This Day in History - 28th April, 2013

April 28th

On this day in history in ....

1979 - WWF ran at the Philadelphia Spectrum with Greg Valentine defeating WWF World Champion Bob Backlund when the match was stopped due to Backlund's excessive bleeding. However, because there was no pinfall or submission, Backlund retained the title.

1990 - Jimmy Valiant defeats Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Lawler's fifth reign with the title and beginning Valiant's second run. On the same show, Brickhouse Brown & Sweet Daddy Falcone defeated Rex King & Steve Doll for the USWA Tag Team Title.

1990 - Saturday Night's Main Event, "The Tussle In Texas" aired on NBC, showing matches that were taped on April 23rd in Austin, Texas. Here are the matches that aired:
- Hulk Hogan defeated Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig with a legdrop.
- Earthquake defeated Hillbilly Jim with an Earthquake splash.
- The Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers ended in a double DQ when Demolition came in and all three teams started brawling.
- WWF World Champion The Ultimate Warrior defeated Haku with a splash.
- The Big Boss Man defeated Akeem via DQ when Ted Dibiase interfered.

1995 - A new record for the largest crowd to attend a professional wrestling event is set in Pyongyang, North Korea for a New Japan event held in Pyongyang Stadium as part of the World Peace Festival. The show drew a crowd of 150,000, but the record would only stand for one day, as it would be shattered the next night. Here are the results from the show:
- Yuji Nagata defeated Tokimitsu Ishizawa with a choke.
- Bull Nakano & Akira Hokuto defeated Manami Toyota & Mariko Yoshida when Nakano pinned Yoshida.
- Hiroshi Hase defeated Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) with a Northern Lights Suplex.
- Masahiro Chono & Hiro Saito defeated El Samurai & Tadao Yasuda when Chono pinned Samurai.
- 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Shinjiro Ohtani when the referee stopped the match due to excessive bleeding.
- Kensuke Sasai defeated Masa Saito.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shinya Hashimoto vs. Scott Norton ended in a twenty minute draw.

1996 - In Your House VII, "Good Friends, Better Enemies" aired on Pay-per-view from Omaha, Nebraska at the Civic Auditorium. The show would feature the final WWF Pay-per-view appearances of Diesel (Kevin Nash) and Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) before their historic move to WCW.
Here are the results:
- In a match shown on the "Free-For-All" preshow, Marc Mero defeated The 1-2-3 Kid via DQ when Hunter Hearst Helmsley ran in and gave Mero a pedigree.
- Davey Boy Smith & Owen Hart defeated Jake Roberts & Ahmed Johnson when Smith made Roberts submit to a half crab after Jim Cornette hit Roberts in the leg with his tennis racket.
- The Ultimate Warrior defeated Intercontinental Champion Goldust via countout when Goldust refused to return to the ring and face the Warrior.
- Vader defeated Razor Ramon with a sit-down splash as Ramon went for a sunset flip.
- WWF World Tag Team Champions The Bodydonnas defeated The Godwinns.
- WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels defeated Diesel in a no-disqualification match with a superkick. During the match, Diesel pulled the prosthetic leg off of Mad Dog Vachon (who was sitting at ringside) and used it to hit Michaels.
The following matches were held after the PPV broadcast had ended:
- Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin.
- Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Marc Mero.
- The Undertaker defeated Mankind.

1997 - Owen Hart defeats Rocky Maivia for the WWF Intercontinental Title in Omaha, Nebraska with a backslide, putting an end to Rock's first-ever WWF championship reign.

1999 - Rob Conway defeats Nick Dinsmore for the Ohio Valley Heavyweight Title.

2002 - Former NWA World champion Lou Thesz, who many consider to be the greatest wrestler of all time, passes away at 86. Thesz had undergone a triple bypass surgery earlier in April and had been recuperating from the surgery. Although he had long retired when the internet came along, Thesz spent a lot of time communicating with fans via different forums.
Sheldon Goldberg, promoter of NECW in MA and a friend of Thesz' penned the following upon learning of Thesz' passing:

I just received word that we lost our greatest champion and one of our dearest friends, Lou Thesz at 7:35 this morning. He had been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks for heart surgery. His wife Charlie had kept us informed of his progress by e-mail and sent word of his passing this afternoon. Her words were upbeat and full of love.

In part of her message she said, "With a full heart and clear head, I can tell all of you Lou died content and with no regrets!"

She continued by saying, "Lou will be cremated here in Florida, I will take his ashes to St.Louis, we will have a simple memorial service (yet to be determined), and I will let his ashes go into the Merrimac River where his happy memories of life started. Later we will have a wake type party here in Winter Garden. Don't mourn - just love what he gave you. He loved and appreciated what you all gave him.

Any contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the IWIM/Thesz Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 794 Newton, IA 50208 or you can send a check for IWIM to me at P.O. Box 783783 - Winter Garden, FL - 34778.

In the meantime, have a glass of wine, or a beer for Lou...and pray you have a life as full or as happy!"

R.I.P. Champ.

2002 - WWE broadcast Sunday Night Heat. John Keane filed the following TV report:

Heat Report for 4/28/2002.
Matches taped on 4/22 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Your Announcers are Jonathan Coachman and Raven.

Show opens with still photos from last Sundays Backlash PPV. In the nights main event, Hulk Hogan defeated HHH to become our new Undisputed Champion. Hulk had some unasked-for help from The Undertaker.

The pyros explode, Coach and Raven welcome us in, and we get straight to work…

1st Match: Crash Holly vs. The Bossman.

Decent pop for Crash, INCREDIBLE hatred for Bossman. Circle, lockup, Bossman shoves Crash across the ring into corner. Crash right back, sets for scoop-slam, nope, Bossman lands uppercut, Crash down. Bossman lays in boots, brings Crash up, test of strength won by Bossman, Crash into corner. Crash climbs to top rope, screaming in terror all the way, Bossman chucks him across ring. Crash to ropes, Bossman slides out of ring, nails Crash with uppercut to face. Crash down, Bossman back in, sets Crash in corner, whips him to opposite, Bossman charges, Avalanche sends Crash down for 2, then 2 more. Bossman argues with ref, Crash recovers, Bossman turns into punches to gut. Crash again tries for scoop-slam, Bossman counters with headbutt, Crash down yet again. Bossman meets with success on his scoop-slam attempt, Crash down, Bossman goes off ropes, drops the elbow, Crash evades, Bossman to canvas. Up, Crash scores forearms to face, goes off ropes straight into a Big Boot, Crash to usual place. Bossman pauses to taunt crowd, brings Crash up, hiptosses him right back down. Bossman tears at Crash’s face, ref calls for break, Crash gets slammed to mat at Bossman complies. Bossman drops the knee, brings Crash up, whips him to corner, Crash face-first to mat. Bossman applies a chinlock, letting off with a punch to back of Crash’s neck. Crash crawls to corner, Bossman takes break to bask in crowds adulation (excuse me while I pause to wipe the dripping sarcasm from the monitor), turns, Crash scores a series of kicks to gut. Bossman responds by grinding in the boot, again warned off by ref. Bossman hauls Crash up, lands punch to lower back, Crash again down, Bossman scores boot. Bossman brings Crash up, forearms him to ropes, Crash strikes back with forearm shots, Bossman to corner. Crash whips Bossman to opposite corner, charges, Bossman gets both boots up, Crash takes them in face. Bossman approaches, Crash again tries for scoop-slam, AND IT WORKS! Crash pauses in shock, Bossman gets to feet, Crash scores punches to face, goes off ropes, scores with an elbow, Bossman still standing. Crash again goes off ropes, dropkick bounces Bossman off ropes, still up. Crash off ropes again, ducks a clothesline, off again straight into Bossman Slam, 1-2-3.

Winner: The Bossman.

Raven did a valiant job trying to put over the Bossman. More after we break.

Back, we get some hype for Rocky’s ‘Scorpion King’ movie, then get back to the ring..

2nd Match: Justin Credible vs. Tommy Dreamer.

