WWE 2006

WWE Unforgiven 
September 18, 2006

- WWE Unforgiven is live from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

- You better believe that Edge is welcomed to the ring like a hero in Toronto, despite the fact that he’s out to retire Ric Flair. But Ric Flair is Ric Flair, and he is cheered even louder to the ring when he steps out from behind the curtain. The two of them have a nice opening contest, even if Edge is, to a big degree, carrying Flair — whose loss of movement around the ring is becoming increasingly noticeable. Flair does get his spots in early doors, chopping away at Edge in the corner and then backing off before baiting him with the eye rake. But Edge uses his youth to take advantage of Flair after a couple of minutes. He hits a series of light suplexes on Flair, getting a two count, before trying to work away at Flair’s knees with holds, including a single-leg Boston Crab. Flair eventually manages to power his way to the ropes to break the move up, but being locked in and fighting off the submission has clearly taken it out of him. Edge looks to get a spear in and end the match — and Flair’s career, but Flair manages to dodge out of the way and Edge goes into the ringpost. A roll-up by Flair gets a two. Edge is annoyed, and starts acting irrationally. He punches away at Flair and backs him up against the ropes, choking him out. Referee Jack Doan goes to get involved, but Edge is annoyed, pushing the ref away. Doan goes flying. Edge hits a DDT on Flair and then looks around. The ultimate opportunist, as Jim Ross repeatedly reminds us, sees an opportunity. But will it be ultimate? He slides out of the ring and grabs a chair before bringing it back into the ring. He raises it up over Flair and goes to swing. But Doan is clearly not as out of it as might have seemed, and he grabs the chair from Edge. Edge protests as Doan throws it out of the ring… and with the referee’s back turned, Flair gets a low blow in on Edge and rolls him up for the speedy three count! Ric Flair beats Edge (9:32) - 78%.

- Jack Doan raises Ric Flair’s arm as he backs up the ramp to a big cheer. Edge freaks out in the ring, punching the mat in anger. Jim Ross speculates this one might not be over. As he does, the camera cuts to the commentary area, where Ross has some sad news for us. He tells us that on the back of the attack from The Corporation on Heat — who told you you could skip Heat, and why did they lie to you — Big Show and Carlito have not been medically cleared to wrestle in tonight’s World Tag Team title match. There will be no replacement team in the match, so as it stands it is now a three-way tag team Hell In A Cell match.

- Chris Masters looks arrogant as hell as he strolls down to the ring ahead of his match against Nick Dinsmore. Just before his opponent comes out, Eugene appears on the screen. He gives us a potted history of Nick’s successes before he came to WWE, that he is a 10-year veteran of the independent scene with multiple tag title reigns to his name — and that Eugene is very proud to be his baby brother. That’s nice isn’t it. Also completely untrue — it was all very Ohio Valley Wrestling — but still nice. Nick then comes out to the Rocky theme, the actual one and everything. As arrogant as Masters looked, this is basically a complete takedown of him by Dinsmore. The crowd is also a bit deflated because it’s not exactly Edge against Ric Flair. Dinsmore hits an impressive five straight suplexes on Masters at one stage, which gets a big two count. Masters tries to fight back, using elbows and then trying to get a Masterlock in on Dinsmore, but he is too wily for that, turning it into an armdrag before Masters can even get close to locking it in. After bouncing up, Masters charges at Dinsmore but he just uses this as an opportunity to trip him up and turn him over for the Boston Crab, which Jim Ross calls the More Lock. Masters taps out to give Nick his first pay-per-view win. Nick Dinsmore beats Chris Masters - 65% (4:25).

- As they continue in their attempt to wash the Spirit Squad stink off the corporeal figure of Kenny Dykstra, having him face X-Pac semi-regularly is no bad way to go about it. Dykstra is unaccompanied to the ring — Jim Ross recaps the phone call that saw the rest of the immediate members of The Corporation, barring Edge, sent to Key West, Florida, to pick something up for Vince McMahon. But that does not impact Dykstra too badly in the opening exchanges of this match, with X-Pac receiving a bit of a beating around the ring. The match turns when Dykstra gets overly confident and, rather than hitting his leg drop from the top rope, he poses with his hand aloft in the air — only to fly from the top and land on mat rather than X-Pac. X-Pac immediately springs up and hits a big kick on Dykstra, which sends him flying back into the corner. A big Bronco Buster follows, but an X-Factor only leads to a two count and some shock at ringside. X-Pac looks frustrated and picks Dykstra up before going for another, but Dykstra counters into a swinging neckbreaker. He then climbs up top and hits a big legdrop for the pinfall win. Kenny Dykstra beats X-Pac (6:57) - 76%.

- Next up, it’s the four-way for the WWE Intercontinental title. Rene Dupree has had a fine reign over the last few months, Charlie Haas is surprisingly popular, Goldust has looked dangerous and then there’s Umaga. Umaga, the undefeated Samoan, is the obvious favourite for this match. And he starts off in that manner, making a beeline for Dupree, who tries to run away from the challenger. They battle around ringside. Meanwhile, Goldust and Charlie Haas, who have had their clear issues in the last month or so, go at each other in the ring. The scrap on the outside, which rolls on for a few minutes, becomes increasingly violent. Umaga throws Dupree into the steel steps and then after Dupree tries to fight back for a bit and seems to have Umaga staggered, the Samoan reacts and rolls him onto the Spanish announce table. In the ring, Goldust manages to kick out of a run of rolling German Suplexes at a two count. Umaga makes sure Dupree is set, and then climbs up onto the other announce table. He then runs across the main announce table before splashing onto Dupree, crushing him and the table and prompting a big “holy shit” chant. Goldust and Haas go back and forth in the ring for a few more minutes as Umaga slowly recovers outside, with a highlight being Haas countering a Shattered Dreams into a Belly to Belly lift to the outside apron on Goldust, with the veteran taking a big bump. Haas seems to have the advantage until Umaga eventually rolls back in, breaking up a Texas Cloverleaf from Haas and throwing Goldust out. It is at this stage that Paul Heyman strolls out, bizarrely. Umaga seems to have the beating of Haas, but Haas manages to duck a Samoan Spike and lifts Umaga up and over with a big German Suplex. Haas knows he doesn’t have the win, though, and instead locks in the Haas of Pain. That immediately prompts Armando Alejandro Estrada to jump up on the apron and protest to referee Mike Chioda. As he does, incredibly, Umaga looks as though he is about to tap. Before he can, though, Heyman slides into the ring and absolutely clobbers Haas with his huge old school mobile telephone before throwing Umaga on top. He scarpers, Chioda turns and counts and we have a new champion. Umaga beats Charlie Haas, Goldust and Rene Dupree © to win the WWE Intercontinental title (12:01) - 77%.

