This Day in History - 25th June, 2013

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June 25th

On this day in history in ....

1934 - Jim Londos defeats Jim Browning in New York City to unify the New York recognized World Heavyweight Title with the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title.

1976 - Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Ali fought to a 15 round draw in Tokyo, Japan. The rules of the match stated that Inoki could not use any suplexes, throws or submission moves. Due to a misunderstanding about the finish of the bout, the entire match ended up consisting of Inoki lying on his back (so Ali could not knock him out) and kicking at Ali's legs, while Ali would back away from the kicks as neither man trusted the other. The fight, which was seen in the U.S. on closed circuit television, has been criticized as being one of the most boring matches of all time. However, to this day, a large part of Inoki's legend in Japan is based on the fact that he "went the distance" with Ali.

1995 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Spectrum. Here are the results:
- In a match shown on the Free-For-All, Savio Vega defeated Irwin R. Schyster to earn a spot in the King Of The Ring tournament (Razor Ramon, due to injury, had to vacate his spot).
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated Yokozuna via countout.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, The Roadie defeated Bob Holly.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Shawn Michaels vs. Kama went to a draw.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Mabel defeated The Undertaker.
- In a semifinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated The Roadie
- Bret Hart defeated Jerry Lawler via submission in a Kiss My Foot match.
- Mabel defeated Savio Vega to win the King Of The Ring Tournament.
- Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Tatanka & Sid Vicious.

2000 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Boston, Massachusetts at the Fleet Center. Here is Buck Woodward's original report on the event.

The show opened up live on PPV with Rikishi taking on Chris Benoit in quarterfinal one of the KOTR tourney. They went at it as soon as Benoit hit the ring. Rikishi was on top early, but Benoit hit a big German suplex. JR said that the tourney matches were decided earlier today in random drawing and that they had 15 minute time limits. He said only winners advanced. I don't know if that means the brackets are out the window or not. Benoit was in control after the suplex. He locked on the crossface three minutes in. Rikishi didn't give up and Benoit nailed Rikishi with a chair, repeatedly, to be DQ'd. Rikishi wins. Benoit tore Rikishi up after the match, laying him out and hitting the headbutt from the top.

The showed the angle with Linda McMahon from Heat. In the back, the Faction begged Vince to not do something stupid. Vince said he wouldn't, and that he was Joe Cool. Vince left and HHH, Steph and Shane said he wasn't cool and thought he would do something dumb.

Backstage, Chris Benoit played bad ass and didn't really care that he got himself DQ'd.

Then it was time for Eddie Guerrero, with a new short hair cut and Chyna, vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Val was working over Eddie for a second, but Eddie came back. JR mentioned that Bret Hart won the first KOTR in Dayton, OH in 1993. Eddie hit a superplex two minutes in. He then worked over Val. Val came back and dumped Eddie face-first and then placed him back-first over his knee. Eddie came back with a rana and a back suplex. Eddie missed a senton from the top and Val hit a spinebuster. Val went for the Money Shot but Eddie got his knees up. Val came back and got a two with a side Russian legsweep. Val got a two when his feet were on the ropes. Val went to the top but Eddie crotched him. Eddie hit a rana from the top. Trish got on the apron but Chyna pulled her off. Val grabbed Chyna but before he could duke her, she nailed him with a shot. Eddie rolled up Val but got only a two. Val then hit a Fisherman's suplex in eight minutes to get the win. Good match.

Pat Patterson was shown in the back making fun of the evening gowns that were there for him to wear. He said he had to look better than Brisco. The wardrobe lady told him that she wasn't a miracle worker.

In the back, Rikishi was asked if he would be able to go forward against Val Venis. He said he would.

Then it was time for Crash Holly vs. Bull Buchanan. Crash went after Bull, but Bull threw him around. Bull laid out Crash with clotheslines and backbreakers. Ross said that there were 17,651 fans there. He also said that the semifinal matches of the tourney would be 30 minutes. And, the King's coronation would be on Raw tomorrow. Lawler talked about, for the second time, how he pasted Bret Hart during the coronation in 1993. Bull beat up Crash for the first few minutes. Crash got an "oops" two count in there. Bull then went for the scissors kick in four minutes, missed, and Crash pinned him.

In the back, Vince confronted Linda. She was incredulous to him. Vince brought up all of the horrible things that Linda has done to him. Vince then asked why she was here. She asked if he would be a man, or do another 12 on 3 like he did on Smackdown last week. Vince got pissy and said that he, Shane and HHH could do it on their own tonight. He said because of the stip she brought in (title on the line) he didn't have to use all of the other people because the faces would screw themselves because they want the title.

Then it was time for the fourth match of the tourney, winner meets Crash: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho. Kurt came out and crapped on all of the Boston sports franchises. He said unlike them, he would bring home the big one. And then, he mocked the Boston accent. CJ came out next, to a great pop. He cut a promo and got a great pop. CJ shot on Angle, culminating by calling him a "royal pain in the ass". Angle did a beat down on CJ early and the fans chanted "Y2J". They went back and forth early. CJ hit a Lionsault for a two. CJ did a dropkick while Angle was on the apron and they fought on the floor and into the crowd. Angle got the better of CJ, with Chris taking the first "steps bump" of the night/. Angle had red marks on his chest from CJ chops. CJ came back with a double arm throw for a two. KA came back with a catapult and a suplex. Angle nailed him with a nasty clothesline for a two five minutes in. CJ came back briefly with chops, but missed a run in the corner. Angle went to the second rope and CJ dropkicked him in the gut. CJ then hit a rana from the top. CJ hit a big reverse elbow and a spinning heel kick for a two. CJ was going for a bulldog when Angle hit him with a clothesline and got a two. Angle went for a suplex but CJ turned it into the Walls of Jericho. Steph Mac ran to ringside so CJ let the move go. Angle nailed CJ from behind and CJ went into the ref. Steph went to nail CJ with the title belt but CJ ducked and she hit Angle. CJ then kissed Steph, and Angle came in from behind and hit the Olympic Slam for the pin in about 10 minutes. It's true.

In the back, Shane told his dad that the lost his cool and now they can't have interference. Vince says they were fine. Shane said he is worried about what HHH thinks.

They went to WWF NY where Mick Foley, with his crew cut, talked to JR. Ivory was tending bar. Foley put over being at WWF NY. Foley said that Kurt Angle was his "personal favorite". It put over the restaurant well.

Next up was the four team elimination match for the WWF Tag belts, with Edge and Christian vs. T and A (with Trish) vs. The Hardy Boyz (with Lita) vs. Too Cool, the champs. The last team in the bout are the champs. Edge and Christian did their usual promo, talking about the Boston sports teams. Then, they did Bill Buckner's 1986 error against the Mets. Ouch! I won't go move by move, since there are four teams. There are two guys in at a time. You can tag the other guys. While Test and Matt were working, Trish tried to interfere and Lita took her out with a clothesline. T and A tried to take out Lita but it failed. Matt pinned Test after a Swanton Bomb by Jeff for the first elimination. Then it was Jeff Hardy vs. Scotty 2 Hotty. Then it was Matt vs. Christian. Jeff got a two on Christian when Lita nailed him with a flying headscissors. The fans popped for her. Matt got a two with a Twist of Fate but Edge pulled him out. Christian then hit Matt with the Impaler to pin Matt after they blocked the Twist of Fate. Too Cool vs. Edge and Christian is left. Too Cool worked over Edge early. Christian came in and was worked over as well. They did spots where Edge and Christian took each other out and the champs got two counts. Edge and Christian came back and put BC down. They were about to do the work when Scotty came back and took them out. He wormed Edge. Christian tried to nail the champs with the belt, but it didn't work. BC hit the Hip Hop Drop on Edge. While the ref was putting Scotty out, Christian nailed BC in the head and Edge made the cover.

Michael Cole interviewed Crash in the back and acted like Crash was lucky to get this far, which ticked Crash off.

Now, it's time for Rikishi vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Rikishi had a nasty bruise on his arm when he came out. The big guy dominated early, beating Val up around ringside. Rik wasn't selling his earlier beating at all. Back in the ring, Val was on top. Val went for the Money Shot three minutes in but Rik caught him and he hit the belly-to-belly for the pin. After the match, Trish jumped in Rik's back. He dumped her but before he could so anymore damage, Venis attacked him with a low blow and beat up Rik's "injured shoulder" with the ring steps. Val then chaired Rik's arm with a chair. Battered and bruised, Rikishi is in the final of the KOTR.

Coach interviewed Brisco. Brisco said we would see he is all man, then his gown was delivered.

Now it's time for the other semi, Kurt Angle vs. Elroy. Crash was on the offense early, but Angle came back with a suplex and then went to town. Crash then came back and it went back and forth until Kurt hit a suplex for the pin in four minutes.

They showed clips from last night at MSG. Donald Trump was there and cut promos with the King.

In the back, UT and Kane did promos. They are here to win the belt.

Time for Patterson vs. Brisco in a Hardcore Evening gown match. Brisco came out first. In addition to the gown, he was wearing make up, a wig and heels. I don't know what to say. Patterson came out with a wig and makeup, and sunglasses. Pat had a bra on too. Brisco did too I guess. Patterson got the mic, and kissed Finkel. Pat said that Brisco looked like an old drag queen. Pat said when Brisco was defending his title, Pat was always at his side and he was his friend. Pat said that if he wants the belt, he will lay down and let Brisco pin him. Brisco said OK. They hugged and Pat kneed him and pulled his skirt up. Pat shoved a banana in Brisco's mouth (no, not that banana!). Patterson rammed a pad in Brisco's face and was about to do a stinky face (with women's undies on). Brisco blocked it. Fans chanted boring. That was being kind. They were booing too. A few minutes in, Crash ran in and stripped both men to bra and panties. He nailed Pat with a trashcan and won the Hardcore Title.

