WWE: Unleash the Fury - The Return

[Brett]

Catching up on this booking right now.... Wow is that quite the Wrestlemania card and as you stated earlier, it' s been in the works for over a decade. The fact that we are so so close to that, I'm sure the rewarding feeling of getting there will be awesome. We have kind of a similar track to ending up where we are now, I was both a WF and WC guy, and the amount of in and out stories I've had over the years is staggering. I left forums around 2016, but now I work a job that allots for a decent amount of free time and I'm so excited to hop back in.

Super small detail, but I love your smackdown and raw dividers, did you custom make those or did you find them? Because seriously those add so much to the aesthetic of your write ups

 

[Stojy]

Ziggler/Haas and Benjamin are solid inclusions in the MITB ladder match. I do worry that unless winning, Dolph is so fresh that he'll be losing relatively early in his run which I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Haas/Coach was surprisingly uneventful. I'm not sure necessarily where I expected this to go, but I thought there would be a twist somewhere tonight. I am intrigued to see what happens next with Haas as I can't imagine his stuff with Coach is over. And obviously Shelton in the match means there'll be some epic spots, as there needs to be.

Continuing to really enjoy Miz and Morrison's open challenge. Makes sense that at some point they'll get shocked and lose, but for now, this is fun.

Michaels/MVP progressed well here again, as this is smart use of MVP's muscle. Also not sure if I've actually mentioned this before, but Big E being used in this role for MVP is all kinds of awesome.

Mania Battle Royal hype was fine. I like that the match is getting some shine here. I'm also a fan of the pairing of Yang and Tajiri with Yang dropping the cowboy gimmick.

Bourne/Chavo segment was fine...

And the finish with Christian/Hardy/Umaga was the highlight of the night. I'm assuming Christian somehow finds a way into the steel cage next week and we get a triple threat for 'Mania. The character work from Christian here is a highlight. I'm assuming he'll remain a tweener of sorts, until losing at Mania and completely crossing the line on Jeff after that. Still, this was the best thing on the show and was really well written too.

I thought we had lost you forever again. Glad to see you're still tracking to Mania. Can't wait.

 

[KOP]

Monday Night Raw | Episode #765
Monday March 17, 2008
Cajundome | Lafayette, Louisiana

Raw comes to us tonight from Cajun Country down on the bayou in Lafayette, Louisiana as we are welcomed to the Cajundome by none other than Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. The Road to WrestleMania keeps on trucking as we are now only thirteen nights away from the biggest spectacle of the year! John Cena and Batista are set to meet face to face as we are getting closer and closer to their first ever battle between these two generational talents! We are also set to get an update on what exactly happened last Monday night at Titan Towers between Kurt Angle and Triple H (and possibly Stephanie McMahon). Plus Mr. Kennedy has prepared a special video package for his WrestleMania opponent - Mick Foley! But first…let’s send you backstage where the number one contender John Cena is just arriving at the Cajundome!

Todd Grisham meets up with John Cena who is just stepping out of his ride and Todd immediately gets John’s attention and asks Cena if he has time to talk. Cena says he always has time for Todd but he needs to keep it a little short because he’s headed out to the ring RIGHT now! Todd says he’s been hearing rumors all afternoon that Batista met with the medical team earlier on today and that his status for WrestleMania could be up in the air. Cena looks at Grisham and tells him to “stop playing”. Cena tells Todd that there is absolutely NO WAY that he’s going to let Batista back out of this match. Cena looks set to keep on talking but he stops himself and says he’s going to head to the ring and address this RIGHT NOW!

Cena slams his car door shut and heads towards the arena as the camera crew follows him. Cena’s demeanor has changed in mere seconds as he is walking fast towards gorilla….

***MY TIME IS NOW***

Cena makes a beeline to the ring playing to the fans a little along the way but he’s mostly business tonight! Cena is handed a mic by Lilian Garcia and he immediately asks for the backstage crew to cut his music. Cena says he had begun to hear rumors earlier on in the day and now that Todd Grisham is asking him if he’s heard the rumors then he can only conclude that the rumors may be true and those rumors are that “Batista is trying to dodge him all because he is a baby back bitch!”

The crowd loudly pops for Cena as Cena cuts them off and says while he was joking there - he’s hoping that he’s not joking about the fact that he will still be headlining WrestleMania in just thirteen days. “The last two years have been wild. April 3, 2005 I finally reached the top - the pinnacle of the WWE and that same night so did Batista. We are forever linked in history. The pundits said that we were both the future, that we would be the faces of the company and carry the WWE into a new era!”

“Well I hate to admit it but unfortunately only one of us has done so and as much as it bothers me to say it…(many fans are waving their arms begging Cena not to say it but Cena shakes his head and says he has to)...

“Batista has lived up to the hype while I’ve done nothing but fumble the ball every time I get to the goal line.”

The fans loudly tell Cena that they have faith in him as they start a “Cena” chant trying to cheer up the number one contender and it seems to work briefly. Cena says that is the only credit he is going to give Batista in that he’s done exactly what the pundits said he would do and that’s put the WWE on his back and carry it into the Ruthless Aggression era successfully.

“But…” (Cena waves his finger in the air telling the fans to hang on because he’s not done)

“He may have succeeded in being the face of the company. He may have succeeded in being a three time World champion while I only have one championship but one thing you’ll NEVER see me do is back down from a challenge and that is EXACTLY what Dave Batista is trying to do by trying to back out of WrestleMania.”

The fans loudly agree with Cena as he continues on and states that if Batista had any balls he would suck it up and muster the courage and the strength to fight through the pain and go to WrestleMania. Cena says he’s banged up and has been since the Royal Rumble but he would be damned if he didn’t fulfill his obligation to these fans to appear at the biggest show of the year. Cena says he could be the curtain jerking match and he’d still give it his all! These fans have inspired him to keep his head up since he last held the WWE Championship back on January 2, 2006 to never give up and that is exactly what he’s going to do! Cena will push through the pain, the adversity, and he will come out on top at WrestleMania 24.

