WWE Monday Night RAW - Monday 24th March 2008 - Columbia, SC [/color]
NOW IN HD!Dark Match: R-Truth def. Trevor Murdoch @ 5:12 after the Scissors Kick.A replay from last Monday night on RAW was shown, as it highlighted the intense showdown between Chris Jericho on the Highlight Reel with John Cena, their rivalries and destinies having crossed paths dating back to 2005. Both men seemed prepared to compete at WrestleMania XXIV to fulfill their destinies, as they exchanged glares until Randy Orton got involved, attacking the two challengers, the WWE Champion, Y2J and Cena soon joined by the wounded Triple H, but after a scuffle, it was Cena who would get the better of the other three main eventers for the grandest stage of them all, standing tall as the night came to an end. The opening video package for WWE Monday Night RAW aired, as we cut to the capacity crowd in the Colonial Center, in Columbia, South Carolina with pyrotechnics going off, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcoming us to the final RAW before the grandaddy of them all, WrestleMania XXIV, live on pay-per-view this Sunday! They talked about how a lot was going to go down tonight, as our two huge WrestleMania main events collide in six-man tag team action, when the WWE Champion Randy Orton teams with the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge and Chris Jericho to take on Triple H, John Cena and the Undertaker! But also, the official weigh-in for Floyd Mayweather and the Big Show, just six days short of their Boxer vs Wrestler encounter.
The theme of Shawn Michaels hit to a loud ovation as the show began to a pop, the "Heartbreak Kid" making his way down to the ring to a very mixed reaction from the Colonial Center, Shawn making his way down to the ring as HBK took a microphone, not seemingly as joyous as per usual tonight. Shawn talked about how he has been in the business since 1984, and for the past twenty-four years he has entertained so many people, multi-thousands, possibly millions of wrestling fans in the WWE, in the AWA, all over the United States, Canada, Australia, England, worldwide the "Showstopper" is a force to be reckoned with! HBK continued, talking about how this Sunday at WrestleMania, he has something to put it all on the line with. The crowd seemed confused as Michaels mentioned how his opponent Ric Flair is a man that he respects, to simply get the image across. But what he does on Sunday has to be done, to put down Old Yeller before his career dies an even worse way. The fact is, the "Nature Boy" was one of the only men in his life that inspired him as a kid, growing up, getting into the business, and finally reaching this stage recognizable by all around him. Michaels calls Flair out on having a huge heart for the business, but the business needs to move on. HBK instructs us to move our focus to the HD Tron, as he had a package to show us all.
The video package reviewed the career of the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, Flair was best known for being one of the greatest professional wrestlers in the industry, best known for his "Stylin' and Profilin'" and his outstanding accomplishment of holding the World Championship a grand total of sixteen times. Flair wrestled all over the world, competing against guys like Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, Antonio Inoki, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, and many others over his thirty-six year old career. But in 2008, the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels wants to be the one to induct the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair into the Class of 2008, in the Hall of Fame! We returned to cut back to Shawn Michaels stood in the ring, as he told everyone how he was so sure that he wanted to do this, he did this for Flair.
Suddenly, the theme of the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair hit to a loud ovation, and out came the man himself, the newly announced inductee into the Class of 2008 Hall of Fame, and Flair seemed quite pleased tonight, strutting down to the ring and meeting Shawn in the ring, eye to eye. Flair took Michaels' microphone and told him that he appreciated the induction muchly, but the fact of the matter was that he wasn't ready to hang it up yet. He put thirty-six long, agonizing years in a sport that he loved so much, sports entertainment, professional wrestling, same thing! Flair told Michaels that he knew deep down somewhere in HBK's heart, that it would truly be broken if he was the one to end Flair's career once and for all. Michaels asked Flair what he was getting at, as Flair told Shawn that he knows something is wrong with Michaels, to come out here tonight and do all of this, it's not an every night thing. Shawn tried to reassure him, that he was just thrilled because WrestleMania was six days away, achieving a pop out of the crowd. Naitch saw through it yet again though, as he told Michaels that he knew he was hiding something, and that's when HBK snapped, yelling as a sign of accepting defeat! Michaels told Flair that he was so sure of beating him, but he had so much respect for Ric, that this Sunday; if Flair loses, it won't JUST be for Flair's thirty-six year long career, but if Shawn Michaels loses, it will be the end of his own twenty-four year long career! Shawn asked Flair if he was happy, as Flair grinned, telling Shawn that he'll give it his all, but he's not ready to go yet. Shawn told him that he wasn't going to be any different. The two firmly met and shook hands, before Michaels left the ring, so much more on the line this Sunday, as one of these two great athletes' careers will be over forever!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |An advertisement aired, promoting WWE WrestleMania XXIV, live on pay-per-view this Sunday, from Orlando, Florida; 6 days away!
