Post by John Laurinaitis on Mar 28, 2012 3:37:03 GMT -6
Live! From The Selland Arena in Fresno, California!
April 2nd, "1998"
As the intro fades into the Selland Arena, fireworks come shooting down from the ceiling and exploding across the stage. With "Thorn in Your Eye" blaring through the arena, the camera pans the crowd, catching the excitement and anticipation for the return of Raw Is War! As the camera pans over to the announce table, Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcome us to the show!
Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Raw is War! We are hot off the trail of the Royal Rumble and what a night we have in store!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: He's right' folks! The Royal Rumble was one heck of a pay-per-view, and if you missed it... Haha, you're an idiot! I beat Bret Hart into the hospital!
Jim Ross: You? Hah! I think it was more of Mr. McMahon who beat Bret Hart into the hospital, King! In fact, if it weren't for McMahon, you were about to tap out to the Sharpshooter.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: What? I was not, JR! That idiot Bret was nowhere near making me tapout!
Jim Ross: Well, maybe that is what you think, but everyone who saw the Royal Rumble knows the truth, King!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: I don't care what you say, JR! You can believe whate...
As the lights dim and a blue hue covers the arena, "Darkside" suddenly blares through the arena. As fog pours over the stage, the crowd is split with cheers and boos. The curtain is slowly pulled open, as Undertaker steps out, making his way through the fog. With the WWF Championship around his waist, the Undertaker makes his way down the ramp, an evil look upon his face. As the Undertaker climbs up the steps, he raises his hands, returning the lights to normal.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ohh, why couldn't Shawn Michaels just beat the Undertaker? Why did he have to lose?
Jim Ross: Well, like it or not, King, the Undertaker is the WWF Champion!
The Undertaker steps into the ring, demanding a microphone. As a ringside worker hands a microphone up, Undertaker snatches it from him, letting him feel his evil and dark presence. As Undertaker stands in the center of the ring, he removes the WWF Championship from around his waist and places it over his shoulder. The crowd slowly quiets down, as he raises the microphone to his mouth to speak.
The Undertaker: Welcome... to HELL!
The crowd begins to roar with boos, showing dislike for what Undertaker has just said.
The Undertaker: Finally... the darkside has captured the most prestigious prize in the World Wrestling Federation. At the Royal Rumble... I defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship after I drove him head first on the mat with the deadly Tombstone Piledriver. I watched as his eyes rolled back into his head and defeat cross his mind. I gave Shawn Michaels a beating like I have never given anyone before and rest assured, Shawn Michaels will NEVER be able to take this championship from me.
The Undertaker grasps the WWF Championship tightly, as a devilish smile rolls over his face.
The Undertaker: Let this be a warning to anyone... who tries to dethrone darkness from its reign over the World Wrestling Federation. For if you do, I will not just end your career... I will END YOUR PRESENCE ON THIS PLANET!
Showing an intensity upon his face, Undertaker lets his warning ring throughout the arena.
The Undertaker: The landscape of the WWF is changing... and it is not for the good. You people better strap yourselves to your seats because this will be one ride that will leave people in a shocking, flabbergasting mental state. The Darkside has risen... And the World Wrestling Federation will never be the same again...
"Darkside" blares through the arena, as the Undertaker's eyes roll into the back of his head. As he drops the microphone, Undertaker's music is suddenly cut off an interrupted by...
Jim Ross: Bah god, its Vader!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: What in the hell is he doing out here?
As Vader's music blares through the Selland Arena, the crowd erupts with cheers! With anger on his face, Vader stomps down the ramp, pointing right at the Undertaker. As Vader slides into the ring, Undertaker drops the WWF Championship. As Vader and Undertaker stand face to face, the crowd is on fire. Vader suddenly swings, catching Undertaker across the jaw! Undertaker and Vader begin to trade blows, hitting eachother back and fourth!
Jim Ross: All hell is breaking loose, folks! Vader and Undertaker are tearing eachother apart in front of us all!
