WWE 2004 - Ruthless Aggression

JR: Hello Memphis, welcome to Monday Night Raw! I’m here with my broadcast partner Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jerry, how’s it feel to be home here in Tennessee? 

JL: Well JR, being back in Tennessee feels great! And know what feels even better? I get to watch some amazing wrestling tonight!

JR: You and me both Jerry!

The atmosphere presented by JR and Jerry’s happy banter is sucked out of the arena as Motorhead’s Line In The Sand plays and the complex rains with boos. Batista and Ric Flair with the World Tag Team Championships, Randy Orton with the Intercontinental Championship, and Triple H with the World Heavyweight Championship make their way down to the ring: Evolution has entered the building.

As they enter the ring, Triple H requests a microphone. While the ringside crew gets him one, Orton, Flair & Batista hold their titles to the air and taunt the crowd, and not long after a second wave of boos rains down. Triple H gets the mic and begins to speak:

Triple H: Memphis, Tennessee… doesn’t get much better then this does it? Seeing four elite specimens in one ring all at once… and yes, before you ask, that’s the one after three. Now, as much as I would like to stand here and call you idiots names for two hours… and yes, I definitely have two hours worth… I came out here for a reason. Shawn… you’ve been a pain in my ass for the better part of my entire career. You’ve leached off of me for security, wins, and frankly, relevance. Look at you now, weak, pathetic, a loser, and me? I mean, look at me! Do I look like a loser?

He proceeds to hold his title above his head.

Triple H: I mean, even if I was, I could just look at the reflection of my pretty face in my shiny title, and then look up and watch my brothers do the same thing. But know what Shawn… I’m a nice guy, and frankly, I’m feeling a little generous. I know, I’ve given you multiple opportunities and you’ve failed, but I have a pitch for you: Triple H vs Shawn Michaels… Last Man Standing… at the Royal Rumble. You get one more shot… if you could even call it a “shot”... at the title, at me. However, there is one condition… you may not challenge me again after you lose. This is your last shot Shawn, if you so choose to accept, and considering I know how you think, I know you will. Just know this, I will not be going easy. I’m going to give you hell. Back in 2002, I broke your heart. After our match at the Royal Rumble, I’ll have broken your body. And at the end of the night, when you’re on the ground, and Ric, Dave, Randy and I are all standing on top of the world, that’s when we’ll have broken your spirit. Until then Shawn.

Triple H drops the mic, and Line In The Sand plays once more as Evolution exit.

JR: Well Jerry, if it makes you feel any better, I know you can count to four.

JL: Aw shut it, Jim!

Eye Of The Hurricane plays, and the crowd runs wild as Rosey and The Hurricane make their way down to the ring! 

JL: If I had to pick a pair of people who I thought couldn't count to four, I think I'd pick Hurricane and Rosey.

JR: Come on now Jerry, be nice! These guys are superheroes!

JL: Super zeroes, maybe!

The Hurricane grabs a microphone, and Rosey flashes superhero poses as he speaks, the crowd popping everytime Rosey does a new pose! (This is my world and I am god, yes the crowd pops for Rosey and Hurriance doing superhero poses)

Hurricane: Memphiiiiiiiiiiis! How are you tonight? 

The crowd cheers!

Hurricane: That's amazing to hear my superheroes in training! I am, The Hurricane, and this, is Rosey! And we are…

Rosey runs up beside The Hurricane and they both do the "Superman" pose.

Hurricane & Rosey: The Dynamic Duo!

Hurricane: Now the reason we are out here tonight is because we were made aware of an injustice… the…

Rosey runs up to Hurricane's side once more and strikes the Superman pose once again.

Hurricane & Rosey: Dynamic Duo!

Hurricane: were not booked for a match tonight! Now, as harbingers of justice, this didn't sit right with us. So the reason we are out here tonight is to hold an open challenge! However, because last night Rosey got a Super Stomach Ache!...

Rosey proceeds to rub his stomach.