The Duds did an interview in the back where they said they would take out Tori. Buh Buh has her name written on a table. Time for the handicap dumpsters/table match with X Pac, Road Dog and Tori taking on the Dudley Boyz. To win, The Duds have to put all three members of DX through a table while DX has to lock both Duds in a dumpster. Duds were over coming out. The Duds worked Dogg over early. Dogg tagged out and they got some heat on X Pac. Pac came back with a big kick. Tori came in and laid kicks into D. Dogg then came in. Buh Bug came in and cleaned house. Buh Buh told X Pac to suck it, and got a pop. D hit a head butt to both DX men's genitals. And then he did it Tori too. Dogg and Pac tried to leave Tori to fight, so the Duds went and got them in the aisle. DX then whipped the Duds into the dumpster. The fans chanted, "We want tables". They threw the Duds in the Dumpster and shut the lid, but the ref was tending to Tori. The Duds snuck out of the dumpster and crawled under the ring to the other side while DX got the ref. They weren't there when the ref checked, and the Duds pasted them with chairshots to the head. The Duds set up Double Tables on the floor after throwing the ring steps in the ring. Buh Buh stood on the steps in the ring and threw Dogg through double tables! Pac came in and took out both Duds. Pac set a table up and laid D-Von on it. He went to the top. Buh Buh crotched him. D then suplexed him through it. Buh Buh eyed up Tori. She tried to run and finally jumped in the dumpster. You can probably see where this one is going. They opened the dumpster and DX hit them in the head with chairs. They fell in and they got the pin. The fans hated the finish, and I agree with them. After the match, they came out of the dumpster with Tori. Pac came in and got 3D, as did Dogg. Finally, Buh Buh did the Bubba bomb through the table. Buh Buh did the look afterwards.

Kurt Angle and Rikishi did interviews before the KOTR final. Rik has his arm taped. Rik went after Angle early and went for the stink, but angle stopped him and took over. Angle took him to the floor and whipped Rik into the steps. he took him back in and worked over the big guy. Rik sold the right arm. Rik came back with a clothesline and the Samoan drop. He followed with a running neckbreaker for a one count. Then he gave Kurt a stinky face. Kurt then did an Olympic slam out of nowhere for a two. Kurt did a sunset flip but Rik sat on him for a two. Fans were chanting for Angle. Rik went to the top but Kurt crotched him. Kurt went for a belly to belly from the second rope and hit it for the pin in five minutes.

The Faction did an interview in the back. They are ready.

They showed the USA Today Weekend cover with the Rock and Mike Piazza.

The main event was next, with The Faction (Vince, Shane & HHH) vs. Kane, Undertaker & The Rock, with the WWE Title going to the winner of the fall. The heels came out first. Then, the faces did their own entrances. Kane and the UT got good reactions. The Rock? You know this one already. The crowd was live but the WWF didn't mic them well. The story of the babyfaces would be they all wanted to win the title. In the back, Kurt Angle was drinking milk. Shane started with Kane. Shane was begging off a lot but doing moves as well. Rock tagged himself in. HHH faced off with Rock but wanted to leave. Rock demanded that he stay. Shane nailed Rock from behind. Rock whipped Shane over the top to the floor. Shane came back in and UT chokeslammed Shane. Rock broke the count at two. HHH came in. UT worked over HHH. UT did a DDT (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH but Kane broke the count. Rock came in and cleaned house briefly, but then was mugged on the floor by the faction until UT and Kane made the save. Rock cleared the announce table but HHH attacked him before he could do anything there. Those two went back in the ring. Rock should have tagged out but didn't because he knew he might not get tagged back in, and thus couldn't win the title. So, the heels worked Rock over for the next few minutes. Eventually, everyone got into it and Rock went for the People's Elbow on HHH but Kane ran in and chokeslammed Rock. HHH played up to Kane for doing it, not realizing that he was doing it to win the title. Then, Kane did a tombstone (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH. UT broke it up. UT then did a chokeslam from the top turnbuckle through the air into JR's announce table in an awesome spot. Vince then went to do the People's Elbow on Rock but Rock got up and hit the Rock Bottom on Vince to win the match and the WWF title. There wasn't the pop I thought we would see for Rock's win. He got more of one after they announced he won the belt.

2001 - The "WCW Invasion" storyline went into full swing during Raw at Madison Square Garden. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show.

The 6/25 edition of RAW is WCW aired live from Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the expected beginning of the WCW invasion in full. The focus was on skits rather than wrestling. I thought the show was entertaining and took some steps in the right direction but I still don't see this WCW angle being handled quite right. It's gonna be even tougher now with Chris Benoit on the sidelines, joining Rock and HHH.

Vince McMahon came out right at the start. He mentioned the rumor that, had either Chris Benoit or Chris Jericho won the WWF Title at King of the Ring, they would have defected to WCW right there on RAW. He said that thankfully that will not happen since Steve Austin beat both Benoit & Jericho, even after the blatant cowardly interference of Booker T. He wondered aloud what the "T" stands for, suggesting maybe "terrible", "trash", or "troglodyte". He said it could also mean "temporarily employed", noting that that term could apply to every WCW wrestler since he plans to run that company out of business. He called Madison Square Garden "hallowed ground" and said the WWF helped build that arena into what it is today and that no WCW wrestler has any business coming there. To show how important the WWF is to the Garden, Vince aired a video from a decade or so ago where his late father Vince McMahon Sr. was inducted into the MSG Hall of Fame, with comments from Freddie Blassie and the late Gorilla Monsoon, along with footage of Andre the Giant. Vince promised the fans to bring them more memorable moments tonight.

Rhyno beat Test to regain the Hardcore Title in 4:31. Footage aired of Rhyno losing the belt a couple of weeks ago to Test due to Stacie Kiebler's distraction. Paul Heyman predicted that the WCW invasion has now been stopped. So much for his psychic abilities. They started with garbage can shots and then fought through the crowd to the back. Test came off a platform and put Rhyno through a table. Looked like it hurt. Test put Rhyno in a cart and rammed him into a wall. He hit Rhyno with a ladder. But Rhyno suddenly squashed Test against a wall with the gore and got the pin. However....

.....Mike Awesome defeated Rhyno to capture the Hardcore Title. No sooner did Rhyno win than Awesome arrived and broke a board over his head. He then slammed Rhyno on the ladder (that looked really sicko) and pinned him under the 24/7 rule. Jim Ross & Heyman freaked out over a WCW guy taking a WWF belt.

X-Pac beat Jeff Hardy to capture the Light Heavyweight Title in 3:10. Pretty good match, except for one spot where Jeff took a bump off the top from a dropkick that barely grazed him. Jeff dropkicked X-Pac out of the air. X-Pac went for the bronco but got booted in the crotch. Jeff missed a swanton when X-Pac rolled clear, with X-Pac then winning by using the ropes for leverage behind the ref's back.

Austin & Debra arrived, and found Vince seething in anger over Mike Awesome. "He raped me and left with a WWF Title", said Vince. Didn't Austin once "violate" Vince in a hospital? Anyway, Austin wasn't very sympathetic, noting that Vince had been nowhere to be seen at King of the Ring, and that he had still retained the WWF Title over both Benoit & Jericho even with Booker T interfering. Vince acted apologetic and assured Austin that he cares about him. They ended up making up and hugging. Debra just looked disgusted. Austin's hand was bandaged from the injury he received at the PPV, and at the beginning of the show JR had acknowledged that Austin had been hospitalized briefly after that match (from hitting his head taking the desk bump during the Booker T run-in).

The first of several Madison Square Garden golden moment segments aired, this one showing footage of Bruno Sammartino in action. Heyman cited the dates of Bruno's WWF Title reigns.

Video aired from the PPV of Booker T's run-in against Austin.

Big Show encountered Trish Stratus backstage. He showed her his new T-shirt which said "Big Show" and had an arrow pointing down to his crotch area. Guess he watches Beevis & Butthead a lot. Trish didn't seem impressed. Show then said he would win the European Title from Matt Hardy and celebrate by visiting England, Sweden, China, and other European countries. That explains why the arrow on the shirt didn't point up to his head. He offered to take Trish with him and said she'd look cute dressed like a snow bunny. Trish liked the idea of visiting Europe but said they would need separate rooms, of course. Show said they could work something out. Show called himself a genius after she left. Bet no one else has ever called him a genius.

Vince and Austin were hanging out together like the good buddies they are when Kurt Angle walked in. Vince praised Angle for kicking Shane's ass in the PPV street fight. Angle enjoyed the praise but also noted that he suffered some injuries, citing a concussion and a broken tailbone. Austin laughed at him, saying his (Angle's) three matches at the PPV combined weren't as tough as his one match against Benoit & Jericho. He kept implying that Angle's a wimp, but Vince invited Angle to stay, to Austin's dismay. Angle took a seat slowly, acting like it hurt to sit down.

Another MSG golden moment featured video of Superstar Billy Graham. So this was the second such segment in a row to feature a guy who isn't fond of Vince.

Tazz beat Steven Richards in 0:13. Richards called New York a cesspool. New York native Tazz went in and put him out in seconds with the Tazzmission. The RTC angle appears on the verge of being thankfully censored.

Angle was enjoying the carrots, celery, and other healthy food items available in Vince's suite. Austin pulled Vince over to the side and wanted him to kick Angle out so they could hang out alone together like best buddies. But Vince said the King of the Ring ceremony was about to start and he wanted to keep an eye on Angle, fearing he might interrupt the ceremony in a jealous rage over losing the tournament final. Angle then told Austin the two of them are a lot alike since both are former OTR champs and both have held the WWF Title. He said they're so alike they could be related. Austin just looked disgusted. This was hilarious.

Yoshihiro Tajiri carried the King of the Ring trophy to the ring under William Regal's command. He acted like the trophy weighed a ton. Regal said America lacks a lot of things, such as civility and politeness, and also lacks royalty, but he then introduced King Edge. Edge came out accompanied by Christian. Regal told Edge that, even though his win was tainted by Shane's interference, his reign as king will "reck" of awesomeness. Edge then posed, and was joined by Christian and Tajiri. Tajiri was hilarious. Christian then said he was honored to be there with Edge, but reminded everyone that he got cheated out of victory in his semi-final bout due to interference. He said he won two earlier round matches over Big Show and Kane, whose combined weight is over 1000 pounds. That was really a great line! Edge seemed a little perturbed by Christian's remarks but tried to be cheerful and said the era of awesomeness is now upon us. Billy Gunn then came out. He said that he won the KOTR tourney in 1999 (which is so totally like about as memorable as Barry Horowitz's win in Global wrestling circa 1991). Gunn then said he missed the 2000 tourney due to injury and then wasn't even invited to join the 2001 tourney. Someone in the crowd shouted "good!". Gunn also complained about the indignity of being sent to WWF New York with all the moron fans there, and called Edge a no-talent punk. JR called Gunn "Bitter Billy". Edge said Gunn must be imitating a vacuum cleaner since he sucks and blows at the same time and hoped that if he turns out like Gunn two years from now that someone will just shoot him in the head. Edge said it's not his fault Gunn has accomplished nothing for two years and called him "Billy Bitchcakes". He vowed not to "Billy Gunn" the KOTR Title. Gunn threatened to kick Edge's ass, which is about as good of a comeback you could expect from him on the mic as he was like so totally outclassed by Edge. Edge agreed to fight, so Commissioner Regal booked the match for later in the show.

