for pulling a nasty sock out of his pants and shoving it down his throat. Kennedy then says that Foley was unfit as a co-General Manager and he’s unfit to compete in the ring. “I’m going to do everyone here a favor when I rid Raw of it’s incessant pest problem and kill off Foley for good when he’s the Last Man Standing at WrestleMania. Kennedy gets ready to walk away but Todd tells him he’s heard a rumor that Mick Foley will be on Monday Night Raw next week! “If Mick’s stupid enough to show up next week then he won’t have to worry about making it to Washington D.C.”. Kennedy walks off as we cut now to a dark screen where smoke starts to emanate before…

We now see Chris Jericho sitting in a graveyard. Jericho is sitting cross legged on the ground as the dark cemetery begins to have very eerie sounds surround him. Jericho doesn’t seem fazed though by these sounds as he keeps his eyes locked on whatever he is staring at. The camera cuts away from Jericho and looks over towards a tombstone that says - THE STREAK - 1991-2008”. The camera cuts back to Jericho who is still showing the same emotionless face he has had since leaving Raw for a sabbatical back in December. The camera zooms in on Jericho's face as we see a reflection of the “streak tombstone” in Jericho’s eye.

Match #2 | Singles Match
Kane vs. Domino

A glorified squash match and a quick demise for Domino is what our third match entails. With no clear path on the road to WrestleMania - Kane receives an opportunity to showcase why he’s still one of the most imposing figures on the WWE roster. Kane throws Domino around toying with him for approximately a minute or so before emphatically driving Domino into the mat with a Chokeslam and covering him to secure the victory.

Match Result: Kane def. Domino

Kane receives a microphone and says he’s heard there’s going to be an Inter-Promotional Battle Royal taking place at WrestleMania this year. Kane talks briefly about how unstoppable of a force he is when it comes to Battle Royals and he says he’s hereby declaring himself as the first entrant for this Battle Royal. Kane then sets off his pyro as the flames light up the ringside area before we cut to commercial.

Match #3 | The Great American Challenge Tournament Finals
CM Punk vs. The Brian Kendrick

After four weeks of tournament action, we are set to finally determine a new number one contender for the United States Championship at WrestleMania! This finals matchup is of course personal as it pits two former tag team partners and World Tag Team Champions against one another. Plus the fact these two have been set previously to face off only for The Brian Kendrick to refuse to compete adds fire to the flames for these two to finally meet up.

And with all of that being said we get The Brian Kendrick initially evading his former friend and partner Punk by trying to play mind games and avoid Punk. Punk doesn’t fall for the games though as he lets Kendrick just get himself almost counted out instead of chasing him down. Kendrick realizes that he has to compete and he gets into the ring and after a lock up he eyes Punk in the face turning the match in his favor initially. Kendrick goes to work on Punk doing what he has to do to try and wear down Punk but the tides turn once Punk reverses a vertical suplex and lands straight on his feet. Punk hits a Uranage onto The Brian Kendrick and goes for the cover but Kendrick kicks out at two.

Kendrick sweeps Punk off of his feet after the pin fall attempt before he jumps on top of Punk and starts throwing some wild rights before pulling Punk back up. Kendrick hits a Tornado DDT onto Punk, spiking Punk’s head into the mat and he’s convinced that will be it! Kendrick hops on top of Punk but only gets a two count himself! Kendrick share some words with the referee before he pulls Punk back up and looks for Sliced Bread #2 but CM Punk stands his ground and instead pushed Kendrick away! Kendrick charges back at Punk but Punk ducks underneath a clothesline attempt from Kendrick before Punk hits Kendrick with a Roundhouse Kick!

Kendrick is begging Punk to have pity on him as he is up on his knees now! Kendrick tells Punk “it doesn’t have to be like this Punkster” but Punk realizes he has to ignore Kendrick and he hits a Shining Wizard! Punk doesn’t fall for Kendrick’s tactics as he’s waited for this one on one match for quite a while now! Punk goes to pull Kendrick up off the mat looking to possibly finish the match off but Kendrick surprises Punk and pulls him in with a cradle but only gets the two count! Kendrick is back up on his feet as he leaps into the air looking for a Hurricanrana but Punk counters and power bombs Kendrick into the mat! Punk then leaps on top of Kendrick locking in the Anaconda Vice! The Brian Kendrick is flailing around trying to roll over on his side but he can’t do so! Kendrick tries holding on for about ten seconds but he has to eventually tap out and CM Punk wins advancing on to WrestleMania!

Match Result: CM Punk def. The Brian Kendrick to win the Great American Challenge Tournament

The United States Champion John Bradshaw Layfield appears on the titantron clapping for CM Punk. “Congratulations son…you’ve earned yourself a date at WrestleMania with the Wrestling God and YOUR United States Champion - John Bradshaw Layfield!” JBL tells CM Punk that he should feel lucky that he gets to step into the ring with him because “not everyone gets the once in a lifetime opportunity to go toe to toe with wrestling greatness on the Grandest Stage of Them All.” JBL says that he thoroughly enjoyed watching the Great American Challenge Tournament but one thing has been made very clear to him during the duration of the tournament and that is that no one can measure up to being as great of an American as he is. JBL says he’s the embodiment of what a Great American and United States Champion is and CM Punk just cannot compete with him regarding those facts. He assures Punk that he’s going to make him look like a million bucks at WrestleMania but when the referee counts to three and the announcement is made it’ll be “And your winner and STILL the WWE United States Champion…JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD!” JBL tips his cap and says he will see CM Punk next week! Punk is in the ring holding on to his neck after the battle with The Brian Kendrick shaking his head in disgust at JBL before we head backstage.

“The Game” Triple H is shown arriving at the arena and is greeted by Maria who is wanting to talk to him about last week’s beatdown by Elijah Burke, Kenny Dykstra, The Bluebloods, & The Big Show. Triple H tells Maria that Bischoff and Heyman have thrown every single person they can at him but he’s continuously came back looking for more! “It’s going to take a whole damn army to keep me down after the hell that Bischoff, Heyman, Kurt Angle, & The Big Show have put MY FAMILY through.” Maria asks Triple H his thoughts on the Handicap Match and he defers back to his comments he just told Maria that they can throw anyone at him but that he didn’t get the nickname “The Cerebral Assassin” by accident. “If Bischoff and Heyman want the entire Raw roster to come after me, hell the entire WWE roster that’s fine! At the end of the day the result will still be the same and it’ll be game over for each and every person who’s gunning for me.” Triple H now exits as Maria smiles and tells us we will be back after a commercial break.

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WrestleMania Rewind | WrestleMania VIII
Sunday April 5, 1992
Hoosier Dome | Indianapolis, IN

Only three miles down the road from the host of tonight’s Raw - WrestleMania VIII emanated from the Hoosier Dome with a double main event which saw “The Macho Man” Randy Savage capture the WWF Championship from “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Hulk Hogan would defeat Sid Justice by disqualification after Sid’s manager Harvey Whippleman interfered on his behalf.

27 Days Until WrestleMania XXIV

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Mr. McMahon is seen standing by in the arena hallways on his cell phone. He asks “Where are you” before finally revealing that he’s talking to his son Shane. Mr. McMahon tells Shane he needs to get here soon because we’re not too far out from the main event match. Vince apparently hears what he wants to hear from Shane as he tells him “I’ll see you soon” before he hangs up the phone. Mr. McMahon takes a deep breath as the camera zooms in on his face as Mr. McMahon’s head is apparently flooded with worst case scenarios due to the stress and heinous attacks his family has suffered dating back to last summer. JR and King briefly touch on the history of the violent attacks on the McMahon Family as they hype up the Kurt Angle vs. Triple H Hell in a Cell Match at WrestleMania for the Ultimate Control of the WWE with STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN as Special Referee! King asks JR if the rumors are true that he’s been hearing backstage and JR says they are - he can confirm that STONE COLD WILL BE ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW NEXT WEEK!!!

