April 26, 1999: From Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA
MAYHEM
Episode 1
CURRENT CHAMPIONS
(* = new champion)
* NORTH AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Taz
Defeated Sabu in
Last defense: n/a
Successful defenses: 0
NORTH AMERICAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Test & Hakushi
Defeated The Rock & Sabu in
Last defense: defeated Hostile Takeover and D’Lo & Mark Henry on April 25, 1999
Successful defenses: 5
* INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Ken Shamrock
Won a six-man gauntlet match in
Last defense: n/a
Successful defenses: 0
* CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION: Justin Credible
Won a Six Man Mayhem match in
Last defense: n/a
Successful defenses: 0
RULES
-Cameras banned from backstage except for pre-arranged interviews.
-All tag matches fought in scramble rules. All you have to do to “tag” is leave the ring.
-Multi-person matches are fought under the same rules, but start with two men in the ring.
-HARSH repercussions for attacking a referee.
-No countouts, but if it gets too crazy outside the match can end at referee’s discretion.
-Rules on weapon use, low blows and such have limited wiggle room.
-Titles only change hands on submissions or pins.
CONFIRMED MATCHES FOR TONIGHT
North American Heavyweight Title Match
Taz (C) vs. Steven Regal
Chris Benoit & Hostile Takeover vs. Test, Hakushi & Dean Malenko
Cruiserweight Title Match
Justin Credible (C) vs. Opponent of Chavo Guerrero’s Choosing
Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. D’Lo Brown & Mark Henry
The CWF logo flashes briefly on the screen.
[FADE IN] with a steady drum beat. [CUE] montage of quick shots of a wildly cheering crowd, both seated ringside and lined up around a building, their faces right in the camera.
“C’mon and yes, y’all… You are now in tune to the sounds…”
[CUT] to Roaddog, screaming into a microphone.
“Of the legendary… foundation.”
[CUT] to Sabu, pointing to the sky.
“Stop what you’re doin’ and set it in motion,
It’s the next movement!”
[CUT] to quick montage of Christopher Daniels delivering the Angel’s Wings, Test and Hakushi raising the tag titles, and Kurt Angle going into his slow spin.
“Stop what you’re doin’ and set it in motion,
It’s the next movement!”
[SPLIT SCREEN] of Eddie and RVD delivering stereo frog splashes.
“It’s the next movement!”
[CUT] to Taz, standing in the corner, arms crossed with the North American Heavyweight Title around his waist.
North American Heavyweight Title Match: Taz (C) vs. Steven Regal
[CUT] to a shot of the darkened interior of Key Arena.
The crowd roars as pyro shoots off the stage and from above the ring.
The explosions illuminate the entrance briefly. As the fireworks cease, the house lights come up, fully revealing the set.
There is no stage, but the word “Mayhem” is emblazoned in brass on a sign hanging slightly askew over the entrance, which in and of itself has bars like a jail cell.
At stage left of the jail door, there’s a padded wall approximately 5 feet high. At stage right, the jail bars extend outward.
Behind the walls, there’s a chain link fence on either side of the door, extending up and over the “Mayhem” sign, to the base of the big screen over the entrance.
[CUT] to a close-up pan of the fans seated ringside, screaming like crazy in anticipation of the show.
JR [voice-over]: Welcome to a new era, as we bring you the first-ever episode of Mayhem—LIVE, on the FX Network!
[CUT] to JR and Paul Heyman, seated ringside.
JR: Hello folks. Good ol’ JR here along with my broadcast part Paul Heyman. And Paul, the dust has yet to settle from last night’s Redemption pay-per-view, which might be the most unpredictable night of wrestling I have ever witnessed.
Heyman: A night FULL of surprises, JR. Three new champions—and two of them weren’t even on the Mayhem roster when the night began!
Suddenly, the house lights go dark.
[CUT] to a wide shot of the pitch-black arena.
The opening guitar notes of KISS’ “War Machine” come over the PA, and Taz’ image appears on the big screen, to cheers from the crowd.
As the opening riff plays, with every snare note, an orange strobe light over the “Mayhem” sign flashes, bathing the arena in an unearthly orange glow.
Running lights flicker to life as the drum fill brings in the rest of the band, and the orange strobe continues to flash on beats 2 and 4 as the cell door opens… and Taz enters the arena.
Wearing his usual black singlet, Taz has his newly won North American Heavyweight Title belt strapped around his waist, and his trademark tattered black towel draped over his head.
JR: A tremendous ovation, as Taz makes his way toward the ring!
Heyman: And he’s not dressed for a dinner party, JR. He’s ready to compete!
JR: In case you missed it earlier today, on the CWF’s official Web site, Taz addressed the challenge made by Steven Regal during last night’s Redemption show. Paul, we expected Taz to accept—but we didn’t expect it to kick off the first-ever episode of Mayhem! Or, for Taz to agree to put the North American Title at stake!
Heyman: And fans, remember, for all the major news about all things Mayhem, go to www.freewebs.com/cwfmayhem! And for major news on all the CWF’s properties, visit www.freewebs.com/cwftenn
Taz stands in the ring, arms crossed, as referee Nick Patrick jogs out and his music subsides.
Heyman: We usually see the champion come to the ring second, JR. But I think Taz is making a statement. Remember, he’s the new guy on the roster. To most of the wrestlers here, he’s an unknown. Taz is making a statement, that now, that ring is HIS domain.
“God Save the Queen” starts up and video of English landmarks interspersed with Davey Boy and Regal in action rolls on the big screen as the tandem of Rule Britannia make their way through the door. Regal is in his gear, complete with the long robe in the colors of the Union Jack. Davey Boy Smith, meanwhile, is wearing a suit—complete with vest. Regal starts halfway down the aisle, then holds up a microphone and motions for silence as his music fades.
JR: Steven Regal’s got a major opportunity here tonight. Let’s see what he can do with it… But first, he’s got something to say.
Regal: Now, listen here, sunshine. You might’ve come into this company and made a bit of a splash on your first night. But tonight, you’re not wrestling some sadist who uses chairs and tables, and throws fire in people’s faces. Unlike Sabu, or my esteemed partner Davey Boy Smith, I’ve had the benefit of 24 hours of physical and mental preparation to combat your so-called wrestling style. So, you miserable street urchin, let’s see how you perform agaynst a TRUE sportsman.
With that, Regal and Smith make their way to the ring.
1. North American Heavyweight Title Match
Taz (C) (2-0) vs. Steven Regal (w/ Davey Boy Smith) (1-0)
One hour time limit; referee: Senior Referee Nick Patrick
Taz stands in the ring, glowering, as Regal approaches.
Heyman: Did he just call Taz a… a street urchin?!?
Regal up the steps, wiping his feet on the apron before entering the ring.
JR: Let’s go to The Fink.
Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is for the North American Heavyweight Championship! Your official for this match, Senior Referee Nick Patrick. Introducing first, the challenger… accompanied to the ring by his tag team partner, Davey Boy Smith… he hails from
Regal raises an arm for a wave and an insincere smile as the
Finkel: And his opponent…
[CUT] to a close-up of Taz across the ring, his face still partially enveloped by the tattered towel on his head.
Finkel: From the Red Hook District of Brooklyn… he stands 5-foot-9 and weighed in tonight at 242 pounds… he is both the newest CWF superstar, and the newly crowned North American Heavyweight Champion… the Human. Suplex. Machine. TAAAAZ!!!!!
The crowd erupts as Taz yanks the towel off his head, tossing it to the outside of the ring and handing his belt to the referee. Regal goes to remove his jacket—and Taz attacks!
JR: And Taz ain’t gonna wait for the bell!
Taz yanks the jacket up over Regal’s head, like a hockey player involved in an on-ice fight, and starts hammering the Englishman with punches to the head and neck! The fans are going WILD as Taz unloads on the challenger. Taz hooks Regal and delivers a gutwrench throw suplex, as Nick Patrick calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Regal up to one knee, the jacket still draped over his head and obviously out of sorts. Taz shucks the jacket off Regal, then starts delivering some punishing forearms across the upper back, driving the Englishman down to an all-fours position. Measured stomp to the head puts Regal down gutfirst on the mat.
JR: Taz working over the challenger!
Taz stands over Regal, glaring down at the back of the champion’s head and bringing him back to all fours…
Heyman: I’ve seen this before, JR…
Taz delivers a punishing crossface forearm to the side of the head.
Heyman: BAM!
Another forearm to the other side of the head! Another 1-2 combo batters Regal’s head between Taz’ thick arms like a tennis ball. And another combo!
JR: Taz just laying into the Englishman!
Taz backs up, locks his hands around Regal’s waist. Grunt of effort as Taz hoists Regal with a BIG release German suplex! The Englishman hits hard and rolls limply under the bottom rope for a breather. But Taz immediately follows him to the floor.
JR: No countout rule here on Mayhem!
Regal struggling to his feet, Taz grabs the Englishman and fires him HARD into the railing at ringside. Taz starts to advance… but Davey Boy Smith steps in the way of the champion!
Heyman; Check it out, JR. A guard dog!
JR: Davey Boy Smith right in the face of the champion. These two went head-to-head last night in an unscheduled match.
Heyman: Yeah, and Taz made him tap o—OH HERE WE GO!
Davey Boy piefaces Taz, who shoves the bigger man backward. Davey Boy shoves back, and the two men are at each other’s throats as Nick Patrick steps to the floor between them.
JR: Davey Boy’s ready for his rematch! And he’s lucky Nick Patrick doesn’t disqualify Regal for this!
Patrick keeps Davey Boy back from the champion… and points toward the aisle leading from the ring.
Patrick: Yer outta here!
The fans cheer, as Davey Boy throws a FIT at the referee’s decision. Patrick gets right in Davey Boy’s face, pointing at the aisle and threatening a DQ.
Heyman: Davey Boy has to obey. Regal can’t waste this opportunity…
Meanwhile, Regal has staggered over to his jacket, folded up on the ring apron. He’s doubled over with his face slumped forward into the folds of the garment.
JR: I don’t think Regal even knows his partner got tossed!
Taz over to Regal… whose left hand suddenly flies up out of the jacket! Taz rears back on instinct, but Regal still catches him on the left jaw and the champ goes down in a heap!
JR: Taz is down! Regal decks Taz with a big left… I didn’t think he got much of it, but… HEY WAITASECOND!
[CUT] to a close-up as Regal slips brass knucks off his hand and deposits them in his trunks. The fans standing right in front of Regal go nuts, booing and pointing at the now concealed foreign object.
[CUT] to Davey Boy Smith, who smirks slightly as he retreats up the aisle.
JR: I’m starting to think Rule Britannia planned that!
Heyman: Gee, ya think?
Regal hoists Taz’ near-lifeless carcass and heaves him back into the ring under the bottom rope.
JR: I thought Taz might’ve dodged the punch, but he looks to be out cold.
Patrick heading back into the ring as Regal connects on a crisp belly to back suplex. The challenger floats over for the cover.
One!
Two!
Thr—TAZ GETS A SHOULDER UP!
The crowd ERUPTS at the near-fall, and Regal looks up, gaping in incredulity.
JR: Bah GAWD, Taz escapes. Somehow… someway… Taz gets a shoulder up!
Heyman: And that’s probably where we see Regal not hitting him square with those knucks.
Regal, to his credit, immediately returns to the task at hand, hauling Taz up into a fireman’s carry. Forward roll that slams Taz to the mat!
Heyman: He calls that the Regal Roll, JR!
Regal with another cover, this time jamming his forearm into the side of Taz’ head.
One…
Two…
Thr—
JR: And AGAIN Taz with a shoulder up!
Regal kneels over Taz in a mount position, connects on a wicked onslaught of punches to the head. Rolls to his feet, leaping kneedrop down across the head of the champion.
Regal covers.
One…
Two…
And Taz kicks out!
JR: Every time Regal goes for a pin on Taz, he seems to gain more strength!
Regal yanks Taz up to a seated position and uses his left arm to pull Taz’ right arm back, draws his left arm around behind Taz’ head, then locks his hands around the head of the champion in a modified stretch submission hold. Regal torques Taz’ neck, and barks for the referee to “ask him!”
JR: Regal locks in the submission hold…
The fans start to clap and stomp for the champion. Taz is glaring in the hold, snorting and snarling, and Regal is bug-eyed at Taz’ reaction.