Cena tells the crowd that he’s going to get down to the bottom of this tonight and find out what Batista’s status is for WrestleMania. Cena looks ready to exit the ring as he salutes the fans but he’s interrupted by Raw GM Eric Bischoff…

Bischoff’s music doesn’t hit as he instead walks out onto the stage and asks Cena where exactly he is going? Cena tells the GM that he was about to head to Bischoff’s office to find out where Batista is and whether he’s actually injured or not!

“Well John…I hate to be the bearer of bad news and trust me…I mean it when I say this but…yes Batista is injured. He injured himself over the weekend while training for the match and after seeing his medical team earlier today Batista has been ruled out of action for some time with a torn pectoral muscle.”

The fans loudly boo Bischoff as Bischoff looks concerned and you can see some of the stress in his face as the fans are clearly irate at a first ever match between Cena and Batista now being in limbo.

Cena asks Bischoff what exactly this means for WrestleMania then because he earned a main event match at WrestleMania. Bischoff tells Cena that he’s not quite sure yet. Thirteen days before the biggest WrestleMania of all time is not the ideal time for the WWE Champion to be injured. Bischoff lets Cena know that he is considering all options on what to do and despite his hands being tied up in other manners (the HHH/Angle feud) he is going to prove to the doubters that he can and will find a solution that benefits everyone. Bischoff pleads with Cena to give him some time to figure out what the plan for WrestleMania will be and that he will have an answer by the end of the night.

Cena begrudgingly accepts the response from Bischoff (really not having much of any other option anyways) and he exits ringside before heading up the ramp. Jim Ross cuts in and says that we are in unprecedented territory with a WrestleMania main event being in limbo with just thirteen days until the biggest spectacle of the year. King says he can’t remember anything like this happening but what can you do other than move on. JR says despite his dislike for Eric Bischoff - he just hopes that Eric Bischoff will do the right thing and ensure that Cena gets his earned WrestleMania main event opportunity no matter what.

A black limo pulls up backstage and once at a stop - the driver gets out and opens the door for the WWE Champion - BATISTA! Dressed to the nines but wearing a brace over his left arm - the champion has arrived. Todd Grisham tries to catch up backstage with Batista but Batista declines to comment as he makes his way down the hallway. The camera follows “The Animal” as he walks up to an office with a sign stating RAW GENERAL MANAGER - ERIC BISCHOFF before entering the office.

Match #1 | #1 Contender’s Battle Royal
Participants: Beth Phoenix, Candice Michelle, Jillian, Katie Lea Burchill, Kelly Kelly, Maryse, Melina, Michelle McCool & Victoria

It’s time to crown a number one contender for Mickie James’ Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. Mickie joins JR and King to watch the match and try to learn who she will be facing come WrestleMania 24. Nine women take place in the Battle Royal with Maryse being the first eliminated after she gets unceremoniously dumped over the top rope by Michelle McCool. Irate at being gone quickly from the match - Maryse grabs Michelle’s feet trying to pull her out of the ring but she breaks free of the hold once she sees Victoria sneak behind Michelle and dump her over the top rope!

So in the span of less than a minute we are down to already six women. The dominant former champion duo of Beth Phoenix and Victoria decide to team up together as they go after Candice Michelle and Kelly Kelly. Beth and Victoria double suplex Candice before double clotheslining Kelly Kelly! Beth points to the outside of the ring and she tells Victoria to grab Kelly while she gets Candice. Both Candice and Kelly Kelly simultaneously fight back as they both throw some rights but Beth and Victoria counter and both proceed to dump both Kelly Kelly and Candice over the top rope at the same time bringing us down to five competitors.

Melina - the former friend of the Women’s Champion - is working on Jillian Hall trying to dump her over but Katie Lea saves Jillian! Katie Lea and Melina exchange words with Melina asking just what in the hell she is doing! Katie Lea slaps Melina across the face as the two begin to tussle! With Jillian still dangling over the ropes, Victoria runs over and dumps Jillian over the top rope! Victoria taunts Jillian and lets out a maniacal laugh BUT SHE GETS ELIMINATED BY BETH PHOENIX!

The short lived alliance of Beth Phoenix and Victoria is gone as Victoria is LIVID! Victoria begins to pull at her hair and she slaps the ring apron in disgust! Victoria exchanges words with Beth who waves her goodbye! Beth though ends up surprised because as he has her back turned we see Melina dump Katie Lea Burchill over the ropes! We are now down to two women - “The Glamazon” who Mickie James dethroned and Melina who is looking for her first WrestleMania match!

The two women go at it for a few minutes before they find themselves both dangling on the outside of the ring. Both women exchange blows trying to knock one another off and after a series of headbutts we see Melina begin to look as if she is about to fall off the apron! Beth is trying to book her second straight WrestleMania trip and she does look as if she is about to secure the spot when Melina is down to one arm holding on! Beth tries to pry Melina’s arm off the rope but Melina grabs the ropes again and hangs on for dear life!

Melina uses her head as a battery straight to the chest of Beth multiple times before trying to lift Beth up. Beth holds on to the ropes giving it her all trying to prevent Melina from picking her up but Melina finally lifts Beth up and both women go crashing down onto the mat on the outside! Confusion reigns down as one referee grabs Melina’s arm and the other referee grabs Beth Phoenix’s arm! No winner has been announced as JR says he’s not sure but he believes that both women may have landed at the same time. King then says we’re getting word from backstage that Eric Bischoff is reviewing the footage as a replay shows that as Beth’s feet and body landed on the mat that Melina’s knees landed at the SAME EXACT TIME thus meaning we have co-winners! JR says he can confirm from backstage as the referees raise the hands of both Beth Phoenix and Melina and we have TWO winners of the #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

Match Result: Beth Phoenix and Melina were eliminated simultaneously; thus both have been declared as the number one contenders

JR asks Mickie James what her thoughts are on having to now defend her championship against not one but TWO top talents at WrestleMania. Mickie tells JR that she welcomes all challengers as she stands up and observes Melina and Beth going word for word with one another. Melina points her finger at Beth before poking Beth in the chest! Beth has to be separated from the referees from going after Melina as the two women continue to bicker as the Women’s Champion watches on.