The next MSG moment was the legendary Sgt. Slaughter vs. Pat Patterson bootcamp match from about 20 years ago.

Hour two began with the Dudleys beating Undertaker & Kane to retain the WWF World Tag Titles in 4:49. The match itself wasn't much. JR kept dwelling on Dallas Page and how he had psychologically harmed Sara, who was at ringside. He kept mentioning the "private collection" of more intimate secret videos Page has of Sara. The match ended with Albert doing a run-in and plastering Kane with the Baldo Bomb, allowing D-Von to get the pin. Kane chased Albert afterward. This left UT & Sara conveniently alone, and as they left up the ramp, Page came out of nowhere and flattened UT with two chairshots. Sara tried to fight Page but he held her down and ripped out a chunk of her hair. It looked really fake because there's no way that much hair could be ripped out without taking half the scalp with it. Page fled with Sara's golden locks before UT revived. JR said Page is a "sick bastard" and is also as good as dead.

Regal told Tajiri that Benoit is injured (JR acknowledged this, noting he'll be out for several months with neck surgery for nerve problems). But since Jericho is still healthy, Regal thought he needs to be punished for teasing that he might jump to WCW. He asked Tajiri for advice on what type of match or opponent would punish Jericho the most. Tajiri recommended himself. Regal agreed to the match, and Tajiri did all the funny facials he does when celebrating.

Big Show beat Matt Hardy by DQ in a European Title match in 3:12. Show was wearing his new T-shirt, which also said "Big All Over" on the back. Show tossed Matt around, with Matt getting in a few shots on Show's arm. Trish kissed Matt in an effort to distract him. This angered Lita, who ripped Trish's top off. Show was about to chokeslam Matt when Lita kicked him in the testicles for the DQ. Maybe the arrow on the shirt was to show her where to kick in case she forgot. Anyway, Matt remained champion so Show's arrow won't be pointing to a title belt.

Perry Saturn & Terri were supposed to be the guests this week at WWF New York, but Shane appeared there instead. There was a big "Shane-O-Mac" chant. Shane claimed that Vince is using all his media clout to keep WCW from getting on TV. As if! Shane said WCW needs TV, so therefore he has no choice but to invade and take over WWF's TV. He said he'll drive Vince out of business just as Vince did to his own father. Shane then brought out Booker T as the man who will lead the invasion. Booker said it was too damn easy to take Austin down last night. That line would have been more effective if Austin hadn't gone on to win. He challenged Austin to fight.

Both Austin & Vince were furious over Shane & Booker. Austin said he doesn't deserve to be attacked and challenged like that. Vince said they're in his restaurant, and told Austin to go down there and kick their asses since it's only a couple of blocks away. Austin began sort of making excuses, but Debra encouraged him and he agreed to go, but wanted Vince to go with him. Vince recommended that Austin take Angle with him. Angle got one of those "who, me?" looks on his face. Austin said if Angle has so much in common with him, he should agree to go. Austin left with Angle reluctantly following.

Hardcore Holly & Al Snow were discussing the success of Tough Enough (which has gotten rave reviews). They encountered the Acolytes, who were rallying the lower card guys to defend the WWF. They said WCW wouldn't give any of them a chance or even return their calls over the years, but now that the promotion has folded and needs a way to re-start, the wrestlers there are trying to take over the WWF. They said Dallas Page and the other invaders can go to hell and encouraged everyone to stand up for the WWF. Among those there were Goodfather, Bull Buchanan, Dean Malenko, Raven, Steve Blackman, Crash Holly, Taka Michinoku, Sho Funaki, Haku, and Essa Rios.

Jimmy Snuka's cage dive onto Don Muraco, which ultimately made a star out of Mick Foley, was the next MSG moment.

Edge beat Billy Gunn in 6:17. No heat except for a mysterious "Hulk Hogan" chant. Since Hogan may try to start up his own company to oppose Vince, there was no way in hell he was gonna be on one of the MSG moments. Christian accidentally nailed Edge at one point, but he later redeemed himself by giving Gunn a backbreaker. Edge then won with the DDT, which JR accidentally called the DDP. Christian carried Edge's trophy as the two left, holding onto it as if it were his.

Vince received a phone call from Austin, who was stuck in traffic. Vince told Austin to sit tight, and also said, "I know Angle's a dork, but he's a dangerous dork, and he's our dork for tonight."

The final MSG moment was the Andre vs. John Studd bodyslam challenge from the first WrestleMania.

Chris Jericho beat Yoshihiro Tajiri in 5:10. A real good match while it lasted. Jericho said that since Steve Assclown is still WWF champion, he'll take his anger out on Tajunior. Lots of chops. Tajiri hit those hard kicks of his that make you cringe. Tajiri hooked the octopus and got an "ECW" chant in response. Jericho slugged Regal. Regal responded by pulling the ref out when Jericho went for a pin. He put Jericho in a full nelson and Tajiri went to spray the mist (for the first time since arriving in the WWF) but Jericho ducked and Regal took the spray. Jericho nailed the shocked Tajiri and lionsaulted him for the pin. Tajiri kept begging the blind Regal for forgiveness afterward.

Vince got another call from Austin, who had made it to WWF New York. Vince said he'd go to the ring and when he gives the signal, they are to attack. Vince told Debra, "This is gonna be good!" as he left for the ring.

Vince arrived in the ring and said the hallowed ground of MSG had been tainted by WCW invaders, but that all's well that ends well, and the WCW guys are about to pay. This was the signal for Austin & Angle to leave their car and go inside the restaurant. The fickle fans who had cheered Shane & Booker earlier, now cheered Austin & Angle. One of the employees told Austin that Shane & Booker were gone. Austin grabbed a mic and said Booker was a coward for not being there and imitated how Booker says "ask" (i.e., "akst") and said the next time he sees Booker in person he'll kick his "sucka ass". Back at the Garden, Vince said it wasn't surprising that Shane & Booker fled, and that it proves that WWF is the dominant brand name in sports entertainment. To Vince's chagrin, Shane arrived at ringside. Booker then came through the crowd and entered the ring. Vince slugged him. Booker just shook it off and nailed Vince with his kicks, including the scissor kick, leaving Vince laying. Booker & Shane escaped as the rallied lower card guys all came out for the belated save.

2006 - WWE broadcast their Vengeance PPV, headlined by Sabu vs. John Cena in an Extreme Lumberjack match. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:

Vengeance

Vengeance opened with a video highlighting John Cena vs. Sabu, Edge vs. Rob Van Dam and DX vs. Spirit Squad.

They went live to the arena, where there are a lot of signs in the crowd (I mean, more than normal) mostly for DX, Ric Flair and ECW. The announcers welcomed us to the show.

Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle.

Orton tried to stall at the start, going to the ropes as Angle tried to grab a limb. Angle grabbed a double leg takedown, and rode Orton on the mat. Angle applied a hammerlock, then twisted Orton into a pinning position for a two count. Angle grabbed a foot and went for the ankle lock, but Orton got to the ropes and went to the ring apron. Angle gave Orton a forearm, then went for a German suplex off the apron, but Orton held onto the top rope. Angle put all his weight into it, but Orton wouldn't release the rope.

Orton elbowed Angle to the floor, then went after him, but Angle gave him a German suplex on the floor. There was an "ECW" chant from part of the crowd. Angle got back in the ring and grabbed Orton as he got on the apron. Angle suplexed Orton back in, then paintbrushed Orton across the back of the head. Orton poked Angle in the eyes as he got up, then hit a standing dropkick. Orton threw Angle to the floor, then rammed him headfirst into the apron. Orton threw Angle back first into the security wall. Orton tossed Angle back into the ring for a two count.

Orton mounted Angle and hit some right hands, then delivered a kneedrop for a two count. Orton applied a chinlock, but Angle lifted Orton into a fireman's carry and hit a Samoan Drop. Angle delivered a forearm uppercut, but Orton reversed a whip and hit an elbow for a two count. There was a "Let's Go Angle" chant. Orton applied the rear chinlock again, keeping Angle down on the mat. Orton used the bottom rope for leverage, pushing off with his feet. Angle got to his feet and elbowed out, but Orton hit a knee to the gut, then a kneedrop for another two count. Orton then returned to the chinlock.

Angle armdragged out of the chinlock, but Orton immediately hit a clothesline. Orton slowly went to the top rope, but Angle jumped up onto the second rope and hit a belly to belly superplex. Angle then hit two overhead belly to belly suplexes and prepared for an Angle Slam, but Orton floated over and hit a side neckbreaker for a two count. Orton measured Angle for an RKO, but Angle shoved him into the turnbuckles. Orton began to pull the pad off the top turnbuckles. Angle grabbed Orton and hit seven consecutive German suplexes, kept his hands locked, and slowly got Orton up to hit number eight. Orton rolled to the floor. There was an "Angle" chant. Angle went out after Orton, then rolled him into the ring and covered him for a two count.

Angle went for a anklelock, but Orton kicked him away. Orton removed the turnbuckle pad he was working on earlier. Angle grabbed Orton and hit an Angle Slam, then applied an ankle lock. Orton struggled, but made the ropes. Angle pulled him off the ropes, and Orton managed to turn his body and send Angle head first into the exposed turnbuckle. Orton then hit the RKO for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.

Winner: Randy Orton.

Orton was favoring his ankle after the match, selling the ankle lock and limping away from the ring.

Vince McMahon was on the phone in his office, when someone knocked on the door. Vince said "come in" and a kid in a wheelchair came in. The kid was wearing a DX T-shirt, and Vince assumed he was a setup for another DX prank. The kid tried to explain who he was, but Vince told him to shut up. Vince shoved the wheelchair out a door, and the kid screamed. You could hear a crash. Jonathan Coachman then entered from another door, holding a "male enhancement tool". Coach said DX had been hanging around, and left that by the door. Coach then told Vince that a family friend would be coming by later, a kid in a wheelchair who was Vince's biggest fan. Coach asked if Vince could take some time to talk to the kid. Vince said "sure" and didn't let on to Coach that he had just wheeled the kid out the other door.

Umaga, with Armando, vs. Eugene.

