– Sunday Night Heat was hosted by both The Coach & Tazz. It did not take place live and all segments were taped earlier in Los Angeles. It consisted of build-up for all the major matches on the card tonight including The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton, JBL vs. John Cena and Triple H vs. Batista.
– The rumored 30 Man Battle Royal with 15 RAW and 15 SmackDown stars was not shown on Heat. We are under the impression it took place in front of the live crowd and will be added to the WrestleMania 21 DVD.
– Coverage for WWE WrestleMania 21 starts next!
WWE WrestleMania 21 (RAW & SmackDown) PPV Results – 4/3/05
Location: Los Angeles, California
Report By: Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
– The WWE promo hit. Lilian Garcia started the show singing “American The Beautiful.” Video was shown of the WWE’s recent trip to Iraq throughout this as well. A big “USA” chant broke out after it concluded.
– The curtain then raised and highlights of the various WrestleMania commercials is shown. A new commercial followed with a spoof of “Gladiator” with Stone Cold Steve Austin. The promo for WrestleMania 21 hits. A series of pyro goes off inside The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California welcoming us to the show.
– We are then taken to ringside with Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. It then gets passed off to the Spanish Announce Team. And last but not least, we get passed off to Michael Cole & Tazz at ringside as well.
– Up next is Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio!
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Mysterio was decked out in new ring attire as always. He had different mask on that didn’t cover his entire back head. The bell rings and here we go. Both lock up and Guerrero quickly takes down Mysterio with a side head-lock takedown for a two count. Mysterio counters another, flipping onto his feet. Guerrero takes down Mysterio quickly with an arm drag. Guerrero tries to trip up Mysterio, but Mysterio counters into a sunset flip that Guerrero counters into a catapult that launches Mysterio over the top rope to the outside. Guerrero attempts a baseball slide, but Mysterio gets back in and then Mysterio goes for a 619 that Guerrero dodges. Guerrero gets back in the ring and circles looking at Mysterio. Both lock hands, Mysterio gets in a monkey flip on Guerrero and counters out of a pin attempt. Both counter each other until Mysterio monkey flips Guerrero yet again. Mysterio charges at Guerrero, Guerrero launches him over the top rop, Mysterio lands on the ring apron, but Guerrero knocks him out with a big right. Guerrero tosses Mysterio back inside, covers, but Mysterio quickly kicks out at two.
Guerrero takes out Mysterio with a big back suplex, covers again, but only gets a two count. Guerrero continues to work on Mysterio, keeping his body weight on top. Guerrero then applies a surfboard submission on Mysterio, but in the process almost pins himself and quickly breaks up the move. Guerrero applies an STF on Mysterio as the referee looks on. Mysterio tries to counter over the back of Guerrero, but it gets messed up and Mysterio simply falls back to the corner. Guerrero picks up Mysterio looking to hit a powerbomb when Mysterio counters, tossing Guerrero under the ropes to the outside. Mysterio then comes back with a huge corkscrew plancha over the top rope, taking out Guerrero at ringside. Mysterio kicks Guerrero in the back of the leg, tosses him back in, gets in a big dive, but Guerrero stops any futher offense with a big elbow. Guerrero hits on suplex, Mysterio counters the second into a two count. Guerrero gives Mysterio a big backbreaker, covers, but only gets a two count. Guerrero gets in two suplexes, Mysterio counters the third into a huricanranna on Guerrero. Guerrero dodges the 619 and then gives Mysterio another big backbreaker. Guerrero covers…1…2…kick out.
Guerrero finally hits his three sulpex combo and then heads up to the top. Guerrero jumps, goes for the Frog Splash, but Mysterio rolls out of the way. Mysterio gets in a quick pin combo on Guerrero, but Guerrero quickly counters into a pin of his own for a close two count. Mysterio drop toe holds Guerrero and then connects with the 619. Mysterio goes for the West Coast Pop, but Guerrero counters into a big powerbomb for another close two count. Mysterio gets in a high elbow on Guerrero, hits a quick huricanranna and gets the pinfall!
Winner: Rey Mysterio
After the match, Eddie Guerrero looks on in shock. Michael Cole & Tazz remind that the streak continues for Mysterio. Both Mysterio and Guerrero shake hands. Mysterio leaves the ring in celebration.
