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May 27th
On this day in history in ....
1956 - Doug and Red Donovan defeat Herb Freeman & Larry Chene for the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1957 - Red Bastien ends the second NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Title reign of Rito Romero in Fort Worth, Texas.
1959 - Eddie & Dr. Jerry Graham defeat Mark Lewin & Don Curtis for the WWWF Tag Team Title in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
1960 - Thor Hagen defeats Lee Henning to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title in St. Joseph, Missouri, ending Henning's second reign.
1967 - Billy and Jimmy Hines win the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Title for the second time, ending the second reign of the The Blue Infernos in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1968 - Ken Lucas & Dennis Hall defeat Don Carson & The Red Shadow for the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning and ending each team's third reign.
1974 - Mr. X (Guy Mitchell) & The Brute defeat Leo Madril & Dan Kroffat to win the Vancouver version of the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1976 - Jackie West & Yukari Lynch defeat The Beauty Pair (Jackie Sato & Maki Ueda) for the World Women's Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Kawasaki, Japan.
1977 - Jimmy Snuka defeats El Gran Goliath in Houston, Texas for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title.
1978 - Carlos Colon & Chief Thunder Cloud defeat The Hollywood Blondes (Jack Evans & Larry Sharpe) for the WWC North American Tag Team Title in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, ending the Blondes' second reign.
1987 - WWF finds itself in the midst of a very embarrassing public relations disaster as television and newspaper reports come out that the previous evening, Hacksaw Jim Duggan & The Iron Sheik were arrested by New Jersey State Police. The two wrestlers, who were feuding at the time on WWF shows, were pulled over on May 26th when a trooper saw Duggan drinking a can of beer while driving. Duggan was charged with possession of marijuana and drinking alcohol while driving. The Iron Sheik was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana. Duggan would receive a conditional discharge, while Sheik was put on probation for a year. Both were immediately suspended from the WWF. Duggan would return a few months later, while Sheik would be not return for several years. Believe it or not, The Iron Sheik actually gave an interview months later where, in an attempt to maintain kayfabe, claimed that he didn't have a driver's license in the U.S. and the WWF forced him to travel with Duggan to the show.
1988 - Owen Hart defeats Hiroshi Hase in Sendai, Japan to