Heyman: I was there when Taz broke his neck, JR. That’s his weak point, but this isn’t the way to attack it. Not with those broad shoulders and thick bull’s neck!
Taz with a closed fist to Regal’s solar plexus. And another. And a third breaks the hold! The seated Taz catches Regal with a forearm to the side of the head. But Taz still slow to rise. Regal rolls to his feet much quicker, and DRIVES a knee square into the face of the Human Suplex Machine. It connects with the sound of an axe chopping into wood and Regal makes the cover.
One!
Two!
Th—Taz kicks out.
JR: And AGAIN Taz kicks out.
Heyman: What a knee strike from Regal!
Regal rolls Taz onto his belly, and starts trying to ensnare him.
JR: Regal Stretch! Regal going for his signature submission!
Taz able to roll onto his back, reaching for the ropes, and he’s able to graze the bottom rope with his right hand to force the break. But Regal grabs Taz by the ears and connects on a wicked headbutt!
JR: Cheap shot!
Nick Patrick gets between the two competitors, berating Regal for the shortcut as the challenger backpedals to the neutral corner. Taz, meanwhile, has blood trickling from both nostrils after the knee.
Heyman: This feels more like a street fight than a wrestling match. And not one of those cutesy, I’m beating on you with a flimsy trash can lid, street fights. A real,
JR: You’ve gotta start wondering how much more these two can take.
Patrick over to check on the champion… Regal shoves past the official and goes to bring Taz to his feet. Regal smirking as he pulls a kneeling Taz up into a front facelock and delivers a forearm across the back. Regal screams with effort as a second clubbing forearm falls… and the champ’s hands lock around Regal’s waist. Regal doesn’t even have time to look surprised before Taz flings the Englishman with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex!
JR: Taz suplexes Regal right outta his boots!
The fans roar at the huge reversal, as Taz wobbles on rubbery legs, shaking his head as he continues to try and clear the cobwebs from the knucks shot. Regal clutching at his lower back, struggles to his feet… Taz right up behind him…
Heyman: Tazmission!
No! Regal with an elbow to the gut, twists out of Taz’ grasp while grabbing his left arm, pulls him forward into a short arm clothesline… but Taz throws up his right hand to block! Hooks Regal… T-Bone suplex!
JR: Another big T-Bone suplex, fresh off the grill! Regal is in trouble!
Taz bounces off the near ropes, comes off with a punishing clothesline. Rather than go for the cover, Taz bends down as Regal weakly rolls onto his belly.
Taz: GET THE *BEEEEP* UP!
Taz paintbrushes Regal across the back of the head and starts to bring him up off the canvas, as Regal’s hand dips back inside his trunks.
JR: He’s going for the knucks again!
Regal brings the knucks out and takes a swing at Taz, and this time he avoids it! Hooks Regal in a full nelson, and uncorks a dragon suplex!
Heyman: Regal just got dumped right on his head!
Taz brings the woozy challenger up to his knees… and he hooks the Tazmission!
JR: There it is! The Tazmission!
The fans come to their feet, cheering.
[CUT] to a closeup as Taz leans into Regal, throttling him in the hold. Regal flails with his free arm, before weakly tapping out against Taz’ forearm.
WIN: Taz by submission in 7:37 (retains title)
The crowd roars at the submission, and Taz releases Regal as the bell rings, kicking his carcass out of the squared circle. “War Machine” renews over the speakers as Taz raises his arms in victory, the title belt clasped in his right hand, blood trickling ever so slowly from his nostrils.
Heyman: There’s the face of Mayhem, JR. Ain’t he a beaut?
JR: Taz making a fearsome, impressive statement here on our premiere episode! And we will hear from the North American champion… right after these words from our sponsors.
COMMERCIAL
[FADE IN] from the commercial break to see Taz alone in the ring, the North American Heavyweight Title strapped around his waist as his music slowly fades out.
Taz: I hope everybody paid attention to what you just saw. Somebody wants to fight me? They better be damn sure they know what they’re gettin’. I came out here, and I made an example outta Regal. He said he wanted a match, and I gave him a match. Ya see, most champions, they sit back. They wait for somebody to step up an’ take their shot. Well, I ain’t NEVER backed down from a fight. I wanna fight. I like to fight. So to anybody back there who wants a shot, I got a message. Go ahead. Take your shot! Don’t be shy. You can step into this ring. Into MY ring! And I will choke your ass out!
There’s another pause as the fans cheer.
Taz: It don’t matter if you’re Rey Mysterio [fans cheer]… the Big Show [fans ooh and ahh]… or any size or shape in between. And Sabu, if you want a rematch? Brutha, it ain’t hard. You don’t even gotta put your name on the dotted line. It can be in the ring, or the damn parking lot, cuz I don’t need much of a reason to beat the hell outta you. As for Rob Van Dam—
Taz gets cut off by a HUGE roar from the crowd.
Taz: [chuckles] Oh, you like that one, huh? That’s OK. You wanna cheer me? Fine. You wanna boo? Fine. It don’t matter to me. I don’t need allies, and I don’t need fans. Because, the truth is, I’m keepin’ this title for a long, long time. Beat me if you can, RVD. Survive if I let you!
PA: Test… This is a test…
[CUT] to a shot of the entryway, as a video of highlights of Test and Hakushi begins on the big screen. The reigning tag champions step through the door, with Test in street clothes and Hakushi wearing a
Test: So you don’t need allies… the big, bad champion can do it all by himself, huh?
Hakushi steps forward, grabbing the microphone and speaking in Japanese.
Test: I was just getting to that, buddy. [Scattered laughs from the crowd] Taz, you might think you won that belt by yourself. Well maybe you were too busy getting your brains scrambled by Sabu to see me and my partner stop the Corporation from interfering last night. You want to talk about reality? You wouldn’t even BE champ right now if it wasn’t for us. And when you choked out Sabu, you walked past Hakushi and me like we weren’t even there.
Hakushi nods in agreement.
Test: So I’m offering you a chance to make it right. And say thank you.
Test extends his hand and waits.
Taz: Thank you? THANK YOU?!? I never asked youse guys ta help me out in the first place, so I ain’t gonna thank you for a damn thing. I ain’t here to shake people’s hands, or make friends in the back. I’m here to make money, win matches and keep this belt. An’ if you gotta problem with that, I don’t give a crap!
Taz’ words draw a mixed reaction from the crowd, but Test meanwhile is smoldering.
Test: You better watch your mouth, before I decide to make a run at winning some singles gold… little man.
Crowd: OOOOH!
Taz: And you betta BACK OFF before I choke you out right infronta your boyfriend.
Crowd: OOOOOOOOOOOH!
Test and Taz seem seconds away from coming to blows, and Hakushi gets in the middle, trying to keep the peace. The fans are on their feet, ready to see the battle of champions…
When the opening guitar riff of “Walk” starts up over the house audio.
The fans ERUPT as Rob Van Dam steps into the arena. Wearing jeans, sneakers and a tight white and black T-shirt covered in a graffiti-type pattern, RVD pauses at the entrance set, looking left and right with his hands raised. Van Dam starts toward the ring, then suddenly jumps up to put one foot on the rail and point at himself as the crowd yells along.
Fans: ROB! VAN! DAM!
Van Dam gingerly climbs down, favoring his back a bit, and continues toward the ring, high-fiving fans en route to the squared circle. The simmering brawl in the ring has subsided, with all three men watching RVD with interest as he approaches. Van Dam wary as he climbs through the ropes, and heads over to Test. After a few words, and a smile from Van Dam, a laughing Test cedes his microphone to the new No. 1 contender.
RVD: Ya know, I—
Crowd: R-V-D! R-V-D! R-V-D!
The fans continue to chant RVD’s name. He just shrugs to the others in the ring and smiles with a “who me?” look of innocence on his face, waiting for the chant to subside.
RVD: Ya know, I just had to come out here and try to defuse all of the tension in this ring. C’mon, you guys are ALL champions. You all won last night—just like me. Rob. Van. Dam. [the fans chant along with RVD] We should be celebrating! As for all this drama, hey, Test… I wouldn’t worry too much about waiting for a shot at this guy. Because it’s just a matter of time before I cash in my shot, and beat Taz to take that title for myself!
The fans ROAR at this proclamation, which leads Taz to toss his microphone, lay the belt down on the mat and go into a crouch, making a “just bring it” motion with his hand. Before Van Dam can do anything, though, a horn fanfare sounds over the house speakers… and Kurt Angle’s video cranks up on the big screen.
The cheers and simmering anticipation in the crowd turn to jeers as Kurt Angle, Haku and a neckbrace-clad Flip step out into the arena. Wearing a red, white and blue warmup suit, Angle makes a beeline for the ring, staring straight at the men in the squared circle until he’s into the ring. Angle produces a microphone from a pocket in his tracksuit.
Angle: Hold on just a second!
The boos are overwhelming for the Olympic gold medalist.
Angle: That’s right. You hear these people? You want to know why they’re booing? Because they’re protesting the injustice that went down last night. All my millions of fans, they know what I know. That their Olympic Hero got ROBBED last night!
The boos from the fans actually increase, if that’s possible.
Angle: Rob Van Dam, I had your caboose beat in the middle of the ring. And what do you do? You kick a chair back into my face. What kind of man would use a CHAIR as a weapon? I’ll tell you what kind.
Angle pauses for several seconds.
Angle: The kind that isn’t very nice. YEAH I SAID IT!
Van Dam just rolls his eyes, while Test and Hakushi are chuckling over the situation. Taz stands there, silent and glowering like some gargoyle on the side of a building.
RVD: Dude… did you seriously just say caboose?
The laughter in the ring, and in the crowd, grows.
Angle: STOP IT! I AM NOT A JOKE! I beat your kidney to heck and back last night, and I want you to know that I’m responding to your illegal win the correct way. The way an Olympic CHAMPION does. And that’s by filing an official letter of protest with Commissioner Guerrero.
Now the boos REALLY get going. Angle stands there, nodding and holler “Yeah!”
RVD: Whatever, dude. You were the one that brought the chair into the ring in the first place.
Angle: Lies! Van Dam, if there was any justice, you’d disqualify yourself from the title shot, but we both know you don’t have the Integrity to do that. Instead, why don’t you prove yourself and have a rematch with me for that title shot, right here… tonight?
Van Dam stands there, stroking his chin in thought as the fans cheer the idea.
RVD: Yeah… I don’t think so, bro. You tried to use the chair, and you paid for it with the Van Daminator. I can’t blame you for being upset. But don’t be bummed out about losing to me. Trust me, bro, it happens to everybody who crosses paths with Mr. Monday Night. Just know that you’ll get to sit back and watch that title go to me: Rob… Van… Dam.
Taz stalks across the ring and yanks the microphone out of Van Dam’s hand.
Taz: I think maybe you’ve got too much chronic in that thick heada yours, brutha. Otherwise, you’d know the guy that beat you last night… I just choked his ass out. Way I see it, that means you don’t gotta chance in hell of beatin me for that belt.
Angle: THIS is what’s considered the best? A long-haired hippy cheater and some garden gnome from the ghetto? I’m the only TRUE champion on this program. And I’m not leaving this ring until I get what I deserve…
Taz and RVD look at one another… then turn and drill Angle with stereo punches. The Olympian sent sprawling to the mat! Taz and RVD start laying the boots to Angle, until Haku barrels into the ring to help his partner. A huge four-man brawl breaks out, and the crowd is loving it!
JR: Team Angle hooking it up with the champ and the No. 1 contender. And this arena has come unglued!!!
Test and Hakushi watch the fracas for a few seconds. Then Test shrugs, and the champions exit the ring.
JR: I guess the champs deciding to conserve their energy for tonight’s main event.
Heyman: Why shouldn’t they? They’ve got no stake in that fight—OOOH!
Taz catches Haku with a gutwrench Tazplex to provoke Heyman’s utterance. Van Dam clocks Angle with a spinwheel kick… and Team Angle bails out, leaving champ and challenger face to face in the ring. The fans are on their feet, waiting for them to come to blows. Before anything can happen, the Mayhem-brand referees get into the ring, separating the two men. The crowd boos this development, but neither man appears to greatly protest the pull-apart.
JR: Rob Van Dam might be at the top of the list, but Paul, I think it’s obvious there’s a long list of guys waiting for a chance at Taz.
Heyman: We’ll see how long that lone-wolf attitude lasts when every man on the roster is waiting for a chance to get their hands on the champion.
