WWE: The Gorilla Position ~ Vol. II

[Dubb]

Oooh The Rock Concert. Oh the memories!

This was one of my favorite times, especially for Smackdown so jumping back into this project here seems like a good thing.
The opening angle with Kurt Angle immediately sets a serious tone for the show and does a great job reinforcing his personal motivation heading into Vengeance. The promo feels emotionally grounded, and the callback to his injury and WrestleMania 19 adds real weight to his title pursuit against The Rock. The involvement of Cornette and the Samoan Death Squad helps escalate things without derailing Angle’s momentum, and starting the match immediately was a smart pacing decision that keeps the show moving.

Much like Haskell mentioned, I absolutely loved Umaga back in the day and wished he could've gotten a world title run during his feud with Cena, even if it was short. But I digress. The early in-ring action is straightforward but effective, especially in how it establishes Umaga as a legitimate physical threat while still protecting Angle through resilience and timing. The finishing stretch works well and maintains Angle’s aura as a top contender who can survive chaos and still find a way to win. The post-match direction also keeps multiple threads alive, particularly with the faction tension brewing around Cornette’s group and Angle’s rising importance in the title picture.

The midcard segments continue the show’s strength in character work. The Edge and Brock Lesnar exchange is especially strong, with both men clearly positioned as volatile main-event level threats. Their confrontation feels like a natural boiling point rather than a forced segment, and the physicality delivers exactly what it should.

The Billy Kidman handicap match segment is a solid blend of character development and storyline progression, particularly in how it positions John Cena as both dominant and slightly antagonistic, while also giving Paul Heyman a role that enhances the match’s unpredictability. The finish is clever in a classic WWE-style way, using miscommunication and opportunism to protect all involved while still giving Kidman a meaningful win. The follow-up tease for Vengeance adds clarity to the direction of the US title program

Haha, Jamie Noble's comedy relief stuff was well done. The debt to APA seems like a lot of fun.

And then of course there's the Rock Concert itself. I think you nailed the intentionally over-the-topness needed for the segments. Too bad Kurt Angle had to ruin it (lol). But yeah no, the interruption by Angle was inevitable and was a solid way to build toward Vengeance. And as a Jeff Jarrett superfan, I always appreciate a good guitar shot to close out a show.

Finding more time in my life, I will be sure to keep closer track of this moving forward because this is great stuff EZ3.

 

[Stojy]

A fun episode of SD here I thought. Thought the Angle/Rock stuff was hyped well. Angle's opening promo was good, and The Rock concert at the end of the night probably went as expected with the interruption. Even though he's not known for coming out on top of his concerts, I'm glad Rock got the upper hand here after the contract signing a few weeks back. A really small thing but I was a little disappointed Angle/Umaga only got seven minutes. I guess Umaga just isn't at that level in here yet, although making note of Umaga starting his match early without Cornette's approval. Is Cornette starting to lose control? Interesting.

Edge/Brock stuff was solid tonight. Highlight for me is the linkage of Edge not being good enough, based on what 'Taker had said previously. Kind of setting things up for some really great character development for Edge regardless of the result at Vengeance.

I was thinking how are you going to top a 45 minute classic in the best of seven series. Think the booking of the cheap, fast victory for Los Guerreros was perfect here.

Build for the US Title stuff was solid enough as well, and Noble's quest for money continues to be fun.

Lastly, getting Corino on both brands sounds amazing. Nice segment with the change of Moore's look starting to come through. That's really clever, and now I'm super intrigued with who the woman in The Forsaken is.

No real complaints here, really solid episode.

 

[EZ3]

Author's Note: Thanks for the comments, lads. Really appreciate the feedback and such. A rundown on the schedule for this thing as we approach Vengeance. Both Raw and SmackDown for the final week are completed and in the bank. Right now, Raw would be on April 19th, SmackDown on April 26th, and Vengeance would be live on May 3rd. That's the plan, which gives me three weeks to get the PPV written. I've thus far got the first match written, so fingers crossed.

Saturday Night Velocity - July 19, 2003
Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
Broadcast on TNN

Shannon Moore defeated Funaki @ 06:02 with the Twist of Fate in the opener for Velocity this week. Moore’s appearance has continued to evolve since trying on his former best friend. He wore black eyeliner, and his hair, while still blonde, seemed slightly darker. He came to the ring in a black hoodie, sitting down in the corner of the ring while he waited for his opponent to arrive (ala Raven). After the match, Moore crawled toward the camera and held up the ‘Hardy’ hand signal before exiting through the crowd.

Chuck Palumbo and Johnny Stamboli defeated a pair of unnamed local workers in a complete squash match @ 03:17. It was very rushed and not very good from anyone involved in the match. The FBI were without their Don, and the crowd appeared to be uninterested in what the other two members of the FBI had to offer.

APA defeated Johnny Jeter and Matt Cappotelli @ 05:11 in a brutal showing for the two rookies. If you like to see veterans beat the utter crap out of new guys on the team, this is the match for you. Bradshaw and Simmons made light work of their opponents, opting not to sell much for them. The finish saw Bradshaw take Jeter’s head off with the Clothesline From Hell, and he made the pin without hooking the leg.

A-Train defeated Orlando Jordan in the main event of Velocity @ 04:26. Our big, mean heel won the match with the A-Train Bomb, much to the delight of his tag team partner on the outside of the ring. There was a brief moment when A-Train ran into the turnbuckle, and Jordan got a nearfall, but this just led to A-Train hitting his bicycle kick to flatten the youngster out on the mat. After the match, A-Train and Big Show posed to end the show, pointing to their waists and signalling again that they want gold.
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Sunday Night Heat - July 20, 2003
Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast on TNN

William Regal defeated Rob Conway @ 03:57 with the running knee to the side of the head in a squash match. The man from Blackpool tore the skin off Conway, subbing in from OVW for this appearance on heat, with hard chops, punches and scratches with his fingernails. After the match, Regal helped Conway to his feet in a sign of good faith, until it was revealed to be a ruse, allowing Lance Storm to superkick him in the face as a “thanks for coming” send-off.

Jazz defeated Stacy Keilber @ 02:11 with a powerbomb - mimicking the ‘Sable Bomb’ of the woman she faces next for the WWE Women’s Championship. Before the bell had rung, Jazz smashed Keilber in the back of the head with her title belt. The referee offered to call it right there, but Keilber refused and wanted to continue - a bad choice.

Stevie Richards defeated Spike Dudley @ 06:16 after connecting with the Stevie Kick. Nothing too special in this one. Richards has scored two wins on Heat in three weeks, which was cause for celebration for the lower-card competitor as he made his way up the ramp.

Test defeated Rico in 01:29 to close out the show. It was a violent 90 seconds from Test. He was not in the mood to do anything other than put the match to bed. A few hard shots to the face, combined with a pump handle slam, and one sickening big boot were all it took for Rico to keep his shoulders on the mat, giving Test the victory. With a disgusted look on his face, Test refused to have his hand raised by the referee, storming out of the ring and heading up the ramp. It has not been a good few weeks for Test, ever since he lost at Bad Blood, and has seemingly fallen out of the WWE Intercontinental Title picture in favour of his ally, Christopher Nowinski.​

 

[EZ3]

Monday Night Raw - July 21, 2003
Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
Broadcast live on TNN

"Clash of the Titans"​

An old rivalry renewed on the doorstep to the biggest party of the Summer. In the main event this week, Triple H and Shawn Michaels collide in a number-one contender’s bout to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. With just five weeks before the legacy event in the WWE, all eyes will turn to the Staples Center this week when Monday Night Raw locks in the World Title match. We know one half of the equation already - Booker T will defend the big gold belt, but the answer as to whom he will defend it against will be determined tonight. There’s no secret in the relationship, dare I say broken relationship, between Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Former friends who have turned to sworn enemies, and both would love nothing more than to earn a title shot by defeating the other. In recent weeks, Triple H has made the life of the World Champion hell. He’s attacked Booker T’s best friend, Goldust, and also left his brother, Stevie Ray, in an assaulted state at the hands of members of Evolution. Booker T wants Triple H to win this match more than anything. However, he has an agreement with Shawn Michaels that he will let this match play out, showing the Heartbreak Kid a great deal of respect and a fair chance to challenge for the title.

You have to dig into the internet for rumours for this one, but word is that Stone Cold Steve Austin has been seen in the Los Angeles area. The Texas Rattlesnake has not been seen since the debut of Goldberg, the night after Bad Blood. On that faithful night when Monday Night Raw was shaken to its foundations, Stone Cold was left broken in half by a vicious spear at the hands of the ‘Titan of War’ under the orders of Eric Bischoff. Stone Cold was sent to the hospital after the attack and was banned from attending Monday Night Raw last week, when rumours of his impending return started to circulate. There was no appearance from Austin last week, no attempts to invade the show or break into the building. That policy has been implemented again by Eric Bischoff; however, things appear to be different this week. As reported on WWE’s website, Stone Cold Steve Austin has been photographed by fans in the area! He’s been spotted by multiple news outlets, and rumours are swirling that the Texas Rattlesnake is back! Will he bring his one-of-a-kind chaos to Raw and challenge the Titan of War? There’s only one place to find out!

La Resistance have never been short of confidence since their debut in the WWE just over a month ago. They’ve talked the talk and have thus far walked the walk as far as they’ve been asked to. The tension between them and the Dudley Boyz has continued to escalate through means of physical altercations and words on the microphone. This week, D-Von Dudley will step into the ring against Renee Dupree in a very special match. From one turnbuckle in the ring, a steel pole will be erected, and from it will hang a 2x4 of timber. That 2x4 will be a legal weapon once it is retrieved from the pole, and can be used against the opponent as they work towards victory. The 2x4 has been a classic weapon of the Dudley Boyz, and D-Von will hope that it favours him when he steps into the ring with the Dupree.

Chris Jericho will be on commentary this week, as per the last few weeks. He’s still taking time to recover from the brutal Last Man Standing loss at Bad Blood. Chris Jericho will also act as host, stepping away from the announce desk for a moment, and has invited both Mark Henry and Hulk Hogan as guests on the Highlight Reel. Hogan and Henry will feature at the Vengeance pay-per-view this Sunday for SmackDown, and this is a final chance for them to promote the event to the Raw audience. Thus far, only the World’s Strongest Man is confirmed for the Highlight Reel, while Hulk Hogan is advertised as “invited” but not confirmed.

Finally, the WWE Women’s Champion, Jazz, and Sable will sign their contract for the upcoming title bout. Rumours have circulated that the match will be confirmed for SummerSlam this week on Raw during the allocated segment time.

Confirmed For Raw:
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H - Winner Faces Booker T for the World Title at SummerSlam
D-Von Dudley vs. Renee Dupree - 2x4 on a Pole Match
Chris Jericho hosts the Highlight Reel with guest(s) Mark Henry… and possibly Hulk Hogan
Stone Cold Steve Austin has been spotted in Los Angeles, but is barred from the arena
Plus; WWE Women’s Champion, Jazz and Sable appear in a contract signing!

 

[EZ3]

Monday Night Raw - July 21, 2003
Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
Broadcast live on TNN

"Clash of the Titans"​

*OPENING VIDEO*

*PYRO*

Breaking from the traditional in-ring opening, the show begins out in the parking lot of the arena, where Eric Bischoff is frantic. Two cop cars are in the area with a handful of police setting up a barricade across the entrance to the driveway into the arena parking section. Bischoff runs his hand through his hair, looking deeply concerned about something. One of the cops approaches Bischoff, introduces himself as the captain and tells Bischoff that they have everything in place in case “he” shows up tonight. With concern in his voice, Bischoff shouts that he wants more men out here. He tells the captain that he'd better get every member of the LAPD off their asses and down to the Staples Center because if the rumours are true… Stone Cold Steve Austin is in the area! Bischoff outlines that his life could be in danger if Stone Cold is allowed to enter the building tonight, and he demands that the police do their job and keep him safe. The captain assures Bischoff that they’ll do everything they can to keep the Staples Center secure, to which Bischoff sneers - “Oh, you better. I know it doesn’t take a genius to be a cop, but just keep Austin out of the damn building.” With that insult thrown out there, Bischoff walks away from the police captain, who instructs his men to secure the building and make sure Austin does not gain entry.

_____________________________________​

Match 1 | TRIOS TAG TEAM MATCH:
Freaks & Geeks & Maven vs. The Administration (Rodney Mack, Mark Jindrak & Chief Morley)
It’s a fairly standard trios tag team match to begin Monday Night Raw. During the entrances, we get the introduction from our commentary team for the evening: Jerry Lawler and Chris Jericho. Still no Jim Ross after the attack by Goldberg two weeks ago. When this match begins, Maven is the first man in for his team, while Mark Jindrak starts for the heels. There is a bit of showmanship from Jindrak as he poses for Stacy Keilber on the outside of the ring - the long-term girlfriend of Maven. A big right hand by Maven drops the arrogant Jindrak, and he gets whipped into the ropes and nailed with a hip toss, sending him to the outside of the ring. The finish to this match sees Scott Steiner apply the Steiner Recliner to Rodney Mack for the submission win. In the aftermath, Steiner and Hurricane tell the camera that they want to get another shot at the World Tag Team Titles. Meanwhile, Maven embraces Stacy on the outside of the ring, happy with another victory as he continues to grow in the ring as a competitor.
Winner: Freaks & Geeks & Maven @ 04:23

…

Commercial Break

…

“Common Man Boogie” plays over the arena to a big surprise pop from the crowd in the Staples Center. Strutting onto the stage is none other than the wrestling legend, the ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes. Lawler and Jericho both put Rhodes over as one of the greatest of all time, a true legend of the business. Once he’s made his way to the ring, Dusty asks for a microphone and begins to cut one of those famous American Dream-style promos. He says that he made a call to the General Manager of Raw to have a special moment in the ring here on Raw this evening. Dusty reminds the fans that it was three weeks ago that his son, Dustin Rhodes, who we know better as Goldust, was assaulted backstage by Triple H. It was a brutal attack that Dusty knows is shocking to many parents and children watching this at home and in the arena, but he needs to show the world what happened to his son. On the titantron, a recap is shown with stills of the bloodied Goldust lying on the cold concrete after the attack.

“I want everyone to see what they did to my son on national television. Now look at me - look at my eyes when I tell you that a father’s love for his son knows no bounds.” Turning to the entrance ramp, Dusty Rhodes demands that Ric Flair come out to the ring and face him like a man. A few moments pass, and there’s no answer. He continues to call out the Nature Boy, accusing him of being a coward for not having the guts to stand up for something so wrong. “You let your friend, the man you say is the best wrestler in the world, assault my son without provocation. You did nothing, Flair! The least you can do is look me in the eye and tell me why.” After another minute or so… “Line in the Sand” hits the speakers and out come three members of Evolution. Led by Ric Flair out in front, Randy Orton and Batista follow behind him as they walk to the ring as a unit. Once inside the ring, Ric Flair tells Dusty that he needs to watch his mouth just a little bit. “The only reason you're still standing is because of the respect I have for you as a competitor and as a friend. We spent years together, Dusty. Don’t blow it now. You need to walk away.”

There is no chance that the American Dream will walk away from this, however. Firing up once again, Rhodes questions why Ric couldn’t look him in the eye two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw. Was it because Flair knew what happened to Dustin was unjust? “I know that Triple H listens to you, Ric. You could’ve stepped in and stopped it, but you didn’t. You know what that would do to my family and me. Look me in the eye, Flair!”

“I SAID LOOK ME IN THE EYES, FLAIR!”

With anger spilling out of him, Dusty gets right in Flair’s face. On the wide shot, Batista and Randy Orton step closer… forcing Dusty to retreat ever so slightly. Flair tells Dusty that this conversation is over. He doesn’t owe anything to Dusty, and the same goes for his son. In this business, you either get stepped on or you do the stepping. “If you haven’t taught your son that, then maybe you’re not as good a father as you think you are, Dusty.” That draws huge heat from the audience as Dusty glares at Ric Flair. The two iconic rivals are facing off for the first time in years. Flair continues, blasting Dusty for just showing up across the last three weeks, demanding explanations from the Nature Boy. “Who the hell do you think you are? I don’t owe you anything, Dusty. Your son picked the wrong team, and he got what he deserved. He was stupid enough to back Booker T, and he got squashed because of it.”

There’s growing tension as both men shoot out a few more insults at each other. It ends with Dusty stepping forward and the World Tag Team Champions blocking his path to the Nature Boy. This draws Dusty’s attention, and he says that Ric always did run with protection. “Whether it was the Horesemen or Evolution, you’re never alone, are you, Flair?” Ric smirks, telling Dusty that some things never change. That’s true, even Dusty agrees. He knows that Flair has always been too much of a coward to fight his own battles, and he doesn’t expect the year 2003 to be any different. Dusty looks at Orton and Batista - “You two lapdogs think you’re mighty tough, right? How about we see how tough the two of you are next week?” To the roar of the audience, Dusty Rhodes challenges Evolution to defend the tag team titles next week on Monday against himself and his son, Goldust! Flair almost bursts out laughing. He tells Dusty that he has to be joking, but Rhodes looks dead serious and reaffirms the challenge. Evolution chats for a moment before Ric Flair walks right up to Dusty - “You’re on, Dream.”

_____________________________________​

We move across to the interview area, standing by is Teri Runnels with her guest, the World Heavyweight Champion, Booker T. There’s a focused look on the face of the World Champion during the interview, his World Title tightly held over his shoulder. Runnels first asks about an update on the condition of his brother after the attack by the World Tag Team Champions two weeks ago in his hometown of Houston, Texas. Booker T says that his brother is tougher than any man he has ever met. Certainly tougher than himself because if it were just up to Booker T, he would’ve been running all over Raw last week, tearing up the building until he got his hands on every single member of Evolution. Even tonight, seeing what he just saw in the ring, it took every ounce of restraint for the champ to not run down to that ring and whoop some ass. He clarifies that Stevie Ray spoke to him after the attack and said that Booker going crazy, losing focus, is exactly what Evolution would want. Even after getting attacked, Stevie Ray still had the mindfulness to watch out for his brother. “That’s what big brothers do, Teri. He had my back, no matter what.” Booker T looks into the camera, and he addresses Triple H directly. “I don’t know if you’re going to win tonight, Hunter. I know Shawn is a hell of a competitor, and if I face him at SummerSlam, we’ll steal the show. But just know… if you win tonight, I’m not waiting until SummerSlam to get my licks in. Dig it, playa?”