- We cut backstage, where Vince McMahon is as red as a tomato and losing his mind. Shane walks into his office and asks what’s wrong. Vince blows up, telling Shane he has absolutely no idea how it happened, but that Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire and Test got the stupid idea that they were meant to travel to Key West in Florida — on the other end of the goddamn continent — to do some job for him. He says they also didn’t take a moment to even think about letting him know that they had landed there and that there was no plane waiting to bring them to Toronto. Stephanie walks in and asks Shane what’s going on. Vince fumes even more and says he’ll tell her — her idiot lover is nowhere to be found and will not be back with them until Monday Night RAW at the earliest. So, he says, it’s down to them and Kenny Dykstra — tonight’s Hell In A Cell match will be a two-on-two encounter and, goddammit, The Corporation can’t afford to lose against Triple H and Shawn Michaels. He breaks a piece of art against the door before leaving as Shane and Stephanie look baffled.

- The really important thing to take away from this WWE Women’s title match between Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Trinity Williams and Trish Stratus is that Trish is really, really, really, phenomenally, unbelievably, popular. And not just in Toronto. She’s miles ahead of any of the other three in terms of the women’s division. Mickie is next in the whole being aware of her stakes, and it’s pretty much much of a muchness for Trinity and Phoenix, neither of whom have made much of an impression at all on the audience. Which probably needs resolving somehow. God knows how though. This is short and sweet, Phoenix putting way too much attention on Trinity, giving Trish the opportunity to fight with James. The two go back and forth, with the end coming after James tries to hit a corner bulldog on Stratus, but Stratus pushes her into the corner instead. She bounces out into a Chick Kick and pinfall win for Stratus. Trish Stratus beats Mickie James ©, Beth Phoenix and Trinity Williams to win the WWE Women’s title - 63%.

- Unsurprisingly, the match between The Punk — who has red and black face paint on either side of his face — and Shelton Benjamin is the match of the night in terms of workrate. There’s already a pretty strong reaction to The Punk and the Kaneanites as they stroll to the ring from the crowd, and that continues throughout the match. The Punk uses The Student and The Brute to his advantage, really playing the numbers game with Benjamin. But every time Benjamin gets a moment or finds himself slightly on top, the Air Canada Centre roars for him and tries to encourage him to victory. Not that there are many of these moments. Benjamin does well to break out of an attempted crossface by The Punk about two minutes in. Benjamin, though, is unable to avoid it a few minutes later and has to fight his way to the ropes to force the break. The Punk is unable to press home the advantage, bouncing into a belly-to-belly suplex that rocks him and nearly gives Benjamin, after a superkick, the chance to get the win. The Punk throws his shoulder up at two. Benjamin keeps the momentum, flying over the top rope with a huge plancha and taking all three members of The Kaneanites out when The Punk regroups with them. He then gets another two count when he throws The Punk into the ring 30 seconds later. But that is probably the last genuinely majorly positive moment for Benjamin in the match. An attempted T-Bone Suplex is elbowed out of by The Punk. Benjamin tries to take him out with a kick, but when Benjamin climbs up to the top rope and looks to go for a cross body, The Punk springs up and knees him in the stomach. He then hits a big superplex, which Benjamin kicks out at two. The Punk looks shocked. He goes to hit the knee to the head, but Benjamin slides down his back and turns him into a big T-Bone! Just as Jack Doan drops down to count the pinfall, though, The Student climbs onto the apron. Doan goes over to remonstrate, which is when The Brute puts The Punk’s foot on the ropes. Doan turns around and spots it, forcing Benjamin to let him free. Benjamin knows what happened, though, and tries to argue with Doan. Instead, The Punk uses it as an opportunity to grab Benjamin from behind and pull him into the lift into the knee, which Jim Ross calls the Go To Sleep. A pinfall and win for The Punk follows. The Punk (w/The Kaneanites) beats Shelton Benjamin (14:02) - 89%.

- To the locker room of D-Generation X, where Triple H and Shawn Michaels are laughing their heads off at something or other. X-Pac strolls in and asks what in the world is so funny. Triple H shows him, huffing his chest up and putting on a very recognisable voice — “When I tell you to go to Key West, you go to Key West, dammit. I don’t care if you have a tag team title match, if you don’t do this, you’re fired!”. X-Pac starts laughing too. HHH says tonight’s job has got a lot easier, but if he knows The McMahons, they’ll have a trick or two up their sleeves. Michaels says the positive is that he has a Sweet Chin Music or two up his pants, and Triple H has a Pedigree in his briefs — while X-Pac promises to help them out if they need it. And maybe he has an X-Factor in his vest or whatever.

- If you’ve been living under a rock for the last three months, you might want a little catch-up, so for your information, Rob Van Dam won the WWE Heavyweight title by beating John Cena courtesy of the Money In The Bank briefcase, Cena has never lost one of their multi-man matches over the last few pay-per-views, and now he’s gunning for his third world title reign by taking on Van Dam again tonight. People are pretty into Cena right now, while Van Dam, courtesy of the devilish Paul Heyman and the accompanying Justin Credible and CW Anderson, is very much the bad guy. Well done everyone for making that happen. Van Dam starts the match in that fashion, trying to keep Cena in a corner and essentially looking to bore the challenger and the audience into submission. Every time Cena tries to break free, he uses a little hold or a kick to keep him at bay. And when Cena, after about four minutes, tries to power out of everything, Van Dam protests to referee Marty Elias — which gives Anderson the chance to choke Cena out in the corner from behind. This trend continues over the next few minutes, with Van Dam hitting a Rolling Thunder and getting a big two count to nearly retain the title. That, though, is the start of a shift in momentum. Cena manages to duck an attempted spin kick from Van Dam and shoulder block him to the mat. Van Dam springs up, but straight into a spinning sideslam from Cena. Cena then throws himself straight into his moves of doom, but when Van Dam is about to be hit with the Five Knuckle Shuffle, Credible pops up on the apron and tries to distract Elias. Elias, though, turns around just as Anderson slides into the ring on the other side. Long and short, he’s not buying what Heyman Inc are selling and instead he throws both Credible and Anderson out of the arena — sending them to the back. That gets a big cheer. Van Dam is seemingly distracted by his insurance policy disappearing on him, and watches them go up the ramp… which allows Cena to lift him straight into an F-U. Cena covers… but only gets the two count! Heyman goes wild at ringside. Cena looks shocked himself, shaking his head at the move only getting a two. He picks Van Dam up and throws punches at him, straight to the head. Elias protests against a closed fist, and when Cena goes to grab Van Dam again, he is rolled up by the champion! That gets a one… a two — and a big kick out! Cena pops up and tries to lift Van Dam up for the F-U again, but Van Dam slides down his back and drops him with a backdrop. Heyman points to the top rope and Van Dam springs up there… but Cena dodges out of the way of his Five Star Frog Splash! Van Dam hits hard and Cena springs, locking in an STFU… and before Heyman can do anything, Van Dam taps! John Cena beats Rob Van Dam © to win the WWE Heavyweight title (16:22) - 81%. 

