March
Year 3
Week 1
One night after the Elimination Chamber PPV, and now only weeks away from WrestleMania, another LIVE episode of Monday Night Raw opens from Los Angeles, CA!
In-Ring Segment
The show begins with the arrogant signature walk of... Mr. McMahon! The WWE Chairman and current interim Raw GM struts down to the ring with a big announcement, and the crowd doesn't hold back in voicing their disapproval of the corrupt head of the corporation. Vince enters the ring and smiles brightly as he begins his message.
Mr. McMahon: "Hello L.A.! I'm very pleased to bring Monday Night Raw to the brightest... albeit pretty dirty... city on the West Coast! Tonight, I have a HUGE highly-anticipated announcement. As you may know, I've been formulating a little plan to... 'spice up' the women's division here in the WWE. We have loads of talent and I'd like to give them an opportunity to shine as we quickly approach WrestleMania. So without further ado... I'm very happy to announce the... Women's Championship Unification Tournament!"
The crowd reacts to the announcement, but the missing details give them some pause. Vince takes a brief pause and then reveals the information.
Mr. McMahon: "All the female members of the WWE roster, on both brands, will compete in a single-elimination tournament. The members of Raw will battle for the Divas Championship, and the Smackdown members will compete for the Women's Championship. The current holders of the respective championships will then face off in the tournament final on the grandest stage... WrestleMania!"
The crowd gives a bigger reaction this time. A massive tournament to unify the Divas and Women's Titles?! Vince allows the crowd to absorb the news and gives a few final comments.
Mr. McMahon: "Now, you may be wondering how that affects our current champions. Well, we have given them a simple advantage in the tournament - a first-round bye! They get to watch the first round matches and study their opponents to prepare to defend their titles. Now, what that also means... is that if the champion is competing in a tournament for their title, that means any match they compete in will be an official title match! So potentially, we could see new champions crowned over the course of the next few weeks - and that makes it even more exciting!"
The crowd cheers and Vince finalizes his announcement.
Mr. McMahon: "The official bracket will be shown in a few moments, but the general schedule will look like this: the first round matches will take place over the next 2 weeks. The semifinals matches will be held in Week 3, and the Raw & Smackdown finals will be held just days before WrestleMania. Raw, Smackdown and Superstars will each hold tournament matches, allowing them to be viewed by everyone. Good luck ladies... there can only be one true Women's Champion!"
The WWE Chairman listens to the crowd's reaction and gestures to the TitanTron, where the tournament bracket is shown. We take a few moments to observe... and the first tournament match is next!
Mr. McMahon: "Hello L.A.! I'm very pleased to bring Monday Night Raw to the brightest... albeit pretty dirty... city on the West Coast! Tonight, I have a HUGE highly-anticipated announcement. As you may know, I've been formulating a little plan to... 'spice up' the women's division here in the WWE. We have loads of talent and I'd like to give them an opportunity to shine as we quickly approach WrestleMania. So without further ado... I'm very happy to announce the... Women's Championship Unification Tournament!"
The crowd reacts to the announcement, but the missing details give them some pause. Vince takes a brief pause and then reveals the information.
Mr. McMahon: "All the female members of the WWE roster, on both brands, will compete in a single-elimination tournament. The members of Raw will battle for the Divas Championship, and the Smackdown members will compete for the Women's Championship. The current holders of the respective championships will then face off in the tournament final on the grandest stage... WrestleMania!"
The crowd gives a bigger reaction this time. A massive tournament to unify the Divas and Women's Titles?! Vince allows the crowd to absorb the news and gives a few final comments.
Mr. McMahon: "Now, you may be wondering how that affects our current champions. Well, we have given them a simple advantage in the tournament - a first-round bye! They get to watch the first round matches and study their opponents to prepare to defend their titles. Now, what that also means... is that if the champion is competing in a tournament for their title, that means any match they compete in will be an official title match! So potentially, we could see new champions crowned over the course of the next few weeks - and that makes it even more exciting!"
The crowd cheers and Vince finalizes his announcement.
Mr. McMahon: "The official bracket will be shown in a few moments, but the general schedule will look like this: the first round matches will take place over the next 2 weeks. The semifinals matches will be held in Week 3, and the Raw & Smackdown finals will be held just days before WrestleMania. Raw, Smackdown and Superstars will each hold tournament matches, allowing them to be viewed by everyone. Good luck ladies... there can only be one true Women's Champion!"
The WWE Chairman listens to the crowd's reaction and gestures to the TitanTron, where the tournament bracket is shown. We take a few moments to observe... and the first tournament match is next!
Women's Championship Unification Tournament - Bracket:
Backstage Segment
As the first match gets set up, the cameras venture backstage for a short segment where we see... Hitman Jack! The ECW champ is here on Raw tonight... but why? The official Smackdown member is here for tonight's show and seems to be ready for a match. As the "Lethal Canadian" strolls down the hallway, he is confronted by... Alpha, Omega and Master Kimoto! The reigning Tag Team Champions were supposed to face Hitman Jack & H.E.R.O. tonight for a title match, but it is assumed that with their challengers ' alliance breaking up, that the match would have a replacement or be canceled. Master Kimoto stops Hitman and speaks to him.
Master Kimoto: "Good evening Mr. Jack. May we inquire why you are here this evening?"
Hitman Jack: "I'm... here for the Tag Team Title match. Obviously."
Master Kimoto: "But... we witnessed you and your partner ending your union last week. We were under the impression that the match would not be completed."
Hitman Jack: "Hey... we agreed to a Tag Team Title match for tonight's show. I am going to honor that agreement. If H.E.R.O. doesn't show... then I guess I'll be by myself."
Master Kimoto: "You would be willing to challenge for my students' championships... by yourself? In a... Handicap match?"
Master Kimoto chuckles softly and Alpha & Omega can be seen smiling from behind their masks. They can't seem to believe that Hitman would purposefully put himself at a 2-on-1 disadvantage to try to win title belts designed for a partnership. But the "Lethal Canadian" is quite serious and his demeanor begins to concern the elder mentor of the Japanese luchadors.
Hitman Jack: "If I have to... I WILL win the Tag Team Titles... all by myself. I'll see you boys later tonight."
Hitman gives them a determined look and walks towards the locker room. Alpha & Omega burst into laughter and share a high-five, but the camera focuses in on Master Kimoto. The old expert's initial laughter tapers off and he assumes a more serious expression. In fact... you could say that he is a little concerned! Master Kimoto's troubled look is the final image of the scene!
Master Kimoto: "Good evening Mr. Jack. May we inquire why you are here this evening?"
Hitman Jack: "I'm... here for the Tag Team Title match. Obviously."
Master Kimoto: "But... we witnessed you and your partner ending your union last week. We were under the impression that the match would not be completed."
Hitman Jack: "Hey... we agreed to a Tag Team Title match for tonight's show. I am going to honor that agreement. If H.E.R.O. doesn't show... then I guess I'll be by myself."
Master Kimoto: "You would be willing to challenge for my students' championships... by yourself? In a... Handicap match?"
Master Kimoto chuckles softly and Alpha & Omega can be seen smiling from behind their masks. They can't seem to believe that Hitman would purposefully put himself at a 2-on-1 disadvantage to try to win title belts designed for a partnership. But the "Lethal Canadian" is quite serious and his demeanor begins to concern the elder mentor of the Japanese luchadors.
Hitman Jack: "If I have to... I WILL win the Tag Team Titles... all by myself. I'll see you boys later tonight."
Hitman gives them a determined look and walks towards the locker room. Alpha & Omega burst into laughter and share a high-five, but the camera focuses in on Master Kimoto. The old expert's initial laughter tapers off and he assumes a more serious expression. In fact... you could say that he is a little concerned! Master Kimoto's troubled look is the final image of the scene!
Women's Championship Unification Tournament
Raw 1st Round: Sunny Silva vs. Melina
The first match of the Women's Championship Unification Tournament is almost ready to begin! The fourteen current WWE female grapplers will compete in one-on-one matches to determine who the best is, and that winner will unify the title belts from both brands! Tonight, the "Alabama Beauty" will take on the Hollywood starlet with hopes of advancing to the next round.
Sunny makes her way to the ring, dancing and delighting the L.A. crowd with her positive demeanor. Next Melina heads down to the ring, paparazzi following her every move, and seems ready for the challenge. The bell rings and the tournament is officially underway!
Sunny has shown major improvement in the ring since her debut back in April, and tonight her dominance is in full display. Melina barely gets any moves in as the "Alabama Beauty" takes control right from the start. In the end, a series of impressive moves finishes Melina off. After planting Melina with a Codebreaker-style knee to the face, Sunny ascends to the top rope... for a flying Sunny Splash! With Melina dazed, Sunny grabs her by the head... and delivers her Alabama Slammer signature! A few seconds later, Melina's head is again in Sunny's arms... as the "Alabama Beauty" smashes her down with her Roll Tide Pride finishing bulldog!
Sunny goes for the cover and gets the easy 1-2-3 to score the first tournament win! What an impressive showing from the "Alabama Beauty", who moves on to the second round to face Divas champ Brittany Black. Sunny celebrates wildly to a cheering crowd!
WINNER: Sunny Silva
Sunny makes her way to the ring, dancing and delighting the L.A. crowd with her positive demeanor. Next Melina heads down to the ring, paparazzi following her every move, and seems ready for the challenge. The bell rings and the tournament is officially underway!
Sunny has shown major improvement in the ring since her debut back in April, and tonight her dominance is in full display. Melina barely gets any moves in as the "Alabama Beauty" takes control right from the start. In the end, a series of impressive moves finishes Melina off. After planting Melina with a Codebreaker-style knee to the face, Sunny ascends to the top rope... for a flying Sunny Splash! With Melina dazed, Sunny grabs her by the head... and delivers her Alabama Slammer signature! A few seconds later, Melina's head is again in Sunny's arms... as the "Alabama Beauty" smashes her down with her Roll Tide Pride finishing bulldog!
Sunny goes for the cover and gets the easy 1-2-3 to score the first tournament win! What an impressive showing from the "Alabama Beauty", who moves on to the second round to face Divas champ Brittany Black. Sunny celebrates wildly to a cheering crowd!
WINNER: Sunny Silva
In-Ring Segment
The show returns from its first commercial break, and suddenly... *BONG*... *BONG*... "For Whom The Bell Tolls" blasts through the speakers and the crowd erupts in cheers for DMK! The Royal Rumble winner is less than 24 hours removed from a victory in the Elimination Chamber, securing his spot in the main event of the upcoming WrestleMania. The "King" will challenge (former rival...former ally... now rival again) WWE champ David Degenerate for Raw's top prize... a title he has not held since last year's WrestleMania. In fact, this matchup with David is a rematch two years in the making - when they faced each other for the WWE Title at the Bragging Rights PPV two years ago, stipulations agreed to prior to the match took away DMK's rematch clause if he were to lose the title. DMK never properly received that rematch after losing to David and hasn't faced David one-on-one in a long, long time. Now... the time has come for Raw's behemoth personalities to clash on the grandest stage!
DMK strolls to the ring with the crowd's support giving him plenty of confidence, and he prepares to address the viewers.
DMK: "Damn... it sure feels good to be here right now."
The crowd erupts into big cheers again and a proud grin appears on DMK's face. He continues to speak.
DMK: "I know that sometimes I say I'm a humble guy, but I also know that I can be a little arrogant as well. In this business, humility can only get you so far. So... I'm very PROUD of my victory last night in the Elimination Chamber. It was exhausting, grueling... but I survived. I made it through, I eliminated 3 of the 5 challengers and I won the match. I'm... going to WrestleMania! And believe me... I'm READY to win back the WWE Championship!"
The crowd again whoops it up for the "King" and he beams proudly. But suddenly... David's music hits! The crowd's cheers turn to boos instantly and the cocky WWE Champion saunters out onto the stage. A scowl covers the face of the "Dangerous Genius" and DMK's smile turns to an annoyed frown. The time has come for them to handle the situation face-to-face! David scoffs at the crowd's reaction and speaks to his rival directly.
David: "DMK... you stupid, stupid man. Don't you realize what you've done? You've put yourself on the path to HUMILIATION. I feel like you may know me pretty well, so let me remind you of something. This title... means EVERYTHING to me. You're NOT going to come into MY ring and defeat ME. It's gonna be a cold day in hell when I relinquish this championship belt. I'M who the company wants as their champion. I'M the one these fans really come to see. I'M the best in this business, whether it's in the ring or out of it. I'M the face of the WWE! And you... you are a has-been. You may have won the Rumble... you may have won the Chamber match last night... but NO ONE will remember you because your 'Road to WrestleMania' story ends here. It ends with ME standing tall, holding this title belt as I always have. This is MY 'Road to WrestleMania'... and you're just another speed bump. I'm going to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to retain this title at WrestleMania. So let me issue you a little warning... you try to take this from me, and you will suffer MORE than whatever you THINK you've been through!"
David glares at DMK as the crowd voices their disapproval of his aggressive words. The champ is clearly not backing down from the challenge, and he has shown the ability to escape with the title multiple times over his entire reign. How is DMK going to do anything different to stop him?
But suddenly... Gravedigger's music hits! A familiar lightning bolt hits the stage just a few feet from David, startling the champ and staggering him out of the way. A moment later, the "Graveyard Monster" appears and walks out onto the stage as well. What is he doing out here? 'Digger was the runner-up in the Chamber match last night and is a big rival of DMK, but what does he want? He stands a stone's throw away from the concerned WWE Champion and talks directly to David.
Gravedigger: "Now that you've both got your pissing contest out of your system, I'd like to throw out a little challenge tonight. David... I want a WWE Title match... TONIGHT!"
Whoa! The crowd buzzes as they contemplate 'Digger's challenge, and DMK cocks his head in confusion. David initially chuckles and shakes his head, but Gravedigger continues.
Gravedigger: "I see you shaking your head, but let me throw some knowledge your way. I know I lost in the Chamber match last night. I fought my hardest and DMK beat me. I'm not gonna make any excuses about that. I'm pissed off about it, yeah but... I can accept the loss. What I CANNOT accept is a scared, undeserving pile of crap 'champion' holding that title belt. Yes, David - I'm talking about YOU. You don't deserve that title. Every chance you get to take the easy way out, you take it. You basically got a free month off of facing a challenge because you're in Vince's backpocket. Well... I'm not gonna sit back and watch you disrespect that championship. If anybody deserves to face DMK at WrestleMania... it should be ME. So tonight... I'm officially challenging you to a title match. I'M going to be the one taking the title into the biggest event of the year. You're... you're gonna slither back into whatever hole you crawled out of. And me and DMK... are gonna settle this like MEN."
The crowd is stunned at Gravedigger's words, and what he says does make a lot of sense. David can sense the crowd liking the idea, and he tries to shut it down quickly.
David: "Are you kidding me? YOU? Getting a title match? Tonight? Come on, man... you can't even beat DMK, and now you think you deserve a shot out of the blue? Let me spell it out for you, idiot... N... O..."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... I thought you might say that. You won't do it because you're a chicken."
David: "Hold up a second... I'm a what?"
Gravedigger: "A chicken. You heard me right."
David: "Look, pal... I ain't no chicken."
Gravedigger: "Prove it, then. I'm laying a challenge right at your feet. You just told me 'NO'. So either accept the challenge and put the title on the line... or be a wimpy, soft, scared little chicken. Your choice!"
The crowd starts to buzz even louder as David considers the offer, obviously angry about being insulted. He looks at DMK, who watches this scene stoically. Finally, a frustrated David growls and responds.
David: "Fine you stupid oaf - you got your title match! But tonight, I'm gonna show BOTH of you exactly what I'm capable of. When I defeat YOU, then DMK will KNOW what's he's in store for at WrestleMania. Now, get out of my way... I've got a title defense to prepare for."
David walks around 'Digger, well out of arm's reach, and walks to the backstage area. Gravedigger watches him leave, takes a quick glance at DMK and turns to exit himself. He stops when DMK sends out one final comment.
DMK: "Hey 'Digger... just so you know, I'll be watching tonight's match... VERY closely."
'Digger snickers and walks off. The camera then focuses on DMK, who stands confidently in the ring. Can you believe it??? David vs. Gravedigger for the WWE Title? Tonight?!
DMK strolls to the ring with the crowd's support giving him plenty of confidence, and he prepares to address the viewers.
DMK: "Damn... it sure feels good to be here right now."
The crowd erupts into big cheers again and a proud grin appears on DMK's face. He continues to speak.
DMK: "I know that sometimes I say I'm a humble guy, but I also know that I can be a little arrogant as well. In this business, humility can only get you so far. So... I'm very PROUD of my victory last night in the Elimination Chamber. It was exhausting, grueling... but I survived. I made it through, I eliminated 3 of the 5 challengers and I won the match. I'm... going to WrestleMania! And believe me... I'm READY to win back the WWE Championship!"
The crowd again whoops it up for the "King" and he beams proudly. But suddenly... David's music hits! The crowd's cheers turn to boos instantly and the cocky WWE Champion saunters out onto the stage. A scowl covers the face of the "Dangerous Genius" and DMK's smile turns to an annoyed frown. The time has come for them to handle the situation face-to-face! David scoffs at the crowd's reaction and speaks to his rival directly.
David: "DMK... you stupid, stupid man. Don't you realize what you've done? You've put yourself on the path to HUMILIATION. I feel like you may know me pretty well, so let me remind you of something. This title... means EVERYTHING to me. You're NOT going to come into MY ring and defeat ME. It's gonna be a cold day in hell when I relinquish this championship belt. I'M who the company wants as their champion. I'M the one these fans really come to see. I'M the best in this business, whether it's in the ring or out of it. I'M the face of the WWE! And you... you are a has-been. You may have won the Rumble... you may have won the Chamber match last night... but NO ONE will remember you because your 'Road to WrestleMania' story ends here. It ends with ME standing tall, holding this title belt as I always have. This is MY 'Road to WrestleMania'... and you're just another speed bump. I'm going to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to retain this title at WrestleMania. So let me issue you a little warning... you try to take this from me, and you will suffer MORE than whatever you THINK you've been through!"
David glares at DMK as the crowd voices their disapproval of his aggressive words. The champ is clearly not backing down from the challenge, and he has shown the ability to escape with the title multiple times over his entire reign. How is DMK going to do anything different to stop him?
But suddenly... Gravedigger's music hits! A familiar lightning bolt hits the stage just a few feet from David, startling the champ and staggering him out of the way. A moment later, the "Graveyard Monster" appears and walks out onto the stage as well. What is he doing out here? 'Digger was the runner-up in the Chamber match last night and is a big rival of DMK, but what does he want? He stands a stone's throw away from the concerned WWE Champion and talks directly to David.
Gravedigger: "Now that you've both got your pissing contest out of your system, I'd like to throw out a little challenge tonight. David... I want a WWE Title match... TONIGHT!"
Whoa! The crowd buzzes as they contemplate 'Digger's challenge, and DMK cocks his head in confusion. David initially chuckles and shakes his head, but Gravedigger continues.
Gravedigger: "I see you shaking your head, but let me throw some knowledge your way. I know I lost in the Chamber match last night. I fought my hardest and DMK beat me. I'm not gonna make any excuses about that. I'm pissed off about it, yeah but... I can accept the loss. What I CANNOT accept is a scared, undeserving pile of crap 'champion' holding that title belt. Yes, David - I'm talking about YOU. You don't deserve that title. Every chance you get to take the easy way out, you take it. You basically got a free month off of facing a challenge because you're in Vince's backpocket. Well... I'm not gonna sit back and watch you disrespect that championship. If anybody deserves to face DMK at WrestleMania... it should be ME. So tonight... I'm officially challenging you to a title match. I'M going to be the one taking the title into the biggest event of the year. You're... you're gonna slither back into whatever hole you crawled out of. And me and DMK... are gonna settle this like MEN."
The crowd is stunned at Gravedigger's words, and what he says does make a lot of sense. David can sense the crowd liking the idea, and he tries to shut it down quickly.
David: "Are you kidding me? YOU? Getting a title match? Tonight? Come on, man... you can't even beat DMK, and now you think you deserve a shot out of the blue? Let me spell it out for you, idiot... N... O..."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... I thought you might say that. You won't do it because you're a chicken."
David: "Hold up a second... I'm a what?"
Gravedigger: "A chicken. You heard me right."
David: "Look, pal... I ain't no chicken."
Gravedigger: "Prove it, then. I'm laying a challenge right at your feet. You just told me 'NO'. So either accept the challenge and put the title on the line... or be a wimpy, soft, scared little chicken. Your choice!"
The crowd starts to buzz even louder as David considers the offer, obviously angry about being insulted. He looks at DMK, who watches this scene stoically. Finally, a frustrated David growls and responds.
David: "Fine you stupid oaf - you got your title match! But tonight, I'm gonna show BOTH of you exactly what I'm capable of. When I defeat YOU, then DMK will KNOW what's he's in store for at WrestleMania. Now, get out of my way... I've got a title defense to prepare for."
David walks around 'Digger, well out of arm's reach, and walks to the backstage area. Gravedigger watches him leave, takes a quick glance at DMK and turns to exit himself. He stops when DMK sends out one final comment.
DMK: "Hey 'Digger... just so you know, I'll be watching tonight's match... VERY closely."
'Digger snickers and walks off. The camera then focuses on DMK, who stands confidently in the ring. Can you believe it??? David vs. Gravedigger for the WWE Title? Tonight?!
Tag Team Championship:
Alpha & Omega {c} (w/ Master Kimoto) vs. Hitman Jack
After the ring gets ready for the next match, the crowd starts buzzing for this odd matchup... a Tag Team Title bout in a Handicap match! Last week, Hitman Jack & H.E.R.O. wanted to face Alpha & Omega in singles matches to prep for their upcoming title match, which was originally scheduled for last night's PPV. But as part of the agreement of those singles matches, Hitman eagerly accepted Master Kimoto's counteroffer to move the title match from the PPV to one night later on Raw. H.E.R.O. protested, and after the "Lethal Canadian" defeated Alpha, the "Cali Dragon" attacked his friend and turned heel. A match between them on Friday's Smackdown confirmed their breakup... but the Tag Team Title match was still planned for tonight's show. Hitman, being the honorable man he is, showed up tonight and vowed to meet his end of the agreement even though without H.E.R.O. makes it a 2-on-1 Handicap match. Can the "Lethal Canadian" pull off the biggest upset of all... winning the Tag Team Titles by himself?
Hitman enters first and the ECW champ is greeted by huge cheers from the Raw crowd. The confidence beaming from his face, the "Lethal Canadian" seems poised and ready to take on tonight's insane challenge. Next, the Japanese luchadors head down to the ring with their elder trainer alongside and they perform their usual stretching warmup as they head down to the ring. They briefly discuss strategy and agree to let Alpha start the bout. The bell rings and the Tag Team Titles are up for grabs!
Hitman paces his side of the ring for a few moments, unsure of how to start his attack. Alpha bounces athletically and patiently, waiting for his foe to make the first move. Finally, Hitman fires the first punch but Alpha counters. Alpha tries a kick to the gut, but Hitman catches him by the foot. The "Lethal Canadian" shakes his head as he talks a little trash to Alpha's shocked face... and then punches him down with a stiff strike! Hitman follows up with an elbow drop. When they both get back to their feet, Alpha pushes Hitman away and drives into him with a spinning shoulder block. Alpha then attempts to grapple Hitman, only to be reversed into a belly-to-belly suplex!
Hitman whips Alpha into the ropes and hits a complex neckbreaker move and attempts a pinfall. Unfortunately, Omega races in to break it up, and Hitman returns the favor by punching Omega down off the apron! Jack then plants Alpha with a big suplex... and the concern on Master Kimoto's face is starting to show. But, Alpha rallies back with a big chop, a hip toss after a leapfrog off the ropes and a head scissor takedown before jogging over to tag in his mate. Frustrated, Hitman tosses his newest opponent into the corner, and then lays him down on the mat to deliver an elbow drop from the 2nd turnbuckle. The "Lethal Canadian" tries for a pinfall, but a still-recovering Alpha exhausts some energy to break it up.
Omega re-focuses and takes control, planting Hitman with a head scissor and following up with a standing front moonsault. Omega smartly slides out of the ring to lure Hitman, where he is able to damage him with a leg drop right on the apron edge. Back in the ring, Hitman hits a belly-to-belly suplex and a neckbreak, but Omega counters with an enziguri kick. An angry Jack attempts a clothesline, but Omega counters it into a hurricanrana pin! The referee counts 1... 2... and Hitman kicks out! But before Hitman can respond back, Omega blasts him with another enziguri. Hitman rallies back, locking in a sleeper hold and hurting his foe with a rolling fireman's carry plunge off the 2nd rope. Hitman then hits a big suplex, causing Master Kimoto's blood pressure to rise again. But somehow Omega manages to deliver another hurricanrana pinning combo... but at the count of 2, Hitman leverages the move into a pin of his own! Everyone is shocked and the ref counts 1... 2... and Omega kicks out at about 2.8! Master Kimoto and Alpha exhale a huge sigh of relief as they came milliseconds away from losing their Tag Titles to a single man!
But... Jack is now fired up! When Omega staggers back to his feet, Hitman plants him with his Jack Flash signature... and then his Lethal Hit finisher! Could he have done the impossible? He goes for the cover... but Alpha dives in to stop it in time! Omega escapes and hits a desperate spinning shoulder block, giving him time to tag in his partner while Hitman rolls out of the ring to catch his breath too. He re-enters the ring and engages in a brief staredown with Alpha, and the crowd is loving this battle! The fight starts up again, but Alpha takes control of his weary foe. Alpha knocks him into the ropes and hits a running double-arm chop and attempts a pin... but Hitman gets the shoulder up at 2! Alpha tosses Jack into the corner, tags in Omega and together they perform a double hip toss move. Omega then tries for the pin... but Jack kicks out again! The fans are stunned by Hitman's resiliency here and are starting to believe that he could pull off the upset. Frustrated, Omega attempts a kick to the gut... and Hitman catches his foot! Similar to how he did the same earlier, he shakes his head and talks trash to a surprised Omega... and then clotheslines the masked luchador! Master Kimoto is now barking angry commands at his students as the pressure increases!
Omega rallies back by chopping Hitman hard 3 times in the corner and follows up with a corner dropkick move, but Hitman responds with a running powerslam! Both men lay exhausted on the mat for a while as the crowd whoops it up. When they rise up, Omega is able to land a hurricanrana and crawls to the corner for a tag. Alpha climbs the nearest turnbuckle, waits for Jack to stagger back up... and leaps off for a flying hurricanrana! Alpha then hits two standing moonsaults in a row, and tries for a pin. But again... Jack kicks out at two! How is Hitman staying alive in this outnumbered match?
