I am excited to write my first blog as the new WWE Women’s Champion. This has been a true underdog story, and a new chapter has just begun.
Going into the Vengeance match, I knew that I had my work cut out for me. I had many "giants" to face. I faced Melina’s training history. I faced everyone saying that I would never be a contender in the ring — just eye candy. I faced peer pressure, long-held wrestling traditions and my own self-worth as a wrestler.
I decided a few months ago in my heart of hearts that going for my wrestling dreams and winning the championship was what I wanted. I dedicated everything to getting ready for my match at Vengeance! One thing I knew, going into this match I was ready to give everything I had. I was not going to let myself down. On my days off I did everything I could to prepare in the ring so I could take everything I learned into this match.
Going into Vengeance to face my "giants," I was no longer scared. I was ready to look every one of them in the eye, knowing I was ready. I was mentally prepared, physically trained and prayers made me ready to do battle. I knew that at this Night of Champions, one way or another I was going to be victorious.
The moment that I won the gold, so many feelings poured out of me (literally). I felt proud, was excited, shocked and had tears of joy. This was the first time I held the title, and it was due to hard work and dedication. I fought with all I had, and to be victorious gives me chills as I write this. When my hand was raised and the championship was handed to me — my hands began to tremble. (All I could think was, “Please don’t drop it! Hehe.”) Since my career began in WWE as a contestant in the Diva Search contest (where I didn’t even make it through the top 20) to winning the title, it has truly been a dream come true. When I was offered a spot in the WWE, I knew this is where my dreams lay. Almost three years later, I am now living my dream. (Big smile on my face! :)) I had no idea how hard this would be, but I have only begun to show you what I have to offer. To be able to crumble the "giants" I faced was history in the making.
This week at WWE, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, and I have faced "giants" on many levels. I have realized I don’t need to face these "giants" alone: God is ready to do battle with me. I can only imagine the "giants" that I will have to face now that I am champion. But, I will not back down I will stand up and fight and I will face the giants head on!!!!!! So if you’re not ready to bring it, bounce ‘cause I’m bringing it. Who will go mano a mano conmigo?!? (Give me your best shot!) To the fans, thanks for your support, and I will bring my heart to the table for you, that’s my promise!
The champ,
Candice Michelle xxx
Thursday, July 5, 2007
WWE tag team champs Lance cade N Trevor murdoch
The fact that Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch are World Tag Team Champions is not a fluke. That thought was put to rest at Vengeance: Night of Champions when they defeated the Hardys for the second straight time to retain their gold.
The previous time the two teams met with the tag team championship on the line, the Hardys had competed in an exhausting Ladder Match less than 24 hours earlier. Many of our fans were crying foul and labeled the new champions illegitimate title holders.
Now that argument is no longer relevant. But has it been Cade & Murdoch’s new sportsmanship kick that’s given them the edge? Has competing within the legal parameters of WWE’s officiating made them focus more on their acquired in-ring skills and less on finding ways to cheat to win?
“No… the difference is that everybody’s paying attention to Cade & Murdoch now – bottom line,” said Murdoch, his net hat skewed to the side and his wiry sideburns sprouting off his cheeks like Amazon brush. “We’ve always been good. As a matter of fact, we’ve always been the best – it’s just taken a while longer for us to get noticed.”
But getting noticed hasn’t been an easy task for these two Superstars. On WWE.com in mid-April, the duo harangued their critics in an anger-filled diatribe. Cade said it then – “We’re the best tag team in the business.” Now that he’s proven that statement true and been doing it without diverting from the rules – for the most part – it’s time to keep beating people up, which in turn, shuts their critics’ mouths.
“We’ve been playing by the rules, which makes people skeptical of us, and that’s fine,” said an unusually composed Cade. “We’re still going to do whatever it takes to win and keep the tag team championship, whether or not people refer to us as ‘fake sportsmen.’ We’re going to do whatever we have to do to ensure that these titles stay in our possession.”
Discrediting Cade & Murdoch’s newfound sportsmanship, some may say it’s easy to pass judgment on them. It’s usually thrown out in conversation involving the two without taking into account the amount of time they spend together to discuss strategy, train and ultimately, dissect what works and what needs tweaking in their dynamic.
