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RAW #554
1-5-04
The Pyramid
Memphis, Tennessee

It may be a new year, there may be a new sheriff in town, but near the end of RAW, it appeared as if nothing had changed. Evolution is still in control of every championship that a male RAW Superstar can hold, thanks to the efforts of Triple H. When it seemed as if the Dudley Boyz were mere seconds from their 18th run as Tag Team Champions, the World Heavyweight Champ was there to distract the referee long enough for Batista & Ric Flair to gain the upper hand and retain the World Tag Team Championship.

However, while Evolution still holds the Titles, if Sheriff Stone Cold Steve Austin has it his way, the reigns will not be for long. At the Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels will have his promised rematch against Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship, but with a stipulation that will add a new dimension to this storied rivalry. By decree of Sheriff Austin, HBK and Triple H will meet in a Last Man Standing Match, and with the history of these two to bring out the best in each other, this match as all of the makings of a Royal Rumble Classic. On RAW, both competitors gave a preview of what could be events to come as Triple H reacted to the news of the upcoming match by giving Michaels a Pedigree. Later, HBK ruined any celebration by Evolution at the victory for Ric Flair & Batista by giving Triple H some Sweet Chin Music, and RAW ended with Triple H lying motionless in the ring.

If the events that ended RAW did not upset Evolution enough, Austin made sure that there is a chance they may not make it to Royal Rumble with all three championships in hand. After a No. 1 Contender’s Match that saw RVD defeat Mark Henry, next week on RAW, Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton will have to defend the Championship against RVD – a rematch of the Armageddon match that saw Orton win the Intercontinental Championship. RVD was able to battle past the World’s Strongest Man on RAW, will he have enough to surpass the Legend Killer next week?

The Intercontinental Championship scenario was brought about by Theodore Long, who used the favor owed to Mark Henry from Survivor to claim the spot as RAW General Manager for the night. Long’s first act was to order a match between Henry and Orton for the Intercontinental Championship, but Austin stepped in to flash his badge and force Henry to face RVD for the right to challenge Orton.

In other action, Christian and Chris Jericho seemed to put their recent differences aside and teamed together to defeat Hurricane & Rosey. However, the night was not all smiles for Jericho as he received an unpleasant surprise while trying to gain back the affections of Trish Stratus. While Stratus showered after her match with Molly Holly – or at least Jericho thought she showered – Jericho poured his heart to Stratus in an attempt to smooth things over. It turned out that the woman he bore his soul to was not Stratus, but Mae Young, who gave Jericho a gift for his effort that he will probably never forget!

RAW also featured another major development concerning the Royal Rumble as Kane proclaimed that it his he who will win the Rumble for the first time and gain a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Kane claims that last year’s loss due to a double-cross by his brother the Undertaker has only motivated him for the upcoming Rumble, and that last week’s attack on Booker T was revenge for Booker T gaining the opportunity to go to WrestleMania in 2003. However, Booker T entered the ring to defend himself and gained a measure of revenge by sending Kane over the top rope via Clothesline. Booker T announced that he will enter the Rumble with two goals – to send Kane over the top rope, and to win the Rumble to get another shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.

The road to the Royal Rumble has begun and with a Main Event that could reach legendary proportions already in place, it is clear that this event could be a memorable one. Next week, RAW is in the New York City area for the final time before WrestleMania, and when WWE comes to New York, something unforgettable always seems to happen. What will happen at the Nassau Coliseum? Will more RAW Superstars enter the Royal Rumble? What law will Sheriff Stone Cold Steve Austin lay down?

MATCHES:

Spike Dudley defeated Rene Dupree.

Chris Jericho & Christian defeated Hurricane & Rosey.

Steven Richards defeated Test
Trish Stratus defeated Molly Holly via a disqualification.

Rob Van Dam defeated Mark Henry in a No. 1 Contender’s Match.

Ric Flair & Batista defeated the Dudley Boyz.

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FOLEY A NO SHOW; GOLDBERG RETURNS!
Jan. 12, 2004

The more Randy Orton boasts that he is the new Hardcore Legend, the more it seems that his claim could very well be true. On RAW from Long Island, New York – just 15 miles from the home of Hardcore Legend Mick Foley – Orton not only called out Foley, he gave him every incentive to make an appearance on RAW. However, a front row seat for RAW and free limo ride to the arena were not enough for Foley to make an appearance. Orton was certainly ready, as he focused more on Foley than his Intercontinental Championship defense against Rob Van Dam. And the crowd was also ready, as chants of “We want Foley” echoed throughout the night. If there was a ever night for Foley to defend his Hardcore Legend status and refute Orton’s claims, this was it.

But alas, Foley did not show and the seat reserved for Foley stayed vacant the entire night, save a brief stay by Orton himself during his defeat of RVD. But the battle Orton wanted to determine who could claim status as the Hardcore Legend did not take place, and it appears as if the battle will never happen. If Foley did not make an appearance in his own backyard, will he ever do so again?

While Foley did not make a return to RAW, the Coliseum crowd was brought to its feet by the return of a man who made a splash just as big. Goldberg stormed to the ring at the invitation of Stone Cold Steve Austin – who called out any opponent who would like to face an angered Matt Hardy. Not only did Goldberg decimate Hardy, but he also made it clear that his mission has not changed. He will enter the Royal Rumble and claimed that he will win and then regain the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.

Goldberg was involved in a second bombshell moments later when an altercation with Scott Steiner – who also entered the Rumble – led to a challenge for a match next week on RAW!

In other RAW action, after weeks of battling back and forth with Ric Flair & Batista, the Dudley Boyz will have their rematch for the World Tag Team Championship. Moments after Batista defeated D-Von Dudley, it was announced that not only will the two teams meet at Royal Rumble, but they will do so in a Tables Match! The announcement makes the Rumble an even hotter event as the Tables Match will be on a card that already includes the Last Man Standing Match between Triple H and Shawn Michaels, the SmackDown! Match between Brock Lesnar and Hardcore Holly for the WWE Championship, and the Royal Rumble itself. What else is in store for the Rumble?

Speaking of the Last Man Standing Match, Jonathan Coachman joined J.R. and Jerry “The King” Lawler for the second straight week, and this time he also scored a major interview when he hosted Triple H and Michaels in the middle of the ring. The result was an emotional exchange between the former best friends, an exchange that turned dangerous for Coachman himself when Michaels demonstrated just how fast Triple H could become the last man standing when he floored Coachman with some Sweet Chin Music, knocking him unconscious.

RAW also saw a new chapter to the ongoing saga between Trish Stratus and Chris Jericho when Jericho declared that he is finished with Stratus. Moments after Stratus tried to come to Jericho’s aid during his match with Mark Henry, Jericho claimed he would no longer pursue Stratus. However, at the same moment, Stacy Keibler convinced Stratus to confront Jericho with her feelings on their situation. By the time Stratus made her way to Jericho’s locker room, he had left the arena.

Is it over between Stratus and Jericho? Will Green Bay be able to contain Goldberg and Scott Steiner when they meet next week? What other Royal Rumble developments will take place on the final RAW before the big event?

Match Results:
Jazz & Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus & Lita
Goldberg defeated Matt Hardy
Batista defeated D-Von Dudley
Booker T defeated Kane via disqualification
Mark Henry defeated Chris Jericho
Randy Orton defeated Rob Van Dam

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LAST ... BUT NOT LEAST
Jan. 19, 2004

It may be a new year, there may be a new sheriff in town, but near the end of RAW, it appeared as if nothing had changed. Evolution is still in control of every championship that a male RAW Superstar can hold, thanks to the efforts of Triple H. When it seemed as if the Dudley Boyz were mere seconds from their 18th run as Tag Team Champions, the World Heavyweight Champ was there to distract the referee long enough for Batista & Ric Flair to gain the upper hand and retain the World Tag Team Championship.

Interim General Manager Jonathan Coachman began RAW by issuing a challenge to all 15 WWE Superstars who will represent RAW in the Rumble on Sunday: After a series of Advancement Matches, the winners would end the evening with a #30 Over The Top Rope Challenge to determine the final entry at the Rumble. The final field was narrowed before the Challenge even began when Spike Dudley – who scored an upset over Kane via disqualification – could not enter the Challenge because of a brutal post-match assault by Kane.

The #30 Challenge quickly narrowed down to the final three – Randy Orton, Mark Henry and Goldberg. Despite suffering a beating throughout the match, Goldberg was able to eliminate Henry, leaving himself one-on-one with Orton. Despite the presence of Evolution cohorts Ric Flair and Batista at ringside, Goldberg not only eliminated Orton for the win, but he did it as only he knows how – an incredible Press Slam from the center of the ring, all the way over the top rope and on top of Flair and Batista. Although the elite from both RAW and SmackDown! will enter the Rumble on Sunday, can anybody throw one of the most dangerous men in the history of sports entertainment over the top rope when he will be the final to enter the ring? Watch Royal Rumble and find out!

In other action, the stakes between Randy Orton and Mick Foley were raised when Stone Cold Steve Austin entered the mix. After witnessing a brutal Randy Orton: Hardcore Legend commercial, Austin entered the ring and offered an ultimatum to Foley – arrive at Royal Rumble to defend his honor, or Austin will personally go to Foley’s home and literally drag him to Philadelphia! One week ago, Foley refused to go to RAW in his own backyard despite a free ticket and transportation, will he answer Austin’s challenge and travel nearly three hours to the Rumble? Only one way to find out … watch Royal Rumble exclusively on pay-per-view!

RAW also saw build-up to the Tables Match between the Dudley Boyz and Batista & Ric Flair take a new twist when the Dudleys showed exactly how quickly and proficiently they can send somebody crashing through a table. After Randy Orton defeated the Hurricane in an Advancement Match, Rosey entered the ring to check on his tag team partner. While Flair & Batista celebrated with Orton, they began to attack Rosey, bringing the Dudleys to the ring. During the brawl, the Dudleys brought a table into the ring and attempted to send Flair through it, but he was saved by Batista. The events brought an angry Coachman to the ring to demand the Dudleys put the table away and leave. For his troubles, Coachman was sent crashing through the table himself, courtesy of a 3-D! Clearly the Dudleys are willing to put anybody through a table at any given moment ... does this give them the edge heading into Royal Rumble? Find out on Sunday!