**********

WrestleMania Rewind | WrestleMania X-Seven
Sunday April 1, 2001
Reliant AstroDome | Houston, Texas

Hailed as arguably the greatest WrestleMania of all time - The WWE (then the WWF) hosted one of their most successful and arguably historic events in their illustrious history. A mega card stacked with talent from multiple eras saw many memories made on that hot night in April in Houston just seven years ago.

Ironically, a family feud between the McMahon family would culminate with Shane McMahon and his father Vince McMahon doing battle in a Street Fight with Mick Foley as special referee. Despite Vince believing that his wife Linda was in a comatose state, he would bring Linda into the ring to watch him beat down her son Shane but Linda would rise out of her wheelchair and onto her feet low blowing Vince thus setting up the end of the match which would see Shane hit a coast to coast dropkick into a garbage can planted in his father’s face to bring the match to a culmination.

TLC II took place between E&C, The Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz as the three teams would battle in the same match that they had first created back at SummerSlam 2000. One of the most iconic photographs in WWE history would be created this night with Edge spearing a dangling Jeff Hardy mid air as Jeff was dangling onto the belt holder trying to relinquish the gold but would instead eat a twelve foot fall from the now Rated R Superstar. Just like at SummerSlam 2000, Edge and Christian would reign supreme, capturing the tag team championships once more.

And in the main event - The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin competed in their second of eventually three matches at WrestleMania with this one once more having the WWF Championship on the line. The “shot heard ‘round the world” would take place shocking many fans as Stone Cold Steve Austin would turn heel receiving a steel chair from his longtime nemesis Vince McMahon. Austin would go on to pummel The Rock with the chair before eventually becoming the new WWF Champion.

13 Days Until WrestleMania XXIV

**********

We are shown an exclusive WWE.com clip from earlier in the day with The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito) backstage discussing who they are going to get to be their tag partner for their Inter-Gender Tag Team Match at the WrestleMania Pre-Show against La’ Resistance. Carlito tells his brother Primo that time is ticking and that they have to figure out soon who they are going to get. Primo says he still can’t forgive Maryse for turning her back on them but he thinks he may have someone in mind. Primo whispers to his brother who has a smile on his face and tells Primo “now she…she’s cool”.

René Duprée and Sylvain Grenier walk up at this moment with Maryse by their side as they mock the brothers for not having a partner yet. Duprée says it’s “such a shame that The Colon’s can’t find anyone that wants to team with you”. He mockingly suggests Maryse as a candidate before laughing at the brothers and tells Sylvain and Maryse that it’s time to go - they have a photo shoot to be at. The Colon’s laugh after La’ Resistance walks off with the duo seemingly having no idea that Primo and Carlito have someone in mind now.


Match #2 | Singles Match
The Brian Kendrick vs. Hardcore Holly

Raw’s “Resident Loudmouth” The Brian Kendrick is thrust into action tonight to kick off our evening after his confrontation with Hardcore Holly last week in catering. Following a confrontation with multiple Raw superstars - the veteran Hardcore Holly stepped up to Kendrick before Kendrick threw a cup of hot coffee in Holly’s face and then running away. Holly has a few red marks on his face this week and a bandage to help sell the coffee throw and he is IRATE. But it’s finally time to get his hands on The Brian Kendrick but Kendrick holds up the match by rolling to the outside of the ring before the bell rings.

Kendrick asks for a microphone from Lilian Garcia and after receiving one he finally speaks up and says that “it is an absolute travesty that we are now thirteen days away from the biggest show of the year and I - THE BRIAN KENDRICK - do not have a match!” The fans cheer in unison mocking Kendrick and Kendrick tries shushing them but the cheers just get louder. “I’ve got it all - the looks, the charisma, and certainly the talent to be headlining WrestleMania yet here I am without a match.

Holly is growing impatient in the ring as he hangs over the ropes and the referee finally tells Kendrick to get back into the ring. Kendrick tells the referee he is not done yet speaking his mind as he carries on his rant. “Mark my words - The Brian Kendrick will find a way onto WrestleMania and I will one hundred percent guaranteed ste…”

Holly has had enough finally as he rolls to the outside of the ring and chases after Holly. Kendrick runs around the ring before sliding back into the ring and once Holly is back in and on his feet the referee calls for the whistle. The veteran Holly can’t control his emotions as he charges at Kendrick but Kendrick side steps him and Holly crashes into the ring post. Holly backs up as Kendrick runs up behind him and jumps up hitting Sliced Bread #2! Kendrick hooks Holly’s leg and in surprising fashion he earns a victory in just seconds!

Match Result: The Brian Kendrick def. Hardcore Holly

The Brian Kendrick has surprisingly backed up his words as he has defeated the fifteen plus year WWE veteran in just mere seconds! Kendrick slides to the outside of the ring and grabs his jacket as he celebrates his victory. Maria meets him out at the top of the ramp asking Kendrick to elaborate more on what he has planned for WrestleMania. Kendrick motions to his mouth and does a zipper motion telling Maria that he’s silent on his plans and that she will just have to wait along with everyone else.

The camera pans to an unknown room with smoke emerging from the floor and with bright red lighting. A figure standing in the corner dressed in all white is facing towards the corner of the room. An eerie silence lasts for about ten seconds but the ever familiar voice of CHRIS JERICHO carries out as he slowly turns around. In a segment very similar to last week’s - Jericho says he doesn’t speak too much anymore but that he is here to deliver a message. Jericho informs the camera that while we are merely days away from the streak ending and his prophecy being fulfilled - he has been sent here tonight to take down someone who is very near and dear to the Undertaker - KANE!