But in the end, Jack just doesn't have enough in the tank to upset two high-flying champions. After Alpha hits their signature Japanese Missile moonsault variation off the top rope, he whips Jack into the corner. With Omega, they perform a double-team finishing move where Alpha's hurricanrana into Omega's powerbomb knocks Hitman out for good! Omega covers and the referee counts 1... 2... 3! Alpha & Omega have finally outlasted the "Lethal Canadian" to retain their Tag Team Titles!
After the match, an honorable scene takes place. The Japanese luchadors celebrate but then assist Hitman back to his feet. They show him a great amount of respect, and the fans' opinion of Jack has raised immensely. Could this be a turning point for the "Lethal Canadian"? If he can put that much effort into winning the Tag Team Titles by himself... just imagine what he could do on Smackdown if given the chance! Alpha & Omega continue to celebrate as Hitman exits to a standing ovation!
WINNERS (and still Tag Team Champions): Alpha & Omega
Hitman enters first and the ECW champ is greeted by huge cheers from the Raw crowd. The confidence beaming from his face, the "Lethal Canadian" seems poised and ready to take on tonight's insane challenge. Next, the Japanese luchadors head down to the ring with their elder trainer alongside and they perform their usual stretching warmup as they head down to the ring. They briefly discuss strategy and agree to let Alpha start the bout. The bell rings and the Tag Team Titles are up for grabs!
Hitman paces his side of the ring for a few moments, unsure of how to start his attack. Alpha bounces athletically and patiently, waiting for his foe to make the first move. Finally, Hitman fires the first punch but Alpha counters. Alpha tries a kick to the gut, but Hitman catches him by the foot. The "Lethal Canadian" shakes his head as he talks a little trash to Alpha's shocked face... and then punches him down with a stiff strike! Hitman follows up with an elbow drop. When they both get back to their feet, Alpha pushes Hitman away and drives into him with a spinning shoulder block. Alpha then attempts to grapple Hitman, only to be reversed into a belly-to-belly suplex!
Hitman whips Alpha into the ropes and hits a complex neckbreaker move and attempts a pinfall. Unfortunately, Omega races in to break it up, and Hitman returns the favor by punching Omega down off the apron! Jack then plants Alpha with a big suplex... and the concern on Master Kimoto's face is starting to show. But, Alpha rallies back with a big chop, a hip toss after a leapfrog off the ropes and a head scissor takedown before jogging over to tag in his mate. Frustrated, Hitman tosses his newest opponent into the corner, and then lays him down on the mat to deliver an elbow drop from the 2nd turnbuckle. The "Lethal Canadian" tries for a pinfall, but a still-recovering Alpha exhausts some energy to break it up.
Omega re-focuses and takes control, planting Hitman with a head scissor and following up with a standing front moonsault. Omega smartly slides out of the ring to lure Hitman, where he is able to damage him with a leg drop right on the apron edge. Back in the ring, Hitman hits a belly-to-belly suplex and a neckbreak, but Omega counters with an enziguri kick. An angry Jack attempts a clothesline, but Omega counters it into a hurricanrana pin! The referee counts 1... 2... and Hitman kicks out! But before Hitman can respond back, Omega blasts him with another enziguri. Hitman rallies back, locking in a sleeper hold and hurting his foe with a rolling fireman's carry plunge off the 2nd rope. Hitman then hits a big suplex, causing Master Kimoto's blood pressure to rise again. But somehow Omega manages to deliver another hurricanrana pinning combo... but at the count of 2, Hitman leverages the move into a pin of his own! Everyone is shocked and the ref counts 1... 2... and Omega kicks out at about 2.8! Master Kimoto and Alpha exhale a huge sigh of relief as they came milliseconds away from losing their Tag Titles to a single man!
But... Jack is now fired up! When Omega staggers back to his feet, Hitman plants him with his Jack Flash signature... and then his Lethal Hit finisher! Could he have done the impossible? He goes for the cover... but Alpha dives in to stop it in time! Omega escapes and hits a desperate spinning shoulder block, giving him time to tag in his partner while Hitman rolls out of the ring to catch his breath too. He re-enters the ring and engages in a brief staredown with Alpha, and the crowd is loving this battle! The fight starts up again, but Alpha takes control of his weary foe. Alpha knocks him into the ropes and hits a running double-arm chop and attempts a pin... but Hitman gets the shoulder up at 2! Alpha tosses Jack into the corner, tags in Omega and together they perform a double hip toss move. Omega then tries for the pin... but Jack kicks out again! The fans are stunned by Hitman's resiliency here and are starting to believe that he could pull off the upset. Frustrated, Omega attempts a kick to the gut... and Hitman catches his foot! Similar to how he did the same earlier, he shakes his head and talks trash to a surprised Omega... and then clotheslines the masked luchador! Master Kimoto is now barking angry commands at his students as the pressure increases!
Omega rallies back by chopping Hitman hard 3 times in the corner and follows up with a corner dropkick move, but Hitman responds with a running powerslam! Both men lay exhausted on the mat for a while as the crowd whoops it up. When they rise up, Omega is able to land a hurricanrana and crawls to the corner for a tag. Alpha climbs the nearest turnbuckle, waits for Jack to stagger back up... and leaps off for a flying hurricanrana! Alpha then hits two standing moonsaults in a row, and tries for a pin. But again... Jack kicks out at two! How is Hitman staying alive in this outnumbered match?
But in the end, Jack just doesn't have enough in the tank to upset two high-flying champions. After Alpha hits their signature Japanese Missile moonsault variation off the top rope, he whips Jack into the corner. With Omega, they perform a double-team finishing move where Alpha's hurricanrana into Omega's powerbomb knocks Hitman out for good! Omega covers and the referee counts 1... 2... 3! Alpha & Omega have finally outlasted the "Lethal Canadian" to retain their Tag Team Titles!
After the match, an honorable scene takes place. The Japanese luchadors celebrate but then assist Hitman back to his feet. They show him a great amount of respect, and the fans' opinion of Jack has raised immensely. Could this be a turning point for the "Lethal Canadian"? If he can put that much effort into winning the Tag Team Titles by himself... just imagine what he could do on Smackdown if given the chance! Alpha & Omega continue to celebrate as Hitman exits to a standing ovation!
WINNERS (and still Tag Team Champions): Alpha & Omega
Announcer's Table Segment
The show returns from commercial and we head to the announcer's table, where Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler are discussing several items. First, they discuss Lee Money's U.S. Title win over Renegade in last night's PPV-opening bout and Big Mutha Trucker's successful Hardcore Title defense against Tank Blazer in a Ladder match. Clips from the matches are show to the viewers as well. Michael notes that both men were given the night off to rest from their exhausting victories.
But the next item they chat about could be way more interesting! Michael mentions that the annual Money in the Bank Ladder match is usually held at WrestleMania, and this year's biggest event will be no different! Six men will qualify for a shot at claiming the coveted briefcase, which holds a guaranteed title match at any time. Each week, Raw and Smackdown will hold qualifying matches to determine who earns the six spots, and there will be 3 members from each brand in the match. Fans start to buzz at the news and wonder who will be earning spots in the exciting match... and then Michael announces that the first Money in the Bank qualifying match... is next! The segment transitions to the ring for the match!
But the next item they chat about could be way more interesting! Michael mentions that the annual Money in the Bank Ladder match is usually held at WrestleMania, and this year's biggest event will be no different! Six men will qualify for a shot at claiming the coveted briefcase, which holds a guaranteed title match at any time. Each week, Raw and Smackdown will hold qualifying matches to determine who earns the six spots, and there will be 3 members from each brand in the match. Fans start to buzz at the news and wonder who will be earning spots in the exciting match... and then Michael announces that the first Money in the Bank qualifying match... is next! The segment transitions to the ring for the match!
Money In The Bank Qualifying Match:
Big Juan Santos vs. Tank Blazer
The fans are ecstatic for the next match, as one of these two men will earn a spot in the coveted Money in the Bank Ladder match! These two behemoths will face off, and both of them are entering the match after falling short of big goals at last night's PPV. Tank challenged Big Mutha Trucker for the Hardcore Title but was not able to re-capture the belt, while Big Juan had an impressive run in the Elimination Chamber match, including pinning Carson Pain, but obviously did not win the bout. But tonight, one of them will re-establish a winning streak and put themselves in contention to earn a bigger prize!
Both men make their entrances and share an intense staredown as the bell rings to start the match, a stalemate of big size. Then, the "Mexican Brute" begins the action with a massive punch and headbutt, dazing the "Captain"! Tank staggers into the corner, where Big Juan pulls him out and clotheslines him hard! Tank throws a wild punch, but Big Juan blocks the strike... and delivers a big boot! A great start for "Grande y Mal" has the fans cheering!
Tank rallies back, reversing an Irish whip into a belly-to-back suplex. He then stomps Big Juan repeatedly and then locks in an arm hold to damage his foe's dominant hand. Angry, Big Juan fires back with two big punches but when he attempts two running moves... Tank counters with two German suplexes! Big Juan shoves Tank into the ropes and tackles him through and down to the floor, where a massive brawl breaks out. They take out their fury with a flurry of strikes, while the referee continues to count them out. The brawl comes to an end when the "Captain" nails a neckbreaker and sprints back to the ring. Tank wants to earn the cheap countout victory, and the referee just hollered out an 8! Big Juan shakes off the cobwebs, realizes the situation... and narrowly slides back in just before the dreaded 10-count! The crowd whoops it up as Big Juan lays on the mat, breathing a big sigh of relief, while Tank grunts angrily that he wasn't able to win that way.
Frustrated, Tank punches Big Juan viciously and one haymaker sends Big Juan tumbling back outside to the floor. The "Captain" taunts, drawing boos from the L.A. crew. The "Mexican Brute" staggers back up and notices the arrogant Tank standing too close to the ropes. Big Juan sneaks up to the apron and pulls Tanks neck down hard onto the top rope! Big Juan re-enters and tosses him into the corner. There, Big Juan lifts him onto his shoulders and delivers an impressive shoulderbuster slam! He follows up with a heavy knee drop as Tank writhes in pain. Back on their feet, Tank regains control with a big boot in the corner and a clothesline as the back-and-forth progression continues.
Sick of the evenly-matched battle, Big Juan cranks up the anger and decides to put this match away. A spinebuster, two flesh-burning chest chops and two massive German suplexes boggle Tank's brain as the "Mexican Brute" takes control. Then, Big Juan lifts Tank up into a crucifix position... and powerbombs him by impressively tossing him nearly across the ring! Big Juan taunts the fans to signal for his finisher, and the fans respond with a cheer. When the "Captain" staggers back up, Big Juan lifts him onto his shoulder... and slams him down with his Ultimo Tango finisher! Big Juan covers and gets the 1-2-3 count, giving him the win... and putting him into the Money in the Bank Ladder match!
The "Mexican Brute" celebrates mildly, as he is one step closer to earning a title opportunity whenever he wants!
WINNER: Big Juan Santos
Both men make their entrances and share an intense staredown as the bell rings to start the match, a stalemate of big size. Then, the "Mexican Brute" begins the action with a massive punch and headbutt, dazing the "Captain"! Tank staggers into the corner, where Big Juan pulls him out and clotheslines him hard! Tank throws a wild punch, but Big Juan blocks the strike... and delivers a big boot! A great start for "Grande y Mal" has the fans cheering!
Tank rallies back, reversing an Irish whip into a belly-to-back suplex. He then stomps Big Juan repeatedly and then locks in an arm hold to damage his foe's dominant hand. Angry, Big Juan fires back with two big punches but when he attempts two running moves... Tank counters with two German suplexes! Big Juan shoves Tank into the ropes and tackles him through and down to the floor, where a massive brawl breaks out. They take out their fury with a flurry of strikes, while the referee continues to count them out. The brawl comes to an end when the "Captain" nails a neckbreaker and sprints back to the ring. Tank wants to earn the cheap countout victory, and the referee just hollered out an 8! Big Juan shakes off the cobwebs, realizes the situation... and narrowly slides back in just before the dreaded 10-count! The crowd whoops it up as Big Juan lays on the mat, breathing a big sigh of relief, while Tank grunts angrily that he wasn't able to win that way.
Frustrated, Tank punches Big Juan viciously and one haymaker sends Big Juan tumbling back outside to the floor. The "Captain" taunts, drawing boos from the L.A. crew. The "Mexican Brute" staggers back up and notices the arrogant Tank standing too close to the ropes. Big Juan sneaks up to the apron and pulls Tanks neck down hard onto the top rope! Big Juan re-enters and tosses him into the corner. There, Big Juan lifts him onto his shoulders and delivers an impressive shoulderbuster slam! He follows up with a heavy knee drop as Tank writhes in pain. Back on their feet, Tank regains control with a big boot in the corner and a clothesline as the back-and-forth progression continues.
Sick of the evenly-matched battle, Big Juan cranks up the anger and decides to put this match away. A spinebuster, two flesh-burning chest chops and two massive German suplexes boggle Tank's brain as the "Mexican Brute" takes control. Then, Big Juan lifts Tank up into a crucifix position... and powerbombs him by impressively tossing him nearly across the ring! Big Juan taunts the fans to signal for his finisher, and the fans respond with a cheer. When the "Captain" staggers back up, Big Juan lifts him onto his shoulder... and slams him down with his Ultimo Tango finisher! Big Juan covers and gets the 1-2-3 count, giving him the win... and putting him into the Money in the Bank Ladder match!
The "Mexican Brute" celebrates mildly, as he is one step closer to earning a title opportunity whenever he wants!
WINNER: Big Juan Santos
In-Ring Segment
After a short commercial break, we return and are greeted to the entrance of... Thunder! The newest Raw rookie is making an appearance on Raw tonight and does not seem happy as he heads to the ring. The "Strongest Stud" had been wreaking havoc on several episodes of Superstars lately... but last week was the bloody runner-up to Travis Roarke in a 4-way elimination match. Thunder enters the ring and speaks roughly towards the crowd.
Thunder: "I have something to say and you all need to listen. Last week I was humiliated by some boxing FREAK and I have some issues with that. I need Travis Roarke to come out here... RIGHT NOW!"
The crowd is stunned by the aggressive nature of Thunder, who seemed like a jovial muscle-bound guy at his Royal Rumble debut. This is an interesting new side of his! A few moments later, Travis comes out onto the stage and is greeted by a fairly negative reaction. The "Assassin" hasn't had much involvement in the title scene on Raw lately, but his betrayal of Dylan Dynamite and failure to lead Team Raw at Survivor Series has not put him in the fans' good graces. Thunder wastes no time in addressing his concerns.
Thunder: "You ugly, no-good son of a bitch! You wounded me last week! Do you see this face? This face has taken YEARS to mold and shape into the stark handsomeness you see. But you... you and your stupid punches... you cut this beautiful face! You made me bleed! And NO ONE makes me bleed! I... I had to pay for... cosmetic surgery to fix this wound! You are very lucky that I have the means and the connections to get it done so quickly and so well... otherwise..."
Travis: "... otherwise what? Are you serious complaining about a tiny scratch? Do you even know how many times I've bled in that ring? I'd count the scars but we'd be here all night!"
Thunder: "No wonder you look the way you do! I mean... how can people stand to look at you? Especially... when they see ME! You aren't allowed to try and cut me like you did last week. It will NOT happen again!"
Travis: "You can say whatever you want... I simply do not care. I'm a fighter - I just want to fight. Come on... ask these people! Don't you all just want to see a fight?"
The crowd reacts with an approving roar, and it suddenly becomes clear what is happening. Thunder was assumed to be this good-natured, handsome fella with an impressive physique and solid in-ring skills. Meanwhile, Travis was supposed to be the selfish jerk who relies more on his boxing acumen than his wrestling technique. But... the fans are starting to realize that... Thunder is simply a vain jerk, and Travis is the more honorable guy! Travis smiles at the crowd's reaction, while Thunder snarls and shakes his head angrily. It's... a rare double turn! Travis is earning the crowd's respect while Thunder is revealing his true colors, and the fans don't like it!
Thunder: "Fine! I will give you a fight. You're gonna pay for your actions! Thursday night at Superstars, you're mine!"
Travis: "Whoa... Thursday? Why not tonight? These fans are ITCHING for a fight!"
Thunder: "NO! Not tonight. After the way these... 'people'... have acted tonight, they don't DESERVE to watch me wrestle. At Superstars, I will prove to everyone that not only am I the most gorgeous specimen the WWE has EVER seen... but that I'm the best in the ring too! On Thursday, YOU will see the lightning..."
Thunder flexes his muscles, drawing boos from the crowd and an annoyed chuckle from the "Assassin", before finishing his catchphrase.
Thunder: "... but you'll FEEL the thunder!"
Travis chuckles again, nods his head in agreement and exits the area. Thunder angrily looks out at the jeering crowd, making threatening gestures and more flexes as the segment ends!
Thunder: "I have something to say and you all need to listen. Last week I was humiliated by some boxing FREAK and I have some issues with that. I need Travis Roarke to come out here... RIGHT NOW!"
The crowd is stunned by the aggressive nature of Thunder, who seemed like a jovial muscle-bound guy at his Royal Rumble debut. This is an interesting new side of his! A few moments later, Travis comes out onto the stage and is greeted by a fairly negative reaction. The "Assassin" hasn't had much involvement in the title scene on Raw lately, but his betrayal of Dylan Dynamite and failure to lead Team Raw at Survivor Series has not put him in the fans' good graces. Thunder wastes no time in addressing his concerns.
Thunder: "You ugly, no-good son of a bitch! You wounded me last week! Do you see this face? This face has taken YEARS to mold and shape into the stark handsomeness you see. But you... you and your stupid punches... you cut this beautiful face! You made me bleed! And NO ONE makes me bleed! I... I had to pay for... cosmetic surgery to fix this wound! You are very lucky that I have the means and the connections to get it done so quickly and so well... otherwise..."
Travis: "... otherwise what? Are you serious complaining about a tiny scratch? Do you even know how many times I've bled in that ring? I'd count the scars but we'd be here all night!"
Thunder: "No wonder you look the way you do! I mean... how can people stand to look at you? Especially... when they see ME! You aren't allowed to try and cut me like you did last week. It will NOT happen again!"
Travis: "You can say whatever you want... I simply do not care. I'm a fighter - I just want to fight. Come on... ask these people! Don't you all just want to see a fight?"
The crowd reacts with an approving roar, and it suddenly becomes clear what is happening. Thunder was assumed to be this good-natured, handsome fella with an impressive physique and solid in-ring skills. Meanwhile, Travis was supposed to be the selfish jerk who relies more on his boxing acumen than his wrestling technique. But... the fans are starting to realize that... Thunder is simply a vain jerk, and Travis is the more honorable guy! Travis smiles at the crowd's reaction, while Thunder snarls and shakes his head angrily. It's... a rare double turn! Travis is earning the crowd's respect while Thunder is revealing his true colors, and the fans don't like it!
Thunder: "Fine! I will give you a fight. You're gonna pay for your actions! Thursday night at Superstars, you're mine!"
Travis: "Whoa... Thursday? Why not tonight? These fans are ITCHING for a fight!"
Thunder: "NO! Not tonight. After the way these... 'people'... have acted tonight, they don't DESERVE to watch me wrestle. At Superstars, I will prove to everyone that not only am I the most gorgeous specimen the WWE has EVER seen... but that I'm the best in the ring too! On Thursday, YOU will see the lightning..."
Thunder flexes his muscles, drawing boos from the crowd and an annoyed chuckle from the "Assassin", before finishing his catchphrase.
Thunder: "... but you'll FEEL the thunder!"
Travis chuckles again, nods his head in agreement and exits the area. Thunder angrily looks out at the jeering crowd, making threatening gestures and more flexes as the segment ends!
Backstage Segment
The show transitions backstage for a little pre-match interaction. We see Gravedigger loosening up for the main event, where he will challenge David Degenerate for the WWE Title. 'Digger seems satisfied with his warmup and starts walking towards the entrance curtains. A moment later, a nearby door opens and... Carson Pain steps out! "The Original" spies his rival walking nearby, and 'Digger catches him out of the corner of his eye. An odd staredown takes place and finally, Carson musters the courage to approach the "Graveyard Monster". 'Digger straightens his posture as Carson speaks.
Carson: "I... cannot believe YOU are getting a WWE Title match tonight. Of all the challengers... YOU get a shot... after losing in the Chamber last night. I guess failing upwards is still a thing, ehh?"
Gravedigger's brow can be seen furrowing behind the mask, and he takes an annoyed breath before responding.
Gravedigger: "I could not care any less with what you have to say. You are a puny, pathetic little fly that deserves to be squashed. Tonight... I'm winning the WWE Championship. I'm gonna make David pay for his smart mouth, and I'M the one that will wrestle in the main event of WrestleMania. Not David, not YOU... ME."
Carson: "You actually think you're gonna win? You have no idea what you're walking into. You think you're just gonna stomp around and make it look easy. I doubt that. I doubt that you will even get CLOSE to winning tonight."
Gravedigger narrows his eyes and grunts in disagreement, but then simply walks away bubbling with anger. Carson watches him head towards the entrance and scowls himself. The camera zooms in on Carson's irritated expression as the show transitions back to the ring!
Carson: "I... cannot believe YOU are getting a WWE Title match tonight. Of all the challengers... YOU get a shot... after losing in the Chamber last night. I guess failing upwards is still a thing, ehh?"
Gravedigger's brow can be seen furrowing behind the mask, and he takes an annoyed breath before responding.
Gravedigger: "I could not care any less with what you have to say. You are a puny, pathetic little fly that deserves to be squashed. Tonight... I'm winning the WWE Championship. I'm gonna make David pay for his smart mouth, and I'M the one that will wrestle in the main event of WrestleMania. Not David, not YOU... ME."
Carson: "You actually think you're gonna win? You have no idea what you're walking into. You think you're just gonna stomp around and make it look easy. I doubt that. I doubt that you will even get CLOSE to winning tonight."
Gravedigger narrows his eyes and grunts in disagreement, but then simply walks away bubbling with anger. Carson watches him head towards the entrance and scowls himself. The camera zooms in on Carson's irritated expression as the show transitions back to the ring!
WWE Championship:
David Degenerate {c} (w/ Mr. McMahon) Vs. Gravedigger
The fans buzz for the night's main event, a rare WWE Title match on Raw! David D. agreed to put the belt on the line after a direct challenge from the "Graveyard Monster", who accused David of being a "chicken". The elementary-school insult pushed the "Dangerous Genius" to agree to the match, so it will be an interesting battle here!
Gravedigger enters first, stalking to the ring expressionless and ignoring the crowd's negative response to him. 'Digger eyes the crowd with anger as he awaits his opponent. A moment later, David makes his way to the ring, somehow drawing an even louder chorus of boos from the L.A. fans. Mr. McMahon walks along in support, eyes fixed on the large-looming contender in the ring. David enters the ring cautiously, raising his arms on the ropes as he usually does but with his peripheral vision catching glances at his opponent. Finally, the title match gets set and the bell rings to start it off!
Immediately, David exits the ring! The "Dangerous Genius" seems a little scared of the match he agreed to, and paces around the ring thinking of how to attack. In the ring, Gravedigger gets annoyed at first but then starts to laugh heartily. He taunts the WWE champ and dares him to re-enter the ring. This is an odd way to start things, but then... David sprints into the ring! The "Monster" is caught off-guard by the revved champ, who delivers a clothesline and follows up with two nasty kicks right to the masked face. David tosses 'Digger into the corner, then tosses him to the mat... and delivers a flying dropkick off the top rope! He then punches 'Digger repeatedly and the "Monster" leans into the ropes. There, David locks him in a chokehold around the top rope, using it to apply more pressure. 'Digger flops to the mat in pain, and David gives a taunt that makes it seem that he was pretending to be scared!
David smirks as he looks out at the crowd... but suddenly, Gravedigger is on his feet! 'Digger stalks David around the ring, and when the "Genius" tries a defensive punch, it is reversed and 'Digger drives his forearm hard into the champ's spine. Near the ring, Mr. McMahon begins to trash talk the "Monster", drawing his attention! 'Digger begins to walk towards the frightened WWE Chairman, but it was just a distraction to help David gain control again. The "Genius" stuns his foe with a punch to the back of the head, followed by a dirty eye gouge. Angry, Gravedigger sends another forearm into David's back and then makes a chopping move to snap the champ's arm. David responds with a kick to the gut and a butterfly suplex, convincing him to attempt a pin! Unfortunately, 'Digger gets a shoulder up at 2 to keep the title bout going.
David uses his quickness advantage to duck & move, sending a few well-timed punches at his challenger. Gravedigger is able to counter two of the punches with big boots, sending the "Genius" crashing down to the mat. David growls and gets more aggressive, eventually sending 'Digger down to the floor with a clothesline over the top rope! Outside the ring, the "Genius" whips Gravedigger hard into the steel steps, knocking them loose from their post. The referee's count reaches 8, so the champ decides to roll his foe back in and return himself.
The match is pretty evenly-matched, but the next few minutes surprise everyone. David drags 'Digger to the corner, where he stuns the "Monster" with several chops. But just before David sends another one, 'Digger ducks under and plants the champ with a back suplex! David tries an Irish whip, but Gravedigger reverses it into a big-impact DDT. The "Genius" crawls under the apron to try to catch a breather, but 'Digger grabs him and hip tosses him over the top and back into the ring! The massive challenger then hits a spinning leg drop and seems fired up. So fired up that he... begins to taunt and signal that he's going to try for his finisher! The crowd is on the edge of their seats - could Gravedigger actually win the title right here, right now?!
'Digger waits as David staggers back to his feet, but the champ senses the moment... and nails a charging "Monster" with a desperation dropkick! 'Digger flops to the mat and is frustrated with himself. But nearby... David exits the ring! The WWE champ walks over to the timekeeper's area... and picks up his title belt! What is he doing? He begins to walk... and starts walking around the ring and up the ramp! In the ring, the baffled referee continues to count while 'Digger looks around for his opponent... and spots him escaping! It suddenly clicks for everyone... David is taking a deliberate countout to lose the match but retain the title!
Gravedigger glares angrily at David, who briskly walks to the stage with Mr. McMahon trailing and trying to talk some sense into him. Once on the stage, David turns back to look at 'Digger who is just seething with anger. The referee finally reaches the decisive 10-count and calls for the bell. Gravedigger is announced as the winner but countout... but he did not capture the title tonight!
WINNER (by countout): Gravedigger
*Note: Titles cannot change hands due to countout or disqualification, so David Degenerate is still the WWE Champion*
Gravedigger enters first, stalking to the ring expressionless and ignoring the crowd's negative response to him. 'Digger eyes the crowd with anger as he awaits his opponent. A moment later, David makes his way to the ring, somehow drawing an even louder chorus of boos from the L.A. fans. Mr. McMahon walks along in support, eyes fixed on the large-looming contender in the ring. David enters the ring cautiously, raising his arms on the ropes as he usually does but with his peripheral vision catching glances at his opponent. Finally, the title match gets set and the bell rings to start it off!