2004 has begun with a bang and the first pay-per-view promises to be even more explosive. Who will be the last man standing? Will every member of Evolution still have a Championship after Royal Rumble? Will Mick Foley answer Austin’s call? Only one way to find out … watch Royal Rumble exclusively on pay-per-view and tune into RAW next week at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
RVD & Booker T defeated Christian & Matt Hardy in an Advancement Match Chris Jericho defeated Rene Dupree in an Advancement Match
Mark Henry defeated Rico in an Advancement Match
Spike Dudley defeated Kane via disqualification in an Advancement Match Goldberg defeated Test and Scott Steiner in a Triple Threat Advancement Match Jazz defeated Lita
Randy Orton defeated Hurricane in an Advancement Match
Goldberg won the #30 Over The Top Rope Challenge

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FOLEY RETURNS; BENOIT DROPS A BOMBSHELL
Jan. 26, 2004

For seven weeks, Randy Orton mocked Mick Foley. He called him a coward. He discredited Foley’s status as Hardcore Legend. His claims were so strong and so loud that even Foley’s friends began to wonder if Orton was telling the truth. On RAW, it became clear that Orton’s efforts did not put to rest the legend of Mick Foley … all Orton did was awaken a raging beast. Now Mick Foley is back, but this time he has hatred in his heart. And if Orton and Evolution thought they had their hands full the last time Foley was around, they may be in for the shock of their lives.

In an outburst reminiscent of the Mick Foley from several years ago, Foley called Orton’s claims of Hardcore Legend status “one big pile of crap,” and proceeded to back up his words with actions … namely, Foley took on Orton, Ric Flair and Batista, forcing all three from the ring with a steel chair. As they retreated up the ramp, the looks on the faces of the Evolution members said one thing – the Hardcore Legend has returned.

While Foley did not make his intentions clear as to whether he would again compete in the ring, it was clear that he would stop at nothing to defend himself from all of Orton’s verbal and psychological assaults. Foley proved that he is no coward, as Orton claimed, and appeared to be intent on taking on anybody who would try to prove otherwise. Does this mean that Foley is back for good? Watch RAW to find out!

In other action on RAW, just when it seemed as if the rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Triple H was about to open yet another chapter, a new and unprecedented twist appeared that shook the very foundation of RAW. While the two were in the process of challenging each other after their draw at the Royal Rumble, Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared and laid down the law – saying that Royal Rumble winner Chris Benoit, a SmackDown! Superstar, had the right to challenge for either Championship and called Benoit to the ring to make his decision. Benoit stunned the Hershey crowd by saying that he would face the World Heavyweight Champion – a RAW Superstar – at WrestleMania XX, whomever that Champion may be. It now appears as if the battle for the World Heavyweight Championship has three prime contenders with Triple H, Michaels and Benoit engaged. As Benoit’s appearance on RAW suggested, with seven weeks remaining until WrestleMania, anything can happen!

While Benoit seemed to be in all of his glory after his performance at Royal Rumble, one man who did not share Benoit’s joy is Eric Bischoff, who was fuming after a SmackDown! Superstar won the Rumble for a second consecutive year. On RAW, Bischoff’s growing tension with SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman grew even further when Heyman threatened a lawsuit if Benoit appeared on RAW. What will Bischoff do to diffuse this situation? Tune into RAW to find out!

The Royal Rumble may be over, but the shockwaves from that event have not died down by a long-shot! Goldberg claimed once again that SmackDown! Superstar Brock Lesnar is next, what does he have in mind? What is next for the ongoing saga between Mick Foley and Randy Orton? Who is the next challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship? Will Eric Bischoff find a way to avoid legal action due to Chris Benoit’s decision to meet the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XX? Only one way to find out … tune into RAW next week when Chris Jericho & Christian have a match to determine No. 1 Contender for the World Tag Team Championship at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Ric Flair, Randy Orton & Batista defeated Rob Van Dam & Chris Jericho
Victoria & Lita defeated Molly Holly & Jazz
Bubba Ray Dudley defeated Kane by disqualification
Rico defeated Rob Conway
Goldberg defeated Jonathan Coachman

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AN UNEASY ALLIANCE
Feb. 2, 2004

Despite his greatest effort at the Royal Rumble, even though Triple H was unable to answer a ten count during their Last Man Standing Match, and as much as Stone Cold Steve Austin himself admits that he deserves a rematch, Shawn Michaels has been reduced to spectator status as the World Heavyweight Championship goes up for grabs at WrestleMania XX. On RAW, that reality became painfully clear to Michaels, who was unable to fully embrace the reality that his shot will not come although he never lost the match at the Rumble.

Michaels is the odd man out, and despite Austin’s challenge for HBK to do something about it, by evening’s end, he seemed as if he has run out of options. The one choice Michaels could make, he did – forming what was termed an “uneasy alliance” with Chris Benoit. Benoit, who won his RAW debut over Mark Henry, shared a handshake with Michaels after Benoit’s presence helped stave off an attack from Triple H. As much as the shake signified agreement, the look in Michaels’ face made it clear that he is not satisfied – Benoit has what Michaels wants … something HBK may have to carry to WrestleMania.

If there is any consolation for Michaels, he was victorious over Randy Orton in a non title match, thanks to the presence of Mick Foley. Michaels scored the pinfall over Orton when Foley walked down the aisle, causing a distraction that Michaels took advantage of. Earlier in the night, Orton had used his Intercontinental Championship Belt to attack and knock out Foley, declaring that Foley was “still (Orton’s) bitch.” At the end of the evening, Foley got his revenge.

In other action on RAW, for the second straight week, strange events surrounded the presence of Kane as the paranormal continued. During his match with Goldberg, Kane seemed to have the upper hand when suddenly the lights went out and a bolt of lightning hit the ring. When order was restored, the surreal continued when Goldberg seemed ready to attempt a Jackhammer. Suddenly, the lights again went out and smoke filled the ring, sending both Goldberg and the referee out of the ring, and leaving Kane to ponder the recent events he has faced. Who or what is causing these paranormal occurrences to follow Kane? Watch RAW next week to see if these events continue.

And if the sight of Chris Benoit on RAW last week was enough to make Paul Heyman's blood boil, just imagine how he felt this week! In the second straight bombshell from the RAW side, Stone Cold Steve Austin gave Goldberg the opportunity to see Brock Lesnar up close and personal. At No Way Out -- a SmackDown! event where Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Championship against Eddie Guerrero -- Goldberg will not only be in attendance ... but he will sit in the front row, thanks to Austin! Austin told Goldberg to not only represent RAW but to represent the good nature of Stone Cold Steve Austin as well, and concluded with some ominous words, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

RAW also saw the confirmation of last week’s rumor that Playboy Magazine is looking for the hottest WWE Divas to feature in an upcoming issue. And it seemed as if RAW is the home to the hottest of them all as Stacy Keibler made her way to the ring for the second straight week to join Miss Jackie and Rico. And if the site of Keibler and Miss Jackie standing together was not enough to send the Penn State University crowd into a frenzy, Keibler’s dance with Miss Jackie surely was. Keibler declared that herself and Miss Jackie are the two hottest WWE Divas … and nobody seemed willing to offer disagreement!

Will Shawn Michaels remain a silent partner to Chris Benoit despite being the odd man out? Will Mick Foley continue his crusade against Randy Orton? Will Matt Hardy’s recent losing streak continue after he lost to Booker T on RAW? And, how will the team of Christian and Chris Jericho handle a loss to Ric Flair & Batista in their World Tag Team Championship Match? Only one way to find out … watch the first ever RAW next week from Portland, Oregon at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Chris Benoit defeated Mark Henry
Rico defeated Rene Dupree
Trish Stratus vs. Kane ended in a No Contest
Goldberg vs. Kane ended in a No Contest
Booker T defeated Matt Hardy
Triple H defeated Spike Dudley
Ric Flair & Batista defeated Chris Jericho & Christian
Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton in a Non-Title Match

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MICHAELS DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT; THE DEAD WILL RISE AGAIN
Feb. 9, 2004

When asked what he was going to do about being the odd man out of the World Heavyweight Championship hunt, Shawn Michaels picked the right place and right time to make perhaps the loudest and most emphatic statement of his storied career. With one kick to the face of Chris Benoit and one signature to a contract not meant for him, Michaels made it clear that his personal journey for the World Heavyweight Championship will not be disrupted, no matter what he has to do.

On RAW, moments after Benoit scored one of the biggest victories of his career when he forced Ric Flair to tap out, the moment was overshadowed by horror and confusion for the man who survived 29 other men in a record-setting Royal Rumble victory. Just as he was about to sign the contract to meet Triple H at WrestleMania XX, Michaels entered the ring and announced that he will finish what he started with Triple H on March 14 whether anybody else likes it or not. When Benoit refused Michaels' attempt to convince him not to participate in the match, HBK found his way into the mix when he hit Benoit with his Sweet Chin Music and signed the contract instead of Benoit, leaving RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff in a legal nightmare. Was this part of the plan all along for Michaels and Triple H? Stay tuned to find out!

With Benoit legally earning an opportunity at Triple H at WrestleMania via his Royal Rumble victory but Michaels’ name on the contract, who will face Triple H at WrestleMania XX? At this point, there is no answer as Bischoff must consult with his attorneys. However, in the meantime, a dejected Benoit will have his shot at revenge next week on RAW when he faces Michaels one on one. Will Bischoff have an answer as well? Tune in to find out.

Revenge quickly became the theme of the night on RAW as Mick Foley made it clear that his rivalry with Randy Orton is not finished. He even took it to a new level when he revealed that he was not the only one to walk away from a challenge. Foley uncovered information that Orton – a former United States Marine – once went AWOL and was discharged as a result. Using the information to challenge Orton, Foley stated that if Orton wants to claim to be a legend, the only way he can do so is at WrestleMania XX with a match against Foley. However, Orton quickly turned the tide when he challenged Foley to meet that very moment in the catering area. There, Foley was met by not only Orton, but Ric Flair & Batista as well and he suffered a savage assault that included being thrown through a table by Batista. At the end of the evening, after Orton defeated Booker T and Rob Van Dam in a Triple Threat Match, Foley limped his way to ringside and challenge Orton again, only to suffer an RKO.

While Foley was down, he proved that he will not stay that way. What does this mean for Orton as WrestleMania XX approaches? Only one way to find out – watch RAW as the countdown to WrestleMania XX continues!