“He must be ended too”

The red light flickers as it dims on the face of Jericho and finally cuts off as we head to commercial.

Back from the break JR and King confirm that tonight’s main event will be Chris Jericho vs. Kane. King says he doesn’t honestly know what to make of the person that Chris Jericho has recently morphed into. JR says he’s just a few screws loose now and that something has truly changed. King says he believes it’s just the same thing that happens to many of Undertaker’s WrestleMania opponents in that they get so fixated on ending the streak that they just truly go crazy.

Match #3 | Singles Match
Cody Rhodes w/ Ted DiBiase vs. Matt Hardy w/ Rhyno

A quick clip airs from last week’s eight man tag team match which saw Matt Hardy pin one half of the tag team champions in Cody Rhodes. Priceless would go to Raw GM Eric Bischoff demanding that Cody get an opportunity to go one on one to remedy the loss and this is where this match comes into play. A few heel tactics from Ted DiBiase Jr. on the outside play early on into the match but DiBiase gets shut down towards the end of the match when after putting his hands on Rhyno he ends up eating a Gore onto the mat on the outside of the ring! The distraction allows for Cody Rhodes to sneak up on the veteran Hardy and reel him in for a Cross Rhodes! Rhodes attempts the Cross Rhodes but following a reversal from Hardy, Rhodes ends up fighting back and sneaks in a poke to the eyes before successfully hitting the Cross Rhodes and pinning Hardy to get back on track with a big victory over one half of the number one contenders.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes def. Matt Hardy

Rhodes immediately dashes under the bottom rope checking on his tag partner and fellow champion in DiBiase as he helps the stumbling DiBiase back onto his feet. The referee hands the belts over to Rhodes who carries both belts for the team up the ramp as the World Tag Team Champions are the ones with the last laugh this week. King interjects and says that he hears we have Maria standing by backstage.

Maria is standing backstage as she welcomes her guest at this time - MR. KENNEDY! Mr. Kennedy tells Maria he wants to take her on a “field trip”. Maria tells Mr. Kennedy doesn't quite understand what he means. He points and tells Maria to follow him this way! Kennedy and Maria walk through a few hallways before landing in gorilla position! The workers in gorilla tell Mr. Kennedy that he needs to leave right now but Kennedy instead raises his backhand, intimidating the workers. Kennedy then walks towards a wall and grabs a steel chair. The chair is bent up and Kennedy quickly explains to Maria that this is the exact chair that he used to beat down Mick Foley in gorilla position last week!

“I wanted to bring you back here Maria so you and everyone else can see the spot where the beginning of the end of Mick Foley’s career begins. I’ve been saying it for nearly a year now but Mick Foley is a FRAUD! He was a terrible General Manager and a disgrace to the modern era of wrestling. Mick Foley is nothing more than a washed up disgrace from a bygone era!”

Kennedy tells Maria that he doesn’t have to fling his body off of Hell in a Cell to be relevant. Kennedy tells Maria from day one that he arrived in the WWE that it was very apparent that he was the future of wrestling. And unlike Mick Foley he shows up every single week. “Where is your hero now?”

There has never been anyone quite like him before that checks off every box of what makes a unique and talented superstar. He’s checked off multiple accomplishments in his little over two years in the WWE and come WrestleMania when Mick Foley walks through this curtain (points at gorilla curtain) it will be the last time ever that he steps into the ring! “I will beat Mick Foley beyond recognition and put the old dog out of his misery”

“There can only be one last man standing and it will be MISTERRRRRRRRRR….."

"KENNEDYYYYYY!!!!"

Kennedy eases over towards Maria and whispers into the mic…

“Kennedyyyyyyyy”.

Coming up next - we will get an update from last week’s shocking segment where Kurt Angle appeared at Titan Towers where Triple H’s wife - Stephanie McMahon - was working late . Triple H stormed away from the ring leaving everyone in shock as he headed towards Stamford to try and stop Kurt Angle. We have received word that exclusive footage has been obtained from last week’s events at Titan Towers and that will be airing…NEXT!

A video promo airs showing that next week’s Monday Night Raw will be a special three hour show for the go home edition before WrestleMania XXIV. The video features a few special announcements including that SmackDown superstars will be in the house PLUS Stone Cold Steve Austin returns NEXT MONDAY!

JR and King welcome us back to Monday Night Raw and warn that the following video may cause disturbing images. A well put together video package focuses on the mysterious attacks that were carried out in the WWE last year along with the search for who the mysterious attacker was. Many superstars looking to make a name for themselves tried to declare they were the one attacking superstars backstage but it wasn’t until the Season Premiere of Raw in November that it was revealed to be Kurt Angle.

Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff was out to introduce Kurt Angle as the newest Raw superstar but following the lights going out once again it was revealed once and for all that it was indeed Angle. Interestingly after the lights went off and Mr. McMahon and Bischoff were attacked - it was only Angle and Paul Heyman standing in the ring.

The attacking of McMahon family members would carry on as Shane McMahon would be attacked at the end of Survivor Series and Stephanie would be attacked the night after Survivor Series. Bischoff, who had been appointed as SmackDown GM as well as his duties on Raw had resigned from SmackDown in October following Mick Foley’s firing as Raw Co-GM. Knowing his duties would be expanded exponentially by fully overseeing two brands, Bischoff elected to resign. Bischoff did have some help momentarily though as Stephanie had been helping “watch over” the brand after Bischoff was attacked along with her father at the Season Premiere of Raw.

Bischoff informs Stephanie that he has indefinitely suspended Angle and Heyman following the heinous attack on Mr. McMahon and himself. Of course as is to be expected the lights go out and Stephanie ends up laid out! Bischoff pleads with Angle and Heyman not to hurt him again to which they surprisingly help him up and reveal the alliance between all three men!