Armando came out with Umaga first, and said he heard Eugene had gotten backup. Armando joked that Eugene was going to be bringing "imaginary friends" like Superman and Wonder Woman, to try and help him. Eugene then made his entrance, alone. Eugene waved and danced out. The fans were chanting "Hoo!" before the music even hit for Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who then made his entrance and hugged Eugene. Eugene gestured that he had another surprise, and out came Doink The Clown. There was one more piece of backup, and out came Kamala The Ugandan Giant.

Duggan started a USA chant as the bell rang. Doesn't he know Kamala is from Uganda? Umaga hit Eugene with a clothesline, then stomped him in the mat. Umaga hit a chop to the throat. Eugene kicked away a backdrop and fired off some right hands, but Umaga chopped him down and kicked him in the chest. Umaga hit the charging thigh drive (yeah, I made up a name for it) in the corner, then hit the Samoan Spike for the win at the two minute mark.

Winner: Umaga.

Duggan ran in, and Umaga took him down with a Spike. Doink came in, and Umaga shoved him down, then gave him the Spike. Kamala got in, and slapped his belly. The crowd popped for this potential showdown. Armando stopped Umaga and got him out of the ring, saying Kamala was "crazy". Umaga wanted to go back in, but Armando got him to leave, while Kamala stomped in the ring and stared down Umaga.

Todd Grisham interviewed Mick Foley. Foley read the less than flattering things Ric Flair wrote about him, directly from Ric Flair's book. Foley said "this glorified stuntman" would outwrestle Ric Flair tonight. Foley gave a "Wooo!" before walking off.

Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair - Two Out Of Three Falls

No surprise, Flair got a huge pop in Charlotte. Flair's family was at ringside. There was a "Foley sucks" chant. They locked up, and Foley grabbed a side headlock, then went into a hammerlock. Flair reversed, and Foley went to the ropes for a break. They exchanged arm wringers, with Flair getting the better of it. Foley went to the ropes again for a break. Flair tripped Foley to the mat and applied an armbar. Foley went to the ropes, again. Foley decked Flair with a right hand, then hit some punches in a corner. Foley mocked Flair's strut, then hit a running knee in the corner. Foley hit a double arm DDT, then signaled for Mr. Socko. Foley pulled out a Mr. Socko that was dressed to look like Ric Flair, complete with ring robe. As Foley approached Flair, Flair applied a testicular claw. Flair then hit some chops and decked Foley with a punch. Flair went to the top rope and hit Foley with a forearm. Flair acted like his knee gave out as he hit the move. Foley chopblocked the knee, then went to work on it, wrapping it around the ropes and dropping an elbow on it. Foley went for a figure four, but Flair reversed it into a small package for the pin at the five minute mark.

First Fall: Ric Flair.

Foley ran right into a second Flair small package for a two count. Foley shoved Flair to the floor, then went after him on the outside. Flair reversed a whip and sent Foley into the ringsteps. Flair hit some punches and tossed Foley back into the ring. Flair punched Foley right back out of the ring. Foley went over the security wall and into the crowd, but Flair followed him. Foley raked Flair's eyes, then backdropped him over the security wall and back to ringside. Foley threw Flair into the ring. There was a "Foley Sucks" chant as Foley pulled out a trash can from under the ring. Flair grabbed a double leg takedown as Foley came at him with the trash can. Flair applied the figure four leglock. Foley grabbed the trash can and hit Flair in the head with it while they were in the hold. Foley was disqualified at the eight minute mark.

Second fall via disqualification and winner of the match: Ric Flair.

Foley went under the ring and pulled out a barbed wire baseball bat. Foley hit Flair with it, busting him open, then grinded it across Flair's head. Flair was cursing in pain (which was bleeped). Foley dropped the barbed wire bat on the now bloody Flair, then hit him with it again. Agents and referees came out, and Foley left. Flair was a bloody mess.

Maria interviewed Carlito. Maria explained the "cool paradox" of people who want to be cool, but aren't, and that people who are cool, don't want to be. Or something like that. Carlito said nothing would be cooler than winning the Intercontinental Title. A bikini clad Torrie came in and asked Maria to spread baby oil on her for a photo shoot. Torrie asked Carlito to "hold her puppies". Of course, she meant her dogs. Maria and Torrie began rubbing oil on each other (complete with cheesy porno music). Carlito's music hit, and Carlito, annoyed, had to leave to head to the ring. For those curious, the camera turned away whenever it looked like Torrie or Maria were going to touch a body part that would have raised the PPV to TV-MA.

Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito vs. Johnny Nitro, with Melina.

Carlito ambushed Nitro at the bell, shoving him to the floor. Benjamin rolled up Carlito for a two count twice, then Carlito rolled up Benjamin with a flying cradle for a two count. Carlito rolled up Benjamin again for a two count, then applied a side headlock. Nitro ran in, but Carlito backdropped him, while maintaining the headlock. Nitro rolled to the floor. Nitro springboarded back in as Benjamin got out of the headlock and took over on Benjamin after Benjamin kicked Carlito out of the ring (with a kick intended for Nitro). Nitro went for a backdrop, but Shelton kicked it away. Carlito clotheslined Shelton out of the ring, then catapulted Nitro to the floor. Carlito went for a pescado, but Melina pulled Nitro out of the way. Carlito landed on the apron and kicked Benjamin, but Nitro sweeped Carlito's leg, and he crashed to the apron. Nitro threw Carlito into the ringpost, but Benjamin slammed Nitro on the floor. Benjamin was distracted by Melina, and Nitro hit some elbows on the floor. Carlito got on the apron, then the top rope, and then hit a springboard senton onto both opponents on the floor as the punched it out.

Carlito tossed Nitro into the ring and covered him for a two count. Nitro reversed a whip into a tilt-a-whirl Russian legsweep. Nitro used a baseball slide to keep Benjamin on the floor, then covered Carlito twice for two count. Carlito dodged a clothesline with a springboard flip over the head of Nitro, then hit a rana. Carlito ran the ropes to get at Nitro again, but Benjamin slid in and gave him a flapjack for a two count. Benjamin whipped Carlito into a corner, then gave Nitro an Exploder, throwing him over the top rope and to the floor. Shelton gave Carlito a vertical suplex for a two count. Shelton hit a Samoan Drop on Carlito, but Nitro broke up the cover and pounded Shelton with right hands. Nitro charged Shelton, who lifted Nitro into a powerbomb position, but dropped him face first on the top turnbuckle instead. Shelton covered Nitro, but Melina put his foot on the ropes. Nitro rolled to the floor.

Carlito jumped onto Shelton with a victory roll for a two count. Nitro came in, and Carlito whipped him towards Shelton. Nitro monkey flipped Benjamin into a Carlito dropkick. Carlito covered Shelton, but Nitro broke it up. Nitro put Carlito on the top rope and was getting set for a superplex, but Shelton crotched Nitro on the ropes. Nitro got tied to the tree of woe. Carlito was still on the top rope. Shelton jumped to the top rope, and set up for a superplex on Carlito. Nitro sat up from the Tree of Woe, and grabbed Shelton in a waistlock. Nitro German suplexed Benjamin at the same time Shelton superplexed Carlito. The fans chanted "Holy S***". Nitro went for covers but didn't get a pin. Carlito started to rally, punching both opponents. Carlito grabbed a small package on Shelton, but Nitro broke it up. Nitro and Shelton went for a double clothesline on Carlito, but Carlito ducked it and hit a springboard elbow on both men. Carlito went for covers, but got no pin. Carlito dodged a charging Nitro, and pulled down the top rope so Nitro would fall to the floor.

Shelton kicked Carlito in the back of the head for a two count. Carlito came back with a vertical suplex attempt, but let Shelton land on his feet so he could turn it around into a backcracker. Carlito went for the cover, put Nitro pulled Carlito from the ring, then slid in and covered Benjamin for the three count at the thirteen minute mark.

Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Johnny Nitro.

Backstage, The Spirit Squad were getting themselves psyched up. Vince McMahon came in and gave them a motivational speech. The Spirit Squad left, and Vince went to use the restroom. Vince picked up the penis pump box, checked his watch, and took in into the restroom with him. We heard an explosion, and Vince walked out, covered in green paint, holding the exploded box.

The events leading to Edge vs. Rob Van Dam were shown.

WWE & ECW Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Edge, with Lita.

Edge did some pre-match mic work, ripping on the fans and promising to win the title. RVD came out with both the ECW and WWE belts. Jim Ross talked about all the World Title changes that have taken place in Charlotte. Interesting to note, the referee only held the WWE belt in the air before ringing the bell. Jim Ross noted the match was for the WWE Title, so it would appear the ECW belt isn't on the line.

Edge took RVD down with a waistlock, then mocked RVD's gesture. Edge hit some punches, and RVD went for a monkeyflip. Edge landed on his feet, ducked two RVD kicks, but Van Dam took him down with a leg cradle. Edge rolled to the apron and regrouped. RVD hit some shots in a corner, but Edge leapfrogged him. RVD flipped over Edge, then Edge went for a bodypress, missed, and RVD hit a standing moonsault. RVD hit a back heel kick, and went for Rolling Thunder, but Edge rolled to the floor. RVD hit a baseball slide kick as Edge regrouped on the floor. RVD hit a moonsault on a standing Edge from off the security wall. There was an "RVD" chant. Van Dam rolled Edge in, then Lita grabbed Van Dam's leg and Van Dam kicked Lita away. Edge gave RVD a sunset flip off the ring apron, powerbombing Van Dam on the floor.

Edge tossed Van Dam into the ring and covered him for a two count. Edge hit some shots in the corner, then whipped RVD hard across the ring. Edge choked RVD against the middle ropes. Van Dam fired back with some punches, then Edge raked his eyes and gave him a forearm, sending him to the mat. Edge applied a surfboard, but RVD kicked Edge in the head to escape. RVD backdropped Edge to the ring apron, then gave him a cross bodyblock, ending Edge crashing to the floor with RVD on top of him. RVD put Edge on the security wall, and went for the corkscrew legdrop off the apron, but Edge moved and RVD landed on the wall. Edge rolled Van Dam into the ring for a two count. Edge tossed RVD to the floor. Van Dam was favoring his leg from crashing on the wall from the missed legdrop. Edge powerbombed Van Dam, throwing him back first into the security wall.