– Backstage, WWE Champion JBL is with WWE US Champion Orlando Jordan. World Champion Triple H and Ric Flair walk up. Triple H said, “Look, it’s the wrestling god.” JBL reminds him that he is the only wrestler alive to have the longest streak as champion and says Triple H can lose to Batista and lose his title for the 10th time. Triple H said JBL can continue to tell himself he is really good and sooner or later some will believe it. JBL said he is that good. Triple H said we will find out later tonight and see who is still left champion. Flair “WOOOOO’s” in Jordan’s face.
– Rob Schneider and Adam Sandler are shown in the front row.
“Money in the Bank” Ladder Match
(The winner earns a shot at the World Heavyweight Title)
Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kane vs. Edge vs. Christian vs. WWE IC Champion Shelton Benjamin
Just a reminder, the storyline states the winner can use his shot at the World Title at anytime within a year. During Kane’s entrance, the ladders in the entrance were all set on fire which was a cool effect. Before Kane got to the ring, he began brawling with everyone involved. Kane took out everyone and then headed towards the ring. All those involved went after Kane right away. Both Benoit and Benjamin gave Kane a double suplex on the outside. Christian tries to bring a ladder in the ring, but Jericho gets a hold of it and snaps it back in Christian’s face. The bell officially rings at this point. Benjamin starts going after Jericho, but Jericho fights back with a big bulldog. Jericho gets in a springboard dropkick taking out Edge and Benoit in the process. Jericho jumps over the top rope taking out Edge yet again. Christian springboards over the top rope, taking out Jericho and Edge. Benjamin jumps over himself getting huge air taking out the rest on the outside. Kane then gets up and takes out everyone else as well (including Tyson Tomko who was at ringside with Christian). Kane gets a ladder from under the ring and puts it in the ring. Kane takes out Edge with it and Christian as well when he came off the top rope. Jericho stops it, hitting a dropkick on Kane.
Jericho takes out both Benjamin and Edge with the ladder. Jericho then throws it down across Edge’s body. Benoit comes from behind and gives Jericho a huge german suplex, allowing the ladder to fall out of Jericho’s hands to the outside. Benoit sets up the ladder and looks to climb up when Kane grabs him. Kane tries to pull him down, but Benoit counters into a Crossface. Edge tries to intefere, but Benoit locks him into Crossface as well. Kane grabs the ladder and nails Benoit in the face with it. Kane puts Benoit’s arm in between the ladder and closes it a few times over it, causing Benoit to scream in pain. Edge then takes out Kane with a huge Spear. Christian comes in the ring with a second ladder. Edge grabs his and both Edge/Christian sandwich Kane with two ladders. Benjamin jumps up on the top rope and takes out both Edge and Christian. Benjamin takes out Christian with a spinning heel kick after Edge ducked the attempt. Edge sets up a ladder in the corner and irish whips Benjamin into it with force. Edge goes for a Spear, but Benjamin counters and sends Edge face first into the ladder in the corner. The crowd starts a big “SHELTON” chant as he picks up Edge and slams him against the ladder a few more times. Benjamin hits a big Splash in the corner on Edge. Edge rolls out of the ring and Benjamin grabs the ladder.
