Gouge

Whoops, you're totally right about the cruiserweight match Fixed! Thanks for the predictions, love hearing the insight!

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3cNRxgAuPI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> SMACKDOWN January 22nd 2004 It's the "go home" show before the Royal Rumble as SmackDown lands at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas! Last week saw Nunzio run in and cost Rey Mysterio his match against A-Train in his hometown of San Diego. A #1 contender for the Cruiserweight championship has yet to be named but we can only assume that Nunzio and the FBI are looking to score some gold with their pursuit of Mysterio. He's going to have to earn a shot if he wants it however as he goes up against one of the most decorated cruiserweight players on SmackDown, Billy Kidman. Last week, Paul Heyman had a rare heart-to-heart with Bradshaw where he voiced how much potential the APA member has. With Ron Simmons seemingly forced into retirement after suffering a broken leg, Heyman told Bradshaw that now more than ever is his chance to take control of his career, which he feels has been stagnant despite Bradshaw's ability. In a title match against the Big Show, Bradshaw would be quickly dispatched of, perhaps proving Heyman's case wrong. Tonight, Bradshaw will go up against another big, mean Team Heyman member and a man Heyman has under a microscope due to his gambling problem, A-Train. John Cena has been on a big wave of momentum going into the Royal Rumble, picking up several hard fought victories to the chagrin of Paul Heyman. Tonight he will take on his biggest challenge yet as he goes up against reigning United States Champion, The Big Show, in a non-title match. In a WWE.com exclusive, Paul Heyman named The Big Show as Farooq's replacement in the Royal Rumble. So this will be a match against two big contenders going into the showdown in 3 days! Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty secured themselves a tag team title shot at the Royal Rumble, a big opportunity for the two friends who have never held gold together. Rikishi will however be in singles action tonight as he goes up against Team Heyman member, the young Matt Morgan, who oozes potential but has yet to break out. SmackDown ended on a shocking note last week when Chavo Guerrero, who many expected to turn on his uncle due to his attitude as of late, embraced Eddie at the end of the show. The uncle and nephew duo has no doubt been one of the absolute best teams on SmackDown but Chavo's jealousy over Eddie's popularity has caused a huge rift in the team. With Kurt Angle attempting to mediate the team back to normal, whatever he did seems to have worked. Tonight, Los Guerreros will go up against a common foe of theirs, the World's Greatest Tag Team. Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie have had a wild year together, from Dawn Marie accidently killing Torrie Wilson's father to their feud over Torrie's playboy cover shoot. Last week, Torrie was named a two time Playboy playmate as it was revealed that she and Vince McMahon's "consultant" Sable will be on the cover! Dawn Marie did not take kindly to this news last week, leading to a cat fight in front of the chairman of the board, who would find himself sneak attacked by Ernest "The Cat" Miller. In the main event, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit - two men who know each other extremely well - will go head-to-head on the road to the Royal Rumble. Both men are entered in the Rumble and on paper, are huge candidates to win it. Benoit however has a huge disadvantage of being the #1 entrant. Benoit will nevertheless have an opportunity to go into the Rumble with momentum by knocking out Angle, who has guaranteed a win for his country. Quick Picks: Billy Kidman vs. Nunzio Bradshaw vs. A-Train John Cena vs. The Big Show Rikishi vs. Matt Morgan Torrie Wilson vs. Dawn Marie Los Guerreros vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle

<iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW USF SunDome - Tampa, FL 10,411 fans *SELL OUT* JR: We are at the home of the University of Florida here in Tampa, Florida! And we welcome you as well as our worldwide audience to Monday Night RAW! King, two big matches tonight determine the fate of the Royal Rumble. Eight men have a chance to enter the Rumble with six days away. And four men have a chance to be the last man to enter. King: You said it, JR! It's a big chance for someone to join ME and 29 others in the Royal Rumble, haha! JR: Gee, wonder why you were left out of that battle royal, King! But let us not forget, tonight is the contract signing between Shawn Michaels and Triple H to make their Last Man Standing match official. We cut back to the office of Eric Bischoff, who is not present. Rather, Jonathan Coachman and Theodore Long take residency with both having fullfilled short interim roles as General Manager. Theodore Long is wearing a neckbrace, standing still at the center of the room while Coach casually lounges at the desk, feet kicked up on it. Jonathan Coachman: Looks like Eric never even showed up! Guess you're still in charge, Theodore. Theodore Long: Oh no, I don't think so! Long carefully walks over to an armchair, slowly sitting down with a look of struggle on his face, trying to maintain his posture to not hurt his neck. Theodore Long: After last week, I want nothin' to do with it! Ba'lee that! Jonathan Coachman: Well I don't either! I know I'm not getting stunned tonight. Theodore Long: Damn him! You see what's going on here, playa'? Two brothers sitting in here afraid of being assaulted? Unprovoked I may add! An aura fills the room as, without as much as a knock, Evolution pile into Bischoff's office. Coachman promptly swipes his feet off the desk, directing his attention to the four powerful men. Triple H: I couldn't help but eavesdrop. You guys are afraid of a guy playing pretend? I mean really.... sheriff of RAW? What is he, Andy Griffith? Randy Orton: We're not afraid of Austin. Jonathan Coachman: So what are you suggesting, fellas? You're going to protect us from him? After a short hesistation, Triple H cracks up with a snicker. The rest of Evolution follow suit. Coach and Long give each other a confused look. Triple H: What the hell do we look like to you, Coach? We're not here to protect either one of you. Especially you. Triple H, sour look on his face, points his finger right at Theodore Long. We can almost see a gulp seep down his covered up neck underneath the brace. Batista walks right up next to Triple H with his arms crossed, adding even more intimidation to Long. Triple H: You think you can just shotgun your client into a match with ME? Consider yourself lucky that didn't happen. Because I would have made an example out of both of you. Long slumps down in his seat in defeat. Triple H turns back to Coach, who similarly has fear in his eyes. Triple H: Hit the bricks. Go do whatever your day job is. And since Bischoff is apparently too scared of Austin as well... we'll take shelter here. Because you can damn well be sure none of us are. Jonathan Coachman: That's an interesting idea, Hunter. But one-- Batista: SHUT UP! Coach immediately complies as Batista grips the back of Bischoff's leather chair. Causing Coach to lean backwards, Triple H leans in close to Coach's face. Triple H: That wasn't a suggestion. Get the hell out. Batista pushes the chair's back forward, springing Coach right up to his feet and causing him to stumble forwards. Without saying another word, Bischoff's unofficial assistant scurries away. Long, quick as he can, follows suit. The members of Evolution loosen up their seriousness as they get comfortable in the General Manager's office. Ric Flair struts towards the office chair that Coach was just launched off of and sits down. He looks up the the sky and let's off a loud... Ric Flair: Woooooooooooo! Back to ringside. King: Wait a minute, Evolution is in charge tonight?! JR: I'm not so sure if occupying an office puts them in charge of anything, King. But I'm sure their feelings of Sheriff Austin are mutual! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> The Dudley Boyz went into this match with only one thing on their mind and that was to make a statement. Knowing Evolution was watching from Eric Bischoff's vacant office and six days left before the Rumble, they wanted Batista and Flair to witness a decisive victory. Cade & Jindrak held their own and tried to muster up some underhanded tactics to get an advantage, but nothing was going to stop the Dudley Boyz from getting a victory here tonight. After knocking Jindrak out of the ring, Cade was met with a 3D which set him up to be pinned by Bubba. Winners: The Dudley Boyz @ 7:03 (62) </div> With Jindrak and Cade slowly retreating to the showers and the Dudley Boyz showing off with a short celebration, Bubba grabs a microphone and looks directly towards the stage. While Bubba talks on the stick, D-Von sets up a symbolical table behind them, presenting it to the crowd. Bubba Ray Dudley: Listen up, Evolution! We've been kickin' your ass for the last month! And we want our shot! Flair and Batista, we're challenging you for the World Tag Team Championship at the Royal Rumble... and since you won the titles your way at Armageddon, we want our chance our way! Bubba snaps behind him and begins slapping the table D-Von had set up with his palm, echoing it throughout the SunDome. Bubba Ray Dudley: We want a TABLES MATCH! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/w5hDiwavfv8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Also Sprach Zarathustra blasts through the PA as the Dudleyz both lean up against the ropes in antipation. Ric Flair, indeed, steps out onto the stage. Depsite the boos for his association with Evolution, Flair still takes his time to strut and gloat as he normally does before giving the Dudleyz a proper response. Soon enough, he grabs a stick and looks directly to the ring, fired up as can be. Ric Flair: You want a piece of us?! The Nature Boy Ric Flair.... WOOOOOOO! The Animal, Batista?! Is that what you want?! Bubba Ray Dudley: You damn right! Flair continues to milk his response on the stage, Bubba and D-Von continuing to grasp the top rope staring directly at the Nature Boy. But when Evolution is around, having your back turned anywhere is never a good idea. And while the Dudley Boyz are waiting for an answer, Batista slides into the ring, seemingly coming from the crowd. D-Von is quickly clubbed in the back of the head, sending him over the top rope. Just as Bubba turns around, he is met with a brutal spinebuster right through the table. Ric Flair: ....you're on! Wooooooooo! Batista celebrates over the destruction he has left in the ring as we cut to commercial. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TtX5Nf6WJLY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= We cut to the interview set where Terri Runnels stands with Booker T. Terri: Booker T, tonight you have a chance to earn the #30 spot in the Royal Rumble match. What can you tell me about your feelings going into the 30-man match in six days? Booker T: Last year I got a chance to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, dawg. And this year I'm going to earn that chance again the hard way. Cause in six days I'mma throw sucka.... after sucka.... after sucka out of the damn ring and be your Royal Rumble winner. Now can you dig THAT? King: You know, there's a big difference between Booker T and the other three competitors in that battle royal later tonight. You know what that is, JR? JR: What's that, King? King: They haven't been to prison, haha! JR: Booker T made a mistake as a young man but he did his time and paid his dues. Booker T caught lightning in a bottle last year by earning his title shot at WrestleMania and I dare say he can do it twice. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Teddy Long has been quite aggressive in trying to attain success for his clients as of late. And while there is no doubt that Jazz is a scary individual, Lita is not one that backs down from intimidation. Jazz nevertheless used her pure strength and toughness to stay in control of this one and did everything she could to prove that it should have been her and only her receiving a title shot at Royal Rumble. But it was Lita who proved why she is one of the top divas in the WWE. After Jazz went from a Bitch Clamp, Lita was able to wiggle out and get in perfect position for a Twist of Fate. With Jazz down, Lita would climb to the top rope and hit her patented moonsault to score the victory. Winner: Lita @ 6:55 (65) </div> Lita's celebration in the ring doesn't last long as current WWE Women's Champion Molly Holly dashes into the ring. It was a week ago she learned she would not only defend her championship against one woman, but three at the Royal Rumble. And looking to go into the Rumble strong, Molly slides on into the ring and clubs Lita from behind with some forearm smashes. Lita drops to the ground as Molly begins pummeling her. But not far behind is Trish Stratus, to a roaring crowd the most popular diva rolls up onto the apron and pulls Molly off her friend. Molly goes for a quick lariat that Trish is able to duck and knocks Molly silly with a Trish Kick. Trish walks right over to the downed Lita and attempts to help her up. As Lita starts to come to..... Twist of Fate! King: Hey! What happened?! Trish comes crashing down onto the mat. Looking over her surroundings, Lita realizes she's standing tall as the last woman standing over her three future competitors who are all sprawled out in the ring. Lita once again lets her music hit and celebrates in the ring, signifying a belt around her waist several times. JR: Well King, I think we both know how close Trish and Lita are as friends but it will be every woman for themselves at the Royal Rumble. King: And after what we just saw, I think it could be anyone's game! We cut to the back and once again are at the interview set, where Terri stands with Chris Jericho. Jericho is trying his best to straighten his expression, looking like he's trying not to laugh. Terri: Oh man, did you see that? Chris Jericho: Ouch! It's now apparent Jericho found amusement in Trish Stratus, the woman that has stretched his heart in many different ways, being laid out by Lita. Terri shakes her head and tries to get things back on track. Terri: Anyway, Chris you will be in a battle royal tonight to determine the #30 entrant into the Royal Rumble. You had a strong performance at the Rumble last year after coming in at #2, how do you feel going into it this year? Chris Jericho: Never better, Terri. Last year I was screwed by that HAS BEAN, Shawn Michaels. This year, it's all about the ayatollah of ROCK 'N ROLLAH, BAY-BAY! Everyone knows I had the Rumble in the bag, and that's a fact, jack! So tonight I'm going to get my deserved #30 spot... a spot in the Rumble that has never won. But there's never, ever, eeeeeeeee-eeeee-ver been a #30 spot quite like me. And when I enter and throw the last few assclowns out of the ring, I'll be in the WrestleMania main event AGAAAAAIN! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Mark Henry came into this match hungry for a win, one week removed from losing to Shawn Michaels as well as his chance for a WWE Championship match. Though Henry may be a bit away from being a mainstay in the main event scene, he proved here against Stevie Richards that he is still a threat. Stevie never stood a chance as the bigger, meaner, nastier Henry threw the unofficial General Manager of Sunday Night Heat around like a ragdoll before putting him away with the World's Strongest Slam. Winner: Mark Henry @ 3:21 (52) </div> Following the quick match, Theodore Long carefully climbs into the ring, keeping his neck brace in mind, and stands next to his client with a mic in hand. Theodore Long: Now I hope you're all paying attention! Because right here, you're looking at the winner of the 2004 Royal Rumble. Now ba'lee that, playa! ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r00Vx1Odmig" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Back from commercial, Spike Dudley is just making his entrance for one of the biggest matches of his life against Triple H. The Game's music plays not too long after. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTuHO7uaf9s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> And out comes Triple H, who makes his way out to the ring for his match coming up against the little Dudley brother, Spike. King: Oh man. And now Triple H is going to take care of that idiot Spike Dudley! JR: Little Spike Dudley is one of the smallest dogs in the yard, King, but he packs a bite that'll come back to hurt you. He's at a serious disadvantage here tonight, that's for damn certain. But you can always count on Spike Dudley to put up a fight no matter how big the challenge is! King: But come on. You can't seriously think Triple H is scared of Spike?! JR: I would wager that Triple H will not take Spike seriously in any form, but that's where Spike could hurt you. Triple H has by now made himself comfortable in the ring, but it looks like we're not jumping into action right away as Triple H has a microphone in his hand. Triple H: I'm going to give you a chance, Spike. Before I embarrass you in front of millions of people and lay you out in the middle of this ring, I'm going to give a chance to apologize for your actions last week. The fans immediately boo, knowing exactly what Triple H is referring to. Spike simply puts his hands up on his hips. Triple H: You WEASELED yourself into the Royal Rumble match. You took a cheap win over Batista, a man everyone knows you can't beat and ran to the bank with it. But right here.... you have a chance to make it right. I'm giving you the opportunity to walk away. Leave the ring, hit the showers. Have some pride. And while you're at it.... forfeit your win from last week. King: What a great idea! What do you think, JR? JR: I don't think anything is great about this, King. This is desperation from The Game, no doubt about that. King: You really think Triple H is afraid of Spike Dudley?! JR: I sure don't, King. But I do know Triple H is bitter over one of his Evolution members being left out of the Rumble. Triple H: What do you say, Spike? Walk away like a man or be made to show what a joke you are in front of millions of people? Spike Dudley throws his hands up in the air and begins walking towards the ropes. The fans loudly jeer as it appears Spike is taking Triple H's advice. But it was all to be a ruse, as Spike quickly launches off the ropes and hits his patented headbutt to Triple H's sternum! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> It's always something special seeing Triple H in the ring with a vastly lesser opponent. We know Triple H has this in the bag, right? This guy doesn't stand a chance! But what if? What if Spike Dudley were to pin Triple H in the middle of the ring six days before he is to defend his championship against Shawn Michaels? Alas... that was not going to happen here tonight. Despite Spike sneak attacking Triple H to start this one off and getting a little bit of offense, Triple H was still able to make very quick work of Spike. The runt of the Dudley litter tried all that he could, but he nothing he had could stop Triple H's momentum. Within a few minutes, Triple H would put Spike away with the Pedigree. Winner: Triple H @ 4:10 (56) </div> We cut to the dressing rooms where Scott Steiner and Christian are getting ready for their tag team match later tonight in order to determine the final two spots in the Rumble. As Steiner flexes in the mirror, Christian finishes taping up his wrist and walks over to Big Poppa Pump. Not noticing Christian is even there, Christian lightly slaps Steiner's shoulder with the back of his hand. Christian: Look, I really need you to understand that is our last chance. I can't miss this Royal Rumble for the world! You hear the peeps out there? They're counting on you to not screw this up. Steiner snaps his body back around and gets right in Christian's face. Scott Steiner: Hey you listen to me PUNK ASS BITCH, I ain't the one anyone needs worrying 'bout! If you keep your mouth shut and let the largest arms in the world take care of business, you'll get your shot in the RoyRumble. But that's just step number one because you see, you already have a 1 in 30 chance of winning the RoyRumble. But you see, you put Big Poppa Pump in your the mix, and your chances go down to 0 in 30! Christian: Is that right? Scott Steiner: You damn right, punk! What are you gonna do 'bout it anyway, HUH? Steiner grabs Christian by the sleeveless shirt he's wearing. Christian puts his hands up in submission. Christian: Take it easy! We're supposed to be partners tonight! Scott Steiner: Partners MY ASS! I don't need you, punk! Steiner lets go of his grip and storms out of the dressing room. Christian shakes his head in disbelief and follows suit. JR: By god, King. The ring is going to full enough tonight during that tag team match and I don't think those two egos can fit in, quite frankly. King: Christian needs this win tonight, JR! It's not right that he's been left out of the Royal Rumble! JR: You could make that argument for any of these eight men, King. And this will be Christian's third chance, I should remind you. We cut back to the interview set where Terri is now with the "Big Red Machine" Kane for his thoughts on tonight's battle royal. Terri: Kane.... tonight you have a chance to become #30 in the Royal Rumble. You're currently the record holder for eliminating the most amount of men in the Rumble, but you have yet to win it. How are you feeling going into tonight? Kane grits his teeth and slowly turns his head towards Terri. Kane: What... did you.... say? Terri: Your..... thoughts going into the Rumble? Kane: I have yet.... to win it? Terri: Well, yes, you have yet to win a Royal Rumble match. Kane: ARE YOU MAKING FUN OF ME? Kane slaps the microphone out of Terri's hands and tries to snatch her as well, but she shrieks and ducks out of the way. Quickly retreating, Kane looks into the camera. Kane: AAAAARRRRRGH! The ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH...... WILL BE MINE! Kane shoves the cameraman onto his back as we see Kane's legs march off screen. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e74zl4hDMFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:770px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> This was a cluster of a match from the start. All eight men knew this was the absolute final chance to get into the Royal Rumble this year, which is one of the most important matches in the WWE. And with the Dudleyz taking on Batista and Flair at the Rumble, perhaps a win here could also elevate a team to tag team contendership. Well, at least for three of them. It was obvious from the getgo that Chrsitian and Steiner didn't gel as a team and spent much of the match arguing with each other. Referee Jack Doan did his best to keep things under order, but it certainly did not take long for the match to get out of control. After Val Venis nearly got a win on Rob Conway, Rene Dupree breaks up the pin. Lance Storm hits the ring right after to protect his partner which leads to every man in the ring getting involved. After a few minutes of brawling, Dupree and Rosey end up brawling on the outside of the ring along with Val Venis and Christian. Lance Storm hits Rob Conway with a superkick to take him out of the equation but Hurricane surprises him with a goozle! The Hurricane teases finally hitting someone with a chokeslam as Lance Storm attempts to wiggle out of it. But nobody saw Scott Steiner coming as he gets behind Hurricane, wraps his big arms aorund both him and Storm, and drives both of them down for a Complete Shot, knocking the two's heads against each other. Steiner covers Hurricane and while Jack Doan has no idea anymore who the legal man is, he counts the three! Winners: Christian & Scott Steiner @ 8:20 (53) </div> JR: I'm not sure who the legal man was there, folks, but I'm sure of one thing. Christian and Scott Steiner are heading to the Royal Rumble. King: Look at all those peeps standing on their feet, JR! Second chances are really a good thing sometimes! JR: Well King, I believe this was a third chance for Christian. But a big win nevertheless! We cut back to Eric Bischoff's office to find Evolution standing with Stacy Keibler and Jackie Gayda - who we have not seen since Molly Holly's attack two weeks ago. Both women have a determined look on their face. Stacy Keibler: Two FRUIT baskets? Keibler shakes her head in disbelief, referring to the two baskets Jonathan Coachman was ordered to send to her and Jackie for sympathy. Stacy Keibler: That is what is supposed to make us feel better!? You know, we love to entertain out there.... Jackie and Stacy both suggestively sway their bodies, Keibler bending over and running her hands up her legs. Orton and Batista, sitting in the background, have a look of pure joy on their face from the show. Stacy Keibler: ...but if that's all we're going to get, we may as well just quit! Triple H looks at Flair in bewilderment, who is right next to him, and the two begin to chuckle. Jackie Gayda: Oh, this is funny to you?! What, you don't have respect for women, is that it? Triple H: Now, now. That's not true! Matter of fact, me and the guys have been talking awhile about adding some flavor to Evolution. You know... take a look around this room and you see every single championship you can win on RAW... except one. Keibler and Gayda shoot each other a glance. Both immediately cross their arms and their expressions do not change for the better. Stacy Keibler: Well that definitely doesn't affect us, now does it? Triple H: Okay... how about this? Triple H slightly turns around and motions for Batista and Orton to come over. They quickly comply, filling the screen up next to Triple H. Batista and Orton both admire the women, looking at them like two pieces of meat. Triple H: You want some recognition? Here's the opportunity of a lifetime. Dump the losers you're with now and start coming to the ring in style. Triple H shoots his thumbs back towards Batista and Orton. Triple H: Stacy, I'm giving you the chance to offer your managerial services to "The Animal" of Evolution, Batista. Stacy forms a slight smile on her face and nods as Batista takes it upon himself to wrap his arm around her. Triple H: As for you, Miss Jackie... you will now offer your managerial services to "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton. Orton, like Batista before him, invites himself to wrap his arm around Jackie. Jackie looks a little bit more hesistant than Stacy, but goes along with it. Triple H: Congratulations. You now you have two guys who could have any woman they want choosing you to represent them on RAW. Anything else? Stacy and Gayda both look towards each other. While Gayda still looks uncomfortable, Stacy firmly shakes her head with a smile. Stacy Keibler: Oh no, this will do. The guys of Evolution are all smiles as we cut back to the announcer booth. King: Waaaah, I'm a jealous man, JR! What a win for Evolution! JR: Not sure if it was a "win" as much as it was a demand but nevertheless, Evolution gains two beauties in the form of Jackie Gayda and Stacy Keibler. In other news, folks, our four way battle royal for the #30 spot is coming up next. But first, a word from Goldberg. Terri: Goldberg, we are moments away from a battle royal to determine the #30 entrant in the Royal Rumble. You lost the World Heavyweight Championship last month and this looks to be your best chance in getting it again. What are your thoughts? Goldberg simply glances at Terri and walks off, not saying a word. Terri throws her arms up in confusion. King: Cat got his tongue, JR?! JR: Goldberg has always been a man of few words, King. And since coming back from an unfair suspension, I think anything on his mind is going to be answered in the ring here tonight! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:770px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> These are four of the absolute best candidates to win the Royal Rumble this Sunday and it showed. Battle royals never tend to last a long time but this one went up to the eight minute mark before anyone was eliminated from the match. Booker T would be eliminated first by Kane after a devastating chokeslam, getting some retribution for last week. Jericho would be eliminated not long after by Goldberg following a spear. Goldberg and Kane, who have history from their triple threat with Triple H at Armageddon, brawled in the ring with several failed attempts to knock the other big man over the top rope. At one point, Kane had Goldberg leaning against the ropes and attempted to clothesline him right over. Goldberg would however catch Kane and using his monster strength, lift Kane right up and over the top rope! Winner: Goldberg @ 10:40 (76) </div> JR: By God, Goldberg is #30 in the Royal Rumble! And if you hadn't already had Goldberg down as a favorite going into the Rumble, you can damn well be sure he is now! King: You know what, JR? You're right, I should have been in that match! That's a big advantage to have and it being on Golberg?! Waaaah! ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4SfKW2bi0A" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Mick Foley. In 1998, he became a hardcore legend. In 1999, he became a WWE champion. In 2000, he became a WrestleMania main eventer. And in 2003, for this hardcore legend, he became.... a coward. A coward too afraid to face a true legend. The new hardcore legend. Randy Orton! Randy Orton. A true legend of our time. This message was paid for by the friends and supporters of Randy Orton. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #590000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> These two had a heck of a match at Armageddon and RVD had nothing but revenge on his mind. Winning the title one week before the Rumble would be a huge loss to Evolution, who currently boasts holding every single male championship. This was a physical, emotional battle with an even amount of offense. Jackie Gayda, as promised prior, did indeed accompany Randy Orton to the ring but did very little in the way of either support or Evolution's usual dirty tactics. Matter of fact, it might have been an advantage for RVD seeing as Orton's usual accomplice, Ric Flair, was not ringside to offer continuous distractions. With the fans on his side and a wave of momentum, RVD would eventually get the upper hand and lay Orton out with a quick spin kick. With Orton laid out on the mat, RVD set himself in position to get on the top rope for the Five Star Frog Splash and put this one away. But suddenly... <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dy69XXjOnNA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> JR: What?! King: Is he... is he really here?! JR: What is going on here? That is Mick Foley's entrance music playing from the stage! And everyone in this arena is stunned! Confused over Foley's music playing or why he would be interfering when he's about to win, RVD hesitates on the Five Star and looks up at the stage in anticipation as to what is about to happen. While the referee is also distracted over the commotion... Jackie Gayda leaps up onto the apron and shakes the ropes with all her might. RVD loses his balance and low blows himself on the turnbuckle. Orton springs up to his feet and hits RVD with a devastating RKO with RVD propped on the top rope. The music quickly shuts off as Orton falls on top of RVD and scores the pinfall. Winner: Randy Orton @ 15:57 (74) </div> King: What in the world just happened here, JR?! JR: I'll tell you what happened, it was a damn set-up King! A classic Evolution set-up and Randy Orton walks away still the Intercontinental Champion! Orton, with Gayda wrapped around his side, slowly backs up the ramp with a smarmy smile painted across his face. RVD rolls around in confusion in the ring, being just moments away from winning himself. We cut to commercial. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VPSHUjeLW-8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/72bKF8iUkqY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The fans immediately go bonkers as the glass shatters and that ATV comes roaring out onto the stage. The Sheriff of RAW has had very little reason to interfere in any matters tonight, but saving his energy to keep this very personal contract signing from getting physical may have been for the best. We see now that the ring has had a red carpet rolled out with a table and two chairs set up in the center. Austin observes the paperwork on the table for a short moment before grabbing a mic. Stone Cold Steve Austin: Well since Eric Bischoff won't show his yellow bellied face around here anymore, it seems to me that Sheriff Austin is the best choice to mediate the contract signing between Triple H and Shawn Michaels. I said it's time for the contract signing. Last week, Triple H saw it fit to not only attack Shawn Michaels from behind but propose a Last Man Standing match. So in this contract right here, we'll make such a proposition official. But if either of you two sonva bitches think tonight is going to be the night to start your match, EH EH, 'cause I ain't allowing this here table to be broken on my watch! Austin slaps the contract table with his free hand. Stone Cold Steve Austin: So without further ado, let's get this contract signing started. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/fTuHO7uaf9s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> For the second time tonight, Triple H's theme blares across the PA as the fans jeer their World Heavyweight Champion. Triple H, still in his ring gear with an Evolution shirt thrown over him, enters like he would a world title match. Stone Cold leans up against the ropes, staring "The Game" down as he takes his time coming down to the ring - possibly his last RAW entrance as World Heavyweight Champion. On his way to the ring, Triple H grabs a microphone for himself. Triple H: Sheriff Andy, good to see you. Triple H chuckles at his own, tired joke as Austin has the same expression on his face as before. Triple H: You know, Steve, I'm not really sure why you feel like you need to be out here. Shawn and I are grown adults who can take of business our damn selves. But if you really want a front row ticket... make yourself comfortable. Stone Cold Steve Austin: What? Did I ask you your opinion? Did I ask you to have input on how RAW is run? Sheriff Steve Austin is out here to make sure the main event of the Royal Rumble ain't compromised and you leave this ring in one piece. And that goes for both of ya'. Now if you're done whinin' like a little girl, let me bring out the challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship, Shawn Michaels! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NhaHnVFE6I " frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The Tampa crowd goes into a frenzy as the Heartbreak Kid makes his entrance, similarly milking a reaction as if he's walking down for his World Heavyweight Championship match right now. HBK wastes not time as he gets onto the apron, goes right towards the table and haves a seat. Looking over the contract, HBK looks towards his former best friend. Shawn Michaels: You sure you want to do this, pal of mine? You want to go into a match where the object is to beat the hell out of each other to such a degree that one of us won't stand up? Triple H simply smirks towards Michaels. Shawn Michaels: Well that's just fine with me. Because after these last few weeks, I'm sick of Evolution this, Evolution that. I'm not only going to win that World Heavyweight Championship, I'm going to put you away. Shawn Michaels, without hesitation, grabs the pen on the table and jots down his signature on the dotted line. Triple H continues to stand still. Stone Cold Steve Austin: Well? Have a seat, Triple H. Triple H does not budge, continuing to stand still. Stone Cold Steve Austin: I said have a seat. What? You don't want to sign? What? Are you backing out? What? What? What? What? Austin shouts in Triple H's face, who has many looks of contemplation going through his head. Stone Cold Steve Austin: You made the challenge, you own it! Sit your ass down! Triple H grabs the chair and throws it across the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin: Is that what how it's going to be? You're going to back down? You're going to back away? What?! Triple H slams his fists down on the table and stares Shawn directly in the eyes. Triple H: I DON'T WANT THIS! Shawn, you have no idea how much it pains me to have to put you down for good. This is going to end your career. And deep down inside, Shawn.... there's something in me that still cares enough about you that I can't allow myself to do this. King: You hear that JR?! Triple H doesn't want to hurt him! JR: Oh yeah, what a nice guy, King! You and I both know Triple H is full of it here! Sounds like he's beginning to regret that challenge he laid out! Stone Cold Steve Austin: So what are you saying exactly? Triple H: I'm saying me and Shawn will face off at Royal Rumble, but I'm going backwards on that stipulation. I'm the one that made it after all. And out of the goodness of my heart, I want it off the record. Shawn Michaels slowly rises from the desk and gets right into Triple H's personal space. Shawn Michaels: You mean to tell me... the HELL you've put me through over the last year and a half.... you mean to tell me there's something in that black heart of yours? Well if you don't want to hurt me, that's fine. Cause I sure as hell want to HURT YOU! Triple H backs up, putting his hands out to waive off the pumped up Shawn Michaels. Triple H: Look you can think what you want, Shawn. This isn't about your career, this is about batting a fly down. I'm looking at walking into WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion for a second time in a row. And you're in the way of that, my friend. That's all there is to it. We'll wrestle at the Royal Rumble in a standard singles match. Revise the contract. Austin looks out to the crowd, who are loudly jeering Triple H's change of heart. Stone Cold Steve Austin: If you think Triple H is full of crap, give me a HELL YEAH! The crowd rightly echos back to Austin. Triple H grits his teeth in frustration at the Floridian crowd. Stone Cold Steve Austin: Seems to me everyone in Tampa, Florida thinks you're a lying sack of crap. Triple H aggressively shakes his head as he walks back towards the contract table, eyeing the paperwork on the table. Triple H: I did everything I could to prevent what I'm going to have to do to you to put you down, Shawn. But if you want to make this that personal, I just hope you realize what the end game is here. And that's you stretchered out for your last ever title shot, last ever PPV, last ever match. Triple H aggressively signs the contract and throws the pen across the ring. Stone Cold Steve Austin: Well whatever garbage your spewing out your mouth don't matter, the match is now official. Triple H and Shawn Michaels will wrestle in a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble and that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so! Triple H continues to stand at the table as Shawn taunts the Cerebral Assassin, motioning the title belt around his waist. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/yGdy3H9YKlg " frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> King: Waaah! JR: It's Goldberg, King! What in the hell is Goldberg doing out here?! Goldberg does in fact march down the stage, heading right towards the ring as a confused Austin, Triple H and Michaels ponder what Goldberg could possibly want. As Goldberg stands tall in the ring. He looks at the contract table, then at Triple H's championship. Without a second thought, he races towards Triple H and takes the champion down with a vicious spear! King: Hey! He can't do that to Triple H! JR: Goldberg making a statement here tonight, it looks like he hasn't forgotten about where that championship Triple H holds came from! HBK has no idea how to react as his future opponent lay on the ground like a heap of garbage. And he similarly has no time to react as Goldberg comes for him next, giving him a spear and knocking the Heartbreak Kid out of the eqaution! King: What's that idiot doing?! JR: It's clear to me that Goldberg wants the World Heavyweight Championship back, King. And if he wins the Royal Rumble, I think we know who might be "next"! Sheriff Austin, who was mediating the contract signing to avoid physical confrontation, steps in to stop Goldberg. Toe kick and STUNNER----but it's not to be! Goldberg, in epic strength, counters the Stunner by holding his body up and flinging Austin right through the contract signing table! JR: By God! And down goes Austin! King: Who is going to stop this guy?! JR: Goldberg has taken out three of the biggest dogs in the yard and what a sight this is six days before the Rumble.... Goldberg is standing tall in the ring! Folks, we'll see you Sunday in Philly for the Royal Rumble! Quick Results: The Dudley Boyz def. Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak Lita def. Jazz Mark Henry def. Stevie Richards Triple H def. Spike Dudley ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Christian & Scott Steiner def. La Resistance, Val Venis & Lance Storm and The Hurricane & Rosey WINNER IS #30 ENTRANT: Goldberg def. Chris Jericho, Booker T and Kane INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Randy Orton © def. Rob Van Dam (OVR: 82) ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match Triple H © vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly World Tag Team Championship Tables Match Batista & Ric Flair © vs. The Dudley Boyz WWE Women's Championship Molly Holly © vs. Trish Stratus vs. Jazz vs. Lita WWE Tag Team Championship The Basham Brothers © vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty The Royal Rumble Match RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Test, Matt Hardy, Kane, Spike Dudley, Goldberg (#30), Randy Orton, Jerry Lawler, Mark Henry, Christian, Scott Steiner SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Chris Benoit (#1), John Cena, Matt Morgan, Rhyno, A-Train, Billy Gunn, Johnny Stamboli, Chuck Palumbo