Crowd hates Justin, Tommy gets decent pop by default. Tommy straight in with a side headlock, Justin elbows out, Tommy off ropes, scores with a shoulder, Justin down. Up, leapfrog sequence, Tommy blocks a hiptoss, scores own, Justin again to canvas. Up quick straight into a scoop-slam. Justin again right back up at ropes, Tommy shoots him to opposite, Justin holds ropes, exits ring. Tommy follows, forearms Justin to mats outside. Tommy rolls Justin in, follows, Justin begs off in corner. Tommy responds with boots to gut, whips Justin to opposite corner, he gets hung up on top turnbuckle. Tommy scores boot to gut, Justin crotched on top rope, Tommy shakes ropes, sending Justin for classic ride of discomfort. Justin dismounts, staggers toward corner, Tommy approaches, scores snap suplex, Justin down for 2. Tommy brings Justin up on shoulder, he floats over, scores boot to gut, tosses Tommy left shoulder first into ring post. Tommy down in corner, Justin lays in boots, goes for boot choke, warned off by ref. Justin scores his trademark sitdown powerbomb, good for 2. Tommy crawls toward corner, left shoulder appears hurt (ah, that psychology thing!), Justin exits ring, wraps Tommy’s bad arm around ring post, slams it into stairs and post. Justin back in, Tommy up, blocks a punch, scores with an elbow, Justin to ropes, Tommy goes for whip, Justin puts on brakes, scores armdrag takedown, continuing to focus on Tommy’s bad arm. Tommy up slowly, Justin yanks arm, Tommy back down. Justin applies arm-wrench, drops a quick knee, Tommy gets to feet, scores forearms, breaks hold, sends Justin off ropes, sets for backdrop, Justin scouts it, scores spinning DDT, Tommy down for 2. Tommy crawls to corner, Justin lays in boot, Tommy to feet, Justin scores series of straight punches. Tommy at ropes, Justin goes for clothesline, Tommy ducks, scores own clothesline, Justin goes over top and out of ring. Justin to apron, Tommy meets him, gets slammed face first into top rope. Tommy staggered, Justin enters, misses a clothesline, goes off ropes, Tommy scores 1-handed spinebuster, both men down. Both up at 4 count, Justin misses with a forearm, Tommy scores pair of knockdown punches, neckbreaker, Tommy whips Justin off ropes, scores powerslam, good for 2. Tommy attempts another whip, reversed, Tommy off ropes, Justin sets for backdrop, Tommy knows that trick also, counters with DDT, Justin again down for 2. Tommy to 2nd turnbuckle, flies, Justin scores midair superkick, Tommy down, Justin covers-only 2! Justin in shock, Tommy slowly to feet, Justin brings him up, Tommy floats over, Justin ducks a forearm, goes for another superkick, Tommy catches boot, spins him around, scores Death Valley Driver, gets the 1-2-3.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer.

Raven had some interesting comments about Justin, feels he’s great when focused, but when he’s not-pretty much palookaville. Nothing but praise for Tommy, though.

We go backstage, where the lovely and talented Lillian Garcia interviews D’Lo Brown, who’ll be taking on Intercontinental Champ Eddy Guerrero later on in a non-title match. D’Lo is in TOTAL babyface mode, wants to make a big impact in his return to the WWF.

A WWF Flashback, Hulk Hogan defeating the Iron Sheik for his first WWF Title back in ‘84, sends us to break.

(Commentary: That was 18 years ago. That just hit me.)

Snap of the Night: Hulk wins at Backlash.

Time for the recap segment. Last week on Raw, The Undertaker officially announced that he’ll be taking on the Hulkster at the Upcoming Judgment Day PPV for the Undisputed Championship. We cut to HHH storming through the backstage area. ‘Taker is enraged, as currently Hunter should only be appearing on Smackdown. Hunter came down to the ring and beat ‘Taker like a government mule. The announcers table got trashed, ‘Taker was busted open, they brawled to the backstage area, Hunter produced a sledgehammer, then slammed it into ‘Takers gut. Security and armed police appeared, and The Game was led off in handcuffs.

On to Smackdown. Last Thursday, the Hulkster and HHH expressed their mutual respect in the ring and attempted to set up a re-match for later on the show. Smackdown boss Vince McMahon put the kibosh on that, announcing that instead, Hunter would face former Undisputed Champ Chris Jericho later on, with the winner getting a title shot with Hogan on next weeks show.

The Game and Y2J proceeded to have a great match, featuring innovative counters for finishers and lots of dramatic 2-counts. End saw Hunter setting Y2J for the Pedigree, ‘Taker appearing at ringside, making an unsanctioned appearance on the show. He distracted HHH, allowing Chris to score a quick roll-up (with the requisite tug of the tights) to get the 1-2-3. Jericho will face Hulk Hogan next week on Smackdown for the Undisputed Championship. Post-match, he and ’Taker beat down Hunter, save made by the Hulkster.

Coach lets us know Hogan will be in the house for Raw tomorrow night. Break.

Back, Steven Richards (aka ‘Wacko Stevie) storms the ring. He’s enraged that Raven gave him the ‘Wacko’ moniker 2 weeks ago, and challenges him to get in the ring right now. Accepted!

3rd Match: Steven Richards vs. Raven.

Crowd went nuts as Raven removed his headset and made to enter the ring. Steven a house on fire as Raven comes in, booting our color announcer into the corner and peppering him with forearms. Steven goes for whip, reversed, Steven into corner, Raven scores with a forearm, LIGHTNING quick bulldog for a quick 2-count. Up, Steven tries another whip, again reversed, Steven off ropes, Raven sets for backdrop, Steven scouts it, scores boot to face. Raven staggers, Steven charges, Raven clotheslines him out of his boots, covers for 2. Steven to corner, Raven lays in chops, ref calls for break. Raven argues with ref, approaches Steven, takes kick to face, Raven down. Up, Steven goes off ropes, cross-body block sends Raven over top, momentum sends Steven over also, both go down outside. Steven rolls Raven in, gets a quick cover for 2. Steven brings Raven up, scores snap suplex, Raven again down. Steven doesn’t capitalize, is close to tears due to crowds hostility. Finally he brings Raven up, sends him off ropes, scores sidewalk slam for a 2-count. Steven sets Raven on ropes, lays in chop, whips Raven off ropes, catches him with a forearm to gut as he bounces back in. Raven doubled over, Steven off ropes, sunset flip is good for another 2. Raven to corner, Steven approaches, cagey ol’ Raven playing possum, tosses Steven into corner, lays in forearms. Raven shoots Steven off ropes, scores back-body drop, Steven down and up quickly. Forearm sends Steven down, Steven to corner, Raven whips him to opposite, Raven goes off ropes, big clothesline sends Steven down. Up, Raven scores with a knee, Steven down for 2. Raven brings Steven up, tries for whip, Steven puts on brakes, Raven tries for quick DDT, Steven blocks it, rams Raven into corner. Steven whips Raven to opposite corner, sets for Steven Kick, Raven sidesteps, scores boot to gut, Raven Effect, Goodnight Big Stevie Cool, 1-2-3.

(Commentary: Both guys seemed to be having a blast.)

Winner: Raven.

Straight to break.

We return to the obligatory Tough Enough 2 recap. Tough Enough 1 winners Maven and Nidia paid a visit, which seemed to prop up the current contestants sagging spirits. No cuts this week. Break.

Overdrive of the Night: Headliner of last weeks Raw was Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Big Show vs. Scott Hall and X-Pac of the n.W.o. End of match saw Show turn on Austin and join the boys in black and white.

Coach and Raven return for our main event….

4th Match: Intercontinental Champion Eddy Guerrero vs. D’Lo Brown. Non-title match.