JR: Folks, we’re going to take a break to try and restore order. Our next match, when we return!
COMMERCIAL
Non-Roster Showcase
2. Shark Boy, Prince Iaukea & Chris Hamrick vs. C.W. Anderson, Scotty Riggs & Evan Karagias
10 minute time limit; referee: Billy Silverman
[FADE IN] from the commercial break to see Prince Iaukea headed to the ring, accompanied by a thumping conga drum beat over the house audio.
Finkel: The following six-man tag match is scheduled for one fall. Now on his way to the ring, from
JR: Welcome back, as we’re set to see some of the underrated talents on the Mayhem brand. Each of the Charlottesville Wrestling Federation’s two properties have added a collection of non-roster competitors. And if you think this is a bunch of no-names, remember that Iaukea is a former Television Champion in WCW.
Iaukea gets a modest round of applause from the fans.
The distinctive sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd carries over the PA system as a slim man wearing a shirt that has “Southern Pride” written on it.
Finkel: His tag team partner, from
JR: Hamrick made his professional debut at the age of 16, Paul.
Heyman: Looks like there’s been a lot of mileage since then.
As Hamrick reaches the ring, his music fades and is replaced by the theme song from “Jaws” as a man wearing a skintight blue and black outfit and a black mask—complete with fin on the top of the head—enters the arena.
Finkel: And their tag team partner, also making his debut, from the
Heyman: What in the world…
Shark Boy is full of energy as he approaches the ring, high-fiving fans bordering the aisle and holding a hand up a la tomahawk chop against his head as a mock fin.
Heyman: This is ridiculous.
JR: It’s no worse than Tommy Rich pretending to be an Italian.
Heyman: Quiet you!
Shark Boy vaults into the ring over the top rope, shaking hands with both of his partners for this six-man matchup.
AC/DC’s cover of “Hair Of The Dog” cranks up, bringing C.W. Anderson stalking into the arena.
JR: From
JR: Mr. Anderson certainly looks less than thrilled about competing on the premiere episode of Mayhem.
Heyman: Just remember what the Big Show did to him last night. You’d be grouchy too…
Heyman: You don’t think they’re gonna do the thing with the oil again, do you?
JR: That was disgusting even by cable’s standards.
Riggs and Karagias saunter to the ring side by side, as C.W. Anderson stands in the ring, shaking his head. As Riggs and Karagias reach ringside, Karagias holds up his hands to put on the brakes… then brings that small body of oil out of his pocket.
Heyman: Oh no, not again… c’mon, he should be oily enough after the pay-per-view.
Riggs flexes his muscles, and Karagias proceeds to rub the oil onto his abs.
JR: This is…
A grinning Riggs takes the oil bottle from Karagias, who goes into a bodybuilder’s pose as Riggs rubs the oil into his back. The fans are hooting, hollering and booing at the antics.
Heyman: We have a wrestler dressed like a shark … AND HE’S NOT THE MOST RIDICULOUS GUY IN THE RING!
C.W. Anderson is screaming for his partners to get in the ring. Meanwhile, Iaukea, Shark Boy and Hamrick are in a quick huddle. C.W. turns… running dropkick by Iaukea sends
Riggs and Karagias scurry over to help him to his feet. C.W. brushes them off, yelling at his two oily, well-muscled partners. An argument ensues, as Iaukea scales to the top in the nearest corner as Hamrick and Shark Boy bounce off the far ropes… head of steam… FLYING CROSS BODY AND STEREO SUICIDE DIVES LEVEL THE ENTIRE OPPOSING TEAM! The crowd ERUPTS at the high-flying daredevilry, which leaves all six men down in the aisle.
Referee Billy Silverman not what to do, as the six men are down and slow to recover. Iaukea is up first. He brings Karagias to his feet and rocks him with a big headbutt, then throws him into the ring as Silverman starts the match.
DING DING DING!
Karagias still a little woozy, Iaukea spins him around to face him, and Karagias with a rake of the eyes! Now Evan firing away with some quick rights battering Iaukea backwards into the corner. Karagias winding up for the big punch… Iaukea ducks it, spins him around, hoists Karagias up into the air. Holds him up, Evan’s legs kicking in midair… and DOWN into a big atomic drop!
Karagias hits hard, clutching at his tailbone…
Heyman: Wonder if Riggs has any oil for that?
JR: If they do, I sure don’t wanna know about it.
Iaukea starts to follow up, when C.W. Anderson yanks his legs out from under him and pulls Iaukea out to the floor.
Hamrick goes for the cover.
One…
Tw—Riggs in to break up the count as C.W. steps out.
JR: More fast-paced action like we saw in both the six man mayhem and three-way tag last night…
Forearm shots down across the back of Hamrick as Evan rolls to the floor for a breather. Riggs brings Hamrick to his feet, and a big Beal across the ring. Just as Hamrick starts to stand, Riggs charges across the ring and levels him with a big clothesline. Brings Hamrick up into a front facelock, and lifts him into the air. Riggs holding Hamrick aloft for 5 seconds… 10… and drops the hammer on the suplex.
Heyman: Impressive strength display by Riggs, JR. There’s no other way to describe it.
Riggs stands, places one foot on Hamrick’s chest and flexes as the showboat pin attempt gets a one count.
JR: Total disrespect in that arrogant pin attempt by Riggs!
Riggs tosses Hamrick into the neutral corner, lays in a shoulder to the midsection. Big forearm shot rocks him. Irish whips Hamrick across the ring, and he hits hard, doing a Flair flip up and over the far turnbuckles to the floor! Riggs starts to follow up as Shark Boy slides into the ring. Shark Boy catches Riggs with a deep armdrag! And another armdrag! Shark Boy beats Riggs to his feet and goes for a hiptoss. Riggs blocks it and tries to hiptoss Shark Boy. He blocks, catches Riggs with a forearm to the gut, pushes off with one foot, flips behind Riggs… runs him forward into the ropes and rolls back into a pinning predicament!
One!
Tw—
Riggs kicks out, and the force sends Shark Boy over the top rope. The masked man hangs on, sets himself on the apron, springs off the top rope and launches with a cross body onto Riggs!
One!
Two!
Kickout.
JR: Shark Boy really showing something here!
Heyman: His costume might be ridiculous, but it looks like this guy can wrestle…
Each team now in its respective corner as Shark Boy waits for Riggs to stand, charges with a knee lift! Runs behind Riggs off into the ropes again, slams him facefirst with a modified bulldog. Shark Boy to the top in the neutral corner… but Karagias shoves him off. Hamrick hustles across the ring from his corner and knocks Karagias off the apron. Then Riggs with a running clothesline that takes both him and Hamrick head over heels to the floor!
JR: Things are breaking down!
As all four try to recover, C.W. and Iaukea step into the ring.
JR: He calls that the Ferris Wheel suplex!
C.W. with the cover.
One!
Two!
Shark Boy into the ring… and he clamps onto C.W. with a butt bite!
Heyman: What the HELL?!?
JR: Shark Boy breaks up the pin with a… a…
Heyman: A bite on the ass!
C.W. able to roll away from Shark Boy, who’s peppering him with forearms across the back.
JR: This match is total chaos!
Karagias into the corner and Riggs tags him in, ensnaring Shark Boy in a Sharpshooter and turning him over. Karagias sets, but Hamrick shoves him off and ALL the way down to the floor.
Heyman: LOOK OUT!
JR: Oh, a little turnabout is fair play for Evan Karagias!
Hamrick to the corner in his place, and flies off with a missile dropkick that catches Riggs square!
JR: Another flying dropkick. That could do it!
Hamrick covers for one…
Two… C.W. in and pulls Hamrick off by a leg.
Down across the Southerner with a driving elbow. And another! And a third! Pulls Hamrick up, and Hamrick fighting back with a series of forearms to the side of the head! JR: He’s got the bigger man staggered!
Hamrick back into the ropes, leaps with a Thesz press… but C.W. catches him and delivers a BIG spinning spinebuster! Cover!
One…
Two…
Three!
WIN: Anderson, Riggs & Karagias by pin in 5:05
Heyman: C.W. Anderson wins it for his team! Time to break out the body oil and celebrate…
JR: Hey, if you’re into that kind of thing, Paul…
Heyman: No, I was talking about them!
JR: Don’t worry, I won’t judge.
Heyman: Grrrr!
Hamrick rolls to the outside of the ring, as a jubilant Riggs and Karagias enter the squared circle to celebrate with Anderson, who angrily shrugs off Riggs when he tries to touch him. Karagias holds up his hands to halt his partner… then produces the bottle of oil and offers it to
JR: An all-business C.W. Anderson apparently would prefer to celebrate his victory in private…
Riggs and Karagias throwing a little tantrum in the ring at
Heyman: Oh well, I guess that means more oil for Scotty and Evan.
JR: I know that’ll make you happy, Paul.
Heyman: I never said I use the oil.
JR: You never said you didn’t.
Heyman: Fine! I—
As the announcers banter,
JR: What in the world?!?
The BIG SHOW ducks on his way into the arena.
JR: Oh my! The largest athlete in sports has made his entrance!
Heyman: And he does NOT look happy...
With a bandage on his head, Big Show stalking to the ring, where Riggs and Karagias stand flabbergasted at the entrance of the giant. Meanwhile, Hamrick, Shark Boy and Iaukea into the ring behind the duo. They charge and dump both Riggs and Karagias out over the top rope! Riggs and Karagias hit in a heap… as the Big Show strolls up behind them.
JR: Oh, boy… this isn’t good for these two.
Shark Boy, Hamrick and Iaukea high-tail it out of the ring, waiting on the far side.
JR: Shark Boy, Hamrick and Iaukea deciding discretion is the better part of valor…
Heyman: Smarter than some of ’em look in those silly outfits.
Riggs and Karagias check one another for injuries before rising… then take a step back only to stop short against the bulk of the Big Show. The tag partners are left with a blank expression as they turn… and find themselves nose-to-nipple with the Big Show. They start to beg off… but Big Show grabs them both by the throat to a bloodthirsty roar from the crowd! Big Show rams their heads together, then grabs them both by the throat… DOUBLE CHOKESLAM OUT ON THE FLOOR!
Crowd: OHHHHHHHHHHH!
JR: CHOKESLAM! Bah Gawd, Big Show just chokeslammed both men straight to hell out on the floor!!!
Heyman: Big Show just turned them into a grease spot with that chokeslam!
Show steps over the carcasses of both men without a second glance and heads into the ring. Shark Boy, Hamrick and Iaukea high-tail it up the aisle toward the back as the giant enters the ring and beckons for a microphone, and Howard Finkel is quick to oblige. Meanwhile, Mayhem training staff and a few paramedics dash out to ringside to tend to the stricken, and slickened, tag team.
Show: Billy Gunn… Roaddog… like I promised last night, I’m here. And I’m not leaving until I get my hands on the two of you for THIS.
The Big Show rips off the bandage, revealing still-fresh stitches in his forehead.
Show: So if you’ve got any guts, we’ll see how you do when it’s face to fa—
PA: Ohhh, you didn’t know?!?
Big Show looks up, glaring, as the New Age Outlaws’ theme music starts and Road Dogg comes through the door, mic in hand.
Roaddog: Yo’ ass better call somebodyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
The fans give Roaddog a solid reaction as he approaches the ring, never slowing or stalling but heading right for the largest athlete on the CWF roster.
Roaddog: You damn right! We gonna see somebody slay a giant tonight. Cause it ain’t the size of the man in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the D-O-Double G. We’ll grind your bones to make our bread… and I can tell by that spare snow tire you’re all about the carbs, big boy!
As Roaddog banters, there’s a hubbub in the crowd as Billy Gunn comes through the crowd, steel chair in hand.
Roaddog: Fee fi fo fum, say good night, you—
Before Roaddog can finish, Big Show whirls to see Gunn about to strike with the chair. The giant punches the chair right back into Gunn’s face! The Bad Ass knocked completely off his feet and splats on the mat. The crowd roars, and Show approaches Gunn to inflict more punishment as Roaddog sprints to the ring to aid his partner. Big Show hoists Gunn to his feet by his throat… but before he can do anything Roaddog delivers a chop block to the giant’s right leg! Big Show howls in one pain and collapses to a knee. Roaddog helps Gunn to his feet and the New Age Outlaws leave the ring, hustling to the back!
JR: So much for slaying a giant!