- John Cena is handed the title and holds it aloft as Rob Van Dam is consoled by Paul Heyman at ringside. The cameras pick up Heyman telling Van Dam: “We’ll get it back”. Cena, though, takes in the acclaim of the fans as we cut to a video recapping the McMahon/D-Generation X feud.

- It’s fair to say that Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon look shitscared as they make their way to the ring for the main event. That is not the way you’d describe Triple H and Shawn Michaels, who are basically down for a little dance as they come out. All four faces do drop, though, as the Hell In A Cell descends and the match gets underway. Shawn Michaels does a hell of a job covering for the deficiencies of the two men on the other side of the ring, and also the fact that his partner is still basically not bothered about putting on a good match. Essentially, Michaels spends around five to seven minutes being thrown around by Shane, making this look like a real brawl, while HHH puts rest holds in on Vince in the middle of ring, which is fine because the crowd love it anyway. At one point Shane bumps Michaels into the cage. At another, he throws him clean through a panel. Meanwhile, HHH gets the sledgehammer out and starts firing it into Vince’s stomach. That draws out Stephanie McMahon, who tries to beg Vince’s way out of trouble with her somewhat husband, who she is very much estranged from at this point. Triple H isn’t buying it, and stalks her across the ring after she slaps him on the cheek instead. That, though, just gives Vince the chance to sneak up behind him and hit him with a stunner, which gets a two count. The two members of The Corporation actually in attendance tonight, Edge and Kenny Dykstra, get themselves down the ramp to try and intervene. Michaels, though, spots them and breaks clear of Shane, hitting Edge with a surprise Sweet Chin Music before he can get involved. Dykstra makes it to the ring, and does help Vince by double-teaming Triple H. Meanwhile, Shane clubs Michaels on the back of the head and then starts dragging him up the outside of the cage. The two brawl on top for a while, but eventually Shane tries to throw Michaels over the edge as Jim Ross implores him not to. Michaels wobbles, but as he does, Edge comes charging into shot. Michaels shows nouse to drag Shane into his place, with Edge hitting a half-Spear/half-shoulder tackle to send Shane flying off the edge and straight through the announce table! That prompts obvious “Holy shit!” chants. Edge is wondering what the hell he has done, Michaels takes a minute to process it before hitting him with a Sweet Chin Music. Vince sees the chaos and is distracted from attacking Triple H, which gives X-Pac the chance to hit the ring and bundle Dykstra away. Triple H then hits Vince with a kick and a big Pedigree! HHH covers — and gets the win. Triple H and Shawn Michaels beat Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon © to win the WWE World Tag Team titles (15:01) - 81%.

- Shawn Michaels eases his way down from the top of the cell to celebrate in the ring with Triple H as medics rush out to attend to Shane McMahon. D-X, joined by X-Pac, hug in the middle of the ring and raise the titles high as Unforgiven goes off the air.

------------------------

GrappleNews.net

News and Notes

The main focus of the chatter backstage at Unforgiven was around the situation developing with the McMahon family. Shane and Stephanie were very much running the show, with both heavily involved in the booking process and Shane sat at Gorilla, barring the main event with Vince. It is not clear what exactly is happening with Vince, but he's said to have spent an extended period after the main event sat in the corner of the ring as the fans filed out of the arena.

What we do know is that the real life behind the scenes situation will be somewhat addressed on RAW this week. They're planning to bring it into storyline.

Everyone was very positive about Unforgiven. The title moving back to John Cena is no real surprise. People have been fairly positive about Rob Van Dam's title reign, but there was a sense that he was not a strong enough figure to centralise RAW around for an extended period of time.

People were very happy with Rene Dupree's WWE Intercontinental title reign, and there is a though that he could be a major player further down the line. He might be tried out towards the top of the card in the coming weeks to judge reactions to him.

Chris Masters arrived at the pay-per-view on Sunday announcing that he had been at church in the morning and that he had been attending for the last few weeks. Aside from everyone being a bit annoyed at him talking about Jesus repeatedly, people seem happy that he is happy, especially given his brief suspension earlier this year.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown
22 September, 2006