Speaking of revenge, will there be revenge attempted on Kane from beyond the grave? After defeating the Hurricane, Kane was stunned when the paranormal events that he has recently faced began once again, this time with a message -- In 34 days, the dead will rise again. With a loud gong, Kane was left with a question that may burn him until WrestleMania ... is this the work of the Undertaker?

In other action, Goldberg’s efforts to gain revenge on Brock Lesnar seemed to be tripped up when Mr. McMahon made a shocking appearance on RAW that was overshadowed only by the site of SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman in the RAW ring. After a confrontation in the ring that included Heyman threatening Goldberg if Goldberg should interfere with Brock Lesnar’s match at No Way Out, Goldberg earned a suspension. Mr. McMahon declared that Goldberg would be suspended for attempting a Spear on McMahon – a Spear that Goldberg accidently hit Stone Cold Steve Austin with. Mr. McMahon said to Bischoff that if Goldberg does more than merely observe Lesnar’s match at No Way Out, it is going to be bad news for Bischoff. Will Goldberg do more than sit and observe No Way Out? Order No Way Out exclusively on pay-per-view to find out and see that fallout on RAW next Monday!

Less than a month from WrestleMania XX, RAW comes to you next week live from Bakersfield, California. Will the situation involving the World Heavyweight Championship Match at WrestleMania XX be resolved? What will happen when Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit meet face to face? Only one way to find out … watch RAW next week at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Chris Jericho & Trish Stratus defeated Matt Hardy & Molly Holly
Chris Benoit defeated Ric Flair
Kane defeated Hurricane
Randy Orton defeated Booker T and Rob Van Dam in a Triple Threat Match

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TRIPLE THREAT AT WRESTLEMANIA XX ... 'CAUSE STONE COLD SAID SO
Feb. 16, 2004

Less than 24 hours after the SmackDown! pay-per-view event, “no way out” seemed to be the theme for RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff. A month from WrestleMania XX, Bischoff was faced with perhaps the toughest decision of his tenure – who would face Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship – Shawn Michaels or Chris Benoit. With Triple H demanding and answer and Stone Cold Steve Austin prepared to take the law into his own hands without a response from Bischoff, the GM seemed backed into a corner. By evening’s end, he finally came to a conclusion with a shocking result:

At WrestleMania XX, for the first time in history, the World Heavyweight Championship will be defended in a Triple Threat Match when Triple H defends the Championship against both Michaels and Benoit! Ironically, Bischoff asked his nemesis Austin to deliver the news to Triple H – who ended RAW enraged by the announcement that he will have two opponents to defend the Championship against at WrestleMania XX. And, to make matters worse for himself, Triple H ended any speculation that he and Michaels were working together against Benoit when he entered the ring after the Michaels’ victory over Benoit, and delivered a Pedigree to Michaels. Now, at WrestleMania, Triple H will have two angry opponents to deal with!

The decision by Bischoff did not lessen his problems as he is a week away from perhaps the fight of his life. The Monday Night War seemed to be rekindled when Bischoff declared to Austin that he could beat Mr. McMahon in a fight based on Mr. McMahon’s track record in the ring, age, and Bischoff’s experience with Karate. Little did he know that Mr. McMahon was standing right behind him when he made his statement! An infuriated Mr. McMahon announced that next week, he would appear on RAW to make a bombshell announcement concerning WrestleMania XX … and he would do so in his wrestling gear. Mr. McMahon repeated his warning that interference by Goldberg at No Way Out would mean bad news for Bischoff, and since Goldberg did in fact interfere, McMahon will meet Bischoff next week, one-on-one!

RAW also saw history made when new World Tag Team Champions were crowned. The Evolution duo of Ric Flair & Batista seemed to have their match with Rob Van Dam & Booker T in hand when Mick Foley made a sudden appearance to attack Randy Orton – who had gone to ringside in support of his fellow Evolution members. With Batista distracted by Foley, RVD & Booker T had an opportunity to double-team Flair, and emerged victorious as World Tag Team Champions.

Evolution would have a measure of revenge moments later when Orton called Foley out for an Unsanctioned Fight and during that battle, Flair & Batista joined Orton for a three-on-one on Foley and unleashed a vicious assault that left Foley in the hospital. It seems that the stakes in the rivalry between Foley and Orton are raised each week. What will happen next? Stay tuned to find out!

In other action, the situation between Chris Jericho, Christian and Trish Stratus took a new twist when Christian seemed to go against his claims that he is Jericho’s best friend. Shortly after Jericho professed to Christian that he wanted to be “more than just friends” with Stratus, and asked Christian to hold the rose he bought for Stratus, Jericho was hospitalized after an assault from Kane on Jericho’s already injured knee. Later, while celebrating her victory with Victoria over Molly Holly & Jazz, Stratus tried to fend off an assault from Test on Victoria and Steven Richards. When Test appeared to be in position to seriously injure Stratus, Christian ran to the ring to save the day. Moments later, Christian gave Stratus the very rose Jericho had asked him to hold!

With the road to WrestleMania XX entering its final stages, the action on RAW has never been hotter. After one of its worst nights in recent memory, how will Evolution respond? Does Triple H have a plan up his sleeve for his two WrestleMania XX opponents? How will Mick Foley react to the beating he took at the hands of Evolution? Most importantly, what will Mr. McMahon do when he gets his hands on Eric Bischoff? Only one way to find out … watch RAW next week live from Omaha, Nebraska at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Booker T & Rob Van Dam defeated Ric Flair & Batista to win the World Tag Team Championship

The match between Chris Jericho and Kane was ended due to an injury to Jericho

Trish Stratus & Victoria defeated Molly Holly & Jazz

Shawn Michaels defeated Chris Benoit

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INTERRUPTIONS APLENTY
Feb. 23, 2004

Mr. McMahon had to know that it was going to be a wild night. After all, before he even arrived at the arena, history was made on RAW when Victoria won an elimination match over Lita, Jazz and Molly Holly to capture the Women’s Championship. From there, the night spun out of control, so much so that even Mr. McMahon could not bring order and, as a result, WrestleMania is already living up to its billing as the most dramatic and exciting of events.

The plan was for Mr. McMahon to do two things on RAW: First, he was going to make a major announcement concerning WrestleMania XX. Afterwards, he was going to meet RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff one on one in a match that would seemingly bring the Monday Night War to a new level. However, four interruptions later, Mr. McMahon’s evening was not exactly ruined, just shaken up completely.

First, as Mr. McMahon prepared to make his major announcement, Stacy Keibler’s music hit and the WWE Diva ventured to the ring along with Miss Jackie. Keibler stated that she wanted to prove that the RAW tandem were the hottest Divas in WWE on the “biggest stage of them all” at WrestleMania. After some positive reinforcement from the Divas, McMahon announced that WrestleMania will feature the first-ever Playboy Tag Team Evening Gown Match featuring the RAW duo of Keibler & Miss Jackie against the SmackDown! team of Torrie Wilson & Sable.

When it seemed as if it were finally time to get to business and make his announcement, Kane’s music hit and he stormed to the ring and demanded the opportunity to finally end his brother, the Undertaker. Mr. McMahon granted his wish and announced that Kane will meet the Undertaker at WrestleMania and added some chilling words to the match … “somebody will rest in peace.”

Mr. McMahon then finally made his announcement and seemed to indicate that the requested Brock Lesnar-Goldberg match at WrestleMania could not take place because there was not anybody who could control the two. The attempted announcement brought Stone Cold Steve Austin to the ring to protest as he felt that not giving the fans the match they wanted would be a violation of the law. Austin offered to be the one to keep the two participants under control as special guest referee and McMahon announced that the match will indeed take place on March 14 with Austin as the referee.

With the interruptions seemingly over, McMahon prepared for his match with Bischoff and, with Austin serving as referee, it seemed as if the Monday Night War would finally take place. However, just moments into the match, the final – and most shocking – interruption took place when Lesnar himself climbed into the ring while Austin’s attention was focused on the action outside the ring between McMahon and Bischoff. When Austin turned around, he fell victim to an F-5, ending the evening and spoiling the much anticipated match between McMahon and Bischoff. Exactly what did Lesnar hope to accomplish with such action? Will Austin be able to remain impartial as referee? Stay tuned to find out!

In other action, Mick Foley was not in attendance on RAW as he is still suffering ill effects from last week’s savage assault at the hands of Evolution. However, he also ended any speculation about another retirement during an interview with Jim Ross. In fact, Foley seems far from retired as he announced that he will return to RAW next week in Atlanta and that Evolution will have "hell to pay." What does Foley have in store for the men who attacked him? Find out next week!

RAW also featured an escalation in hostilities surrounding the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania when Chris Benoit interrupted Triple H during a rally of sorts for the World Heavyweight Champion and his Evolution cohorts. The interruption led to an assault on Benoit by Evolution, an assault that brought Shawn Michaels to the ring to seemingly defend Benoit. However, in a shocking turn of events, Benoit put Michaels in the Crippler Crossface. After Benoit defeated Batista one on one, it was announced that Benoit & Michaels will have to team next week to face Batista & Randy Orton. Can these two soon-to-be opponents get along for one night to work together as a team? Watch RAW next week to find out.

As the Road to WrestleMania enters the home stretch next week, will any other shocking developments occur? Will Stone Cold Steve Austin have a reaction to his attack by Brock Lesnar? What does Mick Foley have in store for Evolution? Can Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels work together as a tag team? What will happen next in the saga between Trish Stratus, Chris Jericho, and Christian after Christian unleashed a savage beating on Stratus during their match on RAW. Only one way to find out – watch RAW next week at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Victoria defeated Jazz, Molly Holly, and Lita to win the Women's Championship
Randy Orton defeated Val Venis
Chris Benoit defeated Batista
Rob Van Dam & Booker T defeated La Resistance
Christian defeated Trish Stratus
Mr. McMahon vs. Eric Bischoff ended in a no contest

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A ROCK & SOCK REUNION
March 1, 2004

More than a decade after establishing himself as perhaps the most hardcore superstar to ever enter the ring, Mick Foley is still gaining a legendary status by embracing the unconventional. After months of humiliation at the hands of Evolution and only two weeks after a savage assault that even left the Hardcore Legend scared, Foley entered RAW with revenge on his mind. And moments after entering the ring to face off with Evolution once again, Foley proved that when you are the Hardcore Legend, 13 can be a lucky number as 13 days before WrestleMania, Foley’s luck has never been better and Evolution’s may have just run out.