“We are best friends; we ride together; we drive together; we stay together on the road; we work out together; we eat together,” said Cade. “That’s why our chemistry, our psychology is better than anyone else’s and that’s why we’re champions.”
Not many tag teams out there can honestly claim to possess the same type of relationship. The obsession with becoming – and staying – champions puts these two with each other more than they are with their families. Whether you like them or hate them (the latter obviously being the easiest), it’s hard to deny Cade & Murdoch have earned their keep in WWE.
Now the question shifts – when other teams begin to zero in on their titles, will their willingness to abide by the rules be the first thing Cade & Murdoch abandon?
“Who cares what anyone has to say?” uttered Murdoch. “We’re champions and we’re going to stay champions. You don’t like it? Too bad, get used to it.”
The previous time the two teams met with the tag team championship on the line, the Hardys had competed in an exhausting Ladder Match less than 24 hours earlier. Many of our fans were crying foul and labeled the new champions illegitimate title holders.
Now that argument is no longer relevant. But has it been Cade & Murdoch’s new sportsmanship kick that’s given them the edge? Has competing within the legal parameters of WWE’s officiating made them focus more on their acquired in-ring skills and less on finding ways to cheat to win?
“No… the difference is that everybody’s paying attention to Cade & Murdoch now – bottom line,” said Murdoch, his net hat skewed to the side and his wiry sideburns sprouting off his cheeks like Amazon brush. “We’ve always been good. As a matter of fact, we’ve always been the best – it’s just taken a while longer for us to get noticed.”
But getting noticed hasn’t been an easy task for these two Superstars. On WWE.com in mid-April, the duo harangued their critics in an anger-filled diatribe. Cade said it then – “We’re the best tag team in the business.” Now that he’s proven that statement true and been doing it without diverting from the rules – for the most part – it’s time to keep beating people up, which in turn, shuts their critics’ mouths.
“We’ve been playing by the rules, which makes people skeptical of us, and that’s fine,” said an unusually composed Cade. “We’re still going to do whatever it takes to win and keep the tag team championship, whether or not people refer to us as ‘fake sportsmen.’ We’re going to do whatever we have to do to ensure that these titles stay in our possession.”
Discrediting Cade & Murdoch’s newfound sportsmanship, some may say it’s easy to pass judgment on them. It’s usually thrown out in conversation involving the two without taking into account the amount of time they spend together to discuss strategy, train and ultimately, dissect what works and what needs tweaking in their dynamic.
“We are best friends; we ride together; we drive together; we stay together on the road; we work out together; we eat together,” said Cade. “That’s why our chemistry, our psychology is better than anyone else’s and that’s why we’re champions.”
Not many tag teams out there can honestly claim to possess the same type of relationship. The obsession with becoming – and staying – champions puts these two with each other more than they are with their families. Whether you like them or hate them (the latter obviously being the easiest), it’s hard to deny Cade & Murdoch have earned their keep in WWE.
Now the question shifts – when other teams begin to zero in on their titles, will their willingness to abide by the rules be the first thing Cade & Murdoch abandon?
“Who cares what anyone has to say?” uttered Murdoch. “We’re champions and we’re going to stay champions. You don’t like it? Too bad, get used to it.”
WWE Diva Kristal talk with Transsformers star Tyrese Gibson
When sensual SmackDown Diva Kristal isn’t pampering herself at the spa with the other sexy Divas or spending time with fiancé, SmackDown GM Theodore Long, she enjoys interviewing others.
Even though the gorgeous Diva enjoys talking to other fine celebrities, she felt especially honored to have the opportunity to interview multi-talented actor and recording artist-songwriter, Tyrese Gibson.
The suave Transformers heartthrob was also pleased to take time out of his busy schedule to talk to Kristal. Just one day before the Fourth of July, Tyrese left her breathless:
Kristal: So, what’s going on with you lately? You have this new movie coming out,Transformers, where you’ve brought the old Transformers cartoon to life. What was it like working on the film?