_____________________________________​

In what’s supposed to be a quick cutaway segment before the commercial break, Trish Stratus arrives at the arena. She steps out of her car after being let through by a group of policemen. It’s the very same group that was out front during the opening segment of the show. As Trish is getting her bag out of the car, she’s jumped from behind by Gail Kim. The woman with the moniker ‘The Export’ hammers away with strikes to the back of Trish’s head. It’s a cheap attack that has caught the former WWE Women’s Champion by surprise as she was turning up to work. Kim throws a hard knee into the side of Trish’s knee before ramming her face-first into the car window. It holds firm, refusing to break. With Trish lying on the ground, struggling with the pain, Gail Kim opens the car door and places an ankle on the ledge. Trish attempts to fight back, but Gail kicks her hard twice… then she slams the car door shut on Trish’s ankle! The cries echo throughout the parking lot, and the police come running toward the scene. Gail throws her hands up, backing off as she laughs at the pain she has inflicted. Trish Stratus is crying on the ground, clutching her ankle as staff members join the scene to check on her.

…

Commercial Break

…

Upon the return to Monday Night Raw, we see one of the police officers watching the road just outside the arena. It’s a fairly peaceful night until a black truck circles the building in front of the cop. He slowly pulls out his radio and says that they might have a problem. As the truck circles back to the top of the parking lot, the window on the driver’s side is lowered… revealing Stone Cold Steve Austin in the truck! From within the arena, the crowd pop huge for the Texas Rattlesnake. It’s the first time he has been seen since the attack by Goldberg upon his debut. Austin glares down at the cop on the other side of the barricade, revving his truck and remaining at the top of the driveway.

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Match 2 | 2x4 ON A POLE MATCH:
D-Von Dudley (with Bubba Ray Dudley) vs. Renee Dupree (with Sylvain Grenier)
The continued tension between these two teams intensified again on Raw this week. By no means was this a good wrestling match, as Dupree is still very green, and D-Von was never a master craftsman. Throughout the match, Bubba Ray had a thing or two to say to Grenier, getting in his face, and the pair had to be split by the referee. While this was happening, Dupree went low on D-Von and struck with a low blow, gaining a lot of heat from the crowd. Dupree lays in the boots to D-Von thereafter, mocking the tag legend before ascending the top turnbuckle to secure the 2x4 off the pole. With the weapon in his hand, Dupree was going for the finish of the bout. He swung for the fences and nailed D-Von in the chest with the timber. A few extra strikes followed by the Frenchman before he hooked the leg for a close two. The match wraps up after Dupree ducks a 2x4 swing from D-Von, catches his arm and nails the Bonsoir (Michinoku Driver II) for the three count.
Winner: Renee Dupree @ 05:01

In the immediate aftermath, Dupree picks up the 2x4 off the ground and holds it up to boos from the audience. He aims, looking to bring it down across the back of D-Von Dudley until Bubba rushes into the ring. It’s an all-in brawl with the Dudley Boyz and La Resistance now. All four men are inside the ring, but Dupree has the 2x4 and cracks Bubba in the back after Grenier distracts him. The heels put the boots to the veterans, leaving them flat on their backs inside the squared circle. To further add insult to injury, La Resistance draped the French flag across the bodies of the Dudley Boyz - drawing huge heat in the Staples Center.

_____________________________________​

In a rare setting for Raw, Jonathan Coachman is amongst the WWE faithful, ready to conduct an interview. To his left, sitting with a group of WWE fans in the arena, is none other than the WWE Intercontinental Champion - Jeff Hardy. There’s a big cheer from the audience when Hardy appears on the titantron. He gives them a wave and shows off the title belt across his lap. Coach is not thrilled about having to do this interview in the stands with the fans, but Hardy tells him to embrace the atmosphere here in the Staples Center. The champ says that there is no better place to be than amongst the most loyal fans in the world, and that’s why he wanted to be right here for the interview. Coach disagrees, as you’d expect, but continues regardless. He says that Jeff has been on an impressive run as the Intercontinental Champion, defending the title multiple times and even reuniting with his brother last week on Raw. “What’s next?” In response, Hardy says that he is living in the moment. For too long, he would get caught up looking down the road at what was coming. “While it’s good to have goals, they can very quickly consume you and turn from goals to nightmares. Right now, I am in the now, and the now says that I am the WWE Intercontinental Champion, and that’s not changing anytime soon!”

After Hardy says that, he’s interrupted by the arrival of Christopher Nowinski. The Harvard graduate tells Jeff that he feels disgusted by having to walk through the common folk. “You’re a disgrace to that title in your lap, Hardy. The Intercontinental Champion does not sit amongst the idiots that fill these stands.” Slowly, Hardy rises to his feet… before he can react, Nowinski smacks him across the face with a stiff slap. Hardy tries to react, only for Coach to remind him that there are kids in the area, which gives Jeff pause. Meanwhile, Nowinski chuckles, backing away and telling Hardy that his time as champ is numbered.

…

Commercial Break

…

Back from the break, Renee Dupree and Sylvain Grenier are walking through the backstage corridor. They spot the camera, calling it over, and Dupree speaks first. “Did you all see what we did out there to your very best tag team? We left them flat on their backs like the American filth that they are.” Still breathing heavy from their match, Dupree outlines that they made claims before they arrived on Raw about being the best new tag team, and they have proven it repeatedly by taking out the Dudley Boyz. He reminds fans that they beat them up backstage, and now they’ve embarrassed them out in the ring by burying them under their national flag. “What more do we have to do, Dudley Boyz, to prove to you that your time is done?” With a smirk on his face, sweat dripping down his brow, Dupree shoves a finger into the camera and challenges the Dudley Boyz for a tag team match next week. He says that they can find out where they stand when they wrestle in the ring live on Raw. With the challenge made for next week - Dupree and Grenier walk away from the shot.

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Match 3 | SINGLES MATCH:
Batista (with Randy Orton) vs. Rob Van Dam
There is no appearance from Ric Flair for Evolution after his role earlier in the night with Dusty Rhodes. The World Tag Team Champions are out here alone representing Evolution, while Rob Van Dam is also without his tag team partner. Lawler and Jericho recap the fireball incident from the tag team match last week, calling it one of the craziest things they have seen on Monday Night Raw in the 11-year history of the program. Jericho reveals that he spoke with Van Dam earlier in the day, and he has not heard from Kane since last week. They speculate on commentary on how the medics would’ve gotten the mask off after the fireball. For the match itself, it’s a fairly basic singles match with RVD leading the way and Batista using his power advantage when he takes control. Orton tries repeatedly to get involved but is largely unsuccessful. At the end of the match, Batista goes for a spear but hits his head on the turnbuckle thanks to the evasiveness of RVD. Van Dam sticks him with a DDT and then goes to the top rope. The crowd rises as Van Dam looks to be feeling froggy… however, Randy Orton shoves him down to the canvas! The referee has to call it off as a disqualification. Orton and Batista begin to assault Van Dam as the bell rings in the background.
Winner: Rob Van Dam - via DQ @ 06:13

The boos rush in as Evolution unload on Van Dam inside the ring to the dismay of the live audience. Orton appears to be giving the orders while Batista scoops Van Dam up and slams him down hard to the ring mat. As Orton grabs a title belt from ringside, preparing to smash Van Dam with it, the arena goes blood red! “Slow Chemical” hits to a big cheer from the crowd, and Kane marches down to the ring! The darkness of the lights, along with the red tint, makes it hard to make out his face, but there is NO MASK on Kane for the first time. Kane enters the ring, clubbing both members of Evolution with uppercuts, tossing them around with ease. He’s unleashing everything he can on the World Tag Team Champions, and grabs Orton by the throat. In one motion, Kane hits the chokeslam on Randy Orton. A big boot connects to Batista, sending him spilling to the outside of the ring as Kane stands tall, having come to the aid of his close personal friend.

When the lights return to normal, Kane’s face is shown. There’s a tint of redness from the fireball, no hair on his head, and one of his eyes is white - inhuman like. (Author’s note: it’s his classic unmasked look after they let him shave his head and wipe his face of the makeup) Kane turns to Van Dam, who is sitting in the corner. Jericho quips that Kane is going to stick Van Dam, but he doesn’t. Instead, Kane offers a hand to Van Dam, who accepts it, and they stand together - united! Van Dam hits the ‘Rob-Van-Dam’ taunt, and on the ‘Dam’, we see Kane bring his hands down to generate fire from the ring posts.

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In a quick cut, the camera switches to the parking lot of the arena, where the police barricade is set up to keep an eye out for Stone Cold. The truck that appeared earlier, driven by Stone Cold, is still at the top of the ramp, and three police cars are parked front to back in a line to act as a barrier. The police captain we were introduced to earlier in the night is watching as well, his radio close at hand. Suddenly, the truck revs and charges through the barricade! Two of the cop cars are rammed into as the truck zooms on through, causing the police captain to dive out of the way. There’s utter chaos as the captain fumbles for his radio - “AUSTIN IS IN THE BUILDING! I REPEAT, STONE COLD IS IN THE BUILDING!”

…

Commercial Break

…

{/SECOND HOUR}

When the show returns from the break, “Invasion” plays in the arena, and we find Goldberg already standing in the middle of the ring. The Titan of War is ready for a fight, marching around the ring, his eyes locked on the entrance ramp. There’s a big concern from Lawler and Jericho as to what is about to happen when the truck driven by Stone Cold gets into the arena section of the building. They aren’t the only ones, as Bischoff hurries out with a selection of cops. He has a microphone in his hand and tells Goldberg that this is not happening. “We are not giving that lunatic what he wants. If he comes into this arena, the LAPD are going to arrest him.” Goldberg shakes his head, stomping back and forth in the ring, ignoring Bischoff - he wants to fight, he wants to get his hands on Austin again and has no fear.

To the left side of the stage, the black truck is driven out to a rockstar reception from the crowd. The truck has black-tinted windows, so we’re unable to see who is driving. From the ringside area, Eric Bischoff is having a fit. He shouts at the cops to be ready as the driver’s side door of the truck opens. There’s another pop when the driver steps out… revealing himself to be Jim Ross! The lead announcer for Monday Night Raw was driving the truck. Where’s Austin? There’s a sigh of relief from Bischoff at the reveal. His fear that Austin had made it into the building appeared to be unfounded. Bischoff struts up the ramp, getting in Ross’ face and telling the police to arrest him for trespassing. The cops begin to move, Ross throws up his hands and goes peacefully as the cops clear out, and Bischoff returns to the squared circle with Goldberg.

Speaking on the microphone, Bischoff quips that he must’ve given Stone Cold too much credit. He really thought that the Texan might get into the building after being banned for the second week in a row. Instead, he just sent a stupid fat man in a cowboy hat out here to be arrested. With a smile on his face, Bischoff tells Jim Ross to enjoy the right in jail. As Bischoff continues to ramble, the camera cuts to a shot of the truck, it’s still, unmoving, until the back begins to rise and a large black cover pops off. Standing in the back of the truck is Stone Cold Steve Austin - the Rattlesnake has invaded Monday Night Raw! The pop is out of this world as Bischoff turns to see his worst nightmare staring back at him on the entrance ramp. Bischoff stutters, he trips over himself and is told to get out of the ring by Goldberg.

There are no cops left to stop this. Austin mouths off from the ramp before charging into the ring and colliding with Goldberg for the second time! Austin and Goldberg hammer away at each other, and this time Austin backs him up into the ropes. Instead of whipping him across the ring, having learned from his mistake, Austin hits a clothesline to Goldberg, sending him over the top rope. As they continue to walk and brawl on the outside, Goldberg throws a hard knee and forearm combination that staggers Stone Cold. Goldberg attempts to drive Austin into the corner post with both hands on the back of his head. Austin blocks it, using his boot against the post and launches Goldberg headfirst into the steel ring frame. The Titan of War does not go down completely - he takes a knee to sell being stunned, but only drops when Stone Cold cracks him with a steel chair! There are no fair play rules for the Rattlesnake tonight. He thrusts the chair into the ribs of Goldberg, another shot to the back, which forces him up against the announce desk. With the crowd cheering him on, Austin swings wildly - cracking Goldberg in the forehead with the chair and sending him across the announce table.

Stone Cold has put Goldberg on his back - even if he had to use a weapon to do it. The fight is not over yet. Austin throws down the chair and calls for a beer… until he sees Goldberg pushing himself up off the announce desk. The Titan will not quit. Austin throws a few punches to Goldberg, gets on top of the announce desk with him, flips the bird and nails a Stone Cold Stunner! The table does not break as the weight of both men slams down on top of it. It’s utter chaos out him. As Goldberg lies on the announce desk, Austin rolls off and spots Bischoff. He grabs the GM and throws him into the ring, following with a microphone and a beer in his hand. “Now you listen to me, you, piece of crap. I ain’t done with him, not by a long shot. You’ve got seven days to get me a signed, sealed and delivered contract for me to get this big son of a bitch in the ring, otherwise I’m going to raise hell as you’ve never seen. Got it? Good.” With a swift kick to the stomach, Austin nails Bischoff with a Stunner before enjoying a cold beverage inside the squared circle to celebrate his return. On the outside of the ring, Goldberg begins to stir. Lawler and Jericho comment that a normal man would be out cold, as we cut to commercial.

…

Commercial Break

…

Back from the break, Lawler and Jericho explain that the following footage occurred earlier in the day. We then cut to a pre-tape segment inside a standard boardroom, somewhere in Los Angeles. Inside the room, Eric Bischoff sat at the head of a long brown table. To the left of Bischoff sits WWE Women’s Champion, Jazz, alongside her manager, Theodore Long. You’d think that across from them would be the challenger for the title, but the seat is noticeably empty. As the camera pans around the room, we hear the sound of fingers tapping the table echoing throughout. Jazz repeatedly taps her fingers across the table and snaps at Bischoff. “What kind of game is she playing, Eric? We said noon, and we’ve been sitting here for 30 minutes.” The Women’s Champion adds that she can’t believe that of all people, she is the one waiting. Shortly thereafter, Sable enters the room in a designer dress, a big, fancy hat, and sunglasses, with a shopping bag on her arm.

With a sarcastic tone, Sable apologises for keeping everyone waiting, placing her belongings down on the table. “Time flies when you’re having fun, sweetheart.” Teddy Long jumps in and says that we need to keep things moving here. The contract has been reviewed, and the WWE Women’s Champion has no objections. Jazz signs and shoves the contract over to Sable, causing the pen to fly into her lap. “Now that’s not nice.” Sable picks up the pen, flicks through the contract and signs it before sliding it toward Bischoff. Jazz stands up, title belt in his hands - “I’m going to make sure you regret disrespecting me today, Sable. I’ll see you at SummerSlam, bitch!” Jazz storms out of the room with Long following behind. Meanwhile, Sable tilts her sunglasses down to the bridge of her nose and asks Bischoff, “Was it something I said?”

_____________________________________​

Match 4 | SINGLES MATCH:
Booker T vs. Christian
There is a certain fire in the eyes of the World Heavyweight Champion as he makes the long walk down the entrance ramp tonight. It has been an awful last month in the personal life for Booker T, and he looks to take out all the pain and frustration on his opponent. Christian looks as smug as ever, and it’s clear he does not comprehend the situation he is walking into. From the opening bell, Booker T whips Christian all over the ring and no-sells everything that is thrown his way. Christian cannot cause the World Champion to flinch as Booker T eats two punches in a row before driving his knee into Christian’s stomach. He whips him across into the ropes and takes him over the top with a clothesline. A key spot in the match was Booker T trapping Christian in the corner and smashing him across the face with forearms. During the assault, Booker T could be heard shouting - “He’s not going to hurt anybody else!” Just after the five-minute mark, Booker T pulled Christian to his feet, the Canadian on spaghetti legs, only to nail him with the Book End for the three count. It was a dominant showing from the World Champion, one made up of pure uncontrolled aggression.
Winner: Booker T @ 05:04

_____________________________________​

Elsewhere in the building, up high in the darkness of the rafters, we find all three members of the Forsaken. The newly named group, which officially added Shannon Moore last week, are all gathered at the top of the arena. Moore is on the left, Sean O’Haire is on the right, and in the middle is the leader, Steve Corino. The first point of call is for Corino to comment on Dusty Rhodes. He says that it’s been a long time since he saw his old friend, and what a time to be alive to see the legendary Dusty Rhodes back on Raw. “I hope for your sake we don’t come across each other.” Corino then praises Shannon Moore for his role in the victory last week. He also hypes Moore’s match at Vengeance against Matt Hardy, citing his own dark teachings as the reason why Moore will overcome his former friend. The dark sermon continues, Corino preaches that he spent months dealing with the Kane and RVD problem, and now he has the eyes of the Forsaken set on a new target. “There are many false prophets, gods, and martyrs in this business. We shall remove every single one of them.” Removing his mask, we zoom in to a close-up of Corino’s eyes - “And when the Forsaken rise, all smiles are lost.”

…

Commercial Break

…

“Break Down The Walls” is playing around the arena when Raw returns from the commercial break. Inside the ring, Chris Jericho stands alone with the set of the Highlight Reel in the background. He welcomes everyone to the show, briefly recapping some of the big moments so far on Raw. Jericho tells the crowd that the biggest moment is yet to come because right now, it is time for the Highlight Reel. After listing his guest’s various accomplishments, Jericho reveals Mark Henry as the person who will be joining him on the show this week. Henry makes his entrance to a chorus of boos from the crowd, drawing great heat for the terrible actions he’s committed against the Immortal Hulk Hogan. At this point, Jericho explains that while he’s grateful that Henry could join him, this was supposed to be a double interview with Hulk Hogan as well. With a roll of his eyes, Jericho explains that Hogan’s publicist advised that the “big time star” couldn’t be here tonight. What comes next is a few minutes of Jericho and Henry both bashing Hogan for failing to accept the invite onto the show. Henry points out that this is the type of person Hogan is, and anyone who actually knows him isn’t mad at Henry for his actions. “People who know him are thanking me for putting that old man on the shelf, Chris.”

Jericho shows replays on the titantron of previous interactions between Mark Henry and Hulk Hogan, which generates some heat. With an air of arrogance about him, Jericho questions how Hogan can even think he stands a chance against the World’s Strongest Man. It’s a total fluff interview for the rest of the time they share the ring. Henry promises that on Sunday, he’s going to end the career of the Immortal once and for all. All the parents out here wearing the colours of the Hulkster are going to be crying like children when their hero is finally put to rest inside the ring. Jericho is so giddy with excitement that he asks if there’s any way he can watch. Henry plugs the pay-per-view one final time, but also pulls out a front row ticket from his pocket. He invites Chris Jericho to come to Vengeance on Sunday and see first-hand the destruction of Hulk Hogan, since he was too important to attend the Highlight Reel. Jericho is extremely grateful, accepting the ticket and thanking Henry one final time, declaring him the man who will crush Hulkamania once and for all!

_____________________________________​

With just a few moments before the final commercial break of the night, we cut backstage. On the screen, we see a split between Shawn Michaels and Triple H making their way through the backstage area. They’ll meet up next to determine the number one contender for the World Title and who will face Booker T at SummerSlam. The main event is up next - don’t go anywhere!