The video now speeds up through some of the heinous attacks on all the members of the McMahon family - over the last several months before distorted video from last week cuts in and Angle tells Triple H that he’s at Titan Towers and he heard Stephanie is working late. The video cuts in and out before we see Kurt Angle heading towards Titan Towers but the video cuts away…

JR comes over the television now and says that we have received exclusive footage from last week thanks in part to the security team at Titan Towers.

The camera picks up with Triple H arriving at Titan Towers pulling on the doors trying to get in. A security guard finally lets Triple H in to which he shoves past the guard knocking him down in the process. Triple H shouts out “Where are you Kurt? Where are you, you son of a bitch?” as he haunts the halls of the office looking for Angle. Triple H checks around walls as he rounds corners and he shouts out “Steph” but he doesn’t hear anything back. After riding an elevator to make it up to her floor, he steps out and takes a look around but the hallway is dark lit. It doesn’t appear that anyone is there and he heads towards her office presumably. Triple H checks the door and it appears to be locked. He knocks and there is no answer and he goes to open the door when his phone rings. Confused - he looks down at his phone and sees Stephanie’s name come across his phone.

Hunter answers the phone asking Stephanie where she is at? Steph tells Triple H that she’s at home with the girls. She’s not been at work since earlier in the day. Stephanie panics asking Hunter what’s wrong. Hunter says he’s got to go. He will call her later. Triple H hangs up the phone looking at it for a second before letting out a sigh of relief that Stephanie is alright. He takes a few steps walking back towards the elevator and as he pushes the button he stands there waiting to head back towards the bottom floor. The elevator doors open and OUT COMES KURT ANGLE! JR comes over the audio shouting out “that it was a damn set up all along! That no good son of a bitch Kurt Angle set Triple H up!”

Angle jumps at Triple H and it’s on! The two brawl with one another for multiple seconds with both men being thrown to the floor. Angle jumps on top of Triple H trying to choke him but Triple H rolls Angle over and throws his head against the wall! Angle pushes Triple H off of him with his feet before getting back onto his feet and grabbing a glass vase off of a table that was nearby the elevator and SMASHES IT OVER THE HEAD OF TRIPLE H! Water and glass go everywhere as some blood begins to roll down the face of Triple H! Angle pulls Triple H away from the glass mess and he lifts Triple H up and hits an Angle Slam onto the table. The table breaks in half as Triple H lay there in pain and agony as Angle stands over him as the video fades away.

JR immediately comes over the audio shouting out that he can’t wait until WrestleMania when Kurt Angle finally gets what’s coming to him. Trapped inside of Hell in a Cell there will be nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. King says the future of the WWE is hanging in the balance and if Triple H wins then Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman will be fired. But if Kurt Angle wins the McMahon’s will lose their power and relinquish the company to the Bischoff-Heyman Alliance. It’s beyond personal now as the surprise attacks carried out by Angle continue to mount up. King says he’s disappointed in Triple H for taking the bait but he has a feeling that Hunter will be fully reigned in come WrestleMania.

While on the topic of WrestleMania - King and JR run down the card and discuss how this is shaping up to be one of the biggest WrestleMania’s in history. From former friends turned enemies in Edge and Randy Orton to a very personal Last Man Standing Match between Mick Foley and Mr. Kennedy - we will see some brutal battles between some of Raw’s top names.

Championships will of course be on the line as the United States Championship will be defended by JBL as he defends against the winner of the Great American Tournament - CM Punk! The World Tag Team Championships will be on the line as Priceless take on Matt Hardy and Rhyno. We found out earlier in the night that the Women’s Championship will be defended in a Triple Threat Match following a controversial ending to the Battle Royal. Mickie James heads into her third straight WrestleMania as she defends against long time rival Beth Phoenix and her former friend Melina who turned on her a few weeks back.

Chris Jericho says he is on a mission to become the one in fifteen and one and that he has been appointed by a higher power to be the one to take down The Undertaker’s streak. But first he has to get through “The Big Red Machine” Kane in tonight’s main event.

And finally we are told that Eric Bischoff will finally give us an announcement tonight on what the status of the WWE Championship Match between John Cena and Batista is.

Up next though we will see the United States Champion John Bradshaw Layfield as he is in action.

***LONGHORN***

The music of the United States Champion rings out around the Cajundome as the limousine emerges and out steps John Bradshaw Layfield! Layfield draws the ire of the fans as he adjusts his championship belt and makes his way towards the ring dressed ready for action. Decked out in an American flag windbreaker with the words “Great American” laid out across the back as the design, JBL enters the ring and immediately points at Lilian to bring him a mic.

JBL says he’s going to speak really slow tonight since he knows that we are in the lowest educated state in the country. Louisiana wishes they were like their big brother to the east in Texas but they will never catch up to the greatness that is the Lone Star State! The fans of course don’t appreciate the cheap heat as JBL continues to mock them and points at a fan in the crowd telling everyone that he represents many of the backwoods toothless Jabba the hut look alikes that make up the crowd here tonight in Lafayette. “This is not the America that I am fighting to represent as YOUR United States Champion.”

JBL says he has arranged for a warm up match tonight thanks to Raw GM Eric Bischoff who has his hands tied with a lot going on tonight but being that he is a former GM himself, Bischoff trusts him to pick an opponent that is worthy of a headlining match. “So let me introduce you to my opponent….”

***La Vittoria è Mia***

Well it is certainly a choice to say the least but it appears that JBL has hand picked Santino Marella to be his opponent tonight. Santino comes out with his tag partner Goldust in tow and Goldust is practicing some breathing exercises telling Santino to relax and breathe in and breathe out! The odd partners make their way out with Santino pounding his chest and pointing at JBL before sliding into the ring but immediately he gets stomped away by JBL! The champion had to be separated by the referee as Santino never had a chance to get into the ring and get onto his feet.