Heyman: Hey, there’s a lot to be said for a strategic retreat…
Show to his feet just as the Outlaws disappear through the cell door, and the giant is quivering in anger. Big Show promptly over the top rope, and pursuing the DX tandem to the back.
JR: The Big Show, still looking for his revenge!
COMMERCIAL
[FADE IN] to a family gathered in the living room, with bored expressions on their faces.
Announcer: Nothing good to do on Saturday nights?
The middle-aged man, presumably the father, leafs through the paper with a glazed look in his eye. The woman is knitting while the two kids, a boy and girl, play an ancient looking version of Connect Four on the floor.
Announcer: Well, not anymore!
The television flickers to life, and the entire family suddenly finds themselves seated ringside to a CWF Mayhem ring. Sabu, Kurt Angle, the Big Show and Rob Van Dam are brawling in the ring. Instantly, the family members leap to their feet, cheering and yelling like mad!
Announcer: Professional wrestling is coming back to major network TV. Get ready, for the return… of Saturday Night’s Main Event!
[PAN UP] from the ring to the old-school SNME logo hanging from the rafters.
Announcers: Coming May 15, to NBC…
[CUT] to Jim Ross and Paul Heyman at their ringside broadcast position
JR: That’s right, folks, get ready! Because Mayhem is bringing professional wrestling back to late-night network television. Saturday Night’s Main Event making its return, and it’s less than three weeks away. Paul, our new commissioner, Chavo Guerrero, already making some major, major moves.
Heyman: None bigger than his decision to grant Taz a North American Title shot in an impromptu and chaotic main event last night in
JR: Right, except then Taz—who signed a Mayhem contract in the middle of the ring earlier in the broadcast—came out and assaulted the Corporation. Sabu and Taz locked horns for the title, and when the smoke cleared, we had a new North American Champion. Needless to say, Vince McMahon was none too pleased with this sequence of events.
Heyman: Oh, ya think?
JR: Our cameras caught up with McMahon and his Corporation before we went on the air. Let’s go to the footage of what Vince McMahon had to say…
[CUT] to Vince, flanked by Benoit with Hostile Takeover—Bryan Adams and Brian Clarke—standing behind the two men. Vince is literally quivering in fury.
Vince: Perhaps it’s time I re-introduce myself, because it seems a few people have forgotten just who I am. My name is Vincent Kennedy McMahon, and I am … well, the founding father of modern-day sports entertainment. I took professional wrestling… and I elevated it to another plane of existence! Now, look at me. Relegated to being a common manager. My empire, but not my fortune, taken away! Well, I’ve got news for everyone in this company, and all of you peons watching at home.
McMahon pauses for a moment. When he resumes, his voice has taken on the timbre of that trademark growl.
Vince: I’m going to take over this company just like I did professional wrestling itself! Just as I bought all the impressive competitors from territories across the country, I will assemble a stable of talent the likes of which this industry has never seen. And it all started on Sunday, when I acquired the services of the Canadian Crippler… the Rabid Wolverine, and my personal problem solver, Chris Benoit!
[ZOOM IN] on Benoit, clenching and unclenching his fingers as he stares at the camera. Vince McMahon resumes his speech, though in a more restrained tone of voice.
Vince: Many of you were shocked when Chris Benoit joined my Corporation. But the reality is that I provide a level of financial stability unheard of in this industry. And now, Chris knows he’ll have people watching his back. Real men… like Bryan Adams and Brian Clarke, the next North American tag team champions! They’ve already taken out the APA, and Test and Hakushi, it’s just a matter of time before they claim those belts they rightfully deserve. The true testament of the Corporation’s greatness is that it can be found on either side of the CWF line. My son, Shane, will be managing the interests of former world champion The Rock. And it’s just a matter of time before all the titles, and all the glory in this company, rests in the McMahons’ hands… Tonight, gentlemen, we’re going to settle a few grievances. Teach a lesson to a handful of individuals who were foolish enough to cross the Corporation. I’m talking about you, Test. And you, Hakushi. And you, Dean Malenko. You didn’t just cross the Corporation last night. You crossed Vincent Kennedy McMahon, which in this business, is like spitting into the face of the Almighty himself!!
Vince is FUMING now.
Vince: And then there’s YOU, Taz… who crawled out of whatever back alley that spawned you, only to steal Sabu’s North American championship like some common thug. Well, Taz, I promise you this. When Sabu returns… and he WILL return… it is only a matter of time before that belt becomes my property again. I hope you’re ready. Because maybe in a few months, or maybe it will take a year, but the Corporation WILL be running Mayhem. Like my theme music says, it’s only a matter of time. Gentlemen…
Vince leads his three charges out of the shot.
COMMERCIAL
Cruiserweight Title Match
[FADE IN from the commercial break to the “CWF Rewind”, sponsored by Sony. This week’s segment features highlights from the Six Man Mayhem at Redemption to determine a new Cruiserweight Champion.
JR: [canned audio] A reminder, no tags are necessary. Two men at a time, but if either of them exits the ring at any time, another man can enter.
[MONTAGE] of highlights from the match includes Chris Candido hitting a delayed vertical suplex on Super Calo, X-Pac connecting on a suicide somersault pescado out onto all five opponents, Rey Mysterio and X-Pac with stereo bronco busters, Eddie Guerrero catching Candido and Christopher Daniels catching Rey in midair and delivering a wicked STO. [REPLAYS] from two additional camera angles of the final spot.
[CUT] to Daniels giving X-Pac the Angel’s Wings and covering for one… two… Eddie breaks it up with a frog splash!
JR: MY GOD WHAT A MOVE! EDDIE SAILING OUT OF NOWHERE!
Eddie starts to go for the pin when Super Calo connects on a superkick, hoists X-Pac and connects on a jumping tombstone.
Calo gets to his feet after the move… and reaches up to his toboggan.
Heyman: Is… is he unmasking?!?
JR: But why would…
Calo pulls off the toboggan and mask and…
JR: WHAT THE HELL?!?
Heyman: THAT’S JUSTIN CREDIBLE!
One…
Two…
Three!
The crowd reacts with a strong mixed reaction as Credible rolls out of the ring, grabs title belt off the timekeeper’s table and immediately starts back up the aisle.
Heyman: There’s your new Cruiserweight Champion!
JR: But Justin Credible doesn’t even wrestle here!!
3. Cruiserweight Title Match
Justin Credible (C) (1-0) vs. Opponent Of Chavo’s Choosing
30 minute time limit; referee: Mike Chioda
[CUT] back to live action in the arena, as Credible stalks down the aisle with the Cruiserweight Title in hand and a sneer on his face.
Heyman: Now is this what you call the proper introduction of a champion? No theme music, no entrance video… c’mon, this is the CWF. They actually HAVE a budget for that kinda thing!
JR: Well, it’s not like the powers that be offered Justin Credible a contract. He wormed his way into last night’s match in disguise, and literally STOLE the championship that’s now strapped around his waist.
Heyman: Hey, nobody forced Chavo to honor that decision. Now look at him, showing this disrespect to the new champion! What’s the Spanish translation for passive/aggressive anyway?
Credible climbs into the ring, unclasping the belt and holding it to his chest like a beloved newborn child.
JR: Let’s go to The Fink.
[CUT] to a wide shot of the ring.
Finkel: The following contest is for the Cruiserweight Championship! This match is one fall with a 30 minute time limit. Your referee is Mike Chioda. Introducing first, now in the ring to my left… from Ozone,
Credible sneers and strikes a defiant pose as the boos rain down on him from the
Finkel: And his opponent…
A mariachi riff played on an electric guitar starts over the house audio. Seconds later, the words “SUPER CALO” appear on the big screen in bright purple letters.
JR: Oh my!
Heyman: Will the real Super Calo please stand up?
Super Calo comes through the door and immediately goes into a dead sprint, dashing for the squared circle. Credible tosses the belt to the referee and goes into a crouch, mouthing “Bring it on!” to the challenger as Chioda calls for the bell.
DING DING DING!
Calo leaps to the ring apron as Credible goes for a charging attack. Calo sidesteps it, pulling down the top rope to send the champ spilling to the floor with a meaty thwack!
JR: Oh, a rough trip for the new champion!
Calo scales to the top rope in the nearest corner. With Credible still down, Calo starts clapping his hands over his head. The fans start to join in, with Calo waving his arms to get the crowd going. A woozy Credible rises… and Calo launches himself with a BIG somersault senton!
JR: OH MAH GAWD WHAT A MOVE!
Heyman: Air
The senton flattens Credible and Calo springs to his feet, favoring his lower back with one hand while pumping his fist with the other.
Heyman: And the hat stays on!
JR: Super Calo—the REAL Super Calo—is feeling it!
Calo gets Credible to his feet and rolls him in under the bottom rope. Now the challenger to the apron, motioning to Credible to stand.
Heyman: He’s wasting too much time!
Credible stands, Calo springs to the top rope and off with a leaping body attack. Credible ducks it, but Calo able to go into a roll and spring right back to his feet. Credible turns, and Calo catches him with a deep armdrag! Credible scrambles to his feet… another armdrag! Credible struggles to a vertical base again… only to find a running dropkick by Calo waiting on him. Credible hits hard and flops over onto his belly, as Calo runs in place. He is fired up!
JR: You’ve got to wonder if Justin Credible’s identity theft has had a motivational effect on Super Calo.
Heyman: Ya think?
Credible struggles up into a crouch, Calo charges and leaps over him, hooking Credible in a sunset flip on the way over.
One!
Two!
Credible kicks out. Starts to scramble to his feet but Calo brings him over in a rolling cradle.
One!
Two!
Th—and Credible barely escapes!
JR: We were less than a second away from a title change!
Calo right on top of Credible again, but the bigger man shrugs off the luchador and connects on a wicked roundhouse right to the side of the head that staggers Calo. Knee to the gut, and Credible chucks Calo out of the ring, dropping to his knees himself to try and catch a breather.
JR: Justin Credible is in trouble!
Heyman: It takes time to adjust to that fast-paced, lucha libre style…
By the time Credible recovers, Calo’s back on the apron. He charges over to try and knock Calo off, but the masked man blocks the punch and answers with one of his own! Pulls down the top rope and leaps into the ring, hooking Credible for a spinning flying headscissors!
Heyman: Beautiful!
JR: Super Calo just cannot be stopped tonight!
Credible to his feet and instantly back down, totally out of sorts. He starts to sit up… and Calo with a baseball slide dropkick to put him right back down. Calo bounds back to his feet, and immediately scales to the top in the nearest corner.
JR: Calo to the top rope!
Leaps with a corkscrew splash… BUT CREDIBLE GETS THE KNEES UP!
Crowd: OOOOOOOH!
JR: Catastrophe for Super Calo… !
The sudden turnabout leaves Calo curled up in a ball on the mat. Credible to his feet, and connects on a running kick to the bread basket of the challenger. The impact lifts Calo up off the mat before he crumples back to the canvas in a retching heap.
JR: Good GAWD what a kick!
Credible brings Calo to a kneeling position, and begins firing punches into his head.
Heyman: And now look at Justin Credible. He sees the weakness, and he zeroes in upon it like a shark smelling blood in the water. This is what has helped this man transform from a joke into a dangerous competitor.
Credible brings Calo to his feet, shoves him forward into the ropes, strangling him against the middle cable as Chioda issues a five count. Credible breaks at four, then charges back in with a running knee to the back of the challenger. Calo howls in pain and flops onto his belly.
Heyman: Systematic destruction of Super Calo, JR. There’s no other way to say it.
Credible lays the boots to the challenger, who clutches the bottom rope for dear life as Chioda issues another five count. Credible backs off at four, then immediately shoves past the ref, yanking Calo up into a front facelock and delivering a couple of forearm shots across the back. Hoists Calo for a vertical suplex, then brings him forward into a sitout gourdbuster! After the impact, Calo flops around like a freshly caught fish.
JR: And a WICKED move by Credible… But he’s still not done.
Scoop slam in front of the corner, then Credible climbs to the middle rope and comes off with a measured elbow drop to the forehead.
JR: Justin Credible might have swiped that title last night, but he seems determined to prove his toughness in this first defense…
Credible yanks the luchadore to his feet and into a roundhouse right. Calo lists into the ropes, then comes off with a forearm to the side of Credible’s head.
JR: He’s still got some fight left…
Heyman: It’s the hat, JR. It’s the source of his power!