As Undertaker is driven back into the corner by Vader, security comes rushing to the ring. Several security guards pull Vader off of Undertaker, trying to stop the fight. As security holds Undertaker in the corner, he tries to get free, swinging wildy in the direction of Vader. As more and more security guards fill the ring, Undertaker finally grabs his WWF Championship and rolls out of the ring. As Undertaker slowly makes his way up the ramp, Vader tries to go after him, but security won't let him. As Undertaker reaches the stage, he turns around. Looking Vader right in the eyes, Undertaker does the cut throat symbol, challenging Vader for later tonight!
Jim Ross: What on Earth has pissed this mammoth off?
Jerry "The King" Lawler: I don't know, JR, but it looks like we might get to see these two monsters go head to head here tonight!
Jim Ross: We'll be right back, folks!
Jim Ross: Welcome back to Raw is War, folks! Before we went to commercial, we saw Vader come to the ring and attack the Undertaker. And from what I am hearing, Mr. McMahon has made the match for later tonight! The Undertaker will go one on one with Vader in a non-title match!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ohh, it is going to be huge, JR! Vader better watch out after the warning Undertaker gave to the entire roster! But up next we are going to see the debut of one of our newest signees! Christian goes one on one with Taka Michinoku!
Taka Michinoku vs. Christian
(Singles Match!)
As Christian and Taka make it to the ring, the bell sounds. Taka slowly circles the ring, contemplating his first move. As they lock up, Christian powers Taka into the corner, hammering away at him. Taka finally ducks a left hand from Christian and turns the tables! Taka unloads a series of kicks to Christian that echo through the arena! As Taka works over Christian, he takes him down with a snapmare! Taka goes up top and leaps off, nailing Christian with a double Stomp! As it seems to be all over, Christian kicks out. Gangrel slowly made his way out, distracting Taka. Christian attacked Taka from behind and set him up for the Impaler... Taka spins out, rolling Christian up for the victory!
Winner: Taka Michinoku!
Jim Ross: What a debut from Taka Michinoku! I definitely look forward to seeing more from this young man here on Raw!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Hopefully he learns to speak English!
Jim Ross: Well folks, we'll be right back after this quick commercial break!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: And we're back, folks!
Jim Ross: It looks like tonight we have several new superstars making their debut, and up next we're about to see this man, Jeff Jarrett, make his return to the WWF!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Let's send to Michael Cole to see what Double J has to say!
As the camera cuts to the back, Michael Cole is standing by with "Double J" Jeff Jarrett with Debra by his side.
Michael Cole: Thanks, King! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm standing by with the returning Jeff Jarre...
Jeff Jarrett suddenly snatches the microphone from Michael Cole and shoves him out of the way. With the microphone in hand, Jarrett looks into the camera, ready to speak.
"Double J" Jeff Jarrett: Thanks for the introduction, but no thanks! Jeff Jarrett needs no introduction! These people know who I am! You see, good 'ol "Double J" is making his return to the World Wrestling Federation, and as I look around, I see all these guys running their mouths. And do you know what that does to me? It pisses me off! Now, when I got to the arena tonight, I was expecting to see my name at the top of the list, but no... No. They put "Double J" in a match against some nobody named Eddie Guerrero! Jeff Jarrett should be fighting for championships, not against losers like this Eddie Guerrero! That just pisses me off!
???: Woah, woah, woah, ese...
As an unfamiliar voice is heard, Jeff Jarrett looks to his right, as "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero steps into view.
"Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero: Some nobody, huh, ese? Look man, I'll show you some nobody in just a few minutes, man. And I guarantee you, ese, when that bell rings... I'm going to really piss you off!
Jeff Jarrett looks shocked to hear what Eddie Guerrero has to say. As Eddie simply smiles, he walks off, leaving the scene.
"Double J" Jeff Jarrett: You already pissed me off! Come on, Debra!