- Smackdown was taped at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

- It’s the start of Smackdown, so John Bradshaw Layfield makes his way out with Orlando Jordan at his side — god, remember him? The Stock Exchange is set up, and this week the guest of honour is Rey Mysterio. Layfield immediately starts aiming barbs at Mysterio, who he’s never been the world’s biggest fan of. He asks how he lost his shot at King Booker last week. Well, Mysterio explains, he was clearly attacked by Gregory Helms. Layfield says it’s slander to aim such remarks at Helms. JBL even asks whether Mysterio could realistically tell whether it was Helms under the mask, given his own mask must surely obscure his vision. Mysterio says he knows for a fact it was Helms last week, and that it was Helms at Summerslam. He says he knows because it is Helms who has decided he has an issue with him in recent months, entirely out of nowhere, and because Helms has been acting up in a bizarre manner — as if he has something else on his mind. Mysterio gets them to roll the footage of last week — before commenting: “Tell me that isn’t Gregory Helms”. Which is when Helms’ music hits and he walks out of the back, swaggering onto the stage. Helms has his music cut and says that he feels Mysterio’s accusations are unfounded and unfair. After all, Helms points out, how can we ever truly know what face is underneath a mask? That’s why Helms, who steps into the ring, cannot abide people like Mysterio. He says men like Rey Mysterio are keeping their truth secret from the world. Rey might put on a mask and pretend to be a superhero, but underneath everything — ”he’s just another man”. Helms says Batman is the world’s greatest detective, but Mysterio still has a lot to learn. He asks the production team to roll the footage. They do. It shows a clock on the wall timed to 9.55pm. The camera then pans down to a copy of last Friday’s USA Today newspaper. Helms is then shown reading it, before commenting: “Wow, I can’t believe that outbreak of E.Coli was all from bagged spinach grown in California!”. Then footage then cuts out. Helms is back in the ring and says: “See Rey, there’s no way I could have attacked you”. The camera swings around to Rey, who looks irate. “Do you think I’m an idiot Gregory?”, he asks. JBL asks Helms the same question. “Well… yeah,” says Helms. Bad idea. Mysterio charges for him, but is taken out from the side by Orlando Jordan, operating as ‘security’ for JBL. JBL says no one messes his show up — has he not been watching? Mysterio fights clear of Jordan… but straight into a Shining Wizard from Helms! Helms poses with his arm raised as The Stock Exchange comes to an end - 74%.

- It feels as though we’ve seen variations on this match before, so hopefully they offer us something new. Sean Morley and Jack Bull emerge to that damn siren with Steven Richards at their side. Chavo Guerrero and Sabu are out next, ready to take on this trio who have been causing them so much trouble in the last few months. I’ll tell you one thing about Jack Bull — the boy can work. To a decent level, at least. Anyway, Chavo and Sabu seem to have the absolute best of this match for the majority of it. Richards protests every move and keeps asking the referee to disqualify “that monster Sabu” for everything he does, because even a punch is too extreme when delivered by someone who used to work in the ECW Arena. The ending, though, comes when Jack Bull seems to have taken control for a minute. He charges towards Chavo, who manages to pull the top rope down and send him flying. That gives Chavo the chance to hit a low dropkick to Morley’s knees, taking him out and landing him conveniently in front of the corner where Sabu is waiting for the tag. Chavo climbs up, ready for the Frogsplash… when Sabu springs up and hits him with a huge Hurricanrana! Michael Cole is baffled. Steven Richards starts applauding, and Tazz suggests he knows what’s happening. Sabu then springs for a big Moonsault on Chavo before dragging Morley on top of the downed Guerrero. Referee Charles Robinson counts the three and Right To Censor have the win. Right To Censor (Sean Morley and Jack Bull w/Steven Richards) beat Chavo Guerrero and Sabu - 71%.

- Sabu continues the assault after the bell, cracking Chavo Guerrero over the head with a Kendo stick handed to him by Steven Richards. Richards gets in Chavo’s face and shouts “You want to cheat the world? The right-thinking world will cheat you back”. Richards raises Sabu’s hand and points to him as Sean Morley and the recovered Jack Bull pose alongside him.

- Backstage, Eric Bischoff is lording it up in his solitary office that now has a few more hallmarks of his career — a big gold WCW title belt, an nWo t-shirt, and a Monday Night RAW circa 2003 photobook. He’s rudely interrupted by Kurt Angle, or at least in his view he is. Angle wants Randy Orton, and he wants him tonight. Bischoff says his job is to bring value to WWE and he’s not sure that giving a match like that away when they’re not on pay-per-view works for him. Angle says he’s not willing to wait until No Mercy. Bischoff considers it for a second, and then says he might dip into the old Nitro playbook. He agrees that it would make Smackdown must-see TV — so tonight, Angle will get Orton in the ring. Big cheers, Angle promises a win, “it’s true, it’s damn true” - 79%. 

- It’s new WWE United States champion Jeff Hardy making his way out next accompanied by Matt Hardy. He’s taking on Mr Kennedy, although the title is not on the line. Jeff is a popular man and his initial flurry is massively cheered by the crowd in Montreal. But Kennedy, who would happily move himself into United States title contention, will not let him dominate the match. He slows the pace down and when Hardy tries to go for a Whisper In The Wind, he moves out of the way before kneeing him in the face. Kennedy does your standard heel offence at this stage, working Jeff down in the middle of the ring and trying to get him to submit to a sleeper hold. When will people learn that that never works! Hardy does seem to be fading, though, which leads to Matt slamming the canvas. The crowd clap along and Jeff does fight his way to his feet before elbowing out of the move. This time, Kennedy misses with a lariat before turning right into a Whisper In The Wind. Jeff goes up top for a Swanton Bomb, but as he does, Kennedy knocks the top rope and Hardy crotches himself. Kennedy laughs and then climbs up top, before pulling off a Green Bay Plunge on Jeff! But before he can roll over and cover, Lashley’s music plays and he comes out of the back. Michael Cole talks about the confrontation between Lashley and Kennedy last week. Lashley just poses at the top of the ramp and points to Kennedy, who jaws back with Lashley. After thirty seconds of this, Kennedy turns… straight into a small package from Jeff, with referee Nick Patrick counting the three! Jeff Hardy (w/Matt Hardy) beats Mr Kennedy - 78%.

- Batista arrives at the arena to a big cheer, looking like several million dollars in a nice suit and nice sunglasses. Before he can get far into the arena, he’s stopped by Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki. Michael Cole reminds us that they teamed with Batista last week in a match against Mark Henry and The Gymini. Scotty explains to Batista that they’re up against The Gymini next and are worried about what they might do as revenge for their aiding Batista last week. Funaki does a bit of miming of a fat man and Scotty says: “Yeah, Mark Henry might get involved!”. Batista asks how he can help. Scotty says he could accompany them to the ring and help them out if it all kicks off. Batista is happy to do so, fist bumping them both, before strolling behind them as they walk in the direction of the arena - 80%.

- The Gymini, with Simon Dean but without Mark Henry, are already in the ring when Scotty 2 Hotty’s music hits and the unlikely trio of Scotty, Funaki and Batista walk out of the back. The match itself is very little to write home about, with Scotty and Funaki overcoming the power of The Gymini to work an advantage around three or four minutes into it. A lot of the camera time goes to Batista, who moves around the ring and stares down Dean when he tries to get involved. Eventually, that stops Dean from helping out even slightly, leaving Jesse open to taking a big dropkick from Funaki and then The Worm from Scotty 2 Hotty for the loss. Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki (w/Batista) beat The Gymini (w/Simon Dean) - 71%.