Credible with a punch, Calo goes for another forearm, Credible blocks it, shoves Calo off into the ropes and tags him with a superkick! Calo drops like a ton of bricks, Credible immediately scoops him into the air, positions him…
Heyman: Here it comes, JR.
Credible with a jumping tombstone!
Heyman: That’s Incredible!
Credible leans across Calo’s carcass, raising his free hand to count along with the referee for the now-academic pin.
The fans boo as a smirking Credible stands, and demands that Chioda retrieve his belt.
JR: Super Calo had the element of surprise early, but all in all, an impressive title defense by Justin Credible.
Credible stands there as Chioda straps the belt around his waist. Then Credible promptly bends down, grabs the still-senseless Calo and chucks him out of the ring over the top rope.
JR: Oh come on!
Heyman: How sportsmanlike…
JR: Sportsmanlike?!?
Heyman: That’s right, he helped his opponent out of the ring.
JR: Maybe in ECW that counts as sportsmanship, but where I come from, that’s kickin’ a man when he’s down!
Credible poses against the ropes, a sneer on his face… when a roar goes up from the crowd.
JR: It’s X-Pac!
Credible turns, and doubles over as X-Pac with a kick to the gut! Grabs the champ by the head… X-FACTOR! Credible jerks upon impact, while X-Pac kips up, pumping his fist to the crowd.
Heyman: You wanna talk about unsportsmanlike, JR?!?!
JR: Turnabout is fair play, Paul. X-Pac has leveled the Cruiserweight champion and these fans are loving it.
X-Pac to the middle rope in the nearest corner, making the always-profound “I want the belt” motion around his waist.
JR: No difficulty interpreting that message, Paul!
Heyman: Justin Credible better be a fighting champion. Because it looks like he has plenty of fights on his hands…
WIN: Credible by pin in 4:59 (retains title)
COMMERCIAL
Tag Team Action
[FADE IN] from the break to a tight shot of JR and Heyman at ringside.
JR: Well fans, we just witnessed X-Pac lay physical claim to that Cruiserweight Title and Commissioner Guerrero has acted. In two weeks, it will be X-Pac against Justin Credible, one on one for that Cruiserweight Title.
Heyman: X-Pac wanted his shot, JR. Now he’s got it. Be careful what you wish for, because I imagine Justin Credible intends to keep that belt for a long, long time.
JR: Mean Gene is standing by live with X-Pac. Gene?
[CUT] to Mean Gene, standing in front of a backdrop with the CWF Mayhem logo upon it. X-Pac is to stage left of the announcer.
Gene: Alright, we are definitely entering the shank of the evening. X-Pac, you’re not a bashful man. You didn’t just ask the office for a title shot. You went right to the champion himself, and delivered your message in person.
X-Pac: What was it you said last night, Justin? You didn’t sit back and wait for that opportunity. You reached out, and you took it. And when you did that, I was the guy who ended up getting laid out for the 1-2-3. Well Justin, tonight, it was MY turn to take MY opportunity. And in two weeks, I’ll be taking your title belt.
Gene: Bold words from the sparkplug of D-Generation X, X-Pac. I—oh, my goodness…
X-Pac’s brow wrinkles in confusion… until a massive hand reaches into the shot, grabbing X-Pac by the neck from behind!
[ZOOM OUT] to reveal the Big Show, almost casually gripping X-Pac, who is writhing in the grasp of the giant. Big Show leans down, close to X-Pac’s head.
Show: Relax,
Show starts to release X-Pac, then spins him around and grabs him by the Adam’s apple.
Show: And if they run again? Then I’ll be taking out my frustration on YOU.
Show shoves X-Pac backward, who’s left grabbing his throat and trying to catch his breath.
Show: Good luck in the title match.
The giant chuckles, and strolls out of the shot.
4. Mark Henry & D’Lo Brown (1-0) vs. Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio Jr. (0-0)
20 minute time limit; referee: Senior Referee Nick Patrick
[CUT] back to the arena, and a close-up shot of Howard Finkel at center ring.
Finkel: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit…
PA: Latino HEEEEAT...
[CUT] to a wide shot of the entrance way as “Oye Como Va” starts up over the loudspeakers. Eddie Guerrero’s name flashes up on the big screen in the green and red colors of
JR: Are you ready for some lucha libre tag action? Well here come two competitors who learned their craft in the pro leagues in
Heyman: The last time we saw these two in the ring, they were almost at each other’s throats in Six Man Mayhem. Tonight, they’re tag team partners. They talked to us earlier tonight before we went on the air…
[SPLIT SCREEN] pops up with Eddie and Rey standing in front of a blank wall, as they walk to the ring in live action.
Eddie: Oye, mi amigo… Last night, we were going nose to nose for that Cruiserweight Title. Things got a little heated. A little… caliente, know what I mean? Rey Rey and me, we going head to head. But then, when Chris Candido tried to hurt me… tried to powerbomb me to the floor… my friend Rey, he stepped up and saved me. Muchas gracias, vato.
Rey: Eddie and I are as close as any brothers. And just like brothers, sometimes we fight. Tonight, we unite for one goal, and that’s the North American tag team titles. D’Lo and Mark Henry, prepare yourselves for lucha libre...
Back to full screen as Eddie and Rey reach the ring. Their music cuts off abruptly and…
PA: You better recognize!
The theme music of D’Lo Brown starts up, and D’Lo and Mark Henry step through the cell door into the arena.
JR: And here come the former tag team champions…
Heyman: They don’t look happy either, JR! But you can’t blame ‘em after coming SO close to the tag titles last night.
Henry and D’Lo quickly enter the ring, with Henry immediately going to his team’s corner and D’Lo sliding in under the bottom rope. Eddie starts off for his team, and the match is on.
DING DING DING!
Eddie immediately hooks Brown in a go-behind. He runs D’Lo forward into the ropes, and Eddie uses the momentum to roll him back into a pinning predicament. One…
D’Lo kicks free, sending Eddie into a forward roll and out between the middle and bottom ropes.
JR: Eddie going for the pin right away but D’Lo was having none of it…
Heyman: He better pay attention, though!
Rey Mysterio springs to the top rope and leaps into action, ensnaring Brown around the head and connecting on a satellite headscissors! The crowd cheers the aerial move as Rey springs to his feet, already waiting to follow up …
JR: With these lucha-rules for tag matches on Mayhem, you’ve got to have your head on a swivel at all times!
Rey goes for a running dropkick, D’Lo sidesteps it and Rey hits the canvas. Brown pounces, grabbing the smaller man and reaching for his left arm.
Heyman: The Fujiwara armbar!
JR: D’Lo going for his submission hold. It’s early but if he hooks it, this match could be over!
Rey shows good awareness, sprawling forward and wrapping his right arm around the bottom rope before D’Lo cinches the hold. D’Lo backs off, letting Rey to his feet. Rey starts to clap his hands, getting the crowd going as Mysterio and Brown circle. They close, and Rey reaches up to hook the bigger man in a side headlock. D’Lo goes for a belly to back suplex, Rey rolls through and drops down behind Brown. D’Lo goes for a backhanded smash, Rey ducks it and charges off into the ropes. Fires off, D’Lo with a leapfrog, tries to hiptoss Rey on the rebound, Mysterio uses the momentum, spins around D’Lo’s own body, grabs his right arm as he completes the circuit and flings him to the mat with a modified armdrag!
JR: What an AMAZING counter by the masked man!
Heyman: Rey Mysterio just made D’Lo his personal pommel horse!
D’Lo starts to stand, Rey hooks him and connects on another flying headscissors. A dizzy D’Lo to his feet near Mark Henry, who slaps Brown on the back to tag himself in. The crowd ooooohs as the strongman steps in, sizing up his much smaller opponent. Rey pauses for about a second, then charges right at the big man, firing away with forearms to the side of Henry’s head!
JR: Rey showing no fear against Mark Henry!
Henry lowers his shoulder and shoves Mysterio away. Rey gets flung backward, landing across the ring near his own corner. He gets to his knees, obviously rattled, and tags in Eddie. Guerrero steps through the ropes, and does a little shimmy as he sizes up Henry. Eddie beckons for Henry to bring it… then catches the strongman with a finger to the eye.
Heyman: The ultimate equalizer, JR.
A smirking Guerrero grabs the blinded Henry and connects on a big forearm uppercut under the jaw! Henry lists back into the ropes, Guerrero with a kick to the gut, goes to follow up and Henry shoves him off. Eddie back in with a kick and a punch to the head, again Eddie shoves him off. Eddie back up a third time, moves in again with kicks and punches, and Henry starts to fire back!
JR: Eddie holding his own against the strongman!
But Henry catches Eddie with a short knee and delivers a clubbing forearm across the back driving Guerrero to his knees. Henry hooks Eddie in a gutwrench, swings him up across his shoulder into a backbreaker, then drops to his knees. The impact JARS Eddie’s spine against Henry’s massive shoulder, and the fans groan as Guerrero drops to the mat, writhing in pain.
JR: Good LORD, what a sickening impact. Henry using his own shoulder as a fulcrum to wrench the spine of Eddie Guerrero…
Henry roughly yanks Eddie up and fires him HARD into the far opposite corner. Guerrero smashes against the turnbuckles and collapses to the canvas. Eddie tries to roll out under the bottom rope, but D’Lo hustles down the apron, blocking Eddie’s exit with his own body.
Heyman: Great tactics there, JR. Eddie knew he just had to leave the ring to get a break, but D’Lo Brown bodily prevented his exit. And that gives Mark Henry time to head over and follow up.
Henry cinches Eddie in a front facelock. Tag to D’Lo, who vaults in over the top rope and drives a forearm down across the back of Eddie. Guerrero to his knees as D’Lo hammers him to the canvas with a series of forearms and double axe handles… then scoops him right up for a slam.
JR: And now D’Lo zeroing in on that back of Eddie Guerrero.
D’Lo rolls Eddie onto his stomach and pauses, looking right at Rey in the corner. Brown extends his arms… goes into his head shake… then hits a driving elbow into Eddie’s lower back! Eddie screams upon impact, and D’Lo rolls him over.
One…
Two…
Eddie with a shoulder up. D’Lo rolls Guerrero back onto his belly, plants a knee in his lower back then pulls up under his chin with a modified Camel Clutch. Rey Mysterio starts to clap for his partner, and soon many of the fans follow suit as a chant begins to swell.
Fans: Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!
Eddie refuses to submit. Finally, Mark Henry into the ring and connects on a NASTY stomp right in Guerrero’s face!
JR: Good LORD, what a kick!
Eddie slumps in the grasp of D’Lo, and a snarling Henry returns to the ring apron as the fans boo.
Heyman: I think Eddie’s knocked out!
JR: And I think that was a cheap shot! Eddie was restrained in the hold by D’Lo and had absolutely no way to defend himself.
Heyman: Hey, it’s all fair, JR, as long as he gets in and out before a five count. Right?
Eddie was restrained and had no way to defend himself! D’Lo gives his exiting partner a look, then releases Eddie, throws him on his back and covers.
One…
Two…
Again Eddie kicks out. D’Lo to his feet, and tags Henry after a second of hesitation.
JR: I don’t think D’Lo liked that kick by his partner one bit.
Heyman: But he loves to win, JR. That’s the key.
Henry barrels into the ring, grabs Eddie and hoists him right up into the air by the EARS!
JR: Good grief!
Guerrero kicking weakly, and Henry finally just drops him to the mat in a heap. Then a running kick to the bread basket lifts Eddie’s entire body up off the mat!
JR: Mark Henry wrestling a very physical, imposing style tonight!
The strongman grabs Eddie, hoists him up for a slam and proceeds to start military pressing Guerrero in the air. The crowd starts counting along with each repetition. Henry gets to eight before completing the slam. Eddie left cringing on the mat after the impact… Henry FLATTENS him with a big leaping elbow drop.
JR: HUGE elbow. And there’s a cover!
One!
Two!
Th—Eddie able to squirm a shoulder up.
Henry yanks Eddie to his feet, and connects on a BIG hiptoss that launches Guerrero across the ring. Eddie left splayed on the canvas.
JR: Eddie has a chance here if he can just get out of the ring…
By the time Eddie even starts to stir, Henry is back on top of him. Hoists Eddie up off the mat with a two-handed choke, then tosses him into the near neutral corner… follows with a forearm smash to the side of the head. Guerrero’s knees buckle, and Henry scoops him up onto one shoulder.