We head backstage once more as Mickie James is shown stretching as the Women’s Championship lies on the ground in front of her. Mickie goes to get back up onto her feet and grab her championship belt but suddenly a hand appears grabbing the belt and it’s Melina! Melina picks up the championship before Mickie can get to it. Mickie seems taken aback momentarily but thanks Melina for handing her the championship belt. Melina tells Mickie “it’s what friends are for” as she wishes her friend good luck in the match tonight. Melina tells Mickie she’s been watching her compete recently and she sees the fire in her she hasn’t seen in quite some time. She’s confident that Mickie is going to defeat Beth tonight and finally bring an end to their rivalry. Mickie agrees with Melina telling her that’s the plan and she appreciates the good luck wishes from Melina. Melina leans in for a hug as Mickie gives her a quick side hug and heads off into the arena as her championship defense is up NEXT!

Match #4 | Women’s Championship
Mickie James © vs. Beth Phoenix

The final battle between Mickie James and Beth Phoenix is set to take place tonight as Beth is cashing in her rematch clause after losing the championship to Mickie two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw. Both Beth and Mickie make sure to give it their all as they usually do as these two women have been embattled in quite the rivalry over the entire duration of their careers. Beth takes an advantage early on after she countered an early Mick Kick attempt before hitting Mickie with a lariat and turning the tide of the match back into her favor. Beth uses her power to throw Mickie around the ring like a rag doll as she swings Mickie around a few times before dumping her on her head.

Beth jumps on top of Mickie, laying into her with several right hands letting Mickie know she’s taking back her championship as she shouts repeatedly at Mickie that this is over! Beth pulls herself off the mat and throws Mickie onto her shoulders as she hits a Running Power Slam and only gets a two count! Beth gets back onto her feet and lifts Mickie up high in the air with a Military Press before dropping Mickie onto the mat onto her chest! Mickie rolls around grabbing her stomach selling the powerful impact and offense that Beth has put onto her for the duration of the match. Beth goes to gather herself but interestingly enough we see Melina make her way towards the ring. Beth turns her attention to Melina who is walking down the aisle as she stops what she is doing and hangs over the ropes asking Melina just what in the hell she is doing out here?

Melina throws her hands up signaling she’s just here to watch but Beth is not falling for it!”The Glamazon” rolls to the outside of the ring and confronts Melina telling her she’s not going to let her come out here and screw her out of the championship! Beth puts her hands on Melina and lifts her up high into the air but Melina counters by grabbing Beth’s hair and pulling it! Beth drops Melina who rares back and slaps Beth right across the face before pouncing on top of Beth and landing a series of rights! Mickie James who is back up now looks through the ropes and notices Melina is out at ringside and she slides to the outside of the ring! Mickie pulls Melina off of “The Glamazon” and asks her what she is doing out here! Mickie and Melina exchange words momentarily with Mickie letting Melina know that she doesn’t appreciate the interference - she can handle her own business! Melina hangs her head in disappointment telling Mickie she’s sorry and that she didn’t mean to hurt her!

Mickie turns her attention to Beth Phoenix once again because after all there is still a championship match taking place and she realizes that she needs to turn her focus back to the match! Mickie turns her attention to Beth Phoenix who is back up and tries to ambush Mickie but Mickie grabs Beth and rams her back first into the ring! Mickie looks as if she is ready to get back into the ring as she rolls Beth under the bottom rope but right as she goes to get back into the ring Melina pulls Mickie backwards and throws Mickie’s head under her arms before HITTING MICKIE JAMES WITH THE SUNSET SPLIT DROPPING HER HEAD ONTO THE COLD FLOOR! The referee having lost ultimate control of the match calls for the bell ruling this match a no contest.

Match Result: Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix ended in a No Contest

Melina has stunned the fans and has betrayed her friend Mickie James here tonight on Monday Night Raw! “That no good jezebel has been posing as Mickie’s friend for quite a while now but it’s very evident to me that she used Mickie only as a way to get close to the Women’s Championship!” Melina rolls over after leaving her leg on top of Mickie’s neck before getting into the face of Mickie James and telling Mickie to enjoy her championship because it’s coming home with me very soon! Melina backs up the ramp as Beth Phoenix is peering through the ropes watching what just occurred as she is irate that she was cost the Women’s Championship because of Melina’s surprising interference.

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WWE welcomes the newest inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame - Gerry & Jack - The Brisco Brothers

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, Eddie Graham & The Brisco Brothers

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Following the Hall of Fame video package both JR and The King discuss the Hall of Fame Class of 2008 and how we are set for a very special weekend in our Nation’s Capital for this year’s WrestleMania! So far we have TEN huge matches announced for WrestleMania with five of these matches being championship matches! They briefly run down the SmackDown side of the card in order to cover the card in entirety and hone in one the interesting situation that is brewing on SmackDown in regards to the World Heavyweight Championship match between Christian and the champion Umaga! JR references the return of Jeff Hardy this past Friday on SmackDown as he wonders what role Jeff Hardy is going to be playing heading into WrestleMania considering he is still out for revenge on Umaga following the heinous post match attack at No Way Out! King rebutts quickly though that Christian rightfully earned the number one contendership on SmackDown two weeks ago to which JR counters by saying he did win but thanks in large part to Randy Orton attacking Edge and draping his brother’s arm over Christian!

On to the Raw side of things though King and JR discuss the two new matches that have been confirmed tonight with Matt Hardy & Rhyno surviving the gauntlet earlier in the evening and setting themselves up with a date at WrestleMania against the young up and comers Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes better known as Priceless with the World Tag Team Championships on the line! King says that this is the biggest test to date for the duo of Priceless as they have to step into the ring and square off against two veterans of the business who are both former World Tag Team Champions albeit of course not with one another. JR then brings up the United States Championship match which is now set after CM Punk won the Great American Challenge Tournament finally overcoming his former tag partner The Brian Kendrick earlier in the evening. Punk is now set to compete for his first singles championship in the WWE and to capture the United States belt he will have to defeat “The Wrestling God” John Bradshaw Layfield at WrestleMania!

But that’s not all either from Monday Night Raw because Raw is absolutely bringing the heat this year as there are four gigantic main event caliber matches including Chris Jericho stepping into the ring with “The Phenom” The Undertaker with Taker's WrestleMania streak up for grabs. King says that Jericho has shown a very disturbing side of his personality the last several months and he can’t quite pinpoint what it is but something has broken him. JR says “ya think?” before asking King what sane person goes and sits in a cemetery and stares at a tombstone in the middle of the night?

Mr. Kennedy and Mick Foley are finally set to put an end to their feud as the two will meet in a Last Man Standing Match! King references this dating back to last October when Mr. Kennedy was successfully able to get Mick Foley fired as the co-General Manager of Monday Night Raw! Foley was prepared to go away but Kennedy couldn’t let bygones be bygones and had to reignite the flames of the personal feud between these two men. With Mick Foley making a shocking return at the Royal Rumble and eliminating Mr. Kennedy (and himself) it would end up setting up this hardcore battle between the braggadocious Kennedy and the “Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley on the grandest stage of them all!

“The Ultimate Control of the WWE” is on the line at WrestleMania this year when Triple H and Kurt Angle step into the ring for a rematch of WrestleMania 23 but this time it’ll be inside of Hell in a Cell! There is no love lost between these two and with their futures on the line this one is going to be nasty! Eric Bischoff & Paul Heyman have teamed together to finally try and take down the McMahon empire in a situation that began last summer not long after ECW went off the air for good. Both Bischoff & Heyman had finally had enough of being treated as disposed trash while their former companies have been made a mockery of by the McMahon family for the last seven years. Even after being rehired as Raw General Manager last April - Bischoff has claimed that the two have been done wrong for years now and finally have had enough. Enter a mystery attacker who began appearing in June of last year and to throw the scent off of who the attacker could be - he would attack random superstars before ultimately focusing in on their main target - the McMahon Family. Kurt Angle would be revealed to be the mystery attacker who has used a lead pipe for months now attacking the McMahon Family and putting their futures in jeopardy. Triple H would return at the Royal Rumble after having his spot stripped from him just days before the pay per view and would attack Kurt Angle eliminating him before being arrested by New York’s finest. Finally having had enough - Mr. McMahon challenged Bischoff & Heyman to put their respective talent (Angle versus Triple H) inside of Hell in a Cell with the ultimate power hanging in the balance! And with there only being one possible person who would not show ANY bias whatsoever - McMahon shocked the WWE Universe and announced that STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN would be the Special Guest Referee for this match! JR and King once again hype up Stone Cold returning to Raw next week and discuss how order will be restored when Stone Cold is in town!