Benjamin sets it up, climbs up the ladder and gets to the briefcase when Jericho comes up to stop it. Christian sets up a second ladder nearby. He climbs up, but Benoit joins him. Edge sets up a third ladder nearby. All are exchanging chops and punches. Christian comes down with Benoit, hitting the mat with impact. Jericho is the next to go down, hitting with a loud thud. Edge and Benjamin are exchanging punches when Benjamin grabs Edge, hitting a huge T-Bone Suplex off the top of the ladder to the ring below. Jericho starts to get up a ladder when Christian cuts him off. The ladder Chrisitan has falls against the other and Jericho gives him a big kick to the back of the head. Jericho climbs up to the top of the other ladder, reaches, but Benjamin runs up the ladder leaning against it, giving Jericho a huge clothesline! Benjamin then climbs up, gets to the top, recahes, but Christian nails Benjamin in the ribs with the ladder. Kane gives Benjamin a chokeslam, but when he comes down he gets tangled in the top rope. Tyson Tomko runs in and takes out Kane with a big boot. Tomko sets up the ladder for Christian, who gets on his feet. Tomko puts Christian on his shoulders trying to help him up when Kane takes him out. Christian gives Kane some hard rights. Kane tips over the ladder, causing Christian to fall onto Tomko on the outside. Kane climbs up the ladder and gets to the top when Jericho comes up the other side. Jericho gives Kane some hard rights. The ladder drops and both go down, with Jericho falling to the outside and Kane hitting the top rope and bouncing back. Benoit sets up a ladder near the corner. Benoit climbs up the top rope and then gets at the top of the ladder. Benoit slashes the throat, jumps and comes down with a huge headbutt on Kane! Benoit’s stitches from Monday night on RAW are busted open at this point (25 stitches to be exact according to Jim Ross). Benoit sets up another ladder, climbs up, but Kane cuts him off. Benoit headbutts Kane many times and Kane falls off. Benoit reaches up when Edge takes him out with a huge chair shot to Benoit’s injured arm. Edge climbs up, grabs the briefcase and pulls it down.
Winner: Edge
After the match, Edge takes off with the briefcase in hand celebrating with a big smile on his face. Benoit is shown screaming in pain in the ring as WWE referee’s attend to him.
– A promo for the WWE Fanatic PPV Series runs for this month about Andre the Giant.
In-Ring Segment: Eugene, Muhammad Hassan…and the return of Hulk Hogan
As Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler are talking, Eugene comes out and gets in the ring. Eugene gets on the mic and said he can’t believe he is at WrestleMania. He said his favorite WrestleMania moment of all time was when King Kong Bundy bodyslammed midgets. Eugene said midgets are awesome. Eugene said this is the greatest moment of his life when Muhammad Hassan’s music hits. Hassan comes out along with Daivari. Hassan gets on the mic and asks Eugene if he has any idea why he is angry. Eugene said yeah, you don’t like midgets. Hassan said no. He said what he doesn’t like is being excluded from the biggest show of the year. Hassan said everyone knows that Hollywood is filled with phonies and fakes. He said Los Angeles has a long history of being prejudice. Hassan said he has never been pinned in his career, yet he takes a back seat to someone like Eugene. Daivari quickly translates and Eugene has a confused look on his face. Hassan said he would not stand for this. He said if he wasn’t given a WrestleMania Moment, he was going to create one himself. Hassan then knocks out Eugene. Daivari helps out, getting in some quick kicks. Hassan (who did the throat slash again) applied the Camel Clutch on Eugene. “Real American” hit and out comes Hulk Hogan! Hassan and Daivari go after Hogan right away. Hogan takes out both of them quickly. Hogan charges at Hassan in the corner, hits a big boot and then tosses him over the top rope. Daivari nails Hogan across the back with a steel chair. Hogan turns around, grabs Daivari, hits the big boot and tosses him over the top rope. “Real American” hits again and Hogan celebrates with the crowd, ripping apart his t-shirt. Hogan poses for the crowd as they continue to go nuts. Hogan’s wife, children and David Arquette were shown in the front row as well. As Hogan leaves, he poses in front of the screen as a USA flag appears behind him.
The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
The Undertaker’s entrance to the ring included druids with torches lighting the way. They surrounded the ring with the torches as the gong sounded. The Undertaker looked to float down the entraceway (you could see what was pushing him through the smoke even though it was played off on TV as spooky). The bell rings and here we go. Undertaker charges at Orton, but Orton moves out of the way quickly. Orton slaps Undertaker and dodges a right hand. Taker applies a side headlock on Orton. Orton launches Taker into the ropes and takes him out with a big dropkick. Orton gives Taker a back body drop, but Taker comes back with a huge right hand that takes him down with impact. Taker works on Orton in the corner with a few punches and elbows. Orton counters a charge from Taker into a schoolboy for a two count. Orton quickly goes for the RKO, but Taker launches him over the top rope to dodge it. Taker comes to the outside and grabs Orton. Taker puts Orton on the ring apron, gets up on the ring apron himself and drops the leg over Orton. Taker gets in the ring, twists Orton’s left arm, goes up to the top and comes down hard in his classic move. Taker attempts a big boot charge on Orton in the corner, but Orton moves out of the way. Orton fights back knocking Taker off the ring apron, allowing Taker to go head first in the ring barricade at ringside. Orton gets in a few rights on Taker’s forehead and tosses him back in the ring. Orton grabs Taker by the head and gives him a hard right hand. Orton gives Taker an uppercut, but Taker fights back with a few elbows.