Edge tossed RVD back into the ring for a two count. Edge stomped RVD's back, then hit a backbreaker, pushing down on RVD's chin and stretching him across his leg. RVD kneed Edge in the head twice to escape. They traded forearms, then Edge decked Van Dam with a boot to the face. Edge rammed RVD into the top turnbuckle, then whipped him across the ring. Edge ran into a boot, and RVD went for a tornado DDT, but Edge blocked it. Van Dam kicked Edge in the gut, then in the head. Van Dam hit a springboard kick off the middle rope on Edge. Van Dam hit a pair of clotheslines, then backdropped Edge. Van Dam hit a German suplex with a bridge for a two count. Van Dam hit a spin kick. Van Dam went for Rolling Thunder, but Edge jumped up and grabbed RVD in a powerslam for a two count.

Edge whipped Van Dam across the ring, but ran into an elbow. Van Dam hit a top rope thrust kick. Van Dam went to the top rope, but Edge rolled away. Van Dam went into a somersault off the middle rope and gave Edge Rolling Thunder across his back. Van Dam hit a split leg moonsault for a two count. Van Dam went for a spin kick, but Edge ducked and RVD kicked the referee. Edge had Lita get him the WWE Title belt. Van Dam jumped up and kicked the WWE Title belt into Edge's face. RVD went to the top rope, but Lita crotched him. Edge was bleeding from his eyebrow. Edge pulled RVD off the ropes and spiked him with a DDT. Edge covered RVD, and the referee slowly crawled over and counted two.

Edge set up for a spear, and Lita held a steel chair in the ring behind RVD, with the idea that Edge would spear RVD into it. Edge charged, and RVD ducked. Edge speared the chair, knocking Lita off the apron. RVD hit the five star frog splash for the pin at the 18-minute mark.

Winner: Rob Van Dam.

Backstage, the ECW wrestlers were chanting "RVD-ECW". Paul Heyman entered and said "one down, one to go". Heyman reminded the wrestlers that they are lumberjacks for John Cena vs. Sabu tonight. Heyman said Vince McMahon ordered that there would be an equal number of Raw and ECW wrestlers at ringside as lumberjacks tonight. Heyman finished his pep talk, and the wrestlers went back to chanting.

Kane vs. Imposter Kane.

Imposter Kane used Kane's old theme music. They had a stare down in the ring, and Kane started throwing punches before the bell. Imposter went down, but then sat up. Kane punched Imposter over the top rope, and Imposter landed on his feet. Imposter dragged Kane out of the ring and hit some right hands. Imposter sent Kane back into the ring, and choked him in a corner.

Kane and Imposter slugged it out, and Kane hit a shoulderblock. Kane went after the mask, but the Imposter made it to the ropes and held onto his mask. Imposter took Kane down and punched him in the shoulder repeatedly. Imposter stood on Kane's throat. Imposter gave Kane a vertical suplex, then dropped a chop to the throat. There were loud "Boring" chants. Kane booted the Imposter in the face, but the Imposter came back with a powerslam for a two count. Imposter hit some punches on the mat, then ripped at Kane's face before applying a chinlock.

Kane broke free by ramming the Imposter in the corner. Kane ran into an elbow, then Imposter grabbed a choke. Kane got out by sticking his finger in the Imposter's eye. Kane hit a DDT, then hit a powerslam. Kane punched Imposter in the corner, then hit an uppercut. Kane hit some charging clotheslines in the corner, then waited in the ring for a while until the Imposter walked into Kane's sidewalk slam. Kane went for a chokeslam, but Imposter broke free and hit a boot to the face. Imposter went to the top rope, but Kane stopped him. Kane backdropped Imposter from the second rope. Kane called for the chokeslam, but Imposter broke out of it. Kane hit a boot to the face. Kane went to the top rope, but as he jumped off, Imposter caught him by the throat. Imposter hit a chokeslam for the clean win at the seven minute mark.

Winner: Imposter Kane.

The events leading to John Cena vs. Sabu were shown.

John Cena vs. Sabu - Extreme Lumberjack Match.

Stevie Richards, Balls Mahoney, Roadkill, Al Snow, Sandman, Little Guido, Justin Credible, and Tommy Dreamer were the ECW lumberjacks, and they came out first, then Sabu came to the ring. The Raw lumberjacks were out next, and included Val Venis, Matt Striker, Charlie Haas, Rob Conway, Viscera, Gene Snitsky, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. John Cena then made his entrance, to a mixed reaction.

The lumberjacks argued at ringside as Cena came down. Sabu went right at Cena as he looked away, and began stomping him. Cena went out of the ring, but got back in quickly and hit some right hands, then gave Sabu a Fisherman's buster. Cena threw Sabu out, and the Raw guys tossed him back in. Cena hit a right hand and delivered an elbow. Sabu came back and tossed Cena out. The ECW guys pounded him, then tossed him back in. Sabu tossed him out, and Sandman caned him in the head. The ECW guys tossed Cena back in. Sabu hit a Triple Jump Moonsault for two, then applied a camel clutch. Cena broke out, and Sabu hit Cena low. Sabu hit a Triple Jump elbowsmash for another two count.

Sabu hit an Arabian facebuster off the second rope for another two count. Sabu went for Air Sabu, but Cena moved and Sabu crashed into the corner. There was a "Cena" chant. Cena hit a kick to the face and a powerslam. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and a brawl broke out at ringside. Justin Credible came in and Cena tossed him to the floor, on top of some of the brawlers. Cena went to the floor and threw Stevie Richards into the crowd. Sabu went to ringside and threw a chair at Cena. Al Snow held Cena and Sabu collared him with the chair. The ECW guys put Cena on a table on the floor, but Viscera broke it up, and as Sabu prepared to dive out, Cena hit Sabu with Sandman's cane. Cena blasted Sabu with a chair in the ring. Cena lifted Sabu for an FU. Cena walked to the ropes, then dumped Sabu over the ropes and Sabu crashed through the edge of the table. It looked nasty. Viscera and Snitsky tossed Sabu back into the ring. Cena applied the STFU, and the Raw guys kept the ECW ones from entering the ring. Sabu tapped out at the seven minute mark.

Winner: John Cena.

The Raw guys entered the ring, and the ECW guys backed down the aisle. Cena then left the ring, with the Raw guys applauding him.

A Summerslam commercial was shown, which included appearances by Goldust and Boogeyman.

Backstage, RVD confronted John Cena. Van Dam gave Cena credit for having the "testicular fortitude" to walk into the ECW locker room last week. Van Dam offered to wrestle John Cena tomorrow on Raw for the WWE Title. Cena said the title was his life, and accepted the challenge. They shook hands, and Cena stared at the belt on RVD's shoulder.

The events leading to DX vs. Spirit Squad were shown.

DX vs. Spirit Squad.

DX came out first, and Triple H did old DX introduction with "Let's Get Ready To Suck It". Shawn Michaels did the "We've got two words for you..." bit. The Spirit Squad then entered. I don't believe the World Tag Team Championship is on the line in this five-on-two match. DX did "rock, paper scissors" to determine who would start. Michaels won.

Michaels started out with Mitch, while the rest of the Squad cheered him on. Michaels traded holds with Mitch and applied a headlock. Michaels tripped Mitch and walked across his back, then chopped him. Mitch came back with a knee to the gut and stomped and punched Michaels down in a corner. Mitch then danced in celebration, and Michaels lit him up with chops. Michaels got back into the Squad corner, but Michaels fought them all off with elbows and punches. Michaels took Mitch to his corner, and he and Triple H pounded him down. The Squad ran in, but DX cleaned house. Johnny was bleeding from the nose on the floor. The Squad regrouped on the floor.

Johnny, bloody nose and all, tagged in. Johnny pulled out a headband with martial arts insignia on it. Johnny did some karate poses, so Michaels, acting scared, tagged in Triple H. Johnny did some kicks to the air, while Triple H watched. Johnny went for the crane, and Triple H punched him to the mat. Triple H hit some more punches, then delivered a suplex. Triple H did a crotch chop, then hit a kneedrop. Johnny came back with a thumb to the eye, then hit some right hands in the corner. Triple H reversed a whip, and Johnny hit the corner hard. Triple H distracted the referee while Michaels pulled Johnny crotch first into the ringpost, then rammed his legs into the post. Johnny got up on wobbly legs, and Triple H pulled Johnny's pants down. Johnny managed to kick a charging Triple H and tagged Mikey.

Mikey charged Triple H, who flung him to the floor. Michaels crotched Mikey on the security wall, then he and Triple H double teamed him while the Squad argued with the referee. Back in the ring, Mikey looked for a time out, and Triple H stomped him. Kenny took a shot at Triple H from the apron, and the Squad pulled Triple H to the floor and threw him into the ringsteps. Triple H was now stomped down in the Squad corner. Kenny tagged in, and elbowed Triple H, but got caught with a neckbreaker. Mikey and Michaels tagged in. Michaels hit a flying forearm, kipped up, then hit reverse atomic drops on Mikey and Mitch. Michaels cleaned house, and hit the top rope elbow on Mikey.

Michaels warmed up for the Superkick, but the Squad ran in. DX were clearing the ring, when Johnny hit Michaels with a spinkick. Mikey tagged in Nckey, who covered Michaels for a two count. Michaels kicked away a Nicky backdrop and tagged in Johnny, who Michaels decked. Michaels was dragged to the floor by the Squad, and Kenny decked him with a chair. Michaels was rolled back in, and NMitch hit a trampoline bulldog on Michaels. Johnny covered him for a two count. Triple H threw the trampoline across ringside, but didn't hit anyone. The Spirit Squad kept Michaels in their half of the ring, tagging in and out and working over HBK. Michaels was given a flapjack and Kenny covered Michaels for a two count, then applied a chinlock.

Michaels punched free, and he and Kenny clotheslined each other. Nicky clotheslined Michaels from the apron. Mickey tagged in and worked over Michaels, then tagged in Mikey and threw him at Michaels, but Michaels moved and Mikey went flying from the ring. Michaels hit a double DDT on Johnny and Mitch. Triple H got the hot tag and began cleaning house, hitting clotheslines, jumping knees and spinebusters. Kenny was given a facebuster on the knee and set up for a Pedigree, but Mickey broke it up. The fight went to the floor, and Mikey went for a somersault dive off the trampoline, but Micheals moved and Mikey took out most of the Spirit Squad. Kenny was in the ring with Triple H, and backed up into Michaels. Michaels spooked Kenny back into Triple H, who set up for the Pedigree. Triple H hit it, while Michaels superkicked Mitch. They got the double pin at the 18-minute mark.