And finally the match for all of the marbles - the WWE Championship - will be defended by “The Animal” Batista against John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania! Two men whose careers have gone down the same trajectory path until the last two years will do battle with Batista looking to prove he is the most dominant superstar of his time versus John Cena who is looking to finally end his bad luck and win his second WWE Championship in his road to redemption! Batista has been on top of the WWE world for nearly three years now as a former World Heavyweight Champion and now two time WWE Champion! Cena meanwhile has suffered a very bad luck run over the last two years and is looking to finally regain back his mojo and complete his story. Cena won his first career Royal Rumble match in Madison Square Garden a little over a month ago to set up this dream match between Batista and Cena as two of the biggest call ups of 2002 will finally do battle one on one for the first time ever in the WWE! JR touches on the Contract Signing earlier in the evening that saw tensions finally boil over with Batista showing ultimate disrespect towards his opponent Cena and shoving him in the face before trying to leave the ring. However - Cena wouldn’t take that sign of disrespect lightly as he lifted Batista up and hit an F-U through the contract signing table! Eric Bischoff would announce mere moments after this that next week on Raw Batista and John Cena will compete in singles matches where both men will pick each other’s “poison” meaning they get to select the opponent for one another.

JR and King close out the WrestleMania hype by saying that the card is STACKED this year and looks to be one of the biggest WrestleMania’s ever! Only twenty seven days remain until the granddaddy of them all! But coming up next…the Handicap Match main event takes place as Triple H takes on The Big Show, Kenny Dykstra, & Elijah Burke and that’s coming up right after the commercial break!

Match #5 | Handicap Match
Triple H vs. The Big Show, Kenny Dykstra, & Elijah Burke

Curiously Shane McMahon has still yet to arrive at the arena which leaves Mr. McMahon whom is sitting near the timekeepers table in some distress as it’s just him and Triple H out here tonight with Bischoff & Heyman plus their three combatants all present. Needless to say the numbers are in the favor of the Bischoff & Heyman Alliance tonight! The trio of Big Show, Dykstra, and Burke take advantage of the strength in numbers from the get go because despite an early attempt where Triple H managed to fight off all three men - he was unsuccessful in keeping the match momentum in his favor after eating a Big Boot from The Big Show!

Dykstra & Burke bring an interesting element to this match as the two youngsters work together well for the most part but towards the middle of the match both men start to squabble with one another and it comes to a head when both men are trying to fight for the opportunity to get some one on one time to beat down Triple H. Dykstra is mounting Triple H in the corner with some right hands before Burke pulls him off of Triple H and tells him he wants a turn himself. Burke gets on the middle rope and throws some rights at Triple H before Dykstra pulls him off and asks him what the big deal is! Both men push one another before Big Show interjects and tells them both to knock it off! Bischoff shouts at the three men that they need to work together!

After regaining some order, Big Show lifts Triple H up with a Vertical Suplex before signaling for Kenny Dykstra to head to the top rope. Big Show backs up into the corner as he tells Elijah Burke to hold Triple H down. Dykstra is on the top rope now as he’s looking for a Diving Leg Drop! Dykstra leaps off the top rope but he misses and lands hard on his backside! Triple H was able to break free by punching Burke and rolling out of the way! Burke gets clotheslined over the top rope leaving just Dykstra and Big Show in the ring to try and take down Triple H! Triple H turns around as The Big Show charges at him and Triple H drops the top rope and Big Show goes tumbling to the outside of the ring! With both Burke and Big Show down on the outside - Triple H turns his attention to Dykstra who is pulling himself back up but he gets thrown between Triple H’s legs and Triple H hits the Pedigree! “The Game” covers Dykstra and gets the victory overcoming the odds!

Match Result: Triple H def. The Big Show, Kenny Dykstra, & Elijah Burke

Triple H rolls to the outside of the ring and knows that this fight is not necessarily over but he’s greeted by Mr. McMahon who gives him a sledgehammer! Triple H wields the sledgehammer warning Big Show and Burke to come near him but Heyman and Bischoff assure them both to back down. The concern on Bischoff and Heyman’s face both wear away though as they both begin to oddly smile which causes Mr. McMahon to ask them just what in the hell they are smiling about?

We suddenly see the jumbo tron light up with Shane McMahon being shown in his limousine which is still at the hotel that Shane is presumably staying at! The limousine is not moving though as the driver has told Shane that they are having issues starting the vehicle and he’s going to get out and check if it’s an engine issue. Shane is stressing looking at his phone realizing what time it is and that he is not going to make it to the arena before the show ends! He pulls his phone out and makes a phone call which leads to Mr. McMahon’s phone ringing! Mr. McMahon answers Shane’s call. Shane tells his father he’s not going to make it to Raw due to engine issues in his limo. Mr. McMahon tries to warn his son Shane that something is odd and he needs to be careful but right at this time we hear the limousine driver tell Shane he’s getting out to check the engine again.

The driver exits the vehicle and we hear a loud thud! Shane steps out of the vehicle curious to see what the noise was and he sees the limousine driver doubled over leaning up against the front tire. Shane tells his dad he’s got to go because something doesn’t seem right since his driver has presumably been attacked but before he can hang up he’s ambushed by a man in an all black get up wearing a black hoodie and ski mask concealing his identity.

The hooded person hits Shane in the chest with a lead pipe before grabbing Shane and throwing him head first repeatedly into the window before the passenger window finally busts! The hooded person grabs the lead pipe and hits Shane across the head causing Shane to slump down and find himself leaning up against the passenger door of the limousine just like the limousine driver who was viciously attacked. We see the hooded person drop the lead pipe before he pulls off his mask and it’s KURT ANGLE!!!

Triple H and Mr. McMahon both standing in the ring looking on in horror as they turn their attention to Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff who are both sporting very big smirks on their face. Mr. McMahon tries to go after Heyman and Bischoff shouting at them “You sons of bitches!” Triple H holds his father in law back telling him they need to go now and check on Shane now! Triple H and Mr. McMahon hurry out of the arena as they make it through gorilla position and into a car backstage as they drive off into the night trying to hurriedly get to Shane.

We head off the air now as the fans in Indianapolis are in shock as Bischoff and Heyman both stand on the outside of the ring looking on at their doings and smirking as Raw comes to a close as JR and King sign us off for the night from Indianapolis.

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WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Official Theme Songs: "Light it Up" by Rev Theory & "Good Life" by Kanye West

WWE Championship | FIRST TIME EVER
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Christian

Hell in a Cell Match | For Ultimate Control of the WWE
Triple H w/ The McMahon’s vs. Kurt Angle w/ Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff
w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Test vs. Bobby Lashley vs. ??? vs. ???
vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

Grudge Match
"The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. MVP w/ Big E

United States Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. CM Punk

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

World Tag Team Championships
Priceless (c's) vs. Matt Hardy & Rhyno

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

Inter-Promotional Battle Royal
featuring Kane and more TBA

PLUS...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, The Brisco Brothers (Gerry & Jack Brisco) & Eddie Graham

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NEXT WEEK ON RAW....

WWE Champion "The Animal" Batista and 2008 Royal Rumble Winner John Cena will compete in Pick Your Poison Matches where both men can hand pick each other's opponent

Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to Monday Night Raw with WrestleMania only three weeks away!​

 

[KOP]

BREAKING NEWS

WWE CONFIRMS NEW PARTICIPANTS FOR INTER-PROMOTIONAL BATTLE ROYAL AT WRESTLEMANIA XXIV

Following the announcement by "The Big Red Machine" Kane on Monday Night Raw this past Monday that he would be the first superstar entering the Inter-Promotional Battle Royal, WWE.com can confirm that additional Raw superstars have officially been entered into the match. The Inter-Promotional Battle Royal will also feature from Monday Night Raw the following: Elijah Burke, Kenny Dykstra, William Regal & Paul Burchill. More names are set to be announced in the upcoming weeks leading up to the "Granddaddy of 'em all".