Loads of heat for Eddy, surprisingly big pop for D’Lo. Eddie immediately works a headlock into a takedown, D’Lo to feet, forces Eddy to ropes, breaks out of hold, sends Eddy off ropes. Eddy back in with a shoulder, D’Lo down. Up, Eddy scores a quick snapmare into a sleeper, D’Lo to feet, elbows his way out. D’Lo sends Eddy off ropes, leapfrog sequence, D’Lo takes Eddy down with an armdrag. Up, Eddy responds with an armdrag of his own, followed by another by D’Lo. Eddy to feet, D’Lo works an armbar, Eddy elbows out, slams D’Lo face first into turnbuckles. Eddy scores pair of punches gets warned by ref. Eddy goes for whip, D’Lo to corner, Eddy charges, D’Lo scores with a back elbow to Eddy’s face. Eddy staggered, D’Lo to 2nd turnbuckle, Eddy turns, D’Lo scores flying clothesline for a 2-count. Up, D’Lo blocks a punch, brings Eddy up, spinning sidewalk slam is only good for 2. Wow. D’Lo brings Eddy up, scores punch, kick to gut, Eddy to ropes, takes another punch to face. D’Lo tries for whip, reversed, Eddy drops to canvas, D’Lo off ropes and over, Eddy up, D’Lo off again, Eddy scores with an elbow, D’Lo down. Up slowly, Eddy scores with an elbow, D’Lo to corner, Eddy continues in with elbows, brings D’Lo out, scores belly-to-back suplex, D’Lo down. Eddy exits to apron, scores senton bomb, covers for 2. Eddy lays in boots, brings D’Lo up, locks in abdominal stretch. D’Lo gets leverage, hiptosses Eddy to break hold. D’Lo misses with a forearm, Eddy scores boot to gut, snapmare, D’Lo down, Eddy does spinning boot-grind to D’Lo’s face. Eddy brings D’Lo up, scores with an elbow, D’Lo to ropes, Eddy tries whip, reversed, Eddy off ropes, D’Lo hits gorgeous powerslam, just good for 2! Both up, D’Lo scores with an elbow, Eddy responds with poke to eyes. D’Lo to ropes, Eddy chops away, whips D’Lo off ropes, clotheslines him down. Eddy scores low dropkick to back of D’Lo’s head, covers for 2. Eddy slaps on a rear chinlock, D’Lo to feet, Eddy lets up, gets in a quick elbow, D’Lo to ropes. Eddy whps D’Lo off ropes, misses with a clothesline, D’Lo puts on brakes, scores leaping calf-kick, Eddy down. D’Lo brings him up, whips Eddy off ropes, scores back-body drop, Eddy down. D’Lo brings him up, slams him right back down, drops the leg, JUST good for 2! D’Lo brings Eddy up, scores forearm, sets him on top turnbuckle, joins him for superplex attempt. Eddy counters with headbutts, tosses D’Lo to mat, Eddy sets for Frog Splash, sees D’Lo rising, instead flies over, somersaults to opposite corner. D’Lo misses with a clothesline, Eddy scores boot to gut, Tornado DDT, D’Lo down. Eddy to top turnbuckle, pauses to bask in crowds hatred, hits that Frog Splash, 1-2-3. F’ing fantastic match, I wish my report could do it justice.

Winner: Intercontinental Champion Eddy Guerrero.

Coach and Raven plug tomorrow nights Raw to end the show.

Pretty damn good show! Matches were all solid, even the opener served a purpose (allowing the crowd to vent at the Bossman). Main event was off the chart, up there with the RVD/Jerry Lynn match back in the Alliance days. I can’t say enough good things about Raven. Whether it’s putting across angles or doing detailed commentary on the matches, the guys fantastic. I just hope D’Lo can get himself into a decent angle or feud-his generic promo left me a bit cold. Delivered very nicely in the ring though. See you next week.

2003 - Former WWE champion and the most popular draw in the history of modern professional wrestling, Steve Austin announced he is done as an in-ring performer while discussing his new WWE role as Raw General Manager in a WWE.com interview.

"In this business, I've learned never say never....But I would say probably 99.9 percent out of 100 that you'll never see Rock and Stone Cold in the ring again.....I'm not wrestling anymore. That was my last match, " said Austin,

Austin cited his long-time neck problems as the reason for the retirement. He noted he had several MRIs prior to Wrestlemania 19, but didn't discuss them because "I'm Stone Cold Steve Austin."

Austin also claimed those problems were actually the primary reason he walked out of WWE in 2002, when the company wanted him to lose to Brock Lesnar on Raw with no build.

"I've got some serious problems in my neck. It's too long and too complicated to discuss. But a lot of the reasons I walked out of this company seven or eight months ago were things I didn't want to talk about at the time because we had WrestleMania coming up. The biggest reason I walked away was because my health is going downhill so badly, and I can't compete at an acceptable level to me, and at a risk factor that's high enough to me. Everything I do in that ring is very dangerous and makes me go even further downhill. It's potentially something where I could end up being a quadriplegic. That was the biggest reason I walked out. The creative and the political issues were just icing on the cake -- the straw that broke the camel's back."

Austin said that while he will not rule out the possibility of a match down the line, as of right now, the condition of his neck isn't going to allow that and he doesn't want to work below the level of what is expected of him.

"I refuse to go out there anymore, perform at a substandard level and have people judge me on what I'm putting out right now. I had a hell of a run. I'm completely satisfied with it." Austin told the WWE website.

To date, Austin has not returned to the ring for an official match but has made cameo appearances. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and has talked of returning to the ring in recent years, claiming that he feels great and that his health is fine, but he doesn't need to wrestle if he doesn't want to.

2003 - WWE broadcasts Raw, featuring the first ever editon of The Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho interviewing Bill Goldberg. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:

The 4/28 episode of RAW IS REHABBING GOLDBERG aired live from Boston. It was a good show that actually did a fine job of rebuilding Goldberg as a babyface using some common sense tactics, based largely around some semi-shoot angles. There was also a big pop at the end for the return of Steve Austin, albeit in a repetitive angle.

Jerry Lawler & Jonathan Coachman opened the show by putting over Backlash. Lawler accused Coach of having been anti-Goldberg during the Goldberg vs. Rock main event, which was funny because it was actually Lawler who ragged on Goldberg during that match.

Chris Jericho came down to the ring, where there were two chairs waiting for him. He said he turned on the TV recently and saw a huge stomach walking around wearing a kilt, and realized it was Roddy Piper. Jericho said if Piper, at age 175, can revive Piper's Pit on Smackdown, then he can host a younger, cooler show on RAW called "The Hi-Lite Reel". His first guest, whom he described as an old friend from their WCW days, was Goldberg. A "Goldberg" chant started up. Goldberg came down to the ring and took a seat. Jericho said Goldberg destroyed Rock at Backlash, though he added that he himself has destroyed Rock on several occasions. He kept referring to Goldberg as an "old buddy" and "old pal", but then noted that he challenged Goldberg to a match back in WCW, but Goldberg refused to fight. This was a shoot comment based on the fact that Goldberg did nix a planned Goldberg vs. Jericho feud back in WCW. Goldberg sort of smiled and said he was ready to fight anytime Jericho wanted. Jericho backed down and said that at the moment he was an interviewer and not out there to wrestle, and that he had a lot of other questions to ask. He then demanded to know why Goldberg waltzed into WWE unannounced, and speared Rock for no reason, acting like he owned the place. He asked why Goldberg didn't stay in Japan, or stay home with his 57 pet animals. Goldberg started to say something but was immediately cut off by Christian, who had come out on the ramp top. Christian claimed to be Rock's favorite wrestler, and said that makes him the new people's champion while Rock's away. He asked Goldberg how it felt at Backlash to be booed out of the arena by the fans, noting that the booing occurred even though Massachusetts fans are dying for something to cheer for since their baseball team hasn't won anything since 1918. Goldberg said the fans pay their hard earned money to see the show and can boo or cheer whomever they wish. He said he's there to earn his stripes and will beat anyone they put in the ring with him. That was a good answer. Goldberg noted that he got cheered two weeks in a row when he speared Christian. Jericho told Goldberg that no one paid to see him spear anyone, and that rumor on the street and in the locker room is that no one wants him there in WWE. That was another shoot based on legit locker room resentment at Goldberg. Christian said Jericho was right, and to prove it he brought out Rosey, Jamal, Rico, Victoria, and Steven Richards, claiming that all of them want Goldberg out of WWE. Richards got on the mic and confirmed that, saying it was wrong for Goldberg to be put in a PPV main event so soon after signing while guys such as himself didn't even get on the show. Guess they've been reading 1wrestling. The crowd chanted for Goldberg again. Christian shouted that he's a nine time tag champ, a former IC, European, and Hardcore champ, and he also didn't get to be on the PPV. All six started down to the ring, vowing to kick Goldberg's ass. However, when they got there, five of them halted, intimidated by Goldberg. Richards, not knowing the other five halted, went in the ring. He challenged Goldberg, not realizing the others weren't backing him up. Goldberg speared the hell out of him. Jericho looked worried. Everyone else retreated. This was a long opening segment but a very good one which did what it set out to do.