JR: Powerslam on the way…
But Rey hustles down the apron, grabs Eddie by a foot and yanks him down behind the strongman as Henry starts out of the corner.
Heyman: Smart move!
Henry turns, Rey catches him square with a forearm to the jaw! The strongman staggers as Eddie rolls out under the bottom rope, to cheers from the crowd!
JR: And now here comes Mysterio!
Rey to the top rope, springs off, big dropkick off the strongman’s jaw! Henry backpedals but doesn’t go down. Rey charges Henry… battering ram headbutt to the belly of the bigger man, and a big uppercut. Henry goes for a clubbing forearm blow, Rey ducks it and answers with three lightning-quick forearms to the jaw of the big man. Rey dashes into the ropes behind him, comes off with a low dropkick to Henry’s left knee. He stumbles but doesn’t fall.
Heyman: You can feel the tempo accelerating!
Rey up again, back into the ropes and charges off… Henry gets his hands out and flings Mysterio HIGH into the air. Rey seems to sail almost to the light rigging before CRASHING to the mat sternum first! Henry immediately back into the adjacent ropes, comes off… big splash… Mysterio moves!
JR: Rey dodges the splash! And that coulda been it if Henry hit it…
Heyman: I’ll say! That had to look like an eclipse from Rey’s perspective!
Henry slumped on all fours, as Rey trying to get it together.
JR: And now both men trying to recover. I think Mark Henry might have hurt a knee on that missed splash…
Henry is near his corner and D’Lo waving for the tag, but Henry just shakes his head.
Heyman: D’Lo wants into the match, but Mark Henry refusing to tag out!
Rey in a crouch, as Henry stands and connects on a full body block! Rey knocked forward into the ropes, hits them awkwardly and sprawls to the mat.
JR: GOOD GAWD, what a sick collision! Rey Mysterio flung backward like he was hit by a car!
Henry applies a goozle, nearly wrapping his entire hand around the neck of Mysterio, as he connects on a punch to the side of the masked man’s head. Rey’s knees buckle, still in the grasp of Henry, as referee Nick Patrick begins a five count. Another punch! And Rey slumps in the big man’s grip.
Heyman: I think Rey Mysterio is unconscious!
Patrick gets to five, and Henry still won’t go as he delivers a third punch! Rey’s head left drooping forward as Patrick calls for the bell!
JR: Nick Patrick has seen enough!
Heyman: Either he ruled Rey couldn’t continue, or disqualified Mark Henry.
The bell rings but Henry still has hold of Rey, who is completely lifeless. Nick Patrick trying to pry Henry loose of the luchador, and the strongman connects on a headbutt. Rey is completely lifeless as the bell continues to ring.
JR: Get him loose, dammit!
Heyman: Good luck! Mark Henry is a man possessed right now!
D’Lo Brown in as well, trying to get Mark Henry to let go of Rey. Meanwhile, Eddie heads for the broadcast position.
JR: Eddie Guerrero over to us and—hey!
Eddie yanks the chair out from under Ross and gets into the ring with it. He winds up to hit Mark Henry, but D’Lo yanks the chair out of his hand. Eddie wheels on D’Lo, who throws the chair to the mat and confronts Brown.
JR: And now Eddie and D’Lo seem set to go at it!
Heyman: D’Lo was trying to help Rey, but not at the expense of his partner…
The two men go nose to nose, as a snarling Henry finally drops Rey—and clobbers Eddie from behind! The strongman starts to stomp Guerrero, until Brown steps in shoving Henry away from the fracas. D’Lo trying to talk some sense into Henry. [ZOOM IN] to a close-up to see a wild-eyed Henry glaring at both of his fallen opponents.
Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, your winners of the match, by disqualification… Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr.!
Eddie now checking on Rey, as his music plays. Meanwhile Henry has left the ring and is stalking back up the ramp as D’Lo talks to him.
JR: What in the world has gotten into Mark Henry tonight? This is not the lovable big man who won the tag titles with D’Lo…
Heyman: Hey if you had to work for Jim Cornette, you’d be cranky, too.
JR: We’ll be back right after this…
WIN: Guerrero & Mysterio by DQ in 8:56
COMMERCIAL
[FADE IN] from the commercial break to black-and-white footage of a man, wearing a long hooded robe, with his head bowed.
Voice: You want to talk about belief? I prefer to deal in truth.
[CUT] to an image of Christopher Daniels in action, delivering an Angel’s Wings onto X-Pac.
Voice: Truth one… I have never been pinned, or made to submit, since stepping into this company.
[CUT] to another snippet of Daniels in action, this time leaping off the top rope with a moonsault suicida out onto DX and the Flock during their eight-man tag.
Voice: Truth two… my ability, and my fearlessess, in that ring are unparalleled.
[CUT] to Daniels, delivering a midair STO on Rey Mysterio Jr.
Voice: Truth three… at Redemption, I dominated Six Man Mayhem…
[CUT] to Daniels making a cover on X-Pac, only to have Eddie Guerrero break it up with a frog splash off the top.
Voice: Only to have victory snatched from my grasp.
[CUT] back to the man in the hood and robe. He flings the hood back, revealing the face of Christopher Daniels.
Daniels: I am the undefeated sensation in this company. I am the uncrowned champion. I am the man who had his moment of glory stolen away by an individual with dangerous nepotistic ties to the individuals who call the shots here. But you see, that is irrelevant. Because just as it’s written, the day will come when I will inherit my just reward. And no one… not even a Guerrero… will stand in my way. Mayhem fans… prepare. For next week, you will behold my coming. And the beginning of the era of Christopher Daniels. And that’s the gospel, according to the Fallen Angel…
Daniels puts the hood back up and walks into the darkness.
[CUT] to Mean Gene, standing at the backstage set.
Gene: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve seen plenty of surprises since Mayhem made its debut. New faces, new alliances… and new champions crowned! Right now, please join me in welcoming one of those new title holders, Cruiserweight champion Justin Credible.
Credible strolls in, now in his street clothes, with the title belt up over one shoulder.
Credible: Mean Gene, can you hear it? Can you taste it? Can you FEEL it? It’s the start of a new era! Here we are, on Mayhem, the beginning of a time of brand separation here in the CWF. And here before you stands the man who reigns supreme in the Cruiserweight division. I’m not gonna cry about how the division got overlooked. I’m not gonna whine and quit and give up the belt. I am proud to be the Cruiserweight champion, and I’ll keep this belt… [smirks] by any means necessary.
Gene: But what about the way you won that belt, Justin? Entering the match without a contract, in disguise… you call that sportsmanlike?
Credible: I don’t call it sportsmanlike, Mean Gene, I call it SMART. I didn’t wait to be handed an opportunity, I wasn’t special enough to be a draft pick, so I reached out and I took my opportunity, I took my title and I earned a contract the old-fashioned way! And now… Justin Credible is here to stay on Monday nights. And that’s just not the coolest… that’s just not the best… that, my friends, is Justin Credible.
Credible stands there, smirking with the belt.
Until…
A-HEM…
[ZOOM OUT] to reveal Chavo Guerrero strolling into the shot. Chavo Senior is eyeballing the Cruiserweight champ with a sour expression on his face.
Chavo: I’m glad you’re so proud to be the champion, hermano. Because to keep it, you going to shed blood, sweat and tears. Especially sweat. You see, since taking over Mayhem, I been busy setting up the international connections, si? We going to see the best from other countries locking horns right here on Monday nights! And that means making sure the Cruiserweight champion… fits in with la internacionale specifications for junior heavyweight titles. And so, effective immediately, I have REDUCED the weight limit for the division to 220 pounds. And last I checked… you weigh 230 pounds,
Credible: You can’t be serious. You can’t expect me to lose 10 pounds in two weeks.
Chavo: Oh, I don’t. [Laughs] Better hit the treadmill, papi!
Credible storms off as Chavo stands there, chuckling and we [FADE OUT] to…
The stage, as “Medal” hits. The trumpet fanfare provokes an immediate chorus of boos from the crowd, as Team Angle takes to the stage in full force. Kurt Angle heads out first, followed by Haku and a neckbrace-clad Flip. All three are clad in identical red, white and blue warmup suits.
Angle: Cut the music!!!
Angle is stomping back and forth at the entrance way, as the fans boo and give him complete hell.
Angle: I have been cheated out of victories… I have been attacked with NO provocation… I don’t deserve this kind of treatment. I’m an Olympic champion! A freakin’ gold medal winner!
Angle pauses, suddenly horror struck.
Angle: I’m sorry, I… I apologize for that kind of language. It’s just been such an emotional couple of days. And if it wasn’t for the support I get from each and every one of you… I’m not sure how I could keep going in that ring.
The fans’ boos seemingly, impossibly, double in intensity.
Angle: Thank you… But I want all my legions of fans to breathe easy. Because next week… ohhh, next week, things are gonna change. Next week, in that… very… ring… it’s going to be our current excuse for a champion, Taz… [cheers from the crowd]… against my partner, Haku! [boos from the crowd]. OH YEAH! I knew you’d like that. Next week, I guarantee, everything’s comin’ up Angle! WOO!
Flip echoes his boss’ “Woo!” and “Medal” starts up again as Team Angle retreats back through the entranceway.
JR: Taz and Haku go one on one next week! What a main event that promises to be!
Heyman: Well, JR, when we return…
[QUICK CUT] to a still shot of Ken Shamrock from Redemption, raising his arms in triumph after winning the Intercontinental Championship.
Heyman: The NEW Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock will be in action, and that’s up next…
COMMERCIAL
Non-Title Match
Back from the commercial break to a [CLOSE-UP] shot of Howard Finkel at center ring.
Finkel: The following contest is a non-title match, scheduled for one fall! Introducing to my right, from
Hernandez, a tall, well-built Latino with a shaved head, flexes his biceps to little to no reaction.
Heyman: That’s the second biggest Mexican I’ve ever seen!
The crowd’s reaction changes as “Street Fightin’ Man” by the Rolling Stones kicks in over the house audio, and Intercontinental champ Ken Shamrock steps through the twisted cage door to a strong, mixed reaction. Shamrock shadow boxes a bit in front of the camera in the entranceway before stalking to the ring.
JR: Well this impressive young man’s got a huge challenge ahead of him, namely the World’s Most Dangerous Man and our reigning Intercontinental Champion! I’ll give him credit, Paul. When Shamrock first showed up here, he was so deranged he awarded himself that title. Last night, he went out and he earned it.
Heyman: Let’s not forget about the luck factor, JR. Shamrock was in a six-man gauntlet, and he came in LAST. A huge advantage; remember, he never even had to deal with the Big Show…
5. Non-Title Match
Ken Shamrock (IC Champ) (1-0) vs. Hotstuff Hernandez (0-0)
15 minute time limit; referee: Mike Chioda
Shamrock reaches the ringside area and pauses, psyching himself up and getting ready to smash himself in the face with those lightly padded gloves. Instead, Hernandez slides out to the floor, grabs Shamrock and RAMS his head down into the top step! Hernandez rolls Shamrock into the ring, and the match is on!
JR: Hernandez showing no fear, taking the action right to Shamrock.
Heyman: I like it!
DING DING DING!
Hernandez clubs Shamrock to the mat as he starts to rise, then proceeds to lay the boots to the World’s Most Dangerous Man. Hernandez yanks Shamrock to his feet, hooks him and flings the champion across the ring with a huge Beal!
JR: What a throw!
Heyman: Hernandez is feeling the momentum now…
The newcomer grabs a woozy Shamrock, shoves him against the ropes and delivers a series of punches to the gut. Irish whip, Shamrock reverses, Hernandez caroms off the far ropes, goes into a forward roll and swings one leg forward with a kick as he does so! Shamrock evades the kick, and as Hernandez stands, the UFC champion takes Hernandez to the canvas with a rolling leg scissor takedown. Shamrock going for the ankle lock!
JR: He got him! He got the ankle lock!
But Hernandez flailing and kicking with his free leg. Hernandez reaching for the ropes… Shamrock to his feet, pulls Hernandez away and immediately cinches in the ankle lock! Hernandez has nowhere to go… tries to endure the pain… and he can’t do it! Hernandez taps out!
WIN: Shamrock by submission in 1:16
Hernandez clutches for his wounded ankle, as Shamrock’s music hits and the referee raises the hand of the Intercontinental Champion.