- But as Batista stares down Simon Dean, he misses the fact that Mark Henry has walked through a gap in the barricade. Henry clobbers Batista down from behind before grabbing him and throwing him into the barricade. Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki try to help Batista, but are hit with stereo German Suplexes by The Gymini in the ring. Dean directs Henry and tells him to pick Batista up. Henry does, dragging Batista to the announce table and removing the screens. He then lifts him onto the table, then into the air, and then slams him through it with a World’s Strongest Slam, breaking the table and leaving Batista in a heap at ringside.

- Kristal Marshall welcomes her guest — William Regal. Regal is not accompanied by Paul Burchill, which Kristal Marshall asks him about. Regal says Burchill is struggling on the back of a heinous brawl with Matt Hardy during his match against Jeff last week. And that brings Regal onto the subject of why he requested this television time. Regal says it is an embarrassment for the United States to be represented by a long-haired, drug-addled hippy like Jeff Hardy. He says he might not be from this part of the world, but he knows that even the simplest American — and there are a lot of people who would be considered simple in this country — knows that they would rather be represented by a refined gentleman like Regal than Hardy. Even if he is from across the sea. So Regal is going to do the WWE fans a huge favour. He is going to call in his rematch against Jeff Hardy at No Mercy and he promises he will bring the title back — for Queen and country - 83%.

- It’s a bit of a surprise not to have this one main event Smackdown, given the prize on the line, the history and the fact that all four men are very popular right now… but then again, maybe there’s an element of holding something back. Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, Brian Kendrick and Paul London have clearly not decided to do that, though, with the WWE Tag Team titles on the line and the crowd roaring throughout this one. The match starts off as you would expect it to — with London and Kendrick bringing the energy and seemingly taking control courtesy of stereo dives to the outside. The match swings, though, when they try to do too much of the flying and not enough of the focusing on winning the titles. London tries to hit a standing Kash with a running Shooting Star Press from the apron to the outside. But Kash is very much wise to it and catches London before turning it into a belly to belly suplex that sends him sprawling across the outside area. Kash then takes Kendrick out from behind before throwing him into the ring and grabbing Noble. The champions then show their wily nature by isolating Kendrick in the corner and looking to work him over. Not that that is particularly simple. Kendrick breaks away from Noble once, only being stopped from tagging in the now recovered London by a well-placed boot to the head from Kash, much to the chagrin of referee Jim Korderas. And then when Kash takes over, promising to show Noble how it is done, Kendrick nearly sneaks away after flipping out of an attempt at a backdrop. Kash catches Kendrick’s foot as he dives towards the corner and pulls him back, locking in a single-leg Boston Crab that Kendrick struggles with. But eventually he does manage to reach the ropes, where Kash refuses to let go. Korderas protests, but Kash pretends he has tripped and pulls Kendrick into a tighter hold. He only relents when Korderas counts to four. Kash speaks to Korderas about it as Noble runs around the ring and kicks Kendrick in the head. Kash tags Noble in, but Kendrick manages to roll him into a small package, which gets a two. Noble pops up but his clothesline misses, and instead Kendrick bounces off the ropes before taking him out with a flying forearm. Both men lay flat out, with Korderas starting the count to 10. But as he reaches five, Noble starts crawling to Kash. As Korderas gets to eight, Kendrick kips up and dives to London, getting the tag. Noble tags in Kash at the same time, but London runs in like a freight train and takes both men out, clotheslining Noble over the top. Kash tries to get him from behind, but London turns it around with an elbow to the stomach and then a springboard kick to the head. Kash lands perfectly for a 450 Splash from London. But Noble recovers in time to push London off the top. He rolls across the ring, and Kendrick gets the tag in. Noble goes after London with both men flying over the top courtesy of a clothesline. Kash then advances on Kendrick and slaps him across the face as he comes into the ring. But that angers Kendrick. He fires punches at Kash. Kash reverses one and tries to lift Kendrick up for a Brainbuster. Kendrick slides down his back, pushes him into the corner and then as he bounces back, hits a Sliced Bread #2! Kendrick covers — and we have new tag champions. Brian Kendrick and Paul London beat Kid Kash and Jamie Noble © to win the WWE Tag Team titles - 90%.

- Jim Korderas hands Paul London and Brian Kendrick the WWE Tag Team titles and the pair hug in the middle of the ring, celebrating wildly. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble back up the ramp, but as they do, I’m Back hits. Eric Bischoff walks out on the ramp and asks for his music to be cut. He stays where he is and says he has to hand it to London and Kendrick, he didn’t think they could overcome Kash and Noble — but here we are, they are his show’s new tag team champions. That gets a big cheer. Bischoff asks the crowd whether they liked that match. They cheer again. He says he’s keen to show that not only is he a fair general manager, but that he gives the fans what they want… which is why he thinks London and Kendrick might want to temper their celebrations a little bit. They look confused in the ring, but Bischoff doesn’t leave them confused for very long. He points out that there are two more episodes of Smackdown before No Mercy, and that has given him a little idea. Bischoff says he loves watching Kash and Noble and London and Kendrick — but is aware they’ve exchanged the titles back and forth now — so he’s giving them a chance to prove themselves as the undisputed champions. Over the next two weeks, on Smackdown, they will face off twice. And at No Mercy, if needed, they will face off again. Because Bischoff is making a best two out of three series between the two teams, with the winners walking away with the tag titles. Kash and Noble look happy, while London and Kendrick end their celebrations. Bischoff says he doesn’t want to ruin the celebrations — and tells London and Kendrick to enjoy the next couple of days, because they’ll need to be at their best by next Friday - 90%.