We returned to Monday Night RAW as William Regal was shown in his office, the RAW General Manager sitting down next to the "Samoan Bulldozer" Umaga on the couch, Regal telling Umaga that he was unstoppable, that nobody could get through him, he was an unstoppable force, and not even Theodore Long's monster, Kane could stop him. Regal motivated Umaga further, telling him that he was the bigger monster, that this win for RAW this Sunday means a bloody lot to him, to cement his brand as being superior to SmackDown. Suddenly, Theodore Long appeared, and Regal stood up, trying to ease the tension between Umaga and the SmackDown Co-General Manager. Long told Regal that he had obviously been preparing his man for Sunday. But regardless, the "Big Red Monster" was very much more prepared himself for the Brand Supremacy encounter. Regal then told Long that he'd get a taster of Umaga's motivation tonight, because the "Samoan Bulldozer" is going to run the gauntlet!
1) Goldust def. Mr Kennedy in a non-title match by disqualification @ 4:44This match was set up last week on RAW, and prior to the match Mr Kennedy was speaking of arrogance, as the WWE Intercontinental Champion told Goldust that if he was to somehow beat him here tonight, he would get a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship this Sunday on the grandest stage of them all. Goldust got in several hard-hitting lefts and rights as the match started, Kennedy seemingly under-estimating the challenger, as Kennedy soon slyly regained momentum, some lefts and rights back into the direction of Goldust, connecting with a successful neckbreaker! Kennedy seemed confident as he picked the carcass of Goldust up for a Mic Check, but Goldust managed to roll Kennedy up, just for Kennedy to kick out. Goldust was back on top though, as he nailed a spinning suplex, then preparing for the Curtain Call, but Kennedy managed to slip out of it, then cracking Goldust with a huge right hand! Kennedy then propped Goldust up in the corner and nailed Goldust with the Shattered Dreams blatantly!
The crowd booed, as Mr Kennedy helped a harmed Goldust out of the turnbuckle, the "Bizarre One" holding his groin before the WWE Intercontinental Champion dropped Goldust with the Mic Check for good measures, Kennedy then reaching up for the microphone above the ring, announcing himself as the greatest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history one more time, announcing his intentions to decimate the "Bizarre One" at WrestleMania!
We cut to the backstage area as Chris Jericho was shown arriving at the arena to a 70/30% reaction from the Colonial Center in Columbia, as Y2J had arrived an hour prior to his big six man tag team main event!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |We returned to Monday Night RAW as the "Samoan Bulldozer" was shown pacing up and down the ring, when suddenly the theme of the RAW General Manager, William Regal's theme hit, Regal walking out to the rampway before he announced what he meant when he said that Umaga was going to run the gauntlet; because tonight, he'd be facing five RAW superstars to prove that he actually is the most dominant superstar suitable of representing RAW in Brand Supremacy!
2.1) Umaga (w/William Regal) def. Paul London and Brian Kendrick @ 1:24A complete annihilation of the former World Tag Team Champions, as the "Samoan Bulldozer" was not here to mess around tonight, easily superkicking Brian Kendrick down and then big splashing him. Umaga continued his assault with a Samoan drop, tossing and catching him in mid-air to an incredible reaction, and from there Umaga toyed with Kendrick, delivering the Hip Bump to Kendrick and hooking the leg for the three. Umaga was then jumped by Paul London, as London went up for a top rope move, but the "Samoan Bulldozer" impressively caught him in mid air with the Samoan Spike, to secure the one-two-three!