Tyrese: It was lovely. I’ve never experienced anything like this. It was a whole lot of energy. If you know anything about Michael Bay, he’s known for being a very difficult person to work with as far as a director…
Kristal: Uh oh… [laughs]
Tyrese: But when I actually got to the set, to actually experience everything for myself, I understood it then. He’s just one man who’s trying to conduct 750 people everyday. He likes to keep everybody on edge so that they get bring their A-game to the set, you know?
Kristal: Absolutely.
Tyrese: I got a much better level of respect for him now after I worked for him. I understand the process. But for the most part, this is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of. Last night, I went to go see the movie with my little brother and people were telling me that they’ve waited in line for six-seven hours to go see it.
Krystal: Wow…that is crazy. … So, were you a fan of the cartoon?
Tyrese: I did watch the cartoons, yes.
Kristal: Did you feel upstaged at all by the alien robots and special effects?
Tyrese: No, actually I didn’t. You know, we all have a role to play and as long as we stay in our lane, then everything’s gonna be special.
Kristal: [Laughs]
Tyrese: So, I had to do my part. Without me, the actors in the film and the robots wouldn’t have made any sense. I feel like a well-paid accessory.
Kristal: [Laughs]
Tyrese: I want you to see the movie. Have you seen it already?
Kristal: No, I haven’t seen it at all.
Tyrese: Ohhh…you gotta go see it today.
Kristal: Today…well, maybe I’ll go take my little brother to go see it.
Tyrese: You should do that. The special effects are groundbreaking. I think the special effects in this movie are going to win a few Oscars. I just like all the things that have to do with the Transformers. Sometimes when you see special effects in movies, they like to have things going on that’s far away that you can’t really see up close. But to see the special effects in Transformers and be so close to the screen, you can see things moving and it’s just crazy. It’s mind-blowing stuff.
Kristal: Wow … that’s awesome. So, tell me about the character you play in Transformers. How did you get involved in the film?
Tyrese: Well, Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg invited me, and I just kinda showed up. You know, It’s much more pressure to get invited to be a part of a movie versus having to be in an audition.
Kristal: Oh, absolutely.
Tyrese: It’s like they're all looking at me wondering so what’s he gonna do?
Kristal: Absolutely. It’s a lot of pressure. As we all know, you’re a man of many talents—you’re a successful actor, recording artist, and songwriter. What’s your focus these days? Are you primarily focusing on your films or your music career or trying to do both equally? And how difficult is it to divide your time to do different kinds of projects?
Tyrese: You know what? I look at myself as an octopus: I got a lot of different arms.
Kristal: [Laughs] Oh yeah? That’s a good analogy.
Tyrese: I can have my hands in a lot of different places. I’m just able to do a lot of things. It’s like having one brain and a lot of arms. I just like to stay busy. I love keeping busy, and I love trying to figure out ways to change the game. I also love the fact that I’ve taken on the responsibility of hope. I love the fact that little kids can get up and do something with their life because they see me doing so many things. There are kids out there looking at me and saying that they want to be like Tyrese, and I hold that with regard. I love that, and I try my best to walk down the right path so that kids have more to reach for.
Kristal: Are you involved in any charity organizations or anything of that nature?
Tyrese: Absolutely. I’ve been raising money to help build the state-of-the-art Boys and Girls Youth Center out in the city of Watts [in California]. Let me give you an example of hope: I got a little brother that’s 14 and right now, he already started his first company. It’s called Gibson Water & Co. Basically, he’s on the corner right now in Riverside [in California], where it’s hot as hell right now, and he’s selling water, Gatorade and Vitamin Water. He’s with a few coolers on the corner. Yesterday was his first day on the job, and he made about $195.
Kristal: Wow. I wouldn’t expect that from somebody who’s 14 …
Tyrese: Exactly. Here it is Fourth of July weekend—or week I should say—and everybody’s in town to visit their families and you got people waiting at the light and they’re thirsty. So, he’s out there making a killer [earning]and all the money is his. He told me, "Hey, man, I want some fireworks." And I said, "If you want some fireworks, you gotta buy ‘em yourself." So, now he’s motivated to get what he wants, but he’s gonna work for it. You know what I’m saying?
