Raw is War
Raleigh, North Carolina
January 16, 2006
It looked like magic might happen for the 17th time – that lightning might
strike in Flair Country. A badly bloodied “Nature Boy” stood perched on a
ladder, reaching toward the WWE Championship and another historic career
highlight. Ric Flair was about to become a 17-time world champion in his very
first Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match (or any type of Ladder Match, for that
matter).
But it was not to be.
Lita grabbed hold of Flair’s leg, then caused enough of a delay for Edge to
shake off a frightening push off a ladder and through a table to the outside. As
Flair tried again to reach new heights, Edge climbed the other side of the
ladder. The two met 25 feet in the air, where one final punch KO’d Flair and
sent him sailing to the mat far below. With that, Edge grabbed the WWE
Championship and successfully retained for the first-ever time.
This match lived up to all we’ve come to expect from the initials T.L.C. Both
men absorbed an unthinkable amount of punishment from chair shots to crushing
ladder blows. In one heart-stopping moment, Edge hit a splash from the top of a
25-foot ladder, blasting Flair through a table on the outside. Flair’s daughter,
who was watching from ringside, screamed upon impact then begged her father to
show some signs of life.
Ric Flair would show the resiliency that made him a legendary world champion,
leaving his blood all over tables and ringside debris and fighting his way back
from the brink. Eventually, he tipped a ladder over with Edge perched atop it,
sending Edge crashing through a table and into the concrete floor. That gave
Flair the opening he needed to climb his way to glory, but Lita would put a stop
to history in the making.
In another huge RAW match, new World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle battled
Shawn Michaels for an epic, fourth time. And to raise the stakes, Mr. McMahon
put HBK’s job on the line in this non-title match. The series going in was tied
at 1-1-1.
Ultimately, Shawn Michaels found himself desperately trapped in a grapevined
ankle lock. The Olympic gold medalist was sure he had the match won. But
inexplicably, Daivari entered the ring with a chair, looking for payback on
Michaels. The distraction demanded the attention of the referee and forced Angle
to break the hold and figure out what was happening. As Angle tried to pull the
chair from Daivari, it accidentally was thrust by Daivari up into Angle’s
throat, stunning him. “The Showstopper” seized the moment and rolled up Angle
for a sudden win. A furious Angle began to scream at Daivari, who responded with
a slap to Kurt’s face. Angle couldn’t believe the gall of Daivari, then dumped
him over the top rope with an Angle Slam.
Before the match, which actually began on WWE.com Unlimited, both world
champions had words in the ring. Angle also explained the circumstances
surrounding his participation in the SmackDown Battle Royal, saying his RAW
contract expired on Jan. 1, and he saw a great opportunity to be champion and
signed with SmackDown. His move proved to be a wise one.
John Cena took the Master Lock Challenge. Masters showed his power and strength
and nearly caused Cena to pass out, but the former WWE Champion fought back.
With Cena gaining momentum, Edge appeared and smashed Cena in the face with the
WWE Championship belt, ending the challenge the hard way.
In addition, Triple H attacked Big Show during his match against Shelton
Benjamin, handing Benjamin a count-out win.
Also, Mickie snapped on tag partner Ashley, costing her team their match against
Victoria, Torrie & Candice, and Kane shut up Carlito by shoving an apple down
his throat.
Matches
Shawn Michaels def. World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle (non-title match)
Master Lock Challenge with John Cena interrupted by WWE Champion Edge
Victoria, Torrie & Candice def. Trish, Mickie & Ashley
Shelton Benjamin def. Big Show (count-out)
WWE Champion Edge def. Ric Flair (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match)