Winners: DX.

Michaels and Triple H gave the rest of the Spirit Squad pedigrees and superkicks. DX cleared the ring of everyone but Mitch, and Michaels rubbed Mitch's face into Triple H's bare rear end. Jim Ross speculated that DX was starting a new club.

DX celebrated, and Vince McMahon walked out onto the stage, grinning. Vince said (not on a mic, but audible), "Congratulations, I'll see you tomorrow night."

DX posed in the ring to end the show.

2007 - The bodies of WWE star Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy (known for her run as "Woman" in professional wrestling) and their son Daniel, are discovered in the Benoit home in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE releases the following statement that afternoon:

"WWE is sad to report that Chris Benoit and his family have been found dead in their home. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tonight's Raw will be a tribute to Chris and his family."

While an investigation took place, WWE made the decision to drop the "Mr. McMahon Presumed Dead" angle, which was going to be the focus of a three-hour Raw. The live event was cancelled, and replaced with a tribute to Benoit including many of Benoit's best matches.

As Raw was broadcasting, the company issued the following press release:

WWE(R) Superstar Chris Benoit Found Dead

STAMFORD, CT, June 25 /CNW/ - World Wrestling Entertainment was informed today by authorities in Fayetteville County, Ga., that WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and his son were found dead in their home. Authorities are investigating, but no other details are available at this time.

Instead of its announced programming for tonight on USA Network, WWE will air a three-hour tribute to Chris Benoit.

Chris was beloved among his fellow Superstars, and was a favorite among WWE fans for his unbelievable athleticism and wrestling ability. He always took great pride in his performance, and always showed respect for the business he loved, for his peers and towards his fans. This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss.

WWE extends its sincere condolences and prayers to the Benoit family and loved ones in this time of tragedy.

Carl DeMarco, President of WWE Canada, added, "I am deeply saddened over the loss of Chris Benoit. My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy go out to his parents and family. My relationship with Chris has extended many years and I consider him a great friend. Chris was always first-class - warm, friendly, caring and professional... one of the best in our business."

Later that night, while the Raw tribute was still airing, Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department in Georgia told ABC News that their deaths are being investigated as a "possible murder, suicide."

The ABC website, quoting Pope, noted, "the instruments of death were located on the scene." Pope did not specify what those may have been, but said there was no signs of shootings or stabbings. Pope stated the department is "not actively searching for any suspects outside of the house."

Shortly after that announcement, WWE posted the following on their website:

MURDER-SUICIDE

It has been ruled that the deaths of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel earlier today were the result of a double murder-suicide from within the home. WWE.com will have more as soon as it becomes available.

It was later revealed by authorities that the deaths were the result of a double murder-suicide, with Chris Benoit strangling his wife and son to death over the course of the weekend, before taking his own life by hanging himself. Benoit is believed to have murdered his wife on 6/22, his son on 6/23 and finally took his own life on 6/24 after sending erratic text messages to several friends in WWE.

WWE would pull Chris Benoit tributes, photos and mentions form their website, and Vince McMahon would issue a public apology the next day for the Raw tribute, noting that "the facts of this "horrific tragedy are now apparent" and stating that Benoit would never be mentioned on WWE programming again. To date, Benoit has never been mentioned by WWE and his matches are only included on DVD Anthologies and releases of complete PPV events. His name is never, ever used to promote anything.

In the wake of the tragedy, the family of Nancy Benoit founded the Nancy and Daniel Benoit Foundation. For more details, visit nancyanddanielbenoitfoundation.org.

***

Prior to the revelation that police were investigating a murder-suicide, WWE broadcast a three hour Benoit tribute show. Richard Trionfo filed the following report on what would turn out to be the final time one of the best all time in-ring workers would have his matches broadcast:

We begin tonight's show with a graphic that reads "Memory of Chris Benoit 1967-2007."

Vince McMahon is in the arena in Corpus Christi, Texas and he says that the arena was going to be full of fans with the storyline being the alleged demise of his character. In reality Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy, and son Daniel are dead. Their bodies were found in their home in Atlanta. Vince says that they extend their condolences to the extended family of Chris Benoit. Tonight, they will pay tribute to Chris Benoit with some of the most memorable moments in Chris' life. You will hear from Chris' peers, the people who loved Chris. Tonight will be a three hour tribute to one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. It will be a tribute to Chris Benoit.

We see a video package for Chris Benoit that features his early days as well as his time in ECW and WCW. We then see Benoit eliminating Big Show to win the Royal Rumble. Then we see Benoit making Triple H tap out at Wrestlemania XX to win the World Title. We then see Chris celebrating in the ring with his family and Eddie Guerrero. We end the segment with the graphic that opened the show.

We are back with a video package of Chris Benoit talking about his career and how it started. We hear comments from friends and family who knew that he would be a pro wrestler. We see Benoit back in Canada after he won the World Title at Wrestlemania XX.

We are back with Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross and Jim says that it is a situation that you hoped never to deal with. Jim talked about how he was one of the greatest wrestlers and a friend. Jerry talks about how it might be one of the toughest shows. Jerry talks about the knowledge that Chris, Nancy, and Daniel are gone after seeing the footage from Wrestlemania XX. Jim talks about Wrestlemania XX. We start off with footage from the Royal Rumble in 2004.

Royal Rumble Match 2004
We join the match in progress and Bill Goldberg takes care of everyone in the ring. Goldberg eliminates Charlie Haas while Nunzio is on Goldberg's back. Van Dam with a kick to Goldberg and then Goldberg with a spear to Nunzio. Billy Gunn is eliminated by Goldberg. Nunzio is the next man to be eliminated by Goldberg. Goldberg sets for a Jackhammer on Big Show but Lesnar comes in and gives Goldberg an F-5. Goldberg wants a piece of Lesnar and that distraction allows Kurt Angle to eliminate Goldberg. Jericho tries to eliminate Angle, but Angle fights back and he punches Jericho in the corner. Big Show and Cena battle by the ropes and Angle and Jericho join in while Van Dam and Benoit battle in the corner. Van Dam and Benoit join in and try to eliminate Show but Show pushes them all off. Show takes everyone down and then he headbutts Jericho. Angle clips Show and then Van Dam with a snap leg drop. Jericho with a Lionsault. Van Dam with a Five Star Frog Splash. Cena with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Benoit with the diving headbutt. Angle tells everyone to pick up Show to eliminate him but they cannot get Show up. Show eliminates Cena and then he tries to take care of Van Dam. Van Dam tries for a monkey flip but Van Dam is tossed to the floor. Show tries to eliminate Jericho but Jericho skins the cat and Jericho with a drop kick to Show. Show sends Jericho to the apron and then he Irish whips Jericho. Jericho goes up for a bulldog from the turnbuckles. Jericho tries to get Show over for the LionTamer and Show taps. Angle hits Jericho from behind and then Angle punches Jericho. Jericho tries to eliminate Angle but Show punches Jericho and Angle falls to the apron. Show gets Jericho up for a choke slam and he eliminates Jericho with the choke slam. Show and Angle exchange punches but Show with a side slam. Show grabs Benoit and gives him a choke slam. Angle tries for a German suplex but Show with a butt bump to take Angle down. Angle hits the Angle Slam on Show and Benoit with punches to Angle. Angle with an Angle Slam to Benoit. The straps are down and Angle asks the crowd which one he should go after. Show tries for a choke slam but Angle rolls through and puts Show in the ankle lock. Show taps but it is irrelevant in this match. Show eliminates Angle as he goes for the ropes. Benoit with a diving head butt to Show on the apron and Show returns to the ring. Show grabs Benoit by the throat for a choke slam but Benoit counters with a Crippler Crossface and Show taps one more time. Show gets up and hits a side slam to get out of the hold. Show tells Benoit that it is all over and he presses Benoit over his head. Benoit turns it into a choke and Show drops Benoit on the apron but Benoit holds on and he takes Show over the top rope to the floor to eliminate Show to win the Royal Rumble.

Steve Austin says that Chris Benoit is one of the most talented wrestlers he knew. Benoit gave everything in the ring regardless of the size of the crowd. Austin talks about wrestling Chris Benoit in Edmonton. He says that Benoit was one of the most honest people he ever met. He says that Benoit held everything together and he was always polite and generous. Austin says that he will miss Benoit a lot and he has total respect and wishes that Chris was still with them. We go to commercial.

We are back with a video clip where Benoit talked about how he got into the business by going to the shows and helping out. He talks about when he met Dynamite Kid and that started his desire to become a wrestler.

Michael Cole and John Layfield talk about Chris' passion and his family. Cole talks about what defines you is your children and that was the case with Chris. He says that Chris' children were very respectful and they would talk and laugh with everyone. Bradshaw talks about how his children were always dressed in suits and would show respect to the wrestlers. Bradshaw talks about when he was talking to Benoit about starting off as the Pegasus Kid and Justin Hawk. Bradshaw says that he wishes he would have been able to call a Benoit match tonight instead of talking about his life.

John Cena says that he thinks this is the most difficult thing he had to do. He says that this has been very sudden and he does not know how to react to this because it is so sudden. He says that they should celebrate the life of Chris Benoit. He says that Chris is the type of guy you want to go to war with because he was so tough. If he knew you meant business, he looked out for you. He formed a lot of bonds with people and they were treated like he was their brother. He lived for the business and he did everything for it. He respected everything about the business. His set of ideals were something that he looked up to. He says that Benoit didn't take any s*** from anybody. He appreciates everything that Chris did for him. Cena says that he hopes that everyone watching appreciates what Benoit did in his life. He did it for the fans. It is fitting because he is a man who lived for the business and Cena says that he respects Chris for that. Cena says that Benoit was like John Wayne because he was a tough man, but you could tell when he cared about you. He was not the type of guy you would say "I love you" to and he never had the chance to say it to him. Cena tells Benoit that he loves him.

We are back with the portion of the Chris Benoit DVD about his time in ECW. He talks about the opportunity. Benoit talks about his matches with Too Cold Scorpio.

Joey Styles and Tazz talk about the footage from ECW when Benoit started there in 1994. Joey talked about the excitement in the ECW locker room that Benoit signed with the company. Tazz says that Chris Benoit brought credibility to the locker room. Tazz says that Benoit was not just a great pro but he helped the younger guys. When you got in the ring with Chris Benoit despite how he was in the back, you had to up your game. He says that Benoit was like a machine in the ring. Joey says that he enjoyed calling Benoit's matches. Joey talks about how happy they were when Benoit was drafted to ECW. Joey talks about the car ride when they were happy that they would get the chance to call Chris Benoit matches.