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW January 19th 2004 RAW comes to you from the SunDome in Tampa, Florida and with less than a week away from the Royal Rumble, intensity is sure to be high as the roster prepares itself for one of the most prestigious matches in the WWE: the 30-Man Royal Rumble match which will determine WrestleMania's main event. In tonight's edition of RAW, two different matches will provide two very unique opportunities for both superstars who missed the opportunity to qualify and superstars who are currently in the match. The Dudley Boyz have been in a heated feud with Evolution since surprisingly losing their tag team titles to Batista & Ric Flair at Armageddon. Though the brothers are intent on getting a rematch, they have yet to be granted one. Tonight they will take on another tag team who has been inching closer to a title shot, the young team Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak. The women's division is starting to heat up as last week it was announced that Molly Holly wil defend her WWE Women's Championship against three others - Trish Stratus, Lita and Jazz. Tonight, two of those women will go toe-to-toe with a week left before their title shot as Lita takes on Theodore Long's "baddest bitch" Jazz. WWE.com has just learned that that Mark Henry will be the 13th representative of RAW going into the Royal Rumble. Theodore Long has tried slingshotting Mark Henry into the wild main event scene of RAW, but has failed to capitalize on it after a loss to Shawn Michaels last week. Going into the Rumble, which Henry is sure to have an advantage in, Long's prized client will go up against Stevie Richards. Spike Dudley controversially won a match against Batista by disqualification to qualify for the Royal Rumble last week. Being undefeated since returning from injury, Spike will take his biggest trial yet as he takes on World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, leader of Evolution, who is no doubt looking to get revenge on Batista's behalf. With thirteen entrants for the Royal Rumble announced, the final two spots will be determined in a "last chance" tag team match. La Resistance, Val Venis & Lance Storm and Hurricane & Rosey are three tag teams who missed out on qualifying for the Rumble. Christian & Scott Steiner, certainly not a tag team, are another pair who will make up the odd couple fourth team of this match. Which duo will round RAW up going into the Rumble? Another four way match will determine something much greater. With Chris Benoit of SmackDown being announced as the #1 entrant, RAW will have the unique opportunity to name the #30 entrant. Four top contenders have been put into this unique over the top rope battle royal match to determine this as Booker T, Chris Jericho, Kane and Goldberg go at it to determine who will get the biggest advantage the Royal Rumble has to offer. In the main event, Rob Van Dam will finally get his chance at retribution as he takes on Randy Orton for the Intercontinental Championship. While Orton has been focused on taunting the "Hardcore Icon" Mick Foley, who we have not seen since "walking out" several weeks ago, the Legend Killer must have focus tonight as Mr. Monday Night attempts to take advantage of an opportunity that doesn't come often. In addition, Shawn Michaels and Triple H will have their official contract signing for their World Heavyweight Championship match, which will be mediated by Sheriff Stone Cold Steve Austin. After knocking Shawn Michaels out with the dreaded sledgehammer, Triple H proposed that their match be a Last Man Standing match. Quick Card: The Dudley Boyz vs. Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak Lita vs. Jazz Mark Henry vs. Stevie Richards NON-TITLE: Spike Dudley vs. Triple H FINAL CHANCE ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFICATION: Christian & Scott Steiner vs. La Resistance vs. The Hurricane & Rosey vs. Lance Storm & Val Venis WINNER GETS #30 SPOT: Chris Jericho vs. Kane vs. Booker T vs. Goldberg INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Randy Orton © vs. Rob Van Dam BONUS QUESTION: Who, if anyone, is going through the contract signing table?

<p>Thanks guys! There's still a RAW and SD before the Royal Rumble but I appreciate the early predictions! Currently booking RAW through TEW now so hopefully we'll be rolling again in a few days with a preview definitely coming soon. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="crackerjack" data-cite="crackerjack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This is very good! Credit to you for getting me interested in a throwaway Ernest Miller feud from 2003. </div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I love hearing that! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'm personally a big time Miller fan, he was a childhood favorite of mine. I was always a bit disappointed his run amounted to very little so definitely expect to see more Cat shenanigans.</p>

Gosh Thank you so much guys! I really appreciate those incredibly kind words. Concern over burn out is what kept me from attempting a diary again for a long time but I think I have a good enough system that if I pace myself, I should be alright! It will just mean this diary may be a little bit more slower paced.

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1kiBKI_pWo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> VELOCITY January 17th 2004 Ernest Miller def. Orlando Jordan Chris Kanyon def. Shannon Moore ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIIFER Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli def. Funaki & Brian Kendrick Billy Kidman & Paul London def. Kyo Dai <iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pTz_gr099D4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT January 18th 2004 Jacqueline def. Gail Kim Matt Hardy def. Jon Heidenreich Al Snow def. Stevie Richards Hurricane & Rosey def. Test & Scott Steiner La Resistance def. Lance Storm & Val Venis ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match Triple H © vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly WWE Women's Championship Molly Holly © vs. Trish Stratus vs. Jazz vs. Lita WWE Tag Team Championship The Basham Brothers © vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty The Royal Rumble Match RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Test, Matt Hardy, Kane, Spike Dudley, Goldberg, Randy Orton, Jerry Lawler SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Matt Morgan, Rhyno, A-Train, Billy Gunn, Johnny Stamboli, Chuck Palumbo

Thanks so much guys! Truly means a lot I can get anyone's attention with the amount of amazing work going on in this forum right now. ZB I would definitely read along with another 2004 diary, it's such a strange year in the WWE particularly and there's so many different directions you can take. But if you're still hesitant on using the same data, perhaps if the mod by Idolized comes out sooner than expected, you can take a crack at that. It's crazy how much different WWE was between January 2004 and April 2004! Brock and Goldberg are gone. The Rock has wrestled what many thought would be his final match. JBL is born. Angle on the shelf again. Shelton's very sudden singles push. Benoit and Guerrero just getting their title reigns started. Still, I'd read along with any early 2000's WWE diary easily no matter the year.

Love all these early 2000's mods coming out!

C-Verse for serious saves, real world for dynasties.