…

Commercial Break

…

Match 5 | SINGLES MATCH | WINNER CHALLENGES THE WORLD CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM:
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
It is a huge main event to close out the show as we determine the Raw main event for SummerSlam in five weeks. After all that has happened tonight involving Evolution, Triple H is left alone for the main event. There’s a fun start to the match, Triple H and Shawn Michaels locking up together, Michaels twisting free, and firing off an attempted superkick within thirty seconds. Triple H drops to the canvas like he’s just avoided a canon being fired. With a smug look on his face, Triple H rolls to the outside of the ring and taps the side of his heart. He’s gloating about how much smarter he is than HBK. Despite this, Michaels comes flying over the top rope with a crossbody onto his longtime rival. As the action continues, both men trade combos and their traditional offence.

Michaels gains momentum toward the end of the match by countering the Figure Four applied by Triple H. Building steam with a set of right hands, Michaels drops Triple H and plants him with the inverted atomic drop. The crowd begins to rise as Michaels scoops his opponent up, slamming him down on the mat into position for the elbow drop. As the Heartbreak Kid climbs the ropes, he tells the arena to fire up… then he jumps, scoring with the elbow to the heart of Triple H. All signs are pointing toward Shawn Michaels headlining yet another pay-per-view for a World Title. He’s the lone man standing as he begins to slam his foot into the mat, tuning up the band, ready for his finish. However, the lights in the arena begin to flicker. They go out briefly, and the referee has been knocked down. Shawn looks around in confusion, asking what’s happening, his opponent still down on the canvas. They flicker again… this time, when the lights come back on, there’s more than just Shawn Michaels standing.

On the apron of the ring, ‘The Devil’ Steve Corino, in his mask, and Shannon Moore are watching Shawn Michaels. He’s completely caught off guard, and this distraction means that Michaels does not realise that Sean O’Haire is behind him! It’s too late, O’Haire hits a jumping knee to the face of Michaels and follows it up with the Widow Maker in the middle of the ring. The Forsaken have taken out Shawn Michaels in the main event of Monday Night Raw. The camera catches Triple H slowly crawling toward the body of Michaels, dropping a hand across his chest as the referee begins to stir across the ring. The Forsaken take their leave, Corino patting O’Haire on the back for his efforts. They’ve just screwed Shawn Michaels out of a World Title shot. Inside the ring, the referee has recovered and begins the count… hitting three to send Triple H to SummerSlam.
Winner: Triple H @ 09:10

The date is now set - Triple H will challenge Booker T for the World Championship at SummerSlam in a rematch from their previous bout at Bad Blood. As “The Game” plays over the speakers, Triple H pulls himself up to his feet using the ring ropes. There’s a sadistic smile on the face of the newly crowned number one contender. He raises a hand in the air as the show comes to a close…

“Rap Sheet” erupts from the speakers to a thunderous pop from the live audience in Los Angeles. There are only a few minutes left in the broadcast as Booker T steps out onto the stage, his eyes only on one man. He unclips the title around his waist, sprinting down to the ring, unloading on Triple H! The same aggression that was shown earlier in the night against Christian is now being unleashed on Triple H. The number one contender can’t match the speed and energy of the World Champion after wrestling in the main event. Booker T whips Triple H into the ropes and nails the axe kick! With a wild look in his eyes, Booker T grabs Triple H and hits the Book End. The show goes off the air with a final shot of Booker T standing over Triple H with the World Championship in his right hand.

END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for SummerSlam:
Date: August 24, 2003
Location: America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Champion, Booker T defends against;
The Game, Triple H

WWE Women’s Championship Match:
Jazz [c] with Theodore Long vs. Sable

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock OR Kurt Angle defends against;
Edge OR Brock Lesnar​

 

[Haskell]

The Forsaken have so much potential to become something unique. HBK is the ideal choice for Corino & co to feud with next, given his murky past, and the build up certainly has the likelihood to be something EPIC.



I certainly wasn’t expecting to see Dusty Rhodes and Goldust challenging Evolution for the Tag Titles. It was great to see the American Dream though, and the promo between him and Flair was magnificent, so much so that it felt like I had time-travelled back to the 80’s.



The Highlight Reel with Mark Henry was a disappointing segment. I would understand Hogan not appearing if he was a heel, but given that Hogan’s the face, him not showing up made him look a complete coward, which top babyfaces certainly aren’t, so I’m a bit confused as to why you didn’t have the Hulkster appear. Jericho wanting to appear at Vengeance was also confusing, but thought-provoking at the same time.



Finally, the Austin/Goldberg segment was dazzling. JR driving Austin’s truck and being arrested did make me smile , but Austin rising like a phoenix and taking out Goldberg made me punch the air in delight. The collision course has finally begun for Austin/Goldberg at SummerSlam, and this segment was the perfect way to kick things off.



Looking forward to SmackDown next Sunday.

 

[EZ3]

SmackDown! - July 24, 2003 Preview
Selland Arena in Fresno, California
Broadcast on UPN

"The Chosen One?"​

In three short days, the hottest show on Thursday night heads to pay-per-view. Headlined by the highly anticipated WWE Championship bout between WWE Champion The Rock and Kurt Angle, SmackDown will present Vengeance. As the big event is on the horizon, we will see the two stars of the main event in 3 days collide one final time on SmackDown. There will be no physical interaction, no match for either man this evening, just a face-off between champion and challenger. It’s a rivalry that has continued to grow deeply personal between the two men. From Kurt Angle putting the WWE Champion through a table during the contract signing for this match to The Rock smashing a guitar over the head of the Olympian last week. Both have gotten their licks in against the other as the stage is set for what promises to be an epic fight between two of the top stars in the industry. The final confrontation between The Rock and Kurt Angle will close the show, setting fans up for one last tease before they main event Vengeance on Sunday.

For the sixth time in as many weeks, World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros will do battle on SmackDown! It has become a staple of the show over the last two months, and something that has been front and centre of SmackDown since the lead-up to WrestleMania 19. Over the last five months, these two teams have provided some of the best wrestling matches we have ever seen on the show, and you’ve never known who was going to win. What we do know is that this rivalry officially comes to a close either tonight or at Vengeance. The best of seven series is currently scored 3-2 with World’s Greatest having the advantage, and a second shot at closing this out without ever being at risk of disbanding themselves or losing the WWE Tag Team Titles. Los Guerreros have fought back from a 3-1 hole, and are on the verge of forcing a seventh and final match for all the marbles, where you’d have to favour them, as they’d be on a two-match winning streak if that were to take place. Tune in for what could be the final ever match between World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros… otherwise, we are going to match seven on Sunday!

In a throwback to last year, Brock Lesnar will compete this week against his former rival, Big Show! With just three days before Vengeance, Lesnar has a lot on his mind. He will finally get the chance to wrestle Edge in a singles match and bring to a head all their issues that have been bubbling under the surface for months. There has been an uneasy alliance between the two, but in recent weeks, that has been broken, and security in the areas has struggled to maintain order when Brock and Edge collide during segments. Not only will Lesnar have that on his mind, but he also has to factor in that the winner on Sunday will face the WWE Champion at SummerSlam. With so much on the line, Lesnar will look to make quick work of the giant and avoid any serious injuries.

Finally, WWE United States Champion John Cena will team with A-Train to take on the team of Hard-Ass in tag team action. With A-Train’s normal tag team partner, the Big Show, unavailable this week, he will be aided by John Cena. This duo is no stranger to each other, as Paul Heyman has previously managed Big Show as recently as January. The story here is that Hard-Ass have not taken kindly to the bullying tactics of Big Show and A-Train, especially with how they targeted Jamie Noble in his search to pay off his debt to the APA. Hard-Ass will look to teach A-Train a lesson for his behaviour when they step into the ring with him.

Confirmed For SmackDown:
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreros - Match 6: Best of Seven Series (3-2)
WWE United States Champ, John Cena & A-Train vs. Hard-Ass
Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show
Rey Mysterio vs. Shannon Moore
Plus; WWE Champion, The Rock and Kurt Angle have a final encounter before Vengeance!

 

[EZ3]

Author's Note: Heya folks! We are all done with the build to Vengeance now. The card is complete, no further changes are coming, and the show is 95% completed. I've only got the main event to complete, which means we are looking good for a release sometime next week. I'm going to do a quick preview post on Monday as well. If you do want to leave any predictions, and I do welcome them, please just pause until I get the preview up.

SmackDown! - July 24, 2003
Selland Arena in Fresno, California
Broadcast on UPN

"The Chosen One?"​

*OPENING VIDEO*

*PYRO*

We are on the doorstep of the next big pay-per-view event, ladies and gentlemen, with Vengeance just three short nights away. SmackDown has one last stop on the calendar before the superstars of the blue brand come together for an exclusive showcase of the very best that Thursday Nights have to offer. Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us into the broadcast, as per usual. There’s an air of excitement in their voices as they go with the hard sell for the pay-per-view this Sunday, right off the bat, to the viewers at home. Cole hypes the matches that we have set for this evening, including Brock Lesnar versus Big Show, and the sixth match in the best-of-seven series between the World’s Greatest and the Los Guerreros. They also promise that the WWE Champion, The Rock, will come face-to-face with Kurt Angle one final time, before their title match this Sunday.

_____________________________________​

Match 1 | TAG TEAM MATCH | MATCH SIX (BEST OF SEVEN SERIES; 3-2):
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreros
For the sixth time in six weeks, these two teams come to blows in the middle of the squared circle on Thursday Night SmackDown. A key thing to note, away from the fine wrestling match that the four men put on, knowing this is the last time they’ll ever wrestle each other on SmackDown, is that Paul Heyman is still absent. He has not been involved in the last three matches of this series. The commentators make sure to highlight the story involving Heyman throwing the title belt into the ring and it being caught by a Guerrero, who used it on Charlie Haas, to score one of the two victories they have over the World’s Greatest. During this match, Haas and Benjamin seem more motivated than ever, knowing this is their last chance to put the series away without risking their livelihoods.

In contrast, Eddie and Chavo are pulling out all the stops to gain the victory - they know that a loss is the end of their time as a team, and they do not want to give it up tonight. In the end, Los Guerreros would find a way to win and force a seventh match. Eddie came off the top rope and hit the Frog Splash on Shelton Benjamin, pinning him and swinging momentum completely in favour of the challengers. There will be a seventh match, and it will take place in three days, live on pay-per-view! One team is finished, they will disband, and now, for the first time, the World’s Greatest are at risk of being that team.
Winners: Los Guerreros @ 11:32 - (Series Score: 3-3)

…

*Commercial Break*

…

Once SmackDown returns from the break, Brock Lesnar arrives at the building in his car. As he walks into the arena with a gym bag over his shoulder - prepared for a huge match against the Big Show later in the night - he’s approached by Stephanie McMahon and a stack of security. With a cold tone to her voice, Stephanie sternly reminds Brock that Vengeance is in just three days and all he has to do is get through tonight without provocation. “You’ve got a hell of a lot to lose, Brock. I’m asking you not to force my hand and put me in a position where I have to make a call.” Lesnar thinks it over for a moment, smiling as he tells Stephanie that he’s focused on one thing tonight - defeating the Big Show. He even goes as far as to apologise for what happened last week, but not without blaming his opponent for Sunday. “I know you saw which one of us went and got a steel chair, Steph. It wasn’t me.” There’s an audible sigh from McMahon, who tells Brock that she doesn’t want to hear excuses from either Edge or himself. All she wants is to get through tonight, and if they want to tear each other limb from limb on Sunday, they can do it. With a smile on his face, Lesnar once again confirms to Steph that he’s going to behave himself tonight.

_____________________________________​

In the locker room of the Dangerous Alliance, we find John Cena pacing back and forth alone in his ring gear. The door to the room opens, and the World’s Greatest join him after their loss earlier in the night. Haas is furious, throwing his title belt against the wall and shouting that they should not be in this position. They should have put this to bed in the fifth match at worst, but he feels that they could’ve swept them and gone 4-0 if things had just fallen their way. Cena stops pacing for a moment and challenges Haas. “Oh, you think that you two should be up 4-0? Is that what you two think, or is that coming from Kurt Angle?” In response, Shelton Benjamin pipes up, questioning what that’s supposed to mean. Cena says that he’s been busy dealing with his own problems, like retaining the WWE United States Title, but he’s seen the way Haas and Benjamin have been rolling with Angle again. “That’s not how we get down in the Dangerous Alliance. You’re either with me and the ‘OG’, or you’re out. You two have been riding the fence this last month, talking to him, shunning the ‘OG’, and that ain’t right. It’s time to pick a side - are you in or out?” Benjamin and Haas both argue with Cena that he hasn’t been around to see what’s been going on. They deny hanging with Angle, but admit that they’ve spoken to him - so what? Cena states again that this alliance isn’t a part-time gig - “You’re either in or out. Kurt Angle didn’t do anything for you two. Neither of you was anything before the ‘OG’ stepped up. This is how you treat him?” Cena gets up in their faces and warns both of them that they need to make a decision, or he’ll make it for them.

_____________________________________​

Match 2 | SINGLES MATCH:
Spanky (with Rhyno) vs. Local Jobber
Back to the wrestling, and we’re in for a squash match that barely breaks three and a half minutes of in-ring time. It’s a total showcase for Spanky this week as he needs to build up some momentum of his own ahead of challenging for the WWE Cruiserweight Title on Sunday. By his side is the War Machine, Rhyno, who acts as a lookout in case the FBI want to get involved. They don’t - which is a rare occurrence these days for the bad guys. Spanky showcases his speed and agility in this squash match, flying around the ring and being way too fast for his opponent to connect with anything on the attacking front. After a few big moves of his own, Spanky calls for the finish. He hooks the jobber by the head, runs toward the turnbuckle and connects with Sliced Bread #2 for the three count. After the match, Spanky grabs a microphone and tells Nunzio that his time as the champion is over. He shouts that even an oddball like him can be a champion in the WWE. He might have a funny name, he might not be a little bit smaller than most, but he’s got heart, and at Vengeance, there’s nothing that can stop him from taking the title from the FBI!
Winner: Spanky @ 03:28

…

*Commercial Break*

…

“Real American” hits the speakers and out comes the Hulkster in his home state! It’s a big cheer for the Immortal Hulk Hogan as he poses at the top of the stage, soaking in the applause, milking the crowd for everything they are worth, before heading to the ring. At the peak of the applause, Hogan poses again, this time in the ring, and calls for the microphone once the crowd dies down a bit. He cuts one of his trademark “brother this, brother that” promos, hyping up the pay-per-view (as has been the theme all night) and throwing out a few barbs toward Mark Henry. Hogan rips his shirt in half, showing his ribs and tells the crowd that he’s as healthy as can be. While the World’s Strongest Man may have knocked the Hulkster down for a moment, he has not killed Hulkamania! What’s more is that Hogan thanks the fans for keeping Hulkamania alive while he was on the shelf, and he knows that every single one of them has his back on Sunday. “Together, we’re all going to defeat Mark Henry. I need every one of you to believe in me. I need your strength, your courage and your belief in Hulkamania, so I can draw on it in my time of need.” It’s as classic a Hogan promo as you can get - in 2003.

While we could go all night enjoying this… “Break Down The Walls” unexpectedly plays in the arena to cut Hogan off. With a swagger in his step, Chris Jericho saunters out onto the stage, noticeably not heading to the ring, where he has a microphone in his hand. “After five boring minutes, I had to come out here and save this show from the slow death it was suffering while you talked, Hulk. If Hulkamania wasn’t dead, this crowd surely is.” In response, they pop like mad when Hogan prompts them. Dismissing that, Jericho says that he’s here tonight to look Hulk Hogan in the eye and tell him that he’s a disrespectful piece of trash who is going to get squashed like a bug on Sunday. Jericho’s gripe is that Hogan refused to appear on the Highlight Reel this past Monday, while Mark Henry did. After being called multiple insults by Jericho - Hogan tells him that it’s a curious choice of phrase, “look you in the eye”, because Jericho is so far away from him, he can’t see his beady little eyes.

Hogan motions for Jericho to come down to the ring and say that to his face, like a man, otherwise he should hit the road back to Raw - “Jack!” That doesn’t sit well with the Canadian, who tells Hogan that he can’t boss him around. In fact, he’s going to be in the front row on Sunday, thanks to his good pal, Mark Henry. From his pocket, Jericho waved the front row ticket that was given to him on Raw. “I’ve got a front row seat to your demise, Hogan. I can’t wait to see it.” The segment comes to a close with Hogan telling Jericho that he’s had a thousand guys like Jericho and Henry try to make a name off him throughout the years. If he had a dollar for each, he’d be a millionaire… to which he remembers he is a millionaire, and offers Jericho one final piece of advice. “When you’re in the front row, you can watch how a real professional wrestler does it and not someone as “vanilla” as you, pal.”

_____________________________________​

Match 3 | SINGLES MATCH:
Rey Mysterio vs. Shannon Moore
In the third match of the night, Rey Mysterio and Shannon Moore get a chance to do a bit of a workhorse match on SmackDown. Keeping up the understanding that this is the better wrestling show compared to Raw - Mysterio and Moore do all they can to show the capabilities of the smaller guys on the blue brand. While no longer in an active story of his own, Mysterio is still one of the most popular stars on the show and gets a great reaction from the crowd throughout both his entrance and this match. Moore has embraced the dark side of the Forsaken and has more makeup on his face than he has previously (think of a slow morph into his 2006 ECW style punk rock attire). A few times in the match, we see Moore grow frustrated. Rey can use a headscissors to send his opponent stumbling out of the ring, which infuriates Moore, causing him to rip off the top of the announce desk and scream out loud. Moore got back in the ring, continuing to wrestle as normal. Toward the end of the match, Moore was hit with a dropkick off the ring apron, and he fell to the outside again. He lost the plot, grabbed a chair and went after Rey, striking him with the steel for a disqualification - but he didn’t care.
Winner: Rey Mysterio @ 06:54 - Via Disqualification

Shannon Moore hit Rey with the chair across the back twice, drawing strong heat from the audience as he took a bow in the middle of the ring. The former ‘MF’er’ walks over to the ropes as Rey is pulling himself up, lining up another shot… until Matt Hardy sprints down to the ring. There’s no time to waste as Hardy hammers away with punches, keeping Moore from being able to use the chair and sends him flying from the ring with a boot to the face. Moore scatters up the entrance ramp, dropping the chair as he flees and shooting daggers at the man he faces in three days at Vengeance. Meanwhile, Matt Hardy helps Rey Mysterio back to his feet, checking on him and apologising for not getting to the ring sooner.