Jeff Jarrett suddenly storms off, taking Debra by the hand with him.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Did you hear that, JR? Latino Heat just pissed Jeff Jarrett off!
Jim Ross: I did, King, I did. This should be one heck of a match!
Jeff Jarrett vs. "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero
(Singles Match!)
As the bell sounds, Jarrett storms out of his corner, hammering Guerrero with a series of lefts and rights. Jarrett hammers away on Eddie, as the referee wanrs him to back off. As Jarrett backs away, he turns his attention to the crowd, taunting them with a cocky attitude. As Jarrett turns around, Eddie nails him with a dropkick! As Jarrett stumbles back into the corner, Eddie begins hammering away at him. Eddie pulls him out of the corner and nails him with a suplex. Eddie keeps it hooked and nails Jarrett with another. After a third suplex, Eddie goes to the top, getting the crowd fired up. As Eddie is not paying attention, Jarrett gets to his feet and hits the ropes. Jarrett pulls Eddie down and nails him with the Stroke to get the victory!
Winner: "Double J" Jeff Jarrett!
As Raw cuts to the back, a car comes speeding through the parking garage. As the camera focuses on the car. As the door opens, Bret "The Hitman" Hart steps out of it, and slams the door behind him.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ahh! What's he doing here, JR? He's... He's supposed to be in the hospital!
Jim Ross: Well King, I guess he checked out early!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: This isn't good, JR!
Jim Ross: Let's hope he didn't hear all the stuff you've been saying all night!
Bret Hart snatches open the door to the arena and storms inside, as Raw fades to commercial.
Jim Ross: Welcome back, folks! Moments ago, Bret Hart, who was supposed to still be in the hospital, arrived at the Selland Arena! And I think he's headed our way!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: He better keep away from ringside, JR! I don't want to have to put him back in the hospital!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ahh!
Jim Ross: Here he comes!
The curtain tears open, as Bret Hart comes storming out onto the stage. With a pissed off look on his face, Bret makes his way down the ramp. As he walks around the ring, he snatches up a microphone and pulls himself up onto the apron. As Bret enters the ring, he pulls off his shades and hooks them on the front of his shirt.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart: Cut the music! Jerry Lawler, shut your damn mouth before I come over there and shut it for you just like I did at the Royal Rumble! You're nothing but a pathetic sellout to the piece of crap Vince McMahon!
"Sell-out! Sell-out! Sell-out!"
The crowd begins to chant "Sell-out" and cheer for the Hitman!
Bret "The Hitman" Hart: Vince McMahon! At the Royal Rumble you did it once again! You screwed me! I bet it felt good, huh, Vince? I bet you enjoyed every swing you took at me with that steel chair, didn't you? Well Vince, I hope you enjoyed it. I hope you got every last bit of enjoyment out of it because I guaran-damn-tee that come Wrestlemania... I will get my hands on you!
"No Chance" blares through the arena, as the crowd begins to roar with a massive round of boos. The curtain slings open, as an arrogant Vince McMahon steps out onto the stage with a microphone in his hand. As the music slowly fades out, McMahon brings the microphone up to his mouth to speak.
Mr. McMahon: Bret... you son of a bitch! You're supposed to be in the hospital!
Bret "The Hitman" Hart: Well McMahon, it looks like your plan at the Royal Rumble didn't work after all... did it? I got out of the hospital this morning, Vince, and the doctors cleared me to come here and kick your ass in front of all these people!
Mr. McMahon: Kick my ass, huh? You can kiss my ass, Bret! You want to fight someone? I'll give you someone to fight! Tonight, it'll be the Rock and Big Bossman... against you. And... who's someone else I hate? Ahh, yes. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin!
The crowd erupts in cheers, as McMahon has teamed up both Bret Hart and Steve Austin to take on two members of the Corporation, the Rock and Big Bossman, later tonight!
"Austin! Austin! Austin!"
Jim Ross: Bah god, this one is gonna be huge!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Haha! The Corporation is going to kill two birds with one stone, JR! They're gonna take out Austin and Bret in the same night!