After a break they replayed Goldberg's spear on Richards, and showed Richards being helped to the back by referees.

Hurricane beat Chief Morley in 5:39. Morley mocked Hurricane's superhero pose. Hurricane responded by wrapping his cape around his waist like a towel and mocking Val Venis' crotch thrusts. Morley attacked Hurricane and pounded him. Hurricane came back after a beating with a lariat and a neckbreaker. He missed a shining wizard when Morley ducked. Morley hit a powerbomb. Morley went for the money shot but Hurricane moved. Morley crashed to the mat and Hurricane nailed him with his flying neckbreaker for the pin.

Ric Flair was reading the new RAW magazine when Triple H came in. Flair pointed to HHH's picture on the cover and began praising HHH as the greatest champ of all time. HHH said it was an honor to be praised by Flair since he's been world champ 16 times. HHH said he'd like to see Flair with gold around his waist again, so he reported that he asked Eric Bischoff for a tag title shot against Rob Van Dam & Kane, and that Bischoff agreed to the match. Both looked forward to capturing the tag belts. Whooooo!

Rodney Mack defeated another Unidentified White Jobber in 1:57. Theodore Long ran down Larry Bird, saying if he'd been black he would never have been given a chance in basketball. LOL! Long said that unlike whitey, he believes in giving everyone a fair shot, so the Unidentified White Jobber would have an opportunity to compete against Mack. Long did color commentary for the almost two minutes of the match. After Mack won with his running powerslam, Long got in the ring and praised Jazz, his other wrestler, for winning the women's title at "Blacklash". She came out and joined Long & Mack for an in-ring celebration, including balloons dropping on the ring.

Bischoff, as usual, was on the phone with someone. Trish Stratus came in and asked for a rematch against Jazz for the title. Bischoff said her contract didn't include a rematch clause. Trish said Jazz cheated to win, and that she'd do whatever it takes to get the rematch. Bischoff got that evil grin on his face at this point. He challenged Trish to a match with the stips that if she wins, she gets a shot at Jazz next week for the title, but if he wins, she has to come to his hotel room after the show and put out for him. He said Long may have screwed her at Backlash, but that he'd screw her in a different way. Believe it or not, Trish accepted the challenge. Hey, she put out for Vince McMahon, didn't she?

Test and Stacy Keibler argued again. Test agreed that Stacy doesn't have a thing for Scott Steiner, claiming it was impossible for any female to prefer Steiner to him. He again denied being infatuated with Torrie Wilson. He demanded to know why Stacy had signed for him to team with Steiner again. Stacy said she thought Steiner could help him in his career and that they could be tag champs. Test said Steiner can do nothing for him, but agreed to team with him if it would make Stacy trust him again. Stacy said she'd like to trust Test, but in a voice that indicated she doesn't.

Hour two began with RVD & Kane defeating HHH & Flair to retain the RAW Tag Titles in 15:47. Flair got a big pop for his strut. Flair chopped Kane, who came back with a bodyslam. RVD came in and kicked HHH, who bumped out. RVD hit a plancha on HHH & Flair. HHH laid RVD out with a lariat. At this point, they cut to the back where Shawn Michaels was on the phone with someone, telling them HHH was in the ring and thus was a sitting duck. They then went to a commercial break, and when they came out Kane & RVD were working HHH over, scoring some twos on him. Flair tagged in and put a beating on RVD. HHH hit RVD with a high knee lift. Flair wrapped RVD's knee around the post. HHH hooked a version of the death lock but RVD made the ropes. RVD finally escaped and made the hot tag. Kane came in, throwing lariats like crazy. He was about to chokeslam HHH but Flair made the save. He then tried to chokeslam Flair, with HHH making the save. Flair put Kane in the figure four. RVD missile kicked HHH and rescued Kane. HHH gave RVD a DDT and then pedigreed Kane. Victory seemed assured for HHH & Flair, but suddenly Kevin Nash ran in with a sldegehammer (making it obvious who Michaels had been talking to, if it wasn't already). HHH fled with Nash in hot pursuit. Well, make that lukewarm pursuit because even with a bad leg and a lot of bulk, HHH is Jesse Owens compared to Nash. Flair was left alone, and ended up chokeslammed by Kane and frog splashed by RVD for the pin. Very good TV match!

HHH continued running from Nash backstage. He had to stop every so often for Nash to catch up, but otherwise it was a fun chase. HHH made it to his limo, but Nash managed to break two windows out with the sledgehammer before it drove off. Lawler said Nash had gone off the deep end.

Steiner & Test defeated Christopher Nowinski & Rico in 3:55. Steiner juiced early for no apparent reason. He dominated Nowinski until Rico distracted him. The heels doubled on Steiner as Test ignored the action, arguing with Stacy instead. Steiner suplexed both foes and tagged Test. Test went in and was almost wild in his aggression, as he was trying to show Stacy he was the dominant male. He pretty much beat down both opponents, but Steiner tagged himself back in and scored the pin on Nowinski with a neckbreaker. Test was frustrated that Steiner scored the pin. Stacy hugged Steiner, so Test got jealous again. She claimed she was just happy they won. Test & Stacy walked out, arguing the whole way back to the locker room.

Steiner stayed in the ring and started cutting his standard promo about all his freaks. He was interrupted by Sylvan Grenier & Rene Dupree. They identified themselves as "La Resistance". They reminded Steiner of his debate with Nowinski a couple of weeks ago, and had a clip shown on the TitanTron where Steiner defended the war and ridiculed France. A "USA" chant started. La Resistance said the French are both lovers and fighters, and went to the ring saying they wished to discuss their differences with Steiner in a peaceful manner. Once there, they tried to attack him. Steiner briefly held both of them off but eventually they beat him down and left him laying to start their first WWE feud. They were both pretty good here.

Morley told Bischoff the Dudleys have been suspended without pay again for their actions at Backlash. Bischoff was pleased. Bischoff boasted about his upcoming match with Trish, saying the "do not disturb" sign is already hanging on his hotel room door. Morley indicated he had taken some actions to help assure a Bischoff win.

Trish was shown doing warm-up exercises. They sure warmed up Lawler.

Goldberg encountered Booker T backstage. Booker praised Goldberg as a guy who was always straight with him back in WCW. He said he was the new WCW kid on the block in WWE a couple of years ago, and it was hard at first to get established, but now he has a strong following and is comfortable there. He told Goldberg to just stay on track and he'll make it there. They hugged.

Booker beat Christian by DQ in 5:35. Booker hit Christian with a lariat, kicks, and chops to score a near fall. Christian sent Booker to the floor and rammed him into the stairs. Christian scored some twos with brawling tactics. Booker sidestepped Christian, who came off the top, and took him down for a near pin. Booker blocked an unprettier and hit a scissor kick. He did a spinaroonie, but at this point Rosey & Jamal & Rico attacked Booker for the DQ. It interrupted a solid match, but it made sense as part of the rehab of Goldberg. The crowd began chanting "Goldberg" as Booker got pounded four-on-one. Goldberg ran in and cleaned house. He speared Rico, jackhammered Jamal, and sent Rosey bumping to the floor. He then speared Rosey on the floor and it sent Rosey crashing through the security barrier, leaving a gaping hole. This was great! Christian fled in terror. Goldberg left through the crowd to a huge babyface reaction, so they did a masterful job restoring his babyface aura.