Match #4 | United States Championship Match
John Bradshaw Layfield © vs. Santino Marella w/ Goldust

The referee handles business as he is able to get Santino onto his feet and thanks to a pep talk from Goldust, Santino signals that he is ready to go! The referee rings the bell and the much larger Layfield charges at Santino but Santino moves and JBL runs into the turnbuckles full force! Santino drops down and rolls JBL up but gets a two count! Santino ducks underneath a clothesline attempt from JBL by doing the splits and he jumps back up and hits JBL with a drop toe hold!

A clearly embarrassed US Champion in JBL springs back up and out of frustration hits Santino with a Big Boot! Santino gets turned inside out as JR mentions and he says this doesn’t look good for Santino! Not wanting to drag this out any further than it has to be, JBL peels Santino off the mat and grabs his arm, throwing him towards him and knocking Santino inside out once more with a Clothesline from Hell! JBL hooks the leg staring at Goldust the entire time as he secures the victory in his warm up match for WrestleMania and successfully retains his championship in the process.

Match Result: John Bradshaw Layfield def. Santino Marella to retain the United States Championship

JBL’s celebration is cut short as CM Punk walks out onto the stage. With a scar on his head from the mic beatdown he received to the head last week - Punk points to the ring and chuckles as he congratulates JBL on his “hard fought title defense tonight”. Punk says we’ve heard for weeks now how great of a United States Champion that JBL is also but allegedly a “Great American”. Punk says the words “Great American” and JBL are an oxymoron since ironically The Great American Bash is the exact pay per view where JBL cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and lost! “Which if my memory reminds me - you’re the only person to ever lose their Money in the Bank cash in!” The fans laugh at JBL’s expense as JBL with mic in hand now says that the “past is the past and currently you are looking at the greatest wrestler ever to hold this prestigious championship.”

Punk chuckles at JBL calling himself the greatest wrestler ever since many refer to Punk as the “Best in the World”. JBL refutes that wrestling in a high school gym in front of three hundred wrestlers doesn’t make you the best in the world - it makes you pathetic. JBL tells Punk that he’s been dominating the WWE since twelve years ago and that he continues to rewrite the history books. Punk laughs at JBL mocking him about his past “independent wrestling history” telling him he needs to come up with better insults because he’s heard that one way too many times before. Punk says he doesn’t shy away from his past - he embraces what helped him get to this exact moment standing in the ring with a “Great American Jackass” like John Bradshaw Layfield!

Punk is now in the ring as the two come face to face as JBL asks Punk need he be reminded of his decorated career and how he’s actually reached the pinnacle and become a World champion unlike you (Punk). Punk claps for JBL and reminds him that the only reason that JBL even became the World Heavyweight Champion is only because Triple H didn’t want to work Tuesdays.

The crowd is stunned as Punk smirks at JBL! JBL is IRATE as he takes a step back and looks as if he is about to exit the ring! JBL instead turns around and charges at Punk who lifts JBL up looking for the GTS! JBL maneuvers himself off of Punk’s shoulders though as he slides off and rolls underneath the ropes. The United States Champion barely escapes taking Punk’s finishing move as the loudmouth heads up the ramp adjusting his cowboy hat on his head looking shaken up by what just occurred.

JR points out that JBL has finally found someone that will shut him up in CM Punk! King says that JBL better not take CM Punk lightly come WrestleMania! This leads into JR and King running down the WrestleMania card and discussing all of Raw’s matches. King asks JR if we have heard anything else pertaining to the WWE Championship match.

JR reminds us that Eric Bischoff will address the match later on tonight and we should have a clear understanding of what will take place at WrestleMania!

When we return from the commercial break we see Todd Grisham standing backstage in the interview zone. He welcomes his guest as the man who will take on “The Rated R Superstar” Edge at WrestleMania - RANDY ORTON! Grisham welcomes Orton and tries running down the very storied history between the two former members of Rated RKO! Grisham says the rivalry really came to a head after Orton attacked Edge during a Number One Contender’s match stripping Edge of his opportunity to compete for a World Heavyweight Championship for the third straight year at WrestleMania.

Orton tells Todd that we don’t need to run down the history between the two. Everyone knows about all of that. What they don’t know is that the ego of Edge is what drove Rated RKO to break up. He says everyone wants to put the blame on him but look at what all Edge has going on. He tries to have his fingers in everything. He’s tried stealing the spotlight from his brother Christian who is trying to capture his first ever World Heavyweight Championship. "It's a jealousy thing with Edge. It always has to be about him. Should we not forget all of the people that Edge has vicously and brutally turned his back on before".

The fans aren’t buying these head games from Orton as it's been clear from the get go that he has been the vicious and brutal one since the duo broke up last year.

Grisham plays along with this though for the sake of the interview and he says that it is rather “vicious and brutal” to jump someone when they have their back turned like Orton did to Edge last week. Orton snaps his neck from side to side as he takes a second to think before goes to speak but he stops himself. He goes to walk away but he turns back around and fakes an RKO attempt on Grisham! The fans loudly boo Orton as he tells Todd “You’ve yet to see a truly vicious side of Randy Orton but in thirteen days you will" as he walks off as we head into the arena ready for our main event!

Match #5 | The Main Event
Chris Jericho vs. Kane

The main event starts out with Jericho trying to play mind games with “The Big Red Machine” as he rolls in and out of the ring avoiding Kane. Kane finally gives way having had enough as he chases Jericho to the outside of the ring. Jericho gets Kane back into the ring and tries stomping away at him but Kane powers up and pushes Jericho back into the corner. Kane hits him with a series of strong European Uppercuts sending Jericho reeling. Jericho tries to escape the ring to get a break from Kane but Kane is not having it as he grabs Jericho and throws him across the ring with force! Jericho tries to roll to the outside now but Kane bends down and grabs him or so he thought because Jericho kicks Kane away and rolls to the outside.

Jericho tries gathering himself as he looks very irate at how the match is going so far. For the next few seconds he ignores the referee counting him out before climbing back onto the ring apron. Kane comes over trying to pull Jericho back in but Jericho instead grabs Kane’s head and brings it bouncing off the ropes sending “The Big Red Machine” flying back. Jericho charges into the ring and runs behind Kane hitting him with the one handed Running Bulldog. He dashes towards the ropes now and leaps off hitting the Lionsault but as he hooks the leg he only gets a two count!