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WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Official Theme Songs: "Light it Up" by Rev Theory & "Good Life" by Kanye West

WWE Championship | FIRST TIME EVER
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Christian

Hell in a Cell Match | For Ultimate Control of the WWE
Triple H w/ The McMahon’s vs. Kurt Angle w/ Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff
w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Test vs. Bobby Lashley vs. ??? vs. ???
vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

Grudge Match
"The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. MVP w/ Big E

United States Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. CM Punk

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

World Tag Team Championships
Priceless (c's) vs. Matt Hardy & Rhyno

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

Inter-Promotional Battle Royal
featuring Elijah Burke, Kane, Kenny Dykstra, Paul Burchill, William Regal and more!

PLUS...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, The Brisco Brothers (Gerry & Jack Brisco) & Eddie Graham

​

 

[DTP]

WWE Monday Night RAW – March 3, 2008:

As we close in on WrestleMania XXIV I am looking forward to how you are able to handle the undercard aspects of the show. I feel like so many cards for WrestleMania that are booked are so upper-heavy with increasingly less focus on the undercard – or on the flip side of the coin, have so much undercard fodder that it doesn’t really fit the grandiosity of the WrestleMania spectacle. It’s about finding that middleground, so that said I’m looking out for that in the coming weeks.

I would not be surprised to see John Cena recapture the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, though if you are looking for a twist perhaps Batista is that. It’s very reminiscent of the WrestleMania XXVI storyline, though I am hopeful you don’t gravitate towards the face vs face trope of one man turning heel. This was a really strong promo, and it set the stage for WrestleMania. It is interesting that Cena claimed that subtle heel role. Interesting how thin skin he has. That said, he was getting more than his fair share of boos even coming back after injury.

I still don’t really see a whole lot in Matt Hardy and Rhyno as a thrown-together tandem. I was always fond of Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch and felt they fit that southern mercenaries role well. I probably would have given Primo and Carlito the win here based on how fresh they are as a duo. La Résistance I can take or leave, and ultimately they filled the slot in this tag team turmoil match well. Strange finish, though it does continue things between the Colóns and La Résistance well. William Regal and Paul Burchill struck me as a somewhat underwhelming final selection. I think it was obvious from the getgo who was winning, and while I do like Hardy and Rhyno being built up from nowhere, they essentially ran roughshod through the entire RAW tag team division. It’s this booking that makes me suspect Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase Jr. will retain the World Tag Team Championship when all is said and done.

Very fun angle with Edge and Randy Orton. It’s a natural rivalry, and so much has been done in the past that you can draw inspiration from it and evolve it organically. It’s angles like this that I loved about WrestleMania season growing up.

I liked Chris Jericho’s token graveyard promo on the Undertaker. It felt like a lot of opposers of the Streak followed this trope over the years, particularly when the WrestleMania thing was at its’ apex. I like that Jericho adopted this persona from his return in 2007. I feel like you can do so much with a fearless Jericho opposite the supernatural aspects of Undertaker’s character.

Kane beating Domino was what it was. I’m surprised Deuce ‘n’ Domino are still around it seems? This read exactly like a RAW segment from 2008, to your credit. Kane’s a favourite for the Interpromotional Battle Royal, but I ultimately can’t see him winning it.

CM Punk winning the Great American Challenge tournament makes the most sense, no offense to Brian Kendrick. Punk and John Bradshaw Layfield had underrated chemistry, I always thought. Their match at SummerSlam 2008 was a fun one that is often overlooked, I find. JBL’s promo was solid, too. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Punk claim his first WWE title win in the WWE United States Championship from this.

It was always fun watching storylines a la Kurt Angle vs Triple H playing out. I recall the Battle of the Billionaires match from WrestleMania 23, where it seemed like every week they added another enthralling aspect to get over the feud, with Donald Trump and Vince McMahon soon expanding to include Umaga, Armando Estrada, Bobby Lashley and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Better yet, WrestleMania XXVII with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler expanding to include Jack Swagger and Steve Austin. Both were horrific in hindsight, but at the time it’s that building block-style booking that allowed stories to build periodically. It’s not a bad way to go, with a month still remaining until WrestleMania. That said, Steve Austin’s appearance will surely be the catalyst for the next phase of build for HHH and Kurt.

As telegraphed in the last few weeks, I suspect we’ve got our Triple Threat match for WrestleMania all cleared up. Melina turning on Mickie James just made sense in the grand scheme of things. An actually competitive WWE Women’s Championship match between its’ best three workers should make for a positive inclusion. I hope Snoop Dogg keeps his distance.

Triple H continuing to fight against all odds works fine, but it feels a little overdone here. Big Show, Kenny Dykstra and Elijah Burke is a real motley crue of guys. I believe there comes a point where HHH is overpushed (funny as it sounds), as this is the type of match that led to John Cena generating so much heat from the fans. Very strong angle to close the show, as it feels like this is the biggest story you have going – and rightfully so. That said, I’m hopeful you heat up the Cena and Batista stuff as we grow nearer to WrestleMania. I feel like there are a few matches you have going right now that could feasibly headline WrestleMania XXIV.

 

[KOP]

Friday Night SmackDown | Episode #446
Friday March 7, 2008
Quicken Loans Arena | Cleveland, Ohio

***RISE UP***

Michael Cole & Tazz welcome us to another edition of Friday Night SmackDown as we are now only twenty three days away from WrestleMania 24! We have three Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches tonight plus John Morrison & The Miz will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships once again in another Open Challenge Match! Cole says the Road to WrestleMania is heating up and it’s time to now hear from the number one contender - CHRISTIAN! Tazz says that Christian is going to have A LOT to talk about tonight after Jeff Hardy’s return to SmackDown and his subsequent surprise attack on the World Heavyweight Champion Umaga.

***JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES***

The #1 Contender - “Captain Charisma” is out to kick off SmackDown tonight! Michael Cole and Tazz discuss Christian’s demeanor as he seems to be showing a poker face as he walks down the ramp. He’s not upset but he’s certainly not happy either! Christian enters the ring and once he receives a microphone from Tony Chimel he immediately says he wants Jeff Hardy out here…right now! A few seconds go by before…

***LOADED***

Jeff Hardy makes his way out to the ring playing to the fans before rolling into the ring and reaching out for a mic. Hardy is jovial and riled up despite last week’s post match attack from Umaga that almost sidelined him again until Christian made the save. Hardy starts out by thanking Christian for saving him last week and chasing Umaga out of the ring with the steel chair. “Brother, had you not had the wherewithal to grab the steel chair from under the ring and hit Umaga repeatedly there’s a good chance I would not be standing right here right now. We all saw what Umaga was capable of doing to me at No Way Out and you…you saved me Christian.”

Christian stops Hardy and says that he doesn’t want to hear that he “saved Jeff Hardy '' because that’s not what he did. “Sure I may have hit Umaga with the steel chair repeatedly to chase him away from you but Jeff let’s make one thing clear…I wasn’t helping you because I like you, I helped you only because it was the right thing to do.” Hardy is taken aback at Christian’s comments and he goes to stop Christian but Christian holds his hand up and tells Hardy that he’s not done.

“For months I’ve watched Umaga brutalize the entire SmackDown roster including my own family in Edge. I’ve had enough of the pure destruction that Umaga has left in his own trail and I couldn’t mentally afford to watch Umaga beat you down like that again even if you did deserve it.”

A shocking comment from Christian as Jeff Hardy lifts his head up and looks at Christian asking him what exactly he meant again by the comments that “he deserved to be beaten down by Umaga.” Christian looks at Hardy and tells him that once again Jeff has to come out and try to insert himself into someone else’s business. “The week that you missed after your brutal beatdown at No Way Out… let me fill you in on a little something since you are possibly unaware. I defeated THREE other men to become the number one contender at WrestleMania for the World Heavyweight Championship! I finally reached up and grabbed the proverbial brass ring and broke through the glass ceiling! And for you to just come parading in last week attacking Umaga and telling me that you’re not out here to take my opportunity away but that you just want one more shot - that’s a load of crap Jeff! You knew what you were doing and you wanted to try and weasel your way back into getting another championship opportunity.”