In 13 days, on the biggest stage of them all, the Rock & Sock Connection will reunite when Foley & The Rock will face Evolution’s Randy Orton, Batista & Ric Flair in a Tag Team Handicap Match. When Foley received no help from the back two weeks ago as Evolution nearly destroyed him during one of the most vicious assaults in the history of sports entertainment, Foley turned to perhaps the one man he can truly trust. On RAW, The Rock made his appearance and proclaimed that at WrestleMania, the most electrifying tag team match-up of all time will take place, and that Evolution just agreed to, "the ass-kicking of a lifetime."

Speaking of WrestleMania XX, the news regarding the upcoming pay-per-view event came fast and furiously on RAW as three additional matches were added to what is an already loaded card. First, after Victoria scored yet another pinfall on Molly Holly during a tag team match that saw Victoria & Lita victorious over Holly & Jazz, an enraged Holly demanded a match for the Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. After proclaiming that she would “do anything” to regain the Championship, Stone Cold Steve Austin held Holly to her words by adding a stipulation. Not only will Holly challenge Victoria for the Women’s Championship, but should Holly lose the match, she will be forced to shave her head!

Also, the World Tag Team Championship will be on the line at WrestleMania when Rob Van Dam & Booker T – who defeated Matt Hardy & Test on RAW – will defend the Championship in a Fatal Four Way Match. Two of the opponents are already known – Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak -- who defeated the Hurricane & Rosey to advance to WrestleMania, and La Resistance. However, the third will not be known until this Sunday when the Dudley Boyz meet Val Venis & Lance Storm in a Qualification Match on HEAT.

Finally, it seems as if the brewing tension between Christian and Chris Jericho will come to a head at WrestleMania when the two will meet one on one. On RAW, Christian entered the set of The Highlight Reel thinking that Jericho was not in attendance due to his knee injury. After announcing the WrestleMania match, Christian was stunned to find that Y2J was in fact in attendance after all. The two engaged in what was a preview of things to come and it appears as if thanks to Christian's attack on Trish Stratus a week ago, the friendship is over and WrestleMania could be a grudge match for these two.

In other action, the question as to whether or not Shawn Michaels & Chris Benoit could co-exist as a team was answered with unfortunate results for Michaels and Benoit. The two were unable to work as a team for most of their match with Batista & Randy Orton, and not only did they lose the match, but they also fell victim to an attack from Triple H after the match. After both HBK and Benoit fell victim to the Pedigree … will the trio competing for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania be able to stay apart for one more week before they finally get the chance to face each other in the ring?

RAW also saw the reaction of Stone Cold Steve Austin to last week’s assault by Brock Lesnar. Austin made it clear that he will call the match between Lesnar and Goldberg at WrestleMania, “right down the middle,” but he will not be afraid to use force with either man if such force is necessary. Austin’s statement brought out Mr. McMahon, who tried to criticize Austin for last week’s actions. As seems to be the usual case in the long-standing Austin-McMahon rivalry, Austin seemed to get the last laugh when he chased Mr. McMahon to his limo via his ATV and actually ran over the limo! However, Austin’s ATV was later towed away. Was Mr. McMahon behind this? Will Mr. McMahon continue to antagonize Austin leading up to WrestleMania? Stay tuned to find out!

The final stop on the Road to WrestleMania is Bridgeport, Connecticut where RAW will air live next week. Will The Rock & Sock Connection make an appearance? How will Evolution react to the challenge they will now face? What other 11th hour developments for WrestleMania XX will take place?

Match Results:
Victoria & Lita defeated Molly Holly & Jazz
Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak defeated Hurricane & Rosey
Randy Orton & Batista defeated Shawn Michaels & Chris Benoit
Rob Van Dam & Booker T defeated Matt Hardy & Test

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EVOLUTION SPOILS THE PARTY
March 8, 2004

The Rock came to Bridgeport to celebrate the life of Mick Foley and the fact that WrestleMania will be where it all begins … again, for the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection. By the end of the evening, it looked as if the pay-per-view event could be the end for this legendary duo if Evolution has their way. As much as the Foley/Rock tandem still represents one of the most formidable tag teams to ever enter the ring, Evolution still has strength in numbers … and on RAW, it showed when Evolution destroyed the Rock 'n' Sock Connection, ruining The Rock's "This is Your Life" segment to honor Mick Foley.

With only six days to prepare for WrestleMania, can The Rock & Foley overcome a major numbers disadvantage? Can they rebound from a vicious assault at the hands of their opponents on RAW? Find out at WrestleMania.

While Evolution has all of the confidence in the world heading into Sunday’s pay-per-view event, it is Christian who has perhaps earned the right to be cocky above all others. Despite her absence from RAW to continue rehabilitation, Trish Stratus played a central role in Christian getting the best of Chris Jericho not once, but twice. After an earlier sneak attack by Christian on Jericho while Jericho spoke with Stratus on his cell phone, Jericho lost his match to Steven Richards when Stratus's music suddenly started playing and Jericho turned to look at the entrance ramp ... only to find that it was Christian who was entering the arena. With Jericho's back turned, Richards rolled him up for the pinfall victory. Jericho may have a score to settle with his former best friend at WrestleMania, but with his mind seemingly more on his love interest than his upcoming match, can he overcome the crafty Christian? Only one way to find out … order WrestleMania on pay-per-view!

Elsewhere on RAW, perhaps the most stirring single moment during the Road to WrestleMania took place at the beginning of the evening when a casket was placed in the ring. The site of the casket brought out Kane, thinking that perhaps the Undertaker was lying inside. Kane’s efforts revealed an urn inside the casket that led to an angry declaration that it will take more than an urn to defeat Kane at WrestleMania. And the powers from beyond proved that Kane will face more than just an urn at WrestleMania when the lights dimmed, the gong sounded, and the earth moved, literally. Kane was stunned when the very ring below his feet was lifted in the air, proving that Kane will face more than an angry opponent at WrestleMania, but the spirit and soul of the Undertaker who Kane thought he had finished off. In six days the dead will rise … will Kane be ready? Find out at WrestleMania!

Also on RAW, Stone Cold Steve Austin dropped a bombshell when he announced that he will go to SmackDown! this week to reclaim his ATV that was towed thanks to Brock Lesnar a week ago. With Austin and Lesnar in the same arena just days before WrestleMania, anything can happen. Don't miss SmackDown! to see exactly what happens when Stone Cold brings his brand of law enforcement to SmackDown!

The Road to WrestleMania is over for the Superstars of RAW. Next stop: Madison Square Garden where WrestleMania XX comes to you live this Sunday exclusively on pay-per-view. Who will leave the biggest stage of them all with Championships hoisted in the air? Will the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection be able to overcome perhaps the biggest odds they have ever faced? Watch WrestleMania to find out … and see all of the fallout from WrestleMania XX on RAW next week, live from the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
La Resistance & Garrison Cade & Mark Jindrak defeated The Dudley Boyz & Booker T & Rob Van Dam

Randy Orton, Ric Flair & Batista defeated Rosey & the Hurricane

Chris Benoit defeated Matt Hardy

Molly Holly defeated Lita

Steven Richards defeated Chris Jericho

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MR. MCMAHON DROPS A BOMBSHELL!
March 15, 2004

WrestleMania XX may be in the record books, but the spirit behind the greatest event in the history of sports entertainment is still very much alive. On RAW, the theme of it all beginning … again, was very much in the air as Mr. McMahon dropped a bombshell announcement that rocked the very foundation of World Wrestling Entertainment. Indeed, WWE will begin again … and it will happen next week on RAW!

When RAW is next broadcasted live from Detroit, for the first time in more than a year, the Superstars of RAW and SmackDown! will come together under the same roof on a Monday night. According to Mr. McMahon, the spirit of a new beginning behind the WrestleMania event was so powerful that it is time for a new day to dawn in WWE. He said it is time for a shake-up, where new Superstars come together, new rivalries form, and new matches can be enjoyed by the fans of WWE. So, next week, there will be a lottery to form new rosters for both the RAW and SmackDown! programs, and nobody is exempt from being sent from one side to the other. Partnerships may be split, factions could be divided, and Superstars who are currently Champions could very well be in a position where they will have to drop their Championship. As Mr. McMahon said, even members of his own family are not exempt from this lottery!

So what does all of this mean? Less than 24 hours after winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, will Chris Benoit be sent back to SmackDown!? In that case, who will be the World Heavyweight Champion? Will Evolution remain a foursome? How about teams such as the Dudley Boyz and La Resistance, who have experienced much success together? Will they be forced to split up? Don’t miss what will be one of the most important weeks of RAW and World Wrestling Entertainment as a whole in history! New battle-lines will be drawn. New partnerships and rivalries formed. A new day is dawning for WWE. Don’t miss it!

If Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H are heading for a split of their recent three-way rivalry, on RAW there were no signs of it. Both Triple H and Michaels allowed for no grace period for the new World Heavyweight Champion to enjoy his reign as Benoit was immediately put on the defensive. With Triple H out of action with an arm injury from WrestleMania, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff set a match between Benoit & Michaels against Randy Orton, Batista & Ric Flair. While Benoit & Michaels functioned as a cohesive unit and scored the win – thanks to the presence of Mick Foley – it was perhaps only for one night. Between next week’s lottery and the fact that Michaels said he was only siding with Benoit to, “protect (his) investment” and make sure he has an opportunity to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, it seems that if Benoit and Michaels continue on the same roster after next week, their paths will cross once again.

In other action, WrestleMania seemed to end nothing for the on-going rivalry between Chris Jericho and Christian. An angered Jericho could not control his temper and was disqualified during his match with Matt Hardy. Later, Christian and Trish Stratus appeared together to mock Jericho.

Will Christian and Jericho remain on the same roster? If they do, will Jericho have his chance at revenge? How will the new RAW and new SmackDown! take shape, and what will happen to the existing partnerships and rivalries?