Orton comes out of no where with a big clothesline on Taker. Taker quickly responds with a big DDT off the ropes. Taker then gives Orton a big side slam, covers, but only gets a two count. Taker irish whips Orton into the corner and follows it up with a big elbow. Taker hits a second elbow charge on Orton in the corner. Taker throws Orton up on his shoulders and drops him face first on the corner. Taker goes off the ropes, but Orton takes him out with a quick elbow. Orton covers, but only gets a two count. Orton grabs Taker and gives him some stiff forearms to the chest. The fans start to boo Orton loudly. Taker then sits up and Orton has a concerned look on his face. Orton gets in a few right hands on Taker as the crowd chants “RANDY SUCKS” loudly. Taker fights back with some hard rights on Orton. Orton attempts a clothesline, but he hits Taker with impact and falls back. Taker covers, but Orton gets a shoulder up at two. Taker applies the Dragon Sleeper on Orton. The referee lifts Orton’s arm and at the second time Orton counters, giving Taker a big DDT. Orton then applies a headlock on Taker. Taker fights back with a few punches. Taker comes off the ropes and Orton applies a sleeper. Taker quickly counters into a back suplex. Taker hits a big boot on Orton, goes off the ropes, but Orton gives Taker a big powerslam that only gets him a two count. Orton gives Taker 9 punches up on the top rope, stops before the 10th to pose, but Taker moves forward looking to hit a powerbomb. Orton falls down, takes out the referee, Taker lifts up Orton for a powerbomb but falls back when Orton counters. Bob Orton then hits the ring and takes out Taker with a clothesline using his famous cast. Bob Orton puts Randy over Taker. The referee comes back and counts…1…2…kick out.
Taker sits up and sees Bob Orton. Randy goes after him. Taker gets out of it and big boots Bob Orton off the ring apron. Taker grabs Orton, lifts him in the air for a chokeslam, but Orton comes down countering into a HUGE RKO. Orton covers…1…2…Taker gets a shoulder up. The crowd is going nuts at this point. Orton then picks up Taker, lifts him on his shoulders and looks to hit the Tombstone Piledriver. Taker counters into the Tombstone of his own, dropping Orton down with impact. Taker covers and gets the pinfall. He now moves to 13-0 at WrestleMania.
Winner: The Undertaker
– A video package airs showing how the feud between Trish Stratus and Christy Hemme came about. That match for the WWE Women’s Title is up next.
WWE Women’s Championship Match
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Christy Hemme w/ Lita
The bell rings and here we go. Trish sits on her back offering Christy the chance to pin her right away. Trish shoves Christy away. Christy charges at Trish again, but Trish slams her down and kicks her out of the ring. Trish tosses Christy into the steel steps at ringside and then throws her back in the ring. Trish chops Christy two times in the corner, goes for the Chick Kick, Christy blocks and kicks Trish in the gut. Trish holds onto the ropes as Christy pulls her forward, causing Trish to hit the mat with impact. Christy gets a quick pin on Trish for a two count. Trish gets in a few more chops on Christy in the corner. Trish taunts at Lita a bit who is on the outside. Trish charges at Christy, Christy counters into a sunset flip, but only gets a two count. Trish takes out Christy quickly and pats herself on the back. On the outside, Trish kicks Christy in the gut and goes back inside. Lita attends to Christy and Trish comes out again, this time taking out Lita. Trish taunts at Lita, but Christy quickly rolls her up for a two count. Christy gives Trish some hard kicks and then nails her head off the corner a few times. Christy launches Trish into the corner, Trish bounches off, Christy hits the Twist of Fate, Christy covers, but only gets a two count. Trish rolls up Christy, Christy counters into a roll up, Trish kicks out and then gives Christy a big Chick Kick. Trish covers and gets the pinfall.