Bret Hart paces the ring thinking about the match McMahon has just made.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart: Me and Austin, huh? If that's what it takes to beat the hell out of the Corporation... then so be it! But Austin... you better stay out of my way!
As Bret finishes speaking, he drops the microphone. He stares straight at Vince McMahon as Raw Is War fades to commercial.
Jim Ross: Welcome back, folks! If you're just tuning in, you missed a blockbuster announcement! Mr. McMahon just announced the Rock and Big Bossman versus Bret Hart and Stone Cold!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Bret and Austin are gonna get their butts whooped, haha!
Jim Ross: That isn't all the Corporation is doing tonight, King. The Big Show takes on K-Kwik up next!
The Big Show vs. K-Kwik
(Singles Match!)
As Big Show and K-Kwik made their way out, the crowd was on fire, roaring with boos for Big Show, who had Shane McMahon at ringside with him. As K-Kwik charged at Big Show, he was caught with a massive Big Boot! The Big Show pulls Kwik up and lifts him up... He slams him down with a massive Chokeslam for the victory!
Winner: The Big Show!
Jim Ross: What a dominant force! Big Show tossed K-Kwik around like a ragdoll!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: He's an unstoppable force, JR! And in the Corporation... he's even more dangerous!
Jim Ross: Talk about dominant force... our next match is definitely going to feature one. Mark Henry has been on a roll as of late, and in just a few moments, he will be defending the Hardcore Championship!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Ohh, Mark Henry is one mammoth of a man, JR! I feel bad for whoever his opponent is tonight!
Jim Ross: Whoever it is, I am sure it will be a go...
JR is suddenly interrupted, as "No Chance" rips through the arena. As the curtain slings open, Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, the Rock, the Big Show, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, and the Big Bossman all make their way out.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Yes! I love these guys!
Jim Ross: Ohh, would you stop kissing their asses? What are they doing back out here so soon?
The Corporation make their way into the ring, as Mr. McMahon asks for a microphone. As their music fades out, Mr. McMahon prepares to speak.
Mr. McMahon: If I...
The crowd begins to roar with boos, cutting off McMahon before he can really get anything out.
Mr. McMahon: Shut the hell up! Shut up! All of you! I'm trying to speak, dammit!
As the crowd grows even louder, the Corporation begins to yell at the crowd, demanding them to shut up for Mr. McMahon to speak.
Jim Ross: These fans sure are letting them have it, King!
Jerry "The King" Lawler: Would they just shut up already? I'm ready to hear what McMahon has to say!
Mr. McMahon: At the Royal Rumble... Bret Hart got what he deserved! And that's why tonight, the Rock and Big Bossman are going to put him back in the hospital! At the Royal Rumble, the Corporation added its newest member... the Big Show! He was this close... this close, I tell you, to winning the Royal Rumble! And I'll tell you what... If he had... then he would be bringing home the World Wrestling Federation Championship at Wrestlemania!
The crowd begins to roar with boos at the thought of McMahon and the Corporation having the WWF Championship in their hands.
Mr. McMahon: Day by day, I am adding more members. And at the Royal Rumble... one man impressed me. The Big Bossman told me this man gave him all he could handle and more. And dammit... I'm impressed! Mark Henry... I want you to come on out here. I want to personally extend my hand to you. Come on out, Mark. Come on out.
The crowd stirs at the mention of the "World's Strongest Champion" by Vince McMahon and his offer to join The Corporation. The crowd boos the members standing in the ring, but fall silent as a now familiar tune blares through the Selland Arena.
"The King of the Hardcore Jungle" Mark Henry makes his way from the back wearing a dark blue singlet with the letters WSM emblazed on his back. The WWF Hardcore Championship is draped over Henry's shoulder as he makes his way to the ring with a confident look on his face. Bossman is standing in the ring clearly still feeling the effects of the brutal assault by the "Silverback". Mark stares into the ring to the members of Vince McMahon's Corporation as he climbs the steps to enter with no fear. Mark walks across the ring in front of everyone and grabs a microphone from the ringside attendant raising it to address The Corporation.