…

*Commercial Break*

…

For the second time tonight, Stephanie McMahon is on our screens as the General Manager of SmackDown. This time, Stephanie is in her office signing some papers when she hears a knock at the door. There’s a surprised look on her face, not at the arrival of someone, but at the curiosity of them to knock before entering. After inviting them in, Stephanie is joined by the reigning WWE Champion - The Rock. Inside the arena, they boo like mad at the sight of the “Hollywood Champion” as he was so famously called when he won the title back in March. The Rock and Stephanie McMahon discuss what’s going to happen later tonight, and a few things regarding the title match at Vengeance. Firstly, McMahon officially declares that all members of the Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside - an edict that was made a few weeks ago, but is now official. That doesn’t sit well with The Rock; he immediately goes into pitching why this is unfair, but is cut off by the GM. Secondly, she advises that, for tonight only, there is a no-contact rule between The Rock and Kurt Angle. “It’s been a madhouse around here lately, and I think we need some order here.” The Rock jokes that he needs to bill Angle for a new guitar after Angle broke it with his head last week. Finally, The Rock asks whether any other rules in favour of Kurt Angle will be added… to which McMahon says no. Before taking his leave, The Rock reminds Stephanie that while she may be the GM, this is still his show… flashing the WWE Championship on his shoulder, as he exits.

_____________________________________​

As SmackDown shifts to the ring, “Big” hits, bringing out the Big Show and A-Train. Amidst a shower of boos from the audience, the two big men stand as an intimidating reminder of the powerhouse threat they pose to the rest of the locker room. Neither is dressed to compete. Big Show is set to face Lesnar later in the evening, but for the moment, they are here to talk. After insulting the fans with their opening line, A-Train pulls out a stack of cash that they stole from Jamie Noble last week. Both men laugh as a replay is shown on the titantron - reminding fans of how they bullied Noble out of the money he had secured to pay off his debt to the APA. A-Train jokes that they don’t even need this money; it’s purely fun money, and it paid for a night out, and the big men still had cash leftover after having gorgeous women begging to join them. Big Show then takes the microphone and threatens Brock Lesnar with a beating worse than anything he’s ever had. He reminds Brock that it was back at Survivor Series where Big Show took the WWE Title from him, and he’s never gotten it back since. “It was like taking candy from a really ugly baby.” Big Show compares Lesnar to Noble, saying that both are so much smaller than the two of them, and neither can do anything to stop them from pushing either of them around.

At this point, “Assman” hits, and the crowd starts to cheer as Hard-Ass, Billy Gunn and Hardcore Holly walk out onto the entrance ramp. There’s a little booty shake from Gunn, dressed in his wrestling attire and custom Hard-Ass tee. He’s got a microphone in hand, eyeing up the two giants in the ring. Gunn is quick on the draw here when it comes to chopping down opponents on the mic. He shouts that he has heard enough and that he’s still pissed off about what the two ‘jackasses’ in the ring did to someone half their size last week. “I know you two don’t have the guts to try that with the pair of us.” Hardcore Holly comments, offering to beat the money that was stolen right out of their asses. There’s more back and forth as the two teams argue - Hard-Ass standing up for what happened last week to Noble, and the giants telling them to stay out of their business. A-Train tells Hard-Ass that later tonight, when he teams with John Cena against them, he’s going to shut their mouths for good. To bring the segment to a close, Gunn tells both Big Show and A-Train that he’s only got two words for them.

_____________________________________​

Elsewhere, Rey Mysterio is shown walking through the backstage area, still in his wrestling gear from earlier in the night. The crowd pops as Matt Hardy walks up next to him from around a corner, asking if Rey had a moment to talk. Mysterio says that he appreciates what Matt did for him earlier, it’s something he won’t forget anytime soon, and if he has the chance to return the favour, he will be there when Matt needs a hand. Hardy knows that he has a lot of making up to do for the way he has acted over the last year, but he’s going to do whatever is possible to prove to the fans and the boys in the locker room that he’s someone who can be trusted. It all starts with cleaning up his mess with Shannon Moore at Vengeance. Rey extends his hand, telling Matt that he can consider hard feelings between the two of them squashed. With a smile on his face, Matt shakes Rey’s hand, thanking him before leaving.

…

*Commercial Break*

…

Match 4 | SINGLES MATCH:
Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show
From the opening bell, the fans were waiting for the arrival of Edge. It was put over in commentary that Edge was in the building, and during the match, Lesnar kept talking to the camera, as if Edge could hear him directly. A big staredown kicked off the contest, Lesnar bouncing off the ropes for a clothesline that Big Show no-sold. Playing the role of the giant, Big Show absorbed Lesnar’s shots and tossed him back against the turnbuckle with ease. The ‘Next Big Thing’ shook it off, rushing back at his opponent and lifting him with a side suplex, only for Big Show to elbow out of it. That became the story of the match - Lesnar would nearly get Big Show up off the ground, until the giant found a way to counter the move. This set up the finish, when Big Show was acting cocky and toyed with Brock. To a massive roar from the crowd, Brock Lesnar ducked a lariat, kicked Big Show in the ribs and picked him up for a thunderous F5 that shook the foundations of the squared circle. With the crowd counting along, Lesnar hooks the leg and scores the three-count for the win!
Winner: Brock Lesnar @ 08:01

Cut to the entrance ramp, Cole and Tazz begin to shout, as Edge rushes down to the ring with his black trenchcoat on. Lesnar hasn’t seen him! Brock is still soaking in the cheers from the audience, the referee raising his hand in the air, when he feels the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Edge is inside the ring with him, a wild-eyed look on his face, pulling at his long blonde hair from the crowd, begging Brock to turn around. Lesnar turns around, Edge rushes at him… and in an incredible sight, Brock leap frogs the spear! Edge has to put on the brakes to stop himself from hitting the corner. Brock stalks his opponent on Sunday, lifting him and firing off the F5! Only it doesn’t work… Edge slips free and hooks the top rope to escape, landing on the outside of the ring and escaping without taking the F5. Inside the ring, Brock Lesnar stomps his feet, challenging Edge to get back into the ring. Ever the opportunist, Edge taps his head and tells Brock he’ll wait until Sunday.

_____________________________________​

We head backstage once more, where Eddie and Chavo Guerrero are celebrating their victory earlier in the night. Eddie slaps Chavo on the chest - “I told you, homes. This is our series now. The two of them haven’t got it anymore, all the infighting between them. It’s tearing them apart.” Chavo agrees, confident that on Sunday, they are going to end the series with a win and become the WWE Tag Team Champions once again. As they continue to discuss how they have come back from a 3-1 deficit, Los Guerreros are interrupted. Kevin Kelly walks up to them, asking if they have a moment to hear a bit of news that has just come across the wire. Eddie looks curious, asking what it is Kevin has heard. He informs Los Guerreros that news has just come out of Stephanie McMahon’s office about the seventh match in the series on Sunday. While the series has been a technical masterclass in tag team wrestling, to cap off the series and the epic finale the fans deserve, she believes that one final stipulation is required. So this Sunday, live on pay-per-view, in the final ever match between World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros, for the WWE Tag Team Titles, it will be contested inside a fifteen-foot-high steel cage!

…

*Commercial Break*

…

Match 5 | TAG TEAM MATCH:
Hard-Ass vs. WWE US Champ, John Cena (with Paul Heyman) vs. A-Train
During the entrance of the WWE United States Champion, we see a cut to the backstage area where Billy Kidman is watching this match on a monitor. He’ll be keeping a close eye on this encounter, knowing that he's challenging for the title in just three days. Cena is extremely aggressive at the beginning of the match. He clubs Gunn across the top of his back, whips him into the corner and slams into him with a lariat, finishing it off with an awful-looking suplex attempt for a two count. Whenever Cena tags out, he makes sure to slap A-Train as hard as he can in the chest, showing a lack of respect for his partner. In contrast, Hard-Ass work as a really good pair, even if they are opposites as characters. At one point, Cena steps down from the apron to get some advice from his ‘OG’, which pisses off A-Train.

We cut back to the monitor again, seeing Kidman still watching what’s happening at ringside. In the background of that shot, we see some commotion. Cole and Tazz ponder what is going on backstage - we’ll soon find out, folks! As we approach the eight-minute mark, things become chaotic at ringside when the APA and Samoan Death Squad brawl out onto the stage. They were the ruckus captured in the background of the Kidman cutaway. Cole says that fans would do well to remember that the APA and SDS had issues dating back to when the Samoans assaulted Noble backstage, putting at risk his ability to repay his debt to the APA. As these four men brawl, it spills into the ring, causing the referee to throw the bout out.
Winners: No Contest @ 07:42

Chaos is the only word that can describe the mayhem occurring both inside and outside the ring. John Cena is shielded away by Paul Heyman - a genius move by the ‘OG’ to get his most prized athlete out of the danger zone. The referee sprints out of the area, refusing to risk his own head amongst the battle. We have four teams fighting at once - Hard-Ass, APA, Samoan Death Squad, A-Train and Big Show. The Big Show had joined moments after the bell rang. Bodies are flying everywhere as these four teams square off with each other, the faces fighting against the heels, never crossing that distinct character framework. We cut to a commercial break as a legion of referees and security come down to the ringside to break things up, as best they can.

_____________________________________​

For the final time, before the break, we move to the interview area where Josh Mathews is standing with a microphone in hand and introduces his guest… Mark Henry. The crowd throws heat at the World’s Strongest Man, not a cheer in sight. Henry looks pleased with the response, rubbing his hands together. Mathews asks him about Hulk Hogan's reply earlier in the night. He tells Henry that some might consider him the underdog heading into Sunday's match.

This absolutely infuriates Henry, causing his face to drop. Henry starts by saying that Mathews might be the dumbest man in the entire WWE, making a statement like that when he’s just inches away from the World’s Strongest Man. He says that Hulk Hogan must have gotten to Mathews’ tiny brain with that pep rally he held in the ring. “He wants to rally the fans and lean on them for strength? I don’t need to lean on anybody for strength! Nobody is stronger than me.” Henry asks Mathews if he saw what he did to Hogan when he broke his ribs. That’s the sort of punishment awaiting the Hulkster at Vengeance. He can barely wait for the chance to rip the Immortal in half once again, but this time he’s not going to be put back together. Henry jokes that the fans can give all their hopes, dreams and strength to Hogan on Sunday, but it’s all for nothing. It doesn’t matter if it’s one fan, ten fans, a thousand fans or a million all over the globe - their collective strength does not match the power possessed by Mark Henry. He draws great heat from the crowd watching on the titantron. Looking into the camera, Henry compels the fans to reach out to their television screens on Sunday, give Hogan their strength, but watch out for when Henry snatches their hands and pulls them right through their TV sets!

…

*Commercial Break*

…

Back from the final break of the evening with just ten minutes left in the show… “It’s Conquered” blasts over the speakers, bringing the crowd to their feet for the arrival of the WWE Champion. With a sense of attitude in his step, The Rock walks down to the ring, posing on the turnbuckle to a huge wave of boos, louder than anyone else in the entire company. Upon entering the ring, The Rock does his trademark “Finally…” only to be cut off when “Medal” plays in the arena! His sunglasses drop, his eyes turn in disbelief, as Kurt Angle marches down to the ring without waiting for The Rock to get out his shtick. The horror of it all, really! Cole and Tazz are into the hard sell for this as they describe The Rock and Kurt Angle as the two best competitors on the planet. This could’ve been a main event at WrestleMania had things played out differently, but we are just three days away from seeing it at Vengeance. Angle stands across from The Rock, neither man giving an inch, as the crowd is at a fever pitch. All the talking, the build to this match has been well into eight weeks now.

The Rock questions if Angle had any respect for the WWE Championship. To come out to the ring, uninvited, while the WWE Champion was delivering the most famous line in all of sports and entertainment… who in the blue hell did Angle think he was? “You’re nothing, Kurt. Nothing compared to me. You’re just a footnote in a trivia question about who I beat to win the WWE Title. That’s it.” Ange holds his gaze on The Rock. He says that an Olympic Medal that hangs in his office at home is a reminder that he’s more than The Rock will ever be. He tells The Rock that one day, if he keeps working hard, Angle might even let The Rock play him in a movie. That’s the difference between the two of them - The Rock has to pretend to be someone else to feel important, while Kurt Angle has a life worth living. That stings, setting The Rock off on a tangent about how he was chosen to be the WWE Champion by Vince McMahon. “Out of everyone in this business, he picked The Rock. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he wanted the biggest star in the world headlining WrestleMania.” Looking at Angle, only inches away, The Rock declares that Angle had the ball in his hand and he fumbled at the one-yard line. He had the main event of WrestleMania 19, and The Rock took it… just-like-that!

There’s a pause in the words spoken. The crowd is chanting “Angle” at the top of their lungs as the Olympian looks at the WWE Title. Spotting this, The Rock adjusts the belt on his shoulder, raising an eyebrow as he does so. While the dream of being in the main event of WrestleMania became a nightmare when it was stolen from him, Angle tells The Rock that his journey back into this ring, to this moment, to the final stage of Vengeance, is just another chapter in his story. “Life isn’t just about the highs; it’s equally about the lows and getting back to your feet. That’s why these people are behind me, Rock. They have seen me at my lowest, and they have followed my journey as I fought my ass off to get back into this ring… and at Vengeance I’m on a mission to take back the title that you stole from me.” He goes on to explain that he doesn’t give a damn about who was chosen or what was promised. What Angle learned that night in Connecticut is that nothing is certain, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and this business owes you nothing.

“My world was flipped upside down because I got comfortable. I will never let that happen again, Rock.” With a look of determination on his face, Angle taps the title belt on Rock’s shoulder, as the camera zooms in for a shot of both men from the shoulders up. This is your main event for Sunday at Vengeance. Angle locks eyes with the champion and wishes him luck for Sunday, because he’s going to need it more than ever. The show comes to an end with Angle walking out of the ring, untouched, no big brawl to end the show. Instead, it’s a long staredown as Angle backs up toward the top of the stage, leaving The Rock to hold the centre of the ring. The WWE Champion looks down at his title in his right hand, thinking about the challenge ahead, before raising it in the air and shouting his trademark - “If you smell… what The Rock is cooking” to end SmackDown.

END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for Vengeance:
Date: July 27, 2003
Location: Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team [c] vs. Los Guerreros
*Losing team must disband

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena [c] (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio [c] (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan​

 

[Haskell]

I’m really ecstatic that you made the final WGTT/Los Guerreros bout a Steel Cage match. It’s a nice idea and it’s totally raised the stakes for both teams.



Jericho’s role in the Mark Henry/Hulk Hogan feud is intriguing as hell. I know you’re planning a WWE draft at some point, so I can’t help wondering if you’re toying with Jericho potentially being drafted to SmackDown, hence the reason why you’ve stuck him in the Henry/Hogan story.



Finally, given that the SDS are barred from ringside, it’s making me think about whether a certain “chairman of the board” will return to help Rock and screw Kurt Angle at Vengeance. I know you’re teasing a Angle/John Cena feud, but it wouldn’t make sense for Cena to screw Angle considering that he’s the current US Champion, and it would be a step down for Angle to go after Cena and the US Title immediately after challenging for the WWE Title.



Vince screwed Angle in Connecticut and chose Rock to be his personal champion, and considering there’s already tension between Rock and Stephanie, Vinnie Mac making his big return and helping Rock retain would be the perfect direction to go in.



I’m looking forward to Monday where I can make my predictions.

 

[EZ3]

Official Preview for WWE Vengeance:
Date: 27th July 2003
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Event Music: Staind; Price to Play

***

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*

For the first time since the Connecticut Screwjob in March, we will see two of the biggest stars on SmackDown collide for the richest prize in the history of the sport. The Rock has reigned as the WWE Champion since that fateful night when he was chosen as the corporate champion by Mr. McMahon. He has headlined WrestleMania 19, defeating Brock Lesnar in an epic rematch of their first encounter, while Kurt Angle was stuck in a hospital bed after having life-changing neck surgery. At his lowest point, Kurt Angle was forced to see the man who stole everything from him celebrating at the peak of the professional wrestling industry. Since his return to the ring, Kurt Angle is the only man to have beaten The Rock in 2003. At King of the Ring, Angle forced the WWE Champion to submit to the Ankle Lock. Will he be able to do that again and recapture the WWE Championship…

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar

Former allies come to blows in a huge match with the opportunity of a lifetime up for grabs - a title shot at SummerSlam in the main event for SmackDown at the biggest party of the summer. While Edge and Brock Lesnar have worked together multiple times throughout the year, their alliance has always been born of convenience. They’ve never been friends and surely won’t be exchanging Christmas cards this year. Since January, dating back six months now, Edge has been on the rise as a potential main event star, a future World Champion, and has done everything he can to elevate himself to the next level. He went to war with The Undertaker at WrestleMania, narrowly falling short of becoming the first man to defeat him at the big event. Now, on the doorstep of getting a second shot at the WWE Title, Edge is willing to do anything he can to have another crack at the gold. Brock Lesnar continues his journey back to the WWE Title after being screwed out of it back at Survivor Series 2002. Lesnar fell short at WrestleMania 19 in the classic ‘Battle in Seattle’ against The Rock, but could earn the chance to complete a trilogy with the ‘Great One’ should he emerge as the victor in this match. Two men, one title shot - the winner goes to SummerSlam!

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team [c] vs. Los Guerreros
*Losing team must disband

For both of these teams, this Sunday is a must-win. It is do-or-die, no second chances; there’s no other match or opportunity down the road. This has been one of the great tag team feuds of all time since February. World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros first competed against each other at WrestleMania and have since co-main evented TWICE on pay-per-view (this will be the second time). From their ladder war at Judgment Day to the forty-five-minute classic on SmackDown, these two teams have given wrestling fans around the world so much variety and hard-hitting action throughout their many bouts. Over the last seven weeks, they’ve been engaged in a best-of-seven series, wrestling week in and week out, testing their skills against each other without a break. For the final time, they will collide at Vengeance and will do so in the confines of a steel cage. There is no escape; the only way to win is to force someone to submit or score a pinfall. The losing team will disband forever, never to team again, and the winners will stand triumphant as the WWE Tag Team Champions.

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena [c] (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman

Ever since John Cena joined up with Paul Heyman, forming the Dangerous Alliance with the World’s Greatest, he has been untouchable. Earlier in the year, Cena could not defeat Rey Mysterio when they wrestled, losing twice for the WWE United States Title. Now, the ‘Man of the Hour’ not only has the title belt he craved for many months earlier in the year, but he also has the crown for being the King of the Ring in 2003. Life has changed significantly for Cena since aligning with the ‘OG’ after Judgment Day. The one person who has given Cena grief is his challenger for Sunday. Billy Kidman has refused to back down to the intimidation games played by Cena and the Dangerous Alliance. He put Cena through the announce desk on SmackDown with a huge elbow drop. He has stood over him while holding the title belt. When they wrestled on SmackDown for the title, it was Paul Heyman who cheated to help force a count-out win for Cena. This time, the ring will be surrounded by wrestlers acting as lumberjacks to do their best to make sure that Cena has no place to run and give Kidman a fair shot at becoming champion!

