WWE Raw
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 3, 2008
results thanks to wwe.com
Big Showdown
By: Greg Adkins
March 3, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS – As WrestleMania XXIV draws nearer, two truths grow increasingly
evident: Big Show refuses to relent, and Floyd “Money” Mayweather refuses to be
intimidated. These combustible realities were on stark display Monday night as
The World’s Largest Athlete overwhelmed a professional fighter, and his
WrestleMania opponent, the WBC welterweight champion, vowed to show why he is
“The Greatest Fighter in the World.”
Big Show arranged the exhibition with fighter Brandon “The Thrill” Hill. Big
Show’s choosing to battle the 5-foot-7, 150-pounder – who was similar in size
and stature to Mayweather – was no coincidence. The former WWE Champion appeared
intent on sending a message as he overpowered his opponent in an MMA-style match
that could be won by pinfall, submission or knockout.
Mayweather, however, was not impressed. And he reminded the world that “The
Thrill” was not “Money.”
“I broke your nose,” the WBC welterweight champion told Big Show after watching
the exhibition via satellite. “And at WrestleMania, I’m going to break your
jaw.”
An incensed Big Show had heard enough. To put an exclamation point on his
winning statement, the 7-foot, 450-pound giant lifted his hapless opponent
overhead and tossed him over the ropes and onto the cold, hard concrete below.
Later in the night, Mayweather addressed pundits who wondered whether the reward
was worth the risk. “Money” is risking his health, his career and millions in
potential earnings. But he is a showman and a man – and a brave warrior. He said
he would defy the odds and bring Big Show to his knees.
“I’m here to dominate,” the welterweight champion told Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Big Show will no doubt have a thing or two to say about that. The two will meet
again during an official WrestleMania weigh-in next week during a special
three-hour edition of Raw.
Getting a Leg Up
Before Ric Flair faces Shawn Michaels in a Career Threatening Match at
WrestleMania, the two longtime friends joined forces in a tag team match against
Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch. Mutual respect was shown between the 16-time World
Champion and The Showstopper when Flair locked Cade into the Figure-Four Leglock
and Michaels, not to be outdone, locked Murdoch in a leglock submission hold of
his own.
However, after the match, HBK stressed to his idol that he did not want to face
him at WrestleMania and be the man to end Flair’s career. However, The
Showstopper also warned the “Nature Boy” that his show would be stopped if he
continued to pursue their match.
Brand Loyalty
Umaga offered a scary glimpse into what Batista might expect at WrestleMania
when the Samoan Bulldozer crashes headlong into The Animal in a Raw vs.
SmackDown battle of the brands. Umaga disposed of his opponent, Super Crazy, in
a quick, brutal display. For his part, Batista sent a note stating that there’s
nothing he’d rather do than face Umaga for brand bragging rights.
Heeeeere’s Jericho
Chris Jericho brought his classic talk show, The Highlight Reel, back to Raw and
welcomed his first guest, Jeff Hardy. Unfortunately for Y2J, their interview
didn’t go according to plan. After stating that there will be no friends at
their Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania, Hardy proved it by dropping his
host with a Twist of Fate.
Bounced Check
John Cena sought retribution against Mr. Kennedy after last week when the
loudmouth from Green Bay, Wis., hit the former WWE Champion with a post-match
Mic Check. Last year’s Mr. Money in the Bank showed why he’s an up-and-comer,
but The Champ’s STFU proved too much for him to bear.
Naked Jealousy
Santino Marella tried to sabotage the unveiling of Maria’s Playboy cover, but
his girlfriend wouldn’t be denied. Instead, Candice Michelle helped to reveal
the cover of the magazine that hits newsstands March 7. Maria and Candice will
also team up in a BunnyMania Lumberjack Match at WrestleMania pitting the two
Playboy cover girls against Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix & Melina with a bevy
of Divas surrounding the ring. It was also announced that Snoop Dogg will serve
as Master of Ceremonies.
Cool Money
Carlito dodged several near falls in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
against Cody Rhodes. The Caribbean Bad Apple applied a Backstabber on one-half
of the World Tag Team Champions to earn the three-count and a spot at
WrestleMania.
Family Outrage
Finlay finally admitted that he, not Mr. McMahon, is the father of Hornswoggle.
JBL then showed up via satellite from Hornswoggle’s hospital room, where he
slapped the little guy and challenged Finlay to a match at WrestleMania, which
the Irishman quickly accepted.
Extreme Takeover
Raw General Manager William Regal allowed a Triple Threat Takeover Monday night,
which will permit each of the three Superstars involved in WrestleMania’s main
event — Randy Orton, Triple H and John Cena — to establish rules for their
matches leading up to the March 30 extravaganza. This week, Cena was in charge
and pitted the current WWE Champion against The Game. During the match, The
Champ charged into the ring and lifted Triple H overhead for an FU. Then, Orton
snuck up on Cena and dropped him with a RKO. As he raised WWE Championship gold
overhead, Orton cast a cold stare at the two bodies lying prone on the mat.
Matches
Big Show def. Brandon Hill
Ric Flair & Shawn Michaels def. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Umaga def. Super Crazy
John Cena def. Mr. Kennedy
Carlito def. Cody Rhodes (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)
Triple H def. Randy Orton
(disqualification)