- After a break, Michael Cole and Tazz reveal Eric Bischoff has stayed at ringside and joined them at the announce table for the Smackdown main event. It’s Kurt Angle against Randy Orton, and just after the two of them lock up, Bischoff stands up and says he wants everyone’s attention. He then strolls into the ring and says that even though he made this match, he does have some doubts over giving Angle everything he wants just on a whim. So he’s going to mix up the stipulation slightly — and asks referee Nick Patrick to tie Angle’s left hand behind his back. Patrick looks shocked, but Bischoff says to do as he says or he will lose his job. Patrick complies. The match then restarts, but when Angle manages to get even a modicum of momentum and hit Orton with a single armed suplex, Bischoff interrupts proceedings again. He says he’s changed his mind — he now wants both of Angle’s arms tied behind his back. Patrick complies, again reluctantly, and that just gives Orton the chance to beat him up. About two minutes later, an RKO ends Angle and concludes this farce. Randy Orton beats Kurt Angle - 71%.

- Eric Bischoff applauds Randy Orton, who climbs to the top rope and does his full on pose as we cut to the final commercial break of the night.

- We end the show with King Booker and his King’s Court — minus Paul Burchill — making their way out to the ring. Obviously William Regal looks a bit glum given the whole lack of title belt, but Booker is glowing. Michael Cole points out that he has retained his World Heavyweight title in successive weeks against two of his biggest challengers, and he must feel fairly confident going forward. And that is what Booker says in the ring. He says he showed he deserved a crown when he won King Of The Ring. When he won the title at The Great American Bash, he put Rey Mysterio in his place. At Summerslam, he overcame three of Smackdown’s top stars in Batista, Randy Orton and Rey. And over the last two weeks, he’s stopped both Batista and Rey from gaining the belt. That leads to Sharmell going through a round of “All Hail King Booker” declarations, which leads to the crowd jeering. Booker then turns to Regal and says he knows he suffered a disappointment recently, but if he follows the King’s Court code, he can promise him he will regain what he has lost. Booker then says that there is clearly nobody who can stop the King’s Court on Smackdown. Lights out, big GONG. Ah, The Undertaker. Cole suggests that Booker has clearly forgotten the No 1 contender. Undertaker slowly strolls out to the ring and over the top rope. After he takes off his hat and coat and the crowd settles down, he stares down Booker. He says that whether a man is just a man, or sees himself as a king, it is impossible to survive the cold black embrace of the end. The Undertaker stares at Booker and says that he promises he will show Booker No Mercy, and at No Mercy — it will be the end for him and the King’s Court. Booker asks if he really thinks he can beat him. Undertaker says he will make Booker rest in peace. Just the usual, normal conversation. That leads Regal to charge, but that might be a bit stupid. He is hit with a chokeslam. Booker is next, and Taker grabs him, but Booker kicks out and slides out of the ring. Sharmell joins Booker on the ramp, before Taker hits a Tombstone on Regal and stares down Booker before posing with Daivari to end the show - 79%.

Smackdown results

WWE Monday Night RAW
25 September 2006

- Monday Night RAW is live from the Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

- We are told from the off that this is the Vince McMahon retirement tribute show and that the chairman of the board has already asked to address the crowd to start and finish the show. And it’s Vince’s music that hits and Vince who struts out from the back right after the initial introduction from Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. Vince gets the bowing treatment from the crowd, and there’s a noticeable air of saying goodbye to this guy. Vince is interrupted by a “Thank you Vince!” chant when his music cuts out, and he takes 30 seconds to take in the acclaim. When that stops, he says that when his grandfather Jess first started to promote professional wrestling in Long Island, no one would have imagined the titan that the WWE would become today. Even his father, Vince McMahon Sr, could not have imagined being stood here tonight in front of 17,000 people, live on nationwide cable television. Which is Vince’s very simple way, he says, of pointing out how much… better he was. He launched Wrestlemania, brought in the Attitude Era, beat WCW into a pulp and helped develop a brand new generation of superstars that shine every week in front of these very cameras. Vince says he knows there will never be another Vincent Kennedy McMahon, dammit, but he is sure his father thought the same about him — which is why he’s happy to hand the show over, in part, to Stephanie and Shane. That brings them both out, Stephanie first, to jeers, and then Shane, to more of a mixed reaction. Stephanie starts to speak, but Shane interrupts her. Shane says Stephanie already had her moment in the sun last week, when she thought she was going to become majority owner of the WWE. Stephanie says all she wants to know is who the other owner of the WWE will be. Vince laughs and says he’s not planning to reveal that detail until the end of Monday Night RAW. Shane says that’s fine by him — because he wants to kick off the start of the new era with a big bang. Shane says WWE is defined by its eras, from the Rock n’ Wrestling generation to the Attitude Era to Vince’s display of Ruthless Aggression over the last few years. Now, Shane says, he wants this to be the era of Pain ‘n’ Gain. Shane is known for his death-defying moments, and he knows better than any McMahon before that if you put your body on the line, you reap the rewards. So he says he’s going to make a match right now to demonstrate that. Last week The Punk and The Brute won the World Tag Team titles — but they’re not going to be able to rest on their laurels. Tonight — in fact, right now — they’re putting them on the line in a four-way tag team… ladder match! The Punk and The Brute will defend against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch — no response — Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, the self-styled World’s Greatest Tag Team — big cheer — and RAW’s newest signings… which is when MNM’s music hits and they strut out of the back to a sort of half-pop. They pose, Vince applauds Shane’s ingenuity, and we go to a break - 82%.

- We come back to The Punk and The Brute finishing off their entrance and then this massive match starts. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch go straight for MNM, while Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas deal with The Kaneanites, who they had issues with a few months ago. It doesn’t take long, though, for MNM to knock Cade and Murdoch down on the outside and grab ladders, hauling them into the ring and using them to take everyone else out. Jim Ross talks about MNM’s recent experience in ladder matches and how useful it could be tonight. From there, the match focuses on a series of big spots with some small brawls in between. Cade and Murdoch get back up and temporarily take charge, climbing the same side of a ladder to try and grab the belts — only for Haas and Benjamin to climb the other and take them down with a double superplex from the top. Johnny Nitro hits Haas with a big superkick and then another for Benjamin to tee him up for a Joey Mercury elbow drop from a ladder that has been propped up in the corner. A few minutes later, The Punk also manages to clobber almost everyone to the floor when he slides into the ring, puts a ladder around his neck and spins in circles in the ring to knock everyone down. The only person who does not get hit, though, is Benjamin. The Punk sets a ladder up in the middle of the ring, before dropping his down. As The Punk slowly climbs the ladder on the other side, Benjamin props the other ladder in place across the ropes and onto the rungs of the one Punk is climbing. He then springs up, walks across the ladder, charges up the other one and hits Punk with a T-Bone Suplex from the top and directly onto the horizontal ladder. Both roll off in pain. That is when The Brute climbs into the ring, but Haas is ready for him, climbing to the top rope, grabbing a ladder and then using it is a sort of pole vault to fly across the ring and take him out with a big clothesline. Haas looks around and surveys the damage, realising that everyone is out. He clocks the ladder set up in the middle of the ring — and starts climbing. He gets to the top, JR points out there’s no one to stop him, we have new champs… which is when he is cracked across the back with a steel chair. The camera pans down and it is Goldust who has hit him. Goldust grabs Haas and hits a Curtain Call on him, before exiting the ring to the waiting Stacy Keibler. Nitro and Mercury slide in, climbs the ladder, unhook the belts… and we have new WWE World Tag Team champions. MNM (Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury) beat The World’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas), Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch and The Punk and The Brute © - 77%.