Jeff quickly snaps back at Christian after having had to listen for quite some time now and tells him that “you can thank Randy Orton for your main event spot at WrestleMania because otherwise your brother Edge would have been the number one contender.” The fans ooo as the face of Captain Charisma turns beet read and he is clearly PISSED right now. Christian interrupts Hardy but Hardy tells him it’s his time to speak. He’s listened to Christian and he wants to speak his mind now.

Jeff looks Christian up and down asking him where this recent attitude change has come from? He says that the Christian he’s always known and went to war with has always had a chip on his shoulder but he doesn’t get why he’s upset now at him (Jeff) all of a sudden. “I’ll tell you once again brother that I’m not out here to steal your opportunity. I absolutely believe I do deserve another opportunity at Umaga but I didn’t say when. I didn’t say where. But in order to be fair to you since as you stated yourself you are the rightful number one contender - how about Umaga and I handle our business TONIGHT!" The fans erupt as the thought of Umaga and Jeff Hardy having a rematch tonight lights up the arena. Christian shakes his head at Jeff telling him “you’re doing it again.” Jeff plays innocent saying he’s looking for a FIGHT TONIGHT and that he wants nothing more than to get his hands on the Samoan Bulldozer tonight!

***VIRTUAL VOODOO***

“Estude me…estude me…estude me!”

Armando Estrada emerges on the stage along with his client - the World Heavyweight Champion Umaga as Estrada has seemingly had enough of listening to Christian and Jeff Hardy tonight. Estrada struts his way down the ramp as he points to the ring motioning for Umaga to follow him as he continues speaking. “Meester Hardy…’ju are quite the funny person. My client - UMAGAAAAAA - beat you senseless at No Way Out and ‘ju were dumb enough to come out and attack him last week during his match. ‘Ju clearly have taken way too many bumps on your head from all of the ladders you’ve jumped off of!"

Hardy chuckles at Estrada as it’s clearly not the first time he’s heard that. Estrada and Umaga are now both in the ring as the two men size up Christian and Jeff Hardy with Estrada turning his attention to Christian now. “And ‘ju…meester Christian…’ju really think that you have a realistic chance of beating MY SAMOAN BULLDOZER at WrestleMania don’t ‘ju haha!” Estrada laughs as Christian tells Estrada that he knows he can beat Umaga for the World Heavyweight Championship. “Your self belief…it’s really cute Christian. It’s cute ‘ju believe that ‘ju can do what NOBODY on the SmackDown roster has done yet and that is defeat MY SAMOAN BULLDOZER - UMAGA for the World Heavyweight Championship. For one hundred and ten days this beast has destroyed anyone and everyone in his path and dat…dat is not going to change at WrestleMania.”

Estrada turns and looks at Jeff Hardy and says “Where are my manners Meester Hardy…I forgot to tell ‘ju that ‘jur challenge for Umaga…will not be happening tonight…haha!!!”

Estrada chuckles at Hardy as Hardy steps up towards him and goes to speak until we hear the ever familiar music of the SmackDown General Manager - Jonathan Coachman!

***HARD’ HITTIN***

“Gentlemen….I have been standing around trying to handle some business in the back and I couldn’t help but hear that we are having some differing opinions on a variety of issues. Well with WrestleMania coming up in only twenty three days I owe it to each and every SmackDown superstar but also THESE FANS to ensure that SmackDown is putting it’s best offerings forward for the grandest stage of them all! And listen…I have heard your concerns and your opinions and I want to let you all know that they are all valid.”

“Christian…you are indeed the rightful number one contender and you will be competing at WrestleMania for the World Heavyweight Championship against Umaga. That will not be changing at all! Jeff, unfortunately at this time you do not have a match at WrestleMania. But I am a fair and honest man and I want to give you an opportunity to earn your way into a WrestleMania match. While I cannot give you Umaga tonight - I can give you another match! And since we need a main event match here tonight, I can’t think of a better possible match than seeing Christian and Jeff Hardy team together tonight…

…AGAINST THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION UMAGA AND HIS TAG TEAM PARTNER…

ARMANDO ALEJANDRO ESTRADA!!!

Estrada’s eyes open wide as he pleads with Coachman saying that he’s not a wrestler! Coachman tells Estrada he searched long and hard to find Umaga a tag team partner backstage but there was no one who was willing to step up to the plate and team with Umaga. The trail of destruction Umaga has created on SmackDown has the entire roster proverbially against him. “So it’s up to you Mr. Estrada to step into the ring to compete in your first ever match in the WWE. Good luck!”

Estrada is in shambles as Hardy and Christian both look at Estrada who pulls Umaga out of the ring after staring down both men briefly. Hardy and Christian both look one another up and down until Hardy extends his hand out to Christian trying to let bygones be bygones. Captain Charisma takes a second to look at Hardy’s extended hand as he looks around the Quicken Loans Arena trying to decipher what he should do. Christian goes to extend his hand but instead walks past Hardy through the middle ropes and down the steps before exiting the ring and backing up the ring watching his tag team partner for the night being left in the ring cold.

Michael Cole & Tazz both discuss the big main event match tonight with possible big implications on the line for Jeff Hardy for WrestleMania. Cole discusses that Hardy has a possible WrestleMania match riding on the line tonight to which Tazz points out that we have no idea exactly what the GM meant by that. Cole questions whether or not the two longtime rivals in Hardy and Christian can even coexist tonight even if they are at an advantage over Umaga and his partner Armando Estrada who has never wrestled a match in the WWE.

Coming up after the break - the Cruiserweight Champion Evan Bourne will team together with Billy Kidman to take on his WrestleMania opponent Chavo Guerrero and Guerrero’s tag partner for the evening - Simon Dean!

Jonathan Coachman is headed back to his office following the crazy opening to Friday Night SmackDown when he’s stopped by “The Rated R Superstar' EDGE! “Just the man I was looking for” Coach tells Edge as he says he spoke with Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff after what occurred on Raw last week with Edge ambushing Randy Orton. “Now Edge let me just say this …. .I completely understand why you did what you did on Raw last week but due to the board of directors reviewing a complaint that Eric Bischoff filed against you I have no choice but to fine you $100,000 for your attack on Randy Orton.” Edge looks at the GM asking him if he’s completely serious right now. “Now Coach…you saw what Randy did by costing me an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania two weeks ago and you can’t even go to bat for me?” Coach assured Edge that his hands were tied on the matter and that he can’t escape the fine BUT he does have something that he thinks will make Edge happy. “I gave my ole buddy Eric Bischoff a call about getting you what you wanted to help soften the blow a little bit on your fine and he was in agreeance that it is finally time for you and Randy Orton to settle your differences in the ring. So at WrestleMania it will be EDGE VERSUS RANDY ORTON!” Edge seems to have completely forgotten about the fine because his entire expression changes as he thanks Mr. Coachman and walks away thrilled that he finally will get his hands on Randy Orton after their constant attacks on one another for several months now.