Jericho slaps the mat in frustration and he bends down to try and grab Kane but Kane guzzles him! Kane pushes himself up using his strength to overpower Jericho and keep his hand on the throat of Jericho! Jericho is trying to weasel his way out of the choke hold as Kane is fully back up and he goes to lift Jericho into the air for the Chokeslam but Jericho manages to dangle his legs and kick Kane in the crotch repeatedly saving himself but in the process getting himself disqualified!

Match Result: Kane def. Chris Jericho via DQ

Kane loses the chokehold he had on Jericho as Jericho watches Kane go down onto one knee in pain! He grabs Kane and hits the Codebreaker before grabbing Kane and spinning him over on his stomach! Jericho goes to grab the legs of Kane looking for the Walls of Jericho but THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE CAJUNDOME!

THE GONG SOUNDS! IS IT? IS THE UNDERTAKER HERE?

The lights stay out for about ten seconds before we see Jericho standing in the ring and smoke filling the ring up quickly! Jericho turns around and comes FACE TO FACE WITH THE UNDERTAKER! JR is going wild as we haven’t seen Undertaker in nearly four weeks! Jericho slides out of the ring not believing his eyes as he escapes through the crowd and hops over the barricade! Jericho watches Undertaker stand in the center of the ring with smoke filling up the ring as the lights go out once more! Once the lights come back on the smoke is slowly going down and Undertaker is nowhere to be seen! Jericho can’t believe what he is seeing right now as he exits through the crowd wanting to get as far away as possible from what just happened!

JR and King hype up The Undertaker’s return and discuss the mystique of the Deadman and how he always seems to be fully “zoned in” come WrestleMania season. King says Jericho has a very daunting task ahead of him if he thinks he can do what no one else has done before and defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. JR says when we return from the break we will hear from Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff! Don’t miss the big announcement concerning the WWE Championship Match at WrestleMania!

***I’M BACK***

For the second time tonight Eric Bischoff graces the fans in the Cajundome with his presence as he makes his way towards the ring. Gloating of course from the attack that was shown from last week from his client Kurt Angle onto Triple H, he says that the Bischoff & Heyman Alliance is firing on all cylinders heading into WrestleMania. And speaking of WrestleMania…he knows that there is a big elephant in the room right now.

“Earlier tonight everyone saw the WWE Champion Batista make his arrival to the Cajundome in a sling around his arm. I was able to review medical reports obtained from the physicians who took care of Batista following his unfortunate incident and can confirm that he indeed did suffer a torn pectoral muscle. Now before I carry on any further I’d like to ask John Cena to come out here at this time."

***MY TIME IS NOW***

The number one contender returns to the arena holding his head down in frustration after hearing the news of the torn pectoral muscle of the WWE Champion. Cena has a mic in hand as he asks Bischoff what exactly he is going to do about this now? Bischoff says earlier on in the night that he asked John to give him some time and that he would address the issue. He spoke earlier in the evening with the WWE Champion Batista and he believes that he may have come up with a solution that everyone can agrees is fair.

Bischoff gives Cena credit and says that he knows there is no one who has worked harder for this moment than him. He says that Cena and him have not necessarily seen eye to eye during Bischoff’s two tenures on Monday Night Raw and that while Cena may not view Bischoff as his favorite person in the world - he still respects John Cena for what he stands for. Bischoff says he even admires somewhat of the run that Cena has gone on recently since suffering some major setbacks the last two years. "And as for WrestleMania well…John I think you need to hear from the champion himself on what his status is. “Dave…if you will please?”

***I WALK ALONE***

The music is cut quickly as the champion slowly walks towards the ring talking on the way down “apologizing” to Cena for this “mishap”. Batista says no one hates the fact more than him that he can’t compete at WrestleMania.

The fans don’t seem to be buying Batista’s excuse as he finally arrives at the ring and asks Bischoff to help him into the ring as he has only one good arm. Batista gets into the ring as Bischoff holds the top rope open for him and Batista then says that it is very unfortunate that the fans aren’t going to get to see Batista versus John Cena for the first time ever! “The story writes itself John! You’ve talked about it week in and week out! We both came up together from OVW around the same time. We both made our impacts known quickly in the WWE locker rooms. Our history started that cold night in Fresno when the controversial ending to the Royal Rumble took place. But really John…April 3, 2005 defines both of our careers. You mentioned it yourself earlier in the night. We are forever linked together in history because of that night.”

“So the fact that I can’t compete at WrestleMania this year is absolutely breaking me John! I would have never wanted it to happen this way.”

Cena looks at Batista as Batista appears to be emotional to which Cena tells the champion that “it’s unfortunate your injury had to happen right before WrestleMania. How convenient is that?” Batista tells Cena that if he is accusing him of faking his injury then he is way out of line. Batista says he has medical reports showing that he is in fact hurt and that he will be out of action for months. Cena tells Batista it sounds like he needs to relinquish the WWE Championship then. The fans loudly cheer this as the camera focuses on the belt draped over Batista’s one good arm.

Bischoff says that the time has now come and that he will be making the announcement. He says he weighed all of his options and as someone who is very quiet busy…he had to do what is best for business. “In fact I had to do what is best for MY business. And by my business I mean the WWE because in thirteen nights this will be Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman’s WWE.”

The fans loudly jeer at Bischoff hijacking the segment to basically inflate his ego even more. Cena tells Bischoff to get to the point as he walks towards Bischoff irate that this is being dragged out. Bischoff tells Cena he needs to back away right now because he holds the ultimate power on Monday Night Raw. Cena says that if Batista can’t compete at WrestleMania then Bischoff must do what is right and strip Batista of the WWE Championship and allow him to compete against someone else at WrestleMania for the vacated title. Bischoff tells Cena to give him a chance to explain himself and to please back away. Cena stays close to Bischoff in the corner and pleads with Bischoff “just tell me what’s going to happen then”.