After a break, they repayed Godberg spearing Rosey through the barrier, and showed security taping up the broken section.

Bischoff beat Trish in 3:17. Before the match began, Bischoff announced that it would be fought under no-DQ rules. He did the "Karate Kid" movie martial arts poses. Trish kicked him in the head. But before she could go after Bischoff any further, Victoria ran in and attacked her. Trish disposed of her, only to be attacked by Jazz, who was cheered on by Theodore Long. I guess it's okay to help a powerful white man if it keeps Trish from getting a rematch. Jazz destroyed Trish until Bischoff told her it was enough. He joked that he needed to keep her conscious, for obvious reasons. Bischoff pinned Trish, boasting that she bit off more than she could chew. That was a bad choice of words, considering what he had planned. Suddenly, a limo pulled into the parking area and Linda McMahon emerged. Bischoff stopped boasting and smirking, and instead pretended to be concerned about Trish, ordering some refs to help the poor injured girl to the back.

So Linda came out to the ring. She said she represents the board of directors, so it's her responsibility to monitor upper management, including Bischoff. Bischoff praised her as being beautiful, elegant, radiant, etc. He said he wasn't really going to have sex with Trish, claiming that stip was just a TV gimmick to make the show more compelling. In fact, he claimed to prefer "mature women". Linda told him he was making her job a lot easier by his behavior. Bischoff looked scared. She said his actions as General Manager have been unprofessional, abusive, harassing, and ego-maniacle. Guess she's been watching the show. She said half of the board wants him fired as GM, but in the end they settled on a compromise where Bischoff will share control of RAW 50-50 with someone more in tune with the fans and who knows right from wrong. I thought Sam Muchnick and Giant Baba were deceased, but it turned out she was talking about "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin came out to a big pop as Bischoff looked totally deflated. Austin asked Bischoff a ton of rhetorical questions to the requisite "whats". He offered to shake Bischoff's hand. Bischoff was afraid to do it, so Austin asked the crowd if Bischoff should shake his hand and agree to start working together as of tomorrow morning. The crowd shouted "hell yeah!". Bischoff cautiously shook hands, saying he hoped they could work together as a team. Austin then noted that he said they could start working together tomorrow, and gave him a stunner. It was a good angle, though we've obviously been through this 50-50 partner stuff before. Since Austin can't wrestle, I guess this gives him a role, so we'll see how it works out. Anyway, it was a good show this week.

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:

Don't all of those charges Linda made against Bischoff also apply to Vince?

Who is Bischoff talking to on the phone every week?

Did you notice that none of the balloons dropped during Long's celebration were white?

Isn't Jericho a good choice to host an interview segment?

Didn't they use their heads for a change when they thought up how to rebuild Goldberg?

Will Nash be entering the Boston marathon any time soon?

2005 - Former NWA champion Chris Candido, who worked for every major U.S. promotion (WWF, WCW, ECW, SMW, TNA) during his career, passed away at the age of 33 due to a blood clot causing heart failure. The clot was the result of surgery he had undergone several weeks earlier. Candido had broken his leg during a TNA match and underwent surgery to repair it. He continued to appear on TNA television in a managerial role, leading The Naturals to the NWA World Tag Team Championship on April 26th, a match that would air on television the day after his passing.

2006 - MTV picked up Wrestling Society X as a series following a pilot taping several months earlier. The series would last one season.

2006 - VH-1 announced they had picked up the Hogan Knows Best reality series for a third season. It would be the series' final season, although daughter Brooke was spun off into her own series, which featured appearances from other members of the Hogan clan.

2007 - Ring of Honor returned to Chicago Ridge, IL featuring the farewell for Colt Cabana, who had signed a WWE developmental deal, as well as Chris Daniels who "quit" as he was returning to TNA for a new role. Keith Lipinski filed the following live report:

Ring Of Honor
Saturday April 28, 2007
Frontier Park Field House - Chicago Ridge , Illinois
1,100 fans
"Good Times, Great Memories" A Tribute To Colt Cabana

Six Man Mayhem: Delirious defeated Gran Akuma, Jigsaw, Hallowicked, ROH Top Of The Class Trophy winner Pelle Primeau, and Mike Quackenbush in 10:29 when Delirious pinned Akuma with the Chemical Imbalance II. Outstanding opener where the CHIKARA guys shined. Mike Quackenbush was welcomed along with his students with total open arms, as in one point in this match, Akuma was thrown to the floor, he got up but was met by Hallowicked who attemped an electric chair, as Hallowicked was on Akumas shoulders outside the rip, Quackenbush busted out an incredible tope to the outside. Delirious and Hallowicked reformed their CHIKARA pro team Incoherence after a conversation in which Delirious noticed audibly that they were both "green and black" Last two minutes saw every man hit their big moves, including Quackenbush hitting Quackendriver's one and two, the shadows over hell by Delirious, A awesome looking stunner by Akuma, a tornado DDT by Pelle (did he ever bodysurf up to Nomb Alaska?), a superkick by Jigsaw and a fisherman bomb by Hallowicked with other guys breaking up the near falls til the end. The CHIKARA guys need to come back to ROH as their style is reminiscent of the Dragon Gate style of high paced, fast action with great flying and matt wrestling. With so many people (Shingo, Daniels, Cabana) leaving, these guys seem to have definite character and should be on the 2007 ROH roster (with El Generico and Kevin Steen)

Erick Stevens vs. Christopher Daniels went to a fifteen minute time limit draw. Slow moving at times, but got good towards the end. Neither man seemed to have much of an advantage here. Much of the match was Daniels playing the heel by choking Stevens, slamming him on the outside, and going back with the abdolinal stretch and using his elbow and digging into this side of the body. Stevens did come back with an overhead belly to belly and another overhead suplex, and did his Cho-Cho run into the corner. He attempted it a second time only to have Daniels move out of the way, and hit a double knees on Stevens chest for a near fall. Samoan Drop/ Arabian Press for another two. Stevens caught Daniels on the top rope and got him in a powerslam neckbreaker (had him up for a powerslam but hit the neckbreaker when Bobby Cruise announced their was only one more minute in the match. Stevens attempted to hoist up Daniels for a gut wrench move but Daniels grabbed Stevens leg and held on for the draw. Now it gets interesting.

The crowd was chanting for five more minutes. Stevens got on the mic and said even though he was the new guy he was "seconds away" (?) from beating Daniels. He wanted five more minutes on the clock. Daniels got on the mic and gave one of the greatest promos I have heard in sometime "I'm going to tell you no. I'm pulling status" Daniels noted as he laughed into his thoughts while telling Stevens to "vacate as I have something to say." Daniels talked about his exile from ROH after the Rob Feinstein-Perverted Justice issue. "Two years back my exile ended and I should have never come back. I fought tooth and nail and you don't even care. I'm inconsequential" He went on to say he was taken for granted and asked when the last time he was given a shot at the world championship rather then "fill in matches" and "four corner scrambles." He said "four corner scrambles" with amazing sarcasm. He felt like he was treading water while the breaks belong to others. He mentioned his world tag team championship title reign with Matt Sydal and how the fans viewed them as "ham sandwiches" waiting to lose the titles to Aries & Strong or the Briscoes. "You gave up on us." Then he hit a point "just because I'm part of TNA and the only people thinking there is a rivalry is you people. I was forced to make a decision three and a half years ago and I chose TNA." He then noted his bank statement was much bigger then Bryan Danielson. "Six figures." He then got super personal "Do you think I can feed my daughter because you idiots chant this is awesome?" He did the clap by hitting the top of the microphone. He then talked about his son and the internet "giving me a four star match with Austin Aries." He then ripped hard on the fans saying "you have less then no knowledge of this business." "You used me up the same way you used up Samoa Joe." He also said "TNA tried to protect Joe from you people." Daniels also mentioned CM Punk and Colt Cabana "who you will forget in a week. The official Chris Daniels Farewell tour is starting now and ends once I step behind the curtain you people have seen my last ROH match, you broke my heart, I quit." The crowd was so hot for him now chanting Don't Come Back. He pushed down Allison Danger and went to the back. What a fantastic promo to leave the company under as it was full of real feeling and emotion being used in this setting.