<div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> WRESTLINGATTITUDE.COM TOP HEADLINES >[*]New Paul Heyman merchandise; Heyman/Brock update >[*]Jamie Noble suspended from WWE; Garrison Cade fails drug test? >[*]OVW call-ups?; Jerry Lawler update; Who was backstage at SmackDown? >[*]SPOILERS: Full SmackDown & Velocity taping results from 1/13! >[*]Brian Knobbs cause of death; WWE's reaction >[*]BREAKING NEWS: Brian Knobbs passes away >[*]Eric Bischoff heat update; How is Ric Flair involved? >[*]SPOILERS: NWATNA's debut on ESPN! </div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> New Paul Heyman merchandise; Heyman/Brock update Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/15/04 Paul Heyman has gotten a new shirt on WWE Shopzone featuring his slogan, "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman". Heyman's intro to every SmackDown has actually gotten quite popular with fans with many singing along with him. These chants have been edited out of the last few SmackDown showings to keep the perception of Paul Heyman being a hated villain, but WWE is attempting to cash in on the popular phrase with the new shirt. On the subject of Paul Heyman, his recent efforts to keep Brock Lesnar happy appears to be working. Last we know, Brock is reportedly said to be "happy" with his position in the company. Brock's contract expires in two months. >>EXCLUSIVE: Paul Heyman WALKS OUT! "NWATNA, here I come!" Vince McMahon is SHOCKED!<<</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Jamie Noble suspended from WWE; Garrison Cade fails drug test? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/14/04 We reported last week that a wrestler had failed a drug test and we can now confirm that it was Jamie Noble, who has been found to be doing steroids. This explains Noble's sudden absence from SmackDown despite his recent push to challenge Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble for the championship. A source within the company has stated that Noble was quietly suspended and sent home after the results became apparent and nothing else has come of it. WWE has not yet made a public announcement, but Jamie Noble was not mentioned at all during SmackDown. On the other side of the fence on RAW, Garrison Cade is reported to have failed a drug test as well but not for steroids, but rather hard drugs. We're not exactly sure of how he was reprimanded or what the substance was however we can confirm that Cade was not suspended, which has caused a lot of division in the locker room over the consistency of punishments regarding drug testing. >>EXCLUSIVE: Yet another FAILED DRUG TEST! Top superstar FIRED from the WWE for STEROIDS! Vince is NOT PLAYING AROUND!<<</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> BREAKING NEWS: Brian Knobbs passes away Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/14/04 Brian Knobbs of the Nasty Boys has passed away at the age of 39. With the death of another wrestler before the age of 40, there is still immense pressure for the WWE to install a public drug screening system in the company. Knobbs struggled with alcoholism in recent years and gained a notable amount of weight to his already bulky frame. We're unsure of other details surrounding his death at the moment. >>EXCLUSIVE: WWE under INVESTIGATION for the death of Brian Knobbs</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Brian Knobbs cause of death; WWE's reaction Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/14/04 Brian Knobbs is said to have passed away from an accidental overdose involving a bad combination of alcohol and pills. Knobbs has been struggling with knee issues and was on a "mixture" of pain pills to allow him to continue wrestling on the independent scene. WWE posted a small statement on their website along with a video clip of the Nasty Boys winning the WWF World Tag Team Championship from the Hart Foundation. The SmackDown tapings reportedly had a graphic of Knobbs open the show. >>EXCLUSIVE: Jerry Sags signs HUGE contract with the WWE</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Eric Bischoff heat update; How is Ric Flair involved? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/14/04 Eric Bischoff's backstage heat continues to rise. We reported last week that Ric Flair has been turning the tides against Bischoff politically and we can confirm that this continued at last Monday's tapings. Bischoff continues to only be on television for short segments and doesn't stick around the arena when he is done filming them. >>EXCLUSIVE: Ric Flair has a MAJOR FALLING OUT with TRIPLE H! Entire locker room turning against THE GAME!</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> OVW call-ups?; Jerry Lawler update; Who was backstage at SmackDown? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/14/04 - Johnny Jeter wrestled a dark match on the SmackDown tapings. WWE is reportedly monitoring OVW "very closely" and will likely make some more call-ups following WrestleMania. - Christian York, who briefly wrestled for ECW before it's closure, wrestled a dark match losing to Ultimo Dragon at the SmackDown tapings. Christian York is known for his tag team with Joey Matthews, who currently is signed to OVW but York is not. - Jerry Lawler returned to the ring at the Memphis RAW tapings and backstage reaction is that he performed exceedingly well even though it was booked as being a throwaway match to please his hometown crowd. Despite being in his mid-50's, Lawler still regularly wrestles in Memphis and has a strong following. >>EXCLUSIVE: The NEXT BIG THING in OVW! Who is getting a MONSTER PUSH?</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> NWATNA's debut on ESPN! Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/12/04 Here are the results for TNA's first iMPACT show, set to debut on ESPN this Saturday. Erik Watts & America's Most Wanted def. Elix Skipper & The Gathering Konnan def. Kid Kash and Chris Sabin Shane Douglas def. Apolo D'Lo Brown def. Don Harris Jeff Jarrett & Abyss def. Raven & Sting Roddy Piper and Dusty Rhodes will also appear with Piper hosting a Piper's Pit. TNA is hyping up those two and Sting heavily for their appearances. We're unsure of Sting's current contract situation with TNA as it was initially thought he had only a 4 appearance deal. This would be his last appearance if true, but it's possible he has signed an extension. >>EXCLUSIVE: STING signs with WWE in BLOCKBUSTER DEAL! Sting vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 20 is ON!</div>

<iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6l5E9o6wkY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> THURSDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN Viejas Arena - San Diego, CA 11,377 fans The show opens has it has many times over the last few weeks - the face of the General Manager is staring into the camera, expressionless for the most part although you can see the clockwork in his brain chugging along before he lays out what is in store for "brand blue" tonight. Paul Heyman, front and center of the ring, has had an interesting run as General Manager to say the least. The former king of ECW has cranked the knobs fully right since assuming power, attempting to keep his former official client, Brock Lesnar, at the top of the card as WWE Champion at any cost. Last week, Paul Heyman laid out what many would consider a very ridiculous "challenge" for he wishes that should a SmackDown wrestler be victorious at the Royal Rumble, they are to challenge Triple H or Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania and bring RAW's World Heavyweight Championship to SmackDown. But where does that leave Brock in all this? The poster boy of "ruthless aggression" stands behind his boss, arms crossed and title belt wrapped around his barrel shaped waist. Lesnar does his best to make eye contact with just about every rambunctious member of the audience who are already starting the show off rowdily booing Heyman before he even speaks, which is enough to intimidate some members of the crowd to sit down and shut up. Heyman, already with a mic in his hand, lifts it to his lips. Paul Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen.... my name is Paul Heyman. And I am the General Manager of SmackDown. And behind me is SmackDown's WWE Champion.... BUH-ROCK LES-NAR! In one swift motion, Lesnar reaches one hand behind his waist and unstraps the belt. As the fans boo Thursday night's main champ, Lesnar holds his belt up high and to the sky. Paul Heyman: I'm going to make this very simple for you all. Last week, I made something abundantly clear - if you are against Team Lesnar, you are against me. And if you are against me, you are at war. And behind me is the biggest war machine you will ever encounter in your ENTIRE life! Heyman turns around and points towards Lesnar. Paul Heyman: This man behind me is the most dominate ATHLETE in the WWE today and as history will one day tell, the most dominate champion in WWE history. And at WrestleMania, we have plans to further our agenda - prove that Smackdown is the #1 brand in all of wrestling. Not only will Brock Lesnar appear and defend his championship, but a SmackDown wrestler will win the Royal Rumble and challenge for Triple H or Shawn Michaels' World Heavyweight Championship in order to bring it back here. This is not a matter of if, this is when! And if you didn't hear me last week, hear me again: everybody in that locker room will be on board with this. Heyman slightly lifts his head up, eyes looking down at the camera from the obscure position. His nose raised straight up, Heyman concludes his speech. Paul Heyman: And if you don't.... well, just remember a man by the name of Farooq. The camera pans to Brock Lesnar, who holds up a Popsicle stick. Grasping it in his fist, he pushes his thumb against it until it breaks in half. Heyman laughs deviously as we cut back to ringside. Cole: I don't know if I can be surprised by what our General Manager says anymore, Tazz. Heyman is doing everything he can to keep that championship on Brock Lesnar and is making life hell for anyone that wants to challenge him. Tazz: Heyman definitely believes that Brock is the headliner of the WWE right now and doesn't want to risk losing that spot. I have to say though, I like the idea of the World Heavyweight Championship coming to SmackDown, Cole. What a slam dunk that would be! Cole: Come on, Tazz! You and I both know this has nothing to do with brand warfare! Heyman is doing everything to empower Brock Lesnar. The Royal Rumble is the biggest slingshot to the championship you can get and Heyman doesn't want anyone having that power! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #0000FF; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Though this was a non-title match, Rikishi and Scotty knew that a win here would pretty much guarantee a future title shot, so emotions were high as the long time friends put their best effort forward. The Bashams have been a dominating tag team since debuting over the summer and their manager Shaniqua made sure to have a presence throughout the match. Ultimately Too Cool were able to pick up the victory here when Rikishi pinned Danny following a standing banzai drop. Winner: Too Cool @ 7:52 (57) </div> Cole: Big win for Too Cool here tonight and they might just give an upcoming title shot, partner! Tazz: These two have been friends for almost five years, Cole. And they've never been tag team champions together. Big opportunity for these guys in the wait! Cameras cut to the dressing rooms where Chavo and Eddie Guerrero already seem to be in mid-conversation. For the last few weeks, Chavo has blamed their tag team's failures all on Eddie Guerrero. Though everything points to jealousy, Chavo is convinced that Eddie's popularity with the fans has been holding him back from rising up his own career and should their team ever break up, Eddie is the one that will benefit from it. Eddie, on the other hand, has shown nothing but love for his nephew. The expressions on their faces say it all. Chavo's eyebrows are bent forward in anger, Eddie's are bent up in sorrow. Chavo Guerrero: No Eddie! You haven't been listening to me, I do not need you! Eddie Guerrero: Chavito, please ese... you and I are familia, for life holmes! That bond is unbreakable! I forgive you for all you've done to me. If you want to break our tag team.... I'm okay with that! But you and I can still remain close. I can chase Brock, you can chase Rey Mysterio--- Chavo Guerrero: Hold it right there, Eddie! That's exactly what I'm talking about! Why can't I be the one to face Brock!? You don't think I'm good enough?! Eddie Guerrero: Of course you are. You can do anything you put your mind to. I believe that! Chavo Guerrero: Oh, you mean beating Kurt Angle for the world to see?! I... would have had Kurt last week, Eddie! You didn't need to show your face! So what is today all about? Beating Kurt and proving you're better than me!? Eddie Guerrero: No, Chavo. It's showing Kurt that he doesn't need to be in our business, holmes. Eddie slowly rises up from the bench and takes one last look at his nephew, who is slightly shaking his head, gazing off into space. Eddie Guerrero: I love you, Chavo. Chavo's expression doesn't change as Eddie walks off camera. Back to ringside. Cole: Partner, I know you've been close with both Guerreros throughout your career... what is the end result of all this? Tazz: Well I know for a fact that Chavo has been hungry to move up since he was a pup, Cole. But Eddie is older, wiser, more experienced. Of course he's going to get opportunities Chavo won't at first... and I really think Chavo resents that. Cole: But is that a reason to betray your uncle like that? Slap him across the face for the world to see? Tazz: Absolutely not. I did not condone it then, I don't condone it now. You don't put your hands on your uncle like that. Period, end of story! Cole: Well regardless of this family drama, Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero should be a terrific main event between two very gifted superstars. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqPZBuB8lKU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= We come back from break to the office of Paul Heyman. Heyman sits at his desk patiently waiting as his assistant, Dawn Marie, paces around looking at a few pieces of paper. Dawn Marie: Ya' know Paulie, I got a big announcement I'm gonna make tonight and it's gonna be huge! Paul Heyman: That's nice, Dawn. Dawn Marie: Oh it's betta than nice, it's gonna be HOT! I'm talkin' about all the rumors about a diva posing for Playboy. And I know who they picked! It's right here. In this letter! Dawn does an awkward little dance, running her hands down her body. After some contemplation, Heyman slightly perks up. Paul Heyman: Playboy, you say? You mean.... they chose SmackDown for Playboy? Over Trish Stratus? Over Stacy Keibler? They chose a SmackDown diva? Dawn Marie: Ya' damn right they did, Paulie. Paul Heyman: Oh ho ho ho... this is good! We can market this! Hugh Hefner officially endorses SmackDown as the home of the hottest divas! Suddenly, the door creaks open and not before long, a menacing brute of a man walks in and nearly takes up the entire camera angle. The powerful A-Train steps into view. Dawn Marie smiles at her fellow Team Lesnar member and leans into him with the paper she's looking at in hand. She points to something on it and A-Train takes a look. A very large smirk grows over his face. A-Train: Damn! Heyman puts his hand, splinted broken finger and all, inbetween the two and guides Dawn off to the side. Paul Heyman: Take a break, Dawn. I have business to discuss here. Dawn Marie: Fine! I got a show to get ready for anyway. Dawn Marie tussles her hair a bit with her fingers before walking off screen, her high heels loudly tapping the floor before dissipating into the hallway. Heyman looks A-Train in the eyes, not looking incredibly happy to see the big man after last week's events. With the FBI hosting a betting station for the night's big matches, A-Train placed a bet for $10,000 in favor of Hardcore Holly to win his match against The Big Show. A few weeks before that, A-Train bet against Brock Lesnar beating Chris Benoit. Before Heyman can even talk, A-Train puts a hand up almost to surrender. A-Train: I know what this is about, Paul. You're mad I bet for Hardcore Holly, ain't you? Paul Heyman: I warned you. Not only did you bet for Hardcore Holly last week... before that, you bet against BUH-ROCK LES-NAR! How dare you. Betting against the team you REPRESENT? Are you a team player or not?! A-Train: You damn right I am! Paul Heyman: THEN PROVE IT TO ME! Heyman slaps A-Train on the chest with his good hand. The big man doesn't even flinch. Paul Heyman: You're $10,000 richer this week because of the man I put you against. Congratulations. Now you're going to destroy Rey Mysterio. You're going to teach him to never involve himself in my affairs ever again. You're going to pin him right here in his home town of San Diego! A-Train rubs his hands together in anticipation and nods. A-Train: It will be done, Paul. Paul Heyman: Good. Because while I'm at it, I'm making this a Royal Rumble qualification match. Get it done! A-Train nods and walks off. Cole: Well Rey Mysterio has never been one to be afraid to pick on someone twice his size. Tazz: Definitely not but I don't see A-Train taking this challenge lightly. It is for a Rumble spot after all! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #0000FF; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Rey's hometown was hot here tonight, Rey starting a "619" chant very early in this one. A-Train, as his name suggests, was all steam. And though he had a clear size advantage, Rey's recent tangles with the likes of The Big Show and even WWE Champion Brock Lesnar has given him lots of experience in how to deal with bigger opponents. A-Train kept the advantage but Rey was able to slip out and steer things towards his way using his speed. While things stayed in A-Train's court, Rey's passion and energy from the crowd allowed him to get a surge of quick offense to surprise the big man. And at one point, Rey was able to trip up A-Train and cause him to nearly guillotine himself on the ropes. While in the prone position, Rey called for it. The fans chanted "619" as Rey bounced off the ropes and went for his patented move. BOOM! Rey's feet smashing against A-Train's face causes the big man to nearly fly back, stumbling down onto his knees and pressing his hands against his face to try to sooth the immense, sharp pain goes down his cranium. The ref checks to make sure A-Train is okay as Mysterio sets himself up on the apron, ready for a West Coast Pop. Mysterio launches himself on the ropes.... and falls right back down on the apron, smacking his head on the way down. It's Nunzio of the FBI! Nunzio had grabbed Mysterio's left leg as he went to launch off the ropes, sending all his momentum crashing down onto the floor below. With the referee still tending to A-Train, Nunzio grabs Rey's head and launches off the steps to hit his patented Aarrivederci, hitting Rey's head against the mat. Nunzio slides Rey back in just as A-Train recovers from the 619. With Nunzio escaping out of sight, A-Train nor referee Jimmy Kordaris have any clue as to what happened and why Rey is on the floor, but A-Train will not take the time to question it. Train promptly lifts Rey back up to his feet and throttles him with both hands before hitting the Baldo Bomb. Train covers and gets the victory, sending Rey's hometown crowd in a frenzy of jeers. Winner: A-Train @ 8:10 (74) </div> Cole: Why in the world would Nunzio involve himself in this one, Tazz? Rey Mysterio had A-Train in prime position to pull off the upset here in front of his hometown! Tazz: The FBI are all about opportunity and I really think Nunzio is looking to make a statement that he wants something of Rey's! We cut to the APA office where a poker table is laid out in mid game. Bradshaw sits at the head of the table with a vacant seat sitting right next to him, a single cigar sitting on a stand in front. Chris Kanyon and Nidia sit on the other side with cards in their hands. Bradshaw puffs on a cigar with a big smile on his face. Bradshaw: Now don't be a wimp, Kanyon, I know you're not about to let a girl bluff you out of this one! Kanyon: Bluff me?! She don't even know her cards! Kanyon waves his hand in front of Nidia's thick, dark sunglasses. She doesn't even flinch. Kanyon: Hello?! Nidia: Oh, is it my turn? Kanyon: It's been your turn! Fold already, we know you got nothin'! Nidia: Nah, I got a vibe. Nidia pats the table to find her chips, then promptly pushes them forward. Bradshaw: Haha! You gonna let her talk to you like that, pal? Kanyon: Whateva'! We know you ain't got jack! Who betta than KANYON? Kanyon promptly calls the all-in and drops his cards on the table. Kanyon: 6 to 10 straight! Beat that! Nidia shrugs and drops her cards on the table. Kanyon lets off a loud gasp. Bradshaw exhales with a laugh right from the belly. Nidia: Uhh... what do I have? Bradshaw: Well I'll be damned! A straight flush! Read 'em and weep, Kanyon! Bradshaw pushes all the chips towards Nidia. Bradshaw: All yours, darlin'. Man I wish Ron was here, he would have got a kick out of that. Bradshaw firmly nods his head towards the empty chair next to him. Bradshaw: Hope you're doing well, old pal. Kanyon bursts up from his seat and kicks his chair over, clanging it to the ground. Nidia jumps a bit, not knowing what is going on. Kanyon: What a load of crap! Something's fixed here! Kanyon drops a wad of cash equivalent to the amount of chips he just lost and storms off screen. Nidia begins shoveling chips, cash, empty beer cans and cigar ashes into her empty bag. Bradshaw: Aw come on, another hand? Nidia: Can't, I gotta head to the ring. You know they're gonna announce which SmackDown diva is gonna be in Playboy in a few minutes? I bet someone will be pretty upset if it ends up being me! Nidia continues to mutter under her breath, presumably about her boyfriend Jamie Noble who is not present tonight. After taking a random amount of trash from the table, she starts tapping away with her walking stick and heads off camera. Bradshaw himself takes a big puff off a cigar before playing around with some of the leftover chips on the table. The joyous atmosphere goes very gloomy, however, when an uninvited visitor appears before the table. The General Manager of SmackDown, Paul Heyman, did not make good friends with Bradshaw last week. And after a terrible assault from Team Lesnar awarded Farooq with a broken leg, Bradshaw is left without a partner going into WrestleMania season. Remembering what happened last week, Bradshaw jolts up from his chair and puffs his chest out, fists clenched. Bradshaw: What the hell do you want? Paul Heyman: Cut the tough guy act, Bradshaw. Just give me five minutes of your time. I have some things I want to say. Bradshaw: I have a match coming up. Three minutes. No more. Bradshaw slowly lowers himself back on his chair. Plucking the cigar off it's stand, he pops it back in his mouth, an irritated look on his face as Heyman calmly sands with his hands folded in front of him. Paul Heyman: My heart goes out to you, Bradshaw. Nobody intended for Ron to break his leg last week. But you need to listen to me closely. This is the best thing to ever happen to you. Bradshaw slams his fist on the table, but Heyman throws his hand up in a "stop" pose. Paul Heyman: Don't cut me off! Let me finish. Let me turn back the clock to a year and a half ago. When you were first broken away from Farooq on Monday Night RAW, fresh after the first ever draft. Vince McMahon stood in that ring with the entire roster surrounding the apron and told you all that he wanted to see ruthless aggression out of each and every one of you, the same ruthless aggression that allowed Brock Lesnar to have the most successful debut year of any wrestler in history. And when Vince McMahon asked anyone if they had it, you spoke up and said that you did. You looked the boss square in the eyes and said you had what it takes. And now that we flash forward to present day... I'm looking at a man sitting at an empty poker table, sobbing into his ashtray over the fact that his never-was tag team partner will no longer be around. Do you have any idea where you would be right now if you took Vince's speech seriously? Bradshaw silently stews in his anger, allowing Paul to finish his spiel. Heyman begins pacing back and forth silently, Bradshaw's eyes stare at the floor below. Paul Heyman: There's a perception about me that isn't true. It seems to me that you all think I sit up in my Team Lesnar ivory tower so I can screw everyone else. That isn't what this is about, Bradshaw. Believe it or not, I care very deeply about every single one of you. I bleed blue from these veins, because I care very much about making SmackDown the #1 wrestling brand in the world. And I can only do that with all of you. But I sit here remembering what Vince said.... and I'm disgusted to see nobody taking that world class advice on. Hardcore Holly believes success should be HANDED to him because he broke his neck. That is not ruthless aggression. Chris Benoit believes that success should be handed to HIM because life isn't fair. That is not ruthless aggression. John Cena believes success should be HANDED to HIM because his low brow fanbase sings along to his rapping, insulting me and the intelligent fans of SmackDown. That is not ruthless aggression. And then there's you. A man who is content with watching his career slip away before his very eyes. The most disappointing of all. Heyman reaches off screen and pulls a book out. We only see it's spine. Paul Heyman: I have a hobby in the little free time I have. I read. And in recent weeks, I have found myself a new favorite author. You might have heard of him. His name is.... John Layfield. Heyman presents the book to Bradshaw. Bradshaw's eyes dart up for a moment, but his eyebrows furrow as he realizes what it is. It is indeed Bradshaw's book, Have More Money Now. Paul Heyman: John "Bradshaw" Layfield. Accomplished author, Fox News colleague, a man who was able to take his own money and make himself into a millionaire.... who is also currently a directionless professional wrestler who spends his time playing poker with losers. Heyman throws the book onto the table, it's thud causing some chips and empty cans to clatter against the wood table. Paul Heyman: Lucky for you, I have a great deal of respect for you. I believe in you. I know that you can do the same thing for your career that you did with your finances and that is turn it around and show everyone that you have RUTHLESS AGGRESSION! So despite whatever you think of me as General Manager, I hereby make your match against The Big Show.... a title match! You will have an opportunity tonight to win the United States Championship and show everyone that you never needed Farooq to get anywhere in this business. Heyman promptly walks off. The camera zooms at Bradshaw's book sitting on the wood table, along with the scattered beer cans surrounding it. Back to ringside. Cole: Well partner, you don't see me agreeing with Paul Heyman very often but I do have a big takeaway from that - Bradshaw absolutely can take control of his career in a big way now that the APA is no more. Tazz: Heyman is 100% correct on this one, Cole. All the respect to Ron Simmons in the world, but he was holding Bradshaw back. And this is his chance to show everyone he has it! We can see a new champion here today, Cole. Cole: A peculiar show of generosity from our General Manager, no doubt. But I can't help but think Heyman is up to something here, partner. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OaNjQVWJ1iA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= We cut back to the ring where Dawn Marie is standing front and center with the SmackDown divas. The letter she was flashing around before is in her hands, pink Playboy bunny embroiled in the middle of it. With a mic in hand, Dawn twirls the paper around in her hand before bringing it to her mouth. Dawn Marie: I know you have all been waitin' for this one! It's time to find out who Mr. Hefna' himself wants to grace the covers of Playboy magazine! Fans begin cat calling as Dawn does an awkward little pose in the ring, flexing her knees out and throwing her arms around her head. Shaniqua couldn't be more disinterested, leaning up against the back right corner of the ring. Nidia, not seeing anything going on, simply stares out in space as Torrie, last year's covergirl, waits patiently with her hands folded in front of her. Dawn Marie: Now we all know last year Playboy chose Torrie Wilson.... and I think it's safe to say, Playboy wants something more! Something a lot more! And I think we all know who can offer that, don't we? Dawn gets in Torrie's face, the two having a very.... interesting history, to say the least. And Dawn wants more than anything to rub this in her face. Dawn Marie: Nidia, my darlin'.... why don't you do the honors? Dawn hands Nidia the envelope, who still cannot see a thing. Knowing she can't read it, Nidia protests announcing anything but Dawn grabs her by the shoulder and begins whispering in her ear. Torrie throws her arms up in confusion as Nidia begins to calm down and nods, sticking out her lips in interest. Nidia: Playboy has chosen.... DAWN MARIE! Tazz: Whoa! Dawn begins to prance around the ring to a relatively confused crowd. Shaniqua, already having no interest in these festivities, climbs out of the ring and walks towards the back. Torrie Wilson has a sour look on her face as Dawn keeps looking back to see her reaction. But the awkwardness is broken by a very unexpected visitor. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/we5O6D6YDxo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Tazz: What the hell? Cole: It's the boss!? What is he doing out here?! Vince McMahon indeed comes strolling out with his mistress - or professionally, his consultant - Sable. Their arms interlock as Vince power walks with his free arm and legs, Sable attempting to keep the pace. Dawn Marie has a somewhat panicked look on her face, but nevertheless offers to hold the rope open for the boss of the entire company, along with Sable. Vince walks right up to Dawn and extends his arm out, palm facing out, to ask for the microphone. Dawn promptly hands it to him. Vince McMahon: Now you can damn well be certain only one individual deals with Hugh Hefner personally in this company.... and that is Vincent Kennedy McMahon. As a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with Playboy offices just mere moments ago. And let's just say there has been a.... change of plans. Torrie and Dawn immediately begin questioning what Vince is saying, wondering if the shoot has been cancelled altogether. A sly smirk grows on his face. Vince McMahon: Instead of there being one WWE Playboy bunny this year.... Vince locks eyes with Dawn Marie, who is nervously twitching her thumbs. Vince snaps his neck over to Torrie Wilson, who is still patiently waiting. Vince McMahon: ...there will be TWO! Cole: What?! Tazz: Wait a minute, Cole! Not to be.... uh... well, you know but..... doesn't this mean..... a stepmother and daughter playboy shoot?! Torrie begins skipping around the ring in delight as Dawn Marie looks surprisingly content with the idea of posing next to her own worst enemy. She leans into Vince's microphone. Dawn Marie: Ya' know.... dare I say this is a fantastic idea. Because now everyone will see a side-by-side comparison first hand over who the hottest SmackDown diva is! Vince brashly pulls the microphone away from Dawn Marie. Vince McMahon: Who said anything about you? There will indeed be two WWE Playboy bunnies this year and Torrie Wilson will, in fact, be one of them. But the other will be.... MY CONSULTANT, SABLE! Dawn falls to her knees and screeches over being left out of Playboy over Torrie Wilson once again, her neatly straitened hair beginning to curl at the ends. Sable and Torrie, certainly not best of friends, raise each other's arms in the ring to celebrate their future pictorial together. McMahon sticks his microphone under his armpit as he claps for the two girls, specifically Sable. As McMahon goads the girls a little bit more and Nidia attempts to find herself out of the ring, music interrupts the mood. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/CPrNWSMBhLA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The crowd quickly goes from randy cheers to rowdy boos as Ernest "The Cat" Miller's music interrupts the celebration. Sable immediately comes to McMahon's side, who looks up at the stage with that classic enraged look of impatience. Ernest Miller indeed comes out onto the stage in his leopard skinned robe, doing some a few martial arts moves for show. Not daring to take Vince's microphone from him, Miller grabs a microphone of his own, but doesn't get a chance to speak in it before Vince begins shouting in his. Vince McMahon: Who the hell do you think you are?! Ernest Miller: I'll tell you who I am, Mr. McMahon. I'm the greatest! I'm the greatest of all time, three time karate champion, nobody can stop me! Vince McMahon: Is that right? Ernest Miller: You damn right it is! Vince McMahon fixes his tie and flexes his neck as Miller turns around and points towards a fan in the front row. Ernest Miller: Shut up FAT BOY! How you get your big ass in here anyway? Ya'll don't even know. You people out here MAKE ME SICK! You got a three time karate champion here who can shut anyone down for the count. I'm the greatest PERFORMER of all time, who has danced with the likes of James Brown on live television! But here we are! The Cat is left off the show and we're going to spend time talking about who's getting nekkid instead?! Nuh-uh! We're changing that up, right now! Miller kicks that crumpled up envelope that Dawn Marie initially brought out to the floor. Vince McMahon: I see. If memory serves correctly... last time we were in this ring, you and I... you were a bit more..... fffffuuuuuuuNNNNNKY! McMahon starts wiggling his right leg and winding up his arm like he's about to throw a pitch. Sable, likewise, begins wiggling her hips. Miller remains still in the ring. Vince McMahon: Come on, CAT! I thought you like to let loose a little bit, huh? Get a little.... get a little JIGGY WITH IT! Come on, guy! Come on, HIT THAT MUSIC! SOMEBODY CALL HIS MAMAAAAA! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/zvxf1j8pHcw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Miller shakes his head as Vince continues to do awkward dance moves in the ring to the tune of The Cat's old theme song, Sable attempting her best to cover up his two left feet. Realizing The Cat isn't joining along this time, McMahon abruptly stops as the music fades away. Vince McMahon: Oh I get it. You, Ernest Miller... you're a little upset at me, aren't you? You're just a little upset that I kicked you right between the legs last time we spoke, aren't you? Huh? Perhaps this series of events have unleashed your inner...... YOUR INNER RUTHLESS AGGRESSION? McMahon gets face to face with Miller, his eyebrows arched downwards and his face beat red. Miller continues to have a stoic expression. Abruptly, to break the tension, Dawn Marie blindsides Torrie Wilson from behind. The two begin to tussle and roll on the floor, banging one another's head on the mat before the other can gain control. Sable promptly tries to break them up, but ends up falling backwards herself. Certainly not happy in seeing his mistress get hurt, McMahon similarly tries to break the two apart. But turning his back on an opportunistic Ernest Miller may have proved to be a fatal mistake. In one fluid motion, McMahon falls to his knees as Miller crushes those grapefruits of McMahon with a kick between the legs from behind. Miller quickly exits as agents enter the ring to break up the catfight. Cole: Well you have to be a brave man to cross the boss, partner. Ernest Miller gets the last laugh, but I have a feeling that feeling won't last long. Tazz: We're looking at a man who just ended the careers of both his own daughter and The Undertaker. Vince McMahon is the most ruthless man alive today, Cole. You don't play with fire! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #0000FF; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> This was a gigantic opportunity for Bradshaw, going from tag team wrestler to #1 Contender for the United States Championship after one week. And he certainly did NOT take advantage of it. The Big Show is certainly not an easy opponent to come by, especially after the mood he's in following what Hardcore Holly did to him, but Bradshaw looked totally unmatched and totally unprepared. It seemed a lot was on his mind, everything but this match. Show controlled from beginning to end and when Bradshaw was able to amount offense, it was reversed rather quickly. Show puts Bradshaw away after a Showstopper and this rare opportunity for Bradshaw is gone before you know it. Winner: The Big Show @ 5:53 (70) </div> ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QrZAj0yrdKw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= A quick little bumper announces that Billy Gunn will be returning to action at the Royal Rumble match! We cut back from commercial break to ringside. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/gdiac8I8Vko" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Cole: With that big triple threat match coming up between all of Paul Heyman's least favorites, here comes John Cena! Tazz: You know, these guys may be bonded by their hatred of Paul Heyman... but they don't like each other much either! And these are three rugged dudes, this is gonna be a brawl! Cena is ready for his upcoming match, but is no doubt ready to address the fans as well. John Cena: Yo yo yo YO YO YOOOOO! I have to say, Paul Heyman, this punishment seems soft. If you really wanted to show the world you're a joke, just take your pants off. I got no problem coming out here to bust up Benoit and Hardcore. And don't worry, I already know watching Big Show flop around earlier made your hand sore. You can throw whatever you want my way, it ain't gonna matter. Cause every single one of your plans, like Dawn Marie's days off, is gonna splatter. You do you, Paul, fair or corrupt. Just be ready to watch me win the Royal Rumble, then you can SUCK DEEZ.... Cena holds the mic up for the fans to finish the line. Triple threat action coming up next! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #0000FF; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> As many would suspect, this was indeed a highly physical bruiser of a match with all three men involved having high emotions going into the Royal Rumble. The young John Cena has a lot to prove, Chris Benoit wants to stick it to the man and Hardcore Holly has the biggest match of his life. Ultimately the match would end in favor of the #1 Contender when, after Benoit was taken to the outside, Hardcore Holly would hit Cena with the Alabama Slama. Winner: Hardcore Holly @ 10:29 (75) </div> Cole: A big win for Hardcore Holly and perhaps that proves why Holly is getting the title shot at the Royal Rumble! Tazz: I think many would argue that Holly would have never got this title shot if not for the emotions behind it but Hardcore is a tough dude who has never gotten a big piece of the pie here in the WWE. And this guy is hungry, Cole. Holly's celebration is very short lived, however, as the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar - from out of nowhere - slides into the ring and neutralizes Holly with a lightning fast German suplex. The surprised Holly is not able to fight back as Brock quickly goes for his leg and bends it back over his shoulder, executing the nasty looking Brock Lock on Hardcore Holly. Holly fights it, but he has nowhere to go as Brock grits his teeth, screaming in intensity as he gets revenge for Hardcore's attack on him the previous week. Officials flood the ring and it takes just about an entire team to get him off the unconscious Holly. Cole: What a brutal assault from the "champ", Tazz. Coming right from behind! Tazz: Hey tit for tat on that one, Cole. Holly assaulted Lesnar last week and Lesnar is coming right back at him with some of his own! Cole: This is the very definition of a blood feud, Tazz. These two men hate each other and I cannot see how a single WWE ring is going to be able to contain them in their WWE Championship match. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i32HD6R1soU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #0000FF; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Kurt Angle was very against this match even happening, knowing it's only going to add more tension to both his relationship with the Guerreros and the Guerreros' relationship with each other. Eddie, however, was set on using this match as a way to bond him and Chavo... somehow. Chavo was indeed at ringside, watching silently from the timekeeper's chair and with his arms folded, not offering any support or distraction. This was, regardless of the drama, a fantastic wrestling match between two terrific athletes. Angle and Guerrero worked a PPV quality match for the SmackDown crowd but Angle was able to come out on top, pinnning him after an Angle Slam. Winner: Kurt Angle @ 16:12 (88) </div> Cole: A big win for Kurt Angle and a fantastic match between these two athletes, partner! Tazz: I have to wonder what's going on in that head of Chavo though, Cole. He sat there silently the entire time. And... uh oh. Chavo is now making his way to the ring as Angle helps Eddie back up to his feet, still caring about his friend despite the hell they went through. As soon as he notices Chavo in the ring, Angle immediately goes up to again try to mend the fences, but Chavo much more aggressively than normal shoves Angle out of the way with enough force to nearly cause Kurt to fall down. The fan oooo's as Kurt springs right back up and gets in Chavo's face. Kurt Angle: When are you EVER going to SHOW SOME RESPECT? Chavo again pushes Kurt again, who this time springs up and grapples Chavo. Before he can do anything to him, however, Eddie bats Angle in the back with his forearm. The uncle and nephew together dispatch of Angle, tossing him right over the top rope and onto the apron below, "eliminating" him from the ring. As Angle sits confused on the ramp, the Guerreros stare each other down. But after a few moments.... Cole: What?! ...Chavo brings Eddie in for an embrace. Tazz: Los Guerreros are.... back together? Cole: I don't think they ever went anywhere, Tazz! It's been a troubling few weeks but it looks like whatever issues these two men have had may be gone! Quick Results: (Dark Match) Ultimto Dragon def. Christian York (Dark Match) Nunzio def. Johnny Jeter Too Cool def. The Basham Brothers A-Train def. Rey Mysterio The Big Show def. Bradshaw to retain the United States Championship Hardcore Holly def. Chris Benoit & John Cena Kurt Angle def. Eddie Guerrero (OVR: 88) ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match Triple H © vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly WWE Women's Championship Molly Holly © vs. Trish Stratus vs. Jazz vs. Lita WWE Tag Team Championship The Basham Brothers © vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty The Royal Rumble Match RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Test, Matt Hardy, Kane, Spike Dudley, Goldberg, Randy Orton, Jerry Lawler SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Matt Morgan, Rhyno, A-Train, Billy Gunn