Kristal: Yeah, definitely. So, this is little off topic here. but, do you prefer big budget action films to dramas, and what roles or kind of projects would you like to explore that you haven’t yet in the future?
Tyrese: I just want to do projects that me and my team consider to be great projects. A lot of people that win Oscars aren’t necessarily in $200 million budget [films], you know? So, I just wanna go after the right projects. If you do a series of bad projects, then that’ll be your last project.
Kristal: So what can we expect from Tyrese in the future?
Tyrese: Well, I am in an R&B group now.
Kristal: Really!?!
Tyrese: Yeah.
Kristal: What’s the name of the group?
Tyrese: It’s called TGT. It stands for Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank.
Kristal: Ginuwine and Tank’s in it too? Oh, wow! I really like their music. When’s the album coming out?
Tyrese: December. In December, we’re doing a tour called The Shirts Off Tour.
Kristal: Okay…. [giggles]
Tyrese: TGT made an announcement recently that when we do this tour, we’re putting a ban on all men from attending the concerts.
Kristal: [laughs] Well, you know, if you need any women in the audience, I know a couple of Divas who would not say no to an invitation…so…
Tyrese: I got you covered. You just let me know what you need, and it’s done.
Kristal: Hey, no problem. I’ll be there front row … I’ll keep my shirt on, but you can definitely take yours off. How ‘bout that?
Tyrese: Absolutely. We’re gonna do our part.
Kristal: That sounds good. How many times have people come to you and asked you to sing “Lately?”
Tyrese: Well, I just did it the other day at a wedding. People got a lot of favorite songs. Whatever song they love, they want to hear it and they make their requests.
Kristal: Tyrese, could you sing a little bit of that for me? Please.
Tyrese: Sing what? “Lately?” Okay. You ready?
Kristal: I’m ready.
Tyrese then sings, to Kristal's delight.
Kristal: Thank you so much, that made my day!
Tyrese: You’re welcome.
Kristal: I’m a huge fan, and you also got a lot of fans here at the WWE. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. So, God bless and only positive things for you and your future.
Tyrese: Thank you very much. It means a lot.
Kristal: Aww … you’re welcome very much. I’ll talk to you soon.
Tyrese: Okay, take care. Bye-bye.
Kristal: Bye.
Even though the gorgeous Diva enjoys talking to other fine celebrities, she felt especially honored to have the opportunity to interview multi-talented actor and recording artist-songwriter, Tyrese Gibson.
The suave Transformers heartthrob was also pleased to take time out of his busy schedule to talk to Kristal. Just one day before the Fourth of July, Tyrese left her breathless:
Kristal: So, what’s going on with you lately? You have this new movie coming out,Transformers, where you’ve brought the old Transformers cartoon to life. What was it like working on the film?
Tyrese: It was lovely. I’ve never experienced anything like this. It was a whole lot of energy. If you know anything about Michael Bay, he’s known for being a very difficult person to work with as far as a director…
Kristal: Uh oh… [laughs]
Tyrese: But when I actually got to the set, to actually experience everything for myself, I understood it then. He’s just one man who’s trying to conduct 750 people everyday. He likes to keep everybody on edge so that they get bring their A-game to the set, you know?
Kristal: Absolutely.
Tyrese: I got a much better level of respect for him now after I worked for him. I understand the process. But for the most part, this is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of. Last night, I went to go see the movie with my little brother and people were telling me that they’ve waited in line for six-seven hours to go see it.
Krystal: Wow…that is crazy. … So, were you a fan of the cartoon?
Tyrese: I did watch the cartoons, yes.
Kristal: Did you feel upstaged at all by the alien robots and special effects?
Tyrese: No, actually I didn’t. You know, we all have a role to play and as long as we stay in our lane, then everything’s gonna be special.
Kristal: [Laughs]
Tyrese: So, I had to do my part. Without me, the actors in the film and the robots wouldn’t have made any sense. I feel like a well-paid accessory.
Kristal: [Laughs]
Tyrese: I want you to see the movie. Have you seen it already?