Match Results:
Victoria & Lita defeated Jazz & Molly Holly
Matt Hardy defeated Chris Jericho via disqualification
Kane defeated Val Venis
Miss Jackie vs. Stacy Keibler ended in a no contest
Rob Van Dam & Booker T defeated the Dudley Boyz
Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton, Ric Flair & Batista

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A CAREER CHANGING NIGHT
March 22, 2004

In some ways, WrestleMania XX was the greatest event in the history of sports entertainment. In other ways, it was simply the calm before the storm. Eight days after WrestleMania, on one of the most wild nights in the storied history of RAW, it all began, again ... over and over again. And by the end of the night, the foundations of both RAW and SmackDown! were rocked with several shocking changes as a result of the draft lottery ordered by Mr. McMahon. Now there are new World Tag Team Champions, Triple H is on SmackDown!, Edge is on RAW, and there is no current SmackDown! General Manager!

The night was headlined by a shocking turn of events involving Triple H and now former SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman took full advantage of the situation by convincing Mr. McMahon to set up a match for the WWE Championship between Triple H and Eddie Guerrero, a SmackDown! main event during RAW! The match featured a dramatic conclusion when Evolution came to aid Triple H for perhaps the final time. Suddenly, all hell broke loose when both locker rooms emptied as a Civil War of sorts began! When RAW went off the air, order had not been restored as the battle had only just begun.

The conclusion to RAW was indicative of an evening of shocking surprises as nobody on either roster was exempt from the draft lottery. So when Heyman himself was drafted by RAW, the now former SmackDown! GM decided he was better off quitting entirely than working for Eric Bischoff and, as a result, the trade deadline has been extended until 9 PM ET Tuesday evening by Mr. McMahon, when a new SmackDown! General Manager will be named and all trades will be announced.

In the ring, the night was headlined by three Championship Matches. While both the World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship remained in place, there are new World Tag Team Champions. The Evolution duo of Batista & Ric Flair regained the Championship as they defeated Rob Van Dam & Booker T. The match would prove to be RVD's final one on RAW as he was later drafted to SmackDown!

It was simply a wild night that not only changed many careers but changed the faces of both RAW and SmackDown! What will the first night out for the "new" RAW bring? How will the RAW Superstars react to the changes? Who will be the first to target the new additions to RAW?

PICKED TO GO FROM RAW TO SMACKDOWN!:
Rene Dupree
Mark Jindrak
Triple H
Rob Van Dam
Theodore Long
Spike Dudley

PICKED TO GO FROM SMACKDOWN! TO RAW:
Shelton Benjamin
Nidia
Rhyno
Edge
Tajiri
Paul Heyman

Match Results:
Chris Jericho defeated Rene Dupree

Kane defeated Rico

Christian defeated Spike Dudley

Batista & Ric Flair defeated Rob Van Dan & Booker T to win the World Tag Team Championship

Chris Benoit defeated Rhyno

Eddie Guerrero defeated Triple H via disqualification

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ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMIN
March 29, 2004

They said he was too young. They said he lacked experience. They said that Shelton Benjamin never had a chance. But on his very first night in his very first match on RAW, Shelton Benjamin not only stunned his Evolution detractors ... he left them gasping in awe when he pinned Triple H's shoulders to the mat. The victory was a huge boost to Benjamin's career. It will be interesting to see if he can carry this momentum into next week.

One thing did seem to go Triple H's way, however, when he was added to the World Heavyweight Championship Match at Backlash. The previously announced match between Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels will now be a Final Encounter Triple Threat Match between the three participants in the WrestleMania main event. With this being the final encounter, who will gain the upper hand during the weeks leading up to Backlash?

Amazingly, the night could have been far worse for Evolution. Earlier in the evening, the new World Tag Team Champions -- Batista & Ric Flair -- defended their Championship against Benoit & Michaels. While the weeks leading up to WrestleMania brought tension and strife between Michaels & Benoit when they teamed together, it seemed as if it was a different story this time around. Michaels & Benoit worked brilliantly together and seemed to score the pinfall to win the World Tag Team Championship. As they celebrated an upset win of their own, guest referee Johnny Nitro (the former Johnny Spade) ruled that Flair, who had been pinned, was not the legal man in the ring and the match was ordered to continue. The emotions of the reversal were too much for Michaels & Benoit to handle and within minutes they were disqualified for punching Nitro.

RAW also saw several other developments regarding the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view event. First, the much anticipated one on one match between Mick Foley and Randy Orton will finally take place, and it seems as if the match will be on Foley's terms. Not only will the Intercontinental Championship be on the line, but Evolution will be banned from ringside and the match will have Hardcore/Street Fight Rules. Also, thanks to his attack on Eric Bischoff last week, Edge will face Kane at Backlash. Finally, Chris Jericho -- after gaining a measure of verbal revenge on Trish Stratus during the Highlight Reel -- will have a WrestleMania rematch with Christian.

With Backlash less than three weeks away, can Evolution rebound from a difficult night? Will Triple H recover from the upset loss to Shelton Benjamin? What is next for Benjamin after the biggest win of his career? What other developments for Backlash will take place?
Match Results:
Nidia defeated Molly Holly
Rhyno defeated Lance Storm
Ric Flair & Batista defeated Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels via disqualification
Tajiri defeated Kane via countout
Shelton Benjamin defeated Triple H

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ADVANTAGE EVOLUTION

With less than two weeks to go before Backlash, the power on RAW may have shifted back to Triple H and Evolution. On a night in Houston that began with Triple H discussing what he deemed the remote odds of Chris Benoit leaving Backlash as World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H and Evolution took a major step in insuring that Triple H will regain the Championship. Moments after RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff announced a special Eight Man Tag Team Match next week on RAW with Evolution facing Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin and Chris Benoit, Triple H and company got a head start on next week’s match by pulverizing Benoit, Michaels and Foley.

With Benjamin already hospitalized from an assault earlier in the evening by Evolution, and the rest of his team left knocked out in the center of the ring, it seems as if the final RAW before Backlash could give Evolution an even greater advantage heading into the pay-per-view event. Can Benoit, Benjamin and company find a way to settle the score next week, or will Evolution gain an insurmountable edge heading into the pay-per-view event? Find out on RAW.

Also on RAW, the road to Backlash continued as the events for the evening became clearer. First, thanks to the aid of Chris Jericho, Lita became the No. 1 Contender for the Women’s Championship by winning a Women’s Battle Royal. Lita last eliminated Trish Stratus as Jericho stood at ringside and distracted Stratus. Seeing her opportunity, Lita knocked Stratus out of the ring and will now face Victoria for the Women's Championship at Backlash. Jericho’s actions against Stratus actually changed the face of his upcoming match with Christian, as it was announced that the match will now be a Handicap Match with Stratus joining Christian against Jericho.

Also, it appears as if Edge will have to make his first match in more than a year one of his best. On RAW, Edge thought he had gotten the best of Kane, only to learn that he will need something more. After Kane defeated Rhyno, Edge came to the ring and attacked Kane with a Spear. Only seconds later, Kane rose up from the Spear and went on the offensive. Only by using the cast on his recently broken arm as a weapon was Edge able to fend off Kane. Will Edge be ready for the toughest of opponents in less than two weeks?

RAW also saw the return of William Regal.  Regal was invited back to RAW by Bischoff with a stipulation … he must be a manager to Bischoff’s nephew, Eugene Dinsmore. Regal happily accepted the task until learning that Dinsmore is what Bischoff termed, “special.” Dinsmore’s unique nature seems to have sent Regal for quite a loop. How will he handle his new position?

The final RAW before Backlash comes to you from Chicago with the Eight Man Tag Team Match already in place. Will Evolution get a knockout punch days before the pay-per-view? What other matches will be added for Backlash?

MICHAELS WINS THE BATTLE ... WHO WILL WIN THE WAR?

On the final RAW before Backlash, Shawn Michaels displayed just how quickly he can end the upcoming Final Encounter Triple Threat Match and become the World Heavyweight Champion. During the chaos that ensued when every member of the Eight Man Tag Team Match between Evolution and Michaels, Chris Benoit, Mick Foley and Shelton Benjamin were involved at one time, Michaels suddenly landed Sweet Chin Music on Randy Orton and won the match for his team. Michaels now seems to have the momentum heading into Backlash when the biggest prize in sports entertainment is on the line.

The upcoming pay-per-view event was a hot topic on RAW as several matches were added, and many of the existing matches saw new developments. Shelton Benjamin will have his latest opportunity to prove just how far he has come. At Backlash, on the heels of his two consecutive victories over Triple H, Benjamin will now have the opportunity against perhaps the greatest to ever enter the ring when he faces Ric Flair at Backlash. And on RAW, Benjamin showed that he is not afraid of Flair when he attacked the Nature Boy just seconds after the match was set.

Also, Tajiri will face Jonathan Coachman after defeating a “five-star ninja” (who turned out to be Al Snow) to earn the match with Coachman.

RAW also saw an escalation of hostilities between Chris Jericho and his Backlash opponents, Christian and Trish Stratus. While Stratus faced Lita in singles action, both Jericho and Christian entered the fray and Jericho suddenly found himself on the receiving end of a vicious assault from both Stratus and Christian. Stratus showed that she has everything it takes to injure Jericho – offering several kicks and slaps as proof that she is not afraid to get in the mix at Backlash. Will Jericho have something up his sleeve for this Handicap Match? Find out at Backlash.

Speaking of escalations, just when it seemed that the tension between Mick Foley and Randy Orton could not be escalated any further, Foley took to the ring to announce that it will in fact be Cactus Jack to meet Randy Orton at Backlash. The Hardcore Legend said that Mick Foley may be too caring about the welfare of an individual such as Orton, but Cactus Jack certainly does not care and will inflict the devastating punishment on Orton that Foley seeks. Therefore, Cactus Jack will get the call at the pay-per-view event.

RAW comes to you next week from Calgary less than 24 hours after the Backlash pay-per-view event. Who will win the Final Encounter Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship? Will Cactus Jack inflict the harm on Randy Orton that was predicted by Mick Foley? What else will Backlash bring to the RAW landscape?

NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS

For Chris Benoit, it was yet another magical moment during what was the homecoming of a lifetime. For Edge, it was the culmination of 14 months of tenacious struggle to get back into the ring on Monday Night RAW after neck surgery. For RAW's newest tag team, it was living proof that hard work can overcome even the greatest odds, as Benoit & Edge captured the World Tag Team Championship in front of their native Canadian fans by defeating Ric Flair & Batista.