Umaga stood viciously, waiting for more as William Regal called out for another RAW superstar, as Paul London and Brian Kendrick were helped out of the Colonial Center by officials.
2.2) Umaga (w/William Regal) def. Val Venis @ 2:43The "Big Valbowski" put up more of a fight in comparison to Paul London and Brian Kendrick, being more of a bigger size, although not by much. Umaga still bossed Venis around the ring with various clotheslines and suplexes, but Venis fired back with some lefts and rights of his own, a dropkick stunning Umaga into the corner. Venis then nailed Umaga with a sit-out spinebuster for a near fall, putting William Regal on edge! But the "Samoan Bulldozer" fought back once more, putting Venis away simply with the Samoan Savage Splash for the win!
Umaga got back up pacing one more time, as William Regal introduced his next opponent in the gauntlet, Val Venis being helped out of the ring by an official.
2.3) Umaga (w/William Regal) def. Super Crazy @ 0:12The luchadore was up next, but he didn't last long whatsoever, the "Samoan Bulldozer" polishing Super Crazy off extremely swiftly with a Samoan Spike upon entering the ring for the three!
Umaga started getting angrier and angrier as William Regal smiled from ringside, the RAW General Manager introducing his fifth and final opponent for the gauntlet, Charlie Haas!
2.4) Charlie Haas def. Umaga (w/William Regal @ 2:23The "Samoan Bulldozer" was hell bent on getting through this gauntlet, poor Charlie Haas being the fifth and final member of the RAW roster destined to try and prove Umaga's capabilities in a peer-pressured environment. William Regal was confident as Haas nailed several dropkicks upon entering the ring, an armbar applied by the "Specialist", but Umaga managed to reverse it into a sidewalk slam, and from there Umaga went through his strategy for Paul London and Brian Kendrick, a running hip bump nearly putting Haas away just for him to kick out. Umaga continued to dominate Haas, sending him into the corner and going for the splash, but Haas shoved the official in the way! Haas went up top but Umaga caught him and delivered a powerslam to the "Specialist", covering just for no official to be present! That's when Kane's pyrotechnics went off, and Umaga looked ready and hell bent, but the "Big Red Monster" came from underneath the ring, Kane delivering a huge Chokeslam to Umaga! SmackDown had gained retribution as Haas slipped on top of Umaga for a huge upset!
The fans cheered, as William Regal looked outraged, the RAW General Manager sliding into the ring and delivering the Knee Trembler to Charlie Haas! Regal helped Umaga up, but the "Samoan Bulldozer" was furious regardless, flattening the "Specialist" with a massive Samoan drop! Umaga left with Regal following, Umaga still with an impressive presence, with more motivation driven behind him headed into Sunday's Brand Supremacy encounter.
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |We returned to Monday Night RAW as Todd Grisham was shown standing by with the WWE Champion, Randy Orton as the "Viper" seemed quite determined tonight. Grisham asked Orton for thoughts headed into tonight's match, so much on the line six days ahead of his four-corner elimination main event. Orton told Grisham that it didn't matter tonight. It's always a good thing to be reunited with an old enemy and ally in Edge, but the fact that he is teamed with Chris Jericho...well no matter what, if Y2J tries to screw Orton out of the match, he will put an end to Jericho's so-called destiny, just like he will John Cena's, and Triple H's. The "One Man Dynasty" will leave Orlando, Florida as the WWE Champion, as well as the taker of destinies!