3. Brent Albright defeated BJ Whitmer, Homicide, and Jimmy Rave after pinning Whitmer at 10:15 after an Half Nelson Suplex, right after Whitmer hit a full nelson roll thru suplex on Homicide. Jimmy Rave, coming back from having a broken jaw at the hands of Nigel McGuinness in Liverpool ) seemed to hurt again tonight while bumping heads with BJ Whitmer. His left eye looked extremely swollen and was bleeding and it seemed like he was missing from a lot of the end of the match. Rave also had to eat a top rope jawbreaker (too soon?) and a vicious Albright clothesline. Fine for what it was, even though they could have gone longer. Finish saw Whitmer hit his roll thru full nelson suplex on Homicide (where he hits the suplex and rolls thru it for another one). Albright is stiff and works great in ROH for a big man, I'd be very curious to see him vs. Morishima down the line. After the match, Whitmer and Homicide seemed to hint they would face each other again (for the first time in three years) very soon.

4. Austin Aries of the Resilience defeats "Chicken Legs" (at one point tonight the crowd chanted this) Rocky Romero of the No Remorse Corps in 12:29 after the brainbuster 450 Splash combination. Rocky looked very polished here and does a very nice Latin Salsa heelish dance as part of his lack of remorse. At one point of the match as Aries was on the top rope, Romero grabbed Austin 's arm and applied an arm bar and drove him down to the mat from the rope, then into an ankle lock. He used submissions and kicks but it was all for naught. After the match, Roderick Strong came down to beat on Aries, only to be driven off by Delirious who went after Strong. Please note: this is the fourth time Delirious went running after a member of the No Remorse Corps, can the next time this happens can Wayne the ROH sound guy play the Benny Hill chase music?

5. ROH World Heavyweight Championship: Takeshi Morishima defeats Shingo in 15:24 after a back drop driver. Second best match of the night and a very entertaining match. Shingo got a lot of offense against the big man, and even though he had little chance of beating Morishima this presented well where you believe an upset could come at any time. Shingo worked for some time but finally got Morishima in a suplex, and even hit a Death Valley Driver on the outside. Shingo used his speed and quickness to battle Morishima, but then tried to rely on power moves against the large Japanese world champion. He attempted a powerbomb but he fell back and Morishima sat on him earthquake style, after a super larieto, he hit the backdrop driver for the win. Excellent match and it seems like SHINGO is going back to Dragon Gate in Japan and will be missed greatly as he has improved by leaps and bounds in ROH and has become a much better all around wrestler. While Takeshi Morishima is becoming more over with the fans for his style and doing Samoa Joe's OLE type moves into the barricades while using his rear end.

6. Natural Superior Athlete Tank Toland defeated Sugarfoot Alex Payne in 2:40 with the overhead spinebuster. Toland has a new Simon Dean like gimmick where he is trying to get Bobby Dempsey in shape and turn the chuck into hunk. This works perfect for Tolland who isn't as high flying as the other guys, but has a good body and the promo ability to make this work. It could at least lead to some very entertaining vignettes. Oh yeah, Sugarfoot was way over in Chicago Ridge as he even got a theme (Down On Me by Jackyl) but no win.

7. Roderick Strong (with Rocky Romero) defeated Jack Evans in 15:12 with the CX '02 (Crucifix hold rotated into a cutter). Poor Evans was abused in this match, but at the same time he ran to the ring and hit on Roderick before the bell. Lots of high flying by Evans and a total lack of remorse by Strong. At one point Strong got the crowd to do the "shhhhhh" before one of his harsh chops only to hit an eye poke. What a heel. Strong then would stretch out flexible and quarter century old Evans including doing a camel clutch and pulling back on Jack so much he ended up with Jack's head in his crotch. The crowd chanted "Tea Bag" - I was ashamed. Jack, who looks incredible sharp due to many tours for Dragon Gate came back with his high flying quick feet. But Roderick took advantage of a mistake on a corkscrew elbow into the corner when he caught Jack and dropped him flat to the mat. Jack made another comeback and called for the 630, only to have Roderick catch him on the top rope and hit the Scott Hall last call overhead slam off the middle rope. Another backbreaker, and then Strong put on his Stronghold. Evens got to the ropes, but as the referee was admonishing Strong, Romero got him with a kick to the face which set up the pin after the CX 02. Afterward, Romero joined in on a beating and Delirious made the save again, cutting a promo with plenty of spoken English about Roderick, Rocky and June 23rd.

8. ROH World Tag Team Titles: Mark & Jay Briscoe defeated The Motor City Machine Guns. (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) in 34:19 after Mark delivered a cutthroat driver to Shelley while at the same time Jay came off the top rope with a guillotine legdrop. Match of the night. An outstanding showcase of tag team wrestling by a very strong and powerful team (Bricoes) and a graceful team who should be a permanent tag team every Thursday night on Spike TV. I was amazed how good the former Murder City Machine Guns were live and how well their double teams worked and how they gelled together. I have 7 pages of notes on this match alone (plus I went to another show today for IWA-MS 180 people in Midlo where I saw an outstanding comedy match with the incredible Chuck Taylor's mullet vs. Joey Ryan's mustache and its almost 6am), and it was anything but a let down as it started slow but built up towards a crazy finish and so many near falls toward the end. Really, anything I write here doesn't do this baby justice please get the DVD and please bring back the Motor City Machine Guns to ROH. They impressed the s*** out of me and it sure beats anything with them jumping out of a tree onto Bob Backlund. This f****** ruled.

9. Colt Cabana defeated Scrap Iron Adam Pearce in 13:28 with the Billy Goat's Curse (Inverted Boston crab). Cabana got the 1000 streamer treatment and Pearce attacked him while he was being introduced and they did some moves on the streamers as Colt almost mummified him with steamers. High on comedy (not as funny as CHUCK TAYLOR~!) but had its moments as it was the final match in ROH for the funny kid from Maxwell Street (or at least he was billed by then tonight). Match started with a test of strength which led to a YMCA by colt. Shane Hagadorn interfered but got booted after Colt pulled an Eddy and hit a chair against the ring apron and acted like it hit him in the head from Hagadorn. Colt selling this chair shot was quite sensational. Ooooooooow. Oooooooooooowe. Colt sold this like he was brain damaged from this chair. Really, it was quite great and Zach the ROH security guy escorted Hagadorn out. Fight went to the outside, Pearce pulled out some gold bond power (Cabana, CM Punk, Prazak, and Cabana were part of the gold bond mafia in the Midwest indys in the early 00's) but it didn't work. Colt hit a moonsault of the second rope, Pearce came back with a spine buster. Colt attempted his flying asshole into the corner, but Pearce in an awesome moment picked him up and hit a german for a near fall. Cabana a minute later got the flying asshole and the reverse crab for the submission. Short sweet and funny at times. Good stuff.
Afterward, Cabana put over Pearce and them coming up together in the business and Cabana wanting to be like him and Pearce spit in his face and went off in a huff. Then the ROH faces came down along with Mr. & Mrs. Cabana and Cabana gave a great speech about how he became a star in ROH and how much ROH means to him and how its the greatest company in the world and his only regret was not holding the world title and maybe someday down the road he can have Gabe Sapolsky use his pencil to give him a shot. Or something to that point. Very good speech and an emotional moment.

2008 - WWE released Balls Mahoney, David Taylor and developmental talent Michael Thompson.