Or so Coachman thought he was walking away because as he turns a corner he’s greeted by CHARLIE HAAS who has papers in hand and has an attorney standing by with him. “You thought I wasn’t serious about serving you papers now did you Coach?” asks Haas as Coachman’s facial expression changes as he looks at Haas who extends the papers out and Coachman grabs them before looking them over. “Now let me introduce you to my attorney - Mr. Wilson Carter who will be very happy to explain to you the terms of the papers you have just been served. Mr. Carter…”

Carter informs Mr. Coachman that despite the security guards not putting their hands on his client (Mr. Haas) at No Way Out - Mr. Haas is hereby suing Mr. Coachman due to the humiliation of being escorted out of the ring and the dangerous work conditions that surround his employment. “Mr. Haas has reported loss of sleep and anxiety when he thinks about how humiliated he was by being kicked out of the arena. Mr. Haas is willing to drop the lawsuit under ONE condition and ONE condition only.” The SmackDown GM asks what exactly that condition is to which Mr. Carter points to the papers referring him to one of the fine print lines on the bottom. Coachman begins to read aloud the terms that state “Mr. Haas is willing to drop the lawsuit in return for a qualifying match for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. However - Mr. Haas requests that he gets to name his opponent and he has hereby decided that his opponent will be one Mr. Jonathan Coachman, the General Manager of Friday Night SmackDown.” Coach looks up and shows some concern as he looks at Charlie Haas and tells him “No way” before Haas tells Carter that “it looks like we have no other choice then. I guess we will be seeing you in court.” Coachman takes a deep breath and thinks about it for a second before telling Haas “Okay I accept…next week you will get your match.” Haas motions for Mr. Carter as Mr. Carter looks at Coachman and tells him “you made the right decision Mr. Coachman” before Carter and Haas walk away as Coachman takes a second to realize what he has just gotten himself into.

Match #1 | Tag Team Match
Chavo Guerrero & Simon Dean vs. Evan Bourne & Billy Kidman

Perhaps an odd pairing for both teams but Michael Cole & Tazz show us the clip of Simon Dean’s return to WWE last week where he tried to sell his patented Simon System bars but the Cruiserweight Champion Evan Bourne politely declined, disappointing Simon Dean in the process. Simon tries to offer another Simon System energy bar to Bourne before the match begins telling Bourne he’s going to need all of the energy he has to go the distance against Simon Dean baby! Bourne politely declines which angers Dean and causes Dean to attack Bourne once he turns his back! Dean stomps away on Bourne before the referee eventually has to pull Dean back and tell him that the match has not even begun and that Dean has to get back! The referee finally restores order and he checks on Bourne who is slumped down in the corner resting against the bottom turnbuckle. The referee ensures that Bourne is ready to go and once he’s back up on his feet and is in a cognizant state of mind the referee calls for the bell and our first contest is underway.

The match progresses with Chavo and Simon taking turns teaming up against Bourne as the two work hard to isolate Bourne from his tag team partner who has eerily similar style to Bourne - Billy Kidman. Bourne is having to fend off the double team efforts of the odd bedfellows pairing of Kidman and Dean and he finally does break through making a tag to Kidman! Kidman comes in knocking Chavo down with a clothesline before hitting a beautiful dropkick onto the master of the Simon System - Simon Dean! Dean rolls to the outside as Chavo sneaks behind Kidman trying to roll him up but Kidman reaches out and tags in Bourne unbeknownst to Guerrero. Guerrero hits a perfect German Suplex onto Kidman sending him underneath the bottom rope to the outside! Bourne is standing on the top rope waiting for Chavo as he jumps off with a Crossbody attempt and he sticks it! Bourne however gets rolled into a schoolboy from Chavo with the momentum and Chavo has the tights but the referee doesn’t see it as he counts to three giving Chavo Guerrero a huge victory over the Cruiserweight Champion!

Match Result: Chavo Guerrero & Simon Dean def. Evan Bourne & Billy Kidman (6:03)

Chavo rolls to the outside of the ring pointing to his head letting Bourne know that he’s always one step ahead of him. Michael Cole says that Chavo just can’t let go of his “cheating” tactics he learned from his Uncle Eddie to which Tazz rebuttals that it is very much a part of Chavo’s legacy at this point as well. Chavo sits on the outside cracking a smirk at Bourne as he tells Bourne he needs to step up his game if he plans on defeating the greatest Cruiserweight Champion of all time at WrestleMania as we cut to commercial break.

When we return from the break DOLPH ZIGGLER is walking backstage as he walks past a pair of unknown women in the makeup and costume area before telling them “Ladies you don’t have to stare! There’s enough of me to go around for everybody!” The two women turn their heads in disgust as the arrogant Ziggler continues on before he bumps into SmackDown Intern Ms. Terrell. Ziggler confronts Ms. Terrell asking her why he hasn’t received a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match yet. Ms. Terrell takes this time to remind Dolph that he has not competed since No Way Out after faking an injury to get out of his match against Mark Henry two weeks ago and then last week stating that he pulled a muscle and couldn’t compete then. She asks Dolph why exactly he should be allowed to earn a golden opportunity when he’s still “clearly injured”. Dolph immediately breaks realizing Ms. Terell is on to him and he says that he has good news! He’s cleared for action….NEXT WEEK!

Ms. Terell says she expected nothing less from him to skip out on competing another night BUT she does have a BIG idea. She says since Dolph is now magically “cleared” to compete next week that she will indeed give him a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. She tells Dolph that she does realize he is one of the biggest up and coming superstars on not only SmackDown but also the WWE and she’s all about creating new stars! So she will give him an opportunity to qualify against another young up and comer in a very big test next week - Kofi Kingston. Ziggler looks taken aback as he figured for some reason he would just be handed a “gimme” match but instead he has to deal with another up and comer just like him in Kofi Kingston.

Match #2 | Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Masters

In a battle of two of SmackDown’s upper mid carders - the “Masterpiece” Chris Masters squares off against “Mr. Friday Night” Rob Van Dam with a spot at WrestleMania XXIV on the line! Both men have previously competed one on one against one another but their last match took place nearly two years ago on Monday Night Raw. This causes the first minute or so to be a feeling out process to try and see what will and won’t work against their respective opponent. Masters puts up a good fight in the beginning initially after he hits a big Polish Hammer knocking Van Dam off of his feet and causing him to wobble a little once he’s back standing. As the match progresses along Masters hits a perfect back body drop getting a two count leading to some frustration on his own part.

Masters works on the neck of Van Dam trying to bend it backwards with a head lock which seems to be a different focus than most of Van Dam’s opponents focus on (usually the feet of course). Masters sends Van Dam flying into the air with a shoulder drop before stomping away at the chest of RVD. Masters bends down to pick up Van Dam but RVD rolls him up with a schoolboy but gets only a two count! Van Dam pounces back onto his feet as Masters charges at him and RVD side steps Masters causing him to land in the corner chest first into the turnbuckles! RVD grabs Masters’ head slamming it off the turnbuckle before swinging his leg around with a roundhouse kick dropping Masters onto the mat. RVD takes off running off the ropes before hitting Rolling Thunder and then he points to the top rope! The Whole Dam Show makes his way up to the top rope and lands a Five Star Frog Splash to get the three count and become the fourth qualifier for Money in the Bank.

Match Result: Rob Van Dam def. Chris Masters to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match (8:42)

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WrestleMania Rewind | WrestleMania IV
Sunday March 27, 1988
Boardwalk Hall | Atlantic City, New Jersey

“The Macho Man” Randy Savage would win the vacant WWF Championship after wrestling a record breaking FOUR times in one night at WrestleMania defeating Butch Reed in the first round, Greg Valentine in the quarter-finals, One Man Gang in the semi-finals and ultimately “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase in the finals. WrestleMania IV would be the first of back to back WrestleMania’s to fully emanate from the same arena - the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

23 Days Until WrestleMania XXIV

When we return from the commercial break we see the WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz in the center of the ring. Both men begin to gloat about their victory last week over the FBI and how they continue to prove night in and night out why they are the greatest tag team of the twenty-first century!

“Wait Miz…aren’t you from Cleveland '' asks Morrison to his tag team partner as Miz shrugs and says that “Tonight is a little bittersweet as I return to the place I USED TO CALL HOME! But in case you don’t pay attention to when I’m introduced anymore…I’m from LOS ANGELES NOW! The city of champions...unlike this city! When’s the last time Cleveland produced a championship in ANYTHING?” This of course generates loud boos across the Quicken Loans Arena before Miz carries on saying that “No longer am I having to live amongst the “common man” but now I live amongst the brightest stars of Hollywood…”

***BISCUITS AND GRAVY***

Coincidence or not with The Miz talking about “the common man”? The former WWE Tag Team Champions Jesse & Festus are making their first appearances on SmackDown in nearly half a year! Jesse leads his tag partner towards the ring with Festus remaining in his nearly “comatose” state as Morrison & Miz look once again surprised at who’s answering the tag team challenge. Jesse helps Festus up the steps before the duo are in the ring and ready to kick this match off. Surprised at the sheer height of Festus - the champions Miz and Morrison begin to talk amongst themselves of what their game plan will be to try and fend off the giant Festus.

