WWE Raw is War
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 19, 2007
thanks to: wwe.com
Reversals and razors
By Noah Starr
March 19, 2007
With less than two weeks left before the biggest night in sports-entertainment,
WWE fans witnessed an exciting WrestleMania Reversal Match, Mr. McMahon making a
huge announcement and Eugene getting an unwanted haircut, all live from
Indianapolis.
Although both World Tag Team Champions had scheduled WrestleMania Reversal
Matches (where they would face one of their partner’s past WrestleMania foes),
only WWE Champion John Cena’s opponent was ready to step in the ring. Shawn
Michaels arrived prepared to face SmackDown color commentator JBL, who two years
ago faced John Cena at WrestleMania 21. But JBL backed out of the competition,
claiming: “If I come out of retirement it will be my choosing, my rules and in
my town, New York City.” The Armani-clad Layfield continued, “Deep down you
can’t beat John Cena… you make me sick!” HBK responded, delivering some
devastating Sweet Chin Music that laid JBL out cold.
WWE Champion John Cena squared off against HBK’s WrestleMania XX opponent,
United States Champion Chris Benoit. In an incredible match that stretched
Cena’s sheer power and Benoit’s extraordinary technical skills to the limits,
the WWE Champion got the upper hand and forced the Rabid Wolverine to tap out to
the STFU. Moments after Cena’s victory, guest commentator HBK entered the ring
and tuned up the band to prep a kick that seemed to send his partner a clear
message: I can take you down anytime I want. Never one to be outdone, The Champ
hoisted Michaels up on his shoulders but released him before delivering his
trademark FU. These two competitors seem to have each other’s number, and their
match at WrestleMania is sure to be nothing short of legendary.
Mr. McMahon’s night got off to a rough start when Eugene bumped into him,
dousing The Chairman with a cold drink. In retaliation, The Chairman scheduled a
match pitting Eugene against the Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga. After a thunderous
Samoan Spike helped Umaga pick up the three-count, Mr. McMahon had Eugene
strapped to a barber’s chair where he proceeded to shave the poor guy’s head
while screaming, “This is going to happen to you Donald Trump!”
Mr. McMahon seemed to be on a roll, and in a shocking announcement, The Chairman
set up a match up for next week on Raw: ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley will
face none other than Mr. McMahon himself!
Mr. McMahon was angered when Lashley became the first man to officially break
Chris Masters’ powerful Master Lock. After defeating every challenger for over
two years, Masters seemed to be in a state of shock after Lashley muscled his
way out of the Master Lock. Mr. McMahon rewarded Trump’s WrestleMania
representative with a trip out of the arena courtesy of the WWE security staff.
The tensions between former World Tag Team Champions Edge & Randy Orton rose to
new heights this week. After Edge hung Orton out to dry last week in a match
against Bobby Lashley on ECW, Orton arranged for Edge to defend his spot in the
Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania in a 10-man Battle Royal.
At the beginning of the match, Edge seemed to injure his knee and had to be
removed from the contest. In an ironic turn of events, the final two Superstars
in the ring ended up being Carlito and Ric Flair. Although Flair has served as
almost a mentor to the Southpaw from San Juan, the “Dirtiest Player” in the Game
had no problem eliminating the younger man. While Flair celebrated, Edge stepped
back into the ring to eliminate him and reclaim his spot in the Money in the
Bank Ladder Match. Edge celebrated with a victory dance, leading many to
speculate that his “injury” was just a trick to help him win the match. Was Edge
simply feigning injury?
Also on Raw, Jeff Hardy defeated fellow Money in the Bank Ladder Match
competitor Randy Orton by disqualification. Edge slid a ladder into the ring,
and Orton slammed it into Hardy’s midsection drawing the disqualification. Edge
backed away leaving Orton at the mercy of a vicious leg drop from Hardy off of
the top of the ladder.
Plus, Women’s Champion Melina defeated Candice Michelle in a Bra and Panties
Match, but was quickly disrobed by her WrestleMania opponent, Ashley. After a
surprise attack by Melina left Ashley sprawled out in the ring, The Great Khali
entered and would have Chokeslammed the Diva if Jerry “The King” Lawler hadn’t
come to her aid. Unfortunately for Lawler, he received the brunt of Khali’s
attack and had to receive medical attention. Khali’s rage of late has been
directed at Kane who he will meet at WrestleMania 23.
Matches
ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley def. Chris Masters (Master Lock Challenge)
Edge wins a Battle Royal for a Money in the Bank WrestleMania spot
Intercontinental Champion Umaga def. Eugene (Non-Title)
Women's Champion Melina def. Candice Michelle (Bra and Panties Match)
Jeff Hardy def. Randy Orton (DQ)
WWE Champion John Cena def. Chris Benoit (Non-Title)