Heyman: Do you understand what we just saw, JR? Ken Shamrock took on a young, aggressive competitor. An impressive physical specimen. And all it took was one simple takedown to leave Hernandez easy prey for the ankle lock!
JR: I tell you, Kurt Angle might have used that hold on a couple of occasions, but I don’t think there’s any question that Ken Shamrock’s version is much more effective…
Heyman: Maybe we should ask Hernandez that!
Shamrock retrieves his title belt and goes to leave the ring…
When “No Chance In Hell” hits.
JR: Oh, now hold on here just a second…
The fans boo lustily as the Corporation’s entrance video plays and one by one, they enter the arena. Vince McMahon is joined by Bryan Adams, Brian Clarke and the freshly signed Chris Benoit and they make their way to the ring en masse.
Heyman: Vince McMahon makes his first appearance on a Mayhem telecast!
The three Corporate wrestlers—all dressed to compete in tonight’s main event—stay on the outside of the ring, not menacing Shamrock but also blocking any point of exit that involves leaving via the aisle. Vince McMahon surmounts the ring steps and enters the ring, motioning for a microphone from Finkel.
Vince: Well Ken, allow me to be the first to say… congratulations. Not only do you reclaim your coveted Intercontinental Championship, but then you come out on the premiere episode of Mayhem and defeat your competition in less than two minutes. Now, Ken, let’s give these people something to truly remember. Oh, you’ve already given them enough by the privilege of letting them watch you wrestle. And we all know that these people will never truly appreciate the gifts you showcase inside this ring.
The fans are really booing Vince now. McMahon just stands there, chin held high with a bit of a smirk on his face.
Vince: Are you done yet? Because I’ll wait here all night if you people refuse to show me the proper respect! [The boos immediately intensify] And with my enforcers and Chris Benoit on the outside, I’d like to see anyone come out of that locker room and clear me from this ring!
Vince proceeds to stalk back and forth. Shamrock, who now has his belt fastened around his waist, watches the scene with arms crossed and a slight smile on his face.
Vince: You people need to remember who I am! I’m Vince McMahon! I’m the man who built modern day professional wrestling, dammit!
Vince stands there and glowers as the boos, catcalls and jeers rain down upon him. After a solid minute of unadulterated hatred spewed out by the fans, the din subsides somewhat.
Vince: Ken… let’s make this a night to remember. I’m here… my tag team Hostile Takeover… Chris Benoit… you’ve seen what we have to offer. You’ve been wined, you’ve been dined, and you’ve witnessed what we’re capable of in competition. I want to make it official, and secure your services as the newest member of the Corporation. Just imagine it, Ken. A faction including the Canadian Crippler, Chris Benoit, the finest technical wrestler in the world! Bryan Adams and Brian Clarke, the most physically dominant tag team in this company. The suicidal… homicidal… genocidal former champion Sabu. And, add to that mix, a former UFC champion… the legendary Ken Shamrock! Can you imagine it? We’ll dominate this show in no time. Ken, what do you say?!?
McMahon stands there, hand extended and chest puffed out, as he waits for Shamrock’s handshake.
And waits…
Finally Shamrock steps forward and takes the microphone away from Vince.
Shamrock: Look… Mister McMahon… while I appreciate what your group has to offer, I think first we should discuss terms. I mean, you talk about how dominant your current wrestlers are. But I look at them, and there’s one thing they all have in common. And that’s that none of them have what I possess… and that’s a championship belt.
Shamrock points to the faceplate of his Intercontinental title.
Shamrock: I bring championship gold to the Corporation… I instantly make your stable more of a threat. And I think that means that I deserve more compensation. You take that offer you presented me. And you can consider that a negotiating point. Because it’s going to take a lot more than that… to secure the services of Ken Shamrock. Think about it…
Shamrock flips the microphone to Vince, who bobbles it then drops it as the Intercontinental champ leaves the ring. He stares down Bryan Adams, who eyeballs Shamrock for a few seconds before letting him pass.
JR: Vince McMahon came at Ken Shamrock with the big closing speech, and Shamrock told him he wanted more money!
Heyman: I think this automatically makes him more intelligent than Chris Benoit. Nobody takes the first offer, I guess that’s how they negotiate in
Benoit joins McMahon in the ring, when there’s suddenly a hubbub in the crowd.
JR: HEY LOOK OUT!
DEAN MALENKO slides into the ring! He spins Benoit around and unloads with a HUGE roundhouse punch to the jaw!
Crowd: OOOOH!
Malenko takes Benoit down with a double-leg and proceeds to pound on the Rabid Wolverine.
JR: Dean Malenko attacking Chris Benoit! He’s picking up right where he left off at Redemption!
Adams and Clarke into the ring, and they pull Malenko off their new stablemate. Malenko kicking and thrashing in their grasp, and they hold Malenko’s arms as Vince goes to help Benoit to his feet. Benoit stands under his own power, angrily jerking away from his boss.
JR: And now he is helpless against these overwhelming numbers!
Benoit steps forward, and rips the front of Malenko’s T-shirt away with one hand. Before Benoit can do anything, there’s another huge roar from the crowd.
JR: TEST AND HAKUSHI! THE TAG CHAMPS ARE HERE!
Adams and Clarke release Malenko, who charges Benoit and drops him with a spear! The two men engage in pitched combat yet again as Test and Hakushi slug it out with Adams and Clarke, while McMahon makes a strategic retreat.
JR: A PIER SIX BRAWL HAS BROKEN OUT!
The fisticuffs continue for only a few more seconds before a horde of Mayhem referees, officials and security storm the ring to separate the combatants.
Heyman: These six are already booked in tonight’s main event. What’s gonna happen when the bell rings, JR?!?
JR: We will try to restore order and bring you that match. Our main event, when we return!
COMMERCIAL
The Main Event
[FADE IN] from the commercial to a raucous scene inside the Tacoma Dome. Test, Hakushi and Dean Malenko have control of the ring, while Vince McMahon, Chris Benoit and Hostile Takeover are left to skulk on the floor.
JR: Welcome back to the premiere episode of Mayhem, and this situation is crackling with intensity! The Corporation thought they had the upper hand on Dean Malenko, but the tag champs Test and Hakushi came out to settle the score!
Malenko charges the ropes nearest Benoit, taking a swipe at the Canadian Crippler, who backpedals.
Heyman: Dean Malenko is almost frothing at the mouth to get his hands on Chris Benoit, JR. You have to understand. They rode together, shared more time together than most married couples do! And Dean Malenko obviously has taken Benoit’s move to the Corporation as a very significant, very PERSONAL betrayal.
As Heyman waxes poetic on the new attitude of Benoit, a teenager in the front row gives Benoit an enthusiastic pat on the back, cheering him on. Benoit turns and blows a snot rocket at the fan, before ripping off his vest and throwing it on the ground in a fit of frustration. The fan, his face reddening, sits down as others in the crowd hoot and laugh.
Heyman: I hope that kid’s prom date didn’t see that!
JR: Well, it is now time for our main event. Let’s go to The Fink.
6. THE MAIN EVENT
Test, Hakushi & Dean Malenko vs. Hostile Takeover & Chris Benoit (w/ Vince McMahon)
TV time remaining; referee: Scott D’Amore
[CUT] to a wide shot of the ring as Finkel begins the introductions from the relative safety of his ringside seat.
Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, this… is your Main Event of the evening! [cheers] It is scheduled for one fall with television time remaining. Your referee is Scott D’Amore… Introducing team number one, currently outside the ring… they are accompanied by Vince McMahon. [HUGE boos at mention of McMahon’s name] They represent The Corporation. First, at a combined weight of 614 pounds… Bryan Adams and Brian Clarke… Hostile Takeover! And their partner, 235 pounds out of
There’s another huge round of boos for Benoit, who scowls at the crowd.
Finkel: And their opponents… they weighed in tonight at a total combined weight of 849 pounds. First, from
The fans cheer the trio already in the ring. Malenko over and opens the ropes, gesturing for the Corporation trio to enter. Vince pulls his team into a huddle, as the crowd starts to clap and stomp, increasing the tempo and volume into a veritable clamor.
JR: You’re right, Paul. Malenko eager to get his hands on Benoit…
Benoit just shakes his head at the Iceman’s offer. Instead
DING DING DING!
Test and Adams charge right at one another, with Test blocking an
JR: These two men know each other too well by this point. No collar and elbows or exchange of holds here.
Heyman: More like an exchange of teeth!
Heyman: Out goes bigger, in comes big!
Clarke charges right at Test, who evades his lunge and catches Clarke with a big hiptoss!
JR: And down he goes!
Clarke scrambles to his feet and walks into another hiptoss. Test drops an elbow… but Clarke moves. Test smashes into the canvas, but immediately gets to his feet unbeknownst to Clarke, who takes a second to favor his back.
JR: Brian Clarke has a nasty surprise waiting on him!
Test spins Clarke around… and immediately hoists him for a bone-rattling scoop slam! And then Test successfully hits the elbow drop.
Heyman: Didn’t those Adam Bomb glasses have rear view mirrors? He should try and find those…
As Heyman quips, Test cinches a front facelock on Clarke, then tags out to Hakushi.
JR: And a nice reaction for Hakushi, who has really connected with the CWF audience in spit of the language barrier, Paul!
Heyman: Cheap pops know no boundaries, JR…
Hakushi measures Clarke and delivers on a spinning kick to his ribcage. After the kick, Test releases Clarke, who reels away grabbing at his abdomen. Hakushi cuts him off and connects on an overhand chop to the head. Clarke answers with a punch. Hakushi fires right back with a double chop across the chest, followed by a standing dropkick! And Clarke hits the deck! Hakushi immediately charges into the ropes, handsprings off… moonsault! But Clarke gets up his knees!
JR: Ohhh, a big counter by Clarke!
Heyman: A sensational handspring moonsault… but it comes up empty.
Hakushi is left doubled up on the canvas as Clarke stands, a demented smirk on his face. The big man delivers a legdrop to Hakushi. Stands, and hits another. And then a third! Yanks Hakushi up into a gorilla press slam…
JR: Look at the power!
Clarke flings the Japanese competitor over to the mat, then makes the tag to a beckoning Benoit as the boos from the crowd start up again.
Heyman: And here comes Benoit…
JR: Oh, real courage from the Canadian Crippler. He couldn’t wait to get in there…
The Rabid Wolverine makes a beeline for Hakushi, roughly yanks him to his feet and connects on two quick punches. Benoit with an Irish whip, Hakushi holds on, leaps and catches the Rabid Wolverine with an enzyguiri out of nowhere!
JR: A beautiful kick by Hakushi!
Benoit sprawls facefirst to the mat, as Hakushi makes the tag to Malenko!
JR: Malenko is in!
The crowd roars as Malenko sprints into the ring, but Benoit crawls on hands and knees to the ropes. Malenko clawing at Benoit, but referee Scott D’Amore interjects himself, forcing Malenko back.
JR: Oh, come on…
Malenko tries to shove past the official, as Benoit slinks into his team’s corner.
JR: Chris Benoit continues to avoid Dean Malenko like the plague!
Heyman: I’ve never seen Benoit act like ths.
Benoit tags out to Adams, and the heaviest man in the match chuckles as he sizes up Malenko.
JR: Little bit of a size difference now.
Heyman: Ya think?
JR: And Malenko is after Benoit! He is bound and determined to punish Benoit!
Heyman: And Benoit is bound and determined to avoid him at all costs! I have seen Chris Benoit on both sides of the coin, the fan favorite and the rulebreaker. I have NEVER seen him openly retreat as many times as he has in this match…
The referee urging Malenko back to his corner… and he snarls as he retreats. Meanwhile, Hakushi into the ring and charges the far corner, leaping to catch
JR: Big bulldog! And there’s a cover.
But D’Amore isn’t counting. He’s indicating
Heyman: OH WOW!
Clarke goes for the quick pin.
One!
Two!
Thr—Test hustles in to break up the pin.
JR: Big save by Test. I suppose the referee counted that noggin knocker by Hostile Takeover as a tag.
Heyman: Technically the right call…
Clarke with a few well-placed stomps, then looks up and tags to an eager Benoit, who grabs Hakushi, whips him into the ropes and delivers a wicked hooking clothesline. Benoit immediately follows up, hooking the Japanese competitor for a gutwrench suplex. Benoit up and raises his arms in a show of defiance as the fans boo the daylights out of him. Benoit with a sideswipe kick across the head of Hakushi.