Hurricane: It will just be I taking on one brave individual from the Raw roster! So, who will it be? Who is confident enough to think they can take down one half of…

You know the drill by now.

Hurricane & Rosey: The Dynamic D-

Hurricane and Rosey are cut off by Just Close Your Eyes by The Waterproof Blondes, and Christian begins making his way down to the ring, microphone in hand.

Christian: Nashville, would you like to know what the real injustice is tonight?

Rosey and Hurricane look at each other in disgust of just the use of the word Injustice.

Christian: That I, Captain Charisma, wasn't booked to compete tonight. So, Mr. The Hurricane, I'll gladly take on your challenge tonight! 

Rosey and The Hurricane high five, and Rosey exits the ring as the action is about to begin.

Opening Contest: Christian vs. The Hurricane

The bell rings and Christian and the Hurricane approach each other and lock up. Christian gets the upper hand and backs Hurricane onto the ropes. He Irish whips him off of the ropes, and drop kicks him on his way back. Christian spends the next minute or so kicking the Hurricane, and taunting to the crowd. Christian runs off of the ropes and goes to land an elbow drop, but Hurricane raises his knees and lands them square into Christian’s side. Hurricane takes advantage of this, and runs off the ropes and completes the same elbow drop Christian attempted. He gets Christian to his feet, and whips him into the corner. He begins laying in punches, and the crowd tallies them as he goes… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9… Hurricane runs around the ring while the crowd awes, runs at Christian and gets a boot to the face as Christian raises his leg. Christian grabs his arms and goes for the Killswitch, but Hurricane drops and flips Christian over in the process. The Hurricane turns around and goes to play to the crowd, but Christian rolls him up and pops his feet up on the second rope!

1! 2! 3!

The bells rings and Just Close Your Eyes plays. Christian rolls out of the ring and walks up the ramp with a smug look on his face as we cut to commercial.

We return to see William Regal sitting in Eric Bischoff’s office.

Regal: Mr. Bischoff… do you really believe this is necessary? 

Bischoff: He needs to learn his manners Will. You should be honoured I’m asking you to teach him. This is a month long program, we’ll check up on your progress after the Rumble. He’s expecting you in ten minutes at catering. Good luck.

William Regal, sporting an almost scared face, timidly leaves Bischoff's office. 

Match: Maven vs Matt Hardy

Maven and Matt Hardy make their way to the ring. As the bell rings, Maven and Matt lock up, only for Matt to kick Maven in the gut. Matt punches and chops Maven until he is forced to his knee, before rebounding off of the ropes and kicking him in the head. Matt goes for an early pinfall: 1! 2! Maven kicks out. Matt gets Maven to his feet, but Maven surprises Matt with an uppercut. Maven rebounds off the ropes, ducks a clothesline from Matt and hits him with a springboard dropkick. Matt rolls under the ropes and stands up on the apron. Maven tries to grab Matt but he elbows Maven, and slips in the ring. Maven and Hardy trade blows for a few minutes. Matt gets the upper hand, knocking Maven to his back. Matt gets him back up, and sets him up for the Twist of Fate. Maven spins out of it however, and hits Hardy with an M-Plosion! Maven goes for the cover:

1! 2! 3!

The bell rings and Maven simply requests a mic. Matt storms off upset.

Maven: You know, ever since I came to WWE, I’ve worked for what I’ve got. Hell, I had to work to get to WWE in the first place, and thus, it doesn’t sit right with me when someone is just given everything. Recently, I’ve noticed that a certain someone wandered into this company, joined a group, and got everything by doing barely anything, and I can’t sit back and watch it anymore. Randy Orton, you’ve been given everything for free, whether it be because of your biological daddy or your daddy in Evolution. I want to teach your ass a lesson, and make you work for that Intercontinental Championship. So next week, I want a response.

Maven drops the mic and leaves.

We cut backstage to see William Regal.

