That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge replied to Gouge's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

<div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT 10,911 fans <img alt="E3kfwJj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E3kfwJj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Svk9Uoy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Svk9Uoy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the sold out Mohegan Sun Arena, JR and Jerry "The King" Lawler live ringside and King, what a night we have for you! King: Oh man, you know what time of the year it is? Rumble season! JR: You're absolutely right about that, King. The Royal Rumble, one of the most prestigious events in the WWE is three weeks away and tonight we kick off the road to the Royal Rumble with several qualifying matches. And how about that main event tonight? King: It's going to be Evolution taking on those damn Dudley Boyz AND Shawn Michaels, who Triple H beat last week to retain his championship! JR: Well that's a debatable fact, King, but we do know that HBK did not walk out of San Antonio as champion. That's for sure. And a heart breaker it was last Monday night. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="KwMNtij.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KwMNtij.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Cameras shift to the General Manager's office of Eric Bischoff, who is pacing around enough to dig a hole in the ground. Jonathan Coachman stands by his side with a hand on his chin. Eric Bischoff: Coach, I made the right call last week. And you know what? I took the initiative! We have a World Championship match main eventing RAW, the referee was down. And I, the General Manager of RAW, jumped in the ring. I put MYSELF in harm's way and I STILL called it right down the middle. And I made the right call. Coach: You're absolutely right. Shawn Michaels' shoulders were down on the mat. Eric Bischoff: Shawn Michaels.... after all that, Shawn Michaels takes it upon himself to ATTACK me? Coach: I'm with you, boss! Shawn Michaels had no right putting his hands on you and he deserved the punishment he got for it. Eric Bischoff: Well that "punishment" means nothing now because of... the "Sheriff" of RAW. Stone Cold Steve Austin. The fans let out an outrageous cheer for the Texas Rattlesnake, who last week overruled Bischoff's termination of HBK and gave him a stunner for his efforts. Bischoff slowly shakes his head and looks at the ground in frustration over knowing he'll have to deal with Steve Austin yet again tonight. Coach: And now RAW is.... Stone Cold Law? I don't like the sound of this, boss. Eric Bischoff: Look, Coach, I can't do this. Not tonight. I have too much on my mind right now. I did the RIGHT THING last week and now I have so many targets on my head.... and now Steve Austin thinks he can just come in here and overturn everything I do? This is too much. I'm taking the night off. Coach: Taking the night off?! But boss, we're on the road to the Royal Rumble! It's a brand new year! We need you here. Eric Bischoff: You don't "need" anyone. Look, why don't YOU run the show tonight? Coach: M-m-me?! Eric Bischoff: Sure! I know you can handle it. I gotta go. Before Coach can even respond, Bischoff grabs his suitcase and bolts out the door. Coach looks dumbfounded at first but begins to grow a smarmy smile. Rubbing his hands together, Coach sits down at Bischoff's desk as we cut back to ringside. King: Coach!? That idiot is going to be running the show now? JR: I don't like the sound of that one bit, King. And I'm not so sure if it's a great look for Eric Bischoff to be running away when the pressure is this high! This is quite the important night to be taking a PTO day! King: I bet Stone Cold isn't complaining too much about this! JR: Knowing that Rattlesnake like I do, I don't think Stone Cold cares one bit who is in charge. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="srX1tlh.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/srX1tlh.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sMDoPCJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sMDoPCJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> This was a grudge match dating back four months ago when La Resistance put Spike Dudley on the injured list. Since then, the french trio have had their momentum stall with Sylvain Grenier injured and their tag titles being lost. Regardless, the bigger and fitter Rene Dupree was able to dominate Spike for most of this one. But the small underdog with the giant sized heart was able to stay alive just long enough to catch Dupree sleeping with a flash pinfall that put the French Tickler down for the count! Winner: Spike Dudley @ 5:33 (47)</div></div></blockquote> JR: What a big win for little Spike Dudley! King: What?! Are you sure he didn't have the tights there? JR: I think not, King! Spike Dudley caught Rene Dupree when he least expected it and picks up a victory in his first match back! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rzX2b2h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rzX2b2h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="L32zhXB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/L32zhXB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As Spike celebrates up the ramp, his brothers Bubba and D-Von welcome him back in open arms to celebrate his big win. As the trio heads up the ramp, they are sent stumbling down onto the steel ramp, face first. JR: What the hell is the meaning of this? <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="SYsSdGY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SYsSdGY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWSialT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWSialT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As officials begin to pour out, Batista rams D-Von's head right into the side of the stage and Flair begin pummeling Bubba with closed fists. Spike, still winded from the match, attempts to intervene but is quickly neutralized by Batista with an absolutely brutal spinebuster onto the stage, echoing a BANG off the steel. King: Wrong place, wrong time for those damn Dudleyz, JR. JR: This is completely uncalled for. And now you have to wonder how the Dudley Boyz are going to be able to compete in tonight's main event! <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rALrcEA3Wxs" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/rALrcEA3Wxs"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JC447yREzZg" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/JC447yREzZg"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The theme of "The Game" sends, as always, incredibly negative reaction to the crowd who is already rowdy after seeing the Dudley Boyz beat down by Evolution, unfairly before their match. always in steady form, slowly marches to the ring as the crowd jeers as heavy as they always can for the leader of Evolution. Taking time to admire the evidence of carnage left by his stable mates just moments ago, Triple H heads down the ramp and onto the apron with a microphone in hand in place of a bottle of water. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CwLIeZS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CwLIeZS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: Well just moments ago we saw Batista and Ric Flair just decimate the Dudley Boyz right on the stage and out comes the leader of these men, Triple H. And last week, King, it was a heart breaker for sure. Shawn Michaels had Triple H down for the three count. King: But Shawn Michaels' shoulders were on the mat, JR! JR: Be that as it may, the world thought - for just a single moment - that Shawn Michaels was world's heavyweight champion. King: But he's not! Triple H pinned Shawn Michaels in front of his home town! JR: A debatable claim to say the least, King. By now, Triple H has entered the ring and seeing as he's not scheduled to compete tonight, it's only appropriate he has a microphone in hand. The fans attempt to drown "The Game" out with "HBK" chants. Never the one to be bothered by fan reaction, Triple H continues jawing on his gum as his music begins to fade. Without hesitation, Triple H gets on the stick. Triple H: You know, I see that Eric Bischoff took the night off but I did want to take the time to go out of my way and congratulate him on making the right call in the center of this ring last week. The crowd, knowing exactly what Triple H is referring to, jeer to high hell. Triple H: Like it or not, I came out of that match victorious. And once again I proved that I am better than Shawn Michaels. And once again I proved that I AM THAT. DAMN. GOOD. JR: Well these fans are certainly not taking to Triple H's claims here tonight. King: Don't these idiots know anything?! Triple H won, 1-2-3! JR: Well I know that it isn't quite as black-and-white as you are portraying it, King. Triple H: So here's the deal, Shawn. We're done. I don't owe you any more title shots. As matter of fact, the Royal Rumble is three weeks away from today. Since you had such a piss poor performance last year as the first man eliminated, maybe you should consider entering yourself into the Rumble this year. Hey, maybe you'll even win. And instead of wasting your time with me again.... you can draft yourself to SmackDown. You can go waste Brock Lesnar's time and in the meanwhile, escape the very reason your career will be left to rot. Triple H raises his World Heavyweight Championship to the angry crowd. JR: Rot? What a disrespectful statement from The Game. Shawn Michaels' has had a tremendous comeback since coming out of retirement. King: Tremendous enough to where he has not beaten Triple H one-on-one, JR! JR: But still tremendous enough to climb the mountain again as he did in November, King! Triple H: Mark my words, Shawn Michaels. I will never let you get this World Heavyweight Championship again. Not only will I make sure of that, Evolution will make sure of that. So here's what I have to offer to the rest of the boys in the ba-- <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NhaHnVFE6I" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NhaHnVFE6I"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Before Triple H can even begin to lay out his offer, Shawn Michaels comes out dancing on the stage to a hot crowd. Triple H paints a disgusted look on his face as Michaels takes his time milking the reaction on the way to the ring. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> King: What's he doing here? Didn't Triple H just tell Shawn Michaels to move on?! JR: Last I checked, King, Triple H isn't in charge of making those calls. King: This is Triple H's time! You can't just interrupt the champion like that! JR: Well I believe Shawn Michaels just did! By now, the Heartbreak Kid has made his way into the ring, fetching another mic to go toe to toe with his former best friend. Shawn Michaels: As far as I am concerned, Hunter... you proved only one thing last week. And that was that you're only JUST as good as me. The fans begin loudly chanting HBK as Triple H simply points to his title. Shawn Michaels: I'll accept at this point in time that my shoulders were down. But so were yours. And that was credit to a little sweet chin music, pal of mine. So I say at the Royal Rumble, we do it again. Once and for all. Triple H simply continues smacking his gum with a slight smirk on his face as the fans rise to their feet, obviously agreeing with HBK's motion for a rematch. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HPJBSCwd2Cc" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/HPJBSCwd2Cc"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> JR: Oh no... King: Well, let's see if Bischoff left RAW in good hands or not. JR: These are two personalities more explosive than dynamite, King. Coach better be careful getting himself involved in this. The arena is almost instantaneously filled with jeers as the music of the interim General Manager of RAW hits the PA system. Michaels and Triple H impatiently look out towards the stage, both frustrated with being interrupted. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Coach: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Allow me, as the INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER of MONDAY NIGHT RAW..... The fans boo louder, drowning Coach's voice out entirely. Coach frustratingly paces, waiting for the slightest touch of volume before continuing on. Coach: Allow ME to make the decisions here! Shawn Michaels, last week you took Triple H to the limit in a 44 minute instant classic of a match.... that you lost! Fair and square! And your reaction to this loss was to put your hands on our boss, Eric Bischoff! Now if it wasn't for the "Sheriff" saving you, you'd be unemployed! And now you have the AUDACITY to ask for a title shot?! Maybe you should take this time to APOLOGIZE instead! The fans begin calling Coach a word that rhymes with mass mole as Triple H nods and smiles in the ring. Shawn Michaels: The only thing I'm going to apologize for is giving you a turn to speak, you weasel! I don't care what kind of power Bischoff gave you, this is between myself and Hunter. You have no business here! Coach: And that's where you're wrong, Mr. Michaels! You want a title shot? That's just fine. But you're going to have to earn it! One way or another. But for right now, I suggest you focus on your main event contest tonight against Evolution! Coach drops the mic and heads to the back. Triple H shrugs his shoulders as a frustrated HBK stands still where he last spoke. But in an instant flash... King: WAH! He can't do that! JR: Sweet Chin Music to The Game! Shawn Michaels has laid the champion out! King: That's two weeks in a row Shawn Michaels has unprovokingly put his hands on someone! Something needs to be done about this! JR: I think the only thing that's going to be "done" is more fuel being added to the Heartbreak Kid's fire. Shawn Michaels is on an absolute mission to take the title off of Triple H. And I don't think he's going to stop until he does! We cut back to the backstage area, following Coach who has left the stage area and is on his way back to his office. In the hallway, he is stopped by a familiar face. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LBiRCEI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LBiRCEI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWzmJZs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWzmJZs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Theodore Long: Holla, holla, holla! Coach, let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done so far. I must say that I'm happy to be seeing a black man in charge of things here tonight. Ba'lee that! Coach grabs the collar of his shirt and extends it with a confident smile. Coach: Appreciate hearing that, Teddy! Can I help you gentlemen tonight? Theodore Long: Well as a matter of fact, playa', I was just coming to discuss a business matter with you. You see, Eric Bischoff owes me from Survivor Series. Big time! And we was just seeing about capitalizing on that favor. You see my man Mark Henry here, he's ready. And playa, the world is ready. We're ready for a black World's Heavyweight Champion, you feel me? Coach: I see! Well, I can get behind that! As of this moment, Mark Henry will be entered into the Royal Rumble! And may I just say, Teddy, I don't see ANYBODY eliminating him! Mark Henry cocks his head in confusion. Theodore, with a short pause, throws his hands up, fingers outstretched in front of him. Theodore Long: Whoa there, playa'! I appreciate that and we'll take it, but we was thinking something much bigger than that. Ya'see, with Shawn Michaels out of the picture, we was wanting Mark Henry to earn his keep and take on Triple H at the Rumble! No entrant necessary, playa'! Coach: You know what, Teddy? I like the sound of that! As of this moment.... at the Royal Rumble.... Triple H will take on-- <div style="text-align:center;">WHAT? <img alt="dLFRNwg.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dLFRNwg.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The fans go bonkers as Sheriff Steve Austin appears on the screen, just short of Coach making what was sure to be a disappointing announcement. Sheriff Austin: What? Ain't you forgot something? Coach: And just what would that be? Sheriff Austin: What? Well maybe you should take a look here. You see this badge? What? Well that makes me Sheriff. Sheriff of RAW. And we have a thing here, Coach, called checks and balances. You see you can go out there and make all the decisions you want, but just you remember that Sheriff Austin is always lurking and ready to open up a can of whoop ass on your so-called authority. So you think you're just going to run roughshod on RAW? What? You're just going to take a title shot from one man and give it to another? Just like that? EH-EH! You think Shawn Michaels needs to earn his place? Well I say Mark Henry needs to do about the same. And if you want to make things interesting, I say let's do it next week. Shawn Michaels will go one-on-one with Mark Henry. Winner faces Triple H, loser can go earn their shot in the Rumble as far as I'm concerned. And that's all I have to say about that! The fans cheer as Henry grows an agitated face, his sure-thing title shot being evaporated before his very eyes. With his face dropping, Theodore Long goes to plead to the Sheriff. Theodore Long: Now hold up, playa'! We already made the dang match, you can't just go and cancel a match that's been booked! Sheriff Austin: You "booked" nothing you mealy mouthed sunvabitch and last I checked, you have no power here, so I suggest you keep your trap shut before I reign justice on your little enterprise. Theodore Long taps Henry on the arm and points in the other direction. They scurry away as Austin gets face to face with Coach. Sheriff Austin: And as far as you go, I recommend you know your place here on RAW because Bischoff or no Bischoff, Austin 3:16 is the Law of the Land and if you try to run it any other way I will take no hesitation in stomping a mudhole in you and walkin' it dry. And that's the bottom line 'cause Stone Cold said so! JR: What a big turn of events, King! Shawn Michaels vs. Mark Henry, next week in Memphis! King: Wah! That's one way to bring RAW to my hometown! And a title shot on the line? Don't you think Mark Henry deserves that over Shawn Michaels already? JR: Whatever you may believe, King, Mark Henry will still have a chance to prove that next week! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TbyiOqH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TbyiOqH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HmEFNZ7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HmEFNZ7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0cYzIsD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0cYzIsD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bDdn7vL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bDdn7vL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> As the first Royal Rumble qualifier, it was a chance for two young men in two young teams to get a big opportunity in three weeks. Though Cade and Jindrak were much more inexperienced, they were able to maintain dominance on The Hurricane, who played Ricky Morton, as the big man Rosey was left on the apron begging for a tag. When Rosey was finally tagged in, the agile big man was able to knock both Cade and Jindrak down repeatedly and even got a big splash on Cade for a nearfall. But with Cade and Jindrak resorting to underhanded tactics, something they've done regularly, they were able to pull favor on their side and eventually in victory as Cade held down Rosey's legs on the outside while Jindrak made the cover. Winners: Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak @ 7:25 (54)</div></div></blockquote> King: Wow, what a big win for these young men! JR: Cade and Jindrak are ridiculously talented individuals, but their cheating ways are a bit disappointing and quite unnecessary. These are two men who have all the potential in the world! King: I know one thing for sure... the Royal Rumble this year won't have to deal with any S, H, I-- JR: Knock it off, King. Hurricane and Rosey are, indeed, out of the Rumble match. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFi3AV27AeE" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFi3AV27AeE"</a> 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. <img alt="UOhPaK1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UOhPaK1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: There's that disgusting ad playing again. King: Well... is it wrong, JR? I mean Mick Foley really is a coward! Where do you suppose he is? JR: I have no idea, King. I've known Mick Foley for many years. Every Christmas, we spend hours on the phone talking to each other, it's our favorite time of year. I did not speak to Mick Foley this last Christmas. I haven't talked to him in weeks. I have no earthly idea where he is. King: So, he's a coward? JR: King, Mick Foley is many things, but he is not a coward. I don't know what is going through that deranged mind. And maybe we'll never know. But I think its time Randy Orton move on from this and leave the man alone. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRILs-DTSxs" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRILs-DTSxs"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Scott Steiner is already in the ring ready for his match with Booker T. Off mic, he yells at ring announcer Lillian Garcia to hand him a mic. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UDjYXM6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UDjYXM6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Scott Steiner: Now everybody knows that when Big Poppa Pump comes to town, the hoochies gather round. Well at the RoyRumble in three weeks, get ready to be liminated by the Genetic Freak! Steiner pumps his arm up and kisses his bicep. King: Who does he think he is, John Cena? Scott Steiner: BOOKER T! Now you see I think it's a bit of a farce that Big Poppa Pump has to qualfy for the RoyRumble, but maybe Bischoff forgot what I'm caple of, huh! So when I make you tap out tonight in front of these white trash rednecks, just feel lucky you wern't one of the thirty other scumbags I throw out of the RoyRumble match in three weeks! <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pG6RWDGYju4" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/pG6RWDGYju4"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> JR: Say what you want about the articulate nature of Big Poppa Pump, you know he's ready for a fight... but so is Booker T! And a spot in the Royal Rumble is on the line! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UDjYXM6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UDjYXM6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6kUtxz8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6kUtxz8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> A back and forth contest between two former WCW champions. Though their matches in the past definitely had much more time and meaning dedicated to them, you know that both of these men were still hungry to enter the Royal Rumble match. Though Steiner at one point looked to have Booker where he wanted him, an overconfident attempt to putting Booker on the top turnbuckle for a superplex may have cost him. Booker shoved Steiner off and as he slowly climbed to his feet, Booker put him away with a swift scissor kick for the win. Winner: Booker T @ 8:41 (83)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Last year, Booker T got a once in a lifetime opportunity to wrestle for a world championship at WrestleMania. And speaking with Booker earlier today, he wanted to be in this years' Rumble more than anything to get that shot again! King: That's no easy task, JR! JR: Sure isn't. Winning the Rumble is an incredibly difficult task that has the best reward for a reason. But can Booker T do it? I believe that he can, King! King: Now wait a minute.... By this point, Booker T has picked up a microphone. His music fades as Scott Steiner slowly crawls out of the ring and retreats towards the back. Booker T: HEY KANE! Where you at now, SUCKA? King: Kane?! Does Booker T have a death wish, JR? JR: Well folks if you remember last week, Kane attacked Booker T for reasons we still aren't quite sure of. But what I am sure of is that Booker T is not one to back away from a fight. Booker T: I ain't running away until you get your big ol' red ass out here! Just know my back won't be turned this time ar--- <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X27SSywhqI" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X27SSywhqI"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> King: Waaaah! Be careful what you wish for! JR: By god, King. This has the potential to get bowling shoe ugly here real quick. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="GP2SKaW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GP2SKaW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Big Red Machine has absolutely no hesitation in his step as he begins to march down the ramp towards Booker T, who has his hands on his knees and is ready for a brawl. But before Kane can reach the ring, several agents pour out from the back in an attempt to reroute Kane to the back. As Kane attempts to shove past, Jonathan Coachman pops up on the titantron, from the comfort his office. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Jonathan Coachman: Booker T! You have some nerve! Despite not being out in person, the fans are still booing loud enough to nearly drown Coachman's booming voice over the PA system. Booker, also being restrained by agents, is in no position to argue back with Coach. Jonathan Coachman: What exactly are you trying to cause on MY Monday Night RAW? You think you can just come out here and do whatever you want? If you wanted Kane so bad, all you had to do was ask! So I'll let you have your way. But NOT tonight. Next week in Memphis, Tennessee, you'll get Kane. In a no disqualification match! Booker nods confidently as Kane grows a very sick, demented smile on his face from opposite sides of the ring. JR: Next week's RAW is already shaping up to be one hell of a show, King. Kane and Booker in a no disqualification match? What a slobberknocker that's going to be. King: That idiot Booker T really got himself into it now! Kane has always been threatening... but since revealing his hideous face, he's gotten damn near unstoppable! What's Booker T thinking? JR: Booker T is no coward, King. He was brutally attacked - from behind - last week by Kane and the only thing on his mind now is revenge. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixXaxFj2vv4" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixXaxFj2vv4"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <img alt="OLswFHy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OLswFHy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Svk9Uoy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Svk9Uoy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="agNlDWT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/agNlDWT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As we come back from commercial, Jerry Lawler is in the ring with Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie, both wearing robes. King: Ladies and gentlemen, I've been waiting for this moment all night.... or should I say, all my life! Woohoo! It's time to start the New Year right with a Ms. New Years bikini contest! Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie both gesture to their treasured assets on opposite sides of their bodies as King extends his arms towards the ladies. King: It's cold outside, but boy is it hot in here! Woohoo! As the appropriate tune plays, Miss Jackie disrobes first, revealing a bikini that shows off her top heavy side. Stacy Keibler is next, showing off those long, long legs. King continues to woop into the microphone as the ladies prance around the ring, awaiting some sort of fan reaction to determine a winner. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9KfCkvHzlA" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9KfCkvHzlA"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The fans immediately go from wolf whistles to hisses as the WWE Women's Champion begins marching down the ring, scowl on her face as she silently judges the two ladies in the ring. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8fXIgOL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8fXIgOL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> King: Molly Holly! I don't recall you being invited... but sometimes three is much better than two, woohoo! Molly simply stands with her hands on her hips, expression still cold as ice as King goads the audience for Molly to join in on the festivities. Molly grasps King's arm and pulls the mic towards her. Molly Holly: You're right, Jerry. I wasn't invited. Matter of fact, the WWE Women's Champion.... wasn't scheduled to be here tonight. Instead, we had to make way for.... the The New Year's Bimbo Parade. Fans continued to jeer the prudish Holly as Stacy and Jackie continue to flaunt their bodies. Molly Holly: But that's just fine, Jerry. I'll make a statement my own way. You know, New Year's is all about resolutions, right? Well I have one. And that is to make sure that we never..... ever..... Molly's face begins to crunch as she grits her teeth and eyebrows shoot down, nearly touching her nose. She aggressively grabs Jackie, the smaller of two women, by the hair and starts cranking her head down towards her knee. Stacey Keibler, certainly not a trained wrestler, pleads for Molly to stop. Molly Holly: ...see a disgusting.... pathetic.... misogynistic.... "bikini contest"... ever..... AGAIN! Molly finally breaks tension and slams Jackie's head back on the mat. Jerry Lawler, not wanting any part of Molly's aggression, retreats out of the ring. Jackie herself rolls out of the ring to the immediate aid of some referees as a few agents begin to slowly crawl to the ringside in an attempt to calm Molly down before she attacks Stacy Keibler. Molly gets face to face with Keibler. Molly Holly: Bra and panties matches.... mud wrestling.... pillow fights.... GRAVY BOWL MATCHES? 2004 will see the end of the archetypal "WWE Diva" and the beginning of Molly Holly... the "WWE Pure & Natural Goddess". As Molly continues to inch towards Stacy, Keibler gives her a hard SLAP to the face. Molly shakes it off and now grabs Stacy by her long blonde locks. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="endB5dQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/endB5dQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As more agents attempt to talk Molly Down, another body is seen running down the ramp... definitely not an agent, that's Trish Stratus! The appearance of Trish sends the fans into cheers as the Diva of the Year brawls with Holly. The agents back away to give the ladies some room, Trish dominating the surprised Molly Holly who was not prepared for a fair fight. JR: Good god, Molly Holly with an incredibly sadistic attack on two women who were not prepared for a fight and now she's getting a taste of her own medicine with Trish Stratus! King, you alive? King: Barely! I can't believe the contest was ruined! As Trish gets the better of Molly with her patented bulldog, she is blindsided by yet another visitor. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fp77S9q.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fp77S9q.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> It is, in fact, Teddy Long's other client Jazz. The powerful Diva knocks Trish down from behind and tosses her right out of the ring. A dazed Molly Holly fetches her title and begins retreating. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: And this story just keeps on going, here comes Chris Jericho! King: Well this could definitely pass for a fair fight, don't you think JR? JR: I certainly don't think Jericho is here to "fight", but to protect a woman he seemingly cares deeply about. Jazz runs off as Jericho tends to Trish, blatantly ignoring Jackie and Stacy who are in far worse shape. Trish shoves Jericho off of her and tells him to leave her alone as she heads to the back. Jericho slumps down in the corner to sulk as his match is next. JR: And the drama between Trish and Chris Jericho just gets that more complicated. King: It can't be that complicated! Trish is the most wanted woman in the world, JR! And Chris Jericho just isn't that good enough! JR: I think Jericho's sincerity is the ultimate test here, King. Trish clearly DID like Chris Jericho until this "bet" with Christian came to attention! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="onk5XO1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/onk5XO1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Trish's rejection of Jericho clearly affected him in the early comings of this match as the recently fun-loving Lance Storm was able to control the early goings of the match. These two men knew each other well, being tag team partners in ancient history, but both men have very different agendas now. A hard fought match and surprisingly close with both men's positions on the card, Jericho was still able to establish his place after a Lionsault puts Storm away near the ten minute mark. Winner: Chris Jericho @ 9:29 (81)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Chris Jericho is able to pick up the big win here and he'll be joining three other men from RAW in the Royal Rumble! <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGn1xDNTLg0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGn1xDNTLg0"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As we come back from commercial, Chris Jericho is in his room soon to hit the showers after his successful victory. A knock is heard and before Jericho can answer, Christian enters. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8EFaaPD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8EFaaPD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Chris Jericho: What the hell are you doing here, you want to argue again?! Christian: No, I didn't come here to argue! I came here to apologize. Look, I don't know what's going on with you and Trish and frankly, it's not my business. I just know that you.... you're my best friend, Chris. And we were a great tag team and we had good times together. And I want to put everything aside to just say... I'm sorry. And on top of that, let me be the first to congratulate you on qualifying for the Royal Rumble. Chris Jericho: The Royal Rumble, huh? That's what you came to talk about? Hey... remember last year at the Royal rumble when we tricked Shawn Michaels and got his ass thrown out first? Jericho's stern expressions suddenly turns to a smile. Christian's face also loosens as he gives Chris a very crisp high five. Christian: Of course! Or that time the Dudleyz stole all our clothes and found your ass cream! Jericho shoots Christian a perplexing look. Chris Jericho: No... no, that was YOUR ass cream. Christian: Huh? Well, whatever. Look, I just want us to be friends again, Chris. This girl business aside. You won your match... now I'm about to have a qualifying match in a minute and.... well I just got back from Coach's office and he agreed to let you do guest commentary so you can watch from the best seats in the house! And, of course, comment on me kicking Rob Van Dam's ass! Chris Jericho: Really? Guest commentary? You mean the announcer's booth needs a dose of...... VITAMIN C? Jericho and Christian slap each other's shoulders with big smiles planted on their faces. Christian: See you out there? Chris Jericho: Sure, buddy. Give me just a minute to clean up and I'll head out. And good luck, sounds like we're going to need each other in this Rumble. Christian heads out the door, a folded up piece of paper is thrown from underneath a few moments later. Jericho picks it up and reads it. After a few moments, he too leaves the room with a smile on his face. The camera pans on the note. <div style="text-align:center;">I'm sorry for everything. Meet me in locker room 710. Please don't keep me waiting. - Trish xoxo</div> JR: Well Chris Jericho is... supposedly going to be a guest commentator for this next match but it remains to be seen if that's still going to be the case! King: Now wait a minute, what makes you think that note wasn't for me?! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8EFaaPD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8EFaaPD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g2qMaa0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g2qMaa0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Early into the match, Christian kept gazing up to the announcers booth, longingly waiting for Jericho to make an appearance like he arranged. It does seem Christian was banking on Jericho getting involved in this match against the challenging RVD - just barely coming off losing his Intercontinental championship to Randy Orton. After realizing Jericho was not coming out, the match becomes a little bit more closely contested but Van Dam still ends up coming up with the victory after a Five Star Frog Splash. Winner: Rob Van Dam @ 11:30 (81)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Well with that, Rob Van Dam advances to the Rumble and we've already got a solid group of men entering that match in three weeks, King! King: I can't argue with that, JR. But can you believe Chris Jericho stiffing Christian AND us like that?! JR: I think Christian is definitely going to have a lot of questions for Jericho after tonight, but I have to wonder if Christian really just wanted moral support or if he had a plan for something more underhanded. Whatever the case may be, Christian has lost his chance at the Royal Rumble. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJPQL-adDWU" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJPQL-adDWU"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> =============</div> JR: Welcome back to RAW and folks, I'm getting word that we have footage that was filmed during the last match showing what exactly Chris Jericho was up to... let's take a look. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Chris Jericho is seen with a determined look on his face, searching for that numbered dressing room. 708.... 709.... 710! Jericho lighly knocks on the door. Chris Jericho: Trish? Trish are you in there? Trish, I want you to know that you have nothing to be sorry for. This whole thing started as a bet. It was a JOKE! But somewhere along the way.... Trish, listen, I'm coming in. Jericho slowly opens the door and leans up against the wall. The shower is heard running in another room. Chris Jericho: Trish, I hear you taking a shower and I'm not going to look but I need you to hear what I'm about to say since you can't run from me right now. I know I was a jerk and I would totally understand if you never want to talk to me again but I need you to understand that my feelings for you are real. Jericho begins lightly scraping the wall with his finger while staring at the floor. Chris Jericho: When I got to know the real you and the things we discussed and the way we connected... Trish, I just want to be in your life. I don't care about anything else but that. A manly falsetto voice is heard from the shower room. ???: Chris! I didn't know you cared so much! Come here, you! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0cYzIsD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0cYzIsD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The camera pans to show Garrison Cade, wearing a shower cap and holding a soap-on-a-rope. Chris Jericho: What the....? Jericho, incredibly confused, begins slowly backing away. As he does, he bumps right another occupant in the room. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="bDdn7vL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bDdn7vL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Mark Jindrak: Gee Chris, didn't anyone ever teach you bros before hoes? Suddenly Cade whips Jericho in the back of the head with the soap-on-a-rope and Jindrak shoves Jericho into the shower - which is far from steamy as we can tell from Jericho's shocked and breathy reaction that it's shooting ice cold water. Chris Jericho: Y-y-you sons of b-b-b-ITCHES! I'l get you! Jericho slips getting to his feet and tackles the shower curtain, which sends him tumbling down back onto the floor. Cade and Jindrak laugh and high five each other like a couple of high school jocks as they high tail it before Jericho can recover. Back to ringside. JR: What the hell was that all about?! King: I don't know, it sounded like life advice to me, JR! JR: Life advice my backside! Cade and Jindrak have no business involving themselves in this situation! King: Looks like Jericho is a triple loser after tonight - rejected by Trish, betrayed Christian and tricked by Cade and Jindrak! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sEk62fC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sEk62fC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> We cut back to Shawn Michaels, ready to go in his ring gear and standing next to Terri at the interview set. Terri: Shawn, last week Ric Flair made your match with Triple H a bit of a headache and tonight you get a chance to see him in the ring along with two of Triple H's most trusted allies. How much are you looking forward to this main event match? Shawn Michaels: Well as much as the Heartbreak Kid is looking forward to kicking Ric Flair's head to Charlotte, let me be clear that the only man I'm looking to get my hands on is the current, disputed, World Heavyweight Champion. I don't care what curveball Coach, Teddy Long, Bischoff or anyone else tries to throw at me, I'm going to get my chance. And Hunter... make no mistake about it, I'm--OOOOF! JR: What's this?! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LBiRCEI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LBiRCEI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> From behind, Mark Henry attacks Shawn Michaels in the middle of his interview. Henry clubs Michaels in the back several times before throwing him head first into the interview set. Michaels lays sprawled out on the floor. JR: Get some help in there! Shawn Michaels is about to compete in a match, dammit! King: Looks like we just got a preview for next week's main event, JR! JR: Well it's not next week, King! And now all three men that are taking on Evolution in a few moments have been attacked before the match! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rzX2b2h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rzX2b2h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="L32zhXB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/L32zhXB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SYsSdGY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SYsSdGY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWSialT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWSialT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UOhPaK1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UOhPaK1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> With Shawn Michaels just barely getting beaten in the back, HBK was unable to make the starting bell and Evolution began this match with a monstrous advantage. The Dudley Boyz have been feuding with the World Tag Team Champions in a brutal back-and-forth feud but the massively talented Randy Orton also being out there as well made this a near impossible equation to even up. Despite that, the Dudley Boyz are known as two of the roughest and toughest men on the roster and despite having a numbers disadvantage, they hung in and fought with all their might to keep things competitive. A ref bump in the late goings of the match turned Evolution back in control as the dirtiest player of the game himslef, Ric Flair, began to blatantly cheat with cheap shots to the eyes and groin with no ref to see. Soon after, all three men began to ignore tag team rules with no official to retain order. Though the Dudleyz did the same, the numbers game was too much to overcome and both men found themselves on the receiving end of blows from the three attack dogs. At one point, D-Von Dudley found himself thrown outside and given a nasty powerbomb against the side of the announcer's table, seemingly taking him out of the match all together. As Batista continued to punish D-Von on the outside, Orton and Flair continued their assault on Bubba on the inside. <img alt="sMDoPCJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sMDoPCJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> In a flash, Little Spike Dudley sprints down the right with a head full of steam. Spike was assaulted by Evolution earlier in the night along with his big brothers. As Batista continues to attack a defenseless D-Von on the outside, Spike grabs a ringside chair and smacks it against Batista's back. Batista falls to his knees but attempts to recover early, but puts himself in position for Spike to grab Batista's head and run up against the barricade, giving Batista an innovative outside Dudley Dog and crashing Batista's head right into the nearby steps! Spike quickly attempts to save Bubba from Orton and Flair, but is neutralized very early and not long after is on the receiving end of a RKO. Senior referee Earl Hebner becomes to come to just as Spike is tossed out of the ring like a sack of garbage and Evolution knows it's time to put Bubba away. <img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> But that plan is put on pause as the Heartbreak Kid finally makes his way to the ring, limp in his step and bandage on top of his head. He definitely is feeling the effects of the assault from Mark Henry, but is determined to wrestle as he was scheduled tonight. HBK, fresh as a daisy, evens things up and like a house of fire, takes Evolution down strike after strike after strike. Though Orton and Flair are able to swing momentum back their way using the pack mentality, Bubba is able to recover and uses his will to take Orton on the outside with him. Leaving the ring with just Flair, HBK does his thing just like he knows how and after a flurry of offense, nearly knocks the Nature Boy's teeth into front row with a beautiful Sweet Chin Music. That's enough to score the victory! Winners: Shawn Michaels and the Dudley Boyz @ 12:59 (82)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Well try as they might to give themselves the advantage here, Shawn Michaels and the Dudleyz were able to pick up a big victory heading into the Royal Rumble. And you have to know that all three of these men are that much closer to the title shots they desire! King: Look what that idiot Spike Dudley did to Batista, JR! You talk about unnecessary attacks, look at him! JR: Spike Dudley was assaulted earlier tonight after a triumphant return win along with his brothers. And you and I both know that Spike is not one to let things go, no matter how big or small the challenge may be. The camera shoots to Evolution beginning to retreat to the top of the ramp, Batista holding his head in a complete daze as he's still recovering from being bonked on the steel. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CwLIeZS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CwLIeZS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Triple H, with his World Heavyweight Championship in tow, welcomes his stable of men on the stage. The three Dudley brothers as well as HBK continue to celebrate together in the ring to the ire of Evolution. But in a desperate show of "I'm still better than you", Triple H simply holds his championship up in the air. HBK simply points at it and motions the belt around his own waist. JR: It's pretty clear to see, King, Shawn Michaels is absolutely determined to be World's Heavyweight Champion one more time. King: Well of course he is, JR, but he still needs to beat Mark Henry next week! JR: And I don't think HBK has any issues with that, King, especially after what we saw tonight. We'll see you next week in Memphis, folks! Quick Results: Spike Dudley def. Rene Dupree ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak def. The Hurricane & Rosey ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Booker T def. Scott Steiner ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Chris Jericho def. Lance Storm ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Rob Van Dam def. Christian Shawn Michaels & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) def. Evolution (Ric Flair, Batista & Randy Orton) (OVR: 85) <div style="text-align:center;">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</div> <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT 10,911 fans <img alt="E3kfwJj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E3kfwJj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Svk9Uoy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Svk9Uoy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the sold out Mohegan Sun Arena, JR and Jerry "The King" Lawler live ringside and King, what a night we have for you! King: Oh man, you know what time of the year it is? Rumble season! JR: You're absolutely right about that, King. The Royal Rumble, one of the most prestigious events in the WWE is three weeks away and tonight we kick off the road to the Royal Rumble with several qualifying matches. And how about that main event tonight? King: It's going to be Evolution taking on those damn Dudley Boyz AND Shawn Michaels, who Triple H beat last week to retain his championship! JR: Well that's a debatable fact, King, but we do know that HBK did not walk out of San Antonio as champion. That's for sure. And a heart breaker it was last Monday night. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="KwMNtij.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KwMNtij.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Cameras shift to the General Manager's office of Eric Bischoff, who is pacing around enough to dig a hole in the ground. Jonathan Coachman stands by his side with a hand on his chin. Eric Bischoff: Coach, I made the right call last week. And you know what? I took the initiative! We have a World Championship match main eventing RAW, the referee was down. And I, the General Manager of RAW, jumped in the ring. I put MYSELF in harm's way and I STILL called it right down the middle. And I made the right call. Coach: You're absolutely right. Shawn Michaels' shoulders were down on the mat. Eric Bischoff: Shawn Michaels.... after all that, Shawn Michaels takes it upon himself to ATTACK me? Coach: I'm with you, boss! Shawn Michaels had no right putting his hands on you and he deserved the punishment he got for it. Eric Bischoff: Well that "punishment" means nothing now because of... the "Sheriff" of RAW. Stone Cold Steve Austin. The fans let out an outrageous cheer for the Texas Rattlesnake, who last week overruled Bischoff's termination of HBK and gave him a stunner for his efforts. Bischoff slowly shakes his head and looks at the ground in frustration over knowing he'll have to deal with Steve Austin yet again tonight. Coach: And now RAW is.... Stone Cold Law? I don't like the sound of this, boss. Eric Bischoff: Look, Coach, I can't do this. Not tonight. I have too much on my mind right now. I did the RIGHT THING last week and now I have so many targets on my head.... and now Steve Austin thinks he can just come in here and overturn everything I do? This is too much. I'm taking the night off. Coach: Taking the night off?! But boss, we're on the road to the Royal Rumble! It's a brand new year! We need you here. Eric Bischoff: You don't "need" anyone. Look, why don't YOU run the show tonight? Coach: M-m-me?! Eric Bischoff: Sure! I know you can handle it. I gotta go. Before Coach can even respond, Bischoff grabs his suitcase and bolts out the door. Coach looks dumbfounded at first but begins to grow a smarmy smile. Rubbing his hands together, Coach sits down at Bischoff's desk as we cut back to ringside. King: Coach!? That idiot is going to be running the show now? JR: I don't like the sound of that one bit, King. And I'm not so sure if it's a great look for Eric Bischoff to be running away when the pressure is this high! This is quite the important night to be taking a PTO day! King: I bet Stone Cold isn't complaining too much about this! JR: Knowing that Rattlesnake like I do, I don't think Stone Cold cares one bit who is in charge. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="srX1tlh.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/srX1tlh.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sMDoPCJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sMDoPCJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> This was a grudge match dating back four months ago when La Resistance put Spike Dudley on the injured list. Since then, the french trio have had their momentum stall with Sylvain Grenier injured and their tag titles being lost. Regardless, the bigger and fitter Rene Dupree was able to dominate Spike for most of this one. But the small underdog with the giant sized heart was able to stay alive just long enough to catch Dupree sleeping with a flash pinfall that put the French Tickler down for the count! Winner: Spike Dudley @ 5:33 (47)</div></div></blockquote> JR: What a big win for little Spike Dudley! King: What?! Are you sure he didn't have the tights there? JR: I think not, King! Spike Dudley caught Rene Dupree when he least expected it and picks up a victory in his first match back! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rzX2b2h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rzX2b2h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="L32zhXB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/L32zhXB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As Spike celebrates up the ramp, his brothers Bubba and D-Von welcome him back in open arms to celebrate his big win. As the trio heads up the ramp, they are sent stumbling down onto the steel ramp, face first. JR: What the hell is the meaning of this? <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="SYsSdGY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SYsSdGY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWSialT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWSialT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As officials begin to pour out, Batista rams D-Von's head right into the side of the stage and Flair begin pummeling Bubba with closed fists. Spike, still winded from the match, attempts to intervene but is quickly neutralized by Batista with an absolutely brutal spinebuster onto the stage, echoing a BANG off the steel. King: Wrong place, wrong time for those damn Dudleyz, JR. JR: This is completely uncalled for. And now you have to wonder how the Dudley Boyz are going to be able to compete in tonight's main event! <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rALrcEA3Wxs" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/rALrcEA3Wxs"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JC447yREzZg" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/JC447yREzZg"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The theme of "The Game" sends, as always, incredibly negative reaction to the crowd who is already rowdy after seeing the Dudley Boyz beat down by Evolution, unfairly before their match. always in steady form, slowly marches to the ring as the crowd jeers as heavy as they always can for the leader of Evolution. Taking time to admire the evidence of carnage left by his stable mates just moments ago, Triple H heads down the ramp and onto the apron with a microphone in hand in place of a bottle of water. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CwLIeZS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CwLIeZS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: Well just moments ago we saw Batista and Ric Flair just decimate the Dudley Boyz right on the stage and out comes the leader of these men, Triple H. And last week, King, it was a heart breaker for sure. Shawn Michaels had Triple H down for the three count. King: But Shawn Michaels' shoulders were on the mat, JR! JR: Be that as it may, the world thought - for just a single moment - that Shawn Michaels was world's heavyweight champion. King: But he's not! Triple H pinned Shawn Michaels in front of his home town! JR: A debatable claim to say the least, King. By now, Triple H has entered the ring and seeing as he's not scheduled to compete tonight, it's only appropriate he has a microphone in hand. The fans attempt to drown "The Game" out with "HBK" chants. Never the one to be bothered by fan reaction, Triple H continues jawing on his gum as his music begins to fade. Without hesitation, Triple H gets on the stick. Triple H: You know, I see that Eric Bischoff took the night off but I did want to take the time to go out of my way and congratulate him on making the right call in the center of this ring last week. The crowd, knowing exactly what Triple H is referring to, jeer to high hell. Triple H: Like it or not, I came out of that match victorious. And once again I proved that I am better than Shawn Michaels. And once again I proved that I AM THAT. DAMN. GOOD. JR: Well these fans are certainly not taking to Triple H's claims here tonight. King: Don't these idiots know anything?! Triple H won, 1-2-3! JR: Well I know that it isn't quite as black-and-white as you are portraying it, King. Triple H: So here's the deal, Shawn. We're done. I don't owe you any more title shots. As matter of fact, the Royal Rumble is three weeks away from today. Since you had such a piss poor performance last year as the first man eliminated, maybe you should consider entering yourself into the Rumble this year. Hey, maybe you'll even win. And instead of wasting your time with me again.... you can draft yourself to SmackDown. You can go waste Brock Lesnar's time and in the meanwhile, escape the very reason your career will be left to rot. Triple H raises his World Heavyweight Championship to the angry crowd. JR: Rot? What a disrespectful statement from The Game. Shawn Michaels' has had a tremendous comeback since coming out of retirement. King: Tremendous enough to where he has not beaten Triple H one-on-one, JR! JR: But still tremendous enough to climb the mountain again as he did in November, King! Triple H: Mark my words, Shawn Michaels. I will never let you get this World Heavyweight Championship again. Not only will I make sure of that, Evolution will make sure of that. So here's what I have to offer to the rest of the boys in the ba-- <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NhaHnVFE6I" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NhaHnVFE6I"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Before Triple H can even begin to lay out his offer, Shawn Michaels comes out dancing on the stage to a hot crowd. Triple H paints a disgusted look on his face as Michaels takes his time milking the reaction on the way to the ring. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> King: What's he doing here? Didn't Triple H just tell Shawn Michaels to move on?! JR: Last I checked, King, Triple H isn't in charge of making those calls. King: This is Triple H's time! You can't just interrupt the champion like that! JR: Well I believe Shawn Michaels just did! By now, the Heartbreak Kid has made his way into the ring, fetching another mic to go toe to toe with his former best friend. Shawn Michaels: As far as I am concerned, Hunter... you proved only one thing last week. And that was that you're only JUST as good as me. The fans begin loudly chanting HBK as Triple H simply points to his title. Shawn Michaels: I'll accept at this point in time that my shoulders were down. But so were yours. And that was credit to a little sweet chin music, pal of mine. So I say at the Royal Rumble, we do it again. Once and for all. Triple H simply continues smacking his gum with a slight smirk on his face as the fans rise to their feet, obviously agreeing with HBK's motion for a rematch. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HPJBSCwd2Cc" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/HPJBSCwd2Cc"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> JR: Oh no... King: Well, let's see if Bischoff left RAW in good hands or not. JR: These are two personalities more explosive than dynamite, King. Coach better be careful getting himself involved in this. The arena is almost instantaneously filled with jeers as the music of the interim General Manager of RAW hits the PA system. Michaels and Triple H impatiently look out towards the stage, both frustrated with being interrupted. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Coach: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Allow me, as the INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER of MONDAY NIGHT RAW..... The fans boo louder, drowning Coach's voice out entirely. Coach frustratingly paces, waiting for the slightest touch of volume before continuing on. Coach: Allow ME to make the decisions here! Shawn Michaels, last week you took Triple H to the limit in a 44 minute instant classic of a match.... that you lost! Fair and square! And your reaction to this loss was to put your hands on our boss, Eric Bischoff! Now if it wasn't for the "Sheriff" saving you, you'd be unemployed! And now you have the AUDACITY to ask for a title shot?! Maybe you should take this time to APOLOGIZE instead! The fans begin calling Coach a word that rhymes with mass mole as Triple H nods and smiles in the ring. Shawn Michaels: The only thing I'm going to apologize for is giving you a turn to speak, you weasel! I don't care what kind of power Bischoff gave you, this is between myself and Hunter. You have no business here! Coach: And that's where you're wrong, Mr. Michaels! You want a title shot? That's just fine. But you're going to have to earn it! One way or another. But for right now, I suggest you focus on your main event contest tonight against Evolution! Coach drops the mic and heads to the back. Triple H shrugs his shoulders as a frustrated HBK stands still where he last spoke. But in an instant flash... King: WAH! He can't do that! JR: Sweet Chin Music to The Game! Shawn Michaels has laid the champion out! King: That's two weeks in a row Shawn Michaels has unprovokingly put his hands on someone! Something needs to be done about this! JR: I think the only thing that's going to be "done" is more fuel being added to the Heartbreak Kid's fire. Shawn Michaels is on an absolute mission to take the title off of Triple H. And I don't think he's going to stop until he does! We cut back to the backstage area, following Coach who has left the stage area and is on his way back to his office. In the hallway, he is stopped by a familiar face. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LBiRCEI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LBiRCEI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWzmJZs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWzmJZs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Theodore Long: Holla, holla, holla! Coach, let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done so far. I must say that I'm happy to be seeing a black man in charge of things here tonight. Ba'lee that! Coach grabs the collar of his shirt and extends it with a confident smile. Coach: Appreciate hearing that, Teddy! Can I help you gentlemen tonight? Theodore Long: Well as a matter of fact, playa', I was just coming to discuss a business matter with you. You see, Eric Bischoff owes me from Survivor Series. Big time! And we was just seeing about capitalizing on that favor. You see my man Mark Henry here, he's ready. And playa, the world is ready. We're ready for a black World's Heavyweight Champion, you feel me? Coach: I see! Well, I can get behind that! As of this moment, Mark Henry will be entered into the Royal Rumble! And may I just say, Teddy, I don't see ANYBODY eliminating him! Mark Henry cocks his head in confusion. Theodore, with a short pause, throws his hands up, fingers outstretched in front of him. Theodore Long: Whoa there, playa'! I appreciate that and we'll take it, but we was thinking something much bigger than that. Ya'see, with Shawn Michaels out of the picture, we was wanting Mark Henry to earn his keep and take on Triple H at the Rumble! No entrant necessary, playa'! Coach: You know what, Teddy? I like the sound of that! As of this moment.... at the Royal Rumble.... Triple H will take on-- <div style="text-align:center;">WHAT? <img alt="dLFRNwg.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dLFRNwg.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The fans go bonkers as Sheriff Steve Austin appears on the screen, just short of Coach making what was sure to be a disappointing announcement. Sheriff Austin: What? Ain't you forgot something? Coach: And just what would that be? Sheriff Austin: What? Well maybe you should take a look here. You see this badge? What? Well that makes me Sheriff. Sheriff of RAW. And we have a thing here, Coach, called checks and balances. You see you can go out there and make all the decisions you want, but just you remember that Sheriff Austin is always lurking and ready to open up a can of whoop ass on your so-called authority. So you think you're just going to run roughshod on RAW? What? You're just going to take a title shot from one man and give it to another? Just like that? EH-EH! You think Shawn Michaels needs to earn his place? Well I say Mark Henry needs to do about the same. And if you want to make things interesting, I say let's do it next week. Shawn Michaels will go one-on-one with Mark Henry. Winner faces Triple H, loser can go earn their shot in the Rumble as far as I'm concerned. And that's all I have to say about that! The fans cheer as Henry grows an agitated face, his sure-thing title shot being evaporated before his very eyes. With his face dropping, Theodore Long goes to plead to the Sheriff. Theodore Long: Now hold up, playa'! We already made the dang match, you can't just go and cancel a match that's been booked! Sheriff Austin: You "booked" nothing you mealy mouthed sunvabitch and last I checked, you have no power here, so I suggest you keep your trap shut before I reign justice on your little enterprise. Theodore Long taps Henry on the arm and points in the other direction. They scurry away as Austin gets face to face with Coach. Sheriff Austin: And as far as you go, I recommend you know your place here on RAW because Bischoff or no Bischoff, Austin 3:16 is the Law of the Land and if you try to run it any other way I will take no hesitation in stomping a mudhole in you and walkin' it dry. And that's the bottom line 'cause Stone Cold said so! JR: What a big turn of events, King! Shawn Michaels vs. Mark Henry, next week in Memphis! King: Wah! That's one way to bring RAW to my hometown! And a title shot on the line? Don't you think Mark Henry deserves that over Shawn Michaels already? JR: Whatever you may believe, King, Mark Henry will still have a chance to prove that next week! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TbyiOqH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TbyiOqH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HmEFNZ7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HmEFNZ7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0cYzIsD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0cYzIsD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bDdn7vL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bDdn7vL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> As the first Royal Rumble qualifier, it was a chance for two young men in two young teams to get a big opportunity in three weeks. Though Cade and Jindrak were much more inexperienced, they were able to maintain dominance on The Hurricane, who played Ricky Morton, as the big man Rosey was left on the apron begging for a tag. When Rosey was finally tagged in, the agile big man was able to knock both Cade and Jindrak down repeatedly and even got a big splash on Cade for a nearfall. But with Cade and Jindrak resorting to underhanded tactics, something they've done regularly, they were able to pull favor on their side and eventually in victory as Cade held down Rosey's legs on the outside while Jindrak made the cover. Winners: Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak @ 7:25 (54)</div></div></blockquote> King: Wow, what a big win for these young men! JR: Cade and Jindrak are ridiculously talented individuals, but their cheating ways are a bit disappointing and quite unnecessary. These are two men who have all the potential in the world! King: I know one thing for sure... the Royal Rumble this year won't have to deal with any S, H, I-- JR: Knock it off, King. Hurricane and Rosey are, indeed, out of the Rumble match. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFi3AV27AeE" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFi3AV27AeE"</a> 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. <img alt="UOhPaK1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UOhPaK1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: There's that disgusting ad playing again. King: Well... is it wrong, JR? I mean Mick Foley really is a coward! Where do you suppose he is? JR: I have no idea, King. I've known Mick Foley for many years. Every Christmas, we spend hours on the phone talking to each other, it's our favorite time of year. I did not speak to Mick Foley this last Christmas. I haven't talked to him in weeks. I have no earthly idea where he is. King: So, he's a coward? JR: King, Mick Foley is many things, but he is not a coward. I don't know what is going through that deranged mind. And maybe we'll never know. But I think its time Randy Orton move on from this and leave the man alone. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRILs-DTSxs" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRILs-DTSxs"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> Scott Steiner is already in the ring ready for his match with Booker T. Off mic, he yells at ring announcer Lillian Garcia to hand him a mic. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UDjYXM6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UDjYXM6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Scott Steiner: Now everybody knows that when Big Poppa Pump comes to town, the hoochies gather round. Well at the RoyRumble in three weeks, get ready to be liminated by the Genetic Freak! Steiner pumps his arm up and kisses his bicep. King: Who does he think he is, John Cena? Scott Steiner: BOOKER T! Now you see I think it's a bit of a farce that Big Poppa Pump has to qualfy for the RoyRumble, but maybe Bischoff forgot what I'm caple of, huh! So when I make you tap out tonight in front of these white trash rednecks, just feel lucky you wern't one of the thirty other scumbags I throw out of the RoyRumble match in three weeks! <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pG6RWDGYju4" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/pG6RWDGYju4"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> JR: Say what you want about the articulate nature of Big Poppa Pump, you know he's ready for a fight... but so is Booker T! And a spot in the Royal Rumble is on the line! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="UDjYXM6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UDjYXM6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6kUtxz8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6kUtxz8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> A back and forth contest between two former WCW champions. Though their matches in the past definitely had much more time and meaning dedicated to them, you know that both of these men were still hungry to enter the Royal Rumble match. Though Steiner at one point looked to have Booker where he wanted him, an overconfident attempt to putting Booker on the top turnbuckle for a superplex may have cost him. Booker shoved Steiner off and as he slowly climbed to his feet, Booker put him away with a swift scissor kick for the win. Winner: Booker T @ 8:41 (83)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Last year, Booker T got a once in a lifetime opportunity to wrestle for a world championship at WrestleMania. And speaking with Booker earlier today, he wanted to be in this years' Rumble more than anything to get that shot again! King: That's no easy task, JR! JR: Sure isn't. Winning the Rumble is an incredibly difficult task that has the best reward for a reason. But can Booker T do it? I believe that he can, King! King: Now wait a minute.... By this point, Booker T has picked up a microphone. His music fades as Scott Steiner slowly crawls out of the ring and retreats towards the back. Booker T: HEY KANE! Where you at now, SUCKA? King: Kane?! Does Booker T have a death wish, JR? JR: Well folks if you remember last week, Kane attacked Booker T for reasons we still aren't quite sure of. But what I am sure of is that Booker T is not one to back away from a fight. Booker T: I ain't running away until you get your big ol' red ass out here! Just know my back won't be turned this time ar--- <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X27SSywhqI" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/0X27SSywhqI"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> King: Waaaah! Be careful what you wish for! JR: By god, King. This has the potential to get bowling shoe ugly here real quick. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="GP2SKaW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GP2SKaW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The Big Red Machine has absolutely no hesitation in his step as he begins to march down the ramp towards Booker T, who has his hands on his knees and is ready for a brawl. But before Kane can reach the ring, several agents pour out from the back in an attempt to reroute Kane to the back. As Kane attempts to shove past, Jonathan Coachman pops up on the titantron, from the comfort his office. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKlBYKE.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKlBYKE.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Jonathan Coachman: Booker T! You have some nerve! Despite not being out in person, the fans are still booing loud enough to nearly drown Coachman's booming voice over the PA system. Booker, also being restrained by agents, is in no position to argue back with Coach. Jonathan Coachman: What exactly are you trying to cause on MY Monday Night RAW? You think you can just come out here and do whatever you want? If you wanted Kane so bad, all you had to do was ask! So I'll let you have your way. But NOT tonight. Next week in Memphis, Tennessee, you'll get Kane. In a no disqualification match! Booker nods confidently as Kane grows a very sick, demented smile on his face from opposite sides of the ring. JR: Next week's RAW is already shaping up to be one hell of a show, King. Kane and Booker in a no disqualification match? What a slobberknocker that's going to be. King: That idiot Booker T really got himself into it now! Kane has always been threatening... but since revealing his hideous face, he's gotten damn near unstoppable! What's Booker T thinking? JR: Booker T is no coward, King. He was brutally attacked - from behind - last week by Kane and the only thing on his mind now is revenge. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixXaxFj2vv4" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixXaxFj2vv4"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <img alt="OLswFHy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OLswFHy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Svk9Uoy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Svk9Uoy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="agNlDWT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/agNlDWT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As we come back from commercial, Jerry Lawler is in the ring with Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie, both wearing robes. King: Ladies and gentlemen, I've been waiting for this moment all night.... or should I say, all my life! Woohoo! It's time to start the New Year right with a Ms. New Years bikini contest! Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie both gesture to their treasured assets on opposite sides of their bodies as King extends his arms towards the ladies. King: It's cold outside, but boy is it hot in here! Woohoo! As the appropriate tune plays, Miss Jackie disrobes first, revealing a bikini that shows off her top heavy side. Stacy Keibler is next, showing off those long, long legs. King continues to woop into the microphone as the ladies prance around the ring, awaiting some sort of fan reaction to determine a winner. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="75" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9KfCkvHzlA" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/H9KfCkvHzlA"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The fans immediately go from wolf whistles to hisses as the WWE Women's Champion begins marching down the ring, scowl on her face as she silently judges the two ladies in the ring. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8fXIgOL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8fXIgOL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> King: Molly Holly! I don't recall you being invited... but sometimes three is much better than two, woohoo! Molly simply stands with her hands on her hips, expression still cold as ice as King goads the audience for Molly to join in on the festivities. Molly grasps King's arm and pulls the mic towards her. Molly Holly: You're right, Jerry. I wasn't invited. Matter of fact, the WWE Women's Champion.... wasn't scheduled to be here tonight. Instead, we had to make way for.... the The New Year's Bimbo Parade. Fans continued to jeer the prudish Holly as Stacy and Jackie continue to flaunt their bodies. Molly Holly: But that's just fine, Jerry. I'll make a statement my own way. You know, New Year's is all about resolutions, right? Well I have one. And that is to make sure that we never..... ever..... Molly's face begins to crunch as she grits her teeth and eyebrows shoot down, nearly touching her nose. She aggressively grabs Jackie, the smaller of two women, by the hair and starts cranking her head down towards her knee. Stacey Keibler, certainly not a trained wrestler, pleads for Molly to stop. Molly Holly: ...see a disgusting.... pathetic.... misogynistic.... "bikini contest"... ever..... AGAIN! Molly finally breaks tension and slams Jackie's head back on the mat. Jerry Lawler, not wanting any part of Molly's aggression, retreats out of the ring. Jackie herself rolls out of the ring to the immediate aid of some referees as a few agents begin to slowly crawl to the ringside in an attempt to calm Molly down before she attacks Stacy Keibler. Molly gets face to face with Keibler. Molly Holly: Bra and panties matches.... mud wrestling.... pillow fights.... GRAVY BOWL MATCHES? 