- Nick Dinsmore is backstage, looking down in the dumps about failing to break the Masterlock last week. Eugene springs into shot, although weirdly always staying on the other half of the screen to Nick — how strange! He asks Nick how he can cheer him up. Nick says Eugene can help him figure out how to break the Masterlock. Eugene says he has watched wrestling his whole life and there was always one man who had the strength to get over any opponent when he needed it — Hulk Hogan. Eugene says they should watch videos of Hulk Hogan and figure out how he used the power of the Hulkamaniacs to draw in strength. Nick looks at him and nods and says “That might just work.” Then a voice comes in from off camera — “Why watch videos when you can speak to the real thing?” It’s Hogan, who gets a big pop. Nick nods at him, Eugene hugs him, and we cut to the ring - 72%.

- …where Rene Dupree is stood. He is jeered around the arena, but brings the microphone in his hand to his lips and says: “Bonjour, Monday Night RAW.” That gets more jeers, because he’s a foreigner and he’s speaking foreign! Dupree talks about losing his — emphasis on his — Intercontinental title at Unforgiven, but insists that what it showed was only positive. Firstly, he says, it showed how great of a champion he has the potential to be. And secondly, because he was not pinned at Unforgiven, it shows just how hard he is to beat. So, Dupree says, he deserves the chance to prove he could be the greatest champion in the WWE. Not, he says, by holding the Intercontinental title again… but by winning the WWE Heavyweight title from John Cena. That leads to Shane McMahon appearing on screen. Shane says when he talks about the Pain 'n’ Gain era, Dupree is the sort of superstar who demonstrates it. He went through pain to retain his title for so long, so deserves to gain from it. Shane says Cena is scheduled to take on Edge tonight, and if Edge wins Shane wants to give him the chance to challenge for the title next week on RAW. But, Shane says, otherwise — Dupree gets a shot at Cena in a non-title match two weeks from tonight. And Shane has a plan. The first major event of RAW’s Pain n’ Gain era will be a special night — on the first Sunday in November, live from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas, will be Texas Thunder on PPV. And if Dupree can beat Cena in his non-title match, he will be the No 1 contender and get his shot at Texas Thunder. Dupree smiles and tells Shane to prepare the confetti because he’s promising he will walk out of Dallas as the new champion - 87%.

- After a break, Sean O’Haire is in the ring waiting for Ric Flair, who is given a big roar as he steps out onto the ramp. Retirement is on the line, but it never feels as though Flair is particularly at risk of anything untoward happening. The end comes when he slips out of a Cruel Intentions from O’Haire, trips him up and then locks in a Figure Four for a submission win. Ric Flair beats Sean O’Haire - 73%.

- Ric Flair celebrates up the ramp after an easy win, but as he does, the camera suddenly cuts back to the ring where Sean O’Haire is being hit in the stomach with a steel pipe. The pipe is thrown to the floor as Carlito — dressed in jeans and a grey vest — batters O’Haire into the corner and then hits him with a big Backstabber. Edge, Test, Kenny Dykstra and Kevin Nash come running out of the back but Carlito is up and away up the seating by the time they’re anywhere near the ring, being slapped on the back by fans as he stands at the top of the stairs.

- Backstage, Maria Kanellis welcomes her guests — D-Generation X. Triple H and Shawn Michaels — with X-Pac just behind them — are wearing the grins of two men who have essentially seen off their biggest enemy, although those grins disappear when Maria mentions their tag title loss last week. HHH starts it off by saying they were proud tag team champions and the defeat, especially in those circumstances, felt unfair. But he says both himself and Shawn are also proud former world champions, and they both know how it has felt to sit on top of the mountain. Shawn takes over, and says they’ve both had issues with Vince McMahon in recent months, and while Shane and Stephanie are his progeny and therefore from the same twisted DNA pool as he is, both himself and Hunter have been wondering whether they’ll be back in the world title picture in the eyes of the third owner. Which is when Rob Van Dam walks in alongside CW Anderson and Justin Credible. But it’s Paul Heyman, strolling on screen, who speaks. He asks where Triple H and Michaels get their audacity from. Van Dam has already seen Rene Dupree disrespect him tonight by suggesting he deserves a title shot against Cena. Then he found out Edge has a chance to earn a shot tonight by beating Cena. Heyman reminds us Van Dam has still not used his automatic rematch clause after losing to Cena at Unforgiven — and he is now not planning to do so until this Edge/Dupree situation is resolved. But first, Heyman says, how dare Triple H and Michaels suggest they deserve to add themselves to the queue. In fact, he’s going to speak for his client — Rob is disgusted at the suggestion. Right here, right now, he wants to challenge D-Generation X to a six-man tag match. Triple H nods and says “You’re on… right now!”. Heyman Inc walk off and Jim Ross tells us we’ve got a blockbuster match after the break - 77%.

- After D-Generation X make their entrance, Paul Heyman and Rob Van Dam spend their entire walk to the ring arguing over whether or not the former champion wants this match right now. And that tells as CW Anderson and Justin Credible spend the majority of this being bashed around the ring, with Anderson taking a huge spinebuster from Triple H and Credible being tormented with a sharpshooter from Michaels for an extended period. The end, though, comes when Van Dam finally deigns to get involved. And with good reason too, because he manages to knock X-Pac down and out of the ring, kick Triple H in the head and then set Michaels up for and then hit the Five Star Frog Splash. Only a HHH dive stops him from getting the pin, at which stage Van Dam is clotheslined over the top by Triple H. That, though, leaves just Anderson at the mercy of both HHH and Michaels. It takes just a further 20 seconds of offence, culminating in a Sweet Chin Music into a Pedigree to give D-Generation X the win with a pin over Anderson. Triple H, Shawn Michaels and X-Pac beat CW Anderson, Justin Credible and Rob Van Dam - 76%.