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio [c] (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)

In recent weeks, Nunzio and the FBI have found out that life is not easy when you’re at the top of the mountain. The race never stops for the WWE Cruiserweight Champion with more challengers popping up every week on SmackDown. His first major test since winning the title at Judgment Day, Nunzio will have a showdown against one of the most unique characters on the blue brand. Spanky, as his name suggests, is a bit of a character. His wrestling style is somewhat akin to ‘throw it at the wall and see what sticks’ with his daredevil antics and no hesitation to risk it all. Alongside Rhyno, Spanky has done all he can to earn the title shot and the chance to represent SmackDown as the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Nunzio, as you could expect, wants nothing to do with him. The FBI sent thugs to beat up Spanky and Rhyno at a local diner during the build up - which they still deny. Rhyno had to win a two-on-one handicap match against the FBI to secure this shot for his friend. Now, the two main factors in this story will meet in a match. No more antics outside the ring, no more threats of being ‘whacked’ - it all comes down to Nunzio vs. Spanky for the title, as it should.

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore

Former friends turned bitter enemies, a tale as old as time. The rundown of this highly unfortunate situation could be a full-length novel, as the story dates back to when these two men were kids, growing up in Cameron, North Carolina. However, the turning point really begins when Matt Hardy, after a series of losses, began to doubt his own teachings of ‘Mattitude’ to Shannon Moore. In response, Moore turned on his mentor, citing his doubts as the reason, calling him weak and useless. Moore would then reveal he has aligned with Raw superstars Steve Corino and Sean O’Haire, collectively known as the Forsaken. With the ‘Devil’ of the WWE in his ear, Moore has embraced a more punk rock look and become more vicious in the ring, attacking Rey Mysterio with a chair during their match, for example. Matt Hardy feels like he is responsible for the way Moore has been manipulated, and vows to beat some sense into his former friend. It’s not going to be easy for him, even after Moore struck Matt with a steel chair in the back, as the bonds of their former friendship, for him at least, linger in the back of his mind.

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan

It’s the World’s Strongest versus the Immortal! A tagline that the WWE has been waiting to use for years. It has been a journey for Hulk Hogan this year since his return to the company in February. With matches against The Rock and Mr. McMahon, the Hulkster had planned on being around the company a bit more than he has… until Mark Henry broke his ribs on SmackDown. Henry saw fit to put Hogan on the shelf, a rare achievement for anyone across two decades in the business. Henry has been on a tear since that day, including having a victory over Kevin Nash in an old-school Boiler Room Brawl. They exchanged a lot of words, Henry continually referring to ‘killing Superman’ in his promos to describe what he plans to do to Hogan. In a slight twist during the final week of the build, Henry appeared on Raw, joining Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel for an interview, while Hogan declined the obvious setup by two heels. Henry, as a thank you, provided Jericho with a front row ticket to Vengeance, which the Canadian has promised to use. What role, if any, might Y2J play in this match? Neither man can afford to focus on outside factors, however. It’s one fall to the finish, the strongest man in the world against the hero they say can never die.

_____________________________________


PREDICTIONS TEMPLATE


Official Card for WWE Vengeance:
Date: 27th July 2003
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Event Music: Staind; Price to Play

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreos
*Losing team must disband

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan

PREDICTIONS ARE WELCOME!!
​

I could not be stuffed doing a huge preview as I did for Bad Blood, so I've gone with a more basic rundown above. Update on the show, I still need to finish the main event, but I've got time available tomorrow night after work to get that done. We are looking like an end-of-week release is on the cards, likely Sunday at the latest. Please feel free to leave any predictions, if you would like.

Hopefully, the next time I post will be the pay-per-view.

 

[Haskell]

WGTT/Los Guerreros- I think the end is nigh for Los Guerreros. WGTT are THE hottest tag team in this BTB right now, whilst Eddie & Chavo have run their course as a tag team. Whilst I don’t think it’ll happen at Vengeance, my theory is that Chavo will snap and turn on Eddie after Vengeance, thus setting up a Eddie/Chavo grudge match at SummerSlam.

Matt Hardy/Shannon Moore- You clearly have BIG plans for The Forsaken going forward, and Matt doesn’t really need the win, so I’m going with Shannon. Even though they’re on RAW, It would be nice if O Haire and Corino made an appearance.

Spanky/Nunzio- Brian Kendrick was a very underrated talent back in the day, so it would be nice for him to get the win.

John Cena/Billy Kidman- Cena’s one of the hottest things in this BTB at the moment, and no way is he losing the US Title anytime soon.

Mark Henry/Hulk Hogan- I love how you’re pushing Mark right now, and it would be awesome for his credibility if he defeated Hogan of all people. Chris Jericho will definitely stick his nose in and cost Hulk the win, so it won’t be a clean victory, but that’s irrelevant. Mark for the win.

Brock Lesnar/Edge- I’m going with Edge, as in my opinion, Brock needs a break from the WWE Title picture. Also, it would be a fresh new opponent for Rock, as he and Lesnar already clashed at WrestleMania.

Kurt Angle/The Rock- Due to the SDS’s banishment from ringside, I think we’re about to see the return of Vincent K McMahon. It makes perfect sense really, as Vince screwed Angle just before WM 19, and personally chose Rock to be “his” champion. Also, Kurt hasn’t extracted revenge on Vince for what took place in Connecticut, so it’s the perfect opportunity for Vince to make his epic comeback and help his “golden boy” Dwayne overcome Angle yet again. Hell, we could even see Vince vs Angle at SummerSlam.

Looking forward to it.

 

[BattleTank]

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*
I don't see Rock losing just yet, there is too much meat still on the bone. Angle getting his redemption and becoming champ would be nice and I almost picked him to win, but in the end, maybe we get a Vince McMahon run-in to cost Angle.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreos
*Losing team must disband
This is another tough one to pick. I've really enjoyed this feud, and I will commend you on making the best of 7 series so interesting. This has been one of the highlights on SD for a while now. I think you keep WGTT together for now, and give Eddie a singles run.

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar
The re-match for Summerslam with Rock is staring me right in the face for Lesnar, but I think you give Edge a program with Rock heading into Summerslam. You've built the top of the SD card so nicely and made it your own so much that any booking decision you make is gonna be money. It's a hard thing to achieve, but you've figured it out. Regardless if I get these all wrong, just thinking about the potential matchups we could be- Angle/Lesnar, Angle/Edge both sound amazing, but I've already made my pick with The Rock and I'm not changing it now lol

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman
Kidman getting pushed is fun. He is just another guy to feed to Cena here, but this should be fun with the Lumberjack stip.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)
I think Nunzio's time is up. Spanky with Rhyno is a great pairing. The muscle takes out the wise guys, giving Spanky the win.

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore
The Forsaken is so over right now, and arguably one of the best storylines on this site right now. Moore picks up the big win here.

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan
Jericho costs Hogan, giving us another blockbuster Summerslam match between Jericho and Hogan.

Really solid job with the buildup to this show. While it could be considered a "B" show ppv with Summerslam right around the corner, you certainly are not treating it as such. Excited to see this drop. Best of luck writing, brother!

 

[Dubb]

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*
As much as I'd love to see Angle get his redemption, I think he will but just not yet. Angle made Rock tap out at KOTR so I think Rock gets the win here as I agree with BT that it's probably too early for Rock to lose.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreos
*Losing team must disband
This has been a fun series and no doubt should be a great finale. I'm picking WGTT mainly because Eddie and Chavo breaking up makes more sense in the long run as a I think WGTT are better together more than apart.

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar
Mainly picking Edge because we just had Lesnar/Rock at WM and while rematches can certainly happen and that may be the better "headline" for SS, in this world I like going fresh and giving Edge the chance.

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman
Yeah don't see Cena losing here.


WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)
Let's go Spanky!

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore
I think Matt wins here but his issues with the Forsaken continue.

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan
Jericho gets involved and still sets up a Hogan/Jericho match, but Hogan's gotta Hogan and refuses to do the job, BROTHER.

 

[Roy Mustang]

Official Card for WWE Vengeance:
Date: 27th July 2003
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Event Music: Staind; Price to Play

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion, The Rock defends against;
Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle
*The Samoan Dynasty are banned from ringside*

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
*INSIDE A STEEL CAGE; PINFALL OR SUBMISSION ONLY*
World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. Los Guerreos
*Losing team must disband

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio (with FBI) vs. Spanky (with Rhyno)

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore

Singles Match:
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan

 

[EZ3]

...

WWE VENGEANCE
July 27, 2003 | Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado

***

The opening video package for the event leads with a voiceover telling us that life is a fleeting thing. At times, we take it for granted, thinking that tomorrow is promised, that our story has more chapters left in the book of our lives. However, nothing is guaranteed unless you are willing to take it. The music speeds up, showing clips of Kurt Angle carrying the WWE Championship back in January and February before it fades to black. It is then replaced by the celebrations held by The Rock when he captured the title and b-roll footage of him on the red carpet, title in hand, and travelling the world as a movie star. The voiceover says that for one man to prosper, another must falter. “It is lonely at the top, but that is the price we pay to be a champion.” The circle of life is made up of four parts: birth, rise, fall and what only happens when a man is determined, hungry to reclaim what was once his. The fourth stage is hidden deep within every human on the planet. When something is taken from you, when harm is done to you, when you are wronged… you must seek - VENGEANCE!
…

AND NOW; WWE PRESENTS A THURSDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN PRODUCTION, WWE VENGEANCE

PYRO

Amidst an avalanche of pyro, which is as over the top as you’d expect from an opening shot for a WWE pay-per-view, the cheers and shouts of the excited live crowd ring true. The men in the booth are SmackDown’s finest. Michael Cole welcomes us into the show, his voice carrying over beauty shots of the arena and the packed house in the Pepsi Center. Sitting alongside him is the ‘Human Suplex Machine’ Tazz, providing the colour commentary for the evening, as he does every Thursday Night on the blue brand. Both men share their readiness for the show; it’s been a long time since we’ve had a SmackDown exclusive event, dating back to Judgment Day in May.

Our announcers give the audience at home a quick rundown of what is on the card for this evening. Even though you’d have to have already purchased the event to hear this. There are three title matches on the card, headlined by the WWE Championship bout between The Rock and Kurt Angle. It’s a rematch of the Connecticut Screwjob - a main event clash that is nearly four months in the making. We’re also in for the seventh and final match in the series between World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros, where one team will emerge as the WWE Tag Team Champions and the other will be forced to disband forever. There’s so much action on the card that Cole can barely get through it as the camera begins to swing around for the entrances of the first competitors, Cole just getting out that we’ve also got the in-ring return of Hulk Hogan back to pay-per-view for the first time since WrestleMania! The time for talking is over… we’re kicking off with a title fight - NOW!

_____________________________________

**YOU CAN RUN**

The name of his theme tune is ironic considering the circumstances that BILLY KIDMAN faces tonight. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, who dominated the division before jumping up to the next level of competition, makes his way out to a decent pop. There’s a confident look in Kidman's eyes. This is his second shot at taking the title from Cena, but the first in which the champion will have nowhere to run. Kidman climbs the turnbuckle facing the hard camera, raising his fists in the air, calling on the crowd to let him hear their applause.

**BASIC THUGANOMICS**

All eyes turn to the entrance ramp for the arrival of the reigning King of the Ring, the WWE United States Champion, the man they call the ‘Man of the Hour’ - JOHN CENA. Flanked by his ‘OG’ to his left, Cena stomps out to the top of the stage, his title belt strapped around his waist, as he mean mugs the camera. He fist bumps with PAUL HEYMAN before unclipping the title and thrusting it high above his head, drawing heat from the fans in the building. As he walks to the ring, Cena’s year is recapped briefly by Michael Cole. He has been one of the fastest rising stars on SmackDown; he won the battle royale at WrestleMania, he beat Rikishi in the parking lot brawl at Judgment Day, and he defeated Eddie Guerrero and Kane on the same night to be crowned as the King of the Ring. He defeated Rey Mysterio to claim the title he now holds.

Once both men are in the ring, the theme for SmackDown kicks in, and we see most of the lower and mid-card parts of the roster make their way out to be lumberjacks. The most notable names in the bunch include Rey Mysterio, Rhyno, A-Train, the Samoan Death Squad & Big Show.

WWE United States Championship Match:
~ Lumberjack Match ~
King of the Ring, John Cena [c] (with Paul Heyman) vs. Billy Kidman

There’s a pause after the opening bell, neither stalling nor wasting time from the men in the ring. They take a moment to get the lay of the land with the lumberjacks, now an added factor that they are not used to having at ringside. They begin to circle the ring, Kidman throwing a few leg kicks out toward the centre of the ring, Cena swivels away and backs into a corner, shaking his head at the situation he’s stuck in, unable to roll to the outside and gain advice from his mentor. The cheers from the crowd are so loud that Cena can barely think straight. He looks to the outside of the ring, his eyes catching those held by his ‘OG’, but John Cena cannot get to him. All Paul Heyman can do is watch as his star pupil must go it alone tonight. He will sink or swim on his talents, and there is nothing that the Dangerous Alliance can do to save him. The first engagement favours Billy Kidman; he slides underneath a strike by Cena, pops back up with a duo of forearms to the face and hits a dropkick. Cena hits the deck, rolling to the ropes, he would fall to the outside normally… but the lumberjacks push him straight back into the ring, and into a standing moonsault by Kidman!

There is nowhere to hide for the WWE United States Championship as the lumberjacks continue to push him back in the fight throughout the match. Kidman can avoid a lot of the power moves that Cena goes for earlier on in the match, slipping out the back and snapping Cena down with a neckbreaker for a two count. The action stays fast-paced throughout the middle section of the bout. Kidman is naturally faster, and Cena grows frustrated as he keeps missing by an inch or two. That inch or two is enough to give Kidman multiple breaks, adding to Cena’s frustration, which only creates further mistakes on the champ’s part. A big turning point comes when Kidman executes a springboard back off the middle rope, only to eat a hard lariat by John Cena. With a smug look on his face, Cena takes a knee and tells the camera that it’s about to get serious. Cena pulls up his shorts, wipes the sweat from his brow and unloads on the challenger. As the action turns in favour of Cena, he grips Kidman by the wrist, sends him into the ropes, catches him with a boot to the stomach, and plants him with a gutwrench suplex for a two count.

Inching closer to the conclusion of the match, both men are down inside the ring, as the lumberjacks continue to slap the apron of the ring, hyping up the crowd along with them. The camera catches shots of Paul Heyman, one hand on his heart and the other in his mouth as he bites his fingernails, unable to assist his champion. Slowly, Kidman and Cena battle back to their feet, leaning against each other as they rise. They go forehead to forehead, pressing up against the other, until Cena launches a hard punch that stumbles Kidman. Back and forth, they slug it out… until Kidman launches himself off the canvas, hitting a headscissors takedown. They would take the battle to the top turnbuckle, much to the dismay of Paul Heyman on the outside. Both men straddle the top rope now, Kidman on the outer section, with Cena having him hooked for a superplex. This is a high-risk situation for both, and the announcers put over how one wrong move could be the end for either of them. With the struggle ongoing, Kidman battles out; he will stop fighting, this title means too much to him… and he bursts forward for the BK Bomb off the second rope! There’s a delay in the cover, Kidman seems stuck… he looks back, and Paul Heyman has forced his way to the apron and is holding his foot!

Kidman rolls to the outside of the ring, causing the lumberjacks to part like the Red Sea, and he has eyes only for Paul Heyman. Wagging a big finger in his face, Billy Kidman shouts that he has had enough of Heyman sticking his nose in title matches. There’s a split second in it as Kidman snatches Heyman by the collar and drives him with a right hand, sending the ‘OG’ crashing into the barricade, slumped like a dead seal. The crowd goes mad as Kidman goes back into the ring, hooking Cena by the head, but the champion pops up and strikes with the Attitude Adjustment! Out of nowhere, drawing heat from the fans, Cena recovers during the incident with Heyman on the outside and hits his finisher. It’s only good for a two-count. In an unexpected moment, Cena grabs Kidman’s leg, pulling it closer to him, flips him over and steps over into the STF! Cena has his hands gripped tight and wrenches back with all his might, draining the colour out of Kidman's face. The challenger scrambles, he’s looking for a way out, but there’s nothing there, the ropes are too far away, and he’s forced to submit.

Winner: And STILL WWE United States Champion - John Cena @ 14:12

He might be cocky and full of himself, but John Cena is still the man with the gold, and that is all that truly matters for himself and the Dangerous Alliance. Sitting with his back against the ropes, Cena clutches the title in his hands, knowing that he came awfully close to losing it after the BK Bomb off the second rope.

That distraction from Paul Heyman, who, on replay, is shown forcing his way forward, just getting his hand on Kidman’s foot to delay him, was enough to swing the tide back in Cena’s favour. Cena helps Heyman up, and the two men walk about halfway up the ramp before coming to a stop. Heyman rubs his jaw, forcing a smile through it as he proudly raises the hand of his client - knowing that the pain he feels now was worth it to keep the title with the Dangerous Alliance.

_____________________________________

In the backstage area, MEAN GENE is standing in front of a large ‘Vengeance’ logo with a microphone in his hand. We are going classic here with Mean Gene introducing his guest… his close personal friend, HULK HOGAN! Big pop from the live crowd when the Hulkster appears on the titantron, and he’s in his classic red and yellow, prepared to do battle with the World’s Strongest Man later in the evening. Mean Gene tees this up as only he can, thanking Hogan for being with him, citing the countless battles he has been in throughout the years, but ties it all together by asking if this is one battle too many. “Well, let me tell you something, Mean Gene!” Hogan flexes his muscles, poses and calls this the greatest challenge of his career.

“I’ve slayed giants, uncrowned kings, fought the very best in this land and the next, Mean Gene. They’ve all come and go, but the Hulkster has remained and stands here today ready to head to that ring and fight the right way.” He promises that this is not the end of the Hulkster. It’s a new beginning, for the first time since WrestleMania, in front of thousands in the Pepsi Centre, Hulk Hogan is going to walk out to that ring and pick the strongest man in the world up and slam him back down to the earth. He’s heavy breathing now, ranting about how he’s never met a challenge that he would run from. With Mean Gene standing by his side, Hogan has one question left for Mark Henry. “Whatcha gonna do, brother? When Hulkamania runs wild on you!”

_____________________________________

**MOORE-ON**

To a spike of boos from the audience, SHANNON MOORE slowly steps out onto the stage, his head down, covered by the black hoodie he wears. Gone are all signs of colour from his attire; his gear is now black with strips of red in it. During his entrance, Moore refuses to raise his head, keeping it tilted down to his feet, while walking to the ring. Once inside, Moore backs up against the turnbuckle, drops down to the canvas and awaits the arrival of his former best friend.