3) Jeff Hardy def. Lance Cade @ 6:13This was another preview of the Money in the Bank ladder match scheduled to come in six days time, and either of these men could be a winner of the Money in the Bank briefcase, guaranteeing them a shot at the WWE Championship within the next year. The "Charismatic Enigma" got the better of Lance Cade in the opening moments, Jeff managing to outrun Cade with armdrags and snapmares, as well as connecting with the Whisper in the Wind. But Cade used his hard-hitting strategy to get in front, a dropkick catching Hardy as he ran off of the ropes. Cade worked over the shoulder of Jeff, an abdominal stretch applied to once again weaken the shoulder and the abdomen of the "Rainbow-haired Warrior". Cade continued as he prepared for a sit-out spinebuster, but Hardy managed to turn it into a hurricanrana, and as that went on, Carlito came down to ringside just to be taken out with a senton over the top rope onto the Caribbean superstar! Jeff wanted Money in the Bank for sure, as Cade got ahold of Hardy when he returned to the ring, Lance going for the lariat just for Hardy to duck it and lay him out with the Twist of Fate for the three!
The crowd cheered as Jeff Hardy celebrated his win, the "Charismatic Enigma" prepared for WrestleMania XXIV, bettering his fellow RAW participants tonight, but would history repeat itself in the ladder match this Sunday night?
We cut to the backstage area as Floyd Mayweather was shown wandering through the backstage area accompanied by Bobby Lashley, as the Welterweight Champion seemed ready for the weight-in with the Big Show, next!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |The theme of the undefeated boxer himself hit as we returned to Monday Night RAW from Columbia, Floyd "Money" Mayweather making his way out to the Colonial Center with Bobby Lashley, the fans getting really behind the Welterweight Champion as the duo made their way down to the ring, Jerry "The King" Lawler all set up with two scales in the ring, a black carpet covering the canvas. Lawler introduced everybody to Mayweather and his trainer for this Sunday, Lashley, as he firstly wanted to ask Mayweather and Lashley some questions before getting down to business. Lawler asked Floyd if he meant it when he said he didn't fear the Big Show; Mayweather telling Jerry that he refuses to retract that statement, because whenever he looks at the Big Show, all he sees is the "World's Largest Turd", not the "World's Largest Athlete"! Mayweather continued to note how Show was merely not good enough or professional enough to knock him out the way he can, and he proved this last Monday night on RAW. Jerry then asked Bobby Lashley about the routine of training for Sunday he has done with the undefeated professional boxer. Lashley told "King" that he had trained him everything he possibly can in a two week window, the basics, some of the special mat-based attacks, and he honestly believes that Mayweather can fight fire with fire in the Citrus Bowl this Sunday.
This brought out the Big Show prematurely, as the "World's Largest Athlete" then made his way down to the ring, not looking pleased about what Floyd Mayweather and Bobby Lashley had been saying moments prior. Show got into the ring and had to be pulled apart from staring down Lashley or Mayweather by officials, as Jerry Lawler told Show to calm down, asking him if there was anything he'd want to say to his WrestleMania opponent here and now. Show told "King" that he didn't need someone to hold a microphone in front of him like an idiot, he was an athlete, a better one, a more unstoppable one than Mayweather, who can't even fit into a pair of jeans he's so small! Show told Jerry that he'd chew him up and spit him out just like that, and no matter what Lashley can train Floyd, Show's been in this business for thirteen years, and he can dismantle someone in seconds, let alone knock out this little bastard! Mayweather got angrier as he stood up to Show, officials once again getting between the two before Lawler took control, ordering Show to step down and get on the scales! Show shrugged and walked over to the scales, coming out at 473lbs! Show seemed impressed with this, as Lawler told Show that that certainly was something to be impressed out, then requesting Mayweather get on the scales. Mayweather did so, and Floyd came out weighing in at 146lbs. The crowd awed at the weight difference as Mayweather seemed discouraged, Show literally looking down, stating that he as 7-foot tall, 493 pounds, whilst Mayweather is only 146 pounds, 5-foot-5 on a good day, and on Sunday at WrestleMania, his legacy will end, his streak of luck will end, and his career will end at the hands of the Big Show! But that's when Lashley suddenly speared Show off of the scales! Show was once again embarrassed by Mayweather and Lashley as Show rolled out of the ring, Lashley provided as Mayweather's back up tonight, but what will happen this Sunday, in Boxer vs Wrestler!?