2008 - WWE broadcast Raw, ending without a finish as part of an angle with William Regal. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

Last night at Backlash, we saw two new champions crowned as well as the debut of a new announcer. The important development out of last night's pay per view is that The Game is back on top on Raw. Triple H defeated Randy Orton, JBL, and John Cena to become a twelve time World Champion. Speaking of multiple time World Champions, Shawn Michaels defeated Batista last night in the Apology for Doing What Ric Flair Wanted to Do Match featuring special guest referee Chris Jericho who called it right down the middle and did not get any revenge on the two men who beat him up during the build to last night's match. While it is time to look forward to Judgment Day, it is also time to celebrate the reign of the new King of the Ring, William Regal. What is in store for the new King? What will happen when Ken Kennedy returns to the ring? Will Beth Phoenix challenge Mickie James for the Women's Title?
We begin with a look back at last night’s Backlash pay per view and the Fatal Four Way Elimination Match which saw Triple H win the title.

We are live from Exit 16W in East Rutherford, New Jersey and your announcers are Jim "12 Divas in Baltimore and no Crabs" Ross and Jerry 'That is one big alligator on this building' Lawler.

After a brief delay, the sounds of the Game play in the Meadowlands as the new WWE Champion Triple H comes to the ring and he is wearing his spinner belt without spinning capabilities, but the champ does the GameFountain for his adoring fans. The music stops and it is time for the champ to talk. Hunter says that he has an announcement. As of right now, the Age of Orton is officially dead. Eight months ago, he stood behind that curtain (which is hiding a Wrestlemania sign) ready to make his comeback not knowing what was going to happen and if he could be the best again. Eight months later, he returns to the same building and without a shadow of a doubt, the Game is back.

Hunter is interrupted by Randy Orton’s music and Orton comes to the ring with his own mic. Orton says that Hunter does not get a victory speech. Orton asks Hunter if he is proud of what he did last night. Orton talks about the odds stacked up against him. Hunter reminds Orton about how confident he was last night and how he was going to walk out as the WWE Champion. Orton says that he is a victim of his own success. He was so dominant that they couldn’t put him against anyone one-on-one. Hunter wonders if Orton wouldn’t face anyone in a one-on-one match. Hunter points out that Orton gets to sit back and slide in there to get the victory while others do the work. Orton says that he is going to prove that he is the best. In three short weeks, at Judgment Day, he will use his rematch clause to get his title back. Orton says that he was champ for six months. Hunter says that he made his career on running his mouth talking about how great he was, but the difference is that when Hunter did it, he was telling the truth.

Hunter tells Orton that since everyone is sick of hearing Randy run his mouth, he suggests that Orton get out of his ring. Orton refuses to leave the ring. Orton says that it is his ring and Hunter has his title. Nobody is going to tell him . . .

Hunter punches Orton and Orton leaves the ring. Orton says to forget Judgment Day because he cannot wait that long. Hunter was wrong to say that the Age of Orton is dead because it has only just begun. Orton points out that Hunter’s last title reign did not even last twenty-four hours and this one will not either because he is going to get his title back tonight.

Lawler and Ross wonder if we will have the rematch tonight and they will let us know later tonight, maybe when we get back from commercial.

We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Orton’s demand to use his rematch clause . . . TONIGHT!! The match is officially on for tonight on Raw.

Match Number One: Mickie James, Michelle McCool, Maria, Kelly Kelly, Ashley Massaro, and Cherry versus Beth Phoenix, Victoria, Natalya, Melina, Jillian Hall, and Layla El in a We have Nothing New Rematch from Last Night Match
The match starts with all twelve in the ring and it slowly gets to Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly and Beth with a double sledge to the back. Beth with a vertical choke slam and then she mocks Kelly with an intended tag. Beth runs Kelly into the corner and Victoria is tagged in and Victoria tosses Kelly around the ring. Kelly with a punch but Victoria with an elbow to the back. Victoria tries for a side slam but Kelly counters into a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Melina is tagged in and Victoria puts Kelly in the Tree of Woe and Melina with a screaming charge into the corner and she gets a two count. Michelle hits Melina from behind and Kelly gets a two count. Melina with a front face lock and then she takes Kelly down. Jillian tags in and she Irish whips Kelly into the corner and she tries for a handspring back elbow into the corner but Kelly with a kick and Mickie is tagged in. Mickie with a flying clothesline but Jillian with an Irish whip. Mickie with an elbow and then Mickie gets sent to the apron. Victoria tries to attack Mickie on the apron but Mickie knocks her off. Mickie with a head scissors and a Thesz Press. Layla hits Mickie from the apron but Mickie with a rollup and Backlund Bridge for the three count.
Winners: Mickie James and her Merry Band of Eye Candy (and Ashley)

We are reminded that the Coronation of King William Regal I is still coming tonight as we go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for a recap video of Backlash, and in case you didn’t know, there are replays this week.

Match Number Two: Bradshaw with JBLimo sponsored by Mamajuana and Fox Business Channel versus Robbie McAllister with Rory McAllister
Bradshaw backs Robbie into the corner and he connects with a knee and boots to the head. Bradshaw with a Saito suplex and a kick to the back. Bradshaw with a number of elbow drops to Robbie. Bradshaw with a Clothesline from Wall Street for the three count.
Winner: Bradshaw

After the match, Bradshaw joins Lawler and Ross at the announce table. Bradshaw says that should have been John Cena because Cena robbed him of what his cares about the most. Hell has been unleashed, and he challenges the winner of the WWE Title Match tonight. He says that he will get revenge on Cena and he will get his title back.

We go to commercial as they pull Robbie off the mat after what Bradshaw did to him.

We are back with the Slam of the Week: Trevor Murdoch losing to JTG two weeks ago on Raw and Cade gives Murdoch a nasty look before leaving.

Match Number Three: Paul London and Brian Kendrick versus Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
London and Cade start things off and Cade with punches to London. Cade with a back body drop to London for a near fall. Murdoch tags in and he works on London’s back. Murdoch with an elbow to the top of the head for a near fall. Murdoch pulls London back into the corner and he tags in Cade who connects with a boot. London tries to get out of the corner. London with an elbow to Cade and then he tags in Kendrick. Kendrick with a slingshot kick to Cade followed by a flying forearm and drop kick. Kendrick tries for Sliced Bread #2 but Cade sends Kendrick into the corner and Cade with a clothesline. Kendrick with a rollup and since Murdoch is not the Undertaker, he gets counted out instead of applying That Submission Maneuver.
Winners: Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch

After the match, Cade yells at Murdoch but Murdoch gets the mic from Lillian and he stands on the announce table. Murdoch sings to Cade on Raw Karaoke. Cade does not like the performance and he leaves the ring and walks to the back. Maybe next week we will see Dancing with the Murdochs.

We see footage of Shawn Michaels fighting through the pain to beat Batista last night at Backlash. Chris Jericho’s guest on the Highlight Reel will be Shawn Michaels.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to see the press that last week’s appearance by the top presidential candidates.

Match Number Four: Paul Burchill and Katie Lea versus Super Crazy
Before our next match, Katie Lea says that William Regal made this a handicap match.

Burchill attacks Crazy but Crazy punches Burchill and then Lea with a waist lock but Crazy with a reversal and waist lock take down. Burchill with knees and then he puts Crazy in a rear chin lock while Lea kicks Crazy in the head. Crazy with kicks to Burchill’s legs but Burchill maintains control. Crazy moves when Katie charges into the corner and he connects with a series of kicks. Crazy goes up for a moonsault but he misses when Burchill moves. Lea with a missile drop kick and then Burchill with the curb stomp and then Lea gets the three count.
Winners: Paul Burchill and Katie Lea

Todd Grisham is with Randy Orton in the interview area and Todd reminds Randy that he invoked his rematch clause tonight. Todd wonders if Randy has any second thoughts. After a few seconds, Orton gives a resounding NO!!

The Coronation is coming after this commercial.

We are back and it is time for Royalty in New Jersey as Lillian Garcia announces that the coronation is about to begin.

