Phoenix, Arizona
Commentators: Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler
RAW Report
"The showdown in the desert!" - Jim Ross. Some nice shots of HBK and Benoit with the title hanging in the back. Recaps of what happened the past few weeks. Benoit is letting us know that he is more ready than he has ever been. The Union song hits after that chilling package and we are ready to go. Will this be the night Shawn Michaels becomes the champion once again?
Evolution's theme song hits and J.R leads us to believe that they will be in some action tonight. Randy Orton, Batista, and HHH head to the ring as the bell rings for a 6 man competition.
6 Man Tag Match
Evolution vs. Shelton Benjamin, Tajiri, and Edge
All men are in the ring but the ref holds them back to maintain order. The match starts with Orton against Benjamin. Benjamin starts early with knockddowns and clotheslines as he tags Tajiri who works his kicks and works on Orton with an arm drag and drop toe hold. Orton gains control and tags HHH who kicks Tajiri as Orton holds him. HHH hits some right hands as the crowd chants "you tapped out!" Tajiri avoids trouble and tags Edge. The two counter each other and get back up to cheers. HHH finally gains control and tags Orton who takes control of Edge in the corner.
After a bit of action, Batista gets in the ring and gives Edge a huge powerslam but the count is broken by Benjamin. Edge is in trouble as Evolution works on him in the corner attacking his injured hand.Edge is still getting worked on heavily as the match carries on. Edge is in the ring against HHH and he finally hits a heel kick to get out of trouble and tag Tajiri. Tajiri goes buck wild and nails heel kicks all over the place. He takes out all of Evolution and nails HHH with a driving DDT. Tajiri went for the big springboard elbow on Batista but Batista clocked him in the back of the neck sending him hard to the mat. Commercial break as Tajiri and half of Evolution are all types of beaten up.
When we come back we see Tajiri in trouble as Evolution works him over. Batista comes in the ring and clubs Tajiri in the head, the kidneys and the neck. Batista distracts the ref as HHH takes some shots on Tajiri outside the ring. Batista tags HHH after Tajiri gets his foot on the rop during a 2 count. HHH surprises HHH with a backslide for a two count, but HHHworks Tajiri back to the corner and tags Orton. Tajiri counterd a whip with a roll up, but Orton goes to punch him but Tajiri slides up matrix like and kicks the back of his head! Edge is in, DDT on Orton, atomic drop on Orton, Edge to the top, he hits a double clothesline on Orton and HHH. He sets up the spear but Batista intercepts and knocks him down. All hell breaks lose as all men hit the ring. Outside the ring HHH cracks Sheltons head off the ring post, in the ring, Orton goes for the RKO on Edge but Tajiri saves with a kick. Batista throws Edge out of the ring and grabs Tajiri for the power bomb but Tajiri shoots mist in his FACE! Orton attends to Batista and when he turns around he catches a spear from Edge who pins him for the win!
Winners: Edge, Shelton Benjamin, and Tajiri
When we come back The Coach and Cade are talking about the people of Phoenix, then they are plotting something as Vinnie Mac shows up and he hyped the main event tonight. He says what we will see in the ring tonight will be a PURE art form.
When we come back to Raw Jim Ross says he has breaking news from El Paso last night Eddie Guerrero came to the ring with his whole family and there was an "incident" with Bradshaw where Eddie's mother had a heart attack. More on this as it develops.
Backstage: Evolution is bitching to Bischoff as they do every week after losing. Johnny Nitro whispers something in Eric's ear and he tells Nitro to go get his skyboy ready?
Bischoff sets up singles matches for next week. One of them involves Edge, Orton and an IC Title, plus Triple H vs. Benjamin and Batista vs. Tajiri.
When we come back, the WWE Rewind is of Eugene playing with the pyro last week. When we come back Rob Conway is set to wrestle as he comes to the ring with the other French dude.
The Hurricane hits the ring ready to rock.
Hurricane vs. Rob Conway
US chants start the match as the Hurricane reverses an elbow on Rob. Rollup by Hurricane for a 2 count, the two tangle and the Hurricane uses a leapfrog only to get hit with an atomic drop and swinging neckbreaker. Rob is in control as the crowd boos. Clothesline by Rob Conway, cover for a two count. Rob has the Hurricane in a reverse neck hold as Rosey tries to get the crowd to help his partner. Hurricane fights back with rights and lefts, but he catches a kick to the ribs, Conway off the ropes, huge counter clothesline by Hurricane. Fast paced action as the two brawl around the squared circle. Flapjack on the ropes by Conway who is in control. Rob then picks up the Hurricane and places him in a suplex position, but instead he lifts him, puts his feet on the ropes and hits a Roll of the Dice for a killer finish. He pins the Hurricane.