Match #3 | WWE Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
John Morrison & The Miz (c’s) vs. Jesse & Festus

Despite making their return to WWE television for the first time in nearly half a year - the former tag team champions Jesse & Festus are facing quite an uphill battle against the self proclaimed “Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century”. The challengers do unsurprisingly get some initial momentum once the bell rings and Festus wakes up from his comatose state! Festus immediately pounces after Miz and Morrison who were mocking Festus asking Jesse if he’s “thrown off” a little but they aren’t laughing for long once Festus clotheslines both men down with a double clothesline! Morrison rolls to the outside of the ring telling Miz to handle business now! Miz asks Morrison why he’s abandoning him to which Morrison says he wants nothing to do with that crazy!

Once the match gets underway Jesse and Festus dominate the first two minutes of the match but following a tag in from Jesse the match starts to go downhill for the challengers. Jesse finds himself tripped up by Miz which allows Morrison to pounce on Jesse and hit him with a series of hard rights. Morrison follows this up with a running knee strike to the face of Jesse knocking him out momentarily which allows Morrison to head to the top rope and hit Starship Pain! Miz sneaks over pulling Festus off the ring before darting away from the big man as Festus hits the ring hard upon being tripped and Morrison gets the win giving the champions back to back successful title defenses.

Match Result: John Morrison & The Miz def. Jesse & Festus to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships (4:18)

Cole and Tazz discuss the victory tonight for the WWE Tag Team Champions and how it seems that their opponents are seeming to become a little “easier” by the week to defeat. Tazz tells Cole though he disagrees because a successful title defense is a successful title defense and it does wonders for the arguably greatest tag team of the 21st century! Cole tells his partner though that no offense to the FBI and Jesse & Festus but Miz and Morrison are going to have to defeat some more formidable and possibly legendary duos before they can be considered the greatest tag team of the 21st century!

Shelton Benjamin is spotted backstage in the locker room talking to a few of the boys - notably one of the men who still has a MITB Qualifying Match later tonight - in Ezekiel Jackson. DREW MCINTYRE barges into the locker room ignoring everyone in plain sight as he makes a bee line for “The Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin. McIntyre tells Shelton that he’s not a big fan of the way he’s been carrying himself since he came over to SmackDown and that he’s going to be the person to put a stop to it. Shelton tells Drew that he’s handled himself professionally as he always has throughout his entire career and that Drew is just being a sore loser after Shelton defeated him two weeks ago. Shelton also reminds Drew that it was him (Drew) that attacked Shelton after his debut on SmackDown and ever since then Shelton has had his number. Drew tells Shelton that was the “wrong response” but that he’s got great news for him because Shelton can either put up or shut up next week because he’s received a rematch thanks to Ms. Terell and it’ll be a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. Shelton asks Drew if he is sure he really wants that? Shelton reminds Drew he is the only man who has competed in all three previous Money in the Bank Ladder Matches and he’s definitely going to be competing in a fourth! “I hate to be the bearer of bad news Shelton but your streak…it’s over.” Shelton looks at Drew and tells him that “he needs to worry about his own streak - the losing streak where he has yet to win a match in 2008!” The fans pipe up in the arena as Drew smirks and storms off telling Shelton again “the streak is over next week” as we head to commercial break.

***I’M COMIN***

It’s time for the VIP Lounge! The ring is set up elaborately with leather couches and black carpet and a bottle of champagne sat on a table. A stanchion is set up with a bouncer keeping watch and limiting who can access the VIP Lounge. The bouncer opens up the stanchion allowing MVP and his bodyguard Big E to come into the VIP Lounge! MVP walks up the steps taking in the sights and sounds in Cleveland, Ohio. MVP walks through the ropes and is greeted by several beautiful women who are standing by as extras and are giddy and excited to be in MVP’s presence! MVP kisses the hand of one lady before grabbing a microphone and telling the WWE fans “Welcome to the VIP Lounge!”

The fans boo MVP as he says that there’s no reason to boo him just because they didn’t personally receive an exclusive invite to join him in the ring in the first ever VIP Lounge. MVP tells the fans that the VIP Lounge is exclusive and it is only for “people who are better than you” as he points to the fans. “It’s unfortunate the VIP Lounge had to make its debut in Cleveland of all places because unlike LeBron James and your Cleveland Cavaliers…I can actually win the big one!” MVP laughs as he rubs in the fact that he is a former World Heavyweight Champion and the fans hometown team has never won a NBA Championship. But let’s go ahead and cut to the chase and get to the REAL reason why MVP has stepped foot in the “mistake by the lake” that is Cleveland and that is to speak his mind to Shawn Michaels face to face!

“But MVP… you just said that the VIP Lounge is reserved only for people who are better than you” (in reference to the fans again) as he talks in third person much to the chagrin of the fans as MVP is mocking them once more. “As much as this may be tough for me to admit, there was once a time where Shawn Micahels was on top of the world. Fresh off of turning on his friend Marty Jannetty - the “Heart Break Kid” would set the WWE ablaze for several years until he suffered an early potential career ending injury that would derail his career for over four years. MVP looks at Big E and says “Flash forward six years though after HBK’s return and there is a new prime time player in town and his name is Montel…Vontavious…Porter! The only three letters that matter now in the WWE are….

Right as MVP goes to spell out his initials for the fans the letters H-B-K flash across the screen! MVP is irate as he sends Big E to head down the ramp to go out and confront his guest for tonight! Big E walks past the stanchion lifting up the velvet ropes and he steps up to the ramp awaiting to confront Shawn Michaels! MVP is hanging over the ropes shouting orders at Big E to “give him a piece of my mind”. MVP pulls himself off the ropes and goes to turn around and take a seat on his couch but Shawn Michaels helps him be seated because HBK HITS SWEET CHIN MUSIC OUT OF NOWHERE ONTO MVP! MVP falls backwards slumping over on the couch as the couch falls backwards!! Big E runs through the stanchion knocking it over but as he gets down by the ring he’s caught with a CROSSBODY FROM HBK OVER THE TOP ROPE!

HBK jumps on top of Big E pouncing on him with several right hands bringing the fight to the man who brutally attacked him and kept him out of the #1 Contender’s Match two weeks ago! Michaels jumps onto his feet ripping his shirt off and throwing it into the crowd before he reaches underneath the ring and pulls out a steel chair! Big E is back onto one knee now but it’s not for long because HBK bashes him across the face with the steel chair! Michaels gives him another shot to the chest for good measure and follows it up with a third just to be sure that the damage has been done! HBK holds the steel chair up high as the fans in Cleveland erupt for the Heart Break Kid who’s making his triumphant return to SmackDown after a nearly month and a half hiatus.

Michaels steps over the knocked over rope stanchions and makes his way up the ramp playing to the fans as he stops at the top and looks back down to the ring where MVP is seething. The prime time player himself - Montel Vontavious Porter - has been put on notice by Shawn Michaels just twenty three days before the biggest spectacle of the year - WrestleMania!

Todd Grisham catches up with “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels following the aftermath of the VIP Lounge! Grisham asks HBK if he’s fully recovered from being attacked by Big E just two weeks ago. Michaels tells Todd that he’s still feeling some ailments but “good ole HBK has never been better” and he’s ready to get back into the ring NEXT WEEK for a WrestleMania tuneup against Big E. HBK walks off as Grisham confirms the match for next week is official per SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman. We’re sent down to ringside where Kid Kash is already in the ring awaiting his opponent - Paul London for a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match.

Match #4 | Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Paul London vs. Kid Kash

In a call back to their feud while London was Cruiserweight Champion, London goes one on one with Kid Kash with a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match up for grabs. Kash gets his early offense in on London but London seems all but determined to earn himself another big opportunity at WrestleMania. And that he does because following a reversal on a Dead Level thanks to a timely knee to the head of Kash from London - London follows it up with a Dropsault getting a near three count. Kash springs back up as London trips him up face first into the turnbuckle before ascending up high and hitting a 450 Splash to put away his long time rival Kid Kash and secure the fifth entrant spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match!

