Raw is War
Chicago, Illinois
April 3, 2006
The Champ bows down to the “King of Kings”
April 3, 2006
The Cerebral Assassin was at his finest on RAW. He persuaded Edge to carry the
load in a Handicap Math against John Cena, and then Triple H got The Champ to
let down his guard long enough to absorb a Pedigree for the three-count. The
triumphant “King of Kings” served notice that the game definitely isn’t over —
and that he won’t underestimate Cena ever again. It was also a clear warning
that The Game wasn’t about to step aside from the main event picture as Edge
insisted based on their results at WrestleMania.
For the second consecutive night, WWE Champion John Cena was subjected to boos
and jeers from the Chicago crowd. In response, Cena told those in attendance
that it’s not about winning a popularity contest; it’s about rising to the
occasion in the face of adversity and meeting each and every challenge head on.
“The Champ is still here,” he said.
It was a highly eventful post-WrestleMania edition of RAW where anything could —
and did — happen. One of the most dominant tag teams in the history of
sports-entertainment fell to a couple of very young newcomers who are members of
the male-cheerleading Spirit Squad. Nineteen-year-old Kenny finished off Big
Show with a soaring guillotine leg drop, and Kenny along with tag partner Mikey
celebrated like they never have before along with their green-and-white-clad
brethren.
And the team that challenged for the World Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania
self-destructed as Carlito delivered a backcracker to Chris Masters and spit in
his face. In addition, “Mr. Money in the Bank” Rob Van Dam declared that he
“went up that ladder and straight through the glass ceiling.” He added that he’s
not going to wait as long as Edge did to cash in his world championship
opportunity — saying good timing is of “extreme” importance. Also, Chavo
Guerrero lost a heartbreaker to Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin in a
match dedicated to Chavo’s late uncle Eddie Guerrero. In a state of grief and
shame, Chavo declared that “he quits.”
The raucous, sold-out Chicago crowd also witnessed two WWE debuts and the
announcement of a most-unusual Backlash Match.
Ric Flair was berated by Cuban Armando Alejandro Estrada and attacked by a
rampaging Superstar called Umaga.
Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels tried to move on after dispensing with Mr. McMahon at
WrestleMania. Instead, Mr. McMahon declared that divine intervention was on
HBK’s side on the grandest stage of them all. As a result, it’ll be Mr. & Shane
McMahon vs. Michaels & God at the Backlash pay-per-view on April 30. That’s
right, Mr. McMahon announced that HBK would team with The Almighty. Michaels
looked at a beaten, beleaguered, neck-brace-wearing Mr. McMahon seemingly
thinking that he had finally lost his mind.
Another RAW star has seemingly lost her mind: psycho Women’s Champion Mickie
James. She came out for her tag team match on RAW looking exactly like Trish
Stratus — from hair to clothes to entrance music opening to in-ring moves. Trish
was shocked, and ultimately Torrie Wilson absorbed a Mick Kick as Mickie James &
Candice won.
Matches
Kenny & Mikey (Spirit Squad) def. Big Show & Kane (new World Tag Team Champions)
Chris Masters wins with the Master Lock
Mickie James & Candice def. Trish Stratus & Torrie Wilson
Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin def. Chavo Guerrero
Triple H & Edge def. John Cena (Handicap Match)