Winner: Rob Conway
Rob gets on the mic and talks trash to Eugene making fun of his disability. The crowd boos as La Resistance leaves the ring.
When we come back from commercial break JR and the King lead us into a video package featuring Kane and his actions the past few weeks involving Matt Hardy and Lita. His pyro sets off as he is ready for one on one action. Steven Richards awaits in the ring.
Kane vs. Steven Richards
Kane hits the ring like a bull as he works over Steven Richards with right hands in the corner. Steven tries to escape but he runs into a big boot. After the boot Kane calls for the chokeslam and he lands his hand on Steven's neck and send him for a huge chokeslam. Kane pins Steven Richards and runs to the back. Where is he going?
Winner: Kane
When we come back from yet another commercial break Chris Jericho comes to the ring as he is set for an episode of the Highlight Reel. JR and King let us know his guest this week will be Matt Hardy. Jericho gets on the mic and says that the highlight tonight will be the main event. "Hey Chris what do you think?" He says what he thinks is that it has been far too long since he had a title match of his own. He issues a challenge to the winner of the title match. He seems like he goofs when he says Shawn Michaels will win but he corrects himself and says both mens names. He leads into the guest for the night who will be Matt Hardy. Matt hits the ring. Matt believes in Karma (Matt Fact), he is also not afraid of pain. Jericho says he thought his relationship was weird, Matt stops him and says he wants to get straight to the point. He says he has his fair share of problems and has made his mistakes, but the only thing he can do as a man is attempt to correct them mistakes. He says if he has to fight Kane he will. He says he is out here to talk about Lita though. He asks her to come to the ring because he has something he wants to say to her face to face. He says he wants to make things right. Lita isn't showing yet though. Lita is shown backstage and she says Matt, I've never loved you, she says she found someone else and never wants to see Matt again! She says she needs him to stay away from her. She then says she can't do this as she looks up and Kane is there, it seems as if he was making her say those things. She screams for Matt's help and tells him she is in the basement. Matt books out of the ring as Jericho looks on confused. Jericho says he is speechless as that was kind of an abrupt end to the highlight reel. But before he can go any further, Christian, Trish, and Tyson come on the ramp.
Christian says the party is just about to get started. Christian sicks Tyson in the ring and he and Jericho exchange blows. Y2J has the upper hand but Christian comes to the ring, he gets clotheslined by Y2J but when he turns around Tyson drops him with a harsh kick to the skull. Tyson throws him against the post in the corner then lifts him, chokes him, and slams him. Christian gets in shots as Jericho is down. Christian tells Tyson Tomko to pick Y2J up and Christian gives him more shots. Trish then kicks Jericho is his groin and Christian picks up Jericho to give him the Unprettier. They leave the ring as Jericho is beaten down horribly.
When we come back Matt Hardy is in the basement looking for Lita who is screaming for his help. He finds her and unties her from a chair and they embrace as Kane is nowhere to be found.
Non Title Match
Gail Kim vs. Victoria
Gail gets on the mic and starts to talk about Lita but Victoria's music hits and she comes to the ring for this non-title match.
The match starts with Gail Kim in control with irish whips and clotheslines. Victoria counters and actually lifts Gail over her head as the crowd pops. She drops her over tha back and then hits her standing moonsault for a two count. Gail Kim counters as Victoria is distracted by Molly Holly, she kicks Victoria is the side of the face with a double baseball slide kick. Victoria gets thrown to the outside where Molly gets in some cheap shots. Back in the ring Gail Kim drops a leg on Victoria's head. She tries to wear her down with kicks to the back.
Gail eventually puts Victoria in a headlock as the crowd tries to get behind Victoria. Gail Kim turns the lock into the dragon sleeper. Gail Kim is really in control of the women's champion. Victoria looks as if she will counter but Gail nails a clothesline and she starts to kick Victoria in the chest. Gail goes back to the dragon sleeper. Victoria gets out and nails Gail Kim with some kicks and a back body drop, Victoria in control here. Victoria throws Gail off the ropes, but Gail Kim uses a headscissor to go the Victoria's back as she looks like she will give her a crucifix pin, but instead she puts her in an arm bar submission using the legs around the head. Victoria falls to the ground and she is totally stuck in this hold. She is forced to tap!
Winner: Gail Kim
Video footage: Eugene is shown in a training ring running around and elbow dropping nothing and counting the three count! Regal is outside the ring talking to someone and he says that he thinks this is his chance to finally get rid of Eugene. "This is going to be fun," he says as he enters the ring. But we go to commercial!
When we come back the training session continues and Eugene is told he will take an armdrag from William Regal. He takes it and looks a little hurt. Eugene has his turn at the armdrag and he hits it perfect. The footage goes on with some funny clips and Eugene is really holding his own. Regal tells Eugene that he has been good up to this point, but can he chain wrestle? The two chain wrestle and Eugene actually beats Regal!