Mark Henry: You wanted the World's Strongest Man's attention... you got it. You wanted to shake my hand for destroying your boy, or did you have another reason for calling me out here?
Henry ignores everyone else in the ring and stares directly at Vince who shows some signs of intimidation standing across from the "Silverback". Henry stares a hole through Mr. McMahon as awaits his answer. McMahon slowly brings the microphone to his mouth, as he calms Bossman down.
Mr. McMahon: Mark... You gave the Big Bossman all he could handle at the Royal Rumble. And there aren't many people who can do that. So I'm going to make you an offer, Mark. I... want you to join us in the Corporation. I want you to be the newest member. What do you say, Mark?
McMahon extends his hand, offering it to Mark Henry. Henry stares at the hand of Mr. McMahon for what seems like an eternity before he looks back into his eyes. Mark then raises his microphone to his lips to speak to the Chairman.
Mark Henry: You want me to join the Corporation? Me? Mark Henry? The World's Strongest Champion in the Corporation? Why? What can you do for me, Mr. McMahon, that would make the Silverback want to join your Corporate family?
Mark stands patiently waiting the response from the Chairman who looks a bit shaken by the events not unfolding as he planned. As McMahon thinks for a moment, an evil smirk rolls across his face.[/b]
Mr. McMahon: Henry... trust me. I can make you a very... rich man. I can offer you opportunities at things others don't get. Opportunities at titles. Opportunities for main events. Henry, as a member of the Corporation... you have unlimited possibilities. So... what do you say... Mark? Are you with us? Or... are you against us?
McMahon extends his hand once more, offering Henry the opportunity of a lifetime. The "King of the Hardcore Jungle" stands and stares at the Chairman of the WWF before scanning over the other members of the Corporation. Mark looks on at the members ready to pounce should he reject the offer before he grabs Mr. McMahon's hand and gives it a firm shake before raising his microphone to speak.[/color]
Mark Henry: You have a deal Vince, but--
Henry pulls Mr. McMahon really close and clamps down on his hand. Mr. McMahon is clearly in pain with his hand being crushed by the WSM. The Corporation are about to attack Mark when he finishes his statement.
Mark Henry: If you or any of your boys decide to screw the World's Strongest Man it will be the last thing that any of you do!!
Mark releases Mr. McMahon's hand and looks around at the other members of his new stable before they begin to leave the ring for Henry to defend his Hardcore Championship.
Jim Ross: Oh god, King, Mr. McMahon now has a hold on the most dangerous man in the World Wrestling Federation today.
Jerry "The King" Lawler: That's right, JR, and god help anyone who crosses the Corporation now!
"World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry vs. "Sycho" Sid
(Extreme Rules/Pin Falls Count Anwhere: Hardcore Championship!)
As Mark Henry is already in the ring, Sid comes out to surprise everyone in the Selland Arena! As Sid enters the ring, he immediately starts trading blows with Henry! Henry and Sid go back and fourth, until the match spills to the outside. Henry sends Sid crashing into the steel steps, as he finally gains control. Henry snatches up a chair from ringside and slams it over Sid's back. As Henry beats Sid over the back over and over again with the chair, the crowd begins to boo him. As Sid pulls himself up and leans against the ring post, Henry swings the chair... Sid ducks the chairshot and slides into the ring. As Henry follows him into the ring, Sid kicks him in the gut and lifts him up for a Chokeslam! Before Sid can slam Henry, he drops him, feeling the pain in his back from the chairshots. Henry lifts Sid up and nails him with the World's Strongest Slam! As Sid lays on the ground, Henry hits the ropes. Henry jumps up and nails Sid with the World's Biggest Splash to pick up the victory.
Winner & Still Hardcore Champion: "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry!
[/center]