**LIVE FOR THE MOMENT**

You can bet your last dollar that the crowd is fired up now. Another man with new attire - gone are the mentions of ‘V1’ and the loading screen on his titantron. As the cheers come in, MATT HARDY throws up his hand gesture and points down to the ring at Moore. He has one thing on his mind: payback. Replacing his old ‘V1’ gear, Hardy now has a titantron that matches his new gear - ‘Stronger Than Death.’

Stepping through the ropes, Hardy eyes his opponent and mouths the words - “It didn’t have to be this way, Shannon.” From the canvas, Moore rises, removing his hoodie and showing off his punk style makeup (full 2006 transition minus the mohawk), and his famous blonde hair is now a darker shade. They come face to face, former friends, as the referee calls for the bell.

Singles Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Shannon Moore

There’s a certain level of pain in Matt Hardy at the beginning of this match. It’s not a physical pain. He’s hurt by what has become of the broken friendship. While Moore is alone tonight, Cole points out that we know he has been seduced by the words of ‘The Devil’ Steve Corino from Raw. Action kicks off in this bout. Moore fires the first shot with a set of punches and a kick to the stomach. Slapping Hardy across the back of the bed, Moore rushes toward the ropes, rebounding off them at great speed and hits an enzuigiri. The disciple of the Devil takes a knee for a moment, while Hardy shakes the cobwebs off on the outside of the ring, showing signs of doubt on his face. He has not thrown a signal strike against his old friend. In the next several minutes, Hardy and Moore wrestle a fairly standard match with one key point - Hardy does not strike Moore. He counters, blocks and evades, but Moore is not hit directly by Matt for the first portion of the contest.

As things begin to intensify, Moore slaps Matt across the face and shouts at him - “YOU’RE WEAK! YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN WEAK!” A second slap connects, causing Moore to laugh like a crazed lunatic, while Hardy stands in the ring solemnly. He’s thinking about all the memories, what they shared and realising, as he stands across from this kid shrouded in darkness, that he is lost. To a big pop, Hardy explodes forward and nails Moore with a clothesline. The former MF’er bounces back to his feet, then gets rocked again, this time by a front face lock bulldog. Jumping into the mount position, Hardy unloads with heavy punches to the face of his former friend, letting go of all the pain he has felt. Moore scrambles to the ropes, trying to get away, but Hardy executes a Russian leg sweep. To the applause of the audience, Hardy climbs onto Bret’s rope, aims his shot and leaps with the leg drop across the throat of Moore! That’s good enough for a two-count, with Moore just getting his shoulder off the mat.

Moving toward the finish of the match, both men had a fair showing for this pay-per-view bout. Matt Hardy now stands over Moore, but while Moore is selling on the mat, Hardy grabs a handful of hair and forces him off the canvas. A big knee to the stomach follows; he whips Moore into the corner and charges forward. Moore quickly slides to the ring apron, causing Hardy to hit the turnbuckle chest-first and stumble back. From the ring apron, Moore launches himself back in through the air with a springboard hurricanrana! It works perfectly - Hardy is woozy and unsure of his surroundings, stumbling right into Moore’s grip - TWIST OF FATE! Moore waves off the referee; he’s not going for the pin - he wants to win with his own move. Ascending to the top rope, Moore is perched for flight, and he begins to spit insults toward his opponent. “I never needed you, Matt!” In commentary, Tazz argues that Moore is talking way too long here. He’s taking too much time venting rather than putting this match away.

With his eyes consumed by hatred for the man on the mat, Moore fires his best shot. It’s the corkscrew senton bomb from the top rope, picture perfect in the execution… but he took too damn long! Hardy gets his knees up! It’s a tough landing for Moore as his ribs take the full impact of the combined strength of Matt Hardy’s knees to brace himself. The veteran gets back to his feet, shaking his leg a bit to sell his part in the counter. Eventually, Hardy grabs Shannon Moore by the arm, and they lock eyes for a moment. Matt Hardy yanks him in closer… front face lock, he shouts for the fans to rise… and hits the Twist of Fate! Without hesitation of his own, Matt Hardy hooks the leg and scores the three-count to put this match away. Matt Hardy has defeated Shannon Moore!

Winner: Matt Hardy @ 11:27

A battle of friendship has come to an end, and Matt Hardy walks away as the victor over his little MF’er. It was not a victory without sacrifice, breaking through the bonds of the memories they shared and the things that once bonded them like brothers. The camera focuses on Matt Hardy, who refuses to have his hand raised, brushing his hair out of his face whilst looking down at Moore’s body.

Cole and Tazz put over how challenging this must have been for Matt Hardy to battle his former friend. They credit the strength it took, as they both believe that Moore needed to have someone beat some sense into him after the last few weeks. Hardy exits the ring, never celebrating the victory, and can only throw a glance back to the ring at the man he once called a friend.

In the ring, Shannon Moore clutches at his ribs, glaring up the ramp at Hardy with hatred in his eyes. His makeup runs down his face, black eyeliner looking like his cheeks are oozing black poison. He struggles to his feet, one arm over the top rope as the camera fades to black.

_____________________________________

***
WWE SHOPZONE COMMERCIAL
***
_____________________________________

Back to the main feed, we see BROCK LESNAR and EDGE making their way into the building on a split screen earlier in the day. The response from the crowd is thunderous for two of the biggest stars in the entire company. They’ll meet later tonight with the chance to face the WWE Champion at SummerSlam on the line. Cole and Tazz are both convinced that this could be the match of the night. Cole puts over what is on the line for both men. On one hand, you have Brock Lesnar, the man who has been to the top of the mountain before. He has been chasing the chance to be the WWE Champion since he lost it at Survivor Series. On the other hand, you have Edge, the man who has never been World Champion, but this year has pushed himself further than ever before to take the next step. Only one can main event SummerSlam, and only one can challenge the WWE Champion - who will it be?

_____________________________________

HOGAN -V- HENRY VIDEO PACKAGE
~ On June 12, 2003, Hulk Hogan returned to SmackDown for the first time since just after WrestleMania. During this return, Mark Henry interrupts and assaults the Immortal in the ring, breaking his ribs in the process.
~ Over the next several weeks, Mark Henry gloats about ‘killing Superman’ and the destruction of Hulk Hogan.
~ Kevin Nash confronts Mark Henry inside Madison Square Garden, standing up for his fallen friend, and does battle with Henry in a Boiler Room Brawl. It’s a violent contest in which the World’s Strongest Man emerges victorious once again, continuing his dominance over SmackDown.
~ On July 10, 2003, Mark Henry opened SmackDown in Toronto, Canada. He delivered a promo full of insults toward Hogan, promising that this would be the end of the once legendary career. He had proved that even an Immortal bows to the strongest man in the world.
~ Hulk Hogan returned, battling back against Henry in the ring and driving him from the squared circle. As motivated as he has ever been, the Hulkster challenged Henry to a match at Vengeance, ready to prove that he still has life in his career.
***

** ECHO**

Back live into the arena, MARK HENRY menacingly steps out onto the stage, taking just a few steps forward as the camera shoots a shot from behind. His overwhelming size is on display, his broad shoulders captured from behind as the camera follows him down to the ring. During the walk to the ring, Cole and Tazz discuss how Henry has been on a tear since announcing to the world that he would not be disrespected any longer. He has allowed himself to be someone that the other wrestlers and fans think is here just to take part in the show. No more. Henry enters the ring, climbing the steel steps and mean-mugs the hard camera, awaiting the arrival of his opponent.

**REAL AMERICAN**

To a huge cheer from the audience, in a sea of red and yellow, HULK HOGAN strides onto the stage, showing no signs of fear or anxiousness - he looks and feels like he is exactly where he needs to be tonight. On his way to the ring, Hogan stops by a group of fans in the front row and points to their sign that reads - “HENRY FEARS HOGAN” - giving it a big thumbs up. As he makes his way up the steel steps, Hogan plays to the crowd, waving his arm around to gain a louder reaction, before he steps into the ring and classically rips his shirt. After throwing the ripped shirt into the crowd, Hogan turns, facing Henry for the first time, and wags a finger toward him - “You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, brother!”

!! World’s Strongest Man vs. The Immortal !!
Mark Henry vs. Hulk Hogan

The story of this match is told through the finish, which I’ve written in detail below. Throughout the early stages of the bout, Hulk Hogan cannot lift Mark Henry off his feet, which greatly restricts his attack options. Henry can use the bear hug twice in the match, focusing on hurting those previously damaged ribs that put Hogan on the shelf for all those weeks. The first time, Hogan can escape the bear hug by reaching the ropes, forcing a break by the referee. The next time it is applied, it’s far closer to being the end of the match. The referee sees that Hogan is fading and begins to check his arm, dropping it twice before Hogan shows life and boxes the ears of the World’s Strongest Man. They keep the match inside the ring, never going outside. Throughout the match, Mark Henry talks to Hogan and tells him that he doesn’t belong in the ring with an athlete like him. This is his world, and Hogan needs to surrender to him. As we move to the finish, Mark Henry has just hit World’s Strongest Slam for a super close near fall, a 2.9 count if there ever was one.

The Hulkster is down on the canvas, the crowd are trying to muster a rally for the fan favourite, but the end could be near. Henry lets out a primal roar, slapping his large chest, backing up into the ropes and rebounds off them with a big splash. His full body weight lands across the chest of Hulk Hogan in the middle of the ring. With a hook of the leg, Henry makes a cover, and the referee slides into position, …1 …2 …NO! In complete disbelief, Hogan kicks out of the splash and pops up to his knees. The Immortal is shaking, his fists uncontrollably moving back and forth, his eyes wide, looking toward the World’s Strongest Man. The camera focuses in on Henry, he can’t believe what he is seeing, delivering a follow-up forearm to the face of Hogan - which gets no reaction! Hulk Hogan begins to rise, as does this crowd, they are seeing him ‘Hulk-Up’ as he has done hundreds of times before, yet they still doubt what they are seeing. Hogan is back to a vertical base; he moves around the ring as the crowd chants his name, and Henry is stuck in one point, shaking his head, muttering to himself that this cannot be happening.

Three punches from Mark Henry land, but they are all no-sold by the Hulkster. “YOOOOOUUUUU!” The big finger point draws a huge pop from the audience as Hogan begins to fire back. One thunderous punch, then a second and finally a third, all of which are like shots from a cannon as Henry sells them by bouncing backward. Grabbing Henry by the wrist, Hogan whips him across the ring. He rebounds and eats a big boot, which puts the World’s Strongest Man on the mat! The camera goes to a wide shot, including the fans and the ring itself, as Hogan looks back and forth, asking them if it’s time. They roar with cheers, many on their feet, as the Hulkster makes his move and lands the big leg drop! He falls into the cover, a hand in the air, counting along with the referee and the audience, …1 … 2 …KICK OUT!! Mark Henry kicked out of the leg drop! Michael Cole is going wild in the live call - “HENRY KICKED OUT! I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE’VE JUST SEEN! HE KICKED OUT OF THE LEG DROP!”

There’s doubt building in the mind of Hogan and the fans in the arena now. Nobody kicks out of the leg drop, and especially not on pay-per-view. Hogan backs into the turnbuckle, looking at the man on the mat, thinking about what he must do to get this win. You can see the lightbulb go off in the Immortal’s mind. He begins to raise his hands, brings them back down, and repeats it over and over. “He’s calling for the slam! Hogan knows he has to slam Henry if he wants to win this match.” The call from Tazz is exactly what’s on the mind of Hogan. He has been trying all night to slam the big man, but hasn’t been able to do it. Drawing in the energy from the audience, the essence of Hulkamania itself, the Immortal shouts for Henry to get back up. The World’s Strongest Man is groggy; he has to use the ropes to get back up to his feet, and stumbles back into the arms of Hogan.

A big lift follows… only for Henry to block it and headbutt Hogan! They split for a moment, and Henry lands another strike, which stuns Hogan. Trading shots back and forth, neither wants to give an inch, but one must fall right now. Hogan rakes the eyes, because somehow he gets to do that and be a babyface for the entire 80’s and 90’s as well, but it gets the job done. Another big boot lands, Hogan bashes Henry with another set of punches, forcing him into the ropes, which he bounces off, giving momentum… AND HULK HOGAN LIFTS HENRY FOR THE BIG SLAM! Like Andre the Giant before him, Mark Henry is slammed by the Hulkster. The weight of the slam tears at the back of Hogan, pain etched over his face as he forces himself into the ropes, coming back with the ATOMIC LEG DROP! No pomp and circumstances this time - Hogan hooks a leg and allows the crowd to count by themselves, 1… 2… 3!!

Winner: Hulk Hogan @ 12:56

It was true in the 80’s, 90’s, and it is still true in 2003 - Hulkamania STILL runs wild all over the WWE. Hulk Hogan has defied the odds and defeated Mark Henry, the World’s Strongest Man, with a stunning victory. He was put on the shelf by Henry last month; his ribs were broken, shattered, and now Hulk Hogan stands triumphant in the ring at Vengeance.

Hogan poses in the ring briefly, getting through one of his trademark spots, when he pauses suddenly. Looking over the top rope, Hogan spots someone in the front row… the man who confronted him on SmackDown on Thursday. The camera pans over, and we see CHRIS JERICHO sipping a drink, looking unimpressed by what he has just seen. Hogan exits the ring, heads over to the barricade and slaps his own palm three times, points back toward the ring and tells Jericho - “That’s how it’s done, kid.”

In response, Jericho stands up, still holding his drink in his hand… before throwing it into the eyes of the Hulkster! To the horror of the fans, Jericho jumps the barricade and rams Hulk Hogan face-first into the steel ring post. The boos are flowing as Jericho drives his boot into the back of Hogan, forcing him toward the announce desk, like a hyena on the attack. Once Jericho has positioned Hogan near the announce desk, he rips the top cover off and pulls out a television monitor. A wild look in his eyes… JERICHO SMASHES THE MONITOR OFF THE SKULL OF HOGAN! The Hulkster drops to the ground and is busted open by the point of the monitor. Cole and Tazz are outraged by this attack, calling Jericho a Raw superstar who has no place on a SmackDown event, let alone jumping the barricade to attack someone who just had a match. Jericho drops the monitor as security arrives, taking a final moment to grab Hogan by the head, holding him for the camera, and saying - “That doesn’t work for me, brother.”

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**VIDEO PACKAGE**

The video package opens on an empty road that cuts through a desert. There’s nobody in sight for the first few seconds.

Narrator: The long road to destiny goes through many twists and turns.

At the end of the road, through a heat wave, we see a man in black with a cowboy hat, walking toward us.

Narrator: You can never be sure what path you will be forced down to achieve your goals and chase your dreams, especially where some would stand in your way.

The man in black is closer now, revealing that it’s Stone Cold Steve Austin. The lone gunslinger walking down the hot desert road.

Austin comes to a stop as a tumbleweed rolls across the road.

Narrator: There are no beach balls, no umbrellas, no pool parties… this isn’t your grandfather’s party for summer.

From across the desert, a black mustang zooms across the landscape, kicking up sand and tearing it up. Steve Austin doesn’t flinch an inch as it drifts toward him, coming to a stop just ahead on the road.

The car door opens, and Goldberg exits the vehicle. The two men walk toward each other, eyeing the other with great focus.

The SummerSlam logo then zooms across the screen with the sound of a mustang’s engine revving, and a tumbleweed rolling across afterwards.

Narrator: Live from the America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona… WWE presents the BIGGEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER… the sixteenth annual SUMMERSLAM!!

WWE Presents: SummerSlam
LIVE from the America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona
August 24th, 2003 - [A CO-BRANDED event]

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Backstage, JOSH MATHEWS conducts an interview with KURT ANGLE - who receives a massive cheer when he appears on the big screen out in the arena. He’ll challenge for the WWE Title later in the evening, aiming to claim it back after the screwjob earlier in the year. Mathews focuses on the build to the main event, citing Angle’s return as one of the great moments on SmackDown this year, but concludes by mentioning the brutal guitar shot the gold medalist took just three nights ago during The Rock’s concert.

Kurt Angle claims to be okay and won’t be using any attack on SmackDown as an excuse. He’s here for one reason, and that’s to become the WWE Champion. He has thought about this moment for months, and there is nothing that could have stopped him from showing up tonight. Angle claims that he could’ve been hit by a truck, and he would’ve found a way to crawl his way to the building tonight. All he needs is one shot; he just needs to catch The Rock in the ankle lock one time, and he vows to break the damn thing and win the title at the same time.

The number one contender knows that The Rock is one of the very best in the business. You don’t hold the title for as long as he has without being great. However, he has no help from his cousins tonight. It’s going to be Angle and Rock in the ring, by themselves, and when it has been the two of them solo, Angle reminds everyone that he has always come out on top this year.

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**HEY YOU**

Charging onto the stage, SPANKY looks ready, bouncing up and down, hyping up the fans on each side of the arena, before settling at the top of the ramp. It’s noticed by Cole and Tazz that Spanky can barely contain his excitement. This is his first big pay-per-view match, and it’s for the WWE Cruiserweight Title, a chance of a lifetime in just a few minutes for the young superstar. Before making the walk down the ramp, Spanky is joined by RHYNO. Together, they head to the ring, Rhyno shouting “C’MON!” as they approach.

**FULL BLOODED ITALIAN**

In stark contrast to the applause for the previous entry, there is nothing but disdain for the arrival of the FBI. With his two thugs leading out in front - CHUCK PALUMBO and JOHNNY STAMBOLI - the leader of the group, the self-appointed Don of the WWE, and the reigning WWE Cruiserweight Champion, NUNZIO follows. Wearing his now-famous leather jacket, Nunzio chews on a toothpick, his hair slicked back, as he walks to the ring, eyeing off those in the crowd who boo him. Without hesitation, Nunzio flips off the dissenting voices, showing them the same disrespect back as he receives.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Nunzio [c] vs. Spanky

The fourth contest of the night is an action-packed encounter with the gold on the line. Nunzio and Spanky do the most that they possibly can with the time they have, which is just short of nine minutes from the moment the bell rings. Nunzio’s aim in the first segment of the match is to keep Spanky grounded, working his in-ring skill to target the leg of Spanky, which will also slow the man down. We see Nunzio snatch the leg of Spanky early on, executing a dragon screw with serious venom. He gets up laughing, slapping at the head of Spanky and flipping off Rhyno on the outside. With control of the ring, Nunzio tells the referee that he’s going to take his time with this one, he’s in no rush and lets his fellow members of the FBI know that this is light work for the champ. He continues to work the leg, dropping elbows, knees, and hitting a DDT-like move on the leg hooked under his armpit.