Bischoff announcement: Eric Bischoff says next week he will present Christian versus Chris Jericho, but it will not be an ordinary match. He said there will be no interference because next week is Christian versus Chris Jericho in a 15 foot high steel CAGE! McMahon looks on from his sky box with approval. Coming up next will be the world heavyweight championship!
World Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Benoit (c) vs. Shawn Michaels
HBK hits the ring first as he is ready to go. The champion comes to the ring and we are ready for this long awaited title match.
The start: Benoit and HBK feel each other out with some collor and elbow ties that get broken in the corner. They hit 3 of the 4 corners with tie ups until Michaels throws the first right hand and the two exchange blows. Headlock takedown by HBK as the two juggle for position. Benoit whips Michaels off the ropes but Michaels gets a shoulder block and then he hits another headlock takedown.
Action slows down a bit again as HBK gives Benoit chops and forearms in the corner, whip by HBK, Benoit counters with a boot, then a clothesline, then a back body drop. Benoit knocks HBK over the top to the outside. Back in the ring Benoit hits the snap suplex followed by a backbreaker for a 2 count cover. Benoit whips HBK to the ropes and bends but HBK hits a swinging neck breaker followed by an elbow to the back of Benoit. HBK and Benoit go back and forth until Michaels hits a flying forearm followed by the nip up, Benoit goes for the crossface early two times but HBK gets out and hits Benoit with a double hammer to the head. Both men down as we cut to a commercial very quickly.
When we come back from a quick commercial break HBK has Benoit in a body stretch. HBK in control as he hits a huge suplex on Benoit and he goes for the count but only gets two. HBK starts driving his knees into the back of Benoit as Benoit looks like his back is bothering him. HBK and Benoit exchange chops in the corner until HBK whips Benoit to the buckle at lightning speed. HBK shoots a half nelson for a 2 count. Michaels picks Benoit up and gives him a back body suplex for another two count. Both men up, Benoit gets a roll-up on HBK numerous times and almost gets a three count each time. Benoit was building a head of steam but HBK hits an atomic drop followed by a clothesline. HBK scoops Benoit and slams him down.
Another body slam and HBK heads to the top rope and he comes crashing down on Benoit! Michael's calls for the Sweet Chin Music! Benoit ducks and hits multiple german suplexes! After 3, both men are down and hurting. Benoit gets up and calls for the headbutt! Benoit goes to the top as the crowd seems torn as to who they want to win. Benoit sees HBK getting up so he comes off the top and hits another german then climbs the top! He goes to fly but he hits nothing but the canvas!
The ref is counting both men down but HBK gets a cover for a very close two count. HBK goes to climb the top but Benoit catches up and hits a ton of chops and kicks. He literraly beats the living hell out of Michaels on the apron. Benoit goes to suplex HBK back in but HBK suplexes Benoit to the outside! HBK climbs the top rope and does a near PERFECT moonsault onto Benoit on the outside. The ref is counting both men down again as they try to climb in the ring. Benoit tries to whip Benoit into the steps but it gets reversed and Benoit goes crashing. HBK climbs back in the ring as the crowd chants Benoit. Benoit gets up and he is SPLIT OPEN. We will take our last commercial break!
When we come back HBK has the bloodied champion in a sleeper. Benoit counters with a back suplex. HBK runs off the ropes and dropkicks Benoit, he gets a two count. HBK hits a back suplex and gets another 2 count. He picks Benoit up, but Benoit gets a knee in and gives HBK a bridging german for a two count. The two exchange crazy chops, HBK then sweeps the legs of Benoit and gets him in a boston crab, the crowd is going crazy. Benoit gets to the ropes after suffering for about a minute. Benoit and Michaels go back and forth again and Benoit whips HBK to the ropes, HBK does his flippy thing and then he walks right into a Crossface!!! HBK suffering!! He gets to the ropes. HBK up, another crossface! He gets to the ropes again. HBK goes for sweet chin music but Benoit catches it and puts HBK in the sharpshooter! HBK crawls to the ropes, Benoit pulls him off the ropes, goes for the sharpshooter again, HBK kicks Benoit off who nails the referee.
The ref is down, HBK is slowly getting up... Benoit slowly getting up... SWEET CHIN MUSIC. The ref is down, HBK crawls to Benoit, but HHH hits the ring and gives Shawn Michaels a PEDIGREE! both men down, ref is getting back up. Benoit starting to move.. he crwals slowly to HBK who is not moving! HHH is sitting in the front row acting like he did nothing. Benoit crawls to HBK.... he covers him... 1.....2.....3? It's all over! Benoit retains!
Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Benoit
Results by PowerWrestling.com
Credit: WrestlingAttitude.com