The camera zooms out as we see Batista drop his microphone and stands there for a second. BATISTA SLIDES THE ARM SLING OFF AND TOSSES IT ONTO THE MAT! The fans in Lafayette are loudly yelling for Cena to turn around but it's too late because before Cena can even turn around he gets hit with a Lariat from the WWE Champion! Bischoff quickly makes his way out of the ring as he backs away from harm and Batista stands over Cena rolling his sleeve cuffs up. Batista stomps away at Cena as he continues to roll the cuffs up and the reigns from the raucuous crowd in Lafayette reign down upon the champion who faked his injury to get into the head of John Cena tonight. Batista proceeds to bend down over Cena and he throws Cena in between his legs. The champion stares across the Cajundome as he lifts Cena high into the air and back onto the mat crashing down with a thunderous BATISTA BOMB! Batista rolls away and grabs the arm sling waving it in the air taunting Cena before he throws it over the body of Cena leaving the number one contender laid out to end the night on Raw. Batista exits the ring and surveys the damage he has caused as very loud boos ascend upon the champion as the commentary duo looks on in absolute disgust."

“I knew it! That no good son of a bitch Dave Batista was faking it all along! I knew something was fishy.” Jim Ross quips as King chimes in and says that Cena let his guard down and he paid the ultimate price. JR jumps back in and says that Batista is an absolute disgrace of not only a WWE Champion but also a human being for faking an injury. He also adds that Eric Bischoff is disgusting for going along with it! King then adds that it appears that Bischoff is going all in on how he plans on shaping his vision of the WWE when he’s in charge and that he sees Batista and not John Cena as the WWE Champion.

JR says that John Cena has never backed down from a fight and that this one just got a whole lot more personal! We will see you next week for a special three hour edition of Monday Night Raw!

The WWE logo flashes across the screen as Raw comes to a close.

Quick Match Results:

Beth Phoenix & Melina were named co-winners of the #1 Contender's Battle Royal
The Brian Kendrick def. Hardcore Holly
Cody Rhodes def. Matt Hardy
John Bradshaw Layfield def. Santino Marella to retain the United States Championship
Kane def. Chris Jericho via DQ

**********

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

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

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

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

The Streak Match
The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Test vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Paul London
vs. Gregory Helms vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Charlie Haas vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. ???

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

Women's Championship | Triple Threat Match
Mickie James (c) vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Melina

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

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

Last Man Standing Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. Mick Foley

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

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero

WrestleMania Pre-Show

Inter-Promotional Battle Royal
featuring The Big Show, Elijah Burke, Goldust, Hardcore Holly, Jimmy Yang, JTG, Kane, Kenny Dykstra, Lance Cade, Mike Knox, Paul Burchill, Santino Marella, Shad Gaspard, Simon Dean, Tajiri, Trevor Murdoch, William Regal and more!

Six Person Intergender Tag Team Match
La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & René Duprée) & Maryse vs. The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito) & ???

​

 

[Stojy]

Yes, glad to see another show in here. I will say you're making me wait a damn long time for Mania, but I know it will be worth it. Onto Raw, honestly I thought the Cena/Batista angle for the night was good. Just a fun one night angle to keep things going and add some more heat between the pair. It was predictable and obvious, in my opinion, but it also did exactly what it needed to. Nice work.

I'm okay with the booking of the womens battle royal and the co winners. Feels like we've probably seen enough Mickie/Beth and Mickie/Melina matches across BTB and in real life. So the Triple Threat works for me. My only concern was this all felt really rushed. Usually when a Battle Royal ends like this, there's a song and dance, an argument, nobody knows who is going to be the winner. Would have liked to see a little more of that, as opposed to the decision just being made via JR and the commentary desk. Are the fans in the arena then even aware of the decision?

Hmm, safe to say you've got me interested in The Colon's having apparently found a partner. I'm guessing they might ask Maria.

No idea what you're going to do with The Brian Kendrick at Mania but you are booking him so well right now. He continues to be very entertaining with his over the top attitude.

I wasn't huge on the booking of Jericho tonight. His brief promo earlier in the night was fine, but I feel for Jericho to truly look like a threat to 'Taker at 'Mania, he needed to beat Kane here. Losing by DQ, because he had to resort to a low blow doesn't do anything for him. Yes, he locks in the Walls after, but it doesn't have the same effect when it looks like he was going to lose if not for the desperation low blow. The stare down afterwards with 'Taker would have been a big moment, since 'Taker hasn't been around for awhile. Just thought Jericho should have looked stronger though.

Not much to say about the Priceless/Hardy and Rhyno stuff tonight. Pretty generic tag hype stuff.

KK's promo was good. Enjoyed him taking Maria back to the gorilla position and showing off the dinted chair. Kennedy's coming out party at Mania. Can't wait for this match with Foley, the program has been booked extremely well.

Angle using Stephanie to lure Triple H into an attack at Stanford is devious and epic. The brawl was fun enough, and Angle catching Triple H off guard and coming out on top of this was definitely the right call. Well done.

Punk/JBL continues to be a perfect pairing. The over the top US Champ where everything is about privilege and pomp against Punk, the indy darling. Opposites attract and the promo here captured that perfectly. This was actually probably my favourite part of the show. Only part I wasn't huge on was Punk reusing the Heyman One Night Stand "didn't want to work Tuesdays" line. Felt forced and unnecessary, and it's a recycled line so it's more lame, than witty, original and breathtaking. Still, this didn't sour the segment for at all, was my favourite of the night as I mentioned.

Orton's interview was fine enough, but think the Orton/Edge match could use something big across the last three shows to push it over the line before Mania.

A good episode of Raw. Never a dull episode with you, plenty of quality stuff. Three shows to go and then the big one, I can't wait.