William Regal is in the ring in his throne as he looks at the peasants in the crowd. William Regal says that he wants to put an end to any speculation. He will not be relinquishing his role as General Manager of Raw. As General Manager and King, he has become the most powerful entity in the WWE. Regal says that he will not mince his words and he says that the fan’s xenophobia will not allow them to like him. Everyone will have to respect him and fear him. From this day forward he is their ruler, their better, and their superior.

Regal is interrupted by Ken Kennedy’s return. Kennedy walks to the ring and he addresses Mr. Regal. He would love to be the first guy to congratulate William Regal, but he just cannot do that. Kennedy asks who the biggest wrestler not to be invited to participate in the King of the Ring Tournament. Who is the guy who would have won the tournament? Who is the guy to challenge Regal to be the King.

Regal tells Kennedy that he is not a common wrestler, he is the general manager and the King. Nobody talks to him unless he gets an appointment. Regal tells Kennedy to apologize. Kennedy refuses to apologize and reminds everyone what his name is. Regal punches Kennedy after the dramatic pause and then he knocks Kennedy out of the ring. Regal and Kennedy exchange punches in the ring and then the Royal Referees break things up.

We go to commercial.

We are back for the WWE Rewind: Santino Marella saying that they will have the tag title belts around their bellies; and then we see Santino and Cody exchange the verbal barbs before they fight.

Santino gets on the mic before his match and he says that he does not like New Jersey or The Sopranos because of the fake stereotypes and fake accents.

Match Number Five: Santino Marella with Carlito versus Cody MAH THUN Rhodes with Bob Holly
Santino with a kick and punches followed by forearms and a snap mare and kick to the back. Santino with an elbow to the back of the neck and then he runs Rhodes into the corner. Marella with a forearm to the back. Rhodes misses a cross body when Marella moves. Marella with a near fall and then he applies a rear chin lock. Rhodes with a rollup for a near fall, but Marella with a hip lock into a near fall. Marella continues to work on the back and he puts Rhodes in a camel clutch. Rhodes gets to his feet and he hits an electric chair drop. Rhodes and Marella exchange forearms and then Rhodes with a drop kick and clothesline. Rhodes sends Marella into the turnbuckle and Rhodes tries for a bulldog but Marella sends Rhodes into the turnbuckle and gets a near fall on Rhodes. Rhodes with a DDT for the three count.
Winner: Cody Rhodes

After the match, Carlito paces around the ring as he thinks of a good song to sing to Santino.

Rhodes gets on the mic and he mocks Santino’s accent. Cody’s promo is interrupted by a lungblower from Carlito.

Chris Jericho is dressed for prom (darn you Jerry Lawler for saying it just as I type it) as he walks us into commercial.

We are back for the Highlight Reel and the King of the Prom Chris Jericho comes to the ring. Jericho welcomes everyone to an awards edition of the Highlight Reel. Jericho has the award for Best Actor in Sports Entertainment. The first nominee is Magnificent Muraco and Mr. Fuji in Fuji General. The next nominee is Michael Cole in Deliverance II with co-star HEIDENREICH. The final nominee is Shawn Michaels in Pretending to Have a Knee Injury to Win at Backlash. Jericho announces the winner and it is Shawn Michaels. Shawn limps to the ring to appear on the Highlight Reel. Jericho tells Michaels that it was a masterful performance last night. Jericho tells Shawn to give an acceptance speech. Shawn tells Chris that he is hurt. Jericho tells Michaels that the charade is over. Jericho reminds Michaels that he told Batista he would do whatever it would take to win. Jericho says that nobody goes from pious preacher to backstabbing bastard as fast as Shawn. Jericho says that he would be super kicked if he was not standing on the other side of the podium. Jericho calls Michaels the Daniel Day Lewis of the WWE. Jericho leaves the ring while Michaels stays in there. Jericho walks to the back.

Triple H is getting ready for his match in the back by a metal door as we go to commercial.

We are back and Santino is walking in the back and he says that there is one thing that makes him happy and it is the WWE Divas and he sees one with junk in the trunk. Santino gets a Diva mixed up with Roddy Piper. Santino says that Piper looks like Chunk from Goonies and he asks him to do the Truffle Shuffle. Piper slaps Marella. Piper wonders if Santino has a death wish or if he is just special.

Match Number Six: Randy Orton versus Triple H for the WWE Title
The bell rings and they stare at each other before locking up and working their way around the ring in a collar and elbow tie up. The referee separates both men and then they get in each other’s face as they go nose-to-nose. They lock up again and Orton with a side head lock. Orton with a shoulder tackle to Hunter. They lock up again and Orton with another side head lock. Hunter tries for an Irish whip but Orton holds on to the side head lock. Hunter tries to escape and he does and he puts Orton in a hammer lock and a side head lock. Hunter with a shoulder tackle and then he gives Orton a crotch chop. Orton tries for a hip toss but Hunter blocks it and responds with a short arm clothesline. Hunter works on Orton’s arm but Orton with a knee and punch. Orton with an Irish whip but Hunter moves when Orton charges into the corner and Orton goes into the ring post. Hunter sends Orton into the ring post again as Hunter works on the shoulder. Hunter wrings Orton’s shoulder into the ring post and ring steps. Hunter with a wrist lock and arm wringer. Hunter uses his collarbone to work on Orton’s arm.

They go outside and Hunter rams Orton’s arm into the ringside barrier. Orton is sent back into the ring and when Hunter gets back in the ring, Orton kicks Hunter in the face. Orton with a Hangman’s DDT as we go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with a forearm to the back of the neck followed by punches as Orton punches Hunter around the ring. Hunter and Orton with punches but Orton with a drop kick and both men are down. Orton gets a near fall and then it is time to the old standby of a side head lock. Hunter gets to his feet but Orton keeps the hold applied. Hunter goes down to his knees. Hunter gets to his feet again and he applies a sleeper on Orton but Orton with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Orton starts with the Garvin Stomp followed by a knee drop. Orton with another knee drop and he gets a two count. Orton chokes Hunter in the ropes and then Orton goes to the floor as he punches Hunter off the apron. Orton with more punches on the floor and then he sends Hunter into the ringside barrier. Orton slams Hunter’s head into the ring steps.

They return to the ring and Orton gets a two count. Orton with forearms across the upper chest and then he returns to the reverse chin lock. Hunter returns to his feet and he hits a belly-to-back suplex of his own to get out of the hold. Hunter charges at Orton in the corner, but he is met with a boot to the head. Orton sets for the RKO with the Orton push ups. Hunter sends Orton into the corner on an RKO attempt and Orton’s injured arm hits the turnbuckles. Hunter with a punch to Orton. Hunter with more punches but Hunter with a face buster and a clothesline. Orton with a power slam when Hunter comes off the ropes and Orton gets another two count. Hunter hits a high knee on Orton for a two count. Hunter with punches to Orton and the referee tries to stop Hunter. Orton with a back breaker after the referee admonishes Hunter. Orton gets a two count. Orton goes up top but Hunter crotches Orton on the top turnbuckle. Hunter punches Orton and then he sets for a superplex and hits it. Hunter covers Orton but Orton is able to kick out. Orton with a European uppercut and he tries for an RKO but Hunter gets out of the hold. Hunter tries for a Pedigree but Orton counters and he catapults Hunter into the turnbuckles. Hunter with a drop toe hold into a Crossface.

We see Regal in the production truck and he tells the producer that nobody will disrespect him any more so he tells the producer to take the show off the air.

While Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler do commentary, we have no video feed because of Regal and we have a Tony Schiavone moment as we go to Law and Order. I hope the tape machines are recording things to show the finish on next week’s WCW Saturday Night.

Mike Johnson filed the following: Monday Night Raw went off the air without a definitive winner as the storyline was William Regal forced the show to go off the air. Live in the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ, WWE champion Triple H and Randy Orton brawled before Orton powdered out and Triple H's music hit. There was no announced winner, so the live crowd didn't get a conclusive result, either.