Immediately, David exits the ring! The "Dangerous Genius" seems a little scared of the match he agreed to, and paces around the ring thinking of how to attack. In the ring, Gravedigger gets annoyed at first but then starts to laugh heartily. He taunts the WWE champ and dares him to re-enter the ring. This is an odd way to start things, but then... David sprints into the ring! The "Monster" is caught off-guard by the revved champ, who delivers a clothesline and follows up with two nasty kicks right to the masked face. David tosses 'Digger into the corner, then tosses him to the mat... and delivers a flying dropkick off the top rope! He then punches 'Digger repeatedly and the "Monster" leans into the ropes. There, David locks him in a chokehold around the top rope, using it to apply more pressure. 'Digger flops to the mat in pain, and David gives a taunt that makes it seem that he was pretending to be scared!
David smirks as he looks out at the crowd... but suddenly, Gravedigger is on his feet! 'Digger stalks David around the ring, and when the "Genius" tries a defensive punch, it is reversed and 'Digger drives his forearm hard into the champ's spine. Near the ring, Mr. McMahon begins to trash talk the "Monster", drawing his attention! 'Digger begins to walk towards the frightened WWE Chairman, but it was just a distraction to help David gain control again. The "Genius" stuns his foe with a punch to the back of the head, followed by a dirty eye gouge. Angry, Gravedigger sends another forearm into David's back and then makes a chopping move to snap the champ's arm. David responds with a kick to the gut and a butterfly suplex, convincing him to attempt a pin! Unfortunately, 'Digger gets a shoulder up at 2 to keep the title bout going.
David uses his quickness advantage to duck & move, sending a few well-timed punches at his challenger. Gravedigger is able to counter two of the punches with big boots, sending the "Genius" crashing down to the mat. David growls and gets more aggressive, eventually sending 'Digger down to the floor with a clothesline over the top rope! Outside the ring, the "Genius" whips Gravedigger hard into the steel steps, knocking them loose from their post. The referee's count reaches 8, so the champ decides to roll his foe back in and return himself.
The match is pretty evenly-matched, but the next few minutes surprise everyone. David drags 'Digger to the corner, where he stuns the "Monster" with several chops. But just before David sends another one, 'Digger ducks under and plants the champ with a back suplex! David tries an Irish whip, but Gravedigger reverses it into a big-impact DDT. The "Genius" crawls under the apron to try to catch a breather, but 'Digger grabs him and hip tosses him over the top and back into the ring! The massive challenger then hits a spinning leg drop and seems fired up. So fired up that he... begins to taunt and signal that he's going to try for his finisher! The crowd is on the edge of their seats - could Gravedigger actually win the title right here, right now?!
'Digger waits as David staggers back to his feet, but the champ senses the moment... and nails a charging "Monster" with a desperation dropkick! 'Digger flops to the mat and is frustrated with himself. But nearby... David exits the ring! The WWE champ walks over to the timekeeper's area... and picks up his title belt! What is he doing? He begins to walk... and starts walking around the ring and up the ramp! In the ring, the baffled referee continues to count while 'Digger looks around for his opponent... and spots him escaping! It suddenly clicks for everyone... David is taking a deliberate countout to lose the match but retain the title!
Gravedigger glares angrily at David, who briskly walks to the stage with Mr. McMahon trailing and trying to talk some sense into him. Once on the stage, David turns back to look at 'Digger who is just seething with anger. The referee finally reaches the decisive 10-count and calls for the bell. Gravedigger is announced as the winner but countout... but he did not capture the title tonight!
WINNER (by countout): Gravedigger
*Note: Titles cannot change hands due to countout or disqualification, so David Degenerate is still the WWE Champion*
Post-Match Segment
The moment the bell rings to signal the end of the match, David clutches the title belt to his chest and begins to shout in Gravedigger's direction.
David: "You CAN'T have it! This title is MINE! NO ONE is going to take it from me! It's MINE! MINE!"
Gravedigger just watches the ugly display expressionless from the ring and David's paranoia boils over. Mr. McMahon tries to get him to calm down, but it's to no avail. The camera is fairly zoomed in on David's maniacal look, but suddenly... a loud roaring cheer erupts from the crowd! David looks spooked and the camera zooms back to reveal... DMK!!! DMK is standing just a few feet behind the crazed WWE Champion! David can sense there's trouble afoot, and the shocked look on Mr. McMahon's face isn't helping matters. Finally, the "Dangerous Genius" turns... and DMK snatches him by the throat!
DMK: "That title... will be MINE soon, David!"
With that, DMK lifts David... and chokeslams him hard onto the stage! The crowd bursts into another huge cheer as the "King" stands tall over his rival! David may have kept the title tonight... but he did not appear to be a champion ready to defend at WrestleMania! The camera's parting shot is angled from David's wincing expression up to DMK's proud smirk!
David: "You CAN'T have it! This title is MINE! NO ONE is going to take it from me! It's MINE! MINE!"
Gravedigger just watches the ugly display expressionless from the ring and David's paranoia boils over. Mr. McMahon tries to get him to calm down, but it's to no avail. The camera is fairly zoomed in on David's maniacal look, but suddenly... a loud roaring cheer erupts from the crowd! David looks spooked and the camera zooms back to reveal... DMK!!! DMK is standing just a few feet behind the crazed WWE Champion! David can sense there's trouble afoot, and the shocked look on Mr. McMahon's face isn't helping matters. Finally, the "Dangerous Genius" turns... and DMK snatches him by the throat!
DMK: "That title... will be MINE soon, David!"
With that, DMK lifts David... and chokeslams him hard onto the stage! The crowd bursts into another huge cheer as the "King" stands tall over his rival! David may have kept the title tonight... but he did not appear to be a champion ready to defend at WrestleMania! The camera's parting shot is angled from David's wincing expression up to DMK's proud smirk!
Week 2
Dallas, TX is the host of tonight's LIVE edition of Monday Night Raw!
In-Ring Segment
The Dallas fans are immediately treated to the entrance of a hometown boy... WWE champ David Degenerate! The Dallas native heads down to the ring, garnering a large round of boos from his fellow Texans, but has a very focused expression on his face. Last week, David put his title on the line against Gravedigger but opted to take a deliberate countout loss to retain the title. After the match, DMK attacked him and slammed him down with a Checkmate chokeslam and sent a clear message about his goals at WrestleMania... to take the WWE Title away! David has shown paranoid behavior lately as he prepares to put the title on the line on the grandest stage, but he has an expert ability at utilizing loopholes and cheap tactics to keep his belt. David grabs a microphone and addresses the crowd.
David: "I'm glad to see I left this craphole city right before you all got ugly, fat and stupid. So now, I'm hear to represent the small amount of talent that can actually come from this place. You can't help but look at me and see how enormously successful I am... and how pathetic all of YOU are! You see... I came out here tonight not to just point out the obvious, but to make something very clear to everyone watching and my idiot rivals in the back. I'M THE WWE CHAMPION! I'm the best in the business, I'm the ideal person to hold this title. And... this title is ALL that matters to me! I don't need allies, I don't need dead weights... I have the support of the corporate executives and I have my ridiculous level of talent. So holding this title is a direct reflection of this company - they have the best wrestler, the best talker, the smartest man, the best-looking... holding their most prestigious championship. I won this title... and I deserve to hold this title. It doesn't matter who I face at WrestleMania or any other event for that matter... I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep this title around my waist!"
The crowd obviously boos David's insulting remarks and arrogant comments regarding his title reign. The "Dangerous Genius" smirks at the disapproving crowd... until fire pyro blasts from the stage, and DMK's music hits! The crowd erupts into a huge cheer for the "King" as he walks assuredly out onto the stage. David's smirk turns into a frown as his most-hated rival responds to his comments.
DMK: "David... you talk about idiots, but you are the biggest idiot of all. Do you not realize that Mr. McMahon is feeding you a giant line of crap? He picked YOU because he could manipulate YOU. Mr. McMahon wants ultimate control, but he can't control a guy like me... or Carson... or even Gravedigger! But you... well, he sucked you in hook, line & sinker! Yeah, you're the reigning champ... but not a single person in this arena tonight nor watching at home BELIEVES that YOU are the best wrestler in the business. They believe that you are a CHEAT and that you only have held the title this long because you are a COWARD. Last week, you proved it to everyone when you walked out on that title match against 'Digger. Instead of finishing the match like a MAN, you tucked your tail between your legs and scampered off at the first sign of trouble. And that's why I had to come out and send a 'message' to you after the match. If you're gonna try and escape our match at WrestleMania... you will be in for a world of enormous pain! These fans... DESERVE a true champion that gives their best effort no matter what the challenge is. And that champion... WILL BE ME!"
The crowd cheers for DMK's comments, and David shakes his head angrily. He quickly responds back.
David: "These fans... ARE DUMB! They just mindlessly watch us fight and slobber into their nachos and pour cheap sodas down their gluttonous throats. These fans... will GET what I SAY they will get!"
DMK's face turns to an angry scowl as he replies.
DMK: "Damn... I am so sick of your mouth. I've been sick of your mouth for nearly 3 years. I'm very glad I earned this WrestleMania title match... because I am going to SHUT UP that disrespectful little mouth of yours... ONCE AND FOR ALL!"
David: "Oh, you're gonna shut me up? THEN BRING IT!"
DMK: "Oh... don't worry, I will. How about a match tonight?"
David: "A match? Ha! I don't even care. You're gonna regret facing me."
DMK: "Hell... I don't even care what match it is, I'll destroy you! In fact... I DARE YOU to face me alone tonight. But I'll give you a 'champion's advantage' and let you pick whatever match you want. It's not gonna matter... because I'm going to EMBARRASS you in front of your hometown fans!"
David: "Ha ha... and this is why I think you're an idiot! I'll come up with a match... and YOU will be the one embarrassed!"
The fans cheer loudly as they agree to some kind of match tonight! But... what will the actual match be? Will David agree to face DMK one-on-one? The segment ends with an intense staredown between the two rivals!
David: "I'm glad to see I left this craphole city right before you all got ugly, fat and stupid. So now, I'm hear to represent the small amount of talent that can actually come from this place. You can't help but look at me and see how enormously successful I am... and how pathetic all of YOU are! You see... I came out here tonight not to just point out the obvious, but to make something very clear to everyone watching and my idiot rivals in the back. I'M THE WWE CHAMPION! I'm the best in the business, I'm the ideal person to hold this title. And... this title is ALL that matters to me! I don't need allies, I don't need dead weights... I have the support of the corporate executives and I have my ridiculous level of talent. So holding this title is a direct reflection of this company - they have the best wrestler, the best talker, the smartest man, the best-looking... holding their most prestigious championship. I won this title... and I deserve to hold this title. It doesn't matter who I face at WrestleMania or any other event for that matter... I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep this title around my waist!"
The crowd obviously boos David's insulting remarks and arrogant comments regarding his title reign. The "Dangerous Genius" smirks at the disapproving crowd... until fire pyro blasts from the stage, and DMK's music hits! The crowd erupts into a huge cheer for the "King" as he walks assuredly out onto the stage. David's smirk turns into a frown as his most-hated rival responds to his comments.
DMK: "David... you talk about idiots, but you are the biggest idiot of all. Do you not realize that Mr. McMahon is feeding you a giant line of crap? He picked YOU because he could manipulate YOU. Mr. McMahon wants ultimate control, but he can't control a guy like me... or Carson... or even Gravedigger! But you... well, he sucked you in hook, line & sinker! Yeah, you're the reigning champ... but not a single person in this arena tonight nor watching at home BELIEVES that YOU are the best wrestler in the business. They believe that you are a CHEAT and that you only have held the title this long because you are a COWARD. Last week, you proved it to everyone when you walked out on that title match against 'Digger. Instead of finishing the match like a MAN, you tucked your tail between your legs and scampered off at the first sign of trouble. And that's why I had to come out and send a 'message' to you after the match. If you're gonna try and escape our match at WrestleMania... you will be in for a world of enormous pain! These fans... DESERVE a true champion that gives their best effort no matter what the challenge is. And that champion... WILL BE ME!"
The crowd cheers for DMK's comments, and David shakes his head angrily. He quickly responds back.
David: "These fans... ARE DUMB! They just mindlessly watch us fight and slobber into their nachos and pour cheap sodas down their gluttonous throats. These fans... will GET what I SAY they will get!"
DMK's face turns to an angry scowl as he replies.
DMK: "Damn... I am so sick of your mouth. I've been sick of your mouth for nearly 3 years. I'm very glad I earned this WrestleMania title match... because I am going to SHUT UP that disrespectful little mouth of yours... ONCE AND FOR ALL!"
David: "Oh, you're gonna shut me up? THEN BRING IT!"
DMK: "Oh... don't worry, I will. How about a match tonight?"
David: "A match? Ha! I don't even care. You're gonna regret facing me."
DMK: "Hell... I don't even care what match it is, I'll destroy you! In fact... I DARE YOU to face me alone tonight. But I'll give you a 'champion's advantage' and let you pick whatever match you want. It's not gonna matter... because I'm going to EMBARRASS you in front of your hometown fans!"
David: "Ha ha... and this is why I think you're an idiot! I'll come up with a match... and YOU will be the one embarrassed!"
The fans cheer loudly as they agree to some kind of match tonight! But... what will the actual match be? Will David agree to face DMK one-on-one? The segment ends with an intense staredown between the two rivals!
Women's Championship Unification Tournament - Bracket:
Women's Championship Unification Tournament
Raw 1st Round: Maryse vs. Brie Bella
The next set of 1st-round matchups for the new Women's tournament is up next, as the final Raw matchup will take place before the semifinals next week. Maryse will face off against Brie Bella, who shockingly turned against her own twin sister last week in another tournament matchup... but her attack on Nikki ended up screwing Beth Phoenix over instead! Nikki ducked a kick and Brie's foot struck the "Glamazon", allowing Nikki to score the upset win via roll-up. Tonight, Brie has her own tournament match and might be looking over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Maryse and supposed ally Brittany Black may be on the outs, as Maryse surprisingly beat the "Evil Diva" in a battle royal just days before the last PPV. The final two remaining, Brittany demanded her friend eliminate herself but the French-Canadian beauty refused and ended up tossing the Divas champ over! There's a lot of background leading up to this simple tournament match tonight!
Both ladies make their entrances and garner a good amount of boos, although Maryse receives a more moderate response as fans may be hoping she turns against her evil ally Brittany. The bell rings and the action gets underway! Maryse takes control early, landing two roundhouse kicks, a nasty kick to the spine and a Russian leg sweep. Brie counters with an eye gouge and follows up with a hip toss and her own kick right into Maryse's back. Brie then places Maryse on the apron and attempts to clothesline her down... but Maryse ducks and pulls the top rope, sending the Bella twin tumbling to the floor below!
Outside the ring, an angry Brie continues to hurt her opponent. Brie delivers a stiff club right to the chest, and then elbows Maryse in the chin as her head dangles off the apron. In the ring, a cheek-reddening slap is followed up by a facebuster and an standing elbow drop right into Maryse's weakened back. Next, Brie rides the momentum to deliver his signature Jumping Snapmare... and her finishing Sitout Facebuster! It looks like Brie is going to pick up the big tournament win and face her sister in the next round!
But suddenly, Brittany Black appears! The intruder catches Brie's eye and she tries to alert the referee to her presence. The official argues that the "Evil Diva" hasn't done anything yet, and Maryse slowly staggers to her feet. The French-Canadian beauty tries to continue the match but in a heated moment... the referee gets knocked down by a wayward kick! Sensing the chance to help her ally, Brittany slides into the ring and attacks Brie! Maryse stumbles off to the side, hurt but... she's watching Brittany attack her opponent with an angry scowl! It looks like Maryse is upset that Brittany is here to help her! A moment later, Brittany knocks Brie down with her Migrainer finishing kick. Then... Maryse attacks Brittany! The crowd cheers as it seems like she is standing up for herself, and tosses the Divas champ out of the ring! She can be heard barking at Brittany that this is "her match" and it looks like this friendship is officially over!
The referee begins to recover as Brittany looks up at Maryse in shock! An infuriated expression crosses the champ's face and she decides to hang around for a little longer. Meanwhile, another intruder makes an appearance... Nikki Bella! The other Bella twin has shown up... and she begins arguing with Brie and the referee! This is complete chaos! Maryse takes the time to try and recover from the pain, but Brittany sees a chance to get some immediate payback. The "Evil Diva" slides back into the ring... and attacks Maryse! The crowd unleashes vicious boos for the assault, but the referee doesn't see anything because of the Bella twin bickering elsewhere. Finally, Brittany is satisfied with her actions and walks off, leaving her former friend writhing in pain. The "Evil Diva" disrespects the crowd as she leaves, but the damage is done!
Finally, the ref manages to quell the Bella twin drama although Nikki hangs around to watch her sister with a scowl. Brie notices Maryse hurt on the mat nearby, and decides to try and pin her! The official begins a count 1... 2... and Maryse kicks out!!! The crowd goes crazy as it seems like Maryse has begun to earn their respect again! The fan support rejuvenates Maryse and she mounts a quick rally. The big moment happens when she climbs the turnbuckle... and squashes Brie with a flying elbow drop! Maryse goes for the cover and gets the 1-2-3 to score the victory and move onto the next round!
The fans cheer and it seems like Maryse's actions and Brittany's response have brought about a surprise face turn for the French-Canadian beauty! Maryse celebrates as her semifinal opponent Nikki mocks her beaten sister!
WINNER: Maryse
Both ladies make their entrances and garner a good amount of boos, although Maryse receives a more moderate response as fans may be hoping she turns against her evil ally Brittany. The bell rings and the action gets underway! Maryse takes control early, landing two roundhouse kicks, a nasty kick to the spine and a Russian leg sweep. Brie counters with an eye gouge and follows up with a hip toss and her own kick right into Maryse's back. Brie then places Maryse on the apron and attempts to clothesline her down... but Maryse ducks and pulls the top rope, sending the Bella twin tumbling to the floor below!
Outside the ring, an angry Brie continues to hurt her opponent. Brie delivers a stiff club right to the chest, and then elbows Maryse in the chin as her head dangles off the apron. In the ring, a cheek-reddening slap is followed up by a facebuster and an standing elbow drop right into Maryse's weakened back. Next, Brie rides the momentum to deliver his signature Jumping Snapmare... and her finishing Sitout Facebuster! It looks like Brie is going to pick up the big tournament win and face her sister in the next round!
But suddenly, Brittany Black appears! The intruder catches Brie's eye and she tries to alert the referee to her presence. The official argues that the "Evil Diva" hasn't done anything yet, and Maryse slowly staggers to her feet. The French-Canadian beauty tries to continue the match but in a heated moment... the referee gets knocked down by a wayward kick! Sensing the chance to help her ally, Brittany slides into the ring and attacks Brie! Maryse stumbles off to the side, hurt but... she's watching Brittany attack her opponent with an angry scowl! It looks like Maryse is upset that Brittany is here to help her! A moment later, Brittany knocks Brie down with her Migrainer finishing kick. Then... Maryse attacks Brittany! The crowd cheers as it seems like she is standing up for herself, and tosses the Divas champ out of the ring! She can be heard barking at Brittany that this is "her match" and it looks like this friendship is officially over!
The referee begins to recover as Brittany looks up at Maryse in shock! An infuriated expression crosses the champ's face and she decides to hang around for a little longer. Meanwhile, another intruder makes an appearance... Nikki Bella! The other Bella twin has shown up... and she begins arguing with Brie and the referee! This is complete chaos! Maryse takes the time to try and recover from the pain, but Brittany sees a chance to get some immediate payback. The "Evil Diva" slides back into the ring... and attacks Maryse! The crowd unleashes vicious boos for the assault, but the referee doesn't see anything because of the Bella twin bickering elsewhere. Finally, Brittany is satisfied with her actions and walks off, leaving her former friend writhing in pain. The "Evil Diva" disrespects the crowd as she leaves, but the damage is done!
Finally, the ref manages to quell the Bella twin drama although Nikki hangs around to watch her sister with a scowl. Brie notices Maryse hurt on the mat nearby, and decides to try and pin her! The official begins a count 1... 2... and Maryse kicks out!!! The crowd goes crazy as it seems like Maryse has begun to earn their respect again! The fan support rejuvenates Maryse and she mounts a quick rally. The big moment happens when she climbs the turnbuckle... and squashes Brie with a flying elbow drop! Maryse goes for the cover and gets the 1-2-3 to score the victory and move onto the next round!
The fans cheer and it seems like Maryse's actions and Brittany's response have brought about a surprise face turn for the French-Canadian beauty! Maryse celebrates as her semifinal opponent Nikki mocks her beaten sister!
WINNER: Maryse
Backstage Segment
The show returns from commercial and we are shown a video clip of an altercation that occurred during the break. Backstage, Travis Roarke and Thunder are having an argument.
Thunder: "... I'm not the one who ended up through a table!"
Travis: "It doesn't matter! It ended as a DRAW, you dummy. Did your brain get replaced with muscles too?"
Last week on Superstars, their grudge match ended in a double-countout draw. The biggest moment is when Thunder sent Travis through the announce table with a powerful bodyslam. They continue to bicker.
Thunder: "Well, you are just straight terrible. I mean seriously... you wear JEANS to the ring? How ugly!"
Travis: "Can you just shut up? If I'm so terrible... then why do I have a Money in the Bank qualifying match tonight?"
Thunder: "WHAT?! How did YOU get a match like that? I guess they need people in the match who are DEFINITELY not going to win just to conserve a spot."
Travis: "Yeah right. I'm gonna win tonight, and then I'm going to win the briefcase and then I'm going to cash it in as soon as possible."
Thunder: "Well I'll be watching tonight's match... VERY closely. In fact, I might... need to play a role in the match."
Travis: "No way. You better not interfere in the match... OR ELSE!"
Thunder: "Or else what? These stupid fans probably want to see me anyway. How can they FEEL the THUNDER if they don't SEE the LIGHTNING? Come on, man... get it through your ugly skull!"
Travis scoffs and walks off disgusted. The camera zooms in on Thunder, who smirks and flexes his muscles a bit. The segment ends with the "Strongest Stud" giving his left bicep a soft kiss!
Thunder: "... I'm not the one who ended up through a table!"
Travis: "It doesn't matter! It ended as a DRAW, you dummy. Did your brain get replaced with muscles too?"
Last week on Superstars, their grudge match ended in a double-countout draw. The biggest moment is when Thunder sent Travis through the announce table with a powerful bodyslam. They continue to bicker.
Thunder: "Well, you are just straight terrible. I mean seriously... you wear JEANS to the ring? How ugly!"
Travis: "Can you just shut up? If I'm so terrible... then why do I have a Money in the Bank qualifying match tonight?"
Thunder: "WHAT?! How did YOU get a match like that? I guess they need people in the match who are DEFINITELY not going to win just to conserve a spot."
Travis: "Yeah right. I'm gonna win tonight, and then I'm going to win the briefcase and then I'm going to cash it in as soon as possible."
Thunder: "Well I'll be watching tonight's match... VERY closely. In fact, I might... need to play a role in the match."
Travis: "No way. You better not interfere in the match... OR ELSE!"
Thunder: "Or else what? These stupid fans probably want to see me anyway. How can they FEEL the THUNDER if they don't SEE the LIGHTNING? Come on, man... get it through your ugly skull!"
Travis scoffs and walks off disgusted. The camera zooms in on Thunder, who smirks and flexes his muscles a bit. The segment ends with the "Strongest Stud" giving his left bicep a soft kiss!
Backstage Segment
The show returns to live action after the video clip ends, and we transition to the locker room. There, we see... DMK! The "King" is getting himself ready for his match tonight... whatever match David Degenerate has picked for them. Earlier, he and the WWE champ engaged in a war of words and agreed to a match tonight, with DMK allowing David to choose whatever he wanted and daring him to face him one-on-one. The match type still isn't known yet, but the men that will face off in the WrestleMania main event will face off in some fashion tonight!
A moment later, someone can be heard approaching and we see... Carson Pain! "The Original" has tried to be some kind of ally for DMK lately, despite their deep differences from their past rivalry still bubbling under the surface. Carson walks over and chats with the "Dark Rocker".
Carson: "Hey DMK... mind if I talk to you?"
DMK: "Sure, Carson... what do you have on your mind?"
Carson: "I want to share with you some information I caught just days before Elimination Chamber."
DMK: "Yeah?"
Carson: "So I was venturing backstage at Raw a few weeks ago and I heard David & Vince chatting. And of course, they're always plotting something... so I stopped to listen in. And sure enough, this past month was only a ruse to make you work extremely hard to defend a title shot you earned fair and square, while David got a free month off while we beat each other senseless."
DMK: "I... can't say I'm surprised. I knew the whole Elimination Chamber nonsense was some crazy plan concocted by the McMahon corruption."
Carson: "Well, it got me thinking..."
DMK: "Yeah?"
Carson: "Well... I'm just a little concerned. I have a feeling that... Vince & David are going to pull some stunt at WrestleMania. Where you get screwed over and he walks away with the title still in hand. I mean... look at what happened to me after I lost the title. I was basically placed on this wild goose chase and every chance I got inches from winning the title... something bad happened. And I could never prepare for it because it was always something weird that either David or Vince had either planned for or did in the heat of the moment. I'm... worried that you'll suffer the same fate."
DMK: "I hear you. So... what do you suggest?"
Carson: "What if... since Vince is going to be at David's side for the WrestleMania match... what if I was in YOUR corner at that match?"
DMK: "Wait... you want to just be my manager for that match?"
Carson: "Yes. What do you think?"
DMK thinks about the offer, but you can see the suspicion creeping over his face. Carson notices and tries to calm the tension.
Carson: "I know what you're thinking... but you can trust me. I'm not going to turn on you or screw you over or try to win the title myself. I honestly... just want a front-row view of David's demise. I know you can beat him... and I want to be there to see him lose. But mainly, I also want to prevent Vince from pulling something crazy to help David win. You're gonna need an ally... I'm willing to do that for you."
DMK studies Carson's face, but it seems to be a genuine offer. DMK still has his suspicions but he seems to agree... reluctantly.
DMK: "Okay. You can be my ringside manager that night. Thanks."
Carson extends his hand... and DMK meets the gesture for a handshake. The two former rivals share a little grin as they shake, and the segment comes to an end with a closeup of their expressions!
A moment later, someone can be heard approaching and we see... Carson Pain! "The Original" has tried to be some kind of ally for DMK lately, despite their deep differences from their past rivalry still bubbling under the surface. Carson walks over and chats with the "Dark Rocker".