2004 will see the end of the archetypal "WWE Diva" and the beginning of Molly Holly... the "WWE Pure & Natural Goddess". As Molly continues to inch towards Stacy, Keibler gives her a hard SLAP to the face. Molly shakes it off and now grabs Stacy by her long blonde locks. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="endB5dQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/endB5dQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As more agents attempt to talk Molly Down, another body is seen running down the ramp... definitely not an agent, that's Trish Stratus! The appearance of Trish sends the fans into cheers as the Diva of the Year brawls with Holly. The agents back away to give the ladies some room, Trish dominating the surprised Molly Holly who was not prepared for a fair fight. JR: Good god, Molly Holly with an incredibly sadistic attack on two women who were not prepared for a fight and now she's getting a taste of her own medicine with Trish Stratus! King, you alive? King: Barely! I can't believe the contest was ruined! As Trish gets the better of Molly with her patented bulldog, she is blindsided by yet another visitor. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fp77S9q.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fp77S9q.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> It is, in fact, Teddy Long's other client Jazz. The powerful Diva knocks Trish down from behind and tosses her right out of the ring. A dazed Molly Holly fetches her title and begins retreating. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> JR: And this story just keeps on going, here comes Chris Jericho! King: Well this could definitely pass for a fair fight, don't you think JR? JR: I certainly don't think Jericho is here to "fight", but to protect a woman he seemingly cares deeply about. Jazz runs off as Jericho tends to Trish, blatantly ignoring Jackie and Stacy who are in far worse shape. Trish shoves Jericho off of her and tells him to leave her alone as she heads to the back. Jericho slumps down in the corner to sulk as his match is next. JR: And the drama between Trish and Chris Jericho just gets that more complicated. King: It can't be that complicated! Trish is the most wanted woman in the world, JR! And Chris Jericho just isn't that good enough! JR: I think Jericho's sincerity is the ultimate test here, King. Trish clearly DID like Chris Jericho until this "bet" with Christian came to attention! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="onk5XO1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/onk5XO1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Trish's rejection of Jericho clearly affected him in the early comings of this match as the recently fun-loving Lance Storm was able to control the early goings of the match. These two men knew each other well, being tag team partners in ancient history, but both men have very different agendas now. A hard fought match and surprisingly close with both men's positions on the card, Jericho was still able to establish his place after a Lionsault puts Storm away near the ten minute mark. Winner: Chris Jericho @ 9:29 (81)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Chris Jericho is able to pick up the big win here and he'll be joining three other men from RAW in the Royal Rumble! <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGn1xDNTLg0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZGn1xDNTLg0"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> ============= <img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> As we come back from commercial, Chris Jericho is in his room soon to hit the showers after his successful victory. A knock is heard and before Jericho can answer, Christian enters. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8EFaaPD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8EFaaPD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Chris Jericho: What the hell are you doing here, you want to argue again?! Christian: No, I didn't come here to argue! I came here to apologize. Look, I don't know what's going on with you and Trish and frankly, it's not my business. I just know that you.... you're my best friend, Chris. And we were a great tag team and we had good times together. And I want to put everything aside to just say... I'm sorry. And on top of that, let me be the first to congratulate you on qualifying for the Royal Rumble. Chris Jericho: The Royal Rumble, huh? That's what you came to talk about? Hey... remember last year at the Royal rumble when we tricked Shawn Michaels and got his ass thrown out first? Jericho's stern expressions suddenly turns to a smile. Christian's face also loosens as he gives Chris a very crisp high five. Christian: Of course! Or that time the Dudleyz stole all our clothes and found your ass cream! Jericho shoots Christian a perplexing look. Chris Jericho: No... no, that was YOUR ass cream. Christian: Huh? Well, whatever. Look, I just want us to be friends again, Chris. This girl business aside. You won your match... now I'm about to have a qualifying match in a minute and.... well I just got back from Coach's office and he agreed to let you do guest commentary so you can watch from the best seats in the house! And, of course, comment on me kicking Rob Van Dam's ass! Chris Jericho: Really? Guest commentary? You mean the announcer's booth needs a dose of...... VITAMIN C? Jericho and Christian slap each other's shoulders with big smiles planted on their faces. Christian: See you out there? Chris Jericho: Sure, buddy. Give me just a minute to clean up and I'll head out. And good luck, sounds like we're going to need each other in this Rumble. Christian heads out the door, a folded up piece of paper is thrown from underneath a few moments later. Jericho picks it up and reads it. After a few moments, he too leaves the room with a smile on his face. The camera pans on the note. <div style="text-align:center;">I'm sorry for everything. Meet me in locker room 710. Please don't keep me waiting. - Trish xoxo</div> JR: Well Chris Jericho is... supposedly going to be a guest commentator for this next match but it remains to be seen if that's still going to be the case! King: Now wait a minute, what makes you think that note wasn't for me?! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8EFaaPD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8EFaaPD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="g2qMaa0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/g2qMaa0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Early into the match, Christian kept gazing up to the announcers booth, longingly waiting for Jericho to make an appearance like he arranged. It does seem Christian was banking on Jericho getting involved in this match against the challenging RVD - just barely coming off losing his Intercontinental championship to Randy Orton. After realizing Jericho was not coming out, the match becomes a little bit more closely contested but Van Dam still ends up coming up with the victory after a Five Star Frog Splash. Winner: Rob Van Dam @ 11:30 (81)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Well with that, Rob Van Dam advances to the Rumble and we've already got a solid group of men entering that match in three weeks, King! King: I can't argue with that, JR. But can you believe Chris Jericho stiffing Christian AND us like that?! JR: I think Christian is definitely going to have a lot of questions for Jericho after tonight, but I have to wonder if Christian really just wanted moral support or if he had a plan for something more underhanded. Whatever the case may be, Christian has lost his chance at the Royal Rumble. <div style="text-align:center;">============= <iframe width="300" height="150" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJPQL-adDWU" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/SJPQL-adDWU"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> =============</div> JR: Welcome back to RAW and folks, I'm getting word that we have footage that was filmed during the last match showing what exactly Chris Jericho was up to... let's take a look. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="vuaXuLd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/vuaXuLd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Chris Jericho is seen with a determined look on his face, searching for that numbered dressing room. 708.... 709.... 710! Jericho lighly knocks on the door. Chris Jericho: Trish? Trish are you in there? Trish, I want you to know that you have nothing to be sorry for. This whole thing started as a bet. It was a JOKE! But somewhere along the way.... Trish, listen, I'm coming in. Jericho slowly opens the door and leans up against the wall. The shower is heard running in another room. Chris Jericho: Trish, I hear you taking a shower and I'm not going to look but I need you to hear what I'm about to say since you can't run from me right now. I know I was a jerk and I would totally understand if you never want to talk to me again but I need you to understand that my feelings for you are real. Jericho begins lightly scraping the wall with his finger while staring at the floor. Chris Jericho: When I got to know the real you and the things we discussed and the way we connected... Trish, I just want to be in your life. I don't care about anything else but that. A manly falsetto voice is heard from the shower room. ???: Chris! I didn't know you cared so much! Come here, you! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="0cYzIsD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0cYzIsD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The camera pans to show Garrison Cade, wearing a shower cap and holding a soap-on-a-rope. Chris Jericho: What the....? Jericho, incredibly confused, begins slowly backing away. As he does, he bumps right another occupant in the room. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="bDdn7vL.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bDdn7vL.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Mark Jindrak: Gee Chris, didn't anyone ever teach you bros before hoes? Suddenly Cade whips Jericho in the back of the head with the soap-on-a-rope and Jindrak shoves Jericho into the shower - which is far from steamy as we can tell from Jericho's shocked and breathy reaction that it's shooting ice cold water. Chris Jericho: Y-y-you sons of b-b-b-ITCHES! I'l get you! Jericho slips getting to his feet and tackles the shower curtain, which sends him tumbling down back onto the floor. Cade and Jindrak laugh and high five each other like a couple of high school jocks as they high tail it before Jericho can recover. Back to ringside. JR: What the hell was that all about?! King: I don't know, it sounded like life advice to me, JR! JR: Life advice my backside! Cade and Jindrak have no business involving themselves in this situation! King: Looks like Jericho is a triple loser after tonight - rejected by Trish, betrayed Christian and tricked by Cade and Jindrak! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sEk62fC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sEk62fC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> We cut back to Shawn Michaels, ready to go in his ring gear and standing next to Terri at the interview set. Terri: Shawn, last week Ric Flair made your match with Triple H a bit of a headache and tonight you get a chance to see him in the ring along with two of Triple H's most trusted allies. How much are you looking forward to this main event match? Shawn Michaels: Well as much as the Heartbreak Kid is looking forward to kicking Ric Flair's head to Charlotte, let me be clear that the only man I'm looking to get my hands on is the current, disputed, World Heavyweight Champion. I don't care what curveball Coach, Teddy Long, Bischoff or anyone else tries to throw at me, I'm going to get my chance. And Hunter... make no mistake about it, I'm--OOOOF! JR: What's this?! <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="LBiRCEI.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LBiRCEI.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> From behind, Mark Henry attacks Shawn Michaels in the middle of his interview. Henry clubs Michaels in the back several times before throwing him head first into the interview set. Michaels lays sprawled out on the floor. JR: Get some help in there! Shawn Michaels is about to compete in a match, dammit! King: Looks like we just got a preview for next week's main event, JR! JR: Well it's not next week, King! And now all three men that are taking on Evolution in a few moments have been attacked before the match! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="51695" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rzX2b2h.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rzX2b2h.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="L32zhXB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/L32zhXB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="KRExBgt.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KRExBgt.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="SYsSdGY.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SYsSdGY.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XWSialT.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XWSialT.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UOhPaK1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UOhPaK1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> With Shawn Michaels just barely getting beaten in the back, HBK was unable to make the starting bell and Evolution began this match with a monstrous advantage. The Dudley Boyz have been feuding with the World Tag Team Champions in a brutal back-and-forth feud but the massively talented Randy Orton also being out there as well made this a near impossible equation to even up. Despite that, the Dudley Boyz are known as two of the roughest and toughest men on the roster and despite having a numbers disadvantage, they hung in and fought with all their might to keep things competitive. A ref bump in the late goings of the match turned Evolution back in control as the dirtiest player of the game himslef, Ric Flair, began to blatantly cheat with cheap shots to the eyes and groin with no ref to see. Soon after, all three men began to ignore tag team rules with no official to retain order. Though the Dudleyz did the same, the numbers game was too much to overcome and both men found themselves on the receiving end of blows from the three attack dogs. At one point, D-Von Dudley found himself thrown outside and given a nasty powerbomb against the side of the announcer's table, seemingly taking him out of the match all together. As Batista continued to punish D-Von on the outside, Orton and Flair continued their assault on Bubba on the inside. <img alt="sMDoPCJ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sMDoPCJ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> In a flash, Little Spike Dudley sprints down the right with a head full of steam. Spike was assaulted by Evolution earlier in the night along with his big brothers. As Batista continues to attack a defenseless D-Von on the outside, Spike grabs a ringside chair and smacks it against Batista's back. Batista falls to his knees but attempts to recover early, but puts himself in position for Spike to grab Batista's head and run up against the barricade, giving Batista an innovative outside Dudley Dog and crashing Batista's head right into the nearby steps! Spike quickly attempts to save Bubba from Orton and Flair, but is neutralized very early and not long after is on the receiving end of a RKO. Senior referee Earl Hebner becomes to come to just as Spike is tossed out of the ring like a sack of garbage and Evolution knows it's time to put Bubba away. <img alt="73NCx7R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/73NCx7R.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> But that plan is put on pause as the Heartbreak Kid finally makes his way to the ring, limp in his step and bandage on top of his head. He definitely is feeling the effects of the assault from Mark Henry, but is determined to wrestle as he was scheduled tonight. HBK, fresh as a daisy, evens things up and like a house of fire, takes Evolution down strike after strike after strike. Though Orton and Flair are able to swing momentum back their way using the pack mentality, Bubba is able to recover and uses his will to take Orton on the outside with him. Leaving the ring with just Flair, HBK does his thing just like he knows how and after a flurry of offense, nearly knocks the Nature Boy's teeth into front row with a beautiful Sweet Chin Music. That's enough to score the victory! Winners: Shawn Michaels and the Dudley Boyz @ 12:59 (82)</div></div></blockquote> JR: Well try as they might to give themselves the advantage here, Shawn Michaels and the Dudleyz were able to pick up a big victory heading into the Royal Rumble. And you have to know that all three of these men are that much closer to the title shots they desire! King: Look what that idiot Spike Dudley did to Batista, JR! You talk about unnecessary attacks, look at him! JR: Spike Dudley was assaulted earlier tonight after a triumphant return win along with his brothers. And you and I both know that Spike is not one to let things go, no matter how big or small the challenge may be. The camera shoots to Evolution beginning to retreat to the top of the ramp, Batista holding his head in a complete daze as he's still recovering from being bonked on the steel. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CwLIeZS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CwLIeZS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Triple H, with his World Heavyweight Championship in tow, welcomes his stable of men on the stage. The three Dudley brothers as well as HBK continue to celebrate together in the ring to the ire of Evolution. But in a desperate show of "I'm still better than you", Triple H simply holds his championship up in the air. HBK simply points at it and motions the belt around his own waist. JR: It's pretty clear to see, King, Shawn Michaels is absolutely determined to be World's Heavyweight Champion one more time. King: Well of course he is, JR, but he still needs to beat Mark Henry next week! JR: And I don't think HBK has any issues with that, King, especially after what we saw tonight. We'll see you next week in Memphis, folks! Quick Results: Spike Dudley def. Rene Dupree ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak def. The Hurricane & Rosey ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Booker T def. Scott Steiner ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Chris Jericho def. Lance Storm ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Rob Van Dam def. Christian Shawn Michaels & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) def. Evolution (Ric Flair, Batista & Randy Orton) (OVR: 85) <div style="text-align:center;">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</div>
- August 24, 2020
- 84 replies
Shoutout to the longtimers!