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3cNRxgAuPI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> SMACKDOWN January 15th 2004 SmackDown comes to Viejas Arena in San Diego, California. With less than two weeks left until the Royal Rumble, tensions are high as the Paul Heyman lead Team Lesnar suffered some serious defeats on the way to Chris Benoit and John Cena - two men Heyman wanted out of the Rumble - earning their spot. Meanwhile Hardcore Holly continues his violent feud with Brock Lesnar and nearly broke his neck on national television. The drama between the Guerrero family has mostly been one-sided with a recently scorned Chavo Guerrero wanting to put Los Guerreros' troubles on his uncle Eddie. Kurt Angle, who has grown close with both Guerreros, has stepped in to try to mend the fences and bring the family back together. After Chavo slapped Eddie in the face, Angle would challenge Chavo to a singles match to "teach him some respect", however this and the forthcoming match which Angle would win, did not bode well with Eddie Guerrero. Two weeks from Royal Rumble, Eddie Guerrero has challenged Kurt to a singles match to prove that his bond with Chavo is unbreakable. Last week, Rey Mysterio was told that if he meddled in Heyman's affairs, he would regret it. We can only expect that his match against the A-Train, certainly not a member of the Cruiserweight division that Rey is currently champion of, is just part of what Heyman is talking about. Being as SmackDown will be taking place in Rey's home town along with never caring about the size of his opponents, it's questionable to say Mysterio will be nervous going into this one. After pledging that they won't help Heyman's plan of bringing the World Heavyweight Championship to SmackDown, the APA were beaten down by Team Lesnar and broken apart as Farooq was taken away by stretcher with a broken leg. With his partner out for the long haul, Bradshaw looks to not only get revenge on one of the men involved in the beating, but rise up in singles competition as he faces United States Champion, The Big Show. In a non-title match, Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty take on current WWE Champions, the Basham Brothers. The tag team division is certainly taking notice to the current issues Eddie and Chavo are having as it opens up the gates for several other teams to rise up. The Bashams have been strong champions but Rikishi and Scotty are looking to make a statement and potentially get a future title shot. In recent weeks, Paul Heyman has made himself three enemies: Chris Benoit, John Cena and Hardcore Holly. With all three having recent success despite Heyman doing everything he can to throw disadvantages their way, this triple threat match was made with the motto of "let them beat the hell out of each other for all I care!" Quick Card: NON-TITLE: The Basham Brothers vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty A-Train vs. Rey Mysterio NON-TITLE: The Big Show vs. Bradshaw John Cena vs. Hardcore Holly vs. Chris Benoit Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero

A cold open greets Monday Night RAW with footage from much earlier today as apparent from the blue sky in the background. The "Legend Killer" Randy Orton is standing next to a black limo with that always smug look on his face. His cherished Intercontinental Championship draped over his shoulder, Orton looks into the camera intently. Randy Orton: For the last few weeks, you have been seeing an advertisement that friends and supporters have paid for that has shown exactly why Mick Foley was at one time a legend of the ring, but in 2004 is nothing but a coward. Mick, I've given you opportunity after opportunity to face me and show the fans, your fans, that we were wrong about you. And all you've done is prove that what we say is true and that I am the hardcore legend of OUR TIME! But Mick, I sympathize with you. I know that you've lost your sanity. You've had a few too many blows to the head. Perhaps your ears are even more chewed up to the point of you being hard of hearing. Tonight, I will give Mick Foley the unique opportunity to take that reputation away. Right here beside me is a limo which I have rented with my own hard earned cash. And inside is a driver who will be picking up Mick Foley. Personally. If, and that's a big if, Mick Foley shows up tonight.... I will put my Intercontinental Championship on the line right here tonight. Orton smirks as he slaps the hood of the limo, which takes off speeding out of the parking lot immediately after. We cut to the intro. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW FedExForum - Memphis, TN 10,267 fans JR: Welcome to Monday Night RAW and King, we're live from your hometown of Memphis, TN! King: It's good to be the King and it's even better to be home! But JR, did you see what I just saw? Do you think Mick Foley will really be here?! JR: I don't know, King. We're a long way from Long Island, I can tell you that much. I will tell you this, folks, I do believe Mick Foley will be back when the time is right for him to be. But I don't think that will be on Randy Orton terms, or anyone else's for that matter. King: He really is proving himself to be nothing but a coward, isn't he?! JR: Whatever the case may be, King, we have a big show here tonight! Cameras fade to the back office of Eric Bischoff, who is currently on the phone. Theodore Long sits on a couch adjacent from the desk. Jonathan Coachman, interim GM of RAW last week, walks into the office with a big smile painted on his face. Jonathan Coachman: Eric! It's great to see you back! I hope I did you proud last week, I really stood my ground! Bischoff, still on the phone, darts his eyes up at Coachman and does not change his expression whatsoever. Bischoff's eyes travel back towards looking at the phone receiver as he talks to the person on the other end. Eric Bischoff: Yes, I saw everything. I will take care of it. You have my word. Take the week off, okay? We'll discuss this first thing next Monday. Take care. Eric turns his head towards Coach. Eric Bischoff: Two big fruit baskets, send them to the personal addresses of Jackie Gayda and Stacy Keibler. Jonathan Coachman: O-oh. Uh... okay, sure boss! I can do that. Eric Bischoff: Great. And maybe you can send them an apology for doing absolutely nothing to step in or help them after they got attacked last week. What the hell were you thinking? Jonathan Coachman: Well, I didn't exactly see them as a priority, boss. To be fair. Eric Bischoff: "To be fair"? You're running the biggest show in the WWE right now! You answer for all these people. Those two have been blowing my phone up all day. The World Heavyweight Title picture is a mess. Every competitor for the main event last week was attacked. Sheriff Austin is STILL running rampant and you did nothing to stand up to him. What the hell are you doing to my show? Coachman freezes in place, having no answers for his boss. Bischoff stands up from his desk and throws his bag over his shoulder. Eric Bischoff: I'm still not ready to come back. Not in this current environment. But I do not trust you to run RAW. Teddy.... Bischoff turns around to Theodore Long sitting on the couch, legs crossed. He perks up, eyebrows raised. Eric Bischoff: The show is yours. Bischoff promptly leaves the office and slams the door on his way out. Coachman whips his head back towards Theodore with a dumbfounded expression. Long springs up from the coach and taps Coach's chest with the back of his hand. Theodore Long: Holla, holla, holla! Back to ringside. King: Well that's definitely an improvement, wouldn't you say so JR?! JR: I don't think you could downgrade much from Coach, King, but this could spell trouble for Shawn Michaels tonight. Mark Henry is facing HBK for #1 Contendership but now Mark Henry's manager is running the show. But the real question is... when is Eric Bischoff going to take the bull by the horns himself? <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> The only thing holding the loose alliance of Molly and Jazz together in this tag team match was their hatred for Trish Stratus. But from the getgo, it was obvious that Trish and Lita's strong friendship and experience teaming together put them in the driver's seat despite Molly being on top of the mountain for the Women's division. Molly and Jazz's aggression towards each other would turn to a breaking point as Jazz would call for a tag for the beaten up Molly only to jump right off the apron. As Jazz heads up the ramp, giving up on this one, Molly would get put away after a Trish Kick from Stratus and a follow up moonsault from Lita. Winners: Trish Stratus & Lita @ 8:24 (46) </div> ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pMt8QOrR3ME" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Before Theodore Long can even get started getting comfortable in his office, his door is practically kicked open by an enraged Molly Holly. Molly Holly: I need this ADDRESSED, RIGHT NOW! Molly slams her fists on the desk as her WWE Women's championship slides off her shoulder and falls to the floor. Molly shakes her hair out of her face as Theodore Long slides out of his chair with his palms facing out. Molly Holly: So what, your client thinks she can just do whatever she wants?! I just had to lose to TRISH STRATUS because of Jazz. TRISH! I will NEVER live this down, Teddy. I am the pure AND natural goddess of the WWE, I refuse to allow myself to lose to bimbos like that on national television! I WOULD HAVE HAD HER! Theodore Long: Now hold it right there, Molly! That tag team match meant nothing to us. Ba'lee that. Bottom line is this, Jazz does not feel like she needs to align herself with a woman of your, uh... nature. Molly Holly: What the heck does that even mean?! Theodore Long: It's as simple as this: you do not fit our agenda. You are not part of the movement. While Mark Henry takes care of Shawn Michaels tonight on his quest to become the first black World's Heavyweight Champion, Jazz is looking to become the most dominate black female in the WWE. And to do that.... she needs something, playa. Teddy Long bends down and picks up Molly's title. He calmly hands it to her. Theodore Long: You dropped something, miss. Molly snatches the title from Teddy's hand and places it back on her shoulder. Molly Holly: Is that what she wants? A title shot? Jazz, who was seemingly off screen and unnoticed by Molly until now, steps in to the screen. She has no hesitation in getting face-to-face with Molly. Jazz: You damn right, lollipop. I'm the real BITCH of the WWE! Jazz gives Molly a tremendous shove, sending her nearly crashing through the door. Jazz quickly retreats behind Teddy and plops down on the couch he was sitting on before as Molly rushes to get payback. Teddy quickly extends his arms and gets in Molly's way. Theodore Long: Hold it right there! Save that aggression cause you is gonna need it, ba'lee that! Because at the Royal Rumble, you, Molly Holly, will be putting the WWE Women's Championship against Jazz. Holla holla! WHAT? We can almost see the arena rumble as the crowd stirs in cheers for the Sheriff of RAW. Austin, who was listening outside the office, steps in with no invitation needed. Teddy Long, who already had his "Rumble" plans ruined last week by Austin, has an irritated look on his face. Theodore Long: Now hold up, playa! The match has already been made! Jazz is getting a shot at the title at the Royal Rumble and you can ba'lee that! Steve Austin: What? Did I ask you? What? Did I tell you to explain to me the specifics of this women's title match? What? What? What? Theodore Long: Steve, I should remind you that tonight I was given control of RAW by Eric Bischoff. Now you may have thought you could push a black man around like me last week but tonight you will not. I'm not backing down to you. Holla! Steve Austin: So you're the General Manager? Well let me put it to you like this, Teddy, that crap means nothing to me. Austin 3:16 is still the law of the land and I don't care if it's you, Coach, Bischoff, Vince McMahon, Moe, Larry or Curly - everything you do and say goes through Stone Cold so long it happens on Monday Night RAW. Theodore Long: Jazz is getting the title shot, Steve. I ain't budging on it, period! Even if it means you.... unprovokingly hit a black man on national television. Austin lets off a slight chuckle and runs his hand down his chin, slightly stroking his beard. Steve Austin: Well if ya' would just listen to what I have to say, ya' mealy mouthed sunovabitch, maybe we could start getting somewhere. You want Jazz to get a title shot at Royal Rumble against Molly Holly? You got it. Theodore's expression lights up as Molly purses her lips with a look of determination. Jazz nods with a slight smirk on her face, still sprawled out on the couch. Theodore Long: Thank you for understanding, Steve. Perhaps we can work together a little bit more closely going forward if we can come to great decisions such as this one! Steve Austin: What? Did I say I was done? You see fit for Jazz to get a women's championship shot, that's fine. But there's two women who just beat the women's champion just a mere 5 minutes ago and their names are Lita and Trish Stratus. Jazz jolts up from the couch, grimacing towards the Sheriff of RAW. Steve Austin: You want Jazz to get a title shot? What? Well Stone Cold says those two ladies will get one too. So at the Royal Rumble, Molly Holly will defend her WWE Women's Championship against Jazz. And Lita. And Trish Stratus. In a fatal four way match! And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so! Molly and Jazz immediately begin protesting to a speechless Long as Austin quickly leaves the office. Back to ringside. JR: By God, what a big match scheduled for the Royal Rumble - four of the biggest divas taking each other on for the title! King: What a big PPV it's shaping up to be, we'll have the Royal Rumble match... and the Puppy Bowl! We fade back to the dressing room of Chris Jericho, who has just finished getting suited up for his match coming up next. One single knock is heard and the door comes flying open before Jericho can answer. In walks Jericho's on-and-off best friend, who is looking quite upset after being stiffed by Jericho last week. Christian: What the hell was that last week, Chris? Huh? I get everything set up for us to be in the Royal Rumble together and you stiff me for.... for a girl? That wasn't even there?! Chris Jericho: Man, I'm sorry. I screwed up last week, I will admit that. You're totally right, I should have been out there. Christian: I can't believe I'm not in the Rumble! This was supposed to be my time, Chris! Chris Jericho: I'm never, e-e-e-EVEEEEER going to do that again. I'm over her, Christian. We're done. You know that she didn't even CALL me after what happened last week? Christian: Yeah well you should have learned that a long time ago. Maybe if you took priority in our friendship, things would be different. Chris Jericho: Let's make up for it tonight. Look, I'm taking on that ASSCLOWN Garrison Cade next up. You're not in a match tonight, suit up. Take on Jindrak and Cade. Let's give Memphis a dose of VITAMIN-C-uh! Christian simply puts his hands up on his hips and shakes his head. Christian: You got yourself into this mess with Cade and Jindrak. I have my own problems. You're on your own, friend. Back to ringside. JR: This relationship between Jericho and Christian just gets twistier by the week, King. King: And I can't say I blame Christian! JR: Chris Jericho certainly hurt Christian's feelings by allowing his own romantic pursuits get in the way of their friendship. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Jericho went into this one with revenge on his mind, remembering the prank that Cade and Jindrak did last week to break Y2J's heart. Jericho's loss of focus between that and his prior conversation with Christian caused him to make lots of silly offensive mistakes to allow the rookie Cade to stay in relatively close contention with Jericho. Cade's partner Mark Jindrak being ringside and constantly involving himself did not help either with the young duo getting quite good at learning to distract and cheat during their tag team matches. Ultimately, experience won out and despite the slow start, Jericho was able to pick up his offense, neutralize Jindrak and finish Cade off with a Walls of Jericho to cause him to slap the mat in submission. Winner: Chris Jericho @ 11:14 (68) </div> ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TXFZcC7x5e8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Back from commercial, we find Booker T at the interview set with Terri. Booker T is in his gear, ready to go in what should be a brutal match later on with Kane. Terri: Booker T, tonight you have a match against a man who scares just about everyone in the RAW locker room, Kane. How nervous are you going into this match? Booker T: Nervous!? I tell it to you like this, Terri, Booker T ain't ever nervous. Punk asses like Kane thinking they can show up the Bookerman cause they big and bad? I'm gonna be like Shane Battier and bat that shee down! Kane don't scare me and tonight I'm going to show him why I'm the 5 TIME 5 TIME 5 TIME 5 TIME 5 TIME WCW Heavyweight Champion, now CAN YOU DIG THAT? The crowd sings along with "SUCKAAAA" but Booker T's expression freezes over. Theodore Long stumbles onto the set and gets up close with Booker T. Terri puts her microphone towards the interim General Manager of RAW. Theodore Long: Booker T, my man. You know, I sure hope you as a black man are paying attention to the revolution that is here on RAW. And I sure hope you also know that you are always welcome to join us. Now can you dig THAT, playa? Long continues on his way as Booker T contemplates his thoughts silently. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> On paper, this looked like a match that should have been a slam dunk for Batista. Batista is part of the most powerful stable on RAW, is much stronger, oozes the factor of being a star player in the future. Spike Dudley, on the other hand, is and forever will be an underdog with a heart. The "Fearless Featherweight" as he has begun to be called by JR. Batista dominated this one from beginning to end. Spike got some ducks and reversals in, but Batista kept total control by completely outmatching Spike Dudley in everything he did. That certainly didn't spell out how this one would end, however. Batista came into this match hot and in a mood, wanting revenge for Spike sticking his nose in Batista and Ric Flair's business last week. And while Batista kept control, he could not actually put Spike Dudley away. Spike would kick out of everything Batista gave him and would continually slip away from Batista Bomb attempts. Batista would eventually lose his temper entirely and while pummeling Spike in the corner and Chad Patton giving him plenty of time to break the hold, Batista is disqualified. Winner: Spike Dudley @ 6:10 (63) </div> King: I can't believe it! That idiot referee! JR: Referee Chad Patton not taking any nonsense from Evolution here tonight, disqualifying "The Animal" Batista and... I don't like where this is going, King. Now joined by his tag team partner, Ric Flair, Evolution begins laying an absolute beating on Little Spike Dudley. Mocking the team that is currently in a wild feud with them, Batista slightly pushes Flair and extends both arms. Batista: GET THE DAMN TABLES! Flair lets off a giant woo as he climbs out of the ring and grabs one wooden table from under the ring. After he slides it in, Batista begins assembling it in the ring as a groggy Spike Dudley attempts to lift himself up on the ropes. For good measure, Flair begins laying the chops to Spike while his chest is exposed. As much as the crowd hates this beat down, they can't help but woo along with the chops. With the table in place, Batista places Spike Dudley in position for what should be a monster of a Batista Bomb. Here come those damn Dudleyz! Opposite to how last week turned out, the Dudley clear house in the ring, first targeting Batista and then taking out the isolated Ric Flair with a 3D right through the table. With Flair laid out, the bitter Batista, no longer in the Rumble match, retreats back up the ramp with a rotten look on his face. JR: Well I can't help but imagine this put "The Game" in a sour mood here tonight, Batista will not be in the Royal Rumble match. King: I still can't believe that referee would disqualify Batista like that! You sure he isn't an undercover Dudley?! JR: I somehow disbelieve that notion there, King. We cut back to Theodore Long in his temporary office. Expecting the camera, Long sits front-and-center with his arms folded up on top of the player. Theodore Long: After what we just saw here a few moments ago, I think it's safe to say we have an official problem with our officials, ya' feel me? Seems to me we can't trust our referees to make the right call. And when we step in, much like my partner Eric Bischoff, we are vilified by the WWE fans. Well let me say this - no more, playa'. Theodore Long removes his glasses and then unbuttons his tan suit. Underneath reveals an entirely different attire. Theodore Long sits before us in his referee gear. Theodore Long: Now if you think I'm going to chance the most important member of our revolution being unfairly costed the chance to headline a major PPV, that ain't gonna happen. Ba'lee that. So I will take matters into my own hands. Tonight, Mark Henry and Shawn Michaels will be officiated.... by me! JR: I have a bad feeling about this, King. Teddy Long is back in the stripes to referee for his own client? King: Hey, Theodore Long was a referee here for years! Why couldn't we trust him? JR: The Teddy Long we knew back then and the Theodore Long we know now are two completely changed men, King. I don't know what sparked the change, but I certainly wouldn't trust Long with the decision of crowning a winner in this main event match. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-TGN55u9Ok" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X27SSywhqI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> JR: By god, and we're back at the FedExForum in Memphis and here comes the sick, twisted, deranged monster that is Kane. King: I'm not so sure this match with Booker T is going to be a technical classic, now is it JR? JR: Heck no it's not, King. This isn't going to be a wrestling match. This is going to be a fight. A fight between two men. But now wait a minute. Though Kane is coming out for his match, he does have a microphone in his hand. As he stands on the stage, the lights remain dim with a red spotlight directly on top of the Big Red Machine. Kane: Year after year you see me enter the Royal Rumble match and dominate it. Every single year I toss out insect after insect after insect only to make a stupid mistake and.... and I get nothing. AND THIS ANGERS ME! BECAUSE I SHOULD HAVE WON THE ROYAL RUMBLE EVERY YEAR I WAS IN IT! Last year.... I trusted someone. I trusted.... my own brother The Undertaker. And for that split second of trust, I was betrayed and thrown out WHEN I SHOULD HAVE WON! And because of The Undertaker.... I GOT NOTHING! Not only did I not get a title shot at WrestleMania.... I WASN'T EVEN ON THE SHOW! Kane grits his teeth and paces back and forth, trying to calm his nerves a touch before continuing this angry speech. Kane: Booker T.... Booker T took MY title shot. WrestleMania 19 was all about Booker T vs. Triple H. THAT WAS MY TITLE SHOT! That was MY WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT! And it was STOLEN from me. And from that point forward... you took my dignity. You took my self worth. YOU TOOK MY IDENTITY! AND NOW I'M FACED WITH THIS! Kane scrunches his face up as he points to it, still disgusted by himself. Kane: The Undertaker is gone for good. I BURIED HIM! I KILLED HIM! AND HE'S NEVER COMING BACK! And now you, Booker T.... you are next. You will PAY for robbing me of what should have been mine. THIS IS A MESSAGE! Booker T is an EXAMPLE of WHAT IS TO COME! AND THAT IS THAT I WILL ENTER THE ROYAL RUMBLE.... AND THIS TIME I AM NOT LOSING! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Jim Ross was absolutely right. This was not a technical masterclass. This was a brawl between two men who each have their own personal issues with each other. While Kane has revealed why he has chosen to attack Booker T, the 5-time WCW Champion is not one to back down or let an attack go unanswered. Though closely contested with Booker T's added dose of adrenaline, Kane was able to take control of this one, using his power and size advantage to keep Booker at bay. Booker, taking advantage of the no disqualification rules, uses weapons to his advantage to try to match Kane's power. This match goes longer than anyone may have expected. Booker T is a great wrestler, but Kane's been nearly unbeatable since unmasking over the summer. And Kane looked like he was on the verge of sending this one home. After a top rope clothesline that Booker T kicked out of, a frustrated Kane stalked Booker T once more for another chokeslam straight to hell. Booker T gets up and Kane puts on the goozle. But suddenly.... darkness. <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WM3U0FfOFmg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Every fan in the arena rises to their feet as that familiar gong sound, not heard in a very long time, echos throughout the arena. Kane, knowing what that gong means, drops Booker T and stares at the stage. Kane begins screaming for someone that isn't there, no longer focused on the match at all. Giving Booker T time to recover, Booker flips Kane around and hits a toe kick before hitting his patented Scissor Kick. The monster Kane simply falls to one knee despite Booker's powerful legs nearly decapitating him. Not missing a beat, Booker launches against the ropes once more and hits ANOTHER scissor kick to knock the big man down on his back. Booker T covers and this one is over! Winner: Booker T @ 12:49 (78) </div> King: Wah! Is it really him, JR?! Is he here?! JR: Well that gong definitely eludes the presence of Kane's brother The Undertaker, but I think some serious mind games are being played on the Big Red Machine here, King. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BE7TvJsV6wQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Mick Foley. In 1998, he became a hardcore legend. In 1999, he became a WWE champion. In 2000, he became a WrestleMania main eventer. And in 2003, for this hardcore legend, he became.... a coward. A coward too afraid to face a true legend. The new hardcore legend. Randy Orton! Randy Orton. A true legend of our time. This message was paid for by the friends and supporters of Randy Orton. The screen cuts back to Randy Orton standing out in the parking lot, looking at his expensive gold-plated watch. Randy Orton: Hey Mick... time's running out. Orton simply gives a smug smirk to the camera and winks. We cut away elsewhere. We now find ourselves to the interview set featuring The Hurricane along with his S.H.I.T., Rosey. Terri: Hurricane, you requested time with us today to discuss your plans going into the Royal Rumble. Now last week, the two of you lost a qualification match, so how exactly-- Hurricane holds his hand up to Terri's face, signifying silence. Terri silently motions the mic towards the masked crusader. The Hurricane: Terri.... FEAR NOT! For I have reviewed the tape. And Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade did, without a shadow of a doubt, cheat! And this GREAT injustice, my Hurri-friends, will be resolved! Terri: Uh.... well, how do you plan on doing that exactly? The Hurricane: Hm! Yes! What a pressing question! You know, I saw a fine, young reporter named Gregory Helms recently.... and I know he has all the answers to your questions. Let me see if I can... procure him. Whooooooooooooosh*THUNK* The Hurricane's leap off screen doesn't exactly go as planned as we very audibly hear him bump right into someone else. It is none other than Kane who looks to be in an even sourer mood than he was before. Grabbing Hurricane by the neck, Kane rams the super hero into the back of the interview set. Rosey tries to get involved but gets booted in the face for his trouble. Kane: IS HE ALIVE OR DEAD? IS HE ALIVE OR DEAD? IS HE ALIVE OR DEAD? IS HE ALIVE OR DEAD? Kane keeps repeating the same line, trapping Hurricane's air tunnel so he can't even respond to the nonsense Kane is spouting. Kane: I KILLED HIM! WHO IS PLAYING GAMES WITH ME? WHO IS.... MAKING FUN OF MEEEEEEEEEEEE? ARRRRGH! Kane lifts Hurricane up by the throat and throws him right into the set. Rosey begins getting back up to his feet and is throat thrusted right back down to the ground. Kane kicks the interview set over entirely and storms off. JR: Good God, King. Kane is a disturbed individual at it is but this Undertaker business has got him crazier than a pet coon. King: Wah! Someone needs to stop that lunatic! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/hrXn8YGnqa0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> King: Hey! JR: Well Christian is not scheduled for a match here tonight but... he sure looks like he's dressed to compete here. And after rejecting a tag team match with Chris Jericho earlier, I have to wonder what he's planning. Christian indeed is out of his dress clothes that he was in earlier when talking to Chris Jericho and in his wrestling tights. In the ring, Christian grabs a mic to explain his reasoning for being out here. Christian: Listen up, my peeps! Last week I was screwed out of my chance to be in the Royal Rumble match! Well let me tell you this, I am not accepting fate that easy! 2004 was to be the birth of Captain Charisma, your hero and future headliner! And to get that party started, I was to win the Royal Rumble match and for the first time in my career, challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship. But.... that is no longer happening because my.... FRIEND.... stabbed me in the back! Some small "Y2J" chants start to pop up as Christian paces around in the ring, trying to keep himself from rambling about Chris Jericho, as much as he wants to. JR: Stabbed in the back? Christian lost to Rob Van Dam fair and square last week. King: Sure, but couldn't Jericho at least offer support? Christian: Theodore Long, I hope you're listening because right here, right now, you have a chance to make it right with me and with my peeps. Give me another shot at getting into the Rumble! After a short pause, Theodore Long, still in his referee gear, pops up onto the titantron. Theodore Long: Christian! I hear ya, playa'. I know how gut wrenching the feeling of not being able to compete in the coveted Royal Rumble match must feel. And if you know anything about me, you know that I am all about second chances. You feel me? So I will give you another chance to get into the Royal Rumble.... against another man who is not in the Royal Rumble. Right now. Holla, holla, holla! The titantron switches off. Christian's face stretches out into a grin as he prepares himself in the ring. King: You see that, JR?! A second chance, right now! JR: But who is it going to be?! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/vd57hj4T4kM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> JR: By God! It isn't! King: Waaaah! JR: Goldberg, King! Goldberg is back on RAW! Indeed it is, returning from suspension is Goldberg, a man that everyone else seemingly forgot. Fresh off losing his World Heavyweight Championship, Goldberg marches out into the ring. Christian is as white as a ghost. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> This one was never going to go any other way. Goldberg's return to Monday Night RAW sent the unsuspecting fans into a frenzy as Christian's peeps were quickly drowned out by the Goldberg chants. Christian himself was similarly dazed, having relied on most of RAW's top stars already being in the Rumble before issuing this challenge. Christian made the fatal mistake of forgetting the former World Heavyweight Champion, however. This one didn't last very long. Christian is definitely a much more formidable opponent than most of Bill Goldberg's victims. But despite Christian doing everything he can to stay on top, nothing was derailing Goldberg's return here in Memphis. Not before too long did a spear send Christian's boots nearly flying into the crowd, followed up by a Jackhammer to put Christian down for good. Winner: Goldberg @ 4:10 (63) </div> ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qotvriq9X4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyqMxeijLWI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The Memphis fans immediatly go into boos as the boisterous Frenchman and his turncoat friend, Rene Dupree and Rob Conway, make their way to the ring proudly waving a much different red, white and blue flag that the fans are use to. JR: Welcome back to RAW and folks, La Resistance is coming out here and once again.... they are not scheduled to compete here tonight! King: What is with these idiots? By now, Dupree and Conway have made themselves at home in the ring. Propping their flags into the corners of the ring, Rob Conway grabs the stick. Rob Conway: You know, since I've joined the force with my good friend Rene here, I've been called a lot of filthy names. But when I visit towns like Memphis, Tennessee.... it sure helps remind me why I sympathize with the French! King: Hey come on now. Rene Dupree: Wis so good to be here in this.... tas d'ordures! And we've come out here tonight.... to talk about ze Royal Rumble. Tu vois, it is an opportunity for you Americans to see what makes being French such a blessing. Cardiovascular, oui! Pure strength.... oui oui! Rene flexes a muscle. Rene Dupree: I am indeed a perfect fit to win ze Royal Rumble match, aha! But my friend here, Rob Conway... he does not have the "French" advantage. But living life just like me, he still come to show you Americans all why living the French way of life will bring you many success. La célébrité! Rob Conway: This is an open challenge to anyone to come take me on! If you haven't qualified for the Royal Rumble yet.... Rene Dupree: N'ayez pas peur! Rob Conway: N'ayez pas peur! King: Hey! Although we're use to hearing King's voice throughout the night, it's quite obvious this time his voice is coming through a microphone and not a headset. The Frenchman and his sympathizer turn towards the announcer's table up on the stage. Jerry Lawler is standing tall with a microphone in his hand. King: Now if you two jerks want to come out here and make a statement, that's fine! But if you're going to come into MY hometown of Memphis, Tennessee and talk crap about it.... well, I have a problem with that! Rene Dupree: Oh, excusez-moi! I had almost forgotten, it is Jerry "Ze King" Lawler of Memphis! And what better way than to demonstrate how classless Memphis is with a pervy, slimy, aging, passé son apogée representing you all! Rob Conway: You can sit right back down and stay put, Lawler! I made an open challenge for the Royal Rumble, grandpa. Unless.... Conway rubs his hands in anticipation. Lawler takes his headset off and throws it back onto the table. King: I ACCEPT your challenge! The fans go into a frenzy over their hometown hero stepping into the ring, loudly chanting "USA" and "Jerry" to the chagrin of La Resistance. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> In this impromptu Rumble qualifier match, Conway entered it quite confident that the aging Lawler would be made to be embarrassed in front of his home crowd. But if you know anything about Jerry Lawler wrestling in front of Memphis, Tennessee, you should definitely know better than that! Despite Conway definitely being more spry, Lawler wrestled just like he does every weekend for his own wrestling show and taught Conway a lesson in disrespecting Memphis. After top rope fistbump followed by a piledriver, Jerry Lawler has unexpectedly qualified for the Royal Rumble! Winner: Jerry Lawler @ 5:31 (81) </div> As Lawler celebrates with his hometown, cameras cut to the office of Theodore Long. Still in his referee shirt, Long is getting ready to head to the ring for the main event of the evening. In a great mood and ready to "call it down the middle" Long whistles as he opens the door to his office to head out. But he is greeted by someone standing right outside. With his Intercontinental Championship draped over his shoulder, Randy Orton stands confidently. He lifts up his wrist and points at his watch. Randy Orton: Well Theodore... I think it's safe to say that a title defense is not happening tonight, wouldn't you say so? Theodore Long: Sure. I ba'lee that. You know, Randy, you're right. Mick Foley really IS a coward! The fans in Memphis boo quite loudly, the glimmer of hope that Foley would show all but lost at this point. Randy Orton: It's what I've been saying all the long, Theodore. I know you're about to head out for the main event but I do have a proposition. Theodore Long: Well make it quick and I'll certainly consider it, playa'. Randy Orton: Well seeing as how I was ready to go and compete tonight and my opponent didn't show... put me in the Royal Rumble. I never was able to get get a qualification match because of this inconvenience. Theodore Long: You want in the Rumble? Alright, playa', I can do that. You're in! I gotta go. Holla, holla, holla! Theodore hustles off to officiate the main event. Orton smirks into the camera and the fans being heavily cheering.... but not for Orton. Rob Van Dam appears in the background behind Randy. As Orton turns around, he's met face-to-face with the man he beat for the title last month. Randy Orton: What the hell do you want? Rob Van Dam: Hey man, I just wanted to congratulate you on qualifying for the Royal Rumble. You worked hard for it! And I can recognize hard work when I see it, dude. RVD shoots up a sarcastic thumbs up, Orton swats his hand away. Randy Orton: Recognize this, RVD. Orton points to his championship. RVD simply nods with a smile. Rob Van Dam: Yeaaaah, I see that. And you know what, Randy? I never did get my rematch, now did I? Randy Orton: Who says you deserve it? Rob Van Dam: Well as a matter of fact, dude, I just got done talking to the Sheriff himself. And he told me that next week on RAW we're going to see an Intercontinental title defense. A real one, this time! Randy Orton vs.... Rob Van Dam sticks his thumbs up and points towards himself, singing along with the crowd. Rob Van Dam: Rob! Van! Dam! JR: What a slobberknocker that's going to be for next week, an Armageddon rematch between Rob Van Dam and Randy Orton! King, you doing alright? King, huffy and puffy from his match earlier, finally gets back to the booth and throws his headset back on. King: Alright?! I'm going to the Royal Rumble, JR! Can you believe it? I'm going to main event WrestleMania! JR: Well your confidence is certainly endearing, King. <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> The evolution of Mark Henry has been an interesting story and his recent alliance with Theodore Long has rejuvenated the "World's Strongest Man", who now headlines a RAW against Mr. PPV himself. Shawn Michaels is obviously a man on a mission today, yearning for his title rematch with Triple H that he still feels was wrongly contested. Still, Henry is able to stay in this one at a competitive level, showing off his pure power and strength by throwing Michaels around and not allowing many moves to knock him off his feet. Despite his allegiances, Theodore Long stays right down the middle to the shock of just about everyone in Memphis. That is, until a Sweet Chin Music heard around the world knocks Henry flat on his back. As Michaels covers, Long counts the two but hesitates on the 3. HBK springs up to his feet and grabs Long by the collar, threatening him. Long raises his arm up... and the bell rings! Winner: Mark Henry @ 13:01 (81) </div> JR: No! Dammit, no! King: Hey this is the same thing that happened to Batista earlier tonight, JR! This is as fair as fair gets, he is putting his hands on an official! JR: Michaels had the pin, King! He had Henry down for the count, Theodore Long refused to count it! This is not right! Shawn Michaels has been screwed out of a title match! Shawn Michaels is frozen in the ring as the Thuggin and Buggin theme booms through the stunned looking crowd. Theodore Long picks up a microphone. Theodore Long: And your winner.... by disqualification.... and getting a World's Heavyweight Championship shot at the Royal Rumble.... MARK HEN-- <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/72bKF8iUkqY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> JR: BY GOD IT'S AUSTIN! AUSTIN IS HERE! STONE COLD! The Sheriff of RAW is here and by god, hell is about to be raised! King: Wah! He can't change what happened can he?! <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/NiXS0Ot5xMM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The sound of Austin's ATV nearly drowns out the loud roaring crowd as Austin comes spinning down the ring, making two laps around the ring before parking right dead center at the bottom of the ramp. Austin steps up on top of his ATV and gets right into the ring. Theodore Long: Now hold on just a minute, playa'! I'm an officially licensed referee and I made the right call, you cannot put your hands on---OOOO! Toe kick and STUNNER! Long is laid out. After getting down low and talking trash in his face, Austin grabs the mic that Long had dropped on the ground. Steve Austin: I'm going to make this fast. If you think Theodore Long's ruling was a load of crap, give me a hell yeah! The crowd immediately agrees with Austin, shouting it right back to him. Steve Austin: So if you think we're going to end RAW with yet another screwjob by another screwy, crooked ref, EH EH! I'd ask Theodore Long's opinion on the matter but on account of the fact that he's face down in a pile of his own drool, I'll see to it myself that this match is restarted effective immediately and Sheriff Austin will referee. And that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so! <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FF0000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Henry had just barely recovered from the prior Sweet Chin during the commotion and just as the bell rings, Henry attempts to blindside Michaels from behind. Michaels is able to avoid it and hits yet another Sweet Chin square in the jaw. Henry is laid out once again and Michaels goes for the quick cover! Austin counts the three and this one is over! Winner: Shawn Michaels @ 00:31 (81) </div> JR: Shawn Michaels is going to get his rematch, King! Less than two weeks from today, Triple H and Shawn Michaels... BY GOD! King: That ain't right, JR! Stone Cold can just come here and do whatever he wants?! Austin promptly jumps on his ATV and rides away into the sunset as HBK celebrates in the ring, pointing at a Royal Rumble sign up in the stands. His celebration, however, is short lived. Triple H, who we have not seen all night, jumps in the ring from behind with his sledgehammer in possession. JR: By god, that damn sledgehammer, no! Just as Michaels turns around to unexpectedly face Triple H, the sledgehammer is driven right into the sternum of HBK. Michaels drops like a sack of potatoes and before he can blink again, Hunter grabs the head with his palm and drives it down into the forehead of Michaels. In a bloody mess, Michaels lays sprawled out onto the ground. Triple H, mic in hand now, kneels down next to Michaels' body. Triple H: Shawn, I know you're probably hard of hearing right now with all that blood leaking into your ear drums.... but you listen to this. Our match at the Royal Rumble.... will be a last man standing match. Triple H throws the mic down into Michaels' gut, causing him to flinch one final time as "The Game" exits the ring and heads up the stage, flashing his World Heavyweight Championship for all to see. JR: An absolutely brutal attack from Triple H and what a development for the Royal Rumble. But whatever events precede it, we know that Shawn Michaels will get his day with Triple H! For The King, we'll see you next week folks! Quick Results: Trish Stratus & Lita def. Molly Holly & Jazz Chris Jericho def. Garrison Cade Spike Dudley def. Batista Booker T def. Kane Goldberg def. Christian Jerry Lawler def. Rob Conway Shawn Michaels def. Mark Henry (OVR: 82) ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Last Man Standing Match Triple H © vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly WWE Women's Championship Molly Holly © vs. Trish Stratus vs. Jazz vs. Lita The Royal Rumble Match RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Test, Matt Hardy, Kane, Spike Dudley, Goldberg, Randy Orton, Jerry Lawler SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Farooq, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Matt Morgan, Rhyno