Carson: "Hey DMK... mind if I talk to you?"
DMK: "Sure, Carson... what do you have on your mind?"
Carson: "I want to share with you some information I caught just days before Elimination Chamber."
DMK: "Yeah?"
Carson: "So I was venturing backstage at Raw a few weeks ago and I heard David & Vince chatting. And of course, they're always plotting something... so I stopped to listen in. And sure enough, this past month was only a ruse to make you work extremely hard to defend a title shot you earned fair and square, while David got a free month off while we beat each other senseless."
DMK: "I... can't say I'm surprised. I knew the whole Elimination Chamber nonsense was some crazy plan concocted by the McMahon corruption."
Carson: "Well, it got me thinking..."
DMK: "Yeah?"
Carson: "Well... I'm just a little concerned. I have a feeling that... Vince & David are going to pull some stunt at WrestleMania. Where you get screwed over and he walks away with the title still in hand. I mean... look at what happened to me after I lost the title. I was basically placed on this wild goose chase and every chance I got inches from winning the title... something bad happened. And I could never prepare for it because it was always something weird that either David or Vince had either planned for or did in the heat of the moment. I'm... worried that you'll suffer the same fate."
DMK: "I hear you. So... what do you suggest?"
Carson: "What if... since Vince is going to be at David's side for the WrestleMania match... what if I was in YOUR corner at that match?"
DMK: "Wait... you want to just be my manager for that match?"
Carson: "Yes. What do you think?"
DMK thinks about the offer, but you can see the suspicion creeping over his face. Carson notices and tries to calm the tension.
Carson: "I know what you're thinking... but you can trust me. I'm not going to turn on you or screw you over or try to win the title myself. I honestly... just want a front-row view of David's demise. I know you can beat him... and I want to be there to see him lose. But mainly, I also want to prevent Vince from pulling something crazy to help David win. You're gonna need an ally... I'm willing to do that for you."
DMK studies Carson's face, but it seems to be a genuine offer. DMK still has his suspicions but he seems to agree... reluctantly.
DMK: "Okay. You can be my ringside manager that night. Thanks."
Carson extends his hand... and DMK meets the gesture for a handshake. The two former rivals share a little grin as they shake, and the segment comes to an end with a closeup of their expressions!
Backstage Segment
The cameras switch to a new backstage scene, as we see... new U.S. champ Lee Money walking down the hallway! The popular "Cash" arrives at the arena tonight and receives a warm welcome from backstage crew and even some fellow roster members, as they wish him congratulations and he receives several pats on the back. Lee smiles proudly and thanks everyone for the kind words.
The scene seems to be going well for the newest United States Champion... until someone throws out a "fluke" comment. Lee catches the one negative comment and backtracks on his walk. The person in question steps out of the shadows... and it's Renegade! The "Party Animal" and former U.S. titleholder approaches Lee with an arrogant smirk.
Renegade: "You're a fluke. Your win was a fluke. If we were to face off again... you would NOT win."
Renegade steps towards Lee aggressively... but "Cash" instead stays very calm. His reaction confuses Renegade as he was likely expecting Lee to be aggressive in return. Lee takes a breath and responds.
Lee: "Hey bro... I know what you're going through right now. I really didn't want things to end up this way. I was secretly hoping that my victory... would be a wakeup call for you. Me winning this title should have allowed you to see the truth. If you keep doing what you're doing... you're not going to have enough left in the tank to win matches anymore."
Renegade: "What are you talking about?"
Lee: "You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Think about it... don't deny it."
Renegade considers what Lee is suggesting to him. It's obvious that the "Party Animal" seems to identify with the unknown issue Lee is referring to, and they share a moment. But then... Renegade's anger bubbles back to the surface and he shoves Lee back.
Renegade: "You don't know what you're talking about. Tonight... we are in the main event match. I'm gonna make you pay."
Renegade gives Lee another shove and walks away angry. Lee shakes his head sadly and purses his lips in a determined way. The segment ends with the U.S. champ's focused expression filling the screen!
The scene seems to be going well for the newest United States Champion... until someone throws out a "fluke" comment. Lee catches the one negative comment and backtracks on his walk. The person in question steps out of the shadows... and it's Renegade! The "Party Animal" and former U.S. titleholder approaches Lee with an arrogant smirk.
Renegade: "You're a fluke. Your win was a fluke. If we were to face off again... you would NOT win."
Renegade steps towards Lee aggressively... but "Cash" instead stays very calm. His reaction confuses Renegade as he was likely expecting Lee to be aggressive in return. Lee takes a breath and responds.
Lee: "Hey bro... I know what you're going through right now. I really didn't want things to end up this way. I was secretly hoping that my victory... would be a wakeup call for you. Me winning this title should have allowed you to see the truth. If you keep doing what you're doing... you're not going to have enough left in the tank to win matches anymore."
Renegade: "What are you talking about?"
Lee: "You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Think about it... don't deny it."
Renegade considers what Lee is suggesting to him. It's obvious that the "Party Animal" seems to identify with the unknown issue Lee is referring to, and they share a moment. But then... Renegade's anger bubbles back to the surface and he shoves Lee back.
Renegade: "You don't know what you're talking about. Tonight... we are in the main event match. I'm gonna make you pay."
Renegade gives Lee another shove and walks away angry. Lee shakes his head sadly and purses his lips in a determined way. The segment ends with the U.S. champ's focused expression filling the screen!
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match:
Travis Roarke vs. Anarchy
After a brief commercial break, the show returns for the next match... which will send another Raw member into the Money in the Bank Ladder match! Travis Roarke, deep in a new rivalry with the newest rookie Thunder, will face off against the "Little Hellraiser" with a chance to fight for the coveted briefcase at WrestleMania. Anarchy most recent big moment was when he interfered in the WWE Championship match at the Tables, Ladder & Chairs PPV, sending Mack Wheeler through a table to help David Degenerate retain. The move was not at David's request, but instead was the result of a personal grudge held for several months. Tonight, only one of them will qualify!
"The Assassin" enters first, throwing shadow punches to warm himself up. Next, Anarchy heads down to the ring, bobbing his head and staying loose. The official confirms the pre-match checklist and calls for the bell to start things off!
Travis starts the match as if his hair's on fire, catching Anarchy with a punch combo and follows up with a gut kick and a club to the back of the head. Feeling confident, he goes for an early pinfall attempt... but Anarchy kicks out! Travis follows up with even more punches and an impressive jumping headbutt to continue the hot start. Anarchy then starts a short rally, using his quickness advantage to hurt the "Assassin" a bit. But the control soon reverts back to Travis, as he seems very determined to put this match away quickly. After two bulldogs, Travis lines up his foe... and delivers a painful chop right to Anarchy's skull!
The "Little Hellraiser" staggers to his feet, but walks right into a signature Assassin's Punch! Travis waits patiently for his foe to rise up again, and when he does... his Sactown Special knocks Anarchy out! The "Assassin" goes for the cover and scores the 1-2-3 to win the match! An impressive showing by Roarke puts him in the prestigious ladder match for the coveted briefcase!
WINNER: Travis Roarke
"The Assassin" enters first, throwing shadow punches to warm himself up. Next, Anarchy heads down to the ring, bobbing his head and staying loose. The official confirms the pre-match checklist and calls for the bell to start things off!
Travis starts the match as if his hair's on fire, catching Anarchy with a punch combo and follows up with a gut kick and a club to the back of the head. Feeling confident, he goes for an early pinfall attempt... but Anarchy kicks out! Travis follows up with even more punches and an impressive jumping headbutt to continue the hot start. Anarchy then starts a short rally, using his quickness advantage to hurt the "Assassin" a bit. But the control soon reverts back to Travis, as he seems very determined to put this match away quickly. After two bulldogs, Travis lines up his foe... and delivers a painful chop right to Anarchy's skull!
The "Little Hellraiser" staggers to his feet, but walks right into a signature Assassin's Punch! Travis waits patiently for his foe to rise up again, and when he does... his Sactown Special knocks Anarchy out! The "Assassin" goes for the cover and scores the 1-2-3 to win the match! An impressive showing by Roarke puts him in the prestigious ladder match for the coveted briefcase!
WINNER: Travis Roarke
Backstage Segment
The cameras switch backstage to the locker room, where we see Carson Pain hanging out. "The Original" isn't scheduled for a match tonight, but was seen earlier chatting with DMK and told him that he would accompany the "King" to the ring for the upcoming WrestleMania main event. Carson battled David for months after losing the WWE Title at Summerslam but was not able to reclaim the championship, but Carson is willing to support DMK in order to hopefully see him defeat the "Dangerous Genius" firsthand.
But while Carson relaxes in the locker room, another person approaches angrily and breaks him out of his chill mood. Carson quickly jumps up from his chair and meets the gaze of... Gravedigger! The "Graveyard Monster" towers over Carson, breathing deeply through his mask, but doesn't say anything at first. Carson waits impatiently and finally breaks the tension.
Carson: "I... told you that beating David to win the title wasn't going to be easy. I warned you. You see... David is a sneaky little devil. He knows every loophole in the rulebook and uses it to his advantage. He wasn't going to give you a fair match - him walking away and losing by countout was almost expected."
Gravedigger makes a gesture that shuts Carson up. He then raises a finger and points it inches from Carson's face.
Gravedigger: "YOU... are the reason for ALL my troubles. YOU are the thorn in my side. YOU are the poison in the pooridge, the rain on my parade. You ruined my chances to win the Royal Rumble. You caused me to lose focus in preparation for the Elimination Chamber match. If it weren't for YOU... I'd have been WWE Champion this whole time instead of stupid David."
Carson: "Ha! You think all of this is MY fault? Let's be honest, 'Digger... YOU just can't get the job done when it counts!"
Gravedigger: "There's one job I WILL complete..."
And suddenly... Gravedigger strikes! The "Monster" lays into Carson and ignites a massive brawl! Carson fights back and they trade blows for a bit. Then, Carson plants 'Digger with a DDT right on the hard floor... and then smacks him with a chair! Gravedigger rallies back, delivering a big boot and then his own shot to Carson with the same chair. Carson staggers into a locker, and Gravedigger lifts him up... and powerbombs him hard into the cabinet!
The fight continues and "The Original" damages his rival with a butterfly suplex right onto the prone chair and then smacks him with a trash can. But the "Monster" slams Carson hard into a big crate, slamming his head onto it... and then powerbombs him into a locker again! The final shot knocks Carson out for good, and 'Digger smirks from behind the mask. Satisfied, 'Digger exits the room... and the camera focuses on Carson's unconscious face as the explosive segment ends!
But while Carson relaxes in the locker room, another person approaches angrily and breaks him out of his chill mood. Carson quickly jumps up from his chair and meets the gaze of... Gravedigger! The "Graveyard Monster" towers over Carson, breathing deeply through his mask, but doesn't say anything at first. Carson waits impatiently and finally breaks the tension.
Carson: "I... told you that beating David to win the title wasn't going to be easy. I warned you. You see... David is a sneaky little devil. He knows every loophole in the rulebook and uses it to his advantage. He wasn't going to give you a fair match - him walking away and losing by countout was almost expected."
Gravedigger makes a gesture that shuts Carson up. He then raises a finger and points it inches from Carson's face.
Gravedigger: "YOU... are the reason for ALL my troubles. YOU are the thorn in my side. YOU are the poison in the pooridge, the rain on my parade. You ruined my chances to win the Royal Rumble. You caused me to lose focus in preparation for the Elimination Chamber match. If it weren't for YOU... I'd have been WWE Champion this whole time instead of stupid David."
Carson: "Ha! You think all of this is MY fault? Let's be honest, 'Digger... YOU just can't get the job done when it counts!"
Gravedigger: "There's one job I WILL complete..."
And suddenly... Gravedigger strikes! The "Monster" lays into Carson and ignites a massive brawl! Carson fights back and they trade blows for a bit. Then, Carson plants 'Digger with a DDT right on the hard floor... and then smacks him with a chair! Gravedigger rallies back, delivering a big boot and then his own shot to Carson with the same chair. Carson staggers into a locker, and Gravedigger lifts him up... and powerbombs him hard into the cabinet!
The fight continues and "The Original" damages his rival with a butterfly suplex right onto the prone chair and then smacks him with a trash can. But the "Monster" slams Carson hard into a big crate, slamming his head onto it... and then powerbombs him into a locker again! The final shot knocks Carson out for good, and 'Digger smirks from behind the mask. Satisfied, 'Digger exits the room... and the camera focuses on Carson's unconscious face as the explosive segment ends!
Backstage Segment
The show returns from its final break and we head backstage again, this time to check in on Hardcore champ Big Mutha Trucker. The "Resident Redneck" was absent last week due to rest needed from his brutal Ladder match victory over Tank Blazer to successfully retain his title at the Elimination Chamber PPV, but he's back tonight even though he's not on the card. As Trucker walks down the hallway, someone calls for him.
Mr. McMahon: "Excuse me, Trucker. Could I have a word?"
The WWE Chairman approaches and sparks a conversation.
Trucker: "Yes?"
Mr. McMahon: "You looked quite impressive in defending your Hardcore Title at the last PPV. I didn't think you could scale the ladder like that, but I was proven wrong. It's almost if... you didn't receive a tough enough challenge. Tank is tough... but not tough enough."
Trucker: "Not tough enough? I think you underestimate him."
Mr. McMahon: "Well... it doesn't matter. What matters is that I have a NEW challenge for you. Something that should... meet your standard, let's say. And also... I feel that a little payback from fighting David for so long last year may be coming due."
Trucker: "Huh? What kind of challenge?"
Mr. McMahon: "Oh, I've got a little surprise in mind. Let's just say that you should... build up your conditioning a little. Gonna need to last longer than you've ever needed to. You'll see what I mean... next week. I'll see you later."
The WWE Chairman chuckles and walks away. Trucker is confused but he senses something sinister brewing. His confusion changes into anger as the segment ends!
Mr. McMahon: "Excuse me, Trucker. Could I have a word?"
The WWE Chairman approaches and sparks a conversation.
Trucker: "Yes?"
Mr. McMahon: "You looked quite impressive in defending your Hardcore Title at the last PPV. I didn't think you could scale the ladder like that, but I was proven wrong. It's almost if... you didn't receive a tough enough challenge. Tank is tough... but not tough enough."
Trucker: "Not tough enough? I think you underestimate him."
Mr. McMahon: "Well... it doesn't matter. What matters is that I have a NEW challenge for you. Something that should... meet your standard, let's say. And also... I feel that a little payback from fighting David for so long last year may be coming due."
Trucker: "Huh? What kind of challenge?"
Mr. McMahon: "Oh, I've got a little surprise in mind. Let's just say that you should... build up your conditioning a little. Gonna need to last longer than you've ever needed to. You'll see what I mean... next week. I'll see you later."
The WWE Chairman chuckles and walks away. Trucker is confused but he senses something sinister brewing. His confusion changes into anger as the segment ends!
MAIN EVENT:
Tornado Tag Team Match
DMK & Lee Money vs. Renegade & David Degenerate
The show re-focuses on the ring for the night's main event... a huge tornado tag match that combines the current U.S. and WWE Title rivalries! David recruited Renegade to team with him, while DMK and Lee Money were paired together. And with the tornado tag stipulation in play, that means everybody is legal at all times and could lead to a little show-closing chaos!
DMK makes his entrance first and draws a huge ovation from the Dallas crowd, and they clearly can't wait for him to get his hands on the WWE Champion! Next, new U.S. champ Lee Money makes his flashy walk to the ring, showing off his title belt to the crowd's delight. While DMK and "Cash" discuss strategy, Renegade and David enter separately and each garner loud boos from the fans. The "Dangerous Genius" takes extra time to taunt the fans, glancing at his rival DMK often to annoy him. Both teams stand opposed in the ring and the fans buzz with excitement for the night's final match. But just before the bell rings... Brett Diamond's music hits! The crowd is stunned as the "Professional" makes his way to ringside... in support of DMK & Lee Money! The former rival of Renegade and one who had once beaten David one-on-one stands confidently outside the ring and draws glares from the heel partners. Finally, the bell rings and we get underway!
DMK actually goes after Renegade first while David lays into Lee. In a surprising moment of excellent timing, DMK & David each hit suplexes on their foes at the same time. They then notice each other standing nearby... and DMK goes on the chase! The WWE champ tries to avoid his angry rival, but the "King" snatches him, knocks him down and slams his knee hard into the mat. The other two match competitors recover, and the match reverts back to the way it started with DMK & Renegade battling while David fights with "Cash". DMK starts to dominate the "Party Animal" but suddenly... a fired up Renegade kips up! DMK turns around and is stunned to see his foe standing ready. Renegade lines up a finishing kick... but DMK ducks the foot strike barely!
Lee decides he's had enough and goes after his rival Renegade, which allows DMK to re-focus his attention on the WWE Champion. "Cash" and DMK begin to dominate their individual enemies, and some big moves fire the crowd up. Lee hits a flying leg drop on the "Party Animal" while DMK drives David's head into the ropes... and follows up with two chokeslams back-to-back! Soon after, Renegade & David mount a comeback and all 4 men deliver a wild variety of moves as the match becomes more evenly-matched.
DMK starts to dominate again and is able to catch Renegade with his Hell's Plunge signature! Then, when David turns around... the "King" snatches him by the throat! DMK lifts and plants him with his Checkmate finisher! Lee knocks Renegade down with a huge bicycle kick and seems to be ready to try and win the match. But the WWE champ recovers quickly and knocks DMK outside, and turns around to see Lee sliding into pin position. But a moment later, DMK races back into the ring and nails David with a DDT, giving "Cash" free reign to try to pin Renegade! The referee counts 1... 2... and the "Party Animal" gets the shoulder up! The teamwork nearly works but Renegade and David are still alive in the match!
But Lee & DMK continue to have control of the match, as "Cash" plants Renegade with a DDT while DMK continues to damage his hated rival. In a huge moment, DMK makes his athletic Hell's Whisper move off the turnbuckle... and his boot busts David open! The WWE Champion is bleeding! The crowd erupts in delight as DMK smirks seeing the red fluid trickle down his rival's face.
Angry, David sends DMK flying to the outside and he ignites a massive brawl between them. Renegade and Lee have a nice battle in the ring, but the crowd's focus remains on the furious fight on the ringside floor. David knocks the "King" down and eyes... the announce table! The "Dangerous Genius" begins to undress the table, thinking he might perform a big move on his rival. David then walks back over to his rival... but DMK kicks him in the gut and plants him with his Hell's Plunger signature! The move dazes the champ... and DMK follows up with his Checkmate finishing chokeslam! The "King" notices the bare table nearby... and decides to utilize it! DMK drags David's limp body over and lays him onto the table. The ring action continues to be evenly-matched between Lee & Renegade, so DMK smiles... and scales the nearest turnbuckle! The crowd begins to cheer as it seems like DMK is going to go for a huge move! The "King" steadies himself... and smashes David through the announce table with a flying body splash! A huge cheer erupts from the Dallas crowd as these two rivals lay in the broken pile for a few moments!
In the ring, "Cash" again starts to dominate Renegade and once DMK recovers, he decides to help him put the match away. While David remains knocked out, the "King" re-enters the ring... and delivers a double dropkick alongside his match partner! With the "Party Animal" weakened, DMK lifts Lee up... and drops him onto Renegade with an assisted super leg drop! "Cash" goes for the cover and the referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
The fans blow the roof off in delight as DMK & Lee secure the huge victory to close the show! An unlikely pairing, but they worked much better together than their rivals did! They smack a huge high-five at the bottom of the ramp and raise their arms in celebration for the show's final image!
WINNERS: Lee Money & DMK
DMK makes his entrance first and draws a huge ovation from the Dallas crowd, and they clearly can't wait for him to get his hands on the WWE Champion! Next, new U.S. champ Lee Money makes his flashy walk to the ring, showing off his title belt to the crowd's delight. While DMK and "Cash" discuss strategy, Renegade and David enter separately and each garner loud boos from the fans. The "Dangerous Genius" takes extra time to taunt the fans, glancing at his rival DMK often to annoy him. Both teams stand opposed in the ring and the fans buzz with excitement for the night's final match. But just before the bell rings... Brett Diamond's music hits! The crowd is stunned as the "Professional" makes his way to ringside... in support of DMK & Lee Money! The former rival of Renegade and one who had once beaten David one-on-one stands confidently outside the ring and draws glares from the heel partners. Finally, the bell rings and we get underway!
DMK actually goes after Renegade first while David lays into Lee. In a surprising moment of excellent timing, DMK & David each hit suplexes on their foes at the same time. They then notice each other standing nearby... and DMK goes on the chase! The WWE champ tries to avoid his angry rival, but the "King" snatches him, knocks him down and slams his knee hard into the mat. The other two match competitors recover, and the match reverts back to the way it started with DMK & Renegade battling while David fights with "Cash". DMK starts to dominate the "Party Animal" but suddenly... a fired up Renegade kips up! DMK turns around and is stunned to see his foe standing ready. Renegade lines up a finishing kick... but DMK ducks the foot strike barely!
Lee decides he's had enough and goes after his rival Renegade, which allows DMK to re-focus his attention on the WWE Champion. "Cash" and DMK begin to dominate their individual enemies, and some big moves fire the crowd up. Lee hits a flying leg drop on the "Party Animal" while DMK drives David's head into the ropes... and follows up with two chokeslams back-to-back! Soon after, Renegade & David mount a comeback and all 4 men deliver a wild variety of moves as the match becomes more evenly-matched.
DMK starts to dominate again and is able to catch Renegade with his Hell's Plunge signature! Then, when David turns around... the "King" snatches him by the throat! DMK lifts and plants him with his Checkmate finisher! Lee knocks Renegade down with a huge bicycle kick and seems to be ready to try and win the match. But the WWE champ recovers quickly and knocks DMK outside, and turns around to see Lee sliding into pin position. But a moment later, DMK races back into the ring and nails David with a DDT, giving "Cash" free reign to try to pin Renegade! The referee counts 1... 2... and the "Party Animal" gets the shoulder up! The teamwork nearly works but Renegade and David are still alive in the match!
But Lee & DMK continue to have control of the match, as "Cash" plants Renegade with a DDT while DMK continues to damage his hated rival. In a huge moment, DMK makes his athletic Hell's Whisper move off the turnbuckle... and his boot busts David open! The WWE Champion is bleeding! The crowd erupts in delight as DMK smirks seeing the red fluid trickle down his rival's face.
Angry, David sends DMK flying to the outside and he ignites a massive brawl between them. Renegade and Lee have a nice battle in the ring, but the crowd's focus remains on the furious fight on the ringside floor. David knocks the "King" down and eyes... the announce table! The "Dangerous Genius" begins to undress the table, thinking he might perform a big move on his rival. David then walks back over to his rival... but DMK kicks him in the gut and plants him with his Hell's Plunger signature! The move dazes the champ... and DMK follows up with his Checkmate finishing chokeslam! The "King" notices the bare table nearby... and decides to utilize it! DMK drags David's limp body over and lays him onto the table. The ring action continues to be evenly-matched between Lee & Renegade, so DMK smiles... and scales the nearest turnbuckle! The crowd begins to cheer as it seems like DMK is going to go for a huge move! The "King" steadies himself... and smashes David through the announce table with a flying body splash! A huge cheer erupts from the Dallas crowd as these two rivals lay in the broken pile for a few moments!
In the ring, "Cash" again starts to dominate Renegade and once DMK recovers, he decides to help him put the match away. While David remains knocked out, the "King" re-enters the ring... and delivers a double dropkick alongside his match partner! With the "Party Animal" weakened, DMK lifts Lee up... and drops him onto Renegade with an assisted super leg drop! "Cash" goes for the cover and the referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
The fans blow the roof off in delight as DMK & Lee secure the huge victory to close the show! An unlikely pairing, but they worked much better together than their rivals did! They smack a huge high-five at the bottom of the ramp and raise their arms in celebration for the show's final image!
WINNERS: Lee Money & DMK
Week 3
Less than two weeks away from WrestleMania, another LIVE edition of Monday Night Raw kicks off from Mobile, AL!
In-Ring Segment
The show opens with the entrances of... Big Juan Santos & Mack Wheeler! The alliance between the "Mexican Brute" and the "Human Semi" is going strong, and they even picked up an impressive tag-team victory last week on Superstars, defeating the Bullet Boyz... despite a surprising interference from DMK. With the scowls on their faces as they enter the ring, fans can sense that maybe that interference is what they plan on talking about. They climb into the ring and address the Alabama-based crowd.
Mack: "We're not going to waste time with small talk. We got business to take care of, so don't mind me cutting right to the chase. Me and Big Juan here got a problem, and we intend to handle it TONIGHT. So let us call out some conniving little punk to come out here and face us... DMK!"
The rumors were true as Mack calls out DMK. During the tag match, DMK came down to the ring and grabbed Mack off the apron and ignited a little brawl. Everyone assumed it was payback for Mack's interference a few weeks prior, when the "Human Semi" struck DMK with a chair and delivered his Rolled Over signature move to help Big Juan upset the "King" on Raw. The "Mexican Brute" was able to curb off DMK's attack last week and send him away, and the duo was able to re-focus enough to win over Craig & Tony but clearly they are still upset. A few moments after Mack calls out their rival... the bells toll and fire pyro indicates the arrival of the "King"! The fans give him a big cheer and DMK strolls onto the stage with a confident smirk.
DMK: "Sounds like we got some issues to hash out."
Mack: "YEAH... we do. You know what you did last week. You had no right coming out and affecting our match against the Bullet Boyz. That crap is not cool, man. I thought you were supposed to be this almighty conquering hero that these fans love, and you're attacking me in the middle of a match? Some hero..."
DMK: "Don't you dare sit there and lecture me about how I'm supposed to act. Can we roll the tape on YOUR interference when I faced Big Juan before Elimination Chamber? I don't recall me putting up a stink over that move, and yours was ten times worse! You guys still won your match... I LOST to Big Juan. Big freaking difference, bro."
Mack: "I don't care, and you were probably going to lose to my friend here with OR without my help. You stay out of our affairs and we will stay out of yours."
DMK: "Well... I got a big match coming up in less than 2 weeks at WrestleMania. I don't like having unresolved issues hanging over my head. So I wanted to... kinda as they say on 'The Godfather'... settle all family business. You two needed a little ass-kicking as retaliation for the weeks prior. I came out and made my peace."
Mack: "Oh yeah? Well we DO NOT CARE that you have some 'big' match at WrestleMania. You mess with us, and you get pain! Tonight, we settle our differences... IN THIS RING. We are challenging you to a match tonight. Unless you plan on risking it solo, I'd suggest finding a partner real quick."