Despite competing less than 24 hours after both men endured grueling matches at Backlash, and only moments after suffering an assault at the hands of Evolution, Benoit & Edge won the match when Edge hit Batista with a Spear and scored the pinfall. Now, Chris Benoit enjoys the rare distinction of holding two Championships at the same time as he leaves Calgary -- the very place he trained to become a professional wrestler -- as the World Heavyweight Champion and one half of the World Tag Team Champions.

In other action, it seems as if the rivalry between Chris Jericho and Christian has only just begun. Less than 24 hours after Jericho defeated Christian & Trish Stratus in a Handicap Match at Backlash, Jericho and Christian went one on one to open the evening ... and it was then that this rivalry featured a new twist. While Jericho seemed in firm control of the match, a large man suddenly appeared and attacked Jericho, paving the way for a Christian victory. That man, Tyson Tomko, was brought into the mix by Christian as a "problem solver." Now that Christian has extra muscle on his side, what does this mean for Jericho?

Elsewhere on RAW, Kane promised to make a sacrifice. The Big Red Monster apparently had his sights set on Lita. Luckily for her, Matt Hardy was there to make the save, but Hardy received a Chokeslam for his troubles.

EDGE & BENOIT ... STILL THE CHAMPS

What has been a disastrous eight days for Evolution only got worse on Monday Night RAW when neither Triple H nor former World Tag Team Champions Ric Flair & Batista were able to get any satisfaction. Triple H entered RAW a man on a mission, as he sought another opportunity to win the World Heavyweight Championship. One week before the much anticipated World Heavyweight Championship Match between Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels, Triple H sought a reason for his exclusion from the mix … but all he got was a face full of green mist from Tajiri.

Although Triple H ultimately defeated Tajiri in a one on one match, he clearly was not happy. His frustration would later turn to outright anger when fellow Evolution members Flair & Batista lost their rematch for the World Tag Team Championship with Benoit & Edge, after Edge speared Flair and pinned him to retain the title.

If RAW was a sign of things to come, Benoit’s recent success may very well continue next week. Not only will he carry two championship belts into Phoenix, but he also sent a message to Michaels. When Triple H came to the ring at the end of the evening to attack Benoit, Michaels followed, seemingly on Benoit’s behalf. However, after Michaels hit Benoit over the head with a chair – and while Michaels explained the “accident” to Edge – Benoit recovered and put Michaels in a Sharpshooter. But will Benoit continue his run next week when he faces HBK with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line? Find out on Monday Night RAW.

Even Randy Orton had a difficult evening. After spitting on WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race, Orton was attacked by Shelton Benjamin. Fresh off of two consecutive wins over Triple H and a pinfall victory over Ric Flair at Backlash, Benjamin seems to have picked another member of Evolution to chase. Can Benjamin enjoy the same success against Orton? Stay tuned to find out.

RAW also featured a continuation of last week’s hostilities between Kane and Matt Hardy … but with a new twist. After Lita & Victoria defeated Molly Holly & Gail Kim, Kane entered the ring and stalked Lita … but instead of hurting the WWE Diva, he tried to kiss her. After Lita ran from the ring, and into Hardy’s arms, Kane followed with a vicious assault on Hardy. Later, when the two met one on one, as Kane tried to follow up two consecutive Chokeslams with a Tombstone Piledriver, Lita ran to the ring to aid Hardy. Once again Kane stalked Lita … and this time successfully kissed her! Does this mean that the Big Red Monster has a crush? Will Lita be able to fend off a man that nobody seems to be able to stop? Watch RAW next week to find out.

Next week, Monday Night RAW emanates from Phoenix with the much-anticipated Showdown in the Desert when Chris Benoit defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Shawn Michaels. Don’t miss this classic rivalry at its best when HBK and Benoit meet one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship for the very first time.

He was so close to victory, he could taste it. Shawn Michaels hit the Sweet Chin Music. World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit was lying in the middle of the ring. All Michaels had to do was cover Benoit and the classic Monday Night RAW match would have been over. Michaels was going to become the World Champion once again.

And just as fast as it seemed that HBK would pull off a thrilling victory, the Showstopper was defeated. Triple H said for two weeks that he belonged in this match … and he made his presence felt. With the referee knocked out, Triple H entered the ring and gave Michaels the Pedigree. Benoit then covered Michaels for the win, and Triple H could only smile at ruining the night for Michaels.

RAW also featured a staggering upset in the women’s division when Gail Kim defeated Women’s Champion Victoria in a Non-Title Match when Kim forced Victoria to tap out. Does this mean that Kim will earn an opportunity to become Women’s Champion? Stay tuned to find out.

Also on RAW, the situation involving Kane, Lita and Matt Hardy took a new turn when Hardy appeared on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel. Hardy said he wanted to "make things right" and called Lita to the ring in an attempt to "rectify mistakes" he had made. But seconds after calling Lita to the ring, the Diva appeared on screen from the boiler room where she was tied up by Kane. Hardy quickly ran to the aid of Lita -- Kane had left by the time Hardy arrived -- who was visibly shaken by yet another encounter with the Big Red Monster. 

The fireworks that ended RAW from Phoenix were a mere prelude to the events that will take place next week when Monday Night RAW emanates from San Jose. RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff announced that several huge matches will take place, including a WrestleMania rematch in a steel cage, and an Intercontinental Championship Match.
Match Results:
Shelton Banjamin, Tajiri & Edge defeated Triple H, Batista & Randy Orton
Rob Conway defeated the Hurricane
Kane defeated Steven Richards
Gail Kim defeated Victoria in a Non Title Match
Chris Benoit defeated Shawn Michaels

It was a match with so much meaning to both competitors that Christian called it a "game 7" ... and it lived up to its hype in every way. The most bitter of enemies engaged in the ultimate battle within the confines of a 15-foot high steel cage that has been known to cause serious injury, the two men gave it everything they had, and then some. With the odds even for the first time since Trish Stratus and Tyson Tomko began entering ringside with Christian, Chris Jericho proved to be too much for his former best friend, defeating Christian with the Walls of Jericho.

And just as quickly as the drama of a Steel Cage Match ended for Jericho, a new one began. After calling for an opportunity to compete for the World Heavyweight Championship for two weeks, Jericho will receive his wish next week on RAW ... along with 19 other men. For the second straight week, RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff entered the arena with Johnny Nitro to make a blockbuster announcement. Next week on RAW, there will be a 20-man Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal to determine who will challenge Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship at Bad Blood.

One man who will not be competing in this Battle Royal is Shawn Michaels. One week after suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Benoit, which was marred by interference by Triple H, HBK wasted no time trying to exact his revenge. During the opening match between Triple H and Shelton Benjamin, HBK suddenly ran into the ring and unleashed a vicious assault on Triple H. The action brought out Bischoff, who announced that Michaels was suspended and had HBK escorted from the arena by security. Later, Bischoff announced that the suspension will continue next week.

In other action, Eugene not only overcame a challenge from Rob Conway to win his RAW debut, but he also overcame an attempt at sabotage. Shortly before the match, Bischoff approached William Regal with an offer – if Eugene were to lose his match and ultimately give up his dream of becoming a WWE Superstar, Regal would no longer have Eugene as his responsibility. In addition, he would be returned to the active roster. However, after an attempt by Regal to trip up Eugene, Eugene stunned Conway with a roll-up for the victory. What does this mean for Regal? Is Eugene on the RAW roster to stay? Stay tuned to find out.

RAW also featured another victory by Gail Kim over Victoria. During a Six Diva Tag Team Match, Kim found herself in the ring alone with Victoria, and for the second consecutive week, she made the Women's Champion tap out. Kim seems to have found Victoria's number, but has not had an opportunity to win the Women's Championship. When will that opportunity happen? Watch RAW next week to see if she gets her match.

Next week, Monday Night RAW emanates from San Diego where the new No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship will be determined in a Battle Royal. Also, Kane will be seeking an answer from Lita to an undisclosed question. What does this mean for Lita? Who will go to Bad Blood to face Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship?

Match Results:
Batista defeated Tajiri
Randy Orton defeated Edge
Gail Kim, Jazz & Molly Holly defeated Victoria, Stacy Keibler & Nidia
Eugene defeated Rob Conway
Chris Jericho defeated Christian

When Monday Night RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff suspended Shawn Michaels, he eliminated HBK from being the No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. But, Bischoff never stopped Michaels from being a factor in who will be the man to challenge for the Title at Bad Blood. Just when it seemed as if the heated rivalry between Michaels and Triple H had ended with Michaels' suspension, on RAW it took a whole new twist.

During the over-the-top-rope battle royal to determine the new No. 1 Contender, the final two Superstars in the ring were Triple H and Kane, and after a low blow by Triple H, it seemed that victory was within The Game's reach. However, out of nowhere, Michaels appeared from the crowd and attacked Triple H, throwing him over the top rope and giving the win to Kane. The Big Red Monster will now challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Bad Blood, while Triple H was left with a taste of his own medicine.

It was quite an evening for Kane as he not only won two matches - defeating Val Venis earlier - but he also received a satisfactory answer from Lita to whatever question he posed to her. While the content of the question was not revealed, Lita's answer was "yes." What does this mean for Kane and Lita? Stay tuned to find out.

Also on Monday Night RAW, when it seemed like Eugene did not have a friend in the world, it was revealed that he has one of the best supporters a WWE Superstar could have when The Rock made a stunning appearance in San Diego. After Jonathan Coachman humiliated Eugene and told him to leave the arena and not come back, The People's Champion appeared and made it clear that he indeed is Eugene's friend and a big fan. After coining a new nickname for Coachman, Popcorn Fart, The Rock & Eugene briefly teamed up when Garrison Cade came to the ring to attack. Ultimately, Cade was knocked out of the ring by The Rock, and Coachman fell victim to The People's Elbow ... but the Elbow came from Eugene himself.

Next week, Monday Night RAW emanates from Rockford, Illinois and it is expected that every member of Evolution will be in bad spirits after Monday Night RAW did not go their way this week. How will Triple H react to Shawn Michaels' actions? Will the new No. 1 Contender, Kane, reveal what Lita said "yes" to? What else will happen as the road to Bad Blood continues?