This creates an interesting story of the match where Spanky is forced to fight back on one leg, much slower than he would normally be and having to fight through the pain of joints that are damaged. The arrogance of Nunzio could be his undoing on this night. He stalks the prone challenger, sweeping at his damaged leg… until Spanky cracks him with a backhand chop. That stings the champion, and Spanky launches himself with a springboard forearm smash!! He’s done it on one leg, fighting back to his feet, struggling to put weight on the leg that has been worked over. The crowd cheers Spanky on as he battles back, hitting a combination of moves, including a neckbreaker, bulldog, a set of arm drags and finally a big cross body from the top rope that scores him a two count, almost enough to claim the title.

Nearing the end of the match, both men are down on the canvas after a tough battle with twists and turns throughout. Chaos erupts on the outside, after a signal from Nunzio - a motion with his fingers from the canvas, his hand raising in the air for the FBI members to see. They attempt to snatch the title belt, but are confronted by Rhyno. The Man Beast guards the title belt with his life, refusing to allow the FBI to use it to cheat during this match. They attempt to take it, and Rhyno sees them off, fighting two men at once, generating a huge pop from the crowd. In a big moment, Rhyno runs at both men, one shoulder hitting each of them, nailing the GORE!!

He took out both members of the FBI on the outside and shouted toward the ring - “Come on, Spanky! You got this!” Unfortunately, the fortunes of his associate are not as favourable as Rhyno’s are on the outside of the ring. Amidst the chaos, with both champion and challenger pulling back and forth in the tug of war of this title fight. Spanky goes for the Sliced Bread #2, but Nunzio clutches the ring ropes and pulls himself free of the grip! Spanky lands on his feet… HIS KNEE BUCKLES IN AN INSTANT! Nunzio snatches him by the arm… AND HITS THE JUMPING DDT!! That’s all it takes, as the champ makes the cover and gets the three count.

Winner: And STILL WWE Cruiserweight Champion - Nunzio @ 08:34

A rush of boos fills the arena for the WWE Cruiserweight Champion - he’s retained the title again tonight. Nunzio leans against the ropes with the title belt now in his hands, the referee handing it to him before raising his hand in the air. With a smirk on his face, Nunzio rolls out of the ring, holding the title close to his chest as he hurries up the ramp. He has no intention of waiting for his fellow FBI members, who are still down at ringside, selling the impact of the Gore from Rhyno.

While Nunzio heads up the ramp, Rhyno checks on his friend inside the ring. Spanky cannot stand by himself, having to be helped by Rhyno - they stand as one to some cheers from the crowd. Rhyno taps his friend on the shoulder, letting him know what a good job he did tonight and that he was “this close” to getting the title as his own. Spanky can’t help but have a disappointed look on his face; if only his knee didn’t give out at the last moment. There are a lot of ‘What Ifs’, and for Spanky, the ending to this match will stay with him for many months to come.

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Backstage, PAUL HEYMAN is nervously standing inside a locker room, a television monitor displaying the previous match playing in the corner. Heyman is alone for the moment, clutching something in his pocket, which is unseen from the camera. Only a few moments later, SHELTON BENJAMIN and CHARLIE HAAS join Heyman in the room - there’s a feeling of unease on display as all three men stand together. Heyman tells the World’s Greatest that he hopes they had the chance to see what John Cena did earlier in the night. He describes it as “going out and doing business” and praises Cena for his will to win and ability to take on any challenge ahead of him. Slowly, Heyman fiddles with whatever is in his pocket. Benjamin is the first to speak from the World’s Greatest. He says that things haven’t been going as planned between the three men in this room. “We find ourselves in this situation now, tied 3-3 and at risk of losing everything; we need to be united.”

Haas agrees, reaching out and placing a hand on Heyman’s shoulder. “We want you out there with us, Paul. Will you join us again?” There’s an evil smirk that appears on the face of the ‘OG’ as he continues to fiddle with the item in his pocket… still hidden. In response, Heyman accepts the offer, uniting this portion of the Dangerous Alliance for the first time in a few weeks. Heyman will be at ringside for the seventh match in the series, and says he has a plan to guarantee victory for them.

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EDGE -V- LESNAR VIDEO PACKAGE
There can only be ONE is the theme of the video package. It opens with No Way Out 2003, where Edge challenged for the WWE Title against Kurt Angle, and Brock Lesnar acted as the special guest enforcer. Soundbites of Edge voicing his frustration in the following months about the finish of that match, including his focus on Lesnar failing to do his job that night. It jumps forward to Judgment Day, the night Edge and Lesnar had to team up, and they defeated Big Show and A-Train. Clips then show the uneasy alliance that has spanned since that night - including the six-man tag team victory at King of the Ring alongside Kurt Angle against the Samoan Dynasty.

Then, clips of the triple threat number one contenders match are shown, with Lesnar tapping out to the ankle lock. A voiceover by Edge plays to shots of Lesnar still on the mat; he blames Lesnar for the match ending and says he’s not as tough as he claims to be. In rapid succession, we see the fistfights that have occurred over the last month between Lesnar and Edge. The way this match has turned into a feud, this professional alliance has turned sour. Clips of Lesnar hitting the F5 on the security team from SmackDown, Edge hitting Brock with the steel chair, and the two men being pulled away from each other by security. The video package comes to an end with both men saying there can only be ONE. One winner. One challenger for the title. One man to headline SummerSlam - we find out who that is next!

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**NEXT BIG THING**

The voice of the Tazz echoes over the broadcast with the famous… “WELL, HERE COMES THE PAIN!” From behind the curtain, to a hugely positive response from the crowd, BROCK LESNAR emerges and looks ready for a fight. His face is as cold as steel, his focus on one thing - to become the number one contender and reclaim his WWE Title. Lesnar paces, taking it all in, focusing on the squared circle at the bottom of the ramp once he comes to a stop. Lesnar eventually heads down to the ring, jumping from the floor to the ring apron, setting on a set of pyro from the corners, before entering into his field of battle with a score to settle.

**YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME**

After the initial pop, the crowd only grows in their cheers, for what is to be a rare babyface against babyface match. Cole says that this man has become one of the hottest stars on SmackDown this year, taking the next step up from the tag team/midcard division to be a main event-level talent. From within the smoke of his entrance, EDGE races out onto the ramp and fires up the crowd. He has a lot of energy; his blood must be racing as he prepares for another milestone match in his career.

This is the chance that Edge has been waiting for since February, a chance to become the number one contender in a singles match and then earn a title shot one-on-one. There’s determination in his eyes as Edge marches down to the ring, ripping his jacket off about halfway down the ramp, and sliding underneath the bottom rope… charging right at Brock Lesnar - we are underway!

!! WINNER FACES THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM !!
Number One Contendership Match:
Edge vs. Brock Lesnar

Some may call this the biggest match on the card. On one side of the ring, Lesnar is forward back into a corner by the incoming Edge, unloading a quick onslaught of attacks by surprise. The referee has to jump in, forcing them to part, until Brock drives his forearm into the side of Edge’s head. Then, he grabs Edge and throws him overhead with a suplex. The power of Brock is on show, carrying Edge around the ring with ease and smashing him down with great power. Edge would gain control after he evades a running attack in one of the corners. He slips free, hangs Brock’s neck against the top rope as he drops down to the ringside floor.

The majority of this match is evenly split - Edge eats the F5 for a close two count, getting his foot on the bottom rope - unable to actually kick out of the move. Brock would introduce the ‘Brock Lock’ for the first time, as called by Tazz. Edge’s best moments included him hitting his specialised DDT on the outside floor, temporarily knocking Lesnar out cold, and it was only due to Brock’s excessive muscle mass that he struggled to get him back into the ring for a three count. The finale of this encounter went both ways, each man on the verge of victory, until one finally put the match away.

Edge stands back up, shouting at Lesnar to come and get some more, stomping his feet in anger as the sounds of victory ring in his ears. With the crowd behind him, Edge knocks Lesnar down with a clothesline, and has to quickly strike again as his opponent pops right back up, even late into the match. A swinging neckbreaker by Edge puts the former WWE Champion down for a delayed period. He backs up toward the corner, climbs the ropes, and perches himself on the top turnbuckle, his eyes on target to deliver a big shot. All he can do is wait… Lesnar pushes himself off the mat, shaking the cobwebs from his head, and rises.

He turns around just as Edge launches himself from the top rope with a missile dropkick! Lesnar is hit with it and goes flat back to the canvas, while Edge scrambles to the corner, one arm draped over the ring rope… THE FANS ALL RISE! Once more, Brock fights back to his feet… EDGE RUSHES FORWARD FOR THE SPEAR … NOBODY IS HOME! Lesnar leap frogs the spear, causing Edge to almost collide with the turnbuckle. Edge quickly turns back toward his opponent, and Lesnar scoops him up for the F5! There’s a struggle; neither man wants to lose this match… and Edge rubs his wrist tape across the eyes of Brock.

Lesnar still has Edge in the fireman’s carry as he stumbles around the ring, blinded slightly, and he attempts the F5 regardless. Edge twists free… HIS LEGS HIT THE REFEREE AS HE SPINS OUT!! Down goes the official! In the meantime, Lesnar rubs his eyes, trying to clean them out from the wrist tape that was rubbed against them. He sticks an arm out, searching for the ring rope, until EDGE SPLITS HIM IN HALF WITH A SPEAR! Edge has caught Brock with the spear, he dives into the corner, and the crowd counts 1… 2… 3!! Edge opens his eyes, looking around the ring, and realises that the referee is NOT COUNTING! The zebra is still down, and it’s just the fans counting the visual pinfall that Edge has scored, which is not an official count. He slaps the mat in frustration, rolling off Brock and checks on the referee. The pleas of the Canadian are caught on camera - “Wake up! Come on, I’ve got him beat. This can’t happen to me again! Damn it!” It’s like a replay of No Way Out as Edge turns back to Lesnar, who is starting to rise across the ring.

The only thing he can do is hit him again. Edge backs into the corner, pulling his hair in frustration, knowing that this is his moment. A main event at SummerSlam is on the line right now. Edge waits… Lesnar begins to turn… AND EDGE HITS THE SPEAR FOR THE SECOND TIME! Only this time, Brock keeps rolling and falls to the outside of the ring, as Edge’s hand reaches out in despair. The referee slowly stands as well, shaking his head, recovering from the knock he took. All he finds is Edge lying on the canvas, his right hand between his teeth as he bites down in utter madness. “It’s happening again! I have to win… I have to win!” To the outside, we move. Edge grabs Brock and moves him into the ring, using every ounce of strength he has in his body. His eyes glance over to the timekeeper’s area, and the sight of a steel chair sparkles in his eye. As if calling to him, Edge moves toward the steel chair, picks it up and holds it in front of himself. Cole and Tazz are quick to point out that this is not a no-disqualification match. If Edge uses this chair, he’ll lose the match and the chance at a title shot.

The referee slips to the outside of the ring, and he warns Edge that he cannot use the chair. Slowly, Edge turns his head, his eyes glancing from the chair to the referee as if those are the only two things in this world. That chair has brought him so much favour before - it must be the thing that helps him ascend to the WWE Title. To a huge roar from the crowd, Edge pushes past the referee and enters the ring with the steel chair in his hand. It’s like he’s possessed, he’s had this match won twice, but circumstances have robbed him of victory, and now Edge can’t see anything but the use of the chair - just as he did against The Undertaker - as the path to victory.

Michael Cole describes it as a poisoned chalice - “He can’t win this way! Edge has to realise this before he does something he regrets.” Edge is warned repeatedly, the referee is going nuts trying to convince him to put the chair down, but Edge can’t, or won’t, listen to him. The internal demons are fighting amongst themselves - he feels everything is working against him, the scars of No Way Out have opened. All his success before it came from the steel chair; if he uses the chair, he’ll be able to pin Brock… but he can’t win that way! He charges at Brock with the chair… AND LESNAR DUCKS THE SHOT!!

Brock drives his boot into the stomach of Edge, causing the steel chair to spill from his hands and fall to the canvas. He whips Edge across the ring and nails him with a back body drop, sending the Canadian through the air. As he scrambles toward the ropes, Brock picks up the steel chair - raising it in the air for the crowd to respond with a cheer. Lesnar shakes his head, tossing it to the outside - “I don’t need this.” He stalks his opponent, once again striking Edge in the ribs, scooping him up onto his shoulders… AND NAILS THE F5! For the second time in the bout. Brock turns him over, hooks both legs as the referee locks in the three count to send him to SummerSlam!!

Winner: Brock Lesnar @ 16:06
*BROCK LESNAR WILL FACE THE WWE CHAMPION AT SUMMERSLAM*

We have one half of the main event of SummerSlam set for SmackDown. The Next Big Thing will repeat as the challenger for the WWE Championship twelve months later at the event where his career took off. Cole and Tazz discuss the implications for later tonight - it’ll either be a trilogy against The Rock, or it’ll be the WrestleMania 19 main event that never was with Kurt Angle. Either way, Brock Lesnar is going to SummerSlam as the number one contender for the WWE Championship. Inside the ring, Brock calmly has his hand raised by the referee, not overly emotional as he takes a moment to look around at the fans in the arena. Many are supporting him, and he raises his fists to a loud cheer, exiting the ring after and walking up the ramp.

Whilst the attention is on Brock… we see Edge sulk against the barricade on the floor outside of the ring. His head is in his hands, beating his fists against his skull - “ARGH!!” Cole and Tazz make a point to show that Edge got a visual pinfall on Brock Lesnar after hitting the spear, and the fans counted to three, which would’ve been more had Edge not got off him. They discuss Edge’s mental state and the zone he went into when everything started to go wrong in the match, even though he still had control. Cole recounts that it’s the same mindset he went to when The Undertaker denied his challenge earlier in the year. The camera remains on Edge, sitting on the outside, swaying back and forth, contained in his own madness.

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WWE Presents: Unforgiven
LIVE from the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania
September 21st, 2003 - [A Monday Night Raw EXCLUSIVE event]

_____________________________________

We return to the live feed inside the General Manager’s office with Stephanie McMahon. She has a pleased look on her face, impressed by the action that has occurred thus far tonight. There’s a knock at the door, she welcomes them to come in and is greeted by a surprise. Standing across from her, a smile on his face… is SHANE MCMAHON! Her own brother, who hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since March during the build to Hogan vs. Mr. McMahon, is back on SmackDown!

Shane asks why his sister looks so shocked to see him, this is after all, the WWE and last time he checked, his name was McMahon. Stephanie states that it’s just unexpected; she wasn’t aware her brother was going to be visiting the show tonight. That’s where Steph is wrong. Shane smirks and informs Steph that he’s not visiting, he’s been watching SmackDown from home for the last few months, and he feels that it needs a new perspective, someone with a vision, other than his little sister. Steph doesn’t take too kindly to that and tells Shane that she has run the show just fine. He interrupts - “Exactly, it’s fine. But don’t worry, little sis, your big brother is back, and I’ll see you Thursday for some on-the-job training.”

Sarcastically raising his eyebrows, Shane McMahon chuckles as he makes his exit from the office. The camera remains on Stephanie, looking very annoyed at the prospect of having to deal with her brother every week.

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WORLD’S GREATEST -V- LOS GUERREROS VIDEO PACKAGE
~ On March 30, 2003, the World’s Greatest Tag Team defeats Los Guerreros to win the WWE Tag Team Titles on the grandest stage of them all - WrestleMania 19 with Paul Heyman as their newly minted manager.
~ On May 18, 2003, they had a rematch in a Ladder Match - dubbed the Ladder War in various online newsletters - where the World’s Greatest once again came away with the victory, retaining their titles.
~ June 12, 2003, on Thursday Night SmackDown, with no road to a title opportunity clear for them, Eddie Guerrero put it all on the line. He challenged the World’s Greatest to a Best of Seven Series for the WWE Tag Team Titles - winner take all - losing team must disband FOREVER! With the chance to remove Los Guerreros as a challenger, World’s Greatest accepted it, and over the next 7 weeks, put on one of the greatest wrestling clinics of all time.
~ June 19, 2003, MATCH ONE; World’s Greatest Tag Team defeat Los Guerreros (1-0 WGTT).
~ June 26, 2003, MATCH TWO; World’s Greatest Tag Team defeat Los Guerreros after Charlie Haas hit Chavo Guerrero with the title belt and applied the Haas of Pain (2-0 WGTT).
~ July 3, 2003, MATCH THREE; Los Guerreros defeat World’s Greatest Tag Team after Paul Heyman accidentally throws the title belt to Chavo Guerrero, who uses it to knock out Charlie Haas (2-1 WGTT).
~July 10, 2003, MATCH FOUR; World’s Greatest Tag Team defeat Los Guerreros after a FORTY-FIVE MINUTE match that is called the best of the series, and one of the finest tag team matches in the history of the WWE (3-1 WGTT). Los Guerreros must win every match from here on out; otherwise, they are forced to disband.
~ July 17, 2003, MATCH FIVE; Los Guerreros defeat World’s Greatest Tag Team in just 59 seconds, thanks to a cradle pin with Chavo grabbing the ropes (3-2 WGTT).
~ July 24, 2003, MATCH SIX; Los Guerreros defeat World’s Greatest Tag Team after Eddie Guerrero hits the Frog Splash on Shelton Benjamin (3-3 SERIES TIED).
~ July 27, 2003, MATCH SEVEN; World’s Greatest Tag Team versus Los Guerreros - live on pay-per-view at VENGEANCE!! The five-month rivalry comes to a close, and for the final time, they will do battle, this time inside a STEEL CAGE!

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Back to ringside for the co-main event of the evening…

**VIVA LA RAZA**

As the camera moves to the entrance ramp, it takes a quick circle of the STEEL CAGE that has been lowered around the ring. At the top of the ramp, driving out in a custom low rider, perhaps for the final time together, is EDDIE and CHAVO GUERRERO! You can see the emotion on their faces, the nephew and uncle pair that has captured the hearts of so many throughout the years, as they pull up on the stage. They exchange a hug before exiting the vehicle and firing up the crowd, telling them to stand up and make some noise.

Cole tells the fans that what we have seen over the last seven weeks has been one of the best feuds in tag team wrestling, in terms of in-ring competition. He reminds us of the two excellent pay-per-view matches that these teams have had already - the bout at Mania 19 and the ladder match at Judgment Day. This is the third time this year they’ll clash on pay-per-view and the ninth overall. As they reach the ring, Eddie brushes his palm against the steel cage, knowing that someone is likely to shed blood against the chainlink fence.

**HEROES (WORLD’S GREATEST)**

The World’s Greatest are indeed led out by Paul Heyman - a rare sight since they had issues a few weeks ago on SmackDown. It’s do or die tonight for both teams, and Heyman is where he needs to be, standing alongside his tag team champions. With the title belts around their waists, SHELTON BENJAMIN and CHARLIE HAAS have black and gold jackets with ‘Dangerous Alliance’ written on the back of them. Heyman is quick to point out the steel cage, telling his team that it’s just a structure, don’t fear it, you control what happens in there - don’t let it control you.