Regal: So, as you know, I’ve been asked to teach you how to act in a, erm… Federation… manner, if you will.

The camera pans out to reveal Rob Van Dam looking up at William Regal from the dining table.

RVD: Is this really necessary? Can’t you just say we did this and leave me be?

Regal: Oh please, you know I feel the same hatred towards this “program” that you do… but it’s not up to us. Mr. Bischoff has asked me to do this and he is our boss, so, we shall do it to the best of our ability. 

Regal forces a smile and RVD scoffs.

RVD: Okay well what is going to happen then? You’re gonna teach me how to eat properly?

RVD picks up various utensils and waves them around, imitating a posh attitude.

Regal: Precisely.

RVD rolls his eyes and Regal takes a seat, picking up a fork. 

Regal: Now this here-

RVD: I know what a fork is William

Regal: Ah ah ah, this… is a salad fork.

Regal and RVD make eye contact for a few moments. RVD takes the salad fork, digs it into some ice cream, and plops it onto Regal’s face, then walks away.

Regal: ...You could’ve at least used the desert spoon!

We cut back to the ring for another contest!

Match: Jaqueline vs Jazz

In an almost sad squash, Jaqueline throws Jazz around the ring for a few minutes, hits her with a German Release Suplex and gets the cover.

1! 2! 3!

Jaqueline signals for a mic, but before she gets it Don’t Mess With plays as Molly Holly makes her way out onto the ramp.

Holly: Jacky, let’s cut to the chase darling. Your about to come crawling to me and ask for a shot at the Women’s title… how cute. It’s been a while since I’ve embarrassed an old hag, so know what, sure thing sweet heart. See you at the Rumble.

Jaqueline looks at Holly completely befuddled.

Jacqueline: ...I was just going to talk to the fans… but hell yeah! See you at the Rumble!

Jaqueline drops the mic as we cut to commercial.

We return to Bischoff’s office, where Booker T & Goldberg are standing.

Bischoff: Boys, you’ve been loyal to me for years, and I respect the hell out of you for it. I wanted to give you guys the opportunity to get something big. Initially, you two were going to face off in a World Heavyweight Championship #1 contenders match… however, it seems as though Triple H has taken it upon himself to book the title match himself. Now, I would just override his decision but… Michaels vs Triple H is money match. But don’t worry, because you too will be fighting for something great tonight… the number 27 spot in the Royal Rumble match. You two are on in the main tonight, good luck.

Booker T & Goldberg look at each other, Booker offers a handshake, and Goldberg shakes his hand.

We cut backstage to the Dudley Boyz.

Bubba: D-Von, my brother. Do you smell what I’m smelling.

D-Von: I think I do Bubba… I smell a bunch a snakes!

Bubba: You’re damn right D-Von, and I ain’t talking about Randy. Oh no, I’m talking about those sons a bitches, Dave Batista and Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair. You two stole the World Tag Team Championships from The Dudley Boyz at Armageddon-

D-Von: That they did!

Bubba: And frankly,The Dudleyz are not very pleased. No no no, we are veryyyyyyy angry. Now tonight, Mr. Bischoff has insisted myself and D-Von take on Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade to earn our Tag Title shots-

D-Von: Who?

Bubba: So once we beat they’re sorry asses, you best believveeeeeeee we are taking back those tag team titles. Be scared, because Bubba and D-Von are gonna take you two to Dudleyville, and it is not a nice place for outsiders.

The Dudleyz stare into the camera as we cut to Spike Dudley watching that promo.

Spike: Man… my big brothers are so cool. Don’t you think so?

Spike turns around, and the camera pans out to reveal Heidenreich standing in front of a locker.

Heidenreich: ...yes, I agree. They really have a way with words don’t they?

Chris Jericho walks into frame. 

Jericho: Out of the way meathead, I need in my locker. 

Heidenreich: Sure man, sorry. 

Jericho imitates Heidenreich saying sorry and then shoos him along. Spike Dudley is in awe as Jericho starts to get into his locker.