Kristal: No, I haven’t seen it at all.
Tyrese: Ohhh…you gotta go see it today.
Kristal: Today…well, maybe I’ll go take my little brother to go see it.
Tyrese: You should do that. The special effects are groundbreaking. I think the special effects in this movie are going to win a few Oscars. I just like all the things that have to do with the Transformers. Sometimes when you see special effects in movies, they like to have things going on that’s far away that you can’t really see up close. But to see the special effects in Transformers and be so close to the screen, you can see things moving and it’s just crazy. It’s mind-blowing stuff.
Kristal: Wow … that’s awesome. So, tell me about the character you play in Transformers. How did you get involved in the film?
Tyrese: Well, Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg invited me, and I just kinda showed up. You know, It’s much more pressure to get invited to be a part of a movie versus having to be in an audition.
Kristal: Oh, absolutely.
Tyrese: It’s like they're all looking at me wondering so what’s he gonna do?
Kristal: Absolutely. It’s a lot of pressure. As we all know, you’re a man of many talents—you’re a successful actor, recording artist, and songwriter. What’s your focus these days? Are you primarily focusing on your films or your music career or trying to do both equally? And how difficult is it to divide your time to do different kinds of projects?
Tyrese: You know what? I look at myself as an octopus: I got a lot of different arms.
Kristal: [Laughs] Oh yeah? That’s a good analogy.
Tyrese: I can have my hands in a lot of different places. I’m just able to do a lot of things. It’s like having one brain and a lot of arms. I just like to stay busy. I love keeping busy, and I love trying to figure out ways to change the game. I also love the fact that I’ve taken on the responsibility of hope. I love the fact that little kids can get up and do something with their life because they see me doing so many things. There are kids out there looking at me and saying that they want to be like Tyrese, and I hold that with regard. I love that, and I try my best to walk down the right path so that kids have more to reach for.
Kristal: Are you involved in any charity organizations or anything of that nature?
Tyrese: Absolutely. I’ve been raising money to help build the state-of-the-art Boys and Girls Youth Center out in the city of Watts [in California]. Let me give you an example of hope: I got a little brother that’s 14 and right now, he already started his first company. It’s called Gibson Water & Co. Basically, he’s on the corner right now in Riverside [in California], where it’s hot as hell right now, and he’s selling water, Gatorade and Vitamin Water. He’s with a few coolers on the corner. Yesterday was his first day on the job, and he made about $195.
Kristal: Wow. I wouldn’t expect that from somebody who’s 14 …
Tyrese: Exactly. Here it is Fourth of July weekend—or week I should say—and everybody’s in town to visit their families and you got people waiting at the light and they’re thirsty. So, he’s out there making a killer [earning]and all the money is his. He told me, "Hey, man, I want some fireworks." And I said, "If you want some fireworks, you gotta buy ‘em yourself." So, now he’s motivated to get what he wants, but he’s gonna work for it. You know what I’m saying?
Kristal: Yeah, definitely. So, this is little off topic here. but, do you prefer big budget action films to dramas, and what roles or kind of projects would you like to explore that you haven’t yet in the future?
Tyrese: I just want to do projects that me and my team consider to be great projects. A lot of people that win Oscars aren’t necessarily in $200 million budget [films], you know? So, I just wanna go after the right projects. If you do a series of bad projects, then that’ll be your last project.
Kristal: So what can we expect from Tyrese in the future?
Tyrese: Well, I am in an R&B group now.
Kristal: Really!?!
Tyrese: Yeah.
Kristal: What’s the name of the group?
Tyrese: It’s called TGT. It stands for Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank.
Kristal: Ginuwine and Tank’s in it too? Oh, wow! I really like their music. When’s the album coming out?
Tyrese: December. In December, we’re doing a tour called The Shirts Off Tour.
Kristal: Okay…. [giggles]
Tyrese: TGT made an announcement recently that when we do this tour, we’re putting a ban on all men from attending the concerts.
Kristal: [laughs] Well, you know, if you need any women in the audience, I know a couple of Divas who would not say no to an invitation…so…
Tyrese: I got you covered. You just let me know what you need, and it’s done.