Suddenly... Carson Pain's music hits! The crowd erupts and "The Original" bounds out to the raucous reaction! Carson smiles as he walks up and aligns himself right next to DMK. The "King" looks at him in surprise and then gives him a welcoming nod. Carson has a microphone and addresses the situation.
Carson: "You know what, Mr. Wheeler? DMK doesn't need to go searching for a tag partner. He's got a tag partner... RIGHT HERE. 'The Original' and the 'King' against the Mexican bowling ball and the Texas tricycle!"
The insults anger both Mack & Big Juan, and they respond through gritted teeth.
Mack: "You are on! Both of you are going to suffer tonight, and it's OUR brutality that YOU won't be able to handle!"
DMK: "Ha ha! Brutality? If you can't handle a little mid-match brawl... I'm afraid you won't be prepared for what WE can bring to the table. We'll see you fellas in that ring later - better bring your best, because we plan to squash all beef TONIGHT!"
The crowd cheers as the match is agreed to! What a huge main event! An intense staredown between the pairs ends the segment!
Mack: "We're not going to waste time with small talk. We got business to take care of, so don't mind me cutting right to the chase. Me and Big Juan here got a problem, and we intend to handle it TONIGHT. So let us call out some conniving little punk to come out here and face us... DMK!"
The rumors were true as Mack calls out DMK. During the tag match, DMK came down to the ring and grabbed Mack off the apron and ignited a little brawl. Everyone assumed it was payback for Mack's interference a few weeks prior, when the "Human Semi" struck DMK with a chair and delivered his Rolled Over signature move to help Big Juan upset the "King" on Raw. The "Mexican Brute" was able to curb off DMK's attack last week and send him away, and the duo was able to re-focus enough to win over Craig & Tony but clearly they are still upset. A few moments after Mack calls out their rival... the bells toll and fire pyro indicates the arrival of the "King"! The fans give him a big cheer and DMK strolls onto the stage with a confident smirk.
DMK: "Sounds like we got some issues to hash out."
Mack: "YEAH... we do. You know what you did last week. You had no right coming out and affecting our match against the Bullet Boyz. That crap is not cool, man. I thought you were supposed to be this almighty conquering hero that these fans love, and you're attacking me in the middle of a match? Some hero..."
DMK: "Don't you dare sit there and lecture me about how I'm supposed to act. Can we roll the tape on YOUR interference when I faced Big Juan before Elimination Chamber? I don't recall me putting up a stink over that move, and yours was ten times worse! You guys still won your match... I LOST to Big Juan. Big freaking difference, bro."
Mack: "I don't care, and you were probably going to lose to my friend here with OR without my help. You stay out of our affairs and we will stay out of yours."
DMK: "Well... I got a big match coming up in less than 2 weeks at WrestleMania. I don't like having unresolved issues hanging over my head. So I wanted to... kinda as they say on 'The Godfather'... settle all family business. You two needed a little ass-kicking as retaliation for the weeks prior. I came out and made my peace."
Mack: "Oh yeah? Well we DO NOT CARE that you have some 'big' match at WrestleMania. You mess with us, and you get pain! Tonight, we settle our differences... IN THIS RING. We are challenging you to a match tonight. Unless you plan on risking it solo, I'd suggest finding a partner real quick."
Suddenly... Carson Pain's music hits! The crowd erupts and "The Original" bounds out to the raucous reaction! Carson smiles as he walks up and aligns himself right next to DMK. The "King" looks at him in surprise and then gives him a welcoming nod. Carson has a microphone and addresses the situation.
Carson: "You know what, Mr. Wheeler? DMK doesn't need to go searching for a tag partner. He's got a tag partner... RIGHT HERE. 'The Original' and the 'King' against the Mexican bowling ball and the Texas tricycle!"
The insults anger both Mack & Big Juan, and they respond through gritted teeth.
Mack: "You are on! Both of you are going to suffer tonight, and it's OUR brutality that YOU won't be able to handle!"
DMK: "Ha ha! Brutality? If you can't handle a little mid-match brawl... I'm afraid you won't be prepared for what WE can bring to the table. We'll see you fellas in that ring later - better bring your best, because we plan to squash all beef TONIGHT!"
The crowd cheers as the match is agreed to! What a huge main event! An intense staredown between the pairs ends the segment!
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match:
Brett Diamond vs. Shawn Midnight
After a brief segment where the announcers run down the expected matches tonight and recent rivalry developments, the next match gets set to begin... as one final Raw member will qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder match! So far, Big Juan Santos and Travis Roarke have earned spots (along with Joseph T. Lutte and Hitman Jack from Smackdown) leaving only one Raw spot left to earn. Tonight's competitors are two guys with a lengthy past - Brett Diamond and Shawn Midnight! Brett, most recently the U.S. champ before losing to Renegade, was an ally of Shawn's before they fought over the Hardcore Title for a few months. They will re-ignite their rivalry but only one of them will get a chance at the coveted briefcase!
Brett enters first to a nice welcome as the "Professional" smacks high-fives with the fans near the ramp. But suddenly... Shawn attacks him from behind! The blindside blow sends Brett tumbling to the floor and the crowd responds with vicious jeers. A moment later, Shawn has Brett up on his shoulders... and slams him down with his Say Goodnight finisher! It's obvious that Shawn wants a chance at the briefcase and is off to a dominating start thanks to the dirty assault! The two rivals brawl outside the ring for a while, and the referee can't even signal for the official match start yet. Shawn hits two massive clotheslines and has the upper hand as they finally roll into the ring.
The official finally signals for the bell, but the match has already gotten off to a hot start. Shawn tries to keep his momentum... but Brett starts to rally back! The "Professional" counters with a big side kick, locks in a modified submission hold and then plants Midnight with a huge Samoan drop! The match is now more evenly-matched, and Brett answers a Shawn clothesline with an athletic arm drag by bouncing off the ropes.
But then, the match gets even more chaotic... as an argument leads to the ref getting smacked with a wayward punch! As the ref writhes in pain on the mat, they continue to brawl... but Renegade comes down to the ring! The "Party Animal" continues his streak of erratic behavior and makes an impact in the match, obviously to hurt rival Brett! The referee is able to recover and Brett slams Shawn down to a powerslam and transitions right into a pin attempt off the move's impact. But then, Renegade leaps onto the apron and draws the ref's attention! Brett looks around in confusion and spots his rival causing the distraction! Angry, the "Professional" sprints over... and dropkicks Renegade off the apron!
Brett exits the ring to send a message to the intruder, but Shawn goes back on the offensive and ignites a brawl outside the squared circle. Unfortunately for Shawn, Brett takes control and ends him slamming his foe's head off the ringpost before rolling him back into the ring. Furious, Shawn revs up and begins to dominate again, delivering a flurry of powerful moves. Riding the momentum, he hurts Brett with his Daddy Mack Elbow signature move... and follows up with another Say Goodnight finisher! Renegade smirks in approval as Shawn goes for the cover. The referee counts 1... 2... AND BRETT KICKS OUT!!! Shawn and Renegade's jaws hit the floor as the crowd cheers! How did Brett muster the energy to keep this match alive?!
The match continues and the "Professional" rallies back, delivering a hip toss and an impressive flying elbow drop. Outside the ring, a crazed Renegade begins to shout and taunt his rival, earning frustration from both Brett and the referee. Finally... Brett has had enough and exits the ring to attack the intruder! The "Professional" wails on his rival, and Renegade is cautious not to fight back and cause a DQ. Also at his limit, the referee steps in... and orders Renegade away from ringside! The "Party Animal" protests but reluctantly stomps away, upset that his actions didn't do enough to cost Brett the match.
Motivated by the referee's decision, Brett re-focuses his attention on his opponent. Shawn exits the ring to re-join the fray but is met by a suplex from the "Professional". They both make it back into the ring before the referee can count to 10, but Brett continues his rampage. He drops Shawn with a back suplex, followed up by a flying dropkick and a flying leg drop. He tosses Shawn into the corner and drops him facefirst off the top turnbuckle. The action spills outside again, and they both brawl to the point of exhaustion!
Brett slams Shawn's head into the announce table and then whips him to the steel steps. As Midnight lays on the floor, Brett decides to undress the announcer's table! Is he thinking of trying a big move? Brett drags his limp opponent over and places him onto the table. Brett then climbs to the nearest turnbuckle as the crowd buzzes in anticipation. Then, he leaps off... and crashes through Shawn with a huge moonsault! The crowd whoops it up for the move as both men lay exhausted in the pile of broken pieces for a bit.
They had been fighting outside the ring for a lengthy period of time, and the referee has been counting the entire time. Brett staggers to his feet and suddenly hears the referee shout "EIGHT!" on his count. Realizing a chance to win, Brett meets Shawn as he rises up... and plants him with his Professional Grade finisher! The impact knocks Shawn out and Brett slides back into the ring... a split second before the official reaches 10! The referee calls for the bell and announces the "Professional" as the winner by countout! The crowd cheers as Brett earns the shot to challenge for the Money in the Bank briefcase!
The crowd gives a rousing ovation for Brett's victory and the great match overall. Shawn crawls to his feet and slides back into the ring, finally realizing what had happened. Brett, exhausted but happy, approaches him and offers a handshake to honor the efforts they both put in. Unfortunately, Shawn doesn't meet the gesture and swipes his foe's hand away before exiting. Brett is offended but still celebrates the victory!
WINNER: Brett Diamond
Brett enters first to a nice welcome as the "Professional" smacks high-fives with the fans near the ramp. But suddenly... Shawn attacks him from behind! The blindside blow sends Brett tumbling to the floor and the crowd responds with vicious jeers. A moment later, Shawn has Brett up on his shoulders... and slams him down with his Say Goodnight finisher! It's obvious that Shawn wants a chance at the briefcase and is off to a dominating start thanks to the dirty assault! The two rivals brawl outside the ring for a while, and the referee can't even signal for the official match start yet. Shawn hits two massive clotheslines and has the upper hand as they finally roll into the ring.
The official finally signals for the bell, but the match has already gotten off to a hot start. Shawn tries to keep his momentum... but Brett starts to rally back! The "Professional" counters with a big side kick, locks in a modified submission hold and then plants Midnight with a huge Samoan drop! The match is now more evenly-matched, and Brett answers a Shawn clothesline with an athletic arm drag by bouncing off the ropes.
But then, the match gets even more chaotic... as an argument leads to the ref getting smacked with a wayward punch! As the ref writhes in pain on the mat, they continue to brawl... but Renegade comes down to the ring! The "Party Animal" continues his streak of erratic behavior and makes an impact in the match, obviously to hurt rival Brett! The referee is able to recover and Brett slams Shawn down to a powerslam and transitions right into a pin attempt off the move's impact. But then, Renegade leaps onto the apron and draws the ref's attention! Brett looks around in confusion and spots his rival causing the distraction! Angry, the "Professional" sprints over... and dropkicks Renegade off the apron!
Brett exits the ring to send a message to the intruder, but Shawn goes back on the offensive and ignites a brawl outside the squared circle. Unfortunately for Shawn, Brett takes control and ends him slamming his foe's head off the ringpost before rolling him back into the ring. Furious, Shawn revs up and begins to dominate again, delivering a flurry of powerful moves. Riding the momentum, he hurts Brett with his Daddy Mack Elbow signature move... and follows up with another Say Goodnight finisher! Renegade smirks in approval as Shawn goes for the cover. The referee counts 1... 2... AND BRETT KICKS OUT!!! Shawn and Renegade's jaws hit the floor as the crowd cheers! How did Brett muster the energy to keep this match alive?!
The match continues and the "Professional" rallies back, delivering a hip toss and an impressive flying elbow drop. Outside the ring, a crazed Renegade begins to shout and taunt his rival, earning frustration from both Brett and the referee. Finally... Brett has had enough and exits the ring to attack the intruder! The "Professional" wails on his rival, and Renegade is cautious not to fight back and cause a DQ. Also at his limit, the referee steps in... and orders Renegade away from ringside! The "Party Animal" protests but reluctantly stomps away, upset that his actions didn't do enough to cost Brett the match.
Motivated by the referee's decision, Brett re-focuses his attention on his opponent. Shawn exits the ring to re-join the fray but is met by a suplex from the "Professional". They both make it back into the ring before the referee can count to 10, but Brett continues his rampage. He drops Shawn with a back suplex, followed up by a flying dropkick and a flying leg drop. He tosses Shawn into the corner and drops him facefirst off the top turnbuckle. The action spills outside again, and they both brawl to the point of exhaustion!
Brett slams Shawn's head into the announce table and then whips him to the steel steps. As Midnight lays on the floor, Brett decides to undress the announcer's table! Is he thinking of trying a big move? Brett drags his limp opponent over and places him onto the table. Brett then climbs to the nearest turnbuckle as the crowd buzzes in anticipation. Then, he leaps off... and crashes through Shawn with a huge moonsault! The crowd whoops it up for the move as both men lay exhausted in the pile of broken pieces for a bit.
They had been fighting outside the ring for a lengthy period of time, and the referee has been counting the entire time. Brett staggers to his feet and suddenly hears the referee shout "EIGHT!" on his count. Realizing a chance to win, Brett meets Shawn as he rises up... and plants him with his Professional Grade finisher! The impact knocks Shawn out and Brett slides back into the ring... a split second before the official reaches 10! The referee calls for the bell and announces the "Professional" as the winner by countout! The crowd cheers as Brett earns the shot to challenge for the Money in the Bank briefcase!
The crowd gives a rousing ovation for Brett's victory and the great match overall. Shawn crawls to his feet and slides back into the ring, finally realizing what had happened. Brett, exhausted but happy, approaches him and offers a handshake to honor the efforts they both put in. Unfortunately, Shawn doesn't meet the gesture and swipes his foe's hand away before exiting. Brett is offended but still celebrates the victory!
WINNER: Brett Diamond
Backstage Segment
After a brief commercial break, we return to the show and venture backstage as the camera follows an angry Renegade. The "Party Animal" was just seen interfering the in last match, but he's upset over his efforts to prevent Brett from winning not working. Renegade also seems determined to find someone and finally comes across his intended target... U.S. champ Lee Money! "Cash" assisted DMK in defeating Renegade and WWE champ David Degenerate last week in a tornado-tag matchup, but the "Party Animal" looks like he's got a message to deliver. He approaches his rival cautiously and Lee eventually spots him coming closer. Lee quickly adopts a fighting stance, but Renegade makes a gesture to indicate he's not there to fight.
Renegade: "Put your arms down, you idiot. I'm not here to kick your ass... I'll save that for the ring."
Lee: "Ha! Nice joke. What the hell do you want?"
Renegade: "Not sure if you saw tonight's card... but we have a match tonight. In fact, we have a title match tonight - a Hardcore Title match. Mr. McMahon is having Big Mutha Trucker defend the title in a 5-man Scramble match and we are two of the challengers."
Lee: "Yeah I saw that. So?"
Renegade: "Well I just wanted to tell you to your face... that I'm winning that Hardcore Title tonight. And not only that... I want a U.S. Title match next week! I want my rematch and I'm going to become a double champion!"
Lee: "Yeah? Bah, that's crazy talk. You ain't gonna win tonight. In fact, you're going to watch ME become the double champion tonight! And sure, we can have a title rematch next week. I'll bring both belts, embarrass you in front of millions of fans... and leave with both belts. That's your pre-WrestleMania moment right there!"
Renegade: "You are delusional, my friend. I'm going to take great delight in beating you twice!"
The two glare at each other for a moment, and then begin to part ways. Before they get too far apart, Renegade has one more message to send.
Renegade: "Oh yeah... Lee? There's just one more thing..."
Lee turns back to listen... but Renegade blasts him in the chin with his Kick-olution finishing superkick! The U.S. champ flops to the floor as the "Party Animal" wears an evil grin, pleased with the cheap shot. As he exits, the camera zooms in on a hurt and angry "Cash" to end the segment!
Renegade: "Put your arms down, you idiot. I'm not here to kick your ass... I'll save that for the ring."
Lee: "Ha! Nice joke. What the hell do you want?"
Renegade: "Not sure if you saw tonight's card... but we have a match tonight. In fact, we have a title match tonight - a Hardcore Title match. Mr. McMahon is having Big Mutha Trucker defend the title in a 5-man Scramble match and we are two of the challengers."
Lee: "Yeah I saw that. So?"
Renegade: "Well I just wanted to tell you to your face... that I'm winning that Hardcore Title tonight. And not only that... I want a U.S. Title match next week! I want my rematch and I'm going to become a double champion!"
Lee: "Yeah? Bah, that's crazy talk. You ain't gonna win tonight. In fact, you're going to watch ME become the double champion tonight! And sure, we can have a title rematch next week. I'll bring both belts, embarrass you in front of millions of fans... and leave with both belts. That's your pre-WrestleMania moment right there!"
Renegade: "You are delusional, my friend. I'm going to take great delight in beating you twice!"
The two glare at each other for a moment, and then begin to part ways. Before they get too far apart, Renegade has one more message to send.
Renegade: "Oh yeah... Lee? There's just one more thing..."
Lee turns back to listen... but Renegade blasts him in the chin with his Kick-olution finishing superkick! The U.S. champ flops to the floor as the "Party Animal" wears an evil grin, pleased with the cheap shot. As he exits, the camera zooms in on a hurt and angry "Cash" to end the segment!
Women's Championship Unification Tournament - Bracket:
Women's Championship Unification Tournament
Raw Semifinal: Brittany Black {c} vs. Sunny Silva
The next match gets ready as we embark on the semifinal round of the Women's tournament! This week, Brittany Black faces Sunny Silva and Nikki Bella faces Maryse with the winners facing off in the Raw final next week! The winner of that match will carry the Divas Title into WrestleMania for the big unification match. Tonight, current Divas champ Brittany Black puts her title on the line, due to the stipulations of the tournament that any match the champion competes in is an official title match, against Mobile-native Sunny! The "Alabama Beauty" has her first title opportunity and could win it... in her own hometown! The stakes couldn't be higher!
Sunny makes her entrance first, and when "Sweet Home Alabama" hits the speakers, the crowd goes crazy! A huge welcome for the hometown girl as she dances her way to the ring, and the fans are hoping to see her pull off the upset. A moment later, the crowd's energy turns negative as Brittany's Kittie theme blasts out! The reigning champ strolls to the ring, not reacting to the crowd's massive boos. Both of them get ready for the night's first of two title matches, as we will see who can carry the title into the next round!
The bell rings and the "Evil Diva" gets off to a great start, locking in a painful armbar hold, delivering a nasty kick to Sunny's ribs and following up with a roundhouse kick out of the corner. Then, Brittany drops Sunny with a drop toe hold, smashes her foe's knee into the mat and then stomps directly on her face. The heelish tactics garner even more vitriol from the Mobile crowd as she damages the hometown girl.
But then, Sunny fires up the crowd by igniting a rally. She delivers two painful kicks to Brittany's knees, and the champ responds by shoving her into the nearest corner. Brittany lifts her up to the top rope, but Sunny counters with a stiff kick to the face... and follows up with a flying clothesline! Unfortunately, the rally is cut short as the champion regains the upper hand with a running heel kick. Another nasty kick to the ribs is followed by a sitout jawbreaker and then a vicious kick to the back. Brittany laughs at the crowd's disgust as Sunny writhes on the mat, arms holding her damaged torso.
Sunny staggers to her feet, using the ropes to assist her. Brittany notices her near the edge and clotheslines her down to the floor! Brittany stalks her foe and then slams Sunny's head off the announce table. She then prepares to whip her into the steel steps... but Sunny reverses and send the champ crashing into the bulky metal! Then, Sunny follows up by placing Brittany on the ring edge and elbowing her right in the chin. Back in the ring, Sunny counters a move with a nice kick. A frustrated Brittany begins to talk trash to Sunny, whose usually happy demeanor has changed to a more angry and determined one. Unwilling to listen to the "Evil Diva" mouth off... Sunny slaps her across the face, much to the crowd's delight! With Brittany dazed, Sunny follows up with a falling facebuster move to drop the champ's head onto the mat.
The slap seemed to re-awaken the Divas Champion, and she works quickly to put her foe away. When Sunny attempts her next maneuver, Brittany counters and locks in an armbar! Sunny struggles to escape the hold, but when she does... Brittany delivers yet another kick to the ribs! Sunny cries out in anguish as the pain shoots through her midsection. The "Evil Diva" watches her opponent writhe on the mat and decides to scale the closest turnbuckle. Before Sunny can plan a counter, Brittany's in the air... and smashes a flying fist drop to the injured ribs! Sunny again shouts out in pain, and Brittany drags her up to her feet. Then, the champion plants Sunny with her signature Paralyzer Drop... and soon after, delivers her finishing Migrainer kick! Sunny's done for, and Brittany covers her for the 1-2-3 victory!
Sunny gave a good effort in front of her hometown fans, but it wasn't enough tonight. Brittany receives her title belt and holds it up high, much to the dismay of the booing fans. Brittany is the first woman to qualify for the finals, and she will await the winner of Nikki Bella versus Maryse for next week's battle!
WINNER (and still Divas Champion): Brittany Black
Sunny makes her entrance first, and when "Sweet Home Alabama" hits the speakers, the crowd goes crazy! A huge welcome for the hometown girl as she dances her way to the ring, and the fans are hoping to see her pull off the upset. A moment later, the crowd's energy turns negative as Brittany's Kittie theme blasts out! The reigning champ strolls to the ring, not reacting to the crowd's massive boos. Both of them get ready for the night's first of two title matches, as we will see who can carry the title into the next round!
The bell rings and the "Evil Diva" gets off to a great start, locking in a painful armbar hold, delivering a nasty kick to Sunny's ribs and following up with a roundhouse kick out of the corner. Then, Brittany drops Sunny with a drop toe hold, smashes her foe's knee into the mat and then stomps directly on her face. The heelish tactics garner even more vitriol from the Mobile crowd as she damages the hometown girl.
But then, Sunny fires up the crowd by igniting a rally. She delivers two painful kicks to Brittany's knees, and the champ responds by shoving her into the nearest corner. Brittany lifts her up to the top rope, but Sunny counters with a stiff kick to the face... and follows up with a flying clothesline! Unfortunately, the rally is cut short as the champion regains the upper hand with a running heel kick. Another nasty kick to the ribs is followed by a sitout jawbreaker and then a vicious kick to the back. Brittany laughs at the crowd's disgust as Sunny writhes on the mat, arms holding her damaged torso.
Sunny staggers to her feet, using the ropes to assist her. Brittany notices her near the edge and clotheslines her down to the floor! Brittany stalks her foe and then slams Sunny's head off the announce table. She then prepares to whip her into the steel steps... but Sunny reverses and send the champ crashing into the bulky metal! Then, Sunny follows up by placing Brittany on the ring edge and elbowing her right in the chin. Back in the ring, Sunny counters a move with a nice kick. A frustrated Brittany begins to talk trash to Sunny, whose usually happy demeanor has changed to a more angry and determined one. Unwilling to listen to the "Evil Diva" mouth off... Sunny slaps her across the face, much to the crowd's delight! With Brittany dazed, Sunny follows up with a falling facebuster move to drop the champ's head onto the mat.
The slap seemed to re-awaken the Divas Champion, and she works quickly to put her foe away. When Sunny attempts her next maneuver, Brittany counters and locks in an armbar! Sunny struggles to escape the hold, but when she does... Brittany delivers yet another kick to the ribs! Sunny cries out in anguish as the pain shoots through her midsection. The "Evil Diva" watches her opponent writhe on the mat and decides to scale the closest turnbuckle. Before Sunny can plan a counter, Brittany's in the air... and smashes a flying fist drop to the injured ribs! Sunny again shouts out in pain, and Brittany drags her up to her feet. Then, the champion plants Sunny with her signature Paralyzer Drop... and soon after, delivers her finishing Migrainer kick! Sunny's done for, and Brittany covers her for the 1-2-3 victory!
Sunny gave a good effort in front of her hometown fans, but it wasn't enough tonight. Brittany receives her title belt and holds it up high, much to the dismay of the booing fans. Brittany is the first woman to qualify for the finals, and she will await the winner of Nikki Bella versus Maryse for next week's battle!
WINNER (and still Divas Champion): Brittany Black
Backstage Segment
The show returns from commercial and we head to the locker room, where we see DMK & Carson Pain discussing strategy for tonight's main event. Earlier, they agreed to a tag team match against Mack Wheeler & Big Juan Santos to settle an ongoing beef from the Elimination Chamber buildup. The two continue to chat but are then approached by someone. They look over and immediately frown, and the camera pans back to reveal... Mr. McMahon! The WWE Chairman and current interim GM of Raw strolls over with an evil smirk as he addresses the duo.
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh, just the two men I've been looking for. Sounds like you two have made a little tag team match for tonight's main event, ehh?"
DMK: "Yes. What do you want, Vince? We are busy and don't have time for any shenanigans."
Mr. McMahon: "Me?! Shenanigans? Ha ha, you must be mistaken. No, I'm here to discuss tonight's main event. I just feel like... it's missing something."
Carson: "Uh oh. This can't be good..."
Mr. McMahon: "On the contrary! It's going to be great. I was discussing tonight's matches with my good friend (and WWE Champion) David Degenerate... and he would love to get in on the action tonight! So I've decided to change tonight's main event to a... 3-on-2 Handicap match!"
Carson: "What?!"
DMK: "Come on, Vince... you have to know that's not okay."
Mr. McMahon: "Oh... I thought you were the 'King'? I thought kings could handle challenges like this."
Carson goes to fire back a response, but DMK raises a calm hand to cut him off. Carson swallows his comment angrily and DMK steps closer towards Vince, stopping just inches from his face.
DMK: "Yeah, Vince... I AM the 'King'. And you can throw as many roadblocks and obstacles in my way as you want. But come WrestleMania... your little bug you call the 'champion'... is going to be squashed. So you want a 3-on-2 Handicap match? With David on the other team? That's fine by me. I'll prove to you that I'm strong enough to beat your little challenge. Plus... I get to get my hands on that grimy pile of crap. Thank YOU for the opportunity to kick his ass tonight."
Vince visibly gulps at the tough talk. DMK scoffs and exits the scene, angry but motivated. Vince exhales deeply and turns his attention to Carson. "The Original" shakes his head, disgusted as well, and attempts to leave too. But suddenly, Vince puts a hand on his shoulder.
Mr. McMahon: "Umm... Carson. I also need a quick word with you."
Carson: "Great. More stupidity from our great WWE Chairman."
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh, the insults! What a character. But anyway... I've heard that you plan on being in DMK's corner at WrestleMania. Is that true?"