Match Result: Paul London def. Kid Kash (5:03)

Backstage - Bobby Lashley is walking down the hallway before up behind him walks Matt Striker. With Test and Mike Knox nowhere to be found - Striker instigates Lashley telling him that he hates to be the bearer of bad news but he’s going to do it anyways - “Test is going to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match”. Lashley looks at Striker and shakes his head as he gets ready to leave but Striker stops him and raises his tone saying “don’t you have any manners Mr. Lashley? When the teacher is talking to you - you pay attention.” Lashley backs Striker up against the wall telling him to never talk to him like that again or he will break him in half!. Lashley backs away from Striker but out of nowhere TEST HITS LASHLEY WITH A BIG BOOT! Mike Knox and Test both attack Lashley as Striker stands by watching in what was a clear ambush attack from the trio. Test pounces on top of Lashley pummeling him with multiple rights as Knox stomps away at the head of Lashley. Security comes running down the hallway but Striker tells Test and Knox their work is done as they leave the scene leaving Lashley needing to be tended to after the heinous attack from Lashley’s fellow MITB competitor at WrestleMania.

Rey Mysterio walks up to Rob Van Dam backstage as Van Dam is still in his ring attire from earlier in the night. Rey congratulates RVD on qualifying for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and says he’s looking forward to mixing it up with him at WrestleMania. “Thanks bro…it means a lot to hear that from you” quips RVD to his former tag team partner and former WWE Tag Team Champion in Mysterio. Rey suggests to RVD that he’s needing a little “warm up” before WrestleMania and that he would love to go one on one with him next week! Rey sticks his hand out as RVD looks at it for a second before extending his own hand and shaking Rey’s hand before telling Rey he’s on for next week!

We head back down to ringside now as Ezekiel Jackson is already in the ring awaiting his opponent - Gregory Helms. While the Intercontinental Champion Helms makes his entrance, Cole and Tazz discuss the HUGE match that was just booked for next week! Rey Mysterio versus Rob Van Dam! Cole then says we are moments away from finding out who will be the next competitor to enter the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Match #5 | Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Gregory Helms vs. Ezekiel Jackson

The Intercontinental Champion has a very BIG challenge ahead of him tonight as he faces an uphill battle in having to take on Big Zeke. However with a date at WrestleMania on the line - Helms will look to rise to the occasion as he has for quite a while now. Jackson is no pushover though of course due to his sheer size and it benefits him early on as he essentially bullies Helms around the ring hitting him with a big shoulder block before following it up with a series of chops to the chest leaving Helms chest red as a tomato. Jackson though gets caught off guard with a poke to the eye from Helms which allows Helms to capitalize and dropkick Jackson face first into the top rope. Jackson stumbles out of the corner and Helms makes a mistake running right into the arms of Jackson who turns the champion inside out with a clothesline.

Helms pulls himself up of the mat realizing he has to change something and he ends up pulling the referee in between him and Jackson in order to stall for time! The referee moves out of the way telling the Intercontinental Champion that this is not how the match is going to be handled. A frustrated Big Zeke comes over towards Helms but Helms catches him with a drop toe hold before hitting a dropkick to the head as Big Zeke lie on the mat. Helms stumbles into the corner as Big Zeke pulls himself up and Helms charges out of the corner - SHINING WIZARD! The champion covers Big Zeke earning what some may consider an upset victory due to the sheer size of the opponent.

Match Result: Gregory Helms def. Ezekiel Jackson (6:39) to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

A split screen shows the number one contender Christian and Jeff Hardy making their way to the ring. Our main event is NEXT!!!

Match #6 | Tag Team Main Event Match
Christian & Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga & Armando Estrada

It’s main event time and the one question everyone wants to know as Michael Cole points out is will Christian and Jeff Hardy be able to coexist. Tazz points out though that he wants to know what in the world is the plan for Armando Estrada and surely he will not even enter the ring at all. From the get go it’s the two WrestleMania opponents - Christian and Umaga who square off and unfortunately for Christian he’s unable to gain his footing and get an advantage on the Samoan Bulldozer. A big headbutt from Umaga sends the number one contender reeling into the corner. Christian finds himself propped up against the bottom rope as his tag team partner Jeff Hardy extends out his hand telling Christian to please tag him in. Christian looks at Jeff and tells him absolutely no way!

Christian gets back onto his feet and he gets hit with a Savate Kick sending him right back into his corner! Hardy takes the opportunity to reach in and tag himself in as he comes charging into the ring and immediately causes the champion to stumble with a dropkick after narrowly avoiding a clothesline from the World Heavyweight Champion! Christian rolls to the outside of the ring completely disgusted by Jeff Hardy’s actions as he gathers himself and clearly looks to be deep in thought. Hardy realizes he needs to get the champion off of his feet and he works at chipping away at the tree trunk legs of Umaga with a series of chop blocks to the back of the legs. Umaga goes down to one knee and he finally falls after Hardy hits a dropkick to the head causing the Samoan Bulldozer to fall face first.

Armando Estrada is nervously standing on the ring apron clearly not looking to be a threat to enter the match but he does find himself shouting at Christian across the ring “‘ju going to let him steal ‘jur thunder”? This angers Christian who makes his way over to Estrada and pulls him off of the ring causing Estrada’s face to hit the ring hard on his way down. Christian tells Estrada to never disrespect him again! Hardy looks on momentarily but turns his attention back to Umaga as he realizes with Umaga down he needs to try and capitalize on the big man being down in the ring. Christian looks underneath the ring and grabs a steel chair and looks to be trying to enter the ring with the chair! The referee warns Christian to not enter the ring!

Hardy asks his partner what he is doing to which Christian tells him he needs to stay out of his business. The two partners come face to face before Hardy sees Umaga is getting back onto his feet. With Christian still standing on the ring apron chair in hand - Umaga is back up and Hardy kicks him before setting up with the Twist of Fate! Hardy struggles and he gets pushed across the ring by the champion but the match is called when CHRISTIAN ENTERS THE RING AND BLASTS UMAGA ACROSS THE BACK WITH THE STEEL CHAIR! The referee immediately calls for the bell awarding the DQ victory to Umaga and Armando Estrada.

Match Result: Umaga & Armando Estrada def. Jeff Hardy & Christian via DQ

**********

Hardy asks Christian what in the hell that was about as the World Heavyweight Champion lay behind them knocked out. Christian tells Hardy that for the second week in a row he had to save him from Umaga with a steel chair. Jeff looks at Christian and asks him are you serious right now? Christian tells him yes… “I’m dead serious right now.” A puzzled Jeff Hardy looks at Christian as the two lock eyes to close SmackDown for the second week in a row but there is no handshake this week. Right before we go off the air though Christian tells Jeff that he needs to mind his own business and stay out of his way or that will be you (pointing to Umaga). The number one contender Christian rolls out of the ring and backs up the ramp to a 50/50 ovation from the crowd who are just as confused as Jeff Hardy is on this sudden attitude change from Captain Charisma.


**********

WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Official Theme Songs: "Light it Up" by Rev Theory & "Good Life" by Kanye West

WWE Championship | FIRST TIME EVER
Batista (c) vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Christian

Hell in a Cell Match | For Ultimate Control of the WWE
Triple H w/ The McMahon’s vs. Kurt Angle w/ Paul Heyman & Eric Bischoff
w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Test vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Paul London
vs. Gregory Helms vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

Grudge Match
"The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. MVP w/ Big E

Inter-Promotional Grudge Match
“The Rated R Superstar” Edge vs. Randy Orton

United States Championship
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. CM Punk

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

World Tag Team Championships
Priceless (c's) vs. Matt Hardy & Rhyno

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

Inter-Promotional Battle Royal
featuring Elijah Burke, Kane, Kenny Dykstra, Paul Burchill, William Regal and more!

PLUS...

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mae Young, The Brisco Brothers (Gerry & Jack Brisco) & Eddie Graham​