Raw is War

Phoenix, Arizona
May 3, 2004

MICHAELS' NIGHT RUINED, BENOIT STILL THE CHAMP
 

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