Winner & STILL WWE Women’s Champion: Trish Stratus
– A video package airs showing how the feud between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels came about, first starting at the Royal Rumble in January. That match is up next.
Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
The match starts with both staring each other down and the bell ringing. HBK gets in a slap on Angle quickly. Angle takes down HBK, picks him up and slams him down again. Angle continues to mat wrestle HBK until HBK grabs the ropes to break it up. A fairly loud “YOU SCREWED BRET” chant started up at this point as both stared each other down. HBK goes after Angle again, taking him down and applying a headlock. Angle counters out of the headlock into a big back suplex. However, in doing so HBK keeps the headlock on tight. Angle tries to get in some offense, but each time HBK applies yet another side headlock takeover. Angle tries to send HBK into the ropes, but HBK falls to his knee to prevent him keeping the headlock applied. They move to the corner and the referee breaks it up. HBK applies yet another side headlock taking down Angle. Angle fights back giving HBK a big elbow, shoulder block, but HBK fights back with a high hip toss. HBK applies a submission on Angle’s right arm. Angle reverses into a pin on HBK, HBK reverses back into a pin on Angle. They continue to go back and forth a few more times. Angle shows his strength lifting HBK in the air still in the submission, but HBK counters into a pinfall for a two count. HBK goes right back to another side headlock to stop any type of offense from Angle. Angle pushes HBK to the corner and gets in some hard rights. HBK counters getting in some of his own. Angle then applies the Ankle Lock, but HBK counters out of it and clotheslines Angle over the top rope going along for the ride.
HBK takes off the top of the SmackDown announcers table and quickly rolls back in and out of the ring to break the 10 count. Angle grabs HBK and attempts a suplex on HBK through the announcers table. HBK counters out of it, but Angle comes back looking to hit an Angle Slam, but finishes it off by dumping HBK back first into the steel ring post with impact. The referee starts the count when Angle goes back out and starts to work on HBK with some hard rights and lefts. Angle rolls HBK back in the ring and gives him a big suplex, covers, but only gets a two count. Angle applies a body scissors around HBK and drives his forearm into his face. HBK fights back with some punches to the ribs and a few chops in the corner. Angle sends HBK to the corner with force, with HBK flipping up, flipping back down and Angle giving HBK a big belly-to-belly suplex. Angle hits another, covers, but only gets a two count. Angle applies a modified camel clutch, sitting on the back of HBK’s back. Both get on their feet and HBK fights back with a few chops. Angle quickly takes down HBK with a huge clothesline. Angle covers, but only gets a two count. HBK is sitting up on the top rope. Angle comes up trying to lift him off. HBK fights back, knocking Angle off the top. HBK gets up, jumps, but misses the flying elbow when Angle moved out of the way. Angle takes down his straps and gets focused. Angle attempts an Angle Slam, but HBK counters into an arm drag. Angle charges at HBK, but HBK lifts him over the top rope and Angle hits the outside with impact.
Angle gets up on the outside and HBK gets up on the top rope. As HBK jumps, he appeared to trip a bit and his knee looked to have come across Angle’s face as he came down. HBK gets up on the ring apron, Angle jumps up looking to hit a german suplex off the ring apron. HBK gets in a few elbows followed by a low blow using his boot. The crowd boo’s at seeing this. HBK kicks Angle away who falls on top of the announcers table. HBK springboards off the second rope and comes down hard on Angle. The table does not break when this happens though. The referee starts the 10 count as the fans chant along with. Both Angle and HBk start to crawl towards the ring. Both get in the ring at 9. Angle is bleeding from the mouth at this point. They stand in front of each other as HBK gets in a few punches and chops. HBK takes out Angle with a flying forearm and flips up back on his feet. Angle charges and HBK takes him down with a few punches and an inverted atomic drop. HBK bodyslams Angle in the middle of the ring, goes up to the top, jumps and connects with the flying elbow. HBK backs up into the corner and starts stomping his foot, tuning up the band. Angle gets up, HBK charges, Angle blocks grabbing HBK’s foot and applying the Ankle Lock. HBK tries to roll out of it, but Angle keeps it locked on with force. HBK reaches for the bottom rope. He can’t get it on one side, but gets it on the other. Angle breaks the Ankle Lock and taunts at HBK to get up. Angle goes for the Angle Slam, HBK counters out of it, but Angle applies the Ankle Lock. HBK counters that into a quick two count pinfall. HBK goes for some Sweet Chin Music, but Angle counters into a big Angle Slam. Angle covers…1…2…HBK kicks out! Angle gets up on the top rope, jumps, attempts a big moonsault, but HBK moves out of the way before he can feel the impact. HBK gets up on the top rope, but Angle jumps up and hits the Angle Slam off the top. Angle covers…1…2…HBK kicks out again! The fans are going nuts. Angle grabs HBK and yells at him to tap out. HBK then knocks him out with the Sweet Chin Music. HBK stays down for a bit, but eventually crawls over, gets an arm over Angle’s chest…1…2…Angle gets a shoulder up. Angle out of no where applies the Ankle Lock on HBK as HBK starts to stand up. HBK starts to scream in pain, trying to fight out of it, but Angle keeps it applied. HBK jumps in the air moving toward any rope he can get, but Angle pulls him away each time. Angle falls to the mat and applies it even more. HBK looks to tap, stops himself, but then gives in and taps out.