Gouge replied to theoutlaw321's topic in The Dog Pound

Technically since 2005 since I had another account. I was 14 and had dial up internet. I was a big resident TNA fanboy in the Dog Pound in the Fox Sports Net days and wrote a few really crappy dynasties that went nowhere. I mainly lurk on this one and have done so for many many years, but I'm representing regardless. Hello.
- August 23, 2020
- 78 replies
That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge replied to Gouge's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="CDQ0zxC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CDQ0zxC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <iframe width="567" height="75" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/KHYUdZOJ5jw"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> MONDAY NIGHT RAW January 5th 2004</div> Eric Bischoff's Monday Night RAW kicks off 2004 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in the WWE headquarter's home state of Connecticut! With January here, it is officially ROYAL RUMBLE season and several qualifying matches will take place throughout the show. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="tATabVx.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tATabVx.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The hot topic for the night rests on Shawn Michaels, who just last week wrestled Triple H in a 44 minute World Heavyweight Championship match in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Though we all thought Shawn Michaels had pinned "The Game" for the title, Eric Bischoff contested that Shawn Michaels' shoulders were actually down and the result was a double pin! After assaulting Bischoff following the match, the RAW General Manager FIRED Shawn Michaels in front of his home town audience. But Stone Cold Steve Austin, now named the Sheriff of RAW, came to Shawn Michaels' aid to reverse that decision and reinstate Michaels, gifting Bischoff with a Stunner for his efforts. In the main event of the evening, Shawn Michaels has a chance at a little retribution against a man who interfered heavily in last weeks' contest, Ric Flair. HBK will team up with the Dudley Boyz - two men in a title hunt in their own right - against Batista, Randy Orton and Ric Flair representing Evolution. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="9mWNkPH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9mWNkPH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Spike Dudley will return to action after being on the injured list when he takes on Rene Dupree in singles competition. Dupree is one of the men responsible for injuring Spike four months ago, who hit the back of his head on a table when La Resistance attempted to put him through one. Though this match is not a Rumble qualifier, this grudge match is still sure to be a hot one. In our first Royal Rumble qualifier, two teams have a chance of having a known ally in the 30-man match as Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak take on The Hurricane and his Super Hero In Training, Rosey! Two WCW alumni will clash in an opportunity to qualify for the Rumble as Booker T takes on Scott Steiner. Both men had World Heavyweight Championship matches against Triple H last year and are hoping to get an opportunity again with the Rumble in sight. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TJDik1X.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TJDik1X.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Also on the cards will be a clash between two Canadians hoping to qualify for the Royal Rumble as the "Ayatolla of Rock and Rolla" Chris Jericho takes on the dancing lady killer Lance Storm. Though Jericho certainly has the credentials advantage, his current affairs with Trish Stratus and Christian have proved to be a distraction to his success and have stalled his momentum. Christian has even gone on to say that Jericho is throwing away not only his friendship, but his career out for "a girl". On the subject of Christian - who is coming off a potential falling out with Chris Jericho - he looks to qualify for the Royal Rumble against Rob Van Dam, a man who is looking to recover after losing his championship to Randy Orton at Armageddon. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="k04DIKk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k04DIKk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> We can also expect to see Stone Cold Steve Austin, the new Sheriff of RAW, to lay down the law. Last week, Austin made it clear that he will not allow Eric Bischoff to abuse his power in any way, shape or form And just what will the General Manager of RAW, Eric Bischoff, have to say after his rotten night in San Antonio last week? All this and more on what is sure to be an action packed RAW! Quick Card: Rene Dupree vs. Spike Dudley ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak vs. The Hurricane & Rosey ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Scott Steiner vs. Booker T ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Chris Jericho vs. Lance Storm ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Christian vs. Rob Van Dam Evolution vs. Shawn Michaels & The Dudley Boyz
- August 23, 2020
- 84 replies
That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge replied to Gouge's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

[ Reserved in case I need it later, but to fill the void ]: Hello friends! I have not done a Dynasty since I did "WWF 2002: Smackdown! vs. RAW" all the way back in 20-friggin-11. I MASSIVELY enjoyed writing for that but unfortunately due to my life situation of moving across the country almost a decade ago, I ran out of time to contribute to it meaningfully and it got abandoned just as it started to gain traction. That whole ordeal kind of discouraged me from doing another dynasty.... but I've been itching to write again for a few months and having been enjoying 2020 to a large degree, I think now is a good time as any to jump back in. Oddly enough this will be my first RW save on 2020, since I've fallen in love with the Cornellverse. But I still am very much looking forward to this save and this dynasty as a whole. I'm using MrVillain's excellent 2004 mod, which brings me back home to the data I used for EWR during this exact time period. I have so many great memories of this roster just due to this community! Hope you enjoy following along. My old dynasty is here: <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364277" rel="external nofollow">WWF 2002: SmackDown! vs. RAW</a>. This will have a pretty similar style, minus all the broken links (RIP Tinypic)
- August 23, 2020
- 84 replies
That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge replied to Gouge's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

under construction
- August 23, 2020
- 84 replies
That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge replied to Gouge's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

under construction
- August 23, 2020
- 84 replies
That One Single Ingredient | The RUTHLESS AGGRESSION Era (WWE 2004)

Gouge posted a topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 Dynasties