Match Results:
Trish Stratus defeated Lita
Kane defeated Val Venis
Chris Benoit & Edge defeated Randy Orton & Batista
Kane won the Battle Royal to become the No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship

Monday nights have been home to some of the greatest rivalries in the history of sports entertainment. There was Mr. McMahon vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair, Kane vs. Undertaker. The list goes on and on. While each of these rivalries have been filled with excitement, none of them could match the level of emotions involved in the Triple H/Shawn Michaels rivalry. This past Monday night was a perfect example of this.

Still fuming from being eliminated from the 20-man battle royal the week prior, Triple H demanded that Shawn Michaels' suspension be lifted. Clearly, The Game wanted HBK active so that he could get him in the ring and gain a measure of revenge. A wrestling ring, however, was not necessary on this night, as both RAW Superstars were at each other's throats backstage the entire night. Finally, Triple H made his way to the arena and called out his nemesis. By this time, though, General Manager Eric Bischoff was irate because he was losing control of the show. With HBK and Triple H battling out in the arena, Bischoff demanded that the entire RAW roster stop them. Unbelievably, not even the RAW roster could keep these two apart.

Finally, after claiming "enough is enough," Eric Bischoff stated that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would settle their score at Bad Blood in the most unforgiving match ever composed, a Hell in a Cell Match.

Elsewhere on Monday Night RAW, Randy Orton stayed true to his word, saying that he would not award Shelton Benjamin an Intercontinental Title match. Orton then turned his attentions towards the man that was interviewing him on the Highlight Reel, Chris Jericho. The young Intercontinental Champion told Y2J that he would love to add him to the list of legends he has killed off. An all-out brawl quickly ensued. Before long, Batista ran down to make it two on one. Just when it looked like Jericho was in for the beating of a lifetime, Shelton Benjamin took to the ring and evened the sides. During the melee, Bischoff announced that the battling that was going on was about to become official in the form of a tag team encounter. In the end, it was Benjamin scoring the pin on Orton to pick up the "W" for his team.

Something odd is going on between Kane and Lita, and unfortunately for RAW viewers, only two people know the truth... Kane and Lita. One week after after a frightened Lita said yes to Kane's mysterious demands, the two RAW Superstars had an encounter backstage. During the encounter, a mentally exhausted Lita said to Kane, "I thought you said it was over." Kane quickly replied that it was over. In fact, he told Lita that it was all over. Kane's words were mysterious to say the least, as this looks far from over.

Also on Monday Night RAW, Mr. McMahon announced that WWE was looking for the next RAW Diva. If you think you have what it takes to be a part of WWE, simply enter the $250,000 RAW Diva Search.

Match Results:
Edge def. Ric Flair
La Resistance def. The Hurricane & Rosey
Shelton Benjamin & Chris Jericho def. Randy Orton & Batista
Victoria def. Molly in a non-title match
Eugene & Chris Benoit def. Garrison Cade & Jonathan Coachman

The partisan Montreal crowd was delighted, to say the least, when La Resistance -- now residing in Quebec -- defeated Benoit & Edge to win the World Tag Team Championship. The win came moments after Edge inadvertently speared his tag team partner.

Elsewhere on Monday Night RAW, it was announced that Gail Kim will face Victoria for the Women's Championship at Bad Blood (Sunday, June 13 in Columbus, Ohio). And another match was officially made for Bad Blood: Shelton Benjamin defeated Randy Orton on RAW, thus earning a shot at the Intercontinental Title at Bad Blood.

For the second straight week, Chris Jericho was assaulted by Trish Stratus and Tyson Tomko.

And Stacy Keibler reminded WWE's female fans that there are only eight days left to enter the $250,000 RAW Diva Search.

Match Results:
La Resistance defeated Chris Benoit & Edge to win the World Tag Team Titles
Victoria def. Jazz in a non-title match
Shelton Benjamin def. Randy Orton in a non-title match
Matt Hardy def. Garrison Cade
Eugene def. Kane by disqualification

RAW #576
6-7-04
Pepsi Center
Albany, New York

And intentionally or not, it seemed like General Manager Eric Bischoff really had it out for Chris Benoit on RAW. Bischoff forced the World Heavyweight Champion (along with Edge) into a Handicap Match against La Resistance & Kane. Amazingly, Kane sat up just after Benoit hit him with a diving headbutt. Moments later, Benoit locked Kane into the Crossface, but Kane was able to power right out of it and hit Benoit with a devastating chokeslam for the win! If that happens at Bad Blood, of course, we'll have a new World Heavyweight Champion.

Meanwhile, Bischoff announced more matches for this Sunday's Bad Blood:

* Jonathan Coachman will go one on one against Eugene. (It will be Coach, undefeated on pay-per-view, against Eugene, who is totally undefeated.) When Bischoff's assistant, Johnny Nitro, acted overly arrogant, Bischoff forced Nitro to take on Eugene on RAW -- with Nitro's job on the line! Eugene pinned him; thus, Nitro is no longer Bischoff's second.

* Bischoff told Trish Stratus that her biggest problem as of late, Chris Jericho, will battle the "Problem Solver," Tyson Tomko, at Bad Blood.

* Speaking of Trish, the Canadian beauty now finds herself back in the thick of the Women's Championship picture. The Bad Blood match for the Women's Title is now a Fatal Fourway -- the champion, Victoria, puts her title on the line against Gail Kim, Lita and Trish! The match came about after Lita pinned Gail on RAW; Trish subsequently pointed out to Bischoff that she beat Lita three weeks ago on RAW. Thus, there are three top contenders for the Women's Championship, and they'll all get a shot at the title this Sunday!

Backstage, as Lita celebrated her title shot, Kane appeared. He told her that he had arranged for Lita to get her championship opportunity at Bad Blood, "so that afterward, we'll both be champions." A nervous Lita said, "I thought you said this was all over." Kane replied, "I lied."

* Bischoff gave Edge and Chris Benoit a rematch against La Resistance at Bad Blood. That means Edge & Benoit will have a chance to reclaim the World Tag Team Championship, but it also means that Benoit will have to wrestle in two grueling matches on the same night!

RAW #577
6-14-04
Nutter Center
Dayton, Ohio

In a six-man-tag elimination main event, The Rabid Wolverine survived the loss of teammates Edge and Chris Jericho and outlasted Evolution. After Batista fell to a triple-team and Flair tapped to the Crippler Crossface, the World Heavyweight Champion went one-on-one against Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton. After a vicious exchange, Benoit bested Orton with a Sharpshooter.

Fewer than 24 hours after their hellacious Hell in a Cell battle, Triple H and Shawn Michaels seemed prepared to shake hands in the center of the ring. It would have been a fitting and respectful end to an epic rivalry. Instead, the Big Red Machine crashed the scene, crushing HBK’s throat with a wedged chair. Kane laughed as medics tried to help Michaels through an ugly, graphic and delicate situation. And out of either disbelief or indifference, Triple H backed away and left rather than come between the monster Kane and his unsuspecting prey.

The Game wasn’t done, though. He took the time to shower Eugene with gifts, befriending and bewitching his announced opponent for next week’s RAW.

Lita released some pent-up emotion in a mixed tag match, blasting Women’s Champion Trish Stratus with a DDT to pick up the win on behalf of Matt Hardy. But Lita still has the weight of other matters on her mind. Watch Monday Night RAW next week to discover why she wasn’t exactly celebrating the news that her pregnancy test came up positive.

RAW #578
6-21-04
American Airlines Arena
Miami, Florida

But there’s strength in numbers. By the time the entirety of Evolution was finished, Eugene and Benoit were out cold — with the Crippler accidentally taking out his own ally in the confusion of the melee.

In other news, Kane continued his trend of breaking up historic RAW moments with destructive appearances. Last week, he crushed Shawn Michaels’ throat seemingly seconds before a rivalry ending handshake with Triple H. This time, the Big Red Monster delivered damning news just before the adoring and pregnant Lita could accept Matt Hardy’s heartfelt marriage proposal. Much to Lita’s dismay, Kane revealed that he’s likely the father — not Matt. And after braving some of the most death-defying matches in WWE history, a distraught Matt could do little more than flee the scene.

Chris Jericho was helped from the ring after a ruinous clothesline from Batista, leaving Edge to battle Evolution alone. Eventually, Edge succumbed after a Batista Bomb and RKO left him bloodied and unconscious.

We also saw the first cut in the $250,000 RAW Diva Search and received an update on HBK’s condition. He suffered a crushed larynx at the hands of Kane and will have a difficult road back to active WWE duty.

RAW #579
6-28-04
Richmond Coliseum
Richmond, Virginia

As a result, the World Heavyweight Champion will play The Game at Vengeance. Triple H waited idly by on RAW, watching to see who would defend the gold against him.

Triple H had quite a night. He discovered his Vengeance opponent, won a match over William Regal by DQ and gained an honorary Evolution member. In a match designed by Uncle Eric Bischoff, The Game took on Regal with Eugene as the “special” guest referee. And although Eugene acquitted himself extremely well during the course of the match — maintaining total professionalism and adhering strictly to the rules — the Cerebral Assassin outsmarted Eugene in the end.

Triple H set up Regal by bringing brass knuckles into the ring, and when Eugene saw them later in Regal’s possession, he called for the bell. To make matters worse, Triple H used misdirection to create the appearance that Regal attacked Eugene after the conclusion of the match, sending Eugene into a furious rage. After some more mental massaging by The Game, Eugene firmly believed that Benoit and Regal were enemies of their Evolution.

The distressing Lita saga continued on RAW. Matt Hardy, overwhelmed with grief and anger, attacked Kane amid an interview with J.R. And following Kane’s match with Benoit, Lita came to ringside seemingly to comfort the Monster. But a low-blow later, it was clear that Lita was there to punish the potential father of her child. Kane overwhelmed Lita and set her up for a chokeslam, but at the last minute he reconsidered. It seemed he wouldn’t risk hurting the woman who could be carrying “his legacy.”

We also learned that Edge will be facing Randy Orton for the Intercontinental Championship at Vengeance. And add a pay-per-view battle between Batista and Chris Jericho to the aforementioned Benoit vs. Triple H World Heavyweight Championship match.

Something special was announced for next week, as well. With Bischoff on a scheduled vacation, none other than Eugene will play GM for a day.

RAW #580
7-5-04
Winnipeg Arena
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

RAW #581
7-12-04
Verizon Wireless Arena
Manchester, New Hampshire

RAW #582
7-19-04
M.C.I. Center
Washington, DC

While the fans in Washington were treated to a highly competitive Intercontinental Championship defense, those live in Pittsburgh next week will witness the biggest RAW contest of the year.