Kristal: Hey, no problem. I’ll be there front row … I’ll keep my shirt on, but you can definitely take yours off. How ‘bout that?
Tyrese: Absolutely. We’re gonna do our part.
Kristal: That sounds good. How many times have people come to you and asked you to sing “Lately?”
Tyrese: Well, I just did it the other day at a wedding. People got a lot of favorite songs. Whatever song they love, they want to hear it and they make their requests.
Kristal: Tyrese, could you sing a little bit of that for me? Please.
Tyrese: Sing what? “Lately?” Okay. You ready?
Kristal: I’m ready.
Tyrese then sings, to Kristal's delight.
Kristal: Thank you so much, that made my day!
Tyrese: You’re welcome.
Kristal: I’m a huge fan, and you also got a lot of fans here at the WWE. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. So, God bless and only positive things for you and your future.
Tyrese: Thank you very much. It means a lot.
Kristal: Aww … you’re welcome very much. I’ll talk to you soon.
Tyrese: Okay, take care. Bye-bye.
Kristal: Bye.
Lashley the number 1 contender for the wwe championship
The job of being a WWE Superstar isn’t always associated with a time clock, where the Superstars punch in and out for their “shifts.” On Raw, however, punching the clock was the name of the game, as it was Beat the Clock night in the American Airlines Center.
Four Superstars scrambled to win their match in the fastest time, with the successful Superstar earning a golden opportunity: a chance to face John Cena for the WWE Championship at The Great American Bash on July 22. When all was said and done, time was on Bobby Lashley’s side, as it was he who beat the clock and walked out of Dallas as Cena’s opponent in the Bash clash.
As Raw went on the air, Lashley, King Booker, Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton made their case as to why they should be the No. 1 contender to Cena’s gold. With Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman away, he placed William Regal in charge, and it was the former WWE Commissioner who came out to make the Beat the Clock announcement.
Orton had the first crack at establishing the time to beat, thanks to his “seniority on Raw,” but had the tough task of facing former Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy to do so. In a hard-fought battle, the Legend Killer scored a victory thanks to a vicious RKO, establishing the time to beat at 7:06.
Next up was King Booker, who had to take on another former Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion, Val Venis. In his first solo match since being drafted to Raw, His Highness proved why he is one of the most decorated Superstars in WWE. The King smashed Orton’s time, downing Venis in 4:30 to set a new benchmark.
Mr. Kennedy was up next, and tried to bargain his way into assured victory. Kennedy’s aim was to set a new record for fastest match in WWE history, so he tried to convince opponent Super Crazy to help him out.
“I need to face John Cena at The Great American Bash. So if you go into the ring and lay down for me,” Kennedy proposed, “maybe we can work something out. Perhaps I can slip a few pesos your way.”
Super Crazy seemed to agree, but ultimately, Kennedy’s plan backfired. As Kennedy began his own ring introduction, the Insane Luchador rolled up the brash Raw newcomer for the surprising pinfall, knocking Kennedy out of the running and leaving King Booker’s time as the one to beat with only one Superstar left.
This development sent The King into bargaining mode. After finding out that Shelton Benjamin would be Lashley’s opponent, King Booker promised Benjamin that if he could survive five minutes with Lashley, he would be rewarded with the first opportunity at the gold should The King go on to defeat Cena.
Shelton agreed, but Lashley had different plans. With a nervous King watching from the locker room, Benjamin did everything he could to go the distance. Unfortunately, with about 30 seconds left, Lashley clobbered the former Minnesota Golden Gopher with a thunderous spear. The pinfall was academic, and Lashley won the match in 4:06 to beat the clock and earn the championship match at The Bash.
That wasn’t the end of his night, however. After beating the clock, Lashley stood face-to-face with Cena to officially sign the contract. Mr. Kennedy and King Booker then charged the ring in protest, with Cena and Lashley banding together to fight them off. But once the threat was thwarted, all alliances were called off as Lashley rocked The Champ with a thunderous spear!