June 24th, 2002 Monday Night RAW Gund Arena - Cleveland, Ohio 15,000 fans - *sellout* It has been a turbulent year, the single biggest change in WWE history. Not only is the WWF officially the WWE, a brand split rocked the wrestling world when RAW and SmackDown became it's own entities. Vince McMahon's SmackDown and Ric Flair's RAW had their own rosters, title belts and even their own PPVs. With Flair out of power not long after, Vince McMahon was able to seize 100% control of the WWE once more, but not before retaining the brands and assigning them General Managers under his leadership. The old guard was retiring and a slew of new faces were left jockeying for position to move up in the ranks. Those stuck in the middle ranks now had a chance, more than ever, to prove themselves. King of the Ring was less than 24 hours ago and newcomer Brock Lesnar, who had only just debuted a few months ago, came out victorious as the 2002 winner. The following night on RAW, the show opened to a shot of nearly every member of the RAW roster mysteriously standing on the apron. But why? Vince would send a message heard around the world - time to step up your game or go home. Show that RUTHLESS AGGRESSION and rise up the ranks to match the success that Brock Lesnar accomplished. Two months later, Brock Lesnar would defeat The Rock to win the WWE Championship, the Royal Rumble in 2003 and defeat Kurt Angle to regain the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 19. It was no doubt in anyone's mind that Brock Lesnar was indeed the poster boy for what RUTHLESS AGGRESSION is all about, accomplishing more in his first year than perhaps any superstar in the history of the WWE. It is now January 2004, a year and a half after Vince's speech. And Brock Lesnar, to perhaps nobody's surprise, is still on top of the world. As head of the SmackDown brand, Lesnar is the current WWE Champion and looks to be completely unstoppable as he headlines the Road to WrestleMania as champion. Though he's had numerous threats to his throne, Paul Heyman's recent claim of wanting to make this era the Brock Lesnar era looks to be something of a reality. Meanwhile on the RAW side of things, Triple H reigns supreme with his dominate "Evolution" stable consisting of the legend Ric Flair and two young blue chippers with a great future, Randy Orton and Batista. Although Triple H has had a few moments of hardship, Evolution has always come out on top. Now we're coming off the Armageddon PPV where Evolution won every male title available with Triple the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton the Intercontinental, while Ric Flair and Batista hold the World Tag Team titles. Common challenges for Triple H have been Goldberg and Shawn Michaels, two seasoned veterans who have been to the top of the mountain many times in the past. One thing is for certain, Brock Lesnar and Triple H were not present during Vince's speech. Nor did they need to be. So that begs the question: What about the men and women Vince personally addressed surrounding the ring that night in June 2002? Where do they stand in the current climate that is the WWE in 2004? "More than any one quality that makes me the successful man that I am, I would have to say that one quality is... RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!" Booker T was the biggest star in WCW when it was purchased by the WWF in 2001, but unfortunately Booker has not been able to rekindle the success he had there into his career in the present. Being in a weird tag team with Goldust around the time of Vince's speech, Booker made the questionable decision to try to join the NWO and got kicked out almost as fast as he joined them. Perhaps that was enough fuel to convince Booker to take his career in his own hands as he began to slowly rise up the ranks. Last year, Booker was - against all odds - able to secure himself a World Heavyweight Title shot against Triple H at WrestleMania 19. And despite a strong showing, Booker T came out empty handed. Since then, Booker has struggled to reach that level of success to earn himself another shot but remains determined to get there again. Now in WrestleMania season with nothing going for him, Booker is hoping to win the Royal Rumble and earn his shot against Triple H one more time. "I took on WCW and it took me awhile but I kicked their asses and bought the company because of.... RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!" Bubba Dudley showed that he possessed "Ruthless Aggression" when, shortly after McMahon's speech, Bubba began specifically targeting Triple H - the biggest dog in the yard. Though Bubba was never able to defeat him, Bubba definitely earned the respect from his peers by attempting to take "The Game" on. Still, Bubba struggled to move up the card the way he wanted to and ended up bouncing back into the tag team ranks with his little brother Spike. Soon enough, D-Von Dudley made a surprise return to the RAW brand to reunite the Dudley Boyz. With Bubba's biggest key to success always being his work in the tag ranks, Bubba finds himself in a familiar place by feuding once again with Triple H and his Evolution stable, looking to take the World Tag Team championship off of Batista and Ric Flair. "Who has enough ruthless aggression to reach for the stars as you never have before?" And then there's Bradshaw. Bradshaw was perhaps the most vocal of the men that Vince specifically challenged, jawing with the boss that he has what it takes to rise to the occasion. Though Bradshaw showed a ton of promise in being able to successfully break from his status as a tag team wrestler with Farooq, an injury sidelined him long enough to lose any momentum towards rising up that he may have had. After quietly being traded back to SmackDown, Bradshaw has since rekindled his tag team to bring the APA back. Certainly not reaching the success they had before with Farooq fast approaching retirement and Bradshaw himself running out of time, has the ship sailed for Bradshaw to "reach for the stars like he never has before"? "Who has enough ruthless aggression to excel beyond their wildest dreams?" Trish Stratus, for the longest time, was perhaps the figurehead of the Diva's division in the WWE. For a long time, Trish was known for her participating in many skits involving her ridiculously good looks. And while many thought Trish was simply just eye candy, Trish would turn that around and become a solid wrestler in her own right and has several WWE Women's championship wins to her name. Vince singling Trish out in his speech was perhaps a bit surprising, but Trish was able to maintain a heavy presence in a relatively weak women's division for a long time. However, in 2004, that seems to be about ready to change as many talented women who don't rely on their looks have begun springing up into the WWE. The monster known as Jazz, managed by Teddy Long, has been a huge thorn in Trish's side for awhile. And now at the top of the mountain is Molly Holly, a woman intent on erasing "eye candy" from WWE altogether. To make matters more difficult, Trish has a big distraction on her hands as Chris Jericho has professed his love for her after a "bet" gone wrong put her in an awkward situation with both him and Christian. "Who has enough ruthless aggression to make the necessary sacrifices of mind, body and soul in order to be a success in this company?" Little Spike Dudley has had some surprising accomplishments in the WWE that many are easy to forget about, perhaps mainly because Spike was never able to hold on to them for too long. Everyone admires Spike Dudley's heart but despite always willing to take on great challenges, he's never been able to conquer many of them. Shortly after the return of D-Von Dudley, Spike once again began playing third man to the legendary Dudley Boyz tag team, but his time was cut short after La Resistance put Spike on the injury list. Trying to put Spike through a table on the outside, Spike just barely missed the table entirely and the back of his head smacked against it, nearly breaking his neck. With a return date set for the first week of 2004, Spike Dudley looks to come back with a purpose. "Brock didn't give a damn how he won nor should he. He won because of... RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!" In many ways, RVD can be looked at as the starting point for Brock Lesnar's incredible success in the WWE. Brock Lesnar was able to defeat Rob Van Dam in the finals of the King of the Ring to earn himself the chance to face The Rock at Summerslam. Since then, Lesnar has been on an unstoppable rise. RVD, on the other hand, was singled out by Vince McMahon as someone that needs to be "upset" at Brock's success. Being incredibly popular with the WWE fans and one of the best natural athletes in the company, many felt it was just a matter of time before RVD was on top. But that just never came. Despite close battles with Triple H, Van Dam has yet to be a serious contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. And although he had an impressive run as the Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton knocked him off at Armageddon which will be the first of what should be many title reigns for the third generation superstar. Now heading into the Rumble without a title and on the losing end, RVD needs to turn things around quick if he wants to climb back up to be a title contender. The date is now January 5th, 2004. The first Monday Night RAW of the new year is about to kick off. With the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania just around the corner, who will have the RUTHLESS AGGRESSION to step up to the challenge? <style type="text/css">p{ margin:0; padding:0; line-height: 1em;}</style> p { margin:0; padding:0; line-height: 1em; }
- August 23, 2020
- 84 replies
Can you stop a worker from leaving once they've given notice?

Gouge replied to staples's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 General Discussions

I had this happen all the time in my early PSW save, but with some really odd people. None of my main event did it at all which I'm quite thankful about. Carl Batch, Venus and Kammy Ling all gave their notice which depleted me of all my managers/valets. And the only actual wrestlers that did were Acid II and Stuntman, who were both being used a lot and had high morale. Not sure what it's based on or why. But it seemed to stop after Stuntman left, which was around 2 years ago from where I am now. I've since rehired Acid and Carl Batch to no issue.
- August 11, 2020
- 6 replies
Introduction to C-Verse

Gouge replied to tsdm1996's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 General Discussions

I'll echo starting with a smaller company. The bigger companies have really colorful and attractive rosters at first but are really overwhelming when you don't really know who anyone is or how to book them. I still have yet to do a SWF or TCW save that lasted more than a few weeks. I just can't get into it, personally. Starting small allows you to really "know" your roster and know your stars while getting to know the rest of the universe when you start making your hiring moves as you grow. And honestly, I would suggest not thinking too hard about it. I think this is what kills my motivation every time when trying a company I'm unfamiliar with. Just try jumping right in with a few different companies to see what strikes your fancy. Then if you want to, start from scratch while knowing exactly how you want to run the show.
- August 8, 2020
- 13 replies
Your Companies "Top 10 DVD" Match List

Gouge replied to Spirophore's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 General Discussions

Pittsburgh Steel Wrestling The Very Best of Hardcore 2021 10 Ash Campbell def. The New York Doll (Lockdown, May)(61) Ash Campbell's feud with Nelson Callum came to an official end when Callum left the company. Feeling confident after coming out on top of the rivalry, Ash issued an open challenge for anyone in the back to take him on. His challenge was answered by the plucky New York Doll, a fixture on the opening card. Despite Campbell not taking the challenge seriously, the two ended up having a shockingly close and brutal battle, which turned out to be the very best of Doll's career thus far. Though Campbell came out on top, the match seemed to humble Campbell a large notch, which may be a big reason why he decided to win back the fans and go after the Steel Circle right afterwards. 9 PSW Championship Ernest Youngman © def. Chris Caulfield (New Year Revolution, January)(61) Chris Caulfield, a hardcore legend quickly running out of time, bravely took on the Steel Circle head on in what would be the final championship match of his career. Caufleid's friend Devil Dog was on ringside to keep things even and watch for any Steel Circle shenanigans. Despite Caulfield's very large heart, Youngman was able to come out on top and retain his championship to prove that the present is now all about him. 8 Logan Wolfsbaine def. Nelson Callum (Hardcore Revolution, April)(61) In what would be Nelson Callum's final match in PSW, Callum attempted to take out the "Glorious" Logan Wolfsbaine, Steel Circle's master technician. To no luck, Callum was on a mission to break the Steel Circle from the inside by trying to convince Wolfsbaine that he didn't need Ernest Youngman and that he could easily make it on his own. In this masterclass contest, Callum passed the proverbial torch to Wolfsbaine in a great match that had no shenanigans from the outside. But unfortunately Wolfsbaine would continue to follow in Youngman's footsteps until leaving PSW himself. 7 PSW Championship - Cage Match Harlem Haynes © def. Josh Jacobs (Blood & Gore, November)(62) Phil Vibert has been leading a crew of tough guys who have few words of their own against the "loud mouths and knuckleheads" that run the top of the card in PSW. One of those guys was Josh Jacobs. With the likes of the Steel Circle and Ash Campbell long out of the picture by Thanksgiving time this year, Vibert set his sights on the newest top dog - Harlem Haynes. A feud that lasted throughout the changing of leaves, Jacobs and Haynes topped their feud off with a brutal cage match for Haynes' championship. 6 PSW Championship Ernest Youngman © def Ash Campbell (Homecoming, June)(64) Ash Campbell had been a hotly popular star in PSW who the fans really wanted to get behind, but his arrogance got in the way of ever truly embracing them. After a humbling experience with New York Doll, Campbell would later come to aid of Cowboy Buck Winchester, who similarly had a humbling experience when losing his championship to Ernest Youngman in a brutal barbed wire match. While being assaulted by the Steel Circle, Campbell ran out to a huge fan response to save his former enemy from potentially having his career ended early. Campbell would take on Youngman in an incredibly close contest and the fans would be yearning for a rematch soon after. 5 PSW Championship Harlem Haynes def. Ash Campbell © (Philly Heatwave, August)(66) An unlikely contender in Harlem Haynes gets a title shot after winning a four way the month before for #1 contendership. Though Campbell had just won the title, Haynes was determined to end his reign early amid rumors of Campbell signing a contract with TCW. 4 Strange Bedfellows - Partners cannot turn on each other or they face suspension Cowboy Buck Winchester & Ernest Youngman def. Ash Campbell & Nelson Callum (Highway to Hell, February)(67) When you think of PSW 2021, you think of two rivalries - Nelson Callum vs. Ash Campbell and Cowboy Buck Winchester vs. Ernest Youngman. Callum and Campbell were tag team partners for many years but Campbell seemed to get jealous of Callum's success in PSW as a multiple time champion. Cowboy Buck Winchester was in the midst of a hot rivalry with Youngman and his Steel Circle, but was denied time after time from ever facing Youngman one-on-one. To his chagrin, he would be forced to team with Youngman before ever taking him on and to make it worse, stipulations were put into place to prevent either team from turning on the other. Despite the restrictions, it seemed this was a match that was all about proving which partner of each team was better rather than what team was better and it sure showed as these four men put on a showcase of a match. 3 PSW Championship - Barbed Wire Match Ernest Youngman def. Cowboy Buck Winchester © (Lockdown, May)(68) Cowboy Buck spent nearly a year feuding with The Steel Circle before he could get the PSW title off of Ernest Youngman. In a brutal heartbreaker, Winchester's title reign came to a screeching halt when Youngman bested him in a bloody barbed wire match. Though Winchester's reign was short, it was clear that his initial win and very long hunt earned the respect of several members of the PSW locker room, one such being Ash Campbell who would come to his aid after the match. Ultimately, this would end up being Buck Winchester's final match in PSW. 2 PSW Championship - Loser Leaves Town Ash Campbell def. Ernest Youngman © (Big Ass Brawl, July)(78) Ernest Youngman was, in 2021, no doubt the most unstoppable champion in the company. And after his long reign of power was bested by Cowboy Buck Winchester, Youngman would still somehow get his grubby hands back on the belt and send Winchester out of PSW entirely. Ash Campbell, a popular young man who spent most of his time concerned about nobody himself, snapped out of his narcissism to finally take on the Steel Circle head on. After losing one title match prior, a second match was immediately made for the next event. A hot talking point about this feud was that many of PSW's top stars were being sent packing one after the other and to make this title challenge all the more important, the loser of this match was to leave PSW forever. Ash Campbell would pull off the incredible upset and Ernest Youngman would leave his sunglasses and leather jacket in the center of the ring before leaving the PSW Arena for the final time. 1 PSW Championship Cowboy Buck Winchester def. Ernest Youngman © (Steel City Starfest XIV, March)(79) Cowboy Buck Winchester spent nearly a year feuding with Ernest Youngman, but Youngman was able to weasel out of a title shot every single time. Cowboy spent his time taunting the Steel Circle and taking out Youngman's henchman one by one by one from single matches to unfair tag match to even more unfair handicap matches. But everything Steel Circle threw at Buck, he was able to conquer. Finally Winchester got his title shot in the most anticipated title match in PSW history. With one swift lariat, Cowboy Buck Winchester succeeded in knocking the Steel Circle out of power and won the PSW title to a flooding locker room and adoring crowd.
- August 8, 2020
- 46 replies
What's Going on in Your Game?