Carson: "Yes, that's true. I want to make sure he doesn't get screwed. You have been pulling some pretty underhanded things with him since he won the Rumble... and I just know you're planning something crazy for WrestleMania. Me and him may not always see eye-to-eye, but I'm going to make damn sure he gets a fair fight. I never got one, and you know it. I'm not going to let him suffer the same fate."
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh... I see. So you are planning to be in his corner, huh? Well... we're going to have to do something about that. Good luck tonight... pal."
Vince flashes a small evil grin and then pats Carson on the shoulder before exiting the locker room. The camera slowly zooms in on Carson's face, which ranges between anger, confusion and concern. What does Vince mean when he says he's going to "do something about that"? The segment comes to a close with Carson's expression filling the screen.
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh, just the two men I've been looking for. Sounds like you two have made a little tag team match for tonight's main event, ehh?"
DMK: "Yes. What do you want, Vince? We are busy and don't have time for any shenanigans."
Mr. McMahon: "Me?! Shenanigans? Ha ha, you must be mistaken. No, I'm here to discuss tonight's main event. I just feel like... it's missing something."
Carson: "Uh oh. This can't be good..."
Mr. McMahon: "On the contrary! It's going to be great. I was discussing tonight's matches with my good friend (and WWE Champion) David Degenerate... and he would love to get in on the action tonight! So I've decided to change tonight's main event to a... 3-on-2 Handicap match!"
Carson: "What?!"
DMK: "Come on, Vince... you have to know that's not okay."
Mr. McMahon: "Oh... I thought you were the 'King'? I thought kings could handle challenges like this."
Carson goes to fire back a response, but DMK raises a calm hand to cut him off. Carson swallows his comment angrily and DMK steps closer towards Vince, stopping just inches from his face.
DMK: "Yeah, Vince... I AM the 'King'. And you can throw as many roadblocks and obstacles in my way as you want. But come WrestleMania... your little bug you call the 'champion'... is going to be squashed. So you want a 3-on-2 Handicap match? With David on the other team? That's fine by me. I'll prove to you that I'm strong enough to beat your little challenge. Plus... I get to get my hands on that grimy pile of crap. Thank YOU for the opportunity to kick his ass tonight."
Vince visibly gulps at the tough talk. DMK scoffs and exits the scene, angry but motivated. Vince exhales deeply and turns his attention to Carson. "The Original" shakes his head, disgusted as well, and attempts to leave too. But suddenly, Vince puts a hand on his shoulder.
Mr. McMahon: "Umm... Carson. I also need a quick word with you."
Carson: "Great. More stupidity from our great WWE Chairman."
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh, the insults! What a character. But anyway... I've heard that you plan on being in DMK's corner at WrestleMania. Is that true?"
Carson: "Yes, that's true. I want to make sure he doesn't get screwed. You have been pulling some pretty underhanded things with him since he won the Rumble... and I just know you're planning something crazy for WrestleMania. Me and him may not always see eye-to-eye, but I'm going to make damn sure he gets a fair fight. I never got one, and you know it. I'm not going to let him suffer the same fate."
Mr. McMahon: "Ahh... I see. So you are planning to be in his corner, huh? Well... we're going to have to do something about that. Good luck tonight... pal."
Vince flashes a small evil grin and then pats Carson on the shoulder before exiting the locker room. The camera slowly zooms in on Carson's face, which ranges between anger, confusion and concern. What does Vince mean when he says he's going to "do something about that"? The segment comes to a close with Carson's expression filling the screen.
Backstage Interview
The cameras switch over to the interview area, where Justin Roberts is waiting alongside Tag Team Champions Alpha & Omega, as well as their mentor Master Kimoto. The Japanese luchadors and their teacher were last seen a few weeks ago, when they beat Hitman Jack in a rare 2-on-1 Handicap title match. Hitman nearly defeated the duo all by himself and earned their respect with the tremendous effort. Justin begins the interview.
Justin: "Good evening folks! I am glad to be joined tonight by the reigning Tag Team Champions, Alpha & Omega. And of course, they are joined by Master Kimoto. Gentlemen, you defeated Hitman Jack in a 2-on-1 Handicap match to defend your Tag Team Titles. You have not been featured on WWE television since then. Could you provide an update for the fans here and at home?"
Master Kimoto: "Yes. After our most recent contest against the honorable Hitman Jack, we have been back in our training facility. The contest revealed a few weaknesses that we have been trying to address. We are glad to have had the opportunity to compete, and we feel we are a stronger unit now."
Justin: "Later this week on Smackdown, there is a scheduled #1 contender's match for the Tag Team Titles. What are your expectations for a potential new opponent?"
Master Kimoto: "We are not too concerned about who the opponent will be... but we are very much looking forward to a new challenge. We will continue our preparation in the mean time. Thank you for your time."
Alpha & Omega eagerly shake Justin's hand and exit the scene. Master Kimoto gives Justin a slight nod and trails behind. Justin watches them exit and then shrugs at the camera to end the segment.
Justin: "Good evening folks! I am glad to be joined tonight by the reigning Tag Team Champions, Alpha & Omega. And of course, they are joined by Master Kimoto. Gentlemen, you defeated Hitman Jack in a 2-on-1 Handicap match to defend your Tag Team Titles. You have not been featured on WWE television since then. Could you provide an update for the fans here and at home?"
Master Kimoto: "Yes. After our most recent contest against the honorable Hitman Jack, we have been back in our training facility. The contest revealed a few weaknesses that we have been trying to address. We are glad to have had the opportunity to compete, and we feel we are a stronger unit now."
Justin: "Later this week on Smackdown, there is a scheduled #1 contender's match for the Tag Team Titles. What are your expectations for a potential new opponent?"
Master Kimoto: "We are not too concerned about who the opponent will be... but we are very much looking forward to a new challenge. We will continue our preparation in the mean time. Thank you for your time."
Alpha & Omega eagerly shake Justin's hand and exit the scene. Master Kimoto gives Justin a slight nod and trails behind. Justin watches them exit and then shrugs at the camera to end the segment.
Hardcore Championship (Scramble Match):
Big Mutha Trucker {c} vs. Anarchy vs. Tank Blazer
vs. Lee Money vs. Renegade
The night's next match is a 5-man title bout for the Hardcore Title! For 20 minutes, the champion and 4 challengers will fight and the person who had scored the last fall will be crowned the official champion! Two men begin and the others will enter 2 minutes apart, but adding the hardcore-style, falls-count-anywhere stipulations adds another element! Trucker, the reigning 5-time champ, will have to defend against the sneaky "Little Hellraiser", rival Tank Blazer, the crazy "Party Animal" and the current U.S. Champion!
Anarchy enters first as the #2 draw, and seems ready to battle for gold. Next, Trucker makes his way to ring, drawing #1, and eyes his first foe carefully as he preps for a big title defense. The bell rings, the 20-minute timer begins to tick off and this title fight is underway!
The "Resident Redneck" hits a power move to start and Anarchy staggers into the ropes from the impact. Trucker races over to attempt a clothesline, but the "Little Hellraiser" pulls down the top rope to send the champ tumbling to the floor! Angry, Trucker reaches up and pulls Anarchy down to the floor with him. He runs at his foe for a running blow, but Anarchy counters it into a back body drop right onto the floor! The "Redneck" gets even more frustrated and attacks, lifting his opponent and dropping him facefirst on the barriacde. He follows up with a pop-up powerbomb before grabbing... a steel chair! Trucker inspects the weapon... and then blasts Anarchy with a shot to the head! Trucker attempts another swing, but Anarchy ducks and counters with a facebuster right onto his knee! Then, Anarchy whips the "Redneck" hard into the announce table... as Renegade enters as the #3 draw!
Renegade races around the ring to join the fray, delivering a Fisherman's suplex onto Anarchy and bridging it right into a pin. The referee counts 1... 2... and Trucker breaks it up with the timekeeper's bell to Renegade's chest! Renegade staggers to his feet and the "Redneck" greets him with another bell shot to the face! Trucker then lifts him up with a chicken wing hold and slams him facefirst onto the hard floor. Anarchy recovers and all three men engage in a massive brawl near the announce table, utilizing the environment as a weapon often.
The brawl continues as Lee Money sprints down to the ring as the #4 entry. Meanwhile, Trucker plants Renegade with his White Trash signature move, but as Trucker fires up the cheering fans... Renegade kips up to his feet! When the "Redneck" turns around, Renegade blasts him with a Kick-olution finishing superkick! The "Party Animal" falls on top of the champ and the referee counts 1... 2... and Lee Money dives in to break it up!
The action finally returns to the ring and the 4-way battle rages on, with all of the competitors delivering powerful moves to others and using various weapons as they become available. There still hasn't been a pinfall yet as we reach the 14-minute mark, but the first one happens after a flurry of big moves. Renegade nails Anarchy with a roundhouse kick, but Trucker knocks him down and delivers his signature Trucker's Special. But "Cash" slides over and covers Anarchy, getting the 1-2-3 count undetected to take the lead! Seconds later, Tank heads down to the ring as the final entry and this Scramble just gets more chaotic from there.
The "Resident Redneck" nails Renegade with his Big Foot finishing kick but Lee breaks up the ensuing pinfall attempt. The power moves keep happening at a quickening pace, with Anarchy unfortunately receiving the brunt of the damage. But somehow, the "Little Hellraiser" shows some resilience by kicking out of numerous pinfall attempts, stunning his opponents each time. But Anarchy can't hold on, and after receiving a Captain's Choice finisher onto a chair, he gives up the next pinfall as Tank takes the lead. The lead doesn't stay for long as Renegade is able to pin the "Captain". A few moments later, Anarchy again takes another pin when "Cash" hits him with a flying leg drop and covers to take the lead back!
The crowd is loving the chaotic nature of the match and the clock ticks under 2:00 as exhaustion starts to settle in. The use of weapons adds to the damage, but that's what you expect in a Hardcore Title match! Around the 1:30 mark, Trucker blasts Renegade with another Big Foot kick... and blood begins to trickle from the forehead of the "Party Animal"! The "Redneck" goes for the cover and gets the pinfall to take the late lead.
The final minute of the match is crazy, as desperation sets in and everyone tries to get a big move and pinfall as the seconds tick away. Tank hits his Code & Honor signature on Lee, but Anarchy delivers his Anarchist Apple finisher to the "Captain". Lee then hits Tank with a flying leg drop as Trucker plants Anarchy with a White Trash signature right onto a chair. Tank sprints at Trucker with a chair but the "Redneck" meets him with a Big Foot finishing kick!
And suddenly... the buzzer sounds! The clock reads 0:00 and the referee calls for the bell! Since Trucker scored the last pinfall... he successfully defends his title! The other 4 men collapse in exhaustion or grasp their head in disappointment, but the "Resident Redneck" is the winner of the scramble... and still champion!
WINNER (and still Hardcore Champion): Big Mutha Trucker
Anarchy enters first as the #2 draw, and seems ready to battle for gold. Next, Trucker makes his way to ring, drawing #1, and eyes his first foe carefully as he preps for a big title defense. The bell rings, the 20-minute timer begins to tick off and this title fight is underway!
The "Resident Redneck" hits a power move to start and Anarchy staggers into the ropes from the impact. Trucker races over to attempt a clothesline, but the "Little Hellraiser" pulls down the top rope to send the champ tumbling to the floor! Angry, Trucker reaches up and pulls Anarchy down to the floor with him. He runs at his foe for a running blow, but Anarchy counters it into a back body drop right onto the floor! The "Redneck" gets even more frustrated and attacks, lifting his opponent and dropping him facefirst on the barriacde. He follows up with a pop-up powerbomb before grabbing... a steel chair! Trucker inspects the weapon... and then blasts Anarchy with a shot to the head! Trucker attempts another swing, but Anarchy ducks and counters with a facebuster right onto his knee! Then, Anarchy whips the "Redneck" hard into the announce table... as Renegade enters as the #3 draw!
Renegade races around the ring to join the fray, delivering a Fisherman's suplex onto Anarchy and bridging it right into a pin. The referee counts 1... 2... and Trucker breaks it up with the timekeeper's bell to Renegade's chest! Renegade staggers to his feet and the "Redneck" greets him with another bell shot to the face! Trucker then lifts him up with a chicken wing hold and slams him facefirst onto the hard floor. Anarchy recovers and all three men engage in a massive brawl near the announce table, utilizing the environment as a weapon often.
The brawl continues as Lee Money sprints down to the ring as the #4 entry. Meanwhile, Trucker plants Renegade with his White Trash signature move, but as Trucker fires up the cheering fans... Renegade kips up to his feet! When the "Redneck" turns around, Renegade blasts him with a Kick-olution finishing superkick! The "Party Animal" falls on top of the champ and the referee counts 1... 2... and Lee Money dives in to break it up!
The action finally returns to the ring and the 4-way battle rages on, with all of the competitors delivering powerful moves to others and using various weapons as they become available. There still hasn't been a pinfall yet as we reach the 14-minute mark, but the first one happens after a flurry of big moves. Renegade nails Anarchy with a roundhouse kick, but Trucker knocks him down and delivers his signature Trucker's Special. But "Cash" slides over and covers Anarchy, getting the 1-2-3 count undetected to take the lead! Seconds later, Tank heads down to the ring as the final entry and this Scramble just gets more chaotic from there.
The "Resident Redneck" nails Renegade with his Big Foot finishing kick but Lee breaks up the ensuing pinfall attempt. The power moves keep happening at a quickening pace, with Anarchy unfortunately receiving the brunt of the damage. But somehow, the "Little Hellraiser" shows some resilience by kicking out of numerous pinfall attempts, stunning his opponents each time. But Anarchy can't hold on, and after receiving a Captain's Choice finisher onto a chair, he gives up the next pinfall as Tank takes the lead. The lead doesn't stay for long as Renegade is able to pin the "Captain". A few moments later, Anarchy again takes another pin when "Cash" hits him with a flying leg drop and covers to take the lead back!
The crowd is loving the chaotic nature of the match and the clock ticks under 2:00 as exhaustion starts to settle in. The use of weapons adds to the damage, but that's what you expect in a Hardcore Title match! Around the 1:30 mark, Trucker blasts Renegade with another Big Foot kick... and blood begins to trickle from the forehead of the "Party Animal"! The "Redneck" goes for the cover and gets the pinfall to take the late lead.
The final minute of the match is crazy, as desperation sets in and everyone tries to get a big move and pinfall as the seconds tick away. Tank hits his Code & Honor signature on Lee, but Anarchy delivers his Anarchist Apple finisher to the "Captain". Lee then hits Tank with a flying leg drop as Trucker plants Anarchy with a White Trash signature right onto a chair. Tank sprints at Trucker with a chair but the "Redneck" meets him with a Big Foot finishing kick!
And suddenly... the buzzer sounds! The clock reads 0:00 and the referee calls for the bell! Since Trucker scored the last pinfall... he successfully defends his title! The other 4 men collapse in exhaustion or grasp their head in disappointment, but the "Resident Redneck" is the winner of the scramble... and still champion!
WINNER (and still Hardcore Champion): Big Mutha Trucker
Backstage Segment
The show returns from its final commercial break and we see Carson Pain stretching out as he walks towards the entrance area. A moment later, he is approached by... Gravedigger! Carson sees him and stops in his tracks.
Carson: "Ugh... what do you want? I've got a match to get to."
Gravedigger: "Oh, do you? I wouldn't want to UPSET you."
Carson: "Seriously... what do you want?"
'Digger steps in very close and stands in an aggressive manner.
Gravedigger: "I want to END you in front of millions and millions of viewers. I want everyone in the world to witness the demise of Carson Pain. I want a match... at WrestleMania."
Carson stands firm against his intimidating rival and responds quickly.
Carson: "You got it! You think you're tough but you're not. You're a coward. Attacking me in the locker room last week? That is completely scared bullcrap. You want me in the ring? Fine! I'll be ready."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. In fact, I thought I'd make out match a little interesting. It's much harder to destroy you with all the basic, normal set of rules. So... let's remove them. To be honest, I don't even want you to leave WrestleMania on your own two feet. You leaving on a stretcher in an ambulance is probably the ideal scenario. So... how about a Last Man Standing match? Then... we will have no doubt on who the coward truly is."
Carson: "Last Man Standing? You damn right! I'm gonna be the one that will be standing in the end. NOT... YOU."
Carson takes a few steps away towards his match. But suddenly... Gravedigger attacks! The "Graveyard Monster" ignites a massive brawl with his rival! 'Digger is wailing on Carson with huge fists, and "The Original" tries his best to fight back. One nasty shot knocks Carson to the floor, and the "Monster" turns to look directly in the camera. A moment later... the camera cuts out! A few anxious moments pass but it seems that Gravedigger took out the camera... or the camera operator!
Carson: "Ugh... what do you want? I've got a match to get to."
Gravedigger: "Oh, do you? I wouldn't want to UPSET you."
Carson: "Seriously... what do you want?"
'Digger steps in very close and stands in an aggressive manner.
Gravedigger: "I want to END you in front of millions and millions of viewers. I want everyone in the world to witness the demise of Carson Pain. I want a match... at WrestleMania."
Carson stands firm against his intimidating rival and responds quickly.
Carson: "You got it! You think you're tough but you're not. You're a coward. Attacking me in the locker room last week? That is completely scared bullcrap. You want me in the ring? Fine! I'll be ready."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. In fact, I thought I'd make out match a little interesting. It's much harder to destroy you with all the basic, normal set of rules. So... let's remove them. To be honest, I don't even want you to leave WrestleMania on your own two feet. You leaving on a stretcher in an ambulance is probably the ideal scenario. So... how about a Last Man Standing match? Then... we will have no doubt on who the coward truly is."
Carson: "Last Man Standing? You damn right! I'm gonna be the one that will be standing in the end. NOT... YOU."
Carson takes a few steps away towards his match. But suddenly... Gravedigger attacks! The "Graveyard Monster" ignites a massive brawl with his rival! 'Digger is wailing on Carson with huge fists, and "The Original" tries his best to fight back. One nasty shot knocks Carson to the floor, and the "Monster" turns to look directly in the camera. A moment later... the camera cuts out! A few anxious moments pass but it seems that Gravedigger took out the camera... or the camera operator!
Pre-Match Segment
There is a weird feeling passing through the arena as the events of the preceding segment linger. What happened between Gravedigger and Carson? There are no answers available but the night's main event seems to be ready to proceed as normal. Big Juan's theme bursts out and the "Mexican Brute" makes his way down to the ring for tonight's Handicap match. Next, Mack Wheeler makes his entrance and joins his ally. The "Human Semi" and Big Juan had agreed to a simple tag-team match against DMK & Carson Pain but Mr. McMahon shrewdly added David Degenerate to the match. The WWE Champion makes an arrogant entrance and joins his unlikely teammates, but they just scowl angrily at him. Next, the crowd whoops it up for the "King" as he strolls to ringside with his Metallica theme blaring. The 4 men await the final competitor... but nothing happens. No theme, no appearance, no nothing. That weird feeling returns as we still don't know what happened in the segment that ended just a few minutes ago.
Finally... we receive an answer. Everyone looks up at the big screen and a live video is being played. It shows the medical crew attending to... Carson Pain! "The Original" looks like a beaten, bloody mess as they try to give him a thorough check. You can hear one of the medical assistants remark that "he can't compete tonight" as the crowd watches with mouths agape. Oh man... what did Gravedigger do to him? The "Graveyard Monster" is not seen, but all evidence points to this as his doing. The video then fades out... and the attention returns to the ring. And suddenly, everybody realizes... this is no longer a hypical Handicap match. This has suddenly become a 3-on-1 affair! DMK is left all alone to face 3 rivals all by himself!
DMK looks across the ring as spots a smirking David staring back at him. Mack and Big Juan look at him gloomily, realizing that he has to go at it alone. The "King" shakes off the sadness, revs up the anger... and gears up for an outnumbered fight!
Finally... we receive an answer. Everyone looks up at the big screen and a live video is being played. It shows the medical crew attending to... Carson Pain! "The Original" looks like a beaten, bloody mess as they try to give him a thorough check. You can hear one of the medical assistants remark that "he can't compete tonight" as the crowd watches with mouths agape. Oh man... what did Gravedigger do to him? The "Graveyard Monster" is not seen, but all evidence points to this as his doing. The video then fades out... and the attention returns to the ring. And suddenly, everybody realizes... this is no longer a hypical Handicap match. This has suddenly become a 3-on-1 affair! DMK is left all alone to face 3 rivals all by himself!
DMK looks across the ring as spots a smirking David staring back at him. Mack and Big Juan look at him gloomily, realizing that he has to go at it alone. The "King" shakes off the sadness, revs up the anger... and gears up for an outnumbered fight!
MAIN EVENT:
3-on-1 Handicap Match
DMK vs. Big Juan Santos, Mack Wheeler & David Degenerate
The bell rings and an intense staredown happens between DMK and Big Juan, sending a lightning bolt of energy through the crowd. DMK is going to have to fight alone, but the "Mexican Brute" appears ready to treat this as a normal match. Then, Big Juan surprises his foe with a running shoulder block! DMK flops to the mat and Big Juan quickly follows up with a running elbow. Big Juan then whips him into the ropes... but DMK counters with a sitout pullback slam and performs a pin right away! The referee counts 1... 2... and Big Juan kicks out! Mack and David had just entered the ring to potentially need to break the pinfall, and you can see the panic on their face. DMK is not going to make this an easy fight!
Big Juan is angry from the nearfall and responds with a few nasty forearm strikes to DMK's back, sandwiched by two more running shoulder blocks. DMK fires back, impressively performing a two-handed choke toss and following up with a one-armed bulldog. The two behemoths then brawl for a bit, but a tired Big Juan races for help in his corner. But DMK steps in the way and punches him down to the mat. DMK then whips him into the opposite corner... and nails him with his Hell's Whisper kick off the top turnbuckle! The "King" goes for the cover and the ref counts 1... 2... and this time, Mack avoids disaster by breaking it up! The still-ongoing fight continues, with DMK landing two spinebusters while Big Juan delivers two nasty big boots and a belly-to-belly suplex. After the last big boot, Big Juan finally heads to the corner and tags in Mack. The "Human Semi" enters the ring... and finds DMK daring him with a crowd-pleasing taunt!
Mack is stunned for a moment, but then sprints over to attack. But DMK kicks him in the gut... and plants him with his Hell's Plunge signature! Mack staggers back to his feet, stunned by the powerful move... and gets snatched by the throat! The "King" slams Mack down with his finishing Checkmate chokeslam and covers for 1... 2... and David races in to break it up! DMK is looking great in this match, shocking everyone in the ring and watching from their seats! The "Dangerous Genius" taunts his rival as he exits back to the apron, distracting DMK from the legal man. This allows Mack to recover and catches DMK with a stiff gut kick and tosses him into their corner. He tags Big Juan back in and together they perform an assisted flying shoulder block, where Mack gives the "Mexican Brute" a push and his massive weight crashes through DMK!
DMK gets angry and knocks Big Juan down... and then turns his attention to the others! He sprints over to clothesline David down to the floor, but his attempt on Mack gets countered when the "Human Semi" pulls down the top rope! DMK tumbles to the floor and a brawl ignites between those 3! Mack and David get in their shots, but DMK fights them off and slides back into the ring. Big Juan staggers to his feet but is met by an impactful clothesline! DMK covers him to try and steal the victory... but David dives in to break it up once more!
DMK looks at the weakened Big Juan, and casually tosses him into his own corner. Then, DMK steps back... and dares the "Mexican Brute" to tag out! The crowd loves the confidence of DMK as Big Juan shakes his head and reluctantly takes the dare by tagging out to his ally Mack. Mack runs in but DMK catches him with a flurry of big punches and follows up with a spinebuster. With Mack down, the "King" sets his sights on David... and clotheslines him off the apron! DMK exits the ring and attacks the WWE Champion, delivering his Hell's Plunge signature! The "Human Semi" exits to intervene but he receives a 2nd Checkmate chokeslam for his troubles! But as DMK taunts the excited crowd... David stuns him with a dirty low blow. The underhanded move allows David to damage his rival for a while, and the ref's count starts to reach dangerous levels. Finally, David grabs DMK by the back of the head, talks trash right to his face... and rolls him back into the ring at the 9-count.
Mack is waiting and catches the woozy "King" with two powerful clotheslines. He then tries to toss DMK into the corner, but the whip is reversed. In the corner, DMK lifts Mack onto the top turnbuckle... and chokeslams him off the top! Everytime they seem to have DMK beat, he finds a way to rally back. DMK tosses Mack back into his own corner... and dares him to tag in the "Genius"! Mack is stunned at the overconfidence but adheres to the dare, tagging the WWE Champion into the match for the first time. David reluctantly steps through the ropes and DMK smirks as his rival has to finally face him in the ring! After a brief staredown, they wail into each other with wild punches. After DMK stuns David with a well-placed strike, the champ responds with a dropkick... and cowardly tags out to Big Juan! The crowd boos the tactic as David is still trying to avoid facing his rival. Big Juan shakes his head, scoffs at the act and re-enters the ring.
The "Mexican Brute" has regained his strength after a lengthy rest, and is able to catch a tired DMK with a bulldog and a powerbomb. But seconds after planting the "King" with the power move... Big Juan tags David back in! Big Juan chuckles and gestures towards the ring as if to offer David a theoretical red carpet. The crowd cheers as it seems like Mack & Big Juan are disrespecting their own partner in this unfair 3-on-1 fight.
David enters the ring and finds an exhausted but motivated "King" waiting for him. David does some calculations in his head, but it's obvious he needs to find a way to finish the job himself. The brawl between them begins again but DMK's anger boils over and he starts dominating the "Genius". The crowd loves every damaging move given to the champ, and David starts becoming more and more desperate. But David may be playing possum, as we start to notice a slight smirk creeping on his face away from DMK's eyesight. Sure enough, David's cunning ability to always be one step ahead proves to be the difference. DMK slams the champ down with a painful spinebuster, and after taking a quick breath, he reaches down to lift his rival back up. But suddenly... David rolls him up into a tight pinning cradle! The referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
David rolls off of him and slides out of the ring quickly, as DMK sits up in shock! The "King" went through all that effort to stay alive in a severly-outnumbered contest... just to lose to a sneaky rollup?! Even Mack & Big Juan are stunned as the crowd stares with wide eyes. The WWE champ grabs his title belt and rapidly exits the ringside area, hoping to avoid retaliation from an infuriated DMK!
David walks up the ramp, turning to face the ring. The "Dangerous Genius" had pulled off another trick on his rival, and raises his title belt high to close the show! Is David proving to everyone that he could still find a way to win at WrestleMania... even with the odds seemingly against him? David's proud but sly smile is the final image of the episode!