Lashley then stood over Cena as Raw came to a close, holding the WWE Championship aloft and motioning that it would soon be around his powerful waist. While Cena and Lashley seemed to be on friendly terms before then, the two-time former ECW World Champion proved that all bets are off when the WWE Championship is at stake…meaning that The Great American Bash will be a battle no one will ever forget.
Four Superstars scrambled to win their match in the fastest time, with the successful Superstar earning a golden opportunity: a chance to face John Cena for the WWE Championship at The Great American Bash on July 22. When all was said and done, time was on Bobby Lashley’s side, as it was he who beat the clock and walked out of Dallas as Cena’s opponent in the Bash clash.
As Raw went on the air, Lashley, King Booker, Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton made their case as to why they should be the No. 1 contender to Cena’s gold. With Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman away, he placed William Regal in charge, and it was the former WWE Commissioner who came out to make the Beat the Clock announcement.
Orton had the first crack at establishing the time to beat, thanks to his “seniority on Raw,” but had the tough task of facing former Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy to do so. In a hard-fought battle, the Legend Killer scored a victory thanks to a vicious RKO, establishing the time to beat at 7:06.
Next up was King Booker, who had to take on another former Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion, Val Venis. In his first solo match since being drafted to Raw, His Highness proved why he is one of the most decorated Superstars in WWE. The King smashed Orton’s time, downing Venis in 4:30 to set a new benchmark.
Mr. Kennedy was up next, and tried to bargain his way into assured victory. Kennedy’s aim was to set a new record for fastest match in WWE history, so he tried to convince opponent Super Crazy to help him out.
“I need to face John Cena at The Great American Bash. So if you go into the ring and lay down for me,” Kennedy proposed, “maybe we can work something out. Perhaps I can slip a few pesos your way.”
Super Crazy seemed to agree, but ultimately, Kennedy’s plan backfired. As Kennedy began his own ring introduction, the Insane Luchador rolled up the brash Raw newcomer for the surprising pinfall, knocking Kennedy out of the running and leaving King Booker’s time as the one to beat with only one Superstar left.
This development sent The King into bargaining mode. After finding out that Shelton Benjamin would be Lashley’s opponent, King Booker promised Benjamin that if he could survive five minutes with Lashley, he would be rewarded with the first opportunity at the gold should The King go on to defeat Cena.
Shelton agreed, but Lashley had different plans. With a nervous King watching from the locker room, Benjamin did everything he could to go the distance. Unfortunately, with about 30 seconds left, Lashley clobbered the former Minnesota Golden Gopher with a thunderous spear. The pinfall was academic, and Lashley won the match in 4:06 to beat the clock and earn the championship match at The Bash.
That wasn’t the end of his night, however. After beating the clock, Lashley stood face-to-face with Cena to officially sign the contract. Mr. Kennedy and King Booker then charged the ring in protest, with Cena and Lashley banding together to fight them off. But once the threat was thwarted, all alliances were called off as Lashley rocked The Champ with a thunderous spear!
Lashley then stood over Cena as Raw came to a close, holding the WWE Championship aloft and motioning that it would soon be around his powerful waist. While Cena and Lashley seemed to be on friendly terms before then, the two-time former ECW World Champion proved that all bets are off when the WWE Championship is at stake…meaning that The Great American Bash will be a battle no one will ever forget.
Return of the Game (Triple HHH) on monday night RAW
In addition to crowning a new Intercontinental Champion and lining up John Cena’s next challenger for the WWE Championship, Raw’s highlights also included clips from Triple H’s arduous road to recovery from a torn right quadriceps. Although The Game wasn’t there in person, just seeing the 10-time World Champion back on the TitanTron screen had many of our fans at the American Airlines Center buzzing.
“When The Game returns, he’s putting WWE on notice,” predicted Jack Sanhall of Irving, Texas. “Look at what he accomplished after coming back from injury in 2002 — he not only won the WWE Title a fifth time, he became a five-time World Heavyweight Champion as well. There’s no way anyone will stop Triple H from becoming an 11-time World Champion.”
“Those Triple H promos have made my week,” stated Red Oak resident Ann-Marie Nuhaltz. “Now I only need Shawn Michaels to come back too. I’d love to see those two in the ring again.”