<p>Royal Rumble Qualifier:</p><p> The Brooklyn Brawler Vs. <strong>Shane Douglas</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> If Virgil wins, he earns a spot in the Royal Rumble match:</p><p> Virgil Vs. <strong>The Texas Tornado</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> "Canadian Strongman" Dino Bravo and "The Natural Disaster" Earthquake Vs. <strong>Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and A Partner Of His Choosing!</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>"Macho King" Randy Savage</strong> Vs. Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> If Jim Duggan wins, he earns a spot in the Royal Rumble match:</p><p> <strong>"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan</strong> Vs. "Iraqi Turncoat" Sgt. Slaughter</p>

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW January 12th 2004 RAW comes to you live in Memphis, Tennessee - home of Elvis Presley and Jerry "The King" Lawler! We are two weeks away from the Royal Rumble and tensions are still quite high after "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was named sheriff of RAW two weeks ago. Eric Bischoff took a "vacation" day last week, leaving RAW with Jonathan Coachman in charge. We will see the return of Bischoff tonight? And if so, will he be able to coincide with "The Sheriff"? Last Monday on RAW, Molly Holly declared that we will never see a bikini contest, mud wrestling match or anyone prancing around in their bra and panties as long as she's around. After an attack on Miss Jackie and Stacy Keibler, Trish Stratus attempted to save the defenseless divas from the WWE Women's Champion, only to be attacked herself by Jazz of Thuggin' and Buggin' Enterprises. Trish will team up with fellow pioneer Lita to take on Molly Holly and Jazz in tag action. Chris Jericho will take on Garrison Cade in a singles match. Last week we saw Jericho stiff his friend Christian by visiting a locker room he thought belonged to Trish Stratus. After professing his feelings, it was found to be a ruse by the two young rookies, Cade and Jindrak. Jericho looks to get his revenge on at least one of the pranksters. In a Royal Rumble qualifier, Spike Dudley will take on Batista. Little Spike Dudley made his return last week by defeating Rene Dupree with a quick pinfall but found himself laid out, along with his brothers, by Evolution. Spike would later involve himself in the main event, sneak attacking Batista with a chair and Dudley Dog onto the steps! Spike has overcome some big challenges, but this may be one of his biggest yet as Evolution's powerhouse looks to make quick work of the little Dudley brother. Booker T wil take on Kane in singles action. Two weeks ago, Kane - seemingly at random - attacked Booker T in the middle of a match. Will Kane explain his actions? And can Booker T stop the "Big Red Monster"? In the main event, Shawn Michaels takes on Mark Henry of Thuggin' and Buggin' Enterprises for the chance to take on Triple H at the Royal Rumble. Mark Henry, for a second, was able to secure himself a title shot with Interim General Manager of RAW Jonathan Coachman, but Sheriff Austin saw to it that Mark Henry compete for the chance rather than be given it. And with the circumstances of Shawn Michaels' last loss to Triple H, Austin believes that HBK is deserving a second chance. Quick Card: Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Molly Holly & Jazz Chris Jericho vs. Garrison Cade Booker T vs. Kane ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Spike Dudley vs. Batista #1 CONTENDER'S MATCH: Shawn Michaels vs. Mark Henry

All the time. Sometimes almost solely on bio and pic because it helps me think of a good storyline for them, unless their stats are really bad.

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1kiBKI_pWo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> VELOCITY January 10th 2004 ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER Matt Morgan def. Funaki NON-TITLE The Basham Brothers def. Afa Jr. & Karl Anderson Tajiri def. Paul London ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER Rhyno def. Rikishi <iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pTz_gr099D4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT January 11th 2004 Dark Match: Jacqueline def. Lucious Stevens Mark Henry def. Johnny Spade MIXED TAG TEAM Stevie Richards & Victoria def. Rico & Miss Jackie ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER Test def. Val Venis ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER Matt Hardy def. Maven ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Triple H © vs. Mark Henry OR Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly The Royal Rumble Match (14 Confirmed Entrants) RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Test, Matt Hardy SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Farooq, Chris Benoit, John Cena, Matt Morgan, Rhyno

Hey dude, this is great. I just started a dynasty using this mod and I've given you a few shout outs in there already, but I wanted to officially say thanks in this thread. 2004 is such a nostalgic time for me as an extreme warfare fan as this was the time period where I started getting into these wonderful games Adam made for us. And as a whole, really evolved my interest in wrestling to another level. It's awesome being able to relive these times again with this. And oddly enough, I have never played a 2004 mod in a TEW game since it was a RaveX current day update. To be honest, I'm not finding a whole lot wrong. I'm only really paying attention to WWE in this mod and literally the only thing I could think of is maybe having Billy Gunn start injured but available for angles until the Rumble, which is when he officially returned. Also his arm health should probably be lowered a bit as he was facing a shoulder injury just about every year. But overall this seems pretty dead on. A big problem I always had with RL mods was overness being out of control with anyone on the WWE roster being way too popular. I think you nailed it here. It definitely makes SmackDown challenging to book since it's filled with nobodies... and rightfully so as that's pretty true to life for this time period.