In a 60-minute Iron Man Match that begins promptly at the top of the hour, Chris Benoit will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Triple H. Whoever scores the most decisions in the allotted time will walk out with the title. But one question remains: Can the Crippler even walk after the vicious beating taken at the hands (and feet) of Batista? Early in Monday’s Benoit-Batista bout, it was clear that the Evolution member was taking his cues from The Cerebral Assassin. Rather than even attempt a cover, Batista simply continued to assault Benoit with illegal chokes and skull-crushing kicks. Batista repeatedly defied the referee’s orders while Benoit was tangled in the ring ropes, eventually leaving the official no choice but to call for a disqualification. The attack continued after the bell, punctuated by a ring-jarring Batista Bomb. Unable to walk under his own power, Benoit had to be helped from ringside. It was just what The Game ordered only seven days before a championship match of epic length.

The animal Batista also made his presence felt during a match between Kane and Chris Jericho — leveling Y2J with an all-too-familiar whirlwind clothesline. Capitalizing while deep in the D.C. crowd, Kane covered Jericho for the “Falls Count Anywhere” victory.

Jericho appeared to have earned a count-out victory early on, but a resentful RAW General Manager had different ideas. Eric Bischoff wasn’t the least bit amused after a Jericho prank led to the Diva hopefuls trashing Bischoff’s office. So, he seized the opportunity to get back at Y2J by ordering the match vs. Kane to continue with the unusual match stipulation.

After watching the 10 Diva Search finalists strut their stuff and tear apart Bischoff’s office, which one gets your heart rate revved up? Take a closer look through WWE.com and be sure to vote for your favorite before time runs out.

RAW #583
7-26-04
Melon Arena
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RAW #584
8-2-04
S B C Center
San Antonio, Texas

RAW #585
8-9-04
Gund Arena
Cleveland, Ohio

RAW #586
8-16-04
John LaBatt Center
London, Ontario, Canada

RAW #587
8-23-04
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California

The events set up Unforgiven’s main event: It’ll be Randy Orton vs. Triple H with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line at the pay-per-view in Portland, Ore.

Earlier, two savvy ring veterans had the same thought late in their match Monday night. Both Ric Flair and William Regal went to the brass knuckles with the referee distracted by a Chris Benoit-Eugene-Batista melee. But the southpaw beat “The Nature Boy” to the punch — knocking him cold for the three-count.

The fans at the Arrowhead Pond were also treated to a controversial Intercontinental Championship match and an appearance by beloved The Rock. Chris Jericho won a restarted match by disqualification, and The Peoples’ Champion had some fun with Jonathan Coachman and the $250,000 RAW Diva Search contestants. Of those Diva hopefuls.

RAW #588
8-30-04
Cow Palace
San Francisco, California

RAW #589
9-6-04
Kay Yeagar Coliseum
Wichita Falls, Texas

RAW #590
9-13-04
Key Arena
Seattle, Washington

RAW #591
Season Premier
9-20-04
Tucson Convention Center
Tucson, Arizona

Orton had an eventful night himself. After being demolished outside the ring by Triple H and Batista during the main event six-man tag match, he was carted off, nearly unconscious; leaving partners Shelton Benjamin and Chris Benoit behind to take on blood-thirsty Evolution.

And just when Evolution thought it had the upper hand, Orton returned with a vengeance, sprinting down the ramp and into the ring and pouncing on Ric Flair with a RKO for the win.

There was also a terrific match for the Intercontinental Championship that ended as a no contest. Seven-time Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho defended his title against former three-time champion Shawn Michaels.

But no winner would emerge as Christian, the self-proclaimed Show-stealer interfered twice, and the second time possibly costing HBK the championship. Christian and Tyson Tomko then beat the Showstopper down in the middle of the ring for good measure.

RAW #592
9-27-04
Kemper Arena
Kansas City, Missouri

RAW #593
10-4-04
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York

RAW #594
10-11-04
Manchester Evening News Arena
Manchester, England

RAW #595
10-18-04
Allstate Arena
Chicago, Illinois

Taboo Tuesday Pay Per View
10-19-04
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

RAW #596
10-25-04
Veterans Auditorium
Des Moines, Iowa

RAW #597
11-1-04
Peoria Civic Center
Peoria, Illinois

RAW #598
11-8-04
Frank Erwin Center
University of Texas
Austin, Texas

RAW #599
11-15-04
Conseco Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, Indiana

RAW #600
11-22-04
H.S.B.C. Arena
Buffalo, New York

RAW #601
11-29-04
1st Mariner Arena
Baltimore, Maryland

RAW #602
12-6-04
Cricket Arena
Charlotte, North Carolina

RAW #603
12-13-04
Von Braun Centre
Huntsville, Alabama

RAW #604
12-20-04
Best of Raw 2004

RAW #605
12-27-04
Gulf Coast Coliseum
Biloxi, Mississippi

RAW #606
1-3-05
Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale
Long Island, New York

NEW YEAR`S REVOLUTION
1-9-05
San Juan, Peurto Rico

RAW #607
1-10-05
Office Depot Center
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

RAW #608
1-17-05
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

RAW #609
1-24-05
Ford Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ROYAL RUMBLE 18th Annual
1-30-05
Save Mart Center
Fresno, California

RAW #610
1-31-05
Hewlitt Packard Arena
San Jose, California

RAW #611
2-7-05 Taped on 2-4-05
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan

RAW #612
2-14-05 LIVE
U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, Ohio

RAW #613
2-21-05 LIVE
Bryce Jordan Center
University Park, Pennsylvania

RAW #614
2-28-05 LIVE
Dunkin Donuts Center
Providence, Rhode Island

RAW #615
3-7-05 LIVE
R.B.C. Center
Raleigh, North Carolina

RAW #616
3-14-05 LIVE
Arena at Gwinnett Center
Atlanta, Georgia

RAW #617
3-21-05 LIVE
Birminghan Jefferson Convention Complex
Birmingham, Alabama

RAW #618
3-28-05 LIVE
Fort Worth Convention Center
Fort Worth, Texas

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2005
4-2-05 LIVE
Universal Amphitheatre
Hollywood, California

WRESTLEMANIA XX1
4-3-05 LIVE
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California

RAW #619
4-4-05 LIVE
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California

RAW #620
4-11-05 LIVE
Mark of the Quad Cities
Moline, Illinois

RAW #621
4-18-05 LIVE
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York

RAW #622
4-25-05 LIVE
N E C Arena
Birmingham, England

BACKLASH
5-1-05 LIVE
Verizon Wireless Arena
Manchester, New Hampshire

RAW #623
5-2-05 LIVE
Fleet Center
Boston, Massachusetts

RAW #624
5-9-05 LIVE
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

RAW #625
5-16-05 LIVE
Qwest Center
Omaha, Nebraska

JUDGMENT DAY
5-22-05 LIVE
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

RAW # 626
5-23-05 LIVE
Resch Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin

RAW # 627
5-30-05 LIVE
Penngrowth Saddledome
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

RAW # 628
6-6-05 LIVE
Savvis Center
St. Louis Missouri

ONE NIGHT STAND ECW
6-12-05 LIVE
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York, New York

RAW # 629
6-13-05 LIVE
Broome County Arena
Binghamton, New York

RAW # 630
6-20-05 LIVE
America West Arena
Phoenix, Arizona

VENGEANCE
6-26-05 LIVE
Thomas & Mack Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

RAW # 631
6-27-05 LIVE
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California

RAW # 632
7-4-05 LIVE
Arco Arena
Sacramento, California

RAW # 633
7-11-05 LIVE
Continental Airlines Arena
East Rutherford, New Jersey

RAW # 634
7-18-05 LIVE
Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

RAW # 635
7-25-05 LIVE
Gund Arena
Cleveland, Ohio

RAW # 636
7-25-05 LIVE
Mohegan Sun Casino
Uncasville, Connecticut

RAW # 637
8-8-05 LIVE
Mellon Arena
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RAW # 638
8-15-05 LIVE
Bell Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

SUMMER SLAM
8-21-05 LIVE
M.C.I. Center
Washington, D.C.

RAW # 639
8-22-05 LIVE
Hampton Coliseum
Hampton, Virginia

RAW # 640
8-29-05 LIVE
St. Pete Times Forum
Tampa, Florida

RAW # 641
9-5-05 LIVE
Gaylord Entertainment Center
Nashville, Tennessee

RAW # 642
9-12-05 LIVE
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas

UNFORGIVEN
9-18-05 LIVE
Ford Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

RAW # 643
9-19-05 LIVE
Kay Yeager Coliseum
Wichita Falls, Texas

RAW # 644
9-26-05 LIVE
Heart O Texas Coliseum
Waco, Texas

RAW EXPOSED
10-2-05 TAPED

RAW # 645 HOMECOMING
10-3-05 LIVE
American Airlines Center
Dallas, Texas

RAW # 646
10-10-05 LIVE
American Bank Center
Corpus Christi, Texas

RAW # 647
10-17-05 LIVE
Arco Arena
Sacramento, California

RAW # 648
10-24-05 LIVE
Save Mart Center
Fresno, California

RAW # 649
10-31-05 LIVE
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California

TABOO TUESDAY
11-1-05 LIVE
i Pay One Center
San Diego, California

RAW # 650
11-7-05 LIVE
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Eddie Guerrero passes away
11-13-05
Minneapolis, Minnesota

RAW # 651
11-14-05 Taped 11-13-05
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

RAW # 652
11-21-05 LIVE
Facility not announced
Sheffield, England

SURVIVOR SERIES 21st annual
11-27-05 LIVE
Joe Louis Arena
Detroit, Michigan

RAW # 653
11-28-05 LIVE
Quicken Loans Arena
Cleveland, Ohio

RAW # 654
12-5-05 LIVE
North Charleston Arena
Charleston, South Carolina

RAW # 655
12-12-05 LIVE
T.D. Banknorth Garden
Boston, Massachusetts

ARMAGEDDON
12-18-05 LIVE
Dunkin Donuts Center
Providence, Rhode Island

RAW # 656
12-19-05 TAPED
Bagram Air Force Base
Afghanistan

RAW # 657
12-26-05 LIVE
Arena at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, Connecticut