Winner: Kurt Angle
After the match, HBK grabs his ankle in pain. The referee raises Angle’s arm in the air and Angle celebrates his victory. After Angle leaves, HBK gets on his feet and the fans applaud him.
The Piper’s Pit: with Stone Cold Steve Austin
Roddy Piper’s infamous music hits and he comes to the ring. Piper gets on the mic and thanks everyone for the honor of the Hall of Fame. He said it is now time to move on and make history. Piper said he wanted to know who was the baddest man in WWE and he was told Stone Cold Steve Austin. The glass shatters and out comes Austin new t-shirt and all. Austin salutes the crowd on all four corners and grabs the mic. Piper throws out both of the chairs that were in the ring as Austin gets in his face. Piper said, “So you are the rebel huh? Welcome to Piper’s Pit.” Piper slaps Austin in the face. Austin says, “Thank you very much for having me you son of a bitch.” Austin then slaps Piper. Piper said he likes Austin. Austin asks if he would like another. Piper said he respects Austin as he hasn’t meant him until now. The crowd chants “WHAT” and he asks if the crowd is deaf. Piper said he has respect for Austin sticking up for Vince McMahon. The crowd continues to chant “WHAT” at Piper and he responds, “…try to keep up with me.” Piper said he has a point. He said he was here when WrestleMania didn’t have a number and was the first to mess around with Vince McMahon. Piper said Austin and James Dean don’t hold a thing to him. Austin makes fun of Piper’s attire and asks if he is suppose to be impressed or scared of him. He said there is something going on that he can’t quite understand. Austin said he doesn’t scare him a bit and asks if he made himself clear. Piper said what we have here is failure to communicate.
Carlito’s music hits and he comes out on the mic. Carlito called both Piper and Austin little girls for fighting. He said they both have one thing in common…neither of them is “cool.” Carlito said nobody wants to see them anymore because everyone wants to see Carlito. Austin invites Carlito to come in the ring. Piper asks Carlito who the hell he is. Carlito said he is the new thing around here and he is taking charge…and that…that is cool. He said he would appreciate if both just walked to the back. Austin repeats his demand as well as Piper. Carlito said if they have a problem with that (he steps forward with his apple), but Piper takes it away and eats lots of the apple. Piper spits it in Carlito’s face. Carlito knocks out Piper and takes him out with some hard lefts. Austin looks on laughing. Austin grabs Carlito and starts to stomp him in the corner. Austin throws Carlito at Piper. Piper rakes his eyes and Austin gives Carlito a Stunner. Piper throws Carlito out of the ring over the top rope. Austin calls for some beer and he drinks it with Piper. As Austin gives Piper some more beer, he kicks him in the gut and hits The Stunner. Austin then walks up the ramp and salutes the crowd with some beer.
– JR & The King plug Backlash on May 1st from Manchester, NH.