<div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> WRESTLINGATTITUDE.COM TOP HEADLINES >[*]BREAKING: Ron Simmons breaks leg @ SmackDown tapings >[*]Pressure for WWE drug testing policy; More on death of Mike Anthony >[*]Dudley Boyz in Wrestler's Court?; Heat on Ric Flair and Bischoff >[*]Brock Lesnar contract update; Heyman/Rhyno; Is Sable still with Brock Lesnar? >[*]SPOILERS: Full SmackDown & Velocity taping results from 1/6! >[*]Ultimo Dragon's WWE status; Chavo Guerrero Sr; Who was backstage at SmackDown?! >[*]Heat on Goldberg; How did Goldberg react @ Armageddon?; Feud with Brock >[*]NWA:TNA star backstage at WWE; Playboy/WWE news, who is next to pose NUDE? >[*]BREAKING NEWS: NWA:TNA strikes deal with ESPN</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> BREAKING: Ron Simmons breaks leg @ SmackDown tapings Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/7/04 We've gotten several fan reports that Ron Simmons legitimately broke his leg after he landed on it poorly in a bit of a freak accident at the SmackDown tapings. The match between the APA and Kyo Dai finished earlier than planned with Bradshaw improvising to get Simmons assistance. An angle was played afterwards with the APA and Kyo Dai being attacked by Lesnar and his men but Farooq was left relatively untouched during the whole ordeal. Simmons ended up being stretched out as he could not stand, even with assistance from the staff. Ron Simmons has been testing the waters with retiring for the last few years, but wants to remain with the company as an agent. Nobody has promised Simmons a job as an agent post-retirement, thus why he continues to wrestle. With the extent of Simmons' injury, we're being told that he will not be kept on the road and will not be able to wrestle for at least six months either. Simmons will turn 46 in May. >>EXCLUSIVE: Gruesome FAN FOOTAGE of RON SIMMONS LEG SNAPPING. CLICK HERE! (18+)<<</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Dudley Boyz in Wrestler's Court?; Heat on Ric Flair and Bischoff Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/7/04 - As we reported last week, Ric Flair and Eric Bischoff have had a lot of heat recently and can barely stand to be in the same room with each other. Flair and Bischoff have never gotten along dating back to WCW and while they have mostly remained professional since Bischoff was brought in last year, things are starting to turn sour quick as Flair is said to be "turning the entire locker room against" Bischoff. Eric Bischoff has been working on a book throughout the year called "Controver$y Create$ Ca$h" and Bischoff has promised to not pull any punches in it, adding to his current backstage heat. This may explain why Bischoff was only on RAW for a few minutes last Monday. - Bubba Ray Dudley ended up in Wrestler's Court last Monday night. The Dudley Boyz usually travel together but because of some travel issues D-Von experienced flying into Connecticut, they traveled separately for this week. Bubba and Spike were told to rent a van and travel with La Resistance to save on rental costs. Bubba, the car captain, was over an hour late picking up La Resistance to head to the arena and upon arriving, Dupree immediately went to management to complain. We're not quite sure how the whole ordeal turned out, but it sounds like Bubba picked up a pretty big dinner bill that night and there's no heat on anyone at the end of it all. >>EXCLUSIVE: Eric Bischoff FIRED! NEW RAW General Manager to be made this Monday. YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHO IT IS! CLICK HERE!<<</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Pressure for WWE drug testing policy; Failed test?!; More on death of Mike Anthony! Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/7/04 There's been a lot of pressure for WWE to install an official drug testing policy with the recent death rate in wrestling at an all time high. 2003 was a tragic year for wrestling as many WWE alumni passed away with the deaths of Crash Holly, Road Warrior Hawk, Miss Elizabeth and Curt Hennig. Two weeks ago saw the death of Mike Lozansky, who wrestled as Mike Anthony in ECW, WCW and WWE. Lozansky passed away in his sleep from a heart attack at the age of 35. Despite being relatively unknown, many news outlets have picked up the story due to his abnormally young age despite the fact that doctors say he had a pre-existing heart condition. WWE has maintained that it does drug testing but very few details about it have come to light and there's nothing official as far as disciplinary action goes. From what we understand going forward, WWE may be going with a "three strikes and you're out" method of testing. This is a significant story at the moment as sources say that a superstar at the SmackDown tapings failed a test. We'll definitely have more details on that as they come. >>EXCLUSIVE: MAJOR STAR busted for STEROIDS! Is it TRIPLE H? CLICK HERE!</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Brock Lesnar contract update; Heyman/Rhyno; Is Sable still with Brock Lesnar? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/7/04 There's a lot of speculation that Brock Lesnar will not re-sign with the WWE in March and one person that is pushing for Lesnar to stay is Paul Heyman. Heyman and Lesnar have been very close since before Lesnar debuted on RAW in 2002 and Heyman has been trying to form a "brotherhood" of sorts in the backstage to get Lesnar a feeling of companionship. One of Lesnar's biggest complaints has been his feeling of isolation. Rhyno and Lesnar have begun traveling together per Heyman's advice and the two have become good friends in recent weeks. Brock is still dating Sable. With his new friendship and steady relationship, Lesnar's heat is starting to simmer down and officials are hopeful they can reach a deal with Lesnar to stay with the company. >>EXCLUSIVE: Sable PUBLICLY breaks up with BROCK LESNAR. Tells ALL about the DETAILS of their PRIVATE LIFE! CLICK HERE! (18+)</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Ultimo Dragon's WWE status; Chavo Guerrero Sr; Who was backstage at SmackDown?! Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/7/04 - It appears Ultimo Dragon's stint with WWE will be over when his contract expires in five months. Dragon is a major international star however signed with the WWE with the intention of adding two accomplishments to his record: compete at Madison Square Garden and wrestle at WrestleMania. Mania just happens to be at the Garden this year, however Dragon's status for a match at Mania is unknown. There has been talks of doing a big multi-man match with the cruiserweight division to get as many guys on the card as possible, however with Rey Mysterio currently the champion the direction seems to be a singles program with proper buildup. Regardless, Dragon has made it clear that he wants to end his career in Japan and is not in WWE for the long haul. - Chavo Guerrero Sr, father of Chavo Jr and brother of Eddie Guerrero, was backstage at SmackDown. It seems he was just visiting. However, there has been rumors that Eddie and Chavo's family will be involved in their storyline on SmackDown. - "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan was also backstage at the SmackDown tapings and even competed in a dark match, booked practically on the fly. Duggan had been in town, working a show in Tacoma the night before. The 49-year-old just finished a small stint with NWA:TNA and still wrestles on the independent circuit quite actively. Duggan got a pretty decent response. >>EXCLUSIVE: MAJOR STAR also backstage at the SMACKDOWN TAPINGS! You'll NEVER guess who! CLICK HERE!</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> Heat on Goldberg; How did Goldberg react @ Armageddon?; Feud with Brock? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/6/04 Nobody is quite sure what is going on with Goldberg. We've reported several times that Goldberg has been unhappy with the direction of his character. We reported that after his match with Kane and Triple H at Armageddon, Goldberg had flipped a table near the gorilla position. He was left off of this past week's RAW entirely and plans for where he'll go heading into WrestleMania are unknown. We do know that over the summer, there was a push to put Goldberg into a program with Brock Lesnar, who had a similar fast rise and streak. From what we understand, that was the plan as of a few weeks ago however recent concerns over both men's attitudes has seemed to nix those plans. >>EXCLUSIVE: Goldberg: "I QUIT!" SIGNS WITH NWA:TNA! WHO'S NEXT? (CLICK HERE!)</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> NWA:TNA star backstage at WWE; Playboy/WWE news, who is next to pose NUDE? Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/6/04 - Ronnie Stevens wrestled a dark match on RAW against Jacqueline. You may remember her as Simply Lucious from NWA:TNA, who was involved in a storyline of wanting to fight men over this last summer. Stevens has been very actively attempting to get a job with WWE or Japan, rejecting a two year contract with TNA. Stevens is also notable for being the only female graduate out of Shawn Michaels' wrestling academy. - Playboy and WWE are still trying to come to terms with their next photoshoot. Since 2000, Playboy has been pursuing Trish Stratus and Lita to pose for the magazine but both have rejected them countless times. In recent years, Stacy Keibler has also been pursued but she, as well, has rejected. >>EXCLUSIVE: TRISH STRATUS to pose NUDE for PLAYBOY. See the SNEAK PEEK! (18+)(HOT!)</div> <div style="padding: 5px; border: 4px solid #FF0000; margin:10px;background: #000000; max-width:670px;box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19); background-image:url();background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:contain;"> BREAKING NEWS: NWA:TNA strikes deal with ESPN Posted by Ryan Clark on 1/3/04 In incredibly surprising news, TNA has struck a deal with ESPN to air iMPACT!. We have very few details on this as it stands nor do we know if this will be a continuous relationship or is just a one off event. Though ESPN had a friendly relationship with wrestling many years ago, it has since distanced itself from wrestling altogether. With the large audience ESPN has, this could open up the floodgates for a new Monday Night Wars. >>EXCLUSIVE: HULK HOGAN signs with TNA! Set to debut on first ESPN network show. WOW! CLICK HERE!</div> Notes from the editor: I really enjoyed writing those last two shows! I'm trying to keep the experience extremely authentic to the time period. I watched about a month's worth of product until the 2004 Rumble to get a good idea of everything and, for the most part, both shows are pretty close to the actual RAW and SmackDown's that aired the first week of January (disregarding the New Year's SmackDown since TEW can't into calenders). MrVillain did a fantastic job setting the tone in this mod, I especially enjoyed the recap at the start. And I'm very much looking forward to putting my own spin on the current storylines before branching into my own storylines. I have to say, 2004 is such a weird time in wrestling. Slim Jim, old friend, I hope you're watching! Since I randomly remembered it when preparing this one, I actually dug up an ANCIENT relic which is our duel dynasty from this same exact time period while we were LIVING in it using Total Extreme Wrestling 2004. Man did giving that a read (as much of my preteen internet history does) make me wince. I demoted The Undertaker to a trainer, put Josh Matthews in OVW and pushed Nunzio to the damn moon. Well... one of those things are probably still gonna happen in this one! Thanks for the VERY kind words Munit. And thank you for the predictions Hollywood. And thank you to anyone who has given this look, even if you are silently reading, I hope you're enjoying it. There's some GREAT dynasties going on in this forum right now so if I have even minimal attention from anyone with some of these amazing stories being told, it's pretty cool. Couple of fun notes: - No, I did not plan on Farooq getting hurt and he DID legitimately break his leg.... thank goodness it was him and NOT Bradshaw. I suppose that worked out shockingly well! As you can tell from the intro, I'm trying to put a lot of focus on the folks that were called out during Vince's speech, following what they can take away from it throughout their career a year later. This doesn't necessarily mean all of them or any of them are going to get pushed per se, but they will all have a role in this dynasty so long they don't get themselves fired or killed. I won't necessarily reveal what I had planned for APA and how Bradshaw was to eventually break away but... to be quite honest, I'm kind of relieved I no longer have to. - I'm tickled at the best matches from both shows. Steiner and Booker T in a throwaway match on RAW. And Chris Benoit literally squashing Ernest Miller in two minutes. I guess with Benoit's stats, he could pull a B+ with a wet paper bag, but alas, still amusing. I definitely fudged SmackDown's main event though by making Angle and Guerrero a technical masterclass. Being a PSW guy in the Cornellverse, I never used that road agent note. And didn't realize a main event masterclass match would kill the score. I'm curious how they would have fared without it. - Serious question while it's fresh on my mind... how exactly did they film Heat and Velocity? And by that, I mean with commentary and storyline follow up. RAW filmed Heat then Heat aired on Sunday, but throughout the show they're talking about stuff that happened on RAW and sometimes had angles pertaining to RAW, before it happened on RAW. That always confused me. Did they just get notes of what was going to happen and talk about them throughout? I know, shocking, wrestling's fake. But still seems like a bit of a clunky set up. It's really throwing me off on how to book Heat and Velocity due to continuity issues of stuff happening before RAW is filmed, but this being shown on TV after RAW.

I was, but I lurked it for data packs and tech support mainly. I used another forum to discuss TEW 2004 when it was released since we already had an EWR forum that had a decently active dynasty/diary community... then for some reason transitioned into the site's e-fed forum.

<iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6l5E9o6wkY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> THURSDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN Spokane Memorial Arena - Spokane, WA 9,311 fans The show starts in Paul Heyman's dimly lit office, almost like a spotlight is shining down on him. Heyman has a smile that smells of anticipation, like he's been practicing what he's about to say all day. The fans immediately fill the arena with boos before Heyman even speaks. Paul Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman and I am the acting General Manager of the best brand of professional wrestling on the market, SmackDown. And the prime reason why SmackDown is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition is because of the man currently reigning as the WWE Champion, BUH-ROCK LES-NAR. Fans audibly boo and although Heyman is not physically out in front of them, they're still audible enough to make him hesistate before continuing on. Paul Heyman: Let me make something CRYSTAL CLEAR to the rest of the WWE... many people call this the "Ruthless Aggression" era of wrestling. Well that's not what this will go down in history as. In the 70's, it was the Sammartino Era. Then it was the Morales era. Then the Hogan era. Then the Austin era. And today, my adoring fans, it' the Lensar era. Plain and simple. Brock Lesnar will go down in history as the most dominate WWE Champion in it's prestigeous history. And I will not let anything or anyone get in the way of that. The camera slightly pans back to show Brock Lesnar silently brooding in the backgroom, WWE Championship strapped over his shoulder. Heyman looks back at his champion with a confident smirk and then back to the camera. Paul Heyman: I'm not saying this out of any particular bias, I am saying it as a businessman. As the leader of the forefront of the WWE, Brock Lesnar must and will remain WWE Champion. I will not allow someone like CHRIS BENOIT.... The fans immediately begin cheering for the Rabid Wolverine, who although has made Brock Lesnar tap out, is banned from ever having a title match again. Paul Heyman: ...try to destroy MY brand of wrestling. I will not have punks like JOHN CENA... Again, a loud ovation for the "Doctor of Thuganomics" who has been winning fans over on a monumental scale. Paul Heyman: ...try to destroy MY brand of wrestling. I will not have relics from the past like HARDCORE HOLLY... Another cheer from the tough-as-nails veteran who returned from injury and has been a massive thorn in the side for both Heyman and Lesnar. Paul Heyman: ...try to destroy MY brand of wrestling. I will lay this out on the table right here, right now. You are either with Brock Lesnar. Or you're at war. Those three men... they are at war. That is why Chris Benoit will never get a championship match as long as I am in charge of SmackDown. That is why Hardcore Holly will be LOCKED in his dressing room with guards outside his door until he is scheduled to compete tonight. You're with us or you're against us and God help you if you're against us. The camera pans out to show a row of mean looking men staring directly at the camera, arms folded in front of them. A-Train, Matt Morgan, The Big Show, Rhyno. Four men who have been committed to making sure Brock Lesnar remains champion. Paul Heyman: Tonight starts the road to the Royal Rumble. And I will have a committment from every single person on this show. If you win the Royal Rumble match, you will have one task... bring the World Heavyweight Championship to SmackDown. Heyman scoots forward in his seat and clasps his hands together in front of him on his desk and his sadistic smile grows wider across his cheeks. Paul Heyman: You heard me correctly! And this ESPECIALLY goes for you, Mr. Bischoff. SmackDown will not only have it's lead star be the most dominate champion of all time, we will be the most dominate BRAND of all time. Thank you. We cut back to ringside at a flabbergasted looking Cole and Tazz. Cole: I can't believe what I just heard. What does Heyman think a champions' job is, just sit around? If Lesnar is the most dominate champion of all time, shouldn't he be a FIGHTING one? Tazz: 'Ey say what you will about it, but Heyman's a smart guy. And Cole, think about it, the Rumble winner can face whichever champion they want at Mania. It wouldn't be a bad thing for SmackDown to have both titles, no? Cole: Look, I'm loyal to this brand as much as the next guy but WrestleMania is not about brand warfare, Tazz. This is about making history for your own career. And I think what Heyman is DEMANDING out of the roster is downright selfish. First Chris Benoit is blocked from getting a title shot, now the whole roster is? Brock Lesnar won the Royal Rumble last year and made his moment by challenging a man who denied HIM of a title shot, Kurt Angle. Why couldn't someone else do the same? Tazz: Cole I ain't disagreeing with you about that, but don't you think bringing the other guys World Heavyweight Championship here would be history making too? Cole: Whatever the case is, Tazz, something stinks here and I have a feeling there aren't going to be too many people cooperative with this order! Noble rolls out of the ring and embraces a very frightened Nidia, who is calling Jamie's name out of sheer fear. Jamie Noble: Don't yew worry, baby girl, e'rrything is just alright now. That maniac dropkicked you in the back but I taught 'em a lesson and I WON, GIRL! I won! Rey Mysterio, here we come! C'mon, girl, let's get out of here! Cole: How disgusting is that? Once again, Jamie Noble uses his defenseless girlfriend as a WEAPON to win a match! Tazz: Yeah I can't defend Noble here, Cole. To put your hand on your woman like that.... and thank GOD Ultimo Dragon has some respect 'cuz if it was anyone else, who knows what they would do to her? And to lie to her right after? No respect for Jamie, Cole. Cameras cut back to the FBI and APA, already mid-conversation. The APA have their poker table and door set-up while the FBI has their betting station set up just a few feet away. Billy Kidman and Paul London quietly sit at the APA's table with a poker hand in their posessesion. Farooq gnaws on his cigar as Bradshaw and Nunzio yap their jaws. Nunzio: Look here, this is a perfect cross-promotional opportunity for youse guys. We've been making a lot of dough lately and the boys are excited about it. Bradshaw: What boys? An underground betting ring? Ha, look guy, I love gambling as much as the next guy but what kind of place do you think we're running here? Johnny Stamboli: Watch your tone, tough guy. We're just trying to get be... neighborly. Bradshaw: Neighborly?! Look, we're just having a good time here, my mambo Italiano friends. Pull up a chair, put down some cash, have some laughs! Stop taking the world so damn seriously and drop the underworld act, this ain't the Sopranos. Nunzio: No disrespect, Bradshaw. But if you ain't gonna consider it, then stay out of our turf! Chuck Palumbo pulls out a big piece of chalk and draws a line on the ground. The FBI step over the line and go back to drawing on their chalk board in preparation for tonight's bets, literally feet away from the poker game. Bradshaw: Hey, you gonna be grilling some hot dogs any time soon, neighbor? Farooq: Damn. Bradshaw chuckles and takes a big swig of beer from the can next to him. Suddenly the atmosphere turns thick as the General Manager of SmackDown appears before us, staring the APA down. Bradshaw: Well shucks, if it ain't the boss himself! Want me to deal you in, guy? Paul Heyman: I'm not here for games, Bradshaw. Heyman gives a stern look towards Kidman and London. Paul Heyman: Get lost. The cruiserweights give each other an odd look before shrugging and leaving, but not before grabbing the cash they have left over. Heyman slightly raises his head up to the air before he speaks. Paul Heyman: I just came by to see if I can count on you, gentlemen. Bradshaw: Count on us? Shoot, sure, you can always count on us. Faarooq shoots Bradshaw a glare. Bradshaw: Oh, sorry pal. You can always count on us... if the money is right! Ha! Faarooq shoots a smirk as Bradshaw chuckles and elbows his partner in the shoulder. Heyman is not laughing, in fact a scowl grows over his face. Paul Heyman: I'm not looking for "protection". I already have protection. In fact, I SHOULD have a roster worth of protection if I had one that cooperated... but I don't. And that's why Hardcore Holly is sitting in a room by himself. That's why Chris Benoit WILL NOT be in the Royal Rumble. That's why JOHN CENA is-- Bradshaw: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Enough, pal. What the hell do you want from us? Paul Heyman: Well you fellas are about to compete in a qualifying match for the Royal Rumble, correct? So I just came by to make sure.... I could count on you. Bradshaw: Well I hate to break to this to you, Paul, but if you came here expectin' us to kiss Brock Lesnar's ass then... well, you don't know us very well, do ya'? Paul Heyman: I see. Good luck. Heyman's nostrils flare to the size of small grapes as he turns and huffs off. The APA stand from their table as Faarooq looks at his watch. Faarooq: Let's get this over with. Bradshaw: Right behind you, pardner. Cole: This is getting completely out of control. Is Heyman just going to interrogate everyone on SmackDown? This is ridiculous! Tazz: Well Bradshaw and Faarooq are two big tough guys who don't like being told what to do, let me be the first to tell ya that. But come on now, Cole. They ain't even qualified for the Rumble yet and they're already defying Heyman? They got a set on them, these two. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ondQL-w5IG4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= The APA celebrate in the ring as Tajiri checks on Akio, who was nearly clotheslined out of his boots. Bradshaw and Farooq both point up to the big ROYAL RUMBLE sign up near the rafters. Suddenly, the APA's music is cut short as another's begins to play. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/awq0Zf4sAuc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The fans immediately jeer quite loudly for Paul Heyman's music, who has had an extremely negative presence on tonight's show and for many of the fans' favorite stars. Bradshaw and Farooq, who both got done standing up to Paulie, put their hands on their hips and look up towards the stage. Tazz: Welp. Here comes the boss. Cole: This isn't good, Tazz. I have a really bad feeling about this. Paul Heyman: How DARE YOU! Heyman lets off a nasty scowl towards the veterans in the ring, reeling in more boos before he continues with what is sure to be something devious. Paul Heyman: How dare you DISRESPECT me on MY SHOW! How dare you think for even ONE SECOND that you can get away with disrespecting OUR CHAMPION and OUR GENERAL MANAGER. Bradshaw extends his arms out wide with a cocky expression on his face. He jaws with Heyman from a distance but grows a look of preparedness when two men join Heyman's side. Cole: There's Rhyno and Matt Morgan, Tazz. What the hell is Heyman planning here? The two men race to the ring where the APA show absolutely no sign of fear. The four brawl in the ring and despite the APA being through a match already, they keep it close. But here comes the current United States Champion, the Big Show. And right behind him, the WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar! Cole: Oh my god, look at this! How fair is this? Tazz: Sorry Cole, but you and I both know that Paul Heyman doesn't play fair. Especially with the people on his list. The four huge men don't take long to dismantle the APA, who are left motionless on the mat after eating finishers from all four men. For good measure, Kyo Dai and Tajiri receive a similar beatdown. Tajiri, who has a match later tonight, is given a F5 right out of the ring. Heyman cackles like a movie villain on the ramp as Team Lesnar decimates everyone involved in that last match. Nobody stood a chance. Cole: This is just sick! Tazz: Listen Cole, you don't embarrass your boss. Ever! Whatever you might think of Heyman's tactics and agenda, fine. But you don't embarrass your boss like Bradshaw did. Cole: Embarass him?! What are you talking about Tazz, Bradshaw simply refused to go with Heyman's aboslutely ridiculous plan for the Rumble. And I can tell you right now, Tazz, Bradshaw will not be the last! Tazz: Well not fa' nothin', but I'm pretty sure Heyman is trying to prove he WILL be the last. Who wants to go through that?! ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khVRAO8N-4E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CPrNWSMBhLA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Cole: Welcome back to SmackDown and folks, I'm just going to take a moment to apologize to anyone who may have been disturbed or offended by what we just witnessed here moments ago. Paul Heyman laid out a disgusting, sick assault on the APA and during our commercial break, Farooq was taken out in a stretcher, Tazz. Tazz: Look, Cole.... I, uh, usually sympathize and agree with the boss' motives but that may have taken things a bit far. I have known Bradshaw and Farooq for many years and they are two guys who don't know how to stay down. To see a big tough guy like Farooq get carted off, I, uh.... I just dunno. Cole: Regardless, Tazz, as tough as it may be we do have a show to get back to here and.... what's this? The fans stir in anticipation as who coming out, only to be surprised to see Ernest "The Cat" Miller without his usual garb. "The Cat" is wearing an old boxing robe in place of his sequin zoot suit and red shoes. Lamont is nowhere to be seen. Ernest Miller looks to be all business today. Cole: This is the first we're seeing of Ernest "The Cat" Miller after getting a visit from "The Boss" just two weeks ago. Tazz: And we saw how that turned out! Let's just say Vince, uh.... skinned the cat! Miller is in the ring now and starts flailing his arms to cut the entrance theme off. By now, he has a mic in hand. Ernest Miller: Cut the damn music! You people shut up! Now you listen to me real good! Haven't you all heard? Haven't you all seen? I'M THE GREATEST! I'm the GREATEST in the WORLD! Three time karate champion! Ain't nobody can stop me! The fans start loudly shouting "YOU SUCK" towards Miller, who simply absorbs the verbal abuse. Ernest Miller: So you punks listen up right here, right now. I was scheduled to face a man who can no longer compete, as you can see. And I can very well come out here and say that I win by default and enter myself into the Royal Rumble match. But, you see everybody, I won't! You see, I'm already being robbed of the spotlight. I'm already being bumped off the show. And I tell you what, that ain't right. Because I'm the GREATEST! At this time, people of Washington, I will treat you all to a demonstration. And that is to remind you all that I'm GREATEST of all time. You see, I ain't just going to issue an open challenge to face me for a Rumble spot. I'm going to say that I can put you down in THREE MINUTES! Cole: What an incredibly bold claim from "The Cat". Three minutes?! Ernest Miller: Just remember this! There's no shame in trying. Beating me ain't no easy task and all I can say is anyone that accepts will at the very least earn a small bit of respect, that is, before I knock yo' lights out! Miller starts demonstrating some karate moves, roundhouse kicks and arm motions to a jeering crowd who just wants someone to shut this guy up. But who is going to be up for the challenge?! Miller looks towards the stage in anticipation, frozen in a fighting pose. A few moments pass and no music hits. Miller straightens his posture back up and gets back on the microphone. Ernest Miller: That's what I thought. Nobody is man enough to take me on, no is they?! Well I ain't going to wait here all day if nobody has the GUTS to take me on, so.... hey ref! Hey ref, get yo' ass in here right now and start counting to ten. And declare me, Ernest "The Cat" Miller, three time karate champion, the GREATEST OF ALL TIME! And the next entrant, and soon to be winner, of the Royal Rumble! Referee Charles Robinson reluctantly starts counting out Ernest Miller's "opponent". The fans continue to jeer as Miller plays to the crowd, reeling in all the jeers. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/kInSL9gHUxs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Cole: OHHHHHHHH MY! The fans go into a frenzy as the music of the "Rabid Wolverine" hits the PA. Ernest Miller is frozen in palce, jaw agape as a man he never expected to see out here has figured out a way to get himself in the Rumble. Tazz: Wait, wait, wait! This can't be, Cole! Heyman banned Benoit from the match, he can't answer this! Cole: Heyman has denied Benoit of a qualifying match, repeatedly! But Ernest Miller offering an open challenge for the spot may have just given Benoit a ticket! Cole: Benoit does it, Tazz! Benoit is in the Royal Rumble match, no matter what Paul Heyman has to say about it! And I can only imagine the expression on our boss' face right now! Tazz: After seeing the type of mood Paul Heyman is in, to be quite honest with ya Cole, I ain't looking froward to seeing his reaction. This could get real ugly real quick. Cole: You're not wrong about that, partner. This is going to get ugly. But the moral of the story is that those who Paul Heyman is at "war" with are certainly not going to just sit back and allow their careers to be trampled on in favor of Brock Lesnar. We cut back to Paul Heyman sitting in his office with Dawn Marie, who is flipping through a magazine while chewing a big wad of bum. Heyman is in deep thought, eyes narrowed down to the floor as Marie attempts to get Heyman's attention. Dawn Marie: Ya' see this one, Paulie? Open Water, oh my gaaawd. Ya' know I was always afraid of the ocean? My gawd, I love being in my little bikiniiiii and having the sand in my feeeet, and oh my gawd all those guys in speedos but I just CAN'T go into that ocean, I mean what if a shark or a jellyfish or an octopus comes out of the damn water, you're screwed ya'know? And ya' ever notice how ugly under water creatures are? Ugh, I guess I don't think about that much when I eat 'em but oh my gawd, Paulie it's--- Before Marie can finish her 50th sentence in a row, the door creeks open. Heyman's eyes dart up and his expression quickly tightens up. He nudges Dawn on the side. Paul Heyman: Dawn, hit the bricks. Now. Dawn Marie scoffs and walks off. A hardy belly laugh is heard as footsteps approach Heyman. In short time, that laugh is shown to be coming from none other than Chris Benoit himself with a large toothless smile painted across his face. Chris Benoit: Well look at that, Paul! You thought you could ban me from the Rumble? Well now you're taking a look.... at the next..... WWE Champion. Because now I'm going to win the Royal Rumble match. And I'm going to challenge Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. And there's not a damn thing you can do about it. Paul Heyman: Is that so? You think you can just.... you think you can just BARGE into here? How DARE YOU disrespect me on MY SHOW. Take this as a small victory, Chris, but just know that it changes nothing about the direction of MY show and the consequences of YOUR ACTIONS. You know what? Let me be the very first one to congratulate on getting into the Royal Rumble. And you know what, Chris? I'm making YOU, Chris Benoit, the #1 entrant in the Royal Rumble, THE VERY FIRST GUY! And I'm going to watch in PLEASURE as 29 other guys come into the ring one by one by one by one in order to kick YOUR ass and toss you right over the top rope! By this point, Heyman is waving his finger in Benoit's face, poking him in the chest and nearly getting poked in the eye. Paul Heyman: Nobody and I mean NOBODY is going to come onto MY SHOW and have it THEIR WAY, do you understand that yet CHRIS? This is, and forever will be, LESNAR COUNTRY! SmackDown will be the show that appeals to the giants of the industry, the upper echelon of the world, the elite powers. It will not appeal to the white trash low-brow garbage fans who see working man CHRIS BENOIT as their hero. DO YOU GET IT YET? You. DO NOT! FIT! INTO! PAUL HEYMAN'S! SMACKDOWN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND? Like a frog catching a fly, Benoit snaps a grip onto Heyman's finger and brings the SmackDown GM to his knees. Heyman pleads with Benoit with a look of writhing pain as Benoit's body shakes in anger and anxiety. Chris Benoit: DO I UNDERSTAND? DO I UNDERSTAND? YES! Yes Paul I UNDERSTAND! I understand that YOU are a LOWLIFE SLIME and that your days of holding ME BACK are OVER. I will win the Royal Rumble and I WILL MAKE BROCK LENSNAR.... TAP! OUT! Benoit shoves Heyman off and walks off screen. Heyman winces as he holds his finger in place. ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lqsNvvQp38U" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= We come back to a very stressed out Paul Heyman being tended to by Dawn Marie, who is attempting to put his finger in a splint after Benoit likely broke it a few moments ago. Paul Heyman: Ow-ow-wow-wow-ow, eaaaasy! Easy! Paul yanks his hand away and grits his teeth in frustration. Dawn Marie: Whaaat? Let me do it! Dawn goes for Paul's hand and he slightly slaps her on the wrist. Dawn Marie: Ow! What, now you're gonna break my hand, ya' bastahd? A knock is heard on the door. Dawn Marie slowly gets up and heads towards it. As the door creaks open, Heyman gives a slight smirk to the next occupant of his office. It's the WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Rey Mysterio. Mysterio was able to win the title last week but also involved himself in Paul Heyman's affairs by allowing Hardcore Holly to use a chair on The Big Show. Dawn plops back down next to Paul and continues to work on his finger as Heyman's attention turns to Mysterio. Rey Mysterio: So, you wanted to see me? Paul Heyman: Oh, of course I wanted to see you! It's my beloved Cruiserweight Champion, my cherished title holder. REY MYSTERIO! It's always a pleasure to see you here, I must say. You know what my favorite quality about you is, Rey? That you OW! Dawn Marie: Sorry! Heyman yanks his hand away again and pushes Dawn further down his couch with his good hand as he continues to direct his attention towards Rey. Paul Heyman: My favorite quality about you is that you just don't know when to give up. And last week on my show, you showed your face in a match that you had no business being in. And you gave Hardcore Holly a dangerous weapon that he used to cause severe bodily harm to my United States Champion, The Big Show. Rey Mysterio: Well Paul, that wasn't unprovoked. I don't back down from anybody, no matter how big or small they may--- Paul Heyman: SHUT UP! I didn't bring you in here to present a case to me, Rey. You HAVE NO CASE. I brought you in here to make something very clear to you. The Big Show vs. Hardcore Holly is a no disqualification match. And I expect you, like the rest of the audience, to enjoy it on television. Do not involve yourself in that match. Or else. Now get out. Rey Mysterio simply gives a firm nod and leaves the office. As Dawn continues working on getting Heyman's splint on, we cut back to ringside. <iframe width="75" height="75" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/579WXdhwR00" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> The fans go bananas for the "Doctor of Thuganomics", who has gotten massively popular over the last few months and has managed to get on the ire of Paul Heyman. Cena, with a hustle in his step, swaggers out onto the stage with a mic, as always, in his hand. John Cena: Yo yo yo yo YO YO YO YO YOOOOOOOOOO! Cena takes a moment to reel in the fan reaction. John Cena: They call me the Doctor of Thuganomics or you can just call me John. In order to get into the Rumble Match, I need to beat Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn! Ah so it seems the so-called "boss" has officially declared war. Too bad he ain't here to lick the World's Greatest asses, that job belongs to his Assistant Whore. Yo yo yo Paul, you can think of any challenge you want to put me through. After I'm done with the cast of National Security, you'll have your first clue. I will be in the Royal Rumble and my next target is Brock. And when I beat him at Mania, like Charlie does Shelton, you can beat my.... Cena simply raises the microphone up to the audience, who finish the vulgar line for him. Cole: Cena is fired up and confident as always, but a handicap match puts his Royal Rumble spot in serious jeopardy. Cole: Cena wins! Cena was able to beat the odds stacked against him by literally stacking two men on his shoulders. What an exciting finish to an unfair attempt at keeping Cena out of the Rumble. Tazz: I gotta say, Heyman's plans are crumbling one by one here tonight. He's been definitely making a statement, but very little has gone his way. I hate to see his reaction now that both Benoit and Cena are in the Rumble! We cut back to Kurt Angle, who is walking down the backstage corridor with a purpose. But before he gets to his destination... Paul Heyman, now with a splint firmly placed on his finger, approaches Angle like he has many men tonight. Paul Heyman: I know you have business to attend to, Kurt, but I must ask you the question I've asked many before you. Can I count on you? Kurt Angle: Cut the crap, Paul. Paul Heyman: I beg your pardon? Kurt Angle: You heard me. I'm not interested in listening to your propaganda. We've known each other a long time, you and I. Worked together! And you know just as much as I do that I respect the hell out of Brock Lesnar. He beat me in that ring last year for the WWE Championship. And that's not something many people can do. But I'm not interested in whatever play you have for me. I am winning the Royal Rumble. But I am not doing it for a title shot against Brock or even a title shot against Triple H. I'm doing it for my country. Kurt Angle lifts his medals up and kisses them. Before Heyman can get a word in edgewise, Angle moves on and enters a locker room. There, a stressed Eddie Guerrero sits on the middle bench. Angle invites himself to take a seat next to him. Eddie Guerrero: What the hell are you thinking, vato? You're going to have a match against me familia, against Chavo? How is that going to solve anything at all? Kurt Angle: Eddie, listen to me. Did you hear what I said last week? I said Chavo was right. Eddie Guerrero: He's right?! Oh of course he is, Kurt. My own flesh and blood SLAPPING ME RIGHT IN THE FACE HOLMES, that's right! I love, Chavito, Kurt. I love him to death like my own brother. Kurt Angle: Let me finish, Eddie! He's right about one thing... it IS all about Eddie. Whether you like it or not, you made that team successful. Your credentials are what got Chavo where he was. When you got FIRED.... Eddie Guerrero: Chavo was there, holmes. Chavo was THERE. Kurt Angle: Yes, he was there. But when you got fired, Eddie, Chavo was nothing. He couldn't make it. He made it because of you, Eddie! Eddie Guerrero: I wasn't here to guide him, man. I wasn't here for him, you can't blame him for that! Kurt Angle: Chavo Guerrero is not a boy, Eddie. He's a man. He can make his own decisions. And he did last week when HE SLAPPED YOU IN THE FREAKIN FACE, EDDIE! Eddie's eyes bug open as he grits his teeth next to a very intense looking Kurt Angle, trying desperately to get Eddie to listen to him. Angle stands up from the bench and places his hands on Eddie's shoulders. Kurt Angle: Eddie, I don't expect you to be ready to confront your nephew. So I will do it for you. I'm going to teach him respect! And if he doesn't respect you after tonight.... I'LL SNAP HIS ANKLE! Angle walks off, leaving Eddie to think for himself alone. Meanwhile in another part of the back, the betting ring that the FBI set up next to the APA's now vacant table has lots of action as pretty much every midcarder on the roster is seen writing on the chalk board and waving money. Nunzio: Alright fellas, Hardcore Holly and The Big Show is coming up next. Place ya' bets if ya' haven't yet, let's go! Stamboli and Palumbo collect several wads of cash from the crowd of arms. Within that crowd, one man pushes his way through to get up close and personal with the FBI. Nunzio: Big man! Come to try your luck again? 'Ey I'm still feeling your pain after that uh.... sbaglio a few weeks ago, eh? A-Train: I don't know what the hell that means.... but I have more money. A-Train unwads another gigantic roll of cash. A-Train: 10 grand. Even. The crowd ooooo's at A-Train's monster bet, prompting many others to throw in more cash. Nunzio: Whoooooa! Whoa! The guts on this guy, are ya' prepared to lose $20,000 in the same month, hotshot? So that's $10,000 on the Big Show, write it down Bull. A-Train: Hold on just a second! Put me down for Hardcore Holly. The crowd again ooooo's at A-Train's defiance to Team Lesnar once again. Train joins in on the commotion as we cut back to ringside. Cole: Oh man, if you remember a few weeks ago, partner, A-Train put $10,000 on Chris Benoit to beat Brock Lesnar. And we saw how that turned out, didn't we? Tazz: Well not only did A-Train lose that bet, he got his head nearly knocked off by Matt Morgan as a form of some "tough love" for betting against Lesnar. Cole: And now he's doing it again?! Tazz: Well not fa' nothin' Cole, but Show ain't Lesnar. Still.... I can't see Paulie being very happy with A-Train betting on Hardcore Holly. We cut back to the dressing room Hardcore Holly is locked in, a guard still standing outside the door with his arms crossed. An agent walks by and whispers in the guard's ear. The guard nods and opens the door. *THWACK* Before the guard can even motion towards Holly, his brains get scrambled with an absolutely brutal chair shot. Holly, now released from his cage, begins knocking over several pieces of equipment in his vicinity, sending stagehands and agents getting the hell out of dodge. Cole: Hardcore Holly was locked in a room like some sort of animal, Tazz, and I think Heyman may be regretting that decision right about now! Tazz: Hardcore Holly just got that more intense being in that room with nothing but his thoughts. And I don't know how much more intense you can get with this guy! Cole: The Big Show and Hardcore Holly... coming up next! ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r2y_GwKzxck" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Cole: Tazz, have you ever seen the Big Show tap out like that before? Tazz: Can't say I have, Cole. And I can only think that trying to break Show's neck like that was pure symbolism. Uh oh. Lesnar stands on top of the ramp silently staring a hole at his opponent for the Royal Rumble. Holly similarly locks eyes with the champ from the center of the ring. Lesnar begins to chuckle and turns his back. A mistake. Hardcore Holly leaps out of the ring and sprints towards Lesnar, locking in a full nelson and pushing Lesnar's head down towards his chest. Tazz: Whoa my god, get him off of Brock, he's gonna break his neck! Cole: Hardcore Holly has promised the world that he will give Brock the same fate he gave him over a year ago! And Brock has nowhere to go! Holly brings Lesnar down to the ground and grapevines his legs, pushing his head down further and further. Agents storm the ramp to break the two up before a terrible accident happens on national television. Tazz: Now I see why Paulie wanted this guy locked up, he's a maniac! Cole: Hardcore Holly blames Brock Lesnar for nearly ending his career and putting him on the shelf for over a year. This is a very personal and heated feud, partner. Holly has said over and over again that this is not about the WWE Championship, it's about retribution. Tazz: And not fa' nothin' but if it wasn't for all those agents out here, he may have just got it early. We cut to the interview set where Josh Matthews stands with Chavo Guerrero, who is about to compete in the main event with Kurt Angle. Despite the events of last week, Chavo is still wearing his Los Guerreros bandana and shirt. Josh Matthews: Chavo, an emotional rollercoaster it has been for you and your family. Last week, you slapped your uncle Eddie Guerrero right in the middle of the ring. Now tonight, Kurt Angle has said he wants to teach you respect. What are your thoughts? Chavo Guerrero: Respect? Hehehe, respect?! I don't need to be taught anything, Josh. My Uncle Eddie has been a show hog his entire life. Los Guerreros was not about shooting us into the spotlight. It was about resurrecting HIS career! He used me as a pedestal! And I'm sick and tired of being his puppet, Josh. Eddie would be NOTHING without me. He'd be a low life drug addict working for some independent company that nobody has ever heard of. I helped pull my uncle together. And he used me to jump the line. He disrespected ME, Josh. So I slapped his face. And I WOULD DO IT AGAIN! Cole: I think Kurt Angle is absolutely right, Tazz. Chavo needs to learn some respect! Tazz: You heard me last week, Cole. I have no respect for what Chavo did to Eddie, none. You don't slap your uncle who has sacrificed so much for you like that. Cole: Main event, Guerrero vs. Angle, coming up next! ============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBSG3esIDg8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= Cole: What a twisted turn of events here, Eddie Guerrero came out to support his nephew in the biggest match of his life and... Tazz: It cost Chavo the match! Cole: How can you say that, Eddie didn't even get involved! Tazz: He shouldn't have even come down, Cole! This was a match between two men, Eddie should have stayed in the back. And Chavo is pissed, look at this! Chavo is indeed enraged, huddled up in the corner favoring his ankle and very, very upset. As Angle celebrates in the ring, a similarly angry Eddie rushes the ring and gets in Angle's face. The two men are nose to nose, yelling in each other's faces about what just transpired. Cole: I think we're about to get a brawl here! Tazz: Emotions are very, very high here. And these are two guys who don't do well at hiding their emotions! As the two men continue to argue, Eddie stumbles forward into Angle. Chavo had since recovered and gave Eddie a monster slap in the back of the head. Angle rushes for Chavo, who escapes back up towards the stage. As Angle goes to rush Chavo, Eddie catches Angle from behind and suplexes him back down. The two men start to brawl as agents flood the ring to break them up. Cole: Oh my! And we have hit a breaking point here between Angle and Eddie! Tazz: What the heck is going on here, Cole?! Cole: Eddie refuses to turn against his nephew, no matter how much abuse he will endure from him! And Angle has learned that the hard way! How is anyone going to keep this under control?! Quick Results: Jamie Noble def. Ultimo Dragon ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Bradshaw & Farooq def. Akio & Sakoda ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Chris Benoit def. Ernest Miller ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: John Cena def. Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin Hardcore Holly def. The Big Show Kurt Angle def. Chavo Guerrero (OVR: 81) ROYAL RUMBLE JANUARY 25th, 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Triple H © vs. Mark Henry OR Shawn Michaels WWE Championship Brock Lesnar © vs. Hardcore Holly The Royal Rumble Match RAW: Garrison Cade, Mark Jindrak, Booker T, Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam SmackDown: Kurt Angle, Bradshaw, Farooq, Chris Benoit, John Cena

<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Superstars</span></p><p> </p><p> Barry Hardy Vs. <strong>"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan</strong></p><p> </p><p> Non-Title</p><p> Jim Powers Vs. <strong>Mr. Perfect</strong></p><p> </p><p> Greg "The Hammer" Valentine Vs. <strong>"The African War Machine" Saba Simba</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Wrestling Challenge</span></p><p> </p><p> Bob Bradley and The Genius Vs. <strong>Tito Santana and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Sam Houston</strong> Vs. The Warlord</p><p> </p><p> Just caught up on this. Really enjoying this so far! There's always a certain charm about dynasties during this era and you capture it really well.</p>

I actually just recently finished watching WCW 1998 in it's entirety so this stuff is very fresh on my mind right now. I'll be reading along for sure!

<iframe width="567" height="75" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3cNRxgAuPI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> SMACKDOWN January 8th 2004 SmackDown comes to Spokane, WA as the blue brand of wrestling prepares itself for the Royal Rumble match. Just as we saw on RAW Monday, SmackDown will have it's share of Royal Rumble qualifying matches. It was the slap heard 'round the world. Last week, tensions between the Guerreros hit a breaking point as Chavo Guerrero gave Eddie Guerrero a slap in the middle of the ring. Kurt Angle, a close friend to both members of Los Guerreros, consoled a distraught Eddie Guerrero to end the show. Kurt Angle said something quite surprising and that was that Chavo was right. But what does that mean? And what will come of these tensions now that Kurt Angle is physically involving himself? Rey Mysterio won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship last week on SmackDown and now the division heats up as it finds it's next #1 Contender. Ultimo Dragon is a highly respected veteran of the high flying arts while Jamie Noble has been using his visually impaired girlfriend as a weapon to win his matches as of late. Whatever the outcome might be, we know that the champion will be watching this match quite closely. Two tag teams look to get a "two-for-one"! Bradshaw looks forward to coming back home after helping to organize the wonderful "Tribute to the Troops" special with his long time partner Faarooq. Meanwhile Tajiri's henchmen, Kyo Dai, look to make a statement. Two weeks ago, Ernest "The Cat" Miller got a kick between the legs from the owner of the company, Vince McMahon after planting a kiss on the chairman's personal consultant, Sable. "The Cat" returns tonight to take on the "Japanese Buzzsaw" Tajiri, a martial arts master in his own right, for a spot in the Royal Rumble. In an unorthodox qualifying match to say the least, John Cena must qualify by not beating not just one, but two men. The World's Greatest Tag Team consisting of Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin look to qualify for the match in their own right and though Cena has been no stranger to handicap matches since getting on Heyman's bad side, this should still prove to be a difficult challenge to say the least. It's not often we see Big Show laid out on the mat but Hardcore Holly was able to accomplish just that, thanks to several chair shots to Show's head. The match was thrown out and to make up for that, we will see a no disqualification match betwen Show and Holly tonight. There must be a winner. Quick Card: Ultimo Dragon vs. Jamie Noble w/ Nidia ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: The APA (Faarooq & Bradshaw) vs. Kyo Dai (Akio & Sakoda) ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Ernest "The Cat" Miller vs. Tajiri ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: John Cena vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) Hardcore Holly vs. The Big Show Kurt Angle vs. Chavo Guerrero