We cut to the backstage area as Triple H was shown in the trainer's office getting his ribs taped, and up next we are scheduled to hear from the "Cerebral Assassin" himself!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |We returned to Monday Night RAW as Triple H was shown in the trainer's room to a huge ovation, as Mike Adamle was standing by with the "Game", wanting to get some inside news on the "Cerebral Assassin"s condition prior to WrestleMania XXIV in just six days. Triple H told Adamle that he may be hurt, he's suffering from bruised ribs, and he can't afford that, but he can afford some setbacks, which is why he is ready to sacrifice. And tonight, he knows for sure that he has the best team he could ask for; his on-again, off-again rival, the Undertaker, and his opponent and adversary for a long time, John Cena. But whatever happens tonight, as long as Cena doesn't touch him, there'll be no problems. But on Sunday night, in the Citrus Bowl, it won't be the "Game" looking up at the stars in the sky and the lights and pyrotechnics, that will be each and every one of his opponents, Cena, Randy Orton and Chris Jericho. This Sunday it will be the "Game" doing what he does best, and that is regaining the WWE Championship! Hunter walked off with the taped ribs to a positive reaction.
4) Beth Phoenix and Melina (w/Santino Marella) def. Candice Michelle and Ashley (w/Maria) @ 3:38This was a strange set-up, as Maria, the number one contender to the WWE Womens Championship this Sunday wasn't even involved in this match. It was revealed that Santino Marella will be a part of the pre-show battle royal this Sunday at WrestleMania, with the winner being granted a shot at the WWE Intercontinental/United States Championship in the near future. The "Glamazon" started off with Ashley, and the WWE Womens Champion easily dominated her, tossing her around the ring and repeatedly slapping her, then making the tag to Melina, who mocked Ashley more and double-teamed Ashley, isolating her away from Candice Michelle. Michelle soon got the hot tag though, as she took Melina down several times, but she took her eye off of the prize at the wrong moment as Santino got onto the apron, and Beth Phoenix got the tag and nailed her with the Glam Slam for the victory!
Beth Phoenix celebrated her win to boos as Melina joined her, Santino Marella then sliding into the ring and trumpeting to more boos, as if he won the match altogether. The WWE Womens Champion glared evilly at Maria as she attended to Candice Michelle at ringside, perhaps fear from the contender going into Sunday!
An advertisement aired, promoting ECW on Sci-Fi tomorrow night as CM Punk and John Bradshaw Layfield will sign their contract for WrestleMania XXIV; plus, John Morrison and the Miz defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against Shelton Benjamin and Elijah Burke in a two out of three falls match, all this and more tomorrow from 10/11 CT on the Sci-Fi Network!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |An advertisement aired, promoting the WWE Hall of Fame television special this upcoming Saturday night from 8/9 CT on the USA Network.
We cut to the backstage area as Edge was shown with Chavo Guerrero, the World Heavyweight Champion stating that he couldn't believe that he'd have to face the Undertaker in a six man tag team match tonight, the fact that he was here was ridiculous. The "Latino Warrior" however pep-talked Edge up though, stating that the "Rated R Superstar" needed all he could get to defeat the so-called unstoppable "Phenom" one-on-one tonight. Edge accepted this, then asking Chavo if he'd seen Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins around since Friday. Guerrero said he hadn't, as they were left in wonder. This is when Randy Orton came into the ring, the "One Man Dynasty" simply glaring at Edge, and pointing at him. Orton told his former Rated RKO associate not to try anything stupid, before leaving again, leaving the SmackDown superstars confused.
5) Montel Vontavious Porter def. Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match @ 5:22This was our second Money in the Bank preview match of the night, as the WWE United States Champion was facing off against the "Gold Standard" from ECW, Shelton Benjamin, as Benjamin was only twenty-four hours away from his WWE Tag Team Championships challenge against John Morrison and the Miz alongside Elijah Burke. MVP started off strong, a lot differently than he did last Friday night on SmackDown against Batista, several hard rights and brawling Benjamin into the corner, but it backfired as MVP went for the Straight Up Ballin', Benjamin nipping up and taking him down with a hurricanrana. Benjamin was on the comeback as a T-Bone Suplex got a near fall, Shelton then getting up for his Paydirt, but MVP slipped out and rolled Benjamin up with a grasp of the tights, securing the three!