Sumo Wrestling Challenge
Big Show vs. Akebono
Both are in traditional sumo attire. They stretch in the middle and then go to their respective corners to spread salt over the mat. It starts with Akebono getting the upperhand pushing Big Show away. Big Show prevents being thrown out from the circle however. They lock up together and Big Show almost steps out of the circle. Big Show pushes Akebono away and then gets in a minor shoulder block. Big Show does his chokeslam taunt and collides with Akebono. Big Show lifted Akebono to the other side of the circle, but Akebono quickly pushed him down and Big Show fell out of the ring.
Winner: Akebono
After the match, Big Show shook hands with Akebono. They both left towards the back at the same time.
WWE Championship Match
John Bradshaw Layfield (c) vs. John Cena
Before the match started, JBL’s limo was escorted by police on motorcycles. Also, $100 bills with JBL’s face on them fell from the top of the arena onto the crowd in attendance. The bell rings and here we go. Both lock up and JBL applies a headlock on Cena. Cena whips JBL into the ropes, but JBL takes down Cena with a big shoulder block. Cena fights back taking JBL down, but JBL came back just as quick with another big shoulder block. JBL nails Cena’s head off the corner and gets in a few right hands. JBL gets in a big forearm to Cena’s back followed by a quick chop to the chest. JBL gives Cena two swinging neckbreakers, covers, but only gets a two count. JBL starts to choke Cena using the second rope until the referee breaks it up. JBL uses a catapult to snap Cena chest first into the second rope. Cena fights back with a few punches, a boot to the face, but JBL stops anymore more with a big spinebuster. JBL taunts the crowd and they boo back loudly. JBL covers, but only gets a two count. JBL gets in another neckbreaker on Cena. JBL kicks Cena in the face a few times. Cena tries to fight back, but JBL cuts him off each time. JBL hits Cena with a clothesline in the corner. JBL picks up Cena and gives him another big clothesline. JBL gives Cena a snapmare takedown and then drives his forearm into Cena’s back. JBL applies a sleeper on Cena. Cena fights out of the sleeper with a big back body drop. Cena dodges a clothesline from JBL when he gets back on his feet. Both go off the ropes and meet in the middle giving each other a big double clothesline. Cena gets in a few rights on JBL until JBL grabs Cena and tosses him to the outside. JBL follows to the outside and gives Cena a quick neckbreaker on the ground. JBL tosses Cena back in the ring.
JBL puts Cena up on the top rope in the corner. JBL gets in a chop and a few punches. JBL gives Cena a superplex off the top onto the mat below. JBL covers, but only gets a two count. JBL shows frustration as he climbs up the other top rope, Cena gets on his feet, JBL jumps, but Cena catches him in mid-air and slams him back down hard. JBL and Cena exchange lefts and rights. Cena takes out JBL with two big clotheslines. Cena gives JBL a back body drop followed by big shoulder tackle. Cena calls out JBL and hits a huge side slam. Cena stands above JBL, does the YOU CAN’T SEE ME taunt and drops the fist. Cena dodges the Clothesline from Hell from JBL, lifts him up and hits the F-U. Cena covers…1…2…3! We have a new WWE Champion folks.
Winner & NEW WWE Champion: John Cena
After the match, a shocked John Cena gets handed the WWE Championship and begins to celebrate. Cena takes the WWE Title and celebrates with fans at ringside. Cena then heads up the entrance ramp and continues to celebrate with the WWE Title.
– Highlights from the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony last night was shown.
– Mean Gene Okerlund introduces the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2005: Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik, Paul Orndorff, Bob Orton Jr., Jimmy Hart, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan. All were accompanied by WWE Divas when they came out.
– A promo runs for WrestleMania 22 next year in Chicago.