WINNERS: David Degenerate, Mack Wheeler & Big Juan Santos
Big Juan is angry from the nearfall and responds with a few nasty forearm strikes to DMK's back, sandwiched by two more running shoulder blocks. DMK fires back, impressively performing a two-handed choke toss and following up with a one-armed bulldog. The two behemoths then brawl for a bit, but a tired Big Juan races for help in his corner. But DMK steps in the way and punches him down to the mat. DMK then whips him into the opposite corner... and nails him with his Hell's Whisper kick off the top turnbuckle! The "King" goes for the cover and the ref counts 1... 2... and this time, Mack avoids disaster by breaking it up! The still-ongoing fight continues, with DMK landing two spinebusters while Big Juan delivers two nasty big boots and a belly-to-belly suplex. After the last big boot, Big Juan finally heads to the corner and tags in Mack. The "Human Semi" enters the ring... and finds DMK daring him with a crowd-pleasing taunt!
Mack is stunned for a moment, but then sprints over to attack. But DMK kicks him in the gut... and plants him with his Hell's Plunge signature! Mack staggers back to his feet, stunned by the powerful move... and gets snatched by the throat! The "King" slams Mack down with his finishing Checkmate chokeslam and covers for 1... 2... and David races in to break it up! DMK is looking great in this match, shocking everyone in the ring and watching from their seats! The "Dangerous Genius" taunts his rival as he exits back to the apron, distracting DMK from the legal man. This allows Mack to recover and catches DMK with a stiff gut kick and tosses him into their corner. He tags Big Juan back in and together they perform an assisted flying shoulder block, where Mack gives the "Mexican Brute" a push and his massive weight crashes through DMK!
DMK gets angry and knocks Big Juan down... and then turns his attention to the others! He sprints over to clothesline David down to the floor, but his attempt on Mack gets countered when the "Human Semi" pulls down the top rope! DMK tumbles to the floor and a brawl ignites between those 3! Mack and David get in their shots, but DMK fights them off and slides back into the ring. Big Juan staggers to his feet but is met by an impactful clothesline! DMK covers him to try and steal the victory... but David dives in to break it up once more!
DMK looks at the weakened Big Juan, and casually tosses him into his own corner. Then, DMK steps back... and dares the "Mexican Brute" to tag out! The crowd loves the confidence of DMK as Big Juan shakes his head and reluctantly takes the dare by tagging out to his ally Mack. Mack runs in but DMK catches him with a flurry of big punches and follows up with a spinebuster. With Mack down, the "King" sets his sights on David... and clotheslines him off the apron! DMK exits the ring and attacks the WWE Champion, delivering his Hell's Plunge signature! The "Human Semi" exits to intervene but he receives a 2nd Checkmate chokeslam for his troubles! But as DMK taunts the excited crowd... David stuns him with a dirty low blow. The underhanded move allows David to damage his rival for a while, and the ref's count starts to reach dangerous levels. Finally, David grabs DMK by the back of the head, talks trash right to his face... and rolls him back into the ring at the 9-count.
Mack is waiting and catches the woozy "King" with two powerful clotheslines. He then tries to toss DMK into the corner, but the whip is reversed. In the corner, DMK lifts Mack onto the top turnbuckle... and chokeslams him off the top! Everytime they seem to have DMK beat, he finds a way to rally back. DMK tosses Mack back into his own corner... and dares him to tag in the "Genius"! Mack is stunned at the overconfidence but adheres to the dare, tagging the WWE Champion into the match for the first time. David reluctantly steps through the ropes and DMK smirks as his rival has to finally face him in the ring! After a brief staredown, they wail into each other with wild punches. After DMK stuns David with a well-placed strike, the champ responds with a dropkick... and cowardly tags out to Big Juan! The crowd boos the tactic as David is still trying to avoid facing his rival. Big Juan shakes his head, scoffs at the act and re-enters the ring.
The "Mexican Brute" has regained his strength after a lengthy rest, and is able to catch a tired DMK with a bulldog and a powerbomb. But seconds after planting the "King" with the power move... Big Juan tags David back in! Big Juan chuckles and gestures towards the ring as if to offer David a theoretical red carpet. The crowd cheers as it seems like Mack & Big Juan are disrespecting their own partner in this unfair 3-on-1 fight.
David enters the ring and finds an exhausted but motivated "King" waiting for him. David does some calculations in his head, but it's obvious he needs to find a way to finish the job himself. The brawl between them begins again but DMK's anger boils over and he starts dominating the "Genius". The crowd loves every damaging move given to the champ, and David starts becoming more and more desperate. But David may be playing possum, as we start to notice a slight smirk creeping on his face away from DMK's eyesight. Sure enough, David's cunning ability to always be one step ahead proves to be the difference. DMK slams the champ down with a painful spinebuster, and after taking a quick breath, he reaches down to lift his rival back up. But suddenly... David rolls him up into a tight pinning cradle! The referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
David rolls off of him and slides out of the ring quickly, as DMK sits up in shock! The "King" went through all that effort to stay alive in a severly-outnumbered contest... just to lose to a sneaky rollup?! Even Mack & Big Juan are stunned as the crowd stares with wide eyes. The WWE champ grabs his title belt and rapidly exits the ringside area, hoping to avoid retaliation from an infuriated DMK!
David walks up the ramp, turning to face the ring. The "Dangerous Genius" had pulled off another trick on his rival, and raises his title belt high to close the show! Is David proving to everyone that he could still find a way to win at WrestleMania... even with the odds seemingly against him? David's proud but sly smile is the final image of the episode!
WINNERS: David Degenerate, Mack Wheeler & Big Juan Santos
Week 4
Just six days away from WrestleMania, Monday Night Raw opens LIVE from Detroit, Michigan!
GM Office Segment
The show opens backstage in Mr. McMahon's office space. The WWE Chairman and interim Raw GM is sitting behind the desk, and is welcoming in somebody. The camera pans around to see... Gravedigger and Carson Pain! The two rivals are standing a good distance apart from each other and are just seething with anger. The tension is very, very thick. Last week, Gravedigger confronted "The Original" backstage just before the main event match that Carson was supposed to compete in. They agreed to face each other at WrestleMania in a Last Man Standing match but then 'Digger attacked! The assault had Carson requiring medical attention and forced him to miss the main event match, which left DMK alone in a 3-on-1 Handicap bout. This was the 2nd backstage attack that the "Graveyard Monster" has initiated on his rival this month! The two keep their eyes trained on Vince as he speaks.
Mr. McMahon: "Hello gentlemen. Thank you for coming to my office. I have a small item to discuss with you."
Carson: "What is it, Vince? Please just get on with it. I can't stand being near this fool."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... childish insults. Beating you Sunday is going to be so EASY... and so WORTH it."
Carson: "Shut up, you have no idea what I'm..."
Mr. McMahon: "Umm... excuse me? Enough! Save it for Sunday. Now... I have heard that you two are planning on having a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania. Yes?"
Gravedigger: "Yes."
Mr. McMahon: "And Carson... to my understanding, you plan on being in DMK's corner for the main event that evening, yes?"
Carson: "Yeah so? What's your point?"
Mr. McMahon: "The point is... I just don't see you being there in the main event as appropriate."
Carson: "What are you talking about?"
Mr. McMahon: "You see... I feel like you're just not trustworthy enough. I haven't really seen you associating yourself that closely with DMK lately. I mean... last week you were supposed to be a tag partner, and you didn't show up and..."
Carson: "I didn't show up because THIS sad sack of moldy potatoes BEAT ME UP right before I was supposed to go to the match!"
Mr. McMahon: "Well... it doesn't matter. I just don't want you sullying up a fine main event we have scheduled."
Carson: "You can't do that! If I want to be someone's ringside manager, I can be someone's ringside manager. The only reason I'm there is..."
Mr. McMahon: "I do not need your reasons. Fine, if you insist on showboating as some manager type, then I will make you a deal. Since you already have a match scheduled for Sunday's event, let's put a little stipulation on it. If... and I'm sure it's a HUGE if... you can defeat Gravedigger in the Last Man Standing match, then you can join DMK at ringside."
Carson: "Damn... you are completely worthless as General Manager. But fine... yes, I'll agree to your stupid stipulation. I'm gonna make this old junkyard mutt pay for his sins this Sunday anyway."
Gravedigger: "Ahh... insults. Classic."
Carson: "Shut your mouth!"
Mr. McMahon: "Ahem! Can we stay calm, gentlemen? I have a lot of work to do this evening."
Gravedigger: "Hold up, Vince. What's in this for me? I'm obviously going to win on Sunday, and there should be some reward in that as well."
Mr. McMahon: "Yes, I suppose that's true."
Gravedigger: "In fact... I deserve a WWE Title match. I defeated David in a title match earlier this month but I can't win the title by countout. So technically... I should be #1 contender. Give me a title shot!"
Mr. McMahon: "Hmm... well your logic is flawed... but I suppose you do have a point. Fine! If you defeat Carson in the Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania... then you will have a guaranteed WWE Championship match at the Backlash PPV the following month. Does that meet your definition of reward?"
Gravedigger: "Besides the reward of seeing a bloody corpse of what was formerly Carson Pain on Sunday? Yes... that would be a fine reward for all my hard work."
Carson: "Hard work? Yeah right. I'm going to kick your ass all over the arena on Sunday!"
Mr. McMahon: "Gentlemen! I've had enough. The match stipulations are set and your services are no longer needed. Get out of my office, NOW!"
Gravedigger and Carson both show expressions of motivation, but then catch each other's eyes as they start to exit the room. An intense glare is passed between them as the segment comes to an end!
Mr. McMahon: "Hello gentlemen. Thank you for coming to my office. I have a small item to discuss with you."
Carson: "What is it, Vince? Please just get on with it. I can't stand being near this fool."
Gravedigger: "Ha ha... childish insults. Beating you Sunday is going to be so EASY... and so WORTH it."
Carson: "Shut up, you have no idea what I'm..."
Mr. McMahon: "Umm... excuse me? Enough! Save it for Sunday. Now... I have heard that you two are planning on having a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania. Yes?"
Gravedigger: "Yes."
Mr. McMahon: "And Carson... to my understanding, you plan on being in DMK's corner for the main event that evening, yes?"
Carson: "Yeah so? What's your point?"
Mr. McMahon: "The point is... I just don't see you being there in the main event as appropriate."
Carson: "What are you talking about?"
Mr. McMahon: "You see... I feel like you're just not trustworthy enough. I haven't really seen you associating yourself that closely with DMK lately. I mean... last week you were supposed to be a tag partner, and you didn't show up and..."
Carson: "I didn't show up because THIS sad sack of moldy potatoes BEAT ME UP right before I was supposed to go to the match!"
Mr. McMahon: "Well... it doesn't matter. I just don't want you sullying up a fine main event we have scheduled."
Carson: "You can't do that! If I want to be someone's ringside manager, I can be someone's ringside manager. The only reason I'm there is..."
Mr. McMahon: "I do not need your reasons. Fine, if you insist on showboating as some manager type, then I will make you a deal. Since you already have a match scheduled for Sunday's event, let's put a little stipulation on it. If... and I'm sure it's a HUGE if... you can defeat Gravedigger in the Last Man Standing match, then you can join DMK at ringside."
Carson: "Damn... you are completely worthless as General Manager. But fine... yes, I'll agree to your stupid stipulation. I'm gonna make this old junkyard mutt pay for his sins this Sunday anyway."
Gravedigger: "Ahh... insults. Classic."
Carson: "Shut your mouth!"
Mr. McMahon: "Ahem! Can we stay calm, gentlemen? I have a lot of work to do this evening."
Gravedigger: "Hold up, Vince. What's in this for me? I'm obviously going to win on Sunday, and there should be some reward in that as well."
Mr. McMahon: "Yes, I suppose that's true."
Gravedigger: "In fact... I deserve a WWE Title match. I defeated David in a title match earlier this month but I can't win the title by countout. So technically... I should be #1 contender. Give me a title shot!"
Mr. McMahon: "Hmm... well your logic is flawed... but I suppose you do have a point. Fine! If you defeat Carson in the Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania... then you will have a guaranteed WWE Championship match at the Backlash PPV the following month. Does that meet your definition of reward?"
Gravedigger: "Besides the reward of seeing a bloody corpse of what was formerly Carson Pain on Sunday? Yes... that would be a fine reward for all my hard work."
Carson: "Hard work? Yeah right. I'm going to kick your ass all over the arena on Sunday!"
Mr. McMahon: "Gentlemen! I've had enough. The match stipulations are set and your services are no longer needed. Get out of my office, NOW!"
Gravedigger and Carson both show expressions of motivation, but then catch each other's eyes as they start to exit the room. An intense glare is passed between them as the segment comes to an end!
Travis Roarke vs. Big Juan Santos vs. Brett Diamond
The first match of the night is a little preview for Sunday's Money in the Bank Ladder match, as the three Raw qualifiers will face off to see who can gain a little momentum heading into the chase for the briefcase! The "Mexican Brute" qualified in the first week, followed by the "Assassin" and then Brett's nail-biting countout victory over Shawn Midnight last week took up the available spots, so it will be interesting to see if any of the red-branded fellows can snatch the coveted prize!
Travis entered first, throwing numerous punches on the way to the ring. Next, Big Juan strolls to the ring with his calm confidence garnering a strong response from the crowd. And finally, the excited "Professional" slaps hands with the fans as he climbs into the ring. All three fan favorites study their opponents just before the bell rings, and this 3-way bout gets started!
They meet in the center of the ring and trade punches for a bit to build the tension right away. Then, Big Juan knocks Travis into the ropes and follows up with two massive forearms right to the lower back. Brett then tosses the "Mexican Brute" into the corner and delivers a painful running dropkick. Travis staggers into the middle of the ring, and Big Juan and Brett charge him... and deliver a double-team clothesline & diving knee takedown to flatten the "Assassin"! Next, Big Juan catches the "Professional" with a big boot and strikes Travis with a punch so hard that he flies over the top rope!
The action spills outside and a huge brawl develops as all three men try to gain the upper hand. A couple big moves also take place as they use the environment to damage each other. Big Juan scoop slams Brett and smashes Travis's head off the announce table. Travis delivers a big punch to knock Big Juan down, and Brett plants Travis with a Samoan drop. Big Juan ends up gaining control, slamming each opponent down with a big powerslam! The brawl continues to rage outside the ropes for a while, before Big Juan tosses Travis into the steel steps... and then proceeds to carry the bulky metal into the ring!
The action returns to the ring and again all three manage to deliver pain to their opponents, but no one can seem to score the win. Finally, the steel steps that lay ominous and unused for a while come into play. After knocking Travis down, Big Juan lifts Brett... and scoop slams him right onto the metal! When the "Assassin" staggers to his feet, Big Juan quickly grabs him and drives him into the mat with his Ultimo Tango finisher! With Travis out, Big Juan slides over and covers Brett... and scores the 1-2-3 count for the win!
WINNER: Big Juan Santos
Travis entered first, throwing numerous punches on the way to the ring. Next, Big Juan strolls to the ring with his calm confidence garnering a strong response from the crowd. And finally, the excited "Professional" slaps hands with the fans as he climbs into the ring. All three fan favorites study their opponents just before the bell rings, and this 3-way bout gets started!
They meet in the center of the ring and trade punches for a bit to build the tension right away. Then, Big Juan knocks Travis into the ropes and follows up with two massive forearms right to the lower back. Brett then tosses the "Mexican Brute" into the corner and delivers a painful running dropkick. Travis staggers into the middle of the ring, and Big Juan and Brett charge him... and deliver a double-team clothesline & diving knee takedown to flatten the "Assassin"! Next, Big Juan catches the "Professional" with a big boot and strikes Travis with a punch so hard that he flies over the top rope!
The action spills outside and a huge brawl develops as all three men try to gain the upper hand. A couple big moves also take place as they use the environment to damage each other. Big Juan scoop slams Brett and smashes Travis's head off the announce table. Travis delivers a big punch to knock Big Juan down, and Brett plants Travis with a Samoan drop. Big Juan ends up gaining control, slamming each opponent down with a big powerslam! The brawl continues to rage outside the ropes for a while, before Big Juan tosses Travis into the steel steps... and then proceeds to carry the bulky metal into the ring!
The action returns to the ring and again all three manage to deliver pain to their opponents, but no one can seem to score the win. Finally, the steel steps that lay ominous and unused for a while come into play. After knocking Travis down, Big Juan lifts Brett... and scoop slams him right onto the metal! When the "Assassin" staggers to his feet, Big Juan quickly grabs him and drives him into the mat with his Ultimo Tango finisher! With Travis out, Big Juan slides over and covers Brett... and scores the 1-2-3 count for the win!
WINNER: Big Juan Santos
Backstage Interview
The show returns from a short break and we venture to the interview area, where a sweaty Big Juan Santos is ready to chat after a thrilling victory in the opening match. Justin Roberts begins the post-match interview.
Justin: "Big Juan... great victory tonight. Obviously tonight's match was a little preview for Sunday's Money in the Bank Ladder match. How do you think this match helps you heading into WrestleMania?"
Big Juan: "I've been feeling very confident in my abilities lately and this win tonight proves it. I'm going to take the next step in my progress towards winning gold. This Sunday, I'm going to climb that ladder, claim the briefcase and cash it in no matter who the champion is!"
Suddenly... Travis Roarke and Brett Diamond show up! Angry from the loss, they approach Big Juan from both sides.
Travis: "You? Win the briefcase? No way, man!"
Brett: "Yeah papi! Tonight was a fluke! You ain't winning on Sunday!"
Travis: "Plus... your size is not going to help you in a Ladder match! To win, you'll have to carry that huge butt of yours all the way up to the top. We are quicker than you and have more stamina... we are more likely to win in that environment."
Big Juan: "Big, small, doesn't matter. I beat you two tonight... and I'll bring home that briefcase!"
The segment ends with an angry staredown between all three men! Will one of these Raw members claim the briefcase on Sunday?
Justin: "Big Juan... great victory tonight. Obviously tonight's match was a little preview for Sunday's Money in the Bank Ladder match. How do you think this match helps you heading into WrestleMania?"
Big Juan: "I've been feeling very confident in my abilities lately and this win tonight proves it. I'm going to take the next step in my progress towards winning gold. This Sunday, I'm going to climb that ladder, claim the briefcase and cash it in no matter who the champion is!"
Suddenly... Travis Roarke and Brett Diamond show up! Angry from the loss, they approach Big Juan from both sides.
Travis: "You? Win the briefcase? No way, man!"
Brett: "Yeah papi! Tonight was a fluke! You ain't winning on Sunday!"
Travis: "Plus... your size is not going to help you in a Ladder match! To win, you'll have to carry that huge butt of yours all the way up to the top. We are quicker than you and have more stamina... we are more likely to win in that environment."
Big Juan: "Big, small, doesn't matter. I beat you two tonight... and I'll bring home that briefcase!"
The segment ends with an angry staredown between all three men! Will one of these Raw members claim the briefcase on Sunday?
United States Championship:
Lee Money {c} vs. Renegade
The next match gets set... and the U.S. Title will be on the line! Lee Money defends his title against former friend Renegade, just a few weeks after defeating the "Party Animal" to claim it for the first time. The rivalry between them has been long, but Lee claimed that his victory at the last PPV was supposed to help Renegade see the error of his ways lately, with erratic behavior causing numerous problems for him... as well as help him win the U.S. Title twice in controversial fashion. "Cash" is hoping to put a final touch on this long battle and keep his new championship!
Renegade comes out and gets a fairly negative reaction from the crowd, who has turned against the strange actions of the "Party Animal". Next, Lee excitedly makes his entrance and gets big cheers from the Detroit fans, showing off his title belt all along the way. The two rivals stand opposed as the referee holds the prize up and then signals for the bell!
Lee starts out with a kick to the gut and an Empty Account move, stunning his foe. He then tosses him into the corner and lifts him onto the top rope. He reaches out to try a move, but Renegade counters with a kick to the face. With Lee staggering, Renegade leaps off and plants him with a flying cross body! Angry over allowing the reversal, Lee quickly damages the challenger with a flurry of big moves. A fallaway slam is followed by a surfboard stomp. He knocks Renegade into the ropes and lands a DDT with Renegade's feet draped over the 2nd rop. Lee then uses his speed to hit a running bicycle kick and a flying dropkick off the top rope!
Fans are stunned at Lee's dominance so far, but the reason quickly becomes clear. Renegade smirks as he lays on the mat and Lee taunts nearby. Suddenly... Renegade kips up to his feet and blasts the champ with a finishing Kick-olution superkick! The "Party Animal" caught him off-guard and now goes for the pin! The referee counts 1... 2... and "Cash" kicks out barely!
Frustrated over the nearfall, Renegade tries a move in the corner. But, Lee counters it into a DDT with Renegade's feet dangling off the top turnbuckle! Lee then attempts a running maneuver, but the "Wild One" counters with a sharp roundhouse kick to the temple. Lee answers with a snap suplex and then signals for a signature move! His headstand leg drop known as the Cash Drop stuns Renegade! The challenger staggers to his feet, and Lee plants him with his finishing Paycheck DDT! "Cash" goes for the cover and gets a count of 1... 2... and Renegade forces a break by putting his foot on the bottom rope!
The two rivals starting brawling, and their fight ends up outside the ring. Lee is able to knock Renegade down, and then his eyes gaze up at the nearest turnbuckle. Deciding to risk it, "Cash" scales the top rope... and leaps off to deliver a crushing flying leg drop! The crowd goes wild for the big move and both men are down for a while!
Back in the ring, Renegade mounts a rally to try and score the upset but Lee is too resilient for him. After countering a move, "Cash" catches his foe with his signature Money Where Your Mouth Is kick! The strike dazes Renegade and Lee decides to go for his finisher in a big way... similar to how he won at Elimination Chamber! "Cash" places Renegade on the top turnbuckle, and climbs up himself. Setting it up, Lee pulls off... and smashes Renegade's head into the mat with his Paycheck DDT off the top rope! Lee goes for the cover and the referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
The crowd erupts into cheers as Lee successfully defends his U.S. Title for the first time! He raises his title belt proudly to celebrate!
WINNER (and still United States Champion): Lee Money
Renegade comes out and gets a fairly negative reaction from the crowd, who has turned against the strange actions of the "Party Animal". Next, Lee excitedly makes his entrance and gets big cheers from the Detroit fans, showing off his title belt all along the way. The two rivals stand opposed as the referee holds the prize up and then signals for the bell!
Lee starts out with a kick to the gut and an Empty Account move, stunning his foe. He then tosses him into the corner and lifts him onto the top rope. He reaches out to try a move, but Renegade counters with a kick to the face. With Lee staggering, Renegade leaps off and plants him with a flying cross body! Angry over allowing the reversal, Lee quickly damages the challenger with a flurry of big moves. A fallaway slam is followed by a surfboard stomp. He knocks Renegade into the ropes and lands a DDT with Renegade's feet draped over the 2nd rop. Lee then uses his speed to hit a running bicycle kick and a flying dropkick off the top rope!
Fans are stunned at Lee's dominance so far, but the reason quickly becomes clear. Renegade smirks as he lays on the mat and Lee taunts nearby. Suddenly... Renegade kips up to his feet and blasts the champ with a finishing Kick-olution superkick! The "Party Animal" caught him off-guard and now goes for the pin! The referee counts 1... 2... and "Cash" kicks out barely!
Frustrated over the nearfall, Renegade tries a move in the corner. But, Lee counters it into a DDT with Renegade's feet dangling off the top turnbuckle! Lee then attempts a running maneuver, but the "Wild One" counters with a sharp roundhouse kick to the temple. Lee answers with a snap suplex and then signals for a signature move! His headstand leg drop known as the Cash Drop stuns Renegade! The challenger staggers to his feet, and Lee plants him with his finishing Paycheck DDT! "Cash" goes for the cover and gets a count of 1... 2... and Renegade forces a break by putting his foot on the bottom rope!
The two rivals starting brawling, and their fight ends up outside the ring. Lee is able to knock Renegade down, and then his eyes gaze up at the nearest turnbuckle. Deciding to risk it, "Cash" scales the top rope... and leaps off to deliver a crushing flying leg drop! The crowd goes wild for the big move and both men are down for a while!
Back in the ring, Renegade mounts a rally to try and score the upset but Lee is too resilient for him. After countering a move, "Cash" catches his foe with his signature Money Where Your Mouth Is kick! The strike dazes Renegade and Lee decides to go for his finisher in a big way... similar to how he won at Elimination Chamber! "Cash" places Renegade on the top turnbuckle, and climbs up himself. Setting it up, Lee pulls off... and smashes Renegade's head into the mat with his Paycheck DDT off the top rope! Lee goes for the cover and the referee counts 1... 2... 3!!!
The crowd erupts into cheers as Lee successfully defends his U.S. Title for the first time! He raises his title belt proudly to celebrate!
WINNER (and still United States Champion): Lee Money
Backstage Segment
After a commercial break, the show returns and we see a very determined Carson Pain pacing near the catering area. "The Original" has a huge Last Man Standing match against Gravedigger at WrestleMania this Sunday, but he also has to win in order to be in DMK's corner for the WWE Championship main event. Carson wants to support the "King" and prevent either David Degenerate or Mr. McMahon from using any underhanded tactics to help David retain. Carson lost the title to David in a controversial 4-way match at Summerslam, and then fought the "Dangerous Genius" for months trying to get it back... but failing each time due to some strange happening. Carson wants to see that DMK doesn't suffer the same fate!
But a few moments later, the peaceful scene is broken... by another attack from Gravedigger! The "Graveyard Monster" is attacking his rival backstage for the third time this month! 'Digger tosses Carson hard into a garage door, which becomes slightly ajar. Gravedigger opens it more to find a trash cart finding, and decides to smash it right into Carson! Nearby, a chair sits and 'Digger eyes it as a weapon. He grabs it and nails a staggering Carson in the head! On the catering table, a heavy metal dish sits and the "Monster" lifts it, dumping the food off, and slams it into his rival's forehead. Next, a wayward mop is used to strike Carson more, and the brawl ends when a massive punch busts Carson open! "The Original" crumbles to the hard concrete floor in pain and 'Digger stands over him.
Gravedigger: "This... is a small FRACTION of what you will deal with on Sunday. At WrestleMania, you will lose. You will suffer so much that you may consider never coming back. And then... I'm going after the WWE Title. You are the smallest bug in my path. I dare you to show up on Sunday. You won't be the same EVER AGAIN."
And with that, the "Monster" exits the crime scene. The camera zooms in on Carson's pained expression as he winces, blood trickling down his face. These two are going to have a heated battle on Sunday... if Carson can recover by then!