Spike: Um… Mr. Jericho? I really admire your work in the ring, I was just wondering if we could maybe have a match sometime? I’’ve been wanting to work on my in ring ability, and I think they best way to do that would be to tes-

Jericho: I don’t do autographs kid.

Jericho locks up his locker and walks off, Spike looking disappointed. The camera fades back to Heidenreich, who bumps into Kane on his way out of the locker room. Kane does not look pleased.

Heidenreich: Oh, uh, sorry m-

Kane chokeslams Heidenreich and walks along. We then cut back to the ring.

Match: Mark Henry vs Chris Jericho

Jericho and Henry approach each other, however Jericho backs up into the corner before Henry can touch him. Henry charges at Jericho, but he dropkicks Henry’s knee, driving him into the bottom turnbuckle. Jericho spends multiple minutes playing the ground game with Henry, trying to keep him down with kicks, submissions and chokeholds. Jericho eventually goes for a pin, but Henry pushes Jericho directly upwards and down onto the mat. Henry gets up, and begins hitting Jericho with chops, headbutts and tosses. Henry tosses Jericho into the corner, and charges into him, flattening him against the corner. Jericho falls to the ground, and Henry rebounds off of the ropes into a splash!

1! 2! 3-

No! Jericho just kicks out, Henry picks him up and tries to lock him in the bearhug. Jericho elbows Henry over and over, until Henry drops him. Out of nowhere, a Codebreaker! Jericho goes for the pin.

1! 2! 3!

Jericho celebrates in the ring. We cut to Christian backstage, when Rosey & The Hurricane run up to him.

Hurricane: Just the man we’ve been looking for…

Christian: Hey c’mon the ref didn’t say anything so why are you? Get over it, I won.

Hurricane and Rosey look at each other, confused.

Rosey: We’re not here to be upset… we are actually very impressed. 

Hurricane: You see, what you did out there tonight was incredible! I can admit when I’ve been outmatched and indeed I was tonight.

Christian is very pleased with that comment.

Hurricane: We are here to ask… will you show us your ways? 

Christian: My… ways?

Rosey: How to be such an amazing hero! Please Captain Charisma, we’ll do anything.

Christian: Look guys, I don’t…

Christian hesitates, and thinks for a moment.

Christian: Know what… I will! I’ll show you how to become incredible heroes, just like I, Captain Charisma!

Hurricane and Rosey smile.

Hurricane & Rosey: Hooray!

We cut to the ring, where Kane is stood with a mic.

Kane: I’m out here tonight for one reason and one reason only… Un-

Kane is jumped from behind by Heidenreich! Heidenreich beats Kane down for a minute or two, before leaving the ring as we cut to commercial.

We return to see Sgt. Slaughter sitting at a news desk.

Slaughter: Good evening everybody, I’m Sgt. Slaughter, and welcome to the Sergeant’s Scoop! In developing news, Kane is being looked at by WWE doctors backstage after a brutal attack by Heidenreich. We reached out to Heidenreich for an explanation however we couldn’t find him… I couldn’t find him… regardless, in other news, Lance Storm and Stacy Keibler were spotted at a local coffee shop holding hands. Is this a sign of a new relationship? We will keep you updated. Finally, I’ve reached out to Spike Dudley for an exclusive interview. Spike, how are you?

Spike: Hi S-

Slaughter: Well I’m afraid that’s all the time we have here tonight on the Sergeant’s Scoop, we’ll see you next week.

Sgt. Slaughter waves and smiles as we cut back to the ring.

Match: Cade & Jindrak vs The Dudley Boyz

D-Von & Jindrak start in the ring, and immediately its a contest of strikes. It almost seems that they willingly let the other hit them just to see who will fall first. It becomes clear this person is D-Von, as he falls to one knee after a chop to the skull. Jindraak drags him over to the corner, and stomps away. Any time D-Von starts to get momentum, Cade grabs him, hits him or does something to stop it dead in its tracks. The match continues this way for close to ten minutes, as Cade and Jindrak tag out  to rest up. Jindrak is out once again as D-Von manages to break free and get the hot tag in to Bubba. Bubba cleans house. Bubba and D-Von hit the 3-D, and go for the cover.