World Heavyweight Championship
Triple H (c) w/ Ric Flair vs. Batista
Motorhead played “The Game” theme music live. Midway through, Triple H rose up from under the stage that Motorhead was playing on. The referee displays the title on the line in the contest. Both Triple H and Batista stare each other down. The bell rings and here we go. Both lock up and show their power by not pushing themselves down. They hook up again Batisa pushes Triple H away when he gets pushed into the corner. Batista then gets in a shoulder block on Triple H. Triple H gets up surprised and Batista smiles at him to bring it. Triple H quickly responds with a shoulder block of his own and he smiles down at Batista. Triple H kicks Batista in the gut and looks to go for the Pedigree quickly, but Batista counters out and gives Triple H a modified military press slam. Batista throws Triple H into the corner and gives him a few hard elbows to the face. Batista gives Triple H a big back body drop, but Triple H follows it up with a high knee that knocks Batista to the outside. Ric Flair distracts Batista on the outside, allowing Triple H to send Batista into the steel steps. Batista gets up on the ring apron and peeks his head through the second rope. Triple H takes advantage by dropping an elbow across the back of Batista’s neck. Triple H starts to choke Batista until the referee breaks it up. Triple H starts to argue with the referee allowing Ric Flair to get in a cheap shot on Batista.
Triple H comes back out to the outside and slams Batista against the ring barricade. Triple H then slams Batista against the side of the ring and throws him back inside. Triple H continues to work on Batista, hitting a big elbow to his lower back. Triple H applies a front facelock and follows it up with a suplex. Triple H covers, but only gets a two count. Triple H drives his knee into the back of Batista a few times and then gives him a big backbreaker. Triple H gets in the referee’s face again allowing Ric Flair to get in some more cheap shots. Batista gets up on the ring apron and Triple H drops his head over the top rope, allowing Batista to fly back off the ring apron. Triple H puts Batista back in the ring. Triple H gives Batista a few hard right hands. Batista tries to fight back, but Triple H grabs him and hits a big spinebuster. Triple H covers, but only gets a two count in the process. Triple H covers Batista a few more times, but Batista kicks out each time. A frustrated Triple H picks up Batista and gives him a big neckbreaker. Flair starts yelling at the referee to count faster. Batista gets in two right hands on Triple H, but Triple H gets ready for the Pedigree. Batista counters out of it with a back body drop. Triple H comes off the ropes and hits a knee to the face. Triple H goes up to the top, Batista gets on his feet, Triple H jumps and Batista gives him a big clothesline. Batista then gives Triple H a side walk slam.
Batista charges at Triple H in the corner, but he gets a face full of boots from Triple H instead. Triple H tries to irish whip Batista, but Batista counters launching Triple H over the top rope. On the outside, Triple H launches Batista into the steel steps shoulder first. Triple H grabs one part of the steel steps, grabs Batista and looks to Pedigree him on it. Batista counters, catapulting Triple H into the ring post. Triple H walks around the ring with blood streaming down his face. Batista grabs Triple H by the head and nails it off the steel steps two times. Triple H gets in the ring and falls to his knees in a weak manner. Batista gives Triple H some stiff forearms to his head as Ric Flair looks on from ringside. Batista goes off the ropes and kicks Triple H in the face. Batista hits a clothesline on Triple H in the corner. He does the same in an opposite corner. When Batista does it for a third time, Triple H gets knocked out even faster with impact. Batista lifts up Triple H to his shoulders and comes down hard with a big powerslam. When Triple H goes to the outside, Ric Flair tries to go after Batista, but Batista knocks him out. While this is happening, Triple H tries to hit Batista from behind with a steel chair, but the referee prevents it – knocking himself out in the process. Flair comes in the ring trying to knock out Batista with the ring bell. Batista dodges it and gives Flair a spinebuster. The referee pushes Ric Flair out of the ring. While this takes place, Triple H knocks out Batista with the World Title. Triple H covers…1…2…Batista kicks out! Triple H charges at Batista and gets a big spinebuster for his troubles. Batista picks up Triple H, Triple H drops down and gives Batista a low blow when the referee didn’t see. Triple H sets up Batista for the Pedigree, tries to execute it twice, but Batista shows is strength fighting back and then dropping Triple H back down hard on the mat behind him. Batista picks up Triple H, lifts him in the air and drops him down hard in the Batista Bomb. Batista locks in the pinfall – 1…2…3!
Winner & NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Batista
After the match, Batista is handed the World Heavyweight Title. A bloody Triple H stares down Batista in the corner and then leaves the ring after Batista taunts at him with the World Title. A series of pyro goes off above the ring as Batista continues to celebrate with the World Heavyweight Title.
– A highlight video of the events that took place earlier tonight at WrestleMania 21 runs as the show goes off the air…