Before the World’s Greatest enters the cage, they have one last team meeting with Paul Heyman, all three men leaning in with their foreheads touching. Benjamin and Haas slap each other in the face, making sure they are ready for a fight, and then they close the door behind them!

!! STEEL CAGE MATCH !!
WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
~BEST OF SEVEN: MATCH 7 (Series Tied 3-3)~
~ PINFALL OR SUBMISSION IS THE ONLY WAY TO WIN ~
World’s Greatest Tag Team [c] vs. Los Guerreos
*Losing team must disband*

For the final time, World’s Greatest and Los Guerreros collide in tag team action. It’s the seventh match in the series, and the first under steel cage rules. When the door shuts, they square off, two against two, all four men taking in the roar of the audience. One of the best feuds of the year is coming to an end here at Vengeance. It’s an old-fashioned brawl when the bell sounds, each man throwing strikes against their counterpart on the opposite team. There’s a fair amount of blood in the match. Both Shelton Benjamin and Eddie Guerrero shed blood, with the latter going a tad too deep on his blade job, causing his face to be a heavy crimson mask.

The high spots include a big dive from Shelton down onto the rest of those involved in the contest. Shelton Benjamin climbs to the top of the cage, looking down at the three men below, inside the cage, and… LEAPS OFF ONTO ALL THREE MEN FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!! All four men are down inside the ring as the chants of ‘Holy Shit’ erupt from the audience. Another major spot in the match sees a doomsday spot with Haas and Eddie hitting a powerbomb on Chavo, while he has Shelton hooked for a superplex. The action goes for twenty-plus minutes, until we move to the finish, where Paul Heyman has his say in who wins this bout.

On the outside of the cage, Paul Heyman continues to fiddle with the item in his pocket. He’s been unable to remove his hand from that suit pocket since he came out to the ring, and was seen playing with it while backstage as well. Finally, Heyman presses his other hand on the cage, shouting at Charlie Haas to look at him. One half of the tag champions turns, his body exhausted, the punishment of the cage showing on his body, cuts and bruises all over his back, as he crawls toward the voice calling for him. Once Haas arrives, we see Heyman place an item in the hand of Haas through the gap in the cage’s fence. We don’t immediately know what the item is until Haas and Eddie Guerrero begin to fight back in the middle of the ring. A stiff German suplex by Charlie Haas lands, forcing Eddie to roll toward the ropes, while Shelton Benjamin hits a superkick on Chavo Guerrero. The World’s Greatest double team, the nephew of Los Guerreros, and suddenly, as the crowd boos loudly, we see Charlie Haas begin to pull at the hand of Chavo. The camera zooms in… finally catching what the item is… AS HAAS HANDCUFFS CHAVO GUERRERO TO THE STEEL CAGE!!

Chavo Guerrero is unable to stop the handcuffing as the World’s Greatest drives their boots into his body. It takes a moment or two after they step away, looking at their handiwork, for Chavo Guerrero to rise and attempt to walk forward. Shock appears on his face as his right wrist is firmly locked in the handcuff, which is around the cage itself. Chavo begins to shake his head, pulling with all his might at the handcuff, using everything he has to try to break it. He shakes the fence itself, punching the chain in the handcuff, screaming out in frustration - he’s stuck. Across from him, Benjamin and Haas are smiling, both men leaning against the other, dried blood on the face of Shelton Benjamin from when he hit the metal bar at the edge of the cage. The reigning WWE Tag Team Champions can take their sweet time now, as they ignore the handcuff man and turn to face Eddie Guerrero. The older of the two, Eddie, is leaning against the ropes across from Chavo, his own face a crimson mask, an utter mess in this match.

Eddie Guerrero realises what the situation is as the World’s Greatest motion to his nephew. Charlie Haas points to the handcuffs - “HE CAN’T HELP YOU! STAY DOWN, EDDIE!” In response, Eddie slowly rises to his feet. He grits his teeth and screams aloud - “VIVA LA RAZA!!” The fight is on! It’s two on one, Eddie Guerrero against both WWE Tag Team Champions in the fight of his life. Eddie clocks Shelton first with a forearm, pushing him toward Chavo, who wraps his legs around him! Eddie battles back against Charlie Haas; they trade moves for a minute, until Eddie hits a spinning DDT, planting Charlie Haas on the mat. Chavo Guerrero is holding onto Shelton Benjamin like his tag team life depends on it - and it likely does! Eddie wipes the blood from his eyes, does his shimmy, and climbs to the top rope, his back against the steel cage as the crowd goes wild. Eddie Guerrero, covered in blood, a crimson mask on his face, leaps from the top rope… AND HITS THE FROG SPLASH! He hooks the leg… 1… 2… BENJAMIN BREAKS IT UP!! We see a replay of Benjamin just breaking free at the last second. Chavo can only collapse in despair at his strength giving out.

A running knee from Shelton connects to Chavo. He steps back and fires another superkick, completely dropping Chavo as his arm hangs from the cage in handcuffs. Benjamin is giving orders now, telling Haas that they have to put this away. They’ve been through too much to allow this to slip through their fingers, and Haas agrees. What follows is an iconic finish for an iconic tag team feud, as Benjamin and Haas, with Eddie isolated, proceed to send this feud off with the epic finale it deserves. Charlie Haas hits a set of rolling German suplexes, keeping his hands locked the entire time, and Benjamin hits a superkick each time Haas comes up, directly to the face of Guerrero.

After that, Benjamin ascends the top rope, and Haas lifts Eddie onto his shoulders… DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! They wave the referee off, refusing to go for the pin. Haas rips Eddie up off the mat, kicks him in the gut… TWIST OF FATE?! Shelton is again perched on the top rope… SWANTON BOMB! They again wave the referee off - this time Haas hits a backbreaker, holding Eddie across his knee as Shelton hits a flying elbow drop to the head - DECAPITATION ALA DEMOLITION!!

For the fourth time, Benjamin and Haas wave the referee off, shoving him away and pulling a defeated Eddie to his feet with fire in their eyes. The cries of Chavo are heard across the ring, pleading with them to stop - he knows this is over. Cole and Tazz are calling for the match to stop, but the WWE Tag Team Champions refuse to end it. They rip Eddie off the canvas again, he shows no ability to fight back, and connects with the SPIKE PILEDRIVER ALA TULLY AND ARN! Slowly, Shelton Benjamin stands up, looking at Charlie and holds up one finger, which gets a nod. Benjamin walks over to the corner, climbs up… AND DOES THE GUERRERO SHIMMY!! The heat is ungodly as BENJAMIN FLIES THROUGH THE AIR WITH THE GUERRERO FROG SPLASH! Haas demands the referee counts… 1… 2… 3!!

Winners: And STILL WWE Tag Team Champions - World’s Greatest Tag Team @ 21:54
*LOS GUERREROS MUST NOW DISBAND FOREVER*

The match is finally OVER!! The cage door opens for Paul Heyman, who carries in the WWE Tag Team Titles, one in each hand, presenting them to his champions. They remain on their knees, embraced by Heyman as the referee checks on the losers of the match. Benjamin looks down at his gold, through eyes flicked with blood, and fights to his feet, raising the title high. Next to him, Charlie Haas pulls himself off the mat, a hand on the top rope and staggers into position next to his team.

While the fans shower them with boos, Haas and Benjamin climb the steel cage and take a seat on the top grate. Meanwhile, the referee assists with removing the handcuffs from Chavo and gets Eddie Guerrero out of the ring so the medical team can check him. It’s the final time they’ll ever team, and Chavo Guerrero has great concern for his uncle. The tale of this match will live forever, Cole and Tazz declaring it another classic. Paul Heyman stands in the middle of the ring, his arms outstretched, pointing toward both Benjamin and Haas sitting atop the steel cage, title belts in their hands - victorious.

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**VIDEO PACKAGE**
THE WWE DRAFT 2003
LIVE FROM THE MCI CENTER IN WASHINGTON, DC

WWE DRAFT | THE LOTTERY RETURNS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2003
!! THE LANDSCAPE OF THE WWE WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER !!
A 3-HOUR SPECIAL EVENT ON MONDAY NIGHT RAW

_____________________________________

Backstage, we find EDGE storming out of the building through the parking lot, his bag over his shoulder, still in a fury from his loss. Kevin Kelly attempts to catch him for an interview, but Edge shoves him to the ground, shouting that he’s not in the mood to have a mic shoved in his face.

Edge opens his car door, throws his bag into the car and gets into the front seat. The engine of the car revs, and then speeds off into the night, kicking up smoke as it leaves. Kevin Kelly stumbles back to his feet, dusting himself off and throws it back to ringside.

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THE ROCK -V- KURT ANGLE - WWE CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEO PACKAGE
Clips from early January/February, when Kurt Angle was the reigning WWE Champion, suffering from a neck injury, which would put him out for weeks at a time. Under the orders of Mr McMahon, the WWE Title is defended one final time before WrestleMania 19 - in the Connecticut Screwjob - where The Rock steals the title and forms the Samoan Dynasty alongside his cousins. We hear a voice of The Rock claiming to be the greatest champion of all time, as both a movie star and wrestling superstar.

Then, in the lead-up to King of the Ring, Kurt Angle returns to SmackDown and joins forces with Edge and Brock Lesnar. The trio would defeat the Samoan Dynasty at King of the Ring, in Newcastle, England, when Angle made The Rock submit to the Ankle Lock. This was his first loss since returning to the WWE in February 2003 at No Way Out. From there, Angle became the number one contender when he defeated Edge and Lesnar in a triple threat match in Madison Square Garden. Over the last few weeks, Angle and The Rock have traded jabs on the microphone and physically. During the contract signing for this match, Angle put The Rock through a table with the Angle Slam. Just three days ago, The Rock smashed a guitar over the head of Angle during his ‘Rock in Concert’ performance.

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**MEDAL**

A huge pop greets KURT ANGLE, and the number one contender soaks up the reaction - dressed in his classic red, white and blue attire for what promises to be an epic encounter. Angle puts a mouthguard in his mouth, his arms outstretched as pyro goes off behind him, before making the long walk down to the ring as challenger for the WWE Title. The announcers discuss how long this rematch has been in the making - citing the Connecticut Screwjob once again, probably overplaying it at this point.

**IT’S CONQUERED**

While his opponent paces in the squared circle, a spotlight shines at the top of the ramp. The rest of the arena is shrouded in darkness - the only light is the spotlight - as THE ROCK enters the scene, drawing huge heat from the crowd. The WWE Title hangs in his right hand, his eyes locked on the man in the ring - knowing what awaits him. The Great One struts down to the ring, refusing to pay any attention to those taunting him in the front now. Once he arrives at the ring, The Rock climbs the turnbuckle and flicks the title belt over his wrist and poses - soaking in the heat from the crowd.

He steps down, marching on his side of the ring, and holds the title in front of himself to show Angle. The referee steps in, claims the belt and displays it for the hard camera while the champion and challenger come face to face. The rematch we’ve been waiting for… the winner faces Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam - IT’S TIME!!

WWE Championship Match:
The Rock [c] vs. Kurt Angle

The opening exchange is a set of punches back and forth from both men involved in this match. The crowd remains standing for the first few minutes, the excitement in the building is thunderous, and both competitors are looking to deliver a performance to match the anticipation. The Rock nails Angle with a hard shot, talking smack as he whips the gold medalist across the ring. On the rebound, Angle charges back and takes the WWE Champion down with a lariat! The Rock bounces back to his feet, takes a swing at Angle, who ducks the punch and launches The Rock over his head with a release German suplex. Clutching at his neck, The Rock rolls to the corner and wraps his limbs around the ropes, shouting at the referee to back the challenger off him for a moment. Across the ring, Angle does a little spin with his arms spread wide, drawing a big pop from the audience. In the middle of the taunt, The Rock rushes Angle with a forearm… only for Kurt Angle to execute a drop toe hold and transition into the Ankle Lock!

The Rock quickly scurries to the bottom rope and forces a break before the hold is completely applied. Our champion looks back, his butt firmly on the canvas, with eyes wide and a sense of fury that his ankle was nearly snapped. The camera cuts to Angle with a smile on his face, telling his opponent - “I was this close, Rock.” They engage in action again, Angle firing off punches to the, following it up with a big stiff kick to the mid-section. Angle tries to whip The Rock into the ropes, but it’s countered, and The Rock sends him for the ride… clobbering Angle with a jumping forearm to the face. The Rock pops right back up, grabs the legs of Angle and goes for the Sharpshooter! Angle scrambles, twists the leg, and he ends up on top and in position for the Ankle Lock! The Rock once more breaks free, kicking his feet wildly and scurries to the outside, wiping his forehead and taking a few deep breaths. He has been flirting with danger twice now, with Angle almost getting the submission applied.

Over the next several minutes, The Rock and Kurt Angle wrestle a fairly standard main event match that they’ve done previously. The story continues to be that Angle is looking to apply the Ankle Lock on The Rock and works every hold into a position where he can grab the ankle. They have a brief section on the outside of the ring where The Rock rams Angle into the barricade, and unloads with stomps afterwards. The Rock appeared to have had enough at this point, rolling back into the ring and demanding the referee make the count. Cole called it a cowardly act for The Rock to want to win this match via countout. As the crowd’s boos reigned down upon the ring, The Rock shouted for the referee to hurry up as Angle slowly crawled toward the ring. At a count of nine, Angle dove underneath the bottom rope and was attacked straightaway by The Rock with more stomps. Another major moment in the match saw Angle hit a superplex on The Rock about a minute later. That got a nearfall for the challenger and saw both men down in the middle of the ring.

With no help for the WWE Champion on this night, he was forced to pull every trick out of his bag. The Rock would rake the challenger's eyes, leading to a huge moment… THE ROCK HITTING THE ROCK BOTTOM! The Rock had blinded his opponent with an illegal move and hooked the leg, but only got a two count! The Rock was furious, slapping the mat and shouting at the referee to count faster. They continued to wrestle, The Rock nearly lost it all when his snap DDT was countered… ANGLE SLAM!!

Angle twists free of the DDT and slams The Rock with his secondary finisher, hooking the leg for a very close two count as the crowd jumped to their feet. For the first time in the match, at around ten minutes, Angle was able to apply the Ankle Lock. It was deafening inside the building - Angle stood tall, holding the ankle, twisting it as much as he could while yelling at the WWE Champion to give up. Through gritted teeth, The Rock crawled to the ropes… BUT ANGLE PULLED HIM AWAY! The Rock scrambles, seeing his title vanishing before his eyes and rolls forward… SENDING ANGLE THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!

We work toward the finish now with both men back inside the ring. The Rock is bent down, eating shots from the challenger, until he powers up and unloads like a machine gun! The Rock whips him across the ring and hits the spinebuster! With the crowd on their feet, the WWE Champion throws his elbow pad into the crowd, runs the ropes… HITTING THE HOLLYWOOD ELBOW!! You can count it out, The Rock refuses to hook a leg, he’s so damn confident. There’s one, two… AND A KICK OUT!

Angle gets his shoulder off the mat after the elbow, and The Rock cannot believe what he has just seen. He begins to argue with the referee, poking him in the chest, screaming in his face. This would set up our knockdown spot when The Rock reengages with Angle, who shoves him away, and The Rock wildly throws his arm out to knock down the referee! This is a 2003 main event - I’m sorry - but you’re getting a referee is down spot. With the referee down, Angle catches The Rock with an overhead belly to belly suplex. As he stands up, Angle pulls the straps down and roars - grabbing The Rock… AND HE HITS THE ANGLE SLAM AGAIN!

There’s no referee still, as Angle snatches the ankle of the WWE Champion and begins to twist it like mad. The crowd rises, thousands on their feet as The Rock tries to make the ropes… but Angle pulls him back. He goes for the roll that saved him last time - only this time, Angle keeps the hands locked! In the middle of the ring, Angle screams - “I’M GOING TO BREAK YOUR FUCKING ANKLE!”

Then, to a rush of boos from the audience, an intruder appears! A man in a black hoodie rushes into the ring… AND THEY HIT ANGLE WITH A STEEL CHAIN TO THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!! The gold medalist collapsed after the strike, falling onto his back and not moving. The man in the hoodie rushes out of the ring, moving halfway up the ramp before turning to face the ring as the action continues. The Rock slowly begins to crawl to the body of Angle. He’s holding his ankle, pain etched on his face as he drags himself toward the challenger. The referee has recovered now (perfect timing - how convenient) and is there when The Rock throws an arm across the body of Angle. The zebra counts, his hand hits the mat… 1… 2… 3!!!

Winner: And STILL WWE Champion - The Rock @ 17:38

The WWE Champion remains with his arm across the chest of the challenger for a few more seconds after the count. Replays are shown on the big screen of the intruder who struck Angle in the back of the head with the steel chain, which caused the finish we’ve just seen. As his music fills the arena, The Rock is helped to his feet by the referee, while selling the impact of the ankle lock submission that he was stuck in. He tries to put weight on the ankle, but it buckles, forcing The Rock to snatch at the ropes near him and lean on them for support.

A few moments later, the Samoan Death Squad, along with Jim Cornette, join The Rock in the ring. The champion’s cousins tell the referee to get lost as they help support The Rock, while Jim Cornette parades around with the WWE Championship. They are acting like this was completely clean and without controversy in the finish, as you’d expect from the WWE Champion at this point in his long reign.

The camera now shifts to the stage where the intruder is standing. Their back is turned to the camera, and we cut back to the ringside, showing Kurt Angle rubbing the back of his head on the outside of the ring. The challenger looks confused, wondering what the hell happened at the end of the match, and only realises when another replay is shown. Angle staggers around the ring. He wants to head up the ramp, but he’s not in a state to do it yet. At the bottom of the ramp, Angle takes a knee, his eyes glued on the man in the hoodie.

Slowly, the intruder at the top of the ramp removes the hood… revealing the attacker - JOHN CENA!! The ‘Man of the Hour’ has stolen the spotlight to close off Vengeance. John Cena has screwed Kurt Angle out of the WWE Championship - but why? The show comes to an end, as Cena smirks at the top of the entrance way, peering over his shoulder, raising his hand and telling Angle - “You didn’t see that coming, did ya?” Angle is fuming to close the show…

END OF SHOW
​

Spoiler: Quick Results

Vengeance 2003
John Cena [c] bts Billy Kidman - US Title
Matt Hardy bts Shannon Moore
Hulk Hogan bts Mark Henry
Nunzio [c] bts Spanky - Cruiserweight Title
Brock Lesnar bts Edge - Number One Contendership For WWE Title
World's Greatest Tag Team [c] bts Los Guerreros - WWE Tag Team Titles / Los Guerreros must now disband
The Rock [c] bts Kurt Angle - WWE Title