- Maria Kanellis welcomes Trish Stratus backstage a week after she confirmed that she will not be retiring. Just as Maria starts to ask about Trish’s decision, she is taken out from behind by Lita with a clubbing blow. Lita then picks Trish up and throws her into the wall and then again, into the television screen propped up in the background, which immediately cracks and falls over. Jim Ross asks what the assault is all about, Jerry Lawler makes some questionable joke about women - 83%.

- It’s time for the scheduled main event, although obviously this will be followed by the latest on the ownership situation. Edge knows he has a chance to earn a shot at John Cena’s WWE Heavyweight title if he manages to beat him tonight, but he’s still cocky and confident rather than nervous as he comes to the ring. Cena looks focused, and that’s clear from the opening of the contest when he takes charge of the situation and throws Edge around the ring. When he grabs Edge and powers him into the corner before unloading blows, he looks about ready to start his Five Moves Of Doom. But Edge escapes out of the ring and starts taking the count as he tries to recover. That basically just tempts Cena in, and Edge takes advantage, tripping him into the steel stairs as we go to a break. When we’re back, Edge is still comfortably in control of the match. He locks in a Boston Crab but after a minute, Cena manages to make it to the ropes. Edge then transitions into a headlock. Cena fades, but then he starts to power out, elbowing Edge in the stomach as the crowd applauds along. Edge bounces back and Cena hits him with a running shoulder block. He then hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle, before picking Edge up for an F-U when he gets back up. But Edge slides down his back and pushes Cena away… accidentally taking referee Mike Chioda out in the process. Cena bounces off the ropes and turns around… just as Edge charges for a Spear. But Cena is ready for it, and rolls out of the way before dropping to his knees. Edge eats turnbuckle… which is worsened when Carlito pops up again with his lead pipe, knocking Edge in the head. Edge stumbles and Cena covers, which is when Chioda recovers in time to count the win for Cena! John Cena beats Edge - 77%.

- Carlito escapes again as the rest of the Corporation run down to ringside, while John Cena has his hand raised in the ring and we go to the Smackdown rewind. Paul London and Brian Kendrick’s win over Kid Kash and Jamie Noble is featured, along with Eric Bischoff’s stinger about the best of three series. The Undertaker’s attack on the King’s Court then ends the segment, with Michael Cole declaring that No Mercy can’t come soon enough - 84%.

- Back to the ring, where Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon are already stood. There’s another short “Thank you Vince!” chant, but he cuts that off (we do only have about 15 minutes of television remaining). Vince says that for once, he can admit that he feels a sense of sadness about tonight. It’s the end for him, and the end of an era — as much as the new era excites him. Shane then says he wants to press his dad — who is the new third owner? Well, Vince explains — he doesn’t actually know. That leads to a bit of shock. Vince says Linda put it out to the open market and that their only requirement was that they met their price for that segment of the company. In fact, Vince says, he’s excited to be as surprised as the rest of those in attendance tonight when the owner reveals themselves, right here and right now. The arena goes quiet in anticipation. We cut to the back, where a limousine pulls up right next to the back of the entrance way. Two security guards step out of the limo and move the cameraman back, stating: “No cameras please”. We cut back to the arena where a palpable crackle of anticipation goes through the air, there’s a long, long pause…

And then If Ya Smell rings around the Ford Centre and the arena goes wild. The Rock strolls out of the back in a suit and takes in the roar of the crowd. He then almost struts down to the ring in that way that he does, climbs to the top rope and lifts his arm to the sky, before jumping down into the ring. He goes to grab a microphone and brings it to his lips. But as he does, Shane interjects, asking what in the world he’s doing there. The Rock turns to him angrily, raises his eyebrows, and makes the universal “quiet” gesture before launching into a “finally… The Rock has come back… to Oklahoma City”. The Rock starts explaining that he has known for some time that his future lies in Hollywood, way before he became The Scorpion King. But his first love will always be the squared circle, and he often thinks about his grandparents Peter Maivia and Lia Mivia, who promoted professional wrestling for a generation in Hawaii. And for years now, The Rock has been scrimping and saving — and putting aside the millions (and millions) from his film career with the intention of doing one thing, the thing he has done just this past week — buying into the WWE! That gets a big cheer. So, The Rock says, consider him a member of the family, because he is now the proud owner of 33.4 per cent of World Wrestling Entertainment — and baby, has he got some ideas about how this place should run. But, The Rock says, he is a busy man and he’s not sure he can be here very often — in fact, he’ll be seen only once or twice a year. Stephanie speaks up: “It’s fine Rocky. You know us well. You know we can be trusted. We can look after your investment for you.” The Rock looks at her, smiles, and then says: “Nice try”. No, The Rock wants someone who doesn’t trust anyone, who is a bad ass, who can be here every week and make sure The Rock’s investment is protected. Which is why, he says, he has asked this man to be RAW’s new commissioner. There’s a pause and then…

Glass Shatters

There’s another huge roar as ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin marches out of the back. The camera cuts to Vince, who looks appalled. Shane and Stephanie look mortified. Stone Cold hits the ring, raises his fingers in the air and then climbs down and shakes The Rock’s hand. “We may have been enemies in the past,” The Rock says, “but there’s no one I’d trust when two McMahons are at large than Stone Cold”. Stephanie says, “You can’t, daddy, don’t let him!” The Rock grins and points out that he can. Shane is angry and tries to go for The Rock, only to be turned around and hit with a huge Stunner! He bounces up, right into a Rock Bottom! The Rock then removes his suit jacket and tries to go for a People’s Elbow on Shane, only for Vince to stop him and beg him not to hurt his son. Which is when, of course, Stone Cold kicks Vince in the stomach and hits him with one last Stunner! Stephanie escapes the ring and backs up the ramp, appalled, with Shane down, Vince laid out and looking dazed in the corner, and The Rock and Stone Cold sharing some Steveweisers to end Monday Night RAW and truly start the Pain ‘n’ Gain era - 87%.

-------------------------

RAW results