JR: Such disrespect!
Heyman: Know what the difference is between Chris Benoit and 99 percent of the wrestlers out there? If you don’t respect Benoit, he will BEAT respect into you…
Benoit pulls the tag champ into a front facelock, hoists him for a delayed vertical suplex. Benoit holding Hakushi upside down for 5 seconds!
10!
15!
JR: Now Benoit is just showing off!
FINALLY, he lowers the boom, and immediately floats over for the pin.
One…
Two…
Shoulder up by Hakushi.
Benoit reaches out and tags
JR: Good grief! Hakushi getting tossed around the ring like a rag doll by these largest competitors. And remember, he is not a small man!
Heyman: No actual tag necessary there, JR. Adams simply exits the ring to allow an exchange.
JR: These competitors quickly picking up on the more free-wheeling style of tag action here on Mayhem.
Meanwhile, Clarke snap mares Hakushi out of the corner, and delivers a kick between the shoulder blades, then an axehandle smash down across his head and neck. Hakushi in a bad way, as Clarke applies a full nelson to his seated opponent.
JR: Clarke leaning into Hakushi with all of his superior weight, just torturing his opponent’s neck and shoulder joints.
In the far corner, Test starts to clap and stomp for his partner and the fans quickly follow suit. Hakushi’s fists clench as he tries to call on some hidden reserve of stamina… until a bellowing Clarke lifts Hakushi straight off the mat from the seated position and CRASHING back to the mat with a full nelson slam!
Heyman: Now THAT is power!
JR: Brian Clarke just took a 224-pound man and dead lifted him with ease!
Rather than go for the pin, Clarke turns and tags in Benoit, who immediately scales to the top rope in his own corner. He measures Hakushi and flies with the diving headbutt…
BUT HAKUSHI MOVES!
BENOIT EATS CANVAS!
JR: Both men left sprawled on the mat after the stunning miscue by Benoit! And both corners have come alive now!
D’Amore begins a standing 10 count! Each corner hollering out, encouraging their respective partners to make the tag. Hakushi is stirring, and moving toward the ropes rather than make the long crawl to his corner.
Heyman: Illegal interference, JR!
JR: Not if he gets in and out before the count of five…
As Test exits, Hakushi rolls under the bottom rope. Malenko barreling into the ring at Benoit—just as he makes the tag to Clarke! The fans roar at Malenko’s entry, then groan in disappointment at the opposing tag, but Malenko heedless as he goes right at Benoit. Clarke, meanwhile, delivers a double axehandle to the spine of the Iceman. Hoists Malenko for a belly to back suplex… he drops down behind Clarke and shoves the big man forward into his corner… where Clarke collides with Benoit!
JR: And D’Amore counting that as a tag!
Malenko grabs a still-addled Benoit and flings him into the ring over the top rope! He pounces on top of Benoit, who grabs the bottom rope and hangs on for dear life! D’Amore with an immediate five count.
JR: Malenko going after Benoit AGAIN, and the Rabid Wolverine is clawing at that rope like a drowning man!
Malenko almost has hold of Benoit’s throat, but backs off as the count reaches four and 7/8… and looks up just in time to take a big boot from
Crowd: OOOOH!
Malenko sprawls to the canvas, as
JR: Hey waitaminute!
McMahon throttling Malenko with his custom-made jacket!
Test exits the ring, D’Amore turns and catches McMahon in the act! The referee heads the outside confronting Vince over the tactics! Vince McMahon begging off now, trying to fold the jacket… as D’Amore gives McMahon the gate!
Heyman: Did he… I think he did!
JR: Referee Scott D’Amore EJECTING Vince McMahon from ringside!
That brings Adams, Clarke AND Benoit down to the floor, surrounding the referee as McMahon throws an absolute fit at the ruling. D’Amore adamant… Vince McMahon has got to go! Vince refusing, so the referee walks over to the Fink.
Finkel: Ladies and gentlemen, referee Scott D’Amore has ejected Vince McMahon. If Mr. McMahon does not leave immediately, his team will be disqualified!
Meanwhile, Test and Hakushi are in the ring tending to Malenko. Vince stands there for a couple of seconds, then throws his jacket down and starts retreating to the back. The crowd ERUPTS in delight.
JR: Vince McMahon taking a long walk to the back… and look out!
Hakushi springs to the top rope… leaps with a flying crossbody DOWN onto all three members of the Corporation trio!
JR: Hakushi lays out the entire Corporation team! Vince McMahon has been ejected! Fans… we have to take our final commercial break of the night. The uninterrupted conclusion of our main event, when we return!
COMMERCIAL
The Main Event, the Conclusion
Back from the commercial break to see a close-up of
JR: Fans, welcome back to the main event, as the two biggest men for their respective teams are slugging it out!
Test delivers a back elbow smash to the side of
Adams left staggering, Test Irish whips him out of the corner,
Heyman: Crash and burn!
Test smashes into the floor, and that brings Hakushi into the ring in protest. D’Amore cuts off Hakushi, sending him to the outside. Meanwhile, Benoit and Clarke laying the boots to Test, before shoving his carcass back inside the ring.
Heyman: People see that mat at ringside and think it’s some sort of cushion, but I don’t think they realize how thin it is. It offers very little protection to a fall on the concrete floor.
JR: Hostile Takeover deliver their Double Deal!
Quick cover gets one…
two…
Test kicks out!
JR: It’s gonna take more than that to put Test down for a three count.
Clarke looks up, a bit surprised at the kickout, then delivers a measured punch to the skull of the tag champ. Clarke pulls Test to a seated position, plants a knee against his upper back then yanks back on his nose while gouging at his mouth. D’Amore makes a five count. Clarke releases at four, then delivers a forearm to the side of the head. Tags in Benoit, and the crowd boos as he strolls in, hoists Test and hooks him for a German suplex. Clarke backs up, delivers a big boot to the skull, and Benoit uses the momentum to fling him backward with the suplex. Benoit bridges for one…
two…
Test kicks free of the pinning predicament again.
JR: Another cover, and a lot closer near fall on Test.
Heyman: Another excellent double team by the Corporation team. They actually look a little more fluid as a team since Vince McMahon exited.
JR: He signs their checks, I don’t see anybody in that corner telling him that.
Benoit brings Test to his knees and hits a big forearm. Test answers with a roundhouse right! That addles Benoit, and Test delivers a second big punch as the fans start to respond. A third, and Benoit right on his heels… until he thumbs Test in the eye. Benoit lowers his shoulder and bulls Test back into the Corporation’s corner.
JR: GOOD LORD, did you hear the echo?!?
Test releases a bellow of pain, and Benoit delivers another chop!
Heyman: Those will clear your sinuses!
Now a tag to Adams, who strolls into the ring and delivers an overhand chop. Benoit with a chop to answer! D’Amore issuing a five count.
JR: This has become some sadistic contest! And the referee needs to get in there!
Benoit measures Test… who suddenly unloads with a big right hand to the side of the head! Now Test gives
Now Benoit!
Now
Benoit!
JR: Test firing back and forth between them like a ping pong ball!
Grabs both men… double noggin knocker!! Both Corporate men staggered and Test shoves his way through them for the corner… only to collect Benoit on the way. Benoit snares Test in a reverse waistlock, and he’s trying to pull Test away from his corner. Instead Test reverses the hold, hooking Benoit in a full nelson. Hoists Benoit and DROPS him with his own full nelson slam! Test staggers to his corner, and he makes the tag to Malenko! Dean Malenko charges into the ring and goes right for
JR: And now Malenko is all alone with Benoit!
The Canadian Crippler only now to all fours… and the realization creeps onto his face as he grasps the situation.
JR: It’s time, Benoit! Time to reap what you sow!
Malenko eyeing Benoit with murderous intent… and Benoit makes a lunge for the ropes. Malenko cuts him off! WICKED forearm to the unprotected head of Benoit. Another big forearm! Malenko brings Benoit up to his knees and delivers three blatant punches to the head of the Rabid Wolverine… the Iceman yanks Benoit to his feet, fires him into the far ropes… BIG back body drop!
Heyman: He almost sent Benoit into ORBIT!
Malenko turns, his eyes bulging, nostrils flaring and teeth clenched in rage as he glares at the carcass of Benoit. Malenko pounces on his former friend, opening up with a series of punches to the side of the head. Benoit starts to convulse with every consecutive impact, but Malenko shows no sign of letting up. D’Amore over to try and break it up, issuing a five count. Malenko releases immediately, backing off as Benoit starts to his feet, and then the Iceman delivers a running leap and catches the Wolverine with a heel kick right in the mush!
JR: Dean Malenko is DECIMATING the Canadian Crippler!
Malenko goes for Benoit’s left leg, only to have Benoit kick him away with his free leg. The Canadian Crippler struggles to his feet, while Malenko kips up! Benoit surprised, as Malenko takes him back down with a double leg. Grabs hold of Benoit’s legs…
Heyman: Cloverleaf, JR! He’s going for the Texas Cloverleaf!
That brings
JR: HUGE suicide dive by Benoit!
Heyman: This match is breaking down!
The impact drives both men back against the ring barrier. In the ring, Adams and Clarke both have Malenko by the throat…
Heyman: Uh oh…
Malenko trying to fight his way free. Kicks and elbows and forearms dislodge him from the two Hostile Takeover members.
JR: Look at the courage by Malenko!
Meanwhile, on the outside, Test reverses a Benoit Irish whip and sends him crashing into the steps. Malenko catches
JR: Market Crash on the Iceman!
Before they can go for the pin, Hakushi launches into the ring. Springboard shoulder block to both men—but the combined mass of Adams and Clarke is too much and Hakushi knocked flat to the canvas.
Heyman: Did you see that? It was like Hakushi threw himself against a brick wall!
Now Hostile Takeover grabbing Hakushi for the Market Crash… but there’s Test! Test on the top rope! He flies… TOP ROPE CROSS BODY ON HOSTILE TAKEOVER!
The crowd erupts at that move, and both full-time tag teams roll to the floor after the impact.
JR: BAH GAWD WHAT A MOVE! Air
Heyman: A big man’s not supposed to be able to DO that!
JR: So now we’re back to Malenko and… oh, of course.
Meanwhile, Benoit squirrels in and measures Malenko, who’s still lifeless after the Market Crash. A HUGE and malevolent grin spreads onto Benoit’s face.
Heyman: NOW he can’t wait to face the Man of 1,000 Holds!
Benoit hooking Malenko… he’s going for his own submission finisher, the Texas Cloverleaf! Wait! Malenko pulls Benoit into a small package!
One!
Two!
Thr—NOOOO Benoit kicks out!
Malenko kips up!
Heyman: HE WAS PLAYING POSSUM!
The Iceman grabs the still-kneeling Benoit, delivering a wicked series of knees to the side of the skull. Malenko brings Benoit up into a fireman’s carry… into a gorilla press…
JR: Gutbuster! Malenko going for the super gutbuster!
Benoit somehow squirms free and drops down behind the Iceman, and ducks under the bottom rope. Malenko turns and lunges at Benoit, who’s gasping for breath. Meanwhile,
JR:
Heyman: That was an absolutely VICIOUS counter! He might have ruptured a knee ligament! Maybe more than one!
Malenko immediately grabs at
JR: There it is! The Cloverleaf! And Malenko has it wrenched in deep!
Heyman: How long can
On the outside, Test blocking off Clarke and Hakushi restraining Benoit. And Malenko staring right at Benoit as he tortures
WIN: Malenko, Test & Hakushi by submission in 23:09
JR: There it is! It’s over! It’s over!
Malenko keeps the hold applied for a few additional seconds, as
JR: You heard Vince McMahon tonight. He had bold words. He promised to take over Mayhem. But tonight, he had an early exit, and it looks as if he’s suffered another loss from his stable…
Heyman:
JR: Fans, for Paul Heyman, this is Jim Ross. We are out of time. Join us next week as Taz takes on Haku. Until then, so long!
[CUT] to Benoit, still on the far side of the ring, wild-eyed.
[CUT] to a close-up of Malenko, staring dead-level at his former friend. He points, and the words he speaks are clearly picked up by the camera microphone.
Malenko: Next time…
[FADE TO BLACK]
TITLE CHANGES
None
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAYHEM
From
Taz vs. Haku
Create a free website at Webs.com