We go to last week's episode of ECW when Chris Benoit wrestled Elijah Burke.

Chris Benoit versus Elijah Burke ECW June 19, 2007
Benoit with a waist lock take down on Burke into a front face lock. Burke with a reversal but Benoit counters with a hammer lock. Burke gets to his feet and he gets Benoit in a side head lock. Burke with an elbow and Benoit tries for the Crippler Crossface but Burke avoids it and gets a near fall. Burke and Benoit stare each other down and Benoit with a number of chops but Burke with a rollup for a two count. Burke is able to get to the ropes when Benoit tries for the Crippler Crossface. Burke with forearms but Benoit with a chop. Burke works on Benoit in the corner and he follows it with a hard Irish whip for a near fall. Burke with a kick to Benoit's back and chest. Burke punches Benoit and gets a near fall. Burke with a kick to the ribs and then he tries for a seated abdominal stretch but Benoit tries to block it. Burke with a front face lock but Benoit with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Burke gets Benoit up and drops him on the top rope and then he connects with a running elbow and Benoit is knocked to the floor. Burke goes out after Benoit and rolls him back into the ring. Burke chokes Benoit in the ropes but he misses a splash into the ropes when Benoit moves. Benoit with forearms to Burke's head followed by elbows to the head and a snap suplex for a near fall. Benoit with a knee to Burke followed by a Northern Lights suplex for another two count. Benoit with the Hat Trick German suplex combination. Benoit goes up top for the diving head butt but Burke gets his knees up and both men are down. Burke with an STO for a two count. Burke with forearms to the ribs and Burke gets Benoit up for a suplex but Benoit with knees to get out of the hold. Benoit tries to get Burke into the Sharpshooter but Burke gets out of the hold. Burke misses the Elijah Express and Benoit puts Burke in the Sharpshooter and Burke taps.

CM Punk talks about how he was disappointed last night that he could not wrestle Chris Benoit, but now he feels really guilty. Chris Benoit was a hero of his and he was honored to work with him. He considered Benoit to be a friend. Though he never wrestled him, he learned a lot from Benoit. He hopes to honor Benoit's memory. Punk says that he wants to help the next generation of wrestlers the way that Benoit would. He says that he misses Benoit.

We are back and we see the statement that Vince McMahon made at the start of the show.

Jim Ross tells Benoit's two surviving children that their dad was a great man. It did not matter if it was a rival or a friend in the ring. We go to a match from WCW when he faced Dean Malenko. Jerry says that he would rather wrestle people who were his friends because of the camaraderie he had with the guys. Jim Ross talked about Benoit's integrity.

Chris Benoit versus Dean Malenko from Hog Wild in 1996.
Malenko takes Benoit down and punches him. Benoit chops Malenko and kicks him but Malenko responds with knees. Benoit with a knee to Malenko and then he slams Malenko's head into the turnbuckle. Benoit with a forearm to Malenko but Malenko with a forearm and he sends Benoit into the turnbuckles. Malenko with a delayed vertical suplex for a two count. Malenko with a neck breaker followed by an elbow drop for a two count. Malenko with a reverse chin lock as he tries to wear down Benoit. We see Elizabeth and Woman at ringside. Benoit returns to his feet but Malenko with an elbow. Benoit with a head butt to Malenko followed by a kick. Benoit slams Malenko's head into the turnbuckle and he chokes Malenko in the ropes. Benoit gets a near fall and then he chops Malenko against the ropes. Benoit with a back elbow for a series of near falls. Benoit with a rollup but Malenko with a counter and we see a series of two counts from both men. Malenko with a hip toss and he puts Benoit in a short arm scissors. Benoit rolls through and he gets a two count. Benoit lifts Malenko up and hits a modified electric chair drop for a two count. We go to commercial.

We are back with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler and Jim talks about how Chris Benoit's wife was at ringside with Benoit for that match.

We return to the match and Benoit puts Malenko in the Texas Cloverleaf. Malenko tries to press out of the hold but Benoit pulls Malenko back into the center of the ring. Malenko tries to press out of the hold again but he falls to the mat again. Benoit lets go of the hold. Benoit kicks Malenko in the leg but Malenko with an enzuigiri. Malenko gets up in the corner and Benoit sends Malenko into the corner but both men bump heads and they go down. Malenko gets up first but Benoit is able to work over Malenko by working on the leg. Benoit grapevines the leg as he works on Malenko's leg with a focus on the knee. Benoit returns to the leg as there is less than 30 seconds left in the match. Malenko with an inside cradle as time expires in the match. The referee says that there will be another five minutes in the match.

The match continues as Malenko limps from the damage to his knee. Benoit with a back body drop. Malenko with a dragon screw leg whip and Benoit favors his knee. Malenko with an elbow drop to the knee. Malenko misses a short arm clothesline but Benoit hits a Dragon suplex for a two count. Benoit tries for another Dragon suplex but Malenko drops down but Benoit gets a two count. Benoit misses a drop kick when Malenko holds on to the ropes. Malenko puts Benoit in the Texas Cloverleaf. Woman gets into the ring to pull Benoit to the ropes. Malenko turns it into an STF> Malenko grabs Woman and that allows Benoit to get the rollup for the three count.

Dean Malenko says that when he looks at his career and the battles that he had and the rooms that he has shared on the road. Chris Benoit is one of the people who enriched his life. He met Chris in the early 1990s in Japan along with Eddie Guerrero. That was the start of a fifteen year friendship. They were there for each other during ups and down in and out of the ring. They talked about everything. Dean says that there are very few people who got to really know Chris because he was a very private person. He talks about how him, Chris, Eddie, and Scott Norton would call Chris "Houdini" because he would get lost during conversations. Some people might have thought that Chris was arrogant because of the way he acted, but he was not like that. He says that as an opponent there is nothing better than having someone who will push you and take you to the next level. He says that Chris was unselfish dealing with young talent to help them hone their skills. He says that it is ironic that in a two year time span he lost two of his closest friends, Eddie Guerrero and Chris. The original "Three Amigos" were not the suplexes but him, Eddie, and Chris. He sends his condolences to Chris' fans as well. He says that Chris was a machine in the ring who gave 120 percent every night. Chris was a consummate pro and will be missed. Chris left a legacy in the business and a model for the young wrestlers to follow. Dean talks about how he gave Chris the idea for the Crippler Crossface. Dean says that Chris will be missed by all wrestling fans. Dean talks about all of the companies that Chris worked for and some of the opponents that he wrestled over the years. Dean says that he will miss Chris' friendship. The one thing that he can hold on to is that his two closest friends for the last fifteen years are together arguing. He says that he will miss Chris as a brother and a friend. He says that he will never forget Chris.

We are back with another Chris Benoit video package.

We see the empty arena and Michael Cole talks about how Benoit will be remembered as one of the greatest. Cole talks about how Chris Benoit garnered respect wherever he went. He talks about how it was a privilege to call a Chris Benoit match. Whether Chris would win or lose a match, he would look at the audience and the fans would be on their feet. The fans appreciated what Chris gave in the ring. Bradshaw points out that Chris was not the greatest talker but he was a great wrestler. Bradshaw talks about his match with Chris Benoit for the United States Title last year.

Chris Benoit versus Bradshaw for the United States Title from Smackdown
We join the match in progress and Benoit climbs the cage but Bradshaw pulls Benoit back to the mat with an electric chair drop. Bradshaw gets a two count. Bradshaw puts Benoit in a sleeper. The referee checks on Benoit's arm and he is not out. Benoit returns to his feet and escapes the hold with a belly-to-back suplex. Bradshaw with boots to taunt Benoit. Bradshaw misses a short arm clothesline and he hits two German suplexes. Benoit tries for the third suplex but Bradshaw with elbows followed by a big boot. Bradshaw starts to climb the cage and Benoit goes after Bradshaw and he pulls the champion back into the cage. Benoit tries for a German suplex from the top turnbuckle but Bradshaw holds on to the cage. Benoit is able to hit the German suplex from the top turnbuckle and both men are down. Benoit has the referee open the door but Jillian distracts the referee. While Jillian is not looking Bradshaw pulls Benoit back into the ring and Jillian hits Bradshaw with the door. Benoit puts Bradshaw in the Crippler Crossface but the referee does not see it. Bradshaw with a two count on Benoit. Benoit tries for a German suplex but Bradshaw holds on to the referee. Bradshaw with a low kick and Bradshaw gets out of the cage to win the match and retain the title.

Stephanie McMahon says that Chris Benoit was an amazing wrestler. He was passionate in the ring but he was also passionate about his family. Chris thought it was cool that she married Triple H. She talks about how happy Chris was when she was pregnant. Chris always thought that family was the best. Chris loved his family and when his children were in the arena, they worshipped their dad. She considered Chris to be a friend.

We are back with Chavo Guerrero. He says that Chris Benoit was his friend and may have been his best friend. Chris was a part of the Guerrero family. The day that he found Eddie Guerrero, the first person that he called was Chris Benoit. After telling Chris, it almost broke his heart as much as finding Eddie. For someone who rarely showed emotion, Chris cried uncontrollably because Eddie was Chris' best friend. He was able to be with Eddie on his last day and was the last person to see Eddie. Chavo says that he spent the night at Chris Benoit's house last week. Chris was a very private person who does not let too many people in. He spent time with Chris' family and he felt at home. Then they went to the house shows and went to dinner. They each missed their flights last weekend. They called to check on each other. To go through this again with someone he respected so much as a person and friend. There was no one else like Chris Benoit in the ring. It was an honor to be in the ring with Chris. Some of his best matches were with Chris Benoit. He learned so much from Chris and he would thank Chris after their matches. They always left with a hug and told each other that they loved each other. The last time that he talked to Chris, on the day before Chris passed away, Chris ended the call with "love you Chavo." Chavo says that that Chris was his friend and he loves him and that Chris was a part of his family. Chavo thanks Chris for the time that they spent together with their families at Wrestlemania. He talks about how he appreciated Chris for trusting him with his children. Chavo thanks Chris for being his friend.

We are back and the camera pans to the ring. Joey Styles lets people who just tuned in what happened with Chris Benoit, his wife, and young child. Joey talks about how Chris Benoit was known as the Pegasus Kid in Japan. Tazz says that he wrestled Chris Benoit as the Pegasus Kid in Japan. Tazz talks about Benoit's matches against Jushin Liger while Benoit was the Pegasus Kid.