No one knows the condition of HBK, who at Judgment Day last May suffered a potential career-ending concussion at the hands — and boot — of Randy Orton. Dallas local Victor Flores thinks that alone should provide extra incentive for the returning Game, who last January tore his right quad while he and Michaels battled Orton and Edge at New Year’s Revolution.
“Personally, I think he should stop off at SmackDown first,” Flores said. “That way, he can kick the crap out of Edge, then go back to Raw and get some revenge against Orton. That ought to be his first priority; let ’em all know that you can’t get away with hurting the Cerebral Assassin or his friends.”
Back in March, Triple H informed WWE.com that his rehabilitation had been progressing so well that he hoped a SummerSlam return was feasible. Judging from the video shown on Raw Monday night, the Biggest Party of the Summer might become the homecoming site for one of WWE’s greatest Superstars.
“I think Triple H will go after The Champ [Cena],” said Waxahachie-based WWE fan Rod Williams, “but I also want to see him go after some of Raw’s new guys, like Snitsky or Kennedy. Definitely Kennedy; somebody needs to shut that guy up, big-time.”
Good point. So good, in fact, that WWE.com asks Williams how he thinks The Game might fare against Bobby Lashley. “Wow, that would be good,” the teen replied enthusiastically. “Lashley’s one of my favorites, and I hope he’s right about what he said tonight — that he won’t be an uncrowned champion much longer. If Lashley can beat Cena at The Great American Bash, putting him in the ring against Triple H would make a great WWE Title Match…maybe one of the best.”
For now, inside sources either can’t or won’t confirm exactly when Triple H will make his return. However, as the sold-out American Airlines Center crowd demonstrated on Raw Monday night, one thing is certain: Once it is time again to play The Game, our fans are going to enjoy every moment of it.
“When The Game returns, he’s putting WWE on notice,” predicted Jack Sanhall of Irving, Texas. “Look at what he accomplished after coming back from injury in 2002 — he not only won the WWE Title a fifth time, he became a five-time World Heavyweight Champion as well. There’s no way anyone will stop Triple H from becoming an 11-time World Champion.”
“Those Triple H promos have made my week,” stated Red Oak resident Ann-Marie Nuhaltz. “Now I only need Shawn Michaels to come back too. I’d love to see those two in the ring again.”
No one knows the condition of HBK, who at Judgment Day last May suffered a potential career-ending concussion at the hands — and boot — of Randy Orton. Dallas local Victor Flores thinks that alone should provide extra incentive for the returning Game, who last January tore his right quad while he and Michaels battled Orton and Edge at New Year’s Revolution.
“Personally, I think he should stop off at SmackDown first,” Flores said. “That way, he can kick the crap out of Edge, then go back to Raw and get some revenge against Orton. That ought to be his first priority; let ’em all know that you can’t get away with hurting the Cerebral Assassin or his friends.”
Back in March, Triple H informed WWE.com that his rehabilitation had been progressing so well that he hoped a SummerSlam return was feasible. Judging from the video shown on Raw Monday night, the Biggest Party of the Summer might become the homecoming site for one of WWE’s greatest Superstars.
“I think Triple H will go after The Champ [Cena],” said Waxahachie-based WWE fan Rod Williams, “but I also want to see him go after some of Raw’s new guys, like Snitsky or Kennedy. Definitely Kennedy; somebody needs to shut that guy up, big-time.”
Good point. So good, in fact, that WWE.com asks Williams how he thinks The Game might fare against Bobby Lashley. “Wow, that would be good,” the teen replied enthusiastically. “Lashley’s one of my favorites, and I hope he’s right about what he said tonight — that he won’t be an uncrowned champion much longer. If Lashley can beat Cena at The Great American Bash, putting him in the ring against Triple H would make a great WWE Title Match…maybe one of the best.”
For now, inside sources either can’t or won’t confirm exactly when Triple H will make his return. However, as the sold-out American Airlines Center crowd demonstrated on Raw Monday night, one thing is certain: Once it is time again to play The Game, our fans are going to enjoy every moment of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