Gouge replied to franticloser's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 General Discussions

Picked this back up recently. I'm in May 2022 now. The poaching has come to a bit of a halt for the most part. The biggest gut punch has been Austin Smooth, who I was grooming to win the title but got taken before I ever pulled the trigger thankfully. Xavi Ferrera got taken right after just as I was moving him up the card. Harlem Haynes was a pretty big hit. He was meant to be transitional but got really over and was putting out pretty great matches and promos, so I kept it on him for a few months before having him drop it to Jamie Atherton. Atherton is running with a Steel Circle clone with Rich & Famous, Justin Sensitive as their lackey and Haley Buck as their valet still. He dropped it to Xavier Reckless, who got crazy over after turning face and breaking from Antix. The three have been in a triple threat feud which Xavier overcame. He's now in a feud with Samoan Machine, who has been pretty much undefeated since leaving Rhino Umaga. Here's my current storylines to put it all in a nut shell: Second Coming of Acid - With injuries mounting, the original Acid knows that it's time to hang up the boots. But his protege is showing a ton of promise and getting lots of support from the PSW fans. Not wanting to halt his potential, Acid has taken a step back to allow his successor to rise up the ranks in PSW and his first opportunity to do so will be going after the Steel Circle themselves. Meanwhile, Justin Sensitive's constant screw ups are scrutinized by the Steel Circle and are put to the test during Jamie Atherton's feud with Acid II. Fighting Irish - Howlin' Mad Mort has been to hell and back. After watching Whitehorse Whittaker be run out of PSW by The Alliance of Monstrosity, the wild lumberjack was able to stop the unstoppable Vendetta to capture the PSW National belt and put a halt to Carl Batch and Gentleman Jim King's plans. But newcomer Irishman Lug Phelan is looking to make a quick statement by going after the blue collar hero right off the bat. Samoan Destruction - Xavier Reckless has been able to overcome both Harlem Haynes and The Steel Circle. Samoan Machine has been on a mean streak since breaking away from Rhino Umaga and has yet to stake a claim for contendership. Now that he's knocked out Machine Gun Marino, Ernie Turner's prized client looks to make it to the top of the mountain to take on PSW's fan favorite. Welcome to PSW - Harlem Haynes has had a frustrating few months since losing the PSW title and has decided to step away from the main event scene to retool. A champion from the west coast has begun appearing and doing very well for himself in the form of Hellech. Sensing a threat to his spot, Harlem takes the initiative in running Hellech back to LA. Rise of the Legion - The Legion of Blood, led by the devious Deacon Darkhold, has been successful in recent times but have yet to hit any major landmarks. With Machine Gun Marino recovering from a loss in a heated feud with Samoan Machine and Josh Jacobs recovering from injury, the lovers of the blood bath look to take advantage of Phil Vibert's vulnerable star player. We already know that Vibert loves having his group of tough guys take the Steel Circle on, but he has yet to experience a group quite like the Legion. California Dream - In it's current state, the tag team division is anyone's game. The Rich & Famous have declared that there are absolutely no contenders worthy of facing them. During the rebuild phase, two plucky contenders from Southern California, Aces High and Jive Jackson, have come off with some strong victories and have also already proven to match the loud mouths of Jake and Jackpot. Though Rich & Famous are not taking them seriously, the duo are looking to catch the premier Steel Circle tag team off guard.
- August 3, 2020
- 1,391 replies
What's Going on in Your Game?

Gouge replied to franticloser's topic in Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 General Discussions

Doing a PSW run. Never played PSW in a Cornellverse save, which is surprising considering I was always a DAVE player in the early days. I usually lean towards MAW. I'm in the summer of 2021. I gave Cowboy Buck a huge push to where he was feuding with the Steel Circle for nearly a year before finally getting his hands on and knocking off Youngman, who avoided him for many months. TCW then poached him immediately after. Very disheartening! I was so excited for Buck's title reign. My entire roster has pretty much been wiped out since then from Youngman to Callum to Campbell (who got hugely over thanks to a catchy phrase) to Wolfsbaine. Hired Bradly Blaze to help replace some lost name value and even set up a new Steel Circle-like replacement, except with Cerberus and Texas Hangman as the tag team enforcers, but he got stolen before I ever got it off the ground. The PSW title has been bouncing around like a pinball because of this and I just barely made a very random decision to put it on Harlem Haynes, who is currently my most over heel after my entire main event scene got eradicated. Rebuilding is usually where I get discouraged playing little promotions but I'm kind of excited to see who I can build back up with a restructure. I was grooming Austin Smooth towards a big underdog push against Youngman before he got poached and right now I'm leaning towards going down that route. But state of the promotion right now: Wreckless Antix are the tag champs presently, but I'm looking to break them off and push Xavier with the rebuild as he constantly has higher match ratings and promos on his own. I had Kammy Ling turn on Acid II and Stuntman during the premade feud to join Wreckless Antix but she just barely turned her notice in, which kind of furthers my reason to break them up. I have a big tag division, but it's definitely steered towards the heels with all the faces being thrown together units. Shady K/Harlem Haynes, Cerberus/(Texas) Hangman w/ Carl Batch, Chris Caulfield/Devil Dog, Xavi Ferrera/Jebediah (sort of a Danny Doring/Roadkill shtick), Deathwish/Dustin Deuce, Legion of Blood (Deathwish got kicked out and replaced with Deacon Darkhold, Becca Barton is managing). I broke up Samoan Destruction so Samoan Machine can help round up the top of the card with better quality matches, Rhino Umaga has been stinking up the undercard and gaining weight. Rich & Famous are surprisingly still around but I'm almost certainly going to push both of them towards the top of the card at this point as I'll need their help there. Machine Gun Marino is my National champion. I hired Phil Vibert as a face to feud with Ash Campbell/Eric Tyler and brought in Marino as Vibert's client and personal pick to take out Campbell. He dropped it to Logan Wolfsbaine, but got it right back after Wolfsbaine got hired by SWF. Spent the last few months hiring a whole slew of older veterans with high popularity who I've been using to milk some pop out of my younger guys. Gregg Boone, Texas Pete, John Greed and a few others. I've surprisingly been able to increase my show ratings steadily since Cowboy and Youngman left but I'm a little worried now that Campbell and his catchy phrase is gone and not giving me 70-80 ratings anytime he's on the screen.
- June 16, 2020
- 1,391 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

****, this is sad. I'm not going to jump to conclusions as to what happened ... but after all the progress I thought he was making, this is a pretty awful thing to hear. Here's hoping he makes it out of this.
- April 7, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Although I personally would like to see a Cena heel run, I don't think it'd work for this at all. Turning the new gen fans against Cena when they're already pissed at the Rock probably isn't a good way to go about it. Loved TE too. I was a big fan of the original series and I can confidently say that this installment is already much better. Guys & gals who WANT to be there (Well... most of them, anyway) and not just a bunch of failed actors trying to get on TV again. End was hilarious as hell - Melina vs. Alicia Fox?! Good to see the ones there for attention getting called out nice and early.
- April 5, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

I didn't find this Mania particularly great, but it wasn't terrible. HHH/Taker was really good along with some awesome storytelling, Orton/Punk was pretty good, Rhodes/Mysterio was entertaining. Other than that, I didn't really enjoy anything else. Miz/Cena was completely flat, I don't know what was up with that but it had no feeling of a WrestleMania match at all. It felt like a typical RAW match. I think they were really pushing it on time so they had to rush out there and it just fell apart. Rock's interference was pretty cool though. I feel bad for ADR, it's almost as if WWE felt like they made a mistake in pushing him over these past few weeks. He was made to look incredibly weak before Mania, stuck into the opening match of the show despite winning the RR, and ended up losing clean. Match was decent in itself, but it just made me scratch my head.
- April 4, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Didn't think I'd give a crap about the Rhodes/Mysterio feud, but that segment may have changed my mind one that one. Everything else was pretty bleh from then on.
- February 26, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Booker slipped up, tried to make it sound like he was just repeating "Christian" after that in excitement haha.
- February 21, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Great match. Kinda disappointed they didn't really follow up on the McIntyre/Edge sub-feud, but still really enjoyable nonetheless. And hell yes for Christian!
- February 21, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

First Rumble in awhile that I really, really enjoyed to be honest. Nash & Booker were very welcome surprises and it was nice to see the crowd behind them. Some really cool spots, especially JoMo and Chavo's. Danielson's kicks to Regal during his entire stay were pretty sick, too. Good booking for the most part, even with the Nexus and Hornswoggle/Cena squashfests, they bumped it to 40 afterall. Del Rio winning was great and highly unexpected for me. And I was going nuts during the Santino spot too and was thinking for a split second he was going to actually win! I, too, kinda scratched my head at Dolph & Orton's additions to the match. While it didn't really advance much storyline wise, it still played a big part in the match as I figured they'd be serious contenders to win. Once Cena was dumped out by Miz, I thought Orton had it in the bag. Highly disappointing it would have been, but that made Del Rio's win all the more sweeter. All in all, one of my favorite Rumble matches ever, which is saying a lot considering my usual view of current WWE.
- January 31, 2011
- 36,171 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

I don't understand why they keep pulling this trick, if they have to resort to this kind of thing isn't that a sign that Reaction on TV just... isn't working? Is it worth pissing off the entire international market to pull this stunt and up ratings? Why don't they just scrap Reaction and see if they can get another hour or half hour added if they want to do this every week? I mean Reaction is ok, I kinda like the whole documentary/natural feel to it, but I honestly think it would work better as a web series on TNA's YouTube.
- October 15, 2010
- 12,414 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

You know what I love? TNA spending $15,000 on Jwoww, having Jwoww go on Twitter to promote it (Note she said "Watch me on TNA for the first hour and then watch Jersey Shore at 10), hyping the hell out of this Cookie/Jwoww segment and so many people talking about how this was such a brilliant business decision.... what does TNA do? Have Hogan Knows Best for 45 minutes and a fingerpoke of doom for the first hour. Have the Jwoww/Cookie showdown go up against a new episode of Jersey Shore in the second. Oh look, wrestling. At 1 hour 15 minutes.
- October 15, 2010
- 12,414 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

lol, I was just about to post that Yeah that's just a... wonderful investment. $15 grand to spruce up an angle nobody cares about.
- October 11, 2010
- 12,414 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Absolute trash. That's really the only way to put it. I'm almost disgusted by this.
- October 11, 2010
- 12,414 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

They were spoofing Jersey Shore, another one of those awful VH1/MTV (I don't know which) "reality shows" that basically follows the guido sub-culture in New Jersey. Their names are pretty much identical to two of the cast members ala Cookie/Snookie, Robbie E/Pauly D. No thought put into it at all.
- October 8, 2010
- 12,414 replies
The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

Gouge replied to Adam Ryland's topic in The Dog Pound

Yeah that's the problem I had with it. It was soooo forced and just ended up looking completely stupid. Everyone knows, or has an idea, of the show they're spoofing. (And if you don't... I envy you!) Why they feel they need to shove it down our throats so obviously at every turn of the corner is beyond me. I'm already sick of it despite it only being 3 minutes old, lol I thought TNA was bleh. Flair/Foley was really the only stand out match and I mean... come on, how many times have seen that match in TNA? It was your typical TNA blood bath. The toss off the stage through a table, the back body drop onto the tacks, the plastic barbed wire, we got it all. Having not watched TNA since the Spring, I had absolutely zero idea of what was going on. It was extremely hard to figure out what the point of people screaming at each other about.... things were. That Nash/Sting/Pope/Bischoff promo felt like I walked into a group of people mid-conversation. The storylines they have seem to be way too complex for the average fan to follow. I guess if you've been watching every week it'd be easier, but for someone like me just tuning in, it's a turn off. I don't want to have to look up what they're talking about on the internet.
- October 8, 2010
- 12,414 replies

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