Pegasus Kid versus Jushin Liger from 1990.
Pegasus Kid puts Liger on the top turnbuckle and hits a superplex. Pegasus Kid goes up top but misses a diving headbutt. Liger with a rolling kick for a two count. Liger with a power bomb for a two count. Liger with a slam and then Liger goes up top and hits a senton splash for a two count. Pegasus Kid with a rana as a counter to a power bomb for a two count. Pegasus Kid with a running clothesline to Liger and then he sets for a Tombstone piledriver and he hits it. Pegasus goes up top and he hits a leg drop for the three count.

William Regal says that he would love to talk about everything he did with Chris Benoit but he only says that he wants to talk about how Chris Benoit was the most dedicated man in wrestling. Regal says that Benoit was the absolute best.

We are back with Vince McMahon's statement that opened the show and the second hour.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about one of his greatest matches against Chris Jericho. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about Chris' heroes in the ring and they talk about the Dynamite Kid. We go to a video package where Chris talks about one of his first matches. A friend talks about how Benoit was going to be the next Dynamite Kid.

Chris Benoit versus Chris Jericho from the 2001 Royal Rumble
Benoit with a drop kick to Jericho and the ladder hits Jericho in the face. Benoit with a belly-to-back suplex and then Benoit puts the ladder on the ring post. Benoit with a kick to Jericho and then Jericho Irish whips Benoit into the ladder. Jericho perches the ladder on the rope and then he drives it into Benoit's face. Jericho puts the ladder up in the corner and he pushes it onto Benoit and hits a missile drop kick into the ladder. Jericho puts the ladder up in the center of the ring and he climbs the ladder. Benoit with a belly-to-back suplex to Jericho over the top rope to the floor. Benoit climbs the ladder and he gets to the top of the ladder but Jericho grabs Benoit's leg. Benoit kicks Jericho off but Jericho climbs the ladder and he puts Benoit in a Boston Crab on the top of the ladder Jericho pushes Benoit off the ladder but Benoit kicks the ladder and Jericho falls off the ladder. We go to commercial.

We are back and the match continues. Jericho runs the ladder into Benoit's face and then he resets the ladder in the center of the ring. Jericho climbs the ladder and he kicks Benoit away. Jericho comes off the ladder but Benoit catches him and puts Jericho in the Crippler Crossface. Jericho taps but the referee will not ask Jericho to release the hold because there are no pinfalls or submissions. Benoit sends Jericho into the ring post. Jericho hot shots Benoit into the ladder. Jericho runs the ladder into Benoit and he sends Benoit into the corner. Jericho climbs the ladder and so does Benoit as they fight in the corner. Jericho tries for a superplex from the top of the ladder but Benoit with a head butt that sends Jericho off the ladder. Benoit climbs the ladder and he tries for a diving head butt but Jericho moves out of the way. Jericho puts the ladder on top of Benoit as he climbs the ladder but Benoit pushes the ladder over and Jericho hits the top rope and goes to the floor. Benoit sets up the ladder and he climbs it but Jericho hits Benoit in the back with the chair. Jericho pushes the ladder over and Benoit hits the top rope before going to the floor. Jericho climbs the ladder and gets the Intercontinental Title belt to win the match.

Jim Ross talks about Chris Jericho's reaction to Benoit's death. Lawler talks about Benoit's passion and desire. He says that Benoit was not in it for the money. He wrestled because he loved it and loved performing in front of the people. He says that there was nobody more intense in the ring than Chris Benoit. Jim Ross mentions that we will see Benoit's match from Wrestlemania XX.

We are back with Joey Styles and Tazz. Joey says that Benoit was one of the greatest champions.

Edge says that there are three people in the industry that he feels that he can go to and talk to. Two of them are gone now. He remembers watching Stampede Wrestling as a teenager in Toronto. He saw an eighteen year old guy named Chris Benoit start his career and he thought that Benoit was awesome. Benoit became one of the greatest to put on his boots. Edge says that he had the pleasure and privilege to step in the ring with him. It was two Canadians fighting for the last beer when they were in the ring. He had some personal issues in his life and Benoit was the first person that he talked to because he trusted Benoit and Benoit cared. Everyone in the locker room loved Chris. Chris carried himself with pride and dignity everywhere he went. Two weeks ago in Orlando, he wrestled Chris and he had fun being kicked in the head and chopped so hard. He says that Chris was smiling when they went through the Gorilla Position. Edge says that Benoit's smile was the biggest compliment. Edge talks about when he had his neck surgery, Benoit was the guy who he called for advice and Chris was always there. He talks about a show in Dothan, Alabama and he came with his son Daniel. Edge talks about how Daniel was doing the warm up exercises with his dad. Edge talks about how lucky Chris was. Edge says that Chris would probably be hot at him for crying, but he loves Chris and he misses him.

We are back with Bradshaw and Michael Cole. Cole asks Bradshaw about how emotional Chris was despite being a quiet man. Bradshaw says that he brought it every night. There were some superstars who were thrown out of the locker room because they did not show the proper respect. Cole says that Benoit gave 100 percent and made sure the fans went home happy.

We go to a video package.

We are back with Triple H and he says that it is hard to sum up a friend's life in a few minutes. Chris Benoit was about respect. He demanded it and he received it. Respect for the wrestlers, the fans, and his family. There was a young wrestler who showed disrespect to Shawn Michaels and Chris taught that wrestler a lesson. Chris made the wrestler do one thousand squats and Chris did them next to him. The next day when that wrestler could not bend his legs, Chris made him do five hundred more. One thing that he will remember is the image at Wrestlemania XX and looking back at the ring with Chris holding the World Title. That was it to Chris. He just received respect. He had his family with him and it was everything for him. He cannot speak for everyone but he is pretty sure that everyone that Chris ever met respected him. Hunter says that there was no one in this world that he respected more than Benoit. He is not saying it because Chris is not there, but because he earned it.

Lawler and Ross talk about respect and how it is earned. Jerry talks about how everyone on the roster respected him. Jim Ross talks about the main event at Wrestlemania XX when Chris Benoit faced Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Chris Benoit versus Shawn Michaels versus Triple H for the World Title at Wrestlemania XX
Benoit has some words for Michaels but Michaels goes after Hunter. Benoit and Michaels alternate going after Hunter. Benoit tries for the Crippler Crossface but Michaels rolls through. Benoit with chops and then Benoit sends Michaels into Hunter and Hunter goes out of the ring. Michaels with a side head lock but Benoit with a head scissors. Benoit bridges and tries for a backslide but Michaels blocks it. Benoit tries for a German suplex and Michaels blocks it. Benoit with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Michaels with a clothesline to Benoit but Hunter with a clothesline to Michaels. Hunter is in charge now and he takes care of Benoit and Michaels. Hunter tries to send Michaels over the top rope but Michaels skins the cat. Michaels sends Benoit over the top rope and then he hits a back body drop on Hunter. Michaels punches Hunter in the corner. Hunter hits a high knee on Michaels for a two count. Benoit with a shoulder on the apron to Hunter but when he tries for a third one, Hunter with a knee to Benoit. Hunter runs Benoit's back into the apron. Michaels with a baseball slide that takes Benoit and Hunter down. Michaels goes up top and hits a moonsault onto Hunter and Benoit. We go to commercial.

We are back and all three men are down in the ring. Michaels picks up Benoit and Michaels with a German suplex on Benoit. Benoit shows Michaels how to do it when he hits the Hat Trick German suplex combination. Benoit with the throat slash and then he goes up top. Benoit hits the diving head butt but he can only get a two count. Benoit with forearms to Michaels but Michaels with a flying forearm that sends Benoit out of the ring. Michaels kips up and he hits a reverse atomic drop and clotheslines on Hunter. Michaels with a slam to Hunter and then he goes up top and hits the elbow drop. Michaels gets ready for Sweet Chin Music and he hits it. Benoit pulls Hunter out of the ring to make the save. Michaels punches Benoit on the floor and then he sends Benoit back into the ring. Michaels chops Benoit in the corner. Benoit with an Irish whip and Michaels does the Michaels flip. Benoit tries for the Sharpshooter but Michaels fights out of it. Benoit with a catapult that sends Michaels into the ring post. Benoit with forearms to Michaels and then he tries to lock in the Crippler Crossface on Michaels and he finally gets it locked in. Michaels is about to tap but Hunter prevents Michaels from tapping. Hunter punches Benoit to get Benoit to release the hold. Hunter and Benoit battle outside and Benoit sends Hunter head first into the ring steps. Benoit chops Hunter on the floor but Hunter Irish whips Benoit into the ring steps. We go to commercial.

We are back and we return to the arena where Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about the way they will remember Chris. Jerry says that Chris was a great competitor. Jerry also talks about the deaths of Nancy and Daniel. It makes Jerry want to tell his family that he loves them. Jerry says that you should take the chance to tell your loved ones that you love them. Jim Ross says that he is going to miss Chris' uncontrollable passion. He is going to miss seeing Chris compete. First and foremost, Chris Benoit was a great wrestler. Jim says that one of the most poignant moments happens at the end of this match.

We return for the conclusion of the match and all three men are down again. Hunter is the first to his knees but he wears a crimson mask like Shawn Michaels. Michaels rolls out of the ring. Benoit chops Hunter but Hunter with a knee and he sets for the Pedigree but Benoit counters with the Sharpshooter and he locks it in. Hunter tries to fight for the ropes as he claws to the ropes and he gets near the ropes but Benoit pulls Hunter into the center of the ring. Hunter is about to tap but from out of nowhere, a bloody Shawn Michaels with Sweet Chin Music on Benoit. Michaels covers Benoit but he only gets a two count. Michaels staggers to his feet and he sets for Sweet Chin Music one more time. Benoit ducks the attempt and Benoit sends Michaels over the top rope to the floor. Hunter sets for the Pedigree but Benoit counters and he gets Hunter in the Crippler Crossface. Hunter struggles for the ropes and then the referee checks Hunter's arm to see if he is still conscious. Hunter tries to roll out of the hold but Benoit keeps the Crossface locked in and they are in the center of the ring. Hunter taps and Benoit wins the World Title.

After the match, Chris Benoit celebrates in the ring with the World Title belt. Benoit turns around and he sees Eddie Guerrero in the ring with his title belt. Eddie gives Benoit an ovation and then he hugs his fellow World champion.

We go to credits.