But a few moments later, the peaceful scene is broken... by another attack from Gravedigger! The "Graveyard Monster" is attacking his rival backstage for the third time this month! 'Digger tosses Carson hard into a garage door, which becomes slightly ajar. Gravedigger opens it more to find a trash cart finding, and decides to smash it right into Carson! Nearby, a chair sits and 'Digger eyes it as a weapon. He grabs it and nails a staggering Carson in the head! On the catering table, a heavy metal dish sits and the "Monster" lifts it, dumping the food off, and slams it into his rival's forehead. Next, a wayward mop is used to strike Carson more, and the brawl ends when a massive punch busts Carson open! "The Original" crumbles to the hard concrete floor in pain and 'Digger stands over him.
Gravedigger: "This... is a small FRACTION of what you will deal with on Sunday. At WrestleMania, you will lose. You will suffer so much that you may consider never coming back. And then... I'm going after the WWE Title. You are the smallest bug in my path. I dare you to show up on Sunday. You won't be the same EVER AGAIN."
And with that, the "Monster" exits the crime scene. The camera zooms in on Carson's pained expression as he winces, blood trickling down his face. These two are going to have a heated battle on Sunday... if Carson can recover by then!
Backstage Segment
The cameras transition to another backstage area, where we see Mack Wheeler chilling in the locker room. The "Human Semi" is off the card tonight but in the building for his brand's show. Last week, Mack & Big Juan were forced to team up with WWE champ David Degenerate in an unfair 3-on-1 Handicap victory over DMK but then lost a #1 contender's match against Rebel Ford & Ace on Smackdown, costing them a chance at the Tag Team Titles. So tonight, with ally Big Juan focusing on his Money in the Bank opportunity, he's just relaxing and watching the show.
A moment later, he is approached by... David Degenerate! The WWE Champion and a rival of Mack strolls up, drawing an eye roll from the "Human Semi". David walks over and speaks.
David: "Hey Mack! I just wanted to swing by and thank you for your help in that main event match last week. I thought we worked really well together. DMK didn't even know what to do against us!"
Mack scoffs and seems to be annoyed, but David doesn't pick up on this. He continues.
David: "As you know... I have a big match with DMK on Sunday. Seeing as how you and him aren't on good terms right now... I wouldn't mind a little help... if you catch my drift."
Mack: "David... let me get this through your thick skull. No one is going to do your dirty work for you. You wanna bend and break the rules? Then you gotta handle your own business. In fact... Big Juan and myself don't appreciate how last week's match went down. We did most of the work, battling DMK all match long... and then you slither in and win by surprise rollup. It's... bush league crap."
David is offended by the comments as Mack continues.
Mack: "And by the way... NO ONE here on Raw likes you. I know you spend most of your time hanging out with Vince and not in the locker room. Do you even know how much TRASH people talk about you? You are ALL ALONE. If you want to beat DMK on Sunday... you're gonna have to do it man-to-man. No one is coming to save you."
David scowls angrily and barks back.
David: "I offer you the chance of the lifetime and like the stupid idiot you are, you insult me. In fact, get out of my damn face!"
Mack chuckles and walks off, brushing right past David in a disrespectful manner. The camera zooms in on David, who wears an angry expression. But a moment later, you can see the anger morph into worry. The paranoia seems to be returning for the "Genius" as the segment ends!
A moment later, he is approached by... David Degenerate! The WWE Champion and a rival of Mack strolls up, drawing an eye roll from the "Human Semi". David walks over and speaks.
David: "Hey Mack! I just wanted to swing by and thank you for your help in that main event match last week. I thought we worked really well together. DMK didn't even know what to do against us!"
Mack scoffs and seems to be annoyed, but David doesn't pick up on this. He continues.
David: "As you know... I have a big match with DMK on Sunday. Seeing as how you and him aren't on good terms right now... I wouldn't mind a little help... if you catch my drift."
Mack: "David... let me get this through your thick skull. No one is going to do your dirty work for you. You wanna bend and break the rules? Then you gotta handle your own business. In fact... Big Juan and myself don't appreciate how last week's match went down. We did most of the work, battling DMK all match long... and then you slither in and win by surprise rollup. It's... bush league crap."
David is offended by the comments as Mack continues.
Mack: "And by the way... NO ONE here on Raw likes you. I know you spend most of your time hanging out with Vince and not in the locker room. Do you even know how much TRASH people talk about you? You are ALL ALONE. If you want to beat DMK on Sunday... you're gonna have to do it man-to-man. No one is coming to save you."
David scowls angrily and barks back.
David: "I offer you the chance of the lifetime and like the stupid idiot you are, you insult me. In fact, get out of my damn face!"
Mack chuckles and walks off, brushing right past David in a disrespectful manner. The camera zooms in on David, who wears an angry expression. But a moment later, you can see the anger morph into worry. The paranoia seems to be returning for the "Genius" as the segment ends!
Women's Championship Unification Tournament - Bracket:
Women's Championship Unification Tournament
Raw Final: Brittany Black {c} vs. Maryse
The night's main event features the top females on Raw, with the winner taking the Divas Title into WrestleMania for a unification match against Smackdown's champ! The Women's tournament has raged throughout the month and featured some interesting developments as the rounds have progressed. On the red brand side, the rivalry grown from the alliance breakup of Brittany Black & Maryse has been one of the top stories to follow... and tonight, they meet in the Raw final with the championship on the line! Maryse has been loyal to the "Evil Diva" for months, but Brittany became enraged after a battle royal a few weeks ago when the French-Canadian beauty refused to eliminate herself... and ended up winning the match! Then, in Maryse's tournament match against Brie Bella, Brittany came down to give an assist when the ref was distracted but Maryse attacked her and didn't want her help! As a result, Brittany returned the favor and although it didn't cost Maryse the match, it showed that their alliance was over. And now, they have both made it through to the Raw final and will fight for the Divas Title!
In a surprising move, Brittany enters first and draws a hoard of boos from the crowd but she just glares at everyone from behind her sunglasses. She removes her coat and entrance gear to wait for her opponent, and the crowd gives a solid cheer when Maryse's music hits. But suddenly... Maryse sprints down to the ring! Brittany is stunned by the act of aggression as Maryse tackles her to the mat and sends wild punches into the champ's face! When Brittany staggers to her feet, Maryse catches her with her French TKO signature kick! Then, she drags the "Evil Diva" to her feet and plants her with her French Kiss finisher! Could Maryse score the upset this quickly?! Maryse isn't done, sending several sharp stomps to Brittany's head. The champ rises up and starts fighting back, but Maryse plays possum a bit. When Brittany tries to lift her off the mat, Maryse rolls her up into a small package pin! The referee gives a count of 1... 2... and Brittany barely gets a shoulder up! The "Evil Diva" is pissed and the crowd is astonished at how determined Maryse is to pull the upset!
Brittany tackles Maryse out of the ring and starts wailing on her. She lays her on the apron edge and delivers a nasty elbow to the throat. Then as Maryse squirms in the ring, the champ eyes the announce table... and begins to undress it! She seems to be planning something dangerous. In the ring, Maryse rises up and taunts the "Evil Diva", daring her to return to the ring. Brittany does... just to drag Maryse back out! Brittany beats her up some more and lays her on top of the bare table. The Divas champ quickly scales the closest turnbuckle and the crowd buzzes with excitement as she balances. Then... Brittany leaps off and moonsaults her through the table! The crowd whoops it up for the big move as both ladies lay in pain!
Brittany is the first to her feet and notices the referee shout "8!" Sensing a chance to win by countout, she staggers over and rolls into the ring, breathing with relief. But just a few seconds later, a determined Maryse crawls over and dives back in just in time to keep the match alive! Angry, Brittany walks over to the unsuspecting ref and attacks him from behind! The ref flops to the mat and Brittany grabs her weakened foe and locks in a submission hold! The move is to damage her torso more, and Maryse screams in pain. After relinquishing the hold, Brittany spots the ref still down... and reaches under the ring for a sledgehammer! This isn't a No Disqualification match - what is she doing?!
Brittany climbs back in and stalks her prey, holding the weapon with malicious intent. Unfortunately for the Divas champ, both Maryse and the referee seem to be recovering. Maryse staggers to her feet and notices her rival's aggressive behavior... and runs away in fear! The referee recognizes what could happen and steps in-between the competitors, eventually tearing the object out of Brittany's hands. The "Evil Diva" growls angrily which distracts her enough for Maryse to catch her with a running forearm! The strike gives Maryse an opening to dominate the match again as it seems that Brittany can't match her rival's attitude tonight!
But the "Evil Diva" proves why she has been the reigning champ since late October with a furious late rally. She counters a move with a desperation sitout jawbreaker, stunning Maryse enough. Brittany targets her rival's injured torso, delivering several vicious kicks to the exposed ribs and back. With Maryse writhing in pain, the Divas champ grabs her legs and locks her in a Boston Crab submission! Maryse shrieks in pain and can't reach the ropes! Finally, reluctantly... Maryse taps out! She gave it all she could but Brittany will remain Divas Champion and head into the tournament championship at WrestleMania this Sunday!
Brittany raises her title high, although clearly exhausted from the incredible battle. The crowd voices their displeasure with her win, but the "Evil Diva" celebrates with a sly smile on her face!
WINNER (and still Divas Champion): Brittany Black
In a surprising move, Brittany enters first and draws a hoard of boos from the crowd but she just glares at everyone from behind her sunglasses. She removes her coat and entrance gear to wait for her opponent, and the crowd gives a solid cheer when Maryse's music hits. But suddenly... Maryse sprints down to the ring! Brittany is stunned by the act of aggression as Maryse tackles her to the mat and sends wild punches into the champ's face! When Brittany staggers to her feet, Maryse catches her with her French TKO signature kick! Then, she drags the "Evil Diva" to her feet and plants her with her French Kiss finisher! Could Maryse score the upset this quickly?! Maryse isn't done, sending several sharp stomps to Brittany's head. The champ rises up and starts fighting back, but Maryse plays possum a bit. When Brittany tries to lift her off the mat, Maryse rolls her up into a small package pin! The referee gives a count of 1... 2... and Brittany barely gets a shoulder up! The "Evil Diva" is pissed and the crowd is astonished at how determined Maryse is to pull the upset!
Brittany tackles Maryse out of the ring and starts wailing on her. She lays her on the apron edge and delivers a nasty elbow to the throat. Then as Maryse squirms in the ring, the champ eyes the announce table... and begins to undress it! She seems to be planning something dangerous. In the ring, Maryse rises up and taunts the "Evil Diva", daring her to return to the ring. Brittany does... just to drag Maryse back out! Brittany beats her up some more and lays her on top of the bare table. The Divas champ quickly scales the closest turnbuckle and the crowd buzzes with excitement as she balances. Then... Brittany leaps off and moonsaults her through the table! The crowd whoops it up for the big move as both ladies lay in pain!
Brittany is the first to her feet and notices the referee shout "8!" Sensing a chance to win by countout, she staggers over and rolls into the ring, breathing with relief. But just a few seconds later, a determined Maryse crawls over and dives back in just in time to keep the match alive! Angry, Brittany walks over to the unsuspecting ref and attacks him from behind! The ref flops to the mat and Brittany grabs her weakened foe and locks in a submission hold! The move is to damage her torso more, and Maryse screams in pain. After relinquishing the hold, Brittany spots the ref still down... and reaches under the ring for a sledgehammer! This isn't a No Disqualification match - what is she doing?!
Brittany climbs back in and stalks her prey, holding the weapon with malicious intent. Unfortunately for the Divas champ, both Maryse and the referee seem to be recovering. Maryse staggers to her feet and notices her rival's aggressive behavior... and runs away in fear! The referee recognizes what could happen and steps in-between the competitors, eventually tearing the object out of Brittany's hands. The "Evil Diva" growls angrily which distracts her enough for Maryse to catch her with a running forearm! The strike gives Maryse an opening to dominate the match again as it seems that Brittany can't match her rival's attitude tonight!
But the "Evil Diva" proves why she has been the reigning champ since late October with a furious late rally. She counters a move with a desperation sitout jawbreaker, stunning Maryse enough. Brittany targets her rival's injured torso, delivering several vicious kicks to the exposed ribs and back. With Maryse writhing in pain, the Divas champ grabs her legs and locks her in a Boston Crab submission! Maryse shrieks in pain and can't reach the ropes! Finally, reluctantly... Maryse taps out! She gave it all she could but Brittany will remain Divas Champion and head into the tournament championship at WrestleMania this Sunday!
Brittany raises her title high, although clearly exhausted from the incredible battle. The crowd voices their displeasure with her win, but the "Evil Diva" celebrates with a sly smile on her face!
WINNER (and still Divas Champion): Brittany Black
In-Ring Segment:
WWE Championship Contract Signing
The show returns from its final commercial break and returns to the ring for the final portion, a highly-anticipated contract signing for Sunday's main event! David Degenerate will put the WWE Championship on the line against Royal Rumble winner DMK, but this rivalry runs quite deep. In fact, these two have avoided facing each other in a 1-on-1 match since their last WWE Title matchup nearly two years ago. They have been hated rivals, have formed a shocking alliance and captured gold together, and then have broken apart and became rivals again. Sunday will be the culmination of a long, emotional feud!
DMK comes out first, looking determined and focused, as the crowd cheers his entrance. He climbs the ring and circles the setup table in the ring. A moment later, David's music hits and the Detroit fans go nuclear, jeering the champ so loudly that the arena quakes a little. The "Dangerous Genius" is probably the most hated man in the entire WWE... and now has to face his rival in a ring just days before they clash over Raw's top prize. Joining him is Mr. McMahon and the corporate duo strut to the ring in an arrogant fashion. Vince is carrying a clipboard with the contact on it, as they will debate and offer stipulations for the main event. They enter the ring, careful to avoid walking into DMK's radius. Mr. McMahon grabs a microphone and begins tonight's proceedings.
Mr. McMahon: "Hello all and welcome to tonight's contract signing for the WrestleMania WWE Championship match! Our competitors, the reigning champ David Degenerate and the... 'challenger' DMK... will agree to the stipulations of the match and sign their names on the dotted line. Gentlemen... I offer you each a chance to propose any stipulations for Sunday's contest. Would either of you prefer to go first..."
David: "Yes. I'm going first. Champion's advantage."
The crowd groans and DMK rolls his eyes. David ignores the boos and issues his offer.
David: "First of all... Raw is MY show. 'David's Show'. I'm sick of seeing your face on MY show. You don't deserve to be here and I don't want you sniffing around MY title anymore after I beat you on Sunday. So my first proposal... is that WHEN I win on Sunday... that YOU will leave the Raw brand!"
DMK remains stoic as David points directly at him. A "Loser Leaves the Brand" stipulation for DMK? Could this be the last episode of Raw with him on it?! David pauses for a moment and then continues.
David: "But that's not all, folks. I have more to offer our friends here. The second item I'd like to add to the match... is in regards to your NAME. 'Dark Men King'? YOU are a king?! Please... you are the court jester. My next offer is that... WHEN I win on Sunday... you must change your name and remove the 'King' label. I don't even care what you change it too. Dark Men Knight, Dark Men Kangaroo... Dolly Mary Kirkland! Whatever, I don't care. But you will no longer be able to call yourself 'King'. In fact... since I will be winning on Sunday, I think it's fair to assume that I should be known as the 'King'. The 'King of Monday Night Raw', they'll call be. So WHEN I win, I will be adding the 'King' moniker to my name. I will become... KING DAVID!"
The crowd issues another raucous boo for the snarky champion, and he smirks in an evil manner. The fans clearly hate the reference of "King David" and they let him know it. He has one more final comment before Vince chimes in.
David: "So what do you say to those rules, pal? Feel like betting your brand, your name... and possibly your career... on Sunday's results?"
Mr. McMahon: "Thank you David! Those are very interesting items to consider. Now of course, I must give time to your opponent and offer him a chance to counter with any stipulations he desires."
DMK takes a deep breath as he stares at David. The WWE champ grins back, daring his rival to throw out anything. Finally, the "King" responds.
DMK: "Stipulations? Oh YEAH... I've got a few. You want me to bet MY career over this match? I'd like you to consider your OWN career ramifications. First of all, I want to talk about the match itself. I want this to be a No Disqualification, No Countout match. I'm removing all apparatuses that you can use against me. You want to hit me with a chair? DO IT! You want to beat me up outside the ring for a while? I DARE YOU. But at the end of the night... if you want to beat me... you're going to HAVE to pin me or make me tap out. You want to beat me? Then face me like a MAN."
David's smirk becomes a frown for a second, but then he brings up an interesting counterpoint.
David: "That's fine by me. I pinned you last week. I'll do it again."
DMK: "Yeah... I'm sure you will. My next stipulation... concerns you, Vince."
The crowd makes a collective gasp and the WWE Chairman's eyes widen.
Mr. McMahon: "Me? What does this have to do... with me?"
DMK: "Vince... don't kid yourself. This entire match... this entire SITUATION... has been centered around YOU. YOU aligned with David. YOU helped David win that title. YOU helped him defend it numerous times. YOU got your OWN DAUGHTER fired from her job as Raw GM, and then YOU have been the most corrupt GM in this company's history. This match on Sunday... all boils down to YOU."
Mr. McMahon: "I... uh... what are you proposing then?"
DMK: "I'm proposing... that if I win on Sunday... that you will resign immediately as Raw GM... and re-install Stephanie McMahon as general manager."
The crowd cheers in response to the remark! DMK is offering to defend Stephanie's honor and bring her back to Raw! Vince and David are stunned and they try to respond before being interrupted.
Mr. McMahon: "Now, hold on here..."
DMK: "AND MY NEXT stipulation... concerns the automatic rematch clause for any losing champion. I want to remove David's rematch if I win on Sunday."
David: "Come on, you can't..."
DMK: "I can. And you know why? Do you remember our LAST WWE Title match against each other? Bragging Rights? You convinced me to remove my rematch clause and you cheated your way to the title. So now... I'm paying it back. You lose on Sunday? You can't challenge for the WWE Title as long as I hold it!"
David and Vince's shock now becomes anger and the WWE champ replies.
David: "Come on, Vince! This is absolutely ridiculous. All of these stipulations are completely beyond what a challenger should be allowed to put on the match."
DMK: "David... you are going to accept these terms."
David: "NO I'm not. This is a joke. You can't..."
DMK: "You are going to accept these terms... or you will be permanently branded... a 'chicken'!"
David: "Hold up... what did you say?"
DMK: "A chicken, David. A chicken, a coward, a scaredy-cat. You will never be respected again. If you don't accept these terms, people will never consider you a legitimate champion EVER again!"
David grits his teeth as he hates hearing those insults. DMK speaks again.
DMK: "Or... you know... if you decline the terms, I could just... press criminal charges for what you did to me at Judgment Day. Do you recall a little incident with a truck and my car? Hmm... I'm pretty sure we have ALL the evidence we need to send you to jail! So you will be a chicken... and a jailbird! I guess you don't have a lot of good options!"
The crowd starts chanting "Chicken!" and David can't handle it. He's shaking with rage as DMK smirks back at him. Vince tries to keep his corporate ally calm but it doesn't look like it's working. Finally, David responds.
David: "... Fine! You're on! I'll agree to all your STUPID terms."
David rips the clipboard away from Vince and hastily signs the contract. He disrespectfully tosses at on the table in DMK's direction, and gestures for him to sign it. DMK takes his time, signing slowly and then drops the pen from his eyeline. It clatters on the table... and David sprints over with the title belt in attack mode! He swings the title at DMK, who ducks it deftly. David's miss puts him off-balance, and when he turns... DMK snatches him by the throat! The crowd cheers and Mr. McMahon begs the "King" to stop but he's already ready to send a painful message! DMK lifts David up... but the champ swings his leg and catches his rival in the groin! DMK releases his grip and David quickly escapes, leaving the "King" to clutch his manhood in pain.
David starts to exit up the ramp, and raises his title belt high in a taunting manner. DMK turns to glare at him and the fans buzz audibly with excitement! Who is going to win and take the WWE Championship home on Sunday??? The show ends with the intense staredown!
DMK comes out first, looking determined and focused, as the crowd cheers his entrance. He climbs the ring and circles the setup table in the ring. A moment later, David's music hits and the Detroit fans go nuclear, jeering the champ so loudly that the arena quakes a little. The "Dangerous Genius" is probably the most hated man in the entire WWE... and now has to face his rival in a ring just days before they clash over Raw's top prize. Joining him is Mr. McMahon and the corporate duo strut to the ring in an arrogant fashion. Vince is carrying a clipboard with the contact on it, as they will debate and offer stipulations for the main event. They enter the ring, careful to avoid walking into DMK's radius. Mr. McMahon grabs a microphone and begins tonight's proceedings.
Mr. McMahon: "Hello all and welcome to tonight's contract signing for the WrestleMania WWE Championship match! Our competitors, the reigning champ David Degenerate and the... 'challenger' DMK... will agree to the stipulations of the match and sign their names on the dotted line. Gentlemen... I offer you each a chance to propose any stipulations for Sunday's contest. Would either of you prefer to go first..."
David: "Yes. I'm going first. Champion's advantage."
The crowd groans and DMK rolls his eyes. David ignores the boos and issues his offer.
David: "First of all... Raw is MY show. 'David's Show'. I'm sick of seeing your face on MY show. You don't deserve to be here and I don't want you sniffing around MY title anymore after I beat you on Sunday. So my first proposal... is that WHEN I win on Sunday... that YOU will leave the Raw brand!"
DMK remains stoic as David points directly at him. A "Loser Leaves the Brand" stipulation for DMK? Could this be the last episode of Raw with him on it?! David pauses for a moment and then continues.
David: "But that's not all, folks. I have more to offer our friends here. The second item I'd like to add to the match... is in regards to your NAME. 'Dark Men King'? YOU are a king?! Please... you are the court jester. My next offer is that... WHEN I win on Sunday... you must change your name and remove the 'King' label. I don't even care what you change it too. Dark Men Knight, Dark Men Kangaroo... Dolly Mary Kirkland! Whatever, I don't care. But you will no longer be able to call yourself 'King'. In fact... since I will be winning on Sunday, I think it's fair to assume that I should be known as the 'King'. The 'King of Monday Night Raw', they'll call be. So WHEN I win, I will be adding the 'King' moniker to my name. I will become... KING DAVID!"
The crowd issues another raucous boo for the snarky champion, and he smirks in an evil manner. The fans clearly hate the reference of "King David" and they let him know it. He has one more final comment before Vince chimes in.
David: "So what do you say to those rules, pal? Feel like betting your brand, your name... and possibly your career... on Sunday's results?"
Mr. McMahon: "Thank you David! Those are very interesting items to consider. Now of course, I must give time to your opponent and offer him a chance to counter with any stipulations he desires."
DMK takes a deep breath as he stares at David. The WWE champ grins back, daring his rival to throw out anything. Finally, the "King" responds.
DMK: "Stipulations? Oh YEAH... I've got a few. You want me to bet MY career over this match? I'd like you to consider your OWN career ramifications. First of all, I want to talk about the match itself. I want this to be a No Disqualification, No Countout match. I'm removing all apparatuses that you can use against me. You want to hit me with a chair? DO IT! You want to beat me up outside the ring for a while? I DARE YOU. But at the end of the night... if you want to beat me... you're going to HAVE to pin me or make me tap out. You want to beat me? Then face me like a MAN."
David's smirk becomes a frown for a second, but then he brings up an interesting counterpoint.
David: "That's fine by me. I pinned you last week. I'll do it again."
DMK: "Yeah... I'm sure you will. My next stipulation... concerns you, Vince."
The crowd makes a collective gasp and the WWE Chairman's eyes widen.
Mr. McMahon: "Me? What does this have to do... with me?"
DMK: "Vince... don't kid yourself. This entire match... this entire SITUATION... has been centered around YOU. YOU aligned with David. YOU helped David win that title. YOU helped him defend it numerous times. YOU got your OWN DAUGHTER fired from her job as Raw GM, and then YOU have been the most corrupt GM in this company's history. This match on Sunday... all boils down to YOU."
Mr. McMahon: "I... uh... what are you proposing then?"
DMK: "I'm proposing... that if I win on Sunday... that you will resign immediately as Raw GM... and re-install Stephanie McMahon as general manager."
The crowd cheers in response to the remark! DMK is offering to defend Stephanie's honor and bring her back to Raw! Vince and David are stunned and they try to respond before being interrupted.
Mr. McMahon: "Now, hold on here..."
DMK: "AND MY NEXT stipulation... concerns the automatic rematch clause for any losing champion. I want to remove David's rematch if I win on Sunday."
David: "Come on, you can't..."
DMK: "I can. And you know why? Do you remember our LAST WWE Title match against each other? Bragging Rights? You convinced me to remove my rematch clause and you cheated your way to the title. So now... I'm paying it back. You lose on Sunday? You can't challenge for the WWE Title as long as I hold it!"
David and Vince's shock now becomes anger and the WWE champ replies.
David: "Come on, Vince! This is absolutely ridiculous. All of these stipulations are completely beyond what a challenger should be allowed to put on the match."
DMK: "David... you are going to accept these terms."
David: "NO I'm not. This is a joke. You can't..."
DMK: "You are going to accept these terms... or you will be permanently branded... a 'chicken'!"
David: "Hold up... what did you say?"
DMK: "A chicken, David. A chicken, a coward, a scaredy-cat. You will never be respected again. If you don't accept these terms, people will never consider you a legitimate champion EVER again!"
David grits his teeth as he hates hearing those insults. DMK speaks again.
DMK: "Or... you know... if you decline the terms, I could just... press criminal charges for what you did to me at Judgment Day. Do you recall a little incident with a truck and my car? Hmm... I'm pretty sure we have ALL the evidence we need to send you to jail! So you will be a chicken... and a jailbird! I guess you don't have a lot of good options!"
The crowd starts chanting "Chicken!" and David can't handle it. He's shaking with rage as DMK smirks back at him. Vince tries to keep his corporate ally calm but it doesn't look like it's working. Finally, David responds.
David: "... Fine! You're on! I'll agree to all your STUPID terms."
David rips the clipboard away from Vince and hastily signs the contract. He disrespectfully tosses at on the table in DMK's direction, and gestures for him to sign it. DMK takes his time, signing slowly and then drops the pen from his eyeline. It clatters on the table... and David sprints over with the title belt in attack mode! He swings the title at DMK, who ducks it deftly. David's miss puts him off-balance, and when he turns... DMK snatches him by the throat! The crowd cheers and Mr. McMahon begs the "King" to stop but he's already ready to send a painful message! DMK lifts David up... but the champ swings his leg and catches his rival in the groin! DMK releases his grip and David quickly escapes, leaving the "King" to clutch his manhood in pain.
David starts to exit up the ramp, and raises his title belt high in a taunting manner. DMK turns to glare at him and the fans buzz audibly with excitement! Who is going to win and take the WWE Championship home on Sunday??? The show ends with the intense staredown!
March Show Results |
March PPV |
April
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