1! 2! 3!

The Dudleyz celebrate their victory and leave. As Cade & Jindrak get up, Final Force begins to play, and La Resistance make their way out on to the ramp. 

Dupree, Grenier & Conway: Dirty Americans!

The crowd boos.

Dupree: Oh shut it! You all disgust me. But you two, you two especially. Mark & Garrison, disgraces to your disgraceful country. Let that sink in, you are a disgrace.. To a disgrace. How embarrassing that must be, huh? To be the worst of the worst. I think this city knows a fair bit about that. Good luck getting out of the first round, Grizzlies!

The crowds boos triple in volume. Conway then begins to speak in a very bad French accent.

Conway: While yes, this city is awful, I think we rea-

Cade: Uh… Rob? What’s with the voice.

Rob is shocked.

Conway: Whatever could you mean Garrison? This is how I speak.

Jindrak: Pardon my French Rob, but that’s bullshit!

La Resistance are pissed.

Dupree: Regardless, ingrates, we came to tell you that we have a tag match booked for Velocity. See you then boys.

La Resistance laugh, and leave as we cut to commercial.

We return to Lita and Trish Stratus chatting in the locker room, when Gail Kim walks by. 

Kim: Move!

She bursts between them and grabs her bag.

Kim: Have a coffee ready for me when I show up next week!

Kim leaves, and Lita and Trish are absolutely horrified at what they just heard. We cut back to the ring for our main event.

Main Event: Booker T vs Goldberg {#27 Spot In The Royal Rumble Match}

Booker & Goldberg get to brawling. A flurry of punches a thrown, having an absolute battle with each other. As both men begin to tire however, Booker begins getting technical, outclassing Goldberg. He puts him in submission holds, tangles him up, Goldberg eventually catches his second wind and manages to hit Booker T with a Spear. He goes for the cover.

1! 2!

No! Booker kicks out. Goldberg lifts him up for the Jackhammer, but Booker T slips out and rolls up Goldberg.

1! 2! 3!

Booker T shocks Goldberg by rolling him up. Goldberg looks furious, but storms off. 

JR: Just to refresh everyone’s memory, 4 different people have won the Royal Rumble from the 27 spot. Now, Booker T has the opportunity to make it 5 times, 5 times, 5 times... you get the jist.

JL: Seems like its you that can't get to 4, JR.

The commentary crew bickers and Booker T celebrates his victory as Raw goes off air.

I think this was a really successful opening episode. We established our main players, set up some of our storylines going forward, and set the pecking order, so to speak. I think it's very clear where people are on the totem pole.

Following the show, I had a chat with Vince about a plan he has been formulating for a while, but wanted my thoughts. He said that he wants to transition Heat out of a television spot, and into a special event that will be held every few months. It probably wouldn't appear as an event until later this year, possibly around Summerslam. He said that my opinion matters, and if I think Heat is best off retired, then he will go that route. Whether or not Heat becomes an event, though, it will be done on TV. In that same vein, Velocity is going to become a crossbranded show. Not in the sense that Raw and Smackdown superstars can face off, but in the sense that they will be able to interact, and both Raw and Smackdown superstars can appear.

Heat is cancelled this week, and I can only assume it will be cancelled in its entirety shortly. That being said, I might see if Vince would be open to a "Super" Heat or something as either a preview of what it will end up becoming, or as a final hurrah.

What are your thoughts? Do you want Heat to become a special event hosted every few months, or should we just say goodbye? Also, what did you think of the show? What were your favourite and least favourite moments. Please leave your feedback below, as well as any predictions, comments, and questions, and I'll get back once I can.

Thanks,
cdunnmoney