Shelton Benjamin knelt up after the bell sounded as Montel Vontavious Porter rolled out of the ring swiftly, Porter with his arms raised high in victory before he grabbed his WWE United States Championship and began to leave, Porter with the advantage going into WrestleMania XXIV this Sunday, in Money in the Bank!
We cut to the backstage area as John Cena was shown warming up, and up next we will see a colossal six-man tag team main event, as the main event is next!
| COMMERCIAL BREAK |We cut to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler as they were hyping up WrestleMania XXIV, just six days away, as we'd see so much action, such as the "Rated R Superstar" Edge battling the "Phenom" the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship; Randy Orton will defend his WWE Championship in a four-corner elimination match against "Y2J" Chris Jericho, "The Game" Triple H and John Cena; the "Heartbreak Kid" will attempt to put an end to the career of the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in the Career Threatening match; Eight men putting their bodies on the line for a shot at the WWE/World Heavyweight/ECW Championship, as Lance Cade, John Morrison, Mark Henry, Batista, Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito and Jeff Hardy fight in the Money in the Bank ladder match; Plus, monsters collide as RAW's Umaga takes on the "Big Red Monster" from SmackDown, Kane in Brand Supremacy; Additionally, the ECW Championship is on the line in an Extreme Rules match as John Bradshaw Layfield defends the title against the "Straight Edge Superstar" CM Punk with a mystery special enforcer still yet to be announced; Beth Phoenix defends her WWE Womens Championship against the 2008 Playboy covergirl, Maria in a huge opportunity; Plus, the Big Show will do battle with the Welterweight Champion boxer, Floyd "Money" Mayweather with Bobby Lashley in his corner; plus just added, Goldust challenges Mr Kennedy for the WWE Intercontinental Championship; live on pay-per-view this Sunday!
6) The Undertaker, Triple H and John Cena def. Chris Jericho, Edge and Randy Orton @ 14:47This was expected to be chaotic as tempers flared, the "Deadman" easily targeting the "Rated R Superstar" as Edge tried to run away from his WrestleMania XXIV contender in the early moments, the World Heavyweight Champion quickly making the tag out to Randy Orton, and in came the WWE Champion, Orton starting to manipulate the "Phenom" with his unorthodox style, the inverted backbreaker stunning 'Taker, Orton and Chris Jericho actually making very often tags and working well as a team, with Edge soon taking the credit, all three men going after the back of 'Taker; it seemed important to put differences aside for a momentum boost, especially against the Undertaker prior to WrestleMania. But soon 'Taker fired out of a Walls of Jericho attempt, 'Taker with the Chokeslam to Y2J, then tagging in Triple H as the "Game" cleared house, bruised ribs and all, setting up for a Pedigree on Y2J, but Edge speared the life out of Hunter! John Cena then came in with the FU, Y2J covering for a near fall. The WWE Champion got the blind tag and worked over the ribs of the "Cerebral Assassin", Orton trying to hog the spotlight but Y2J got the hot tag, and soon the two traded blows, the tempers flaring again as Jericho nailed Orton with the Codebreaker! But that's when Cena got the tag, the FU taking Jericho down for the three!
The crowd cheered as John Cena celebrated his win, Chris Jericho down and out whilst Randy Orton scrambled out of the ring, Cena standing tall until Triple H took Cena out with the Pedigree! The crowd gave Hunter a mixed reaction as Orton stood at ringside, until Edge took another Spear to the bad ribs of the "Cerebral Assassin"! Edge then quickly rolled out of the ring as the Undertaker stepped in, the "Phenom" glaring down the "Rated R Superstar", but that's when the "One Man Dynasty" slipped into the ring, the RKO delivering on the "Deadman"! Orton stood tall, smirking at his former Rated RKO ally, Edge and Orton, the WWE and World Heavyweight Champion stood tall as RAW went off the air!
[/center]
WWE HEAT - Sunday 30th March 2008
Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes def. The Highlanders
Paul Burchill def. Jim Duggan
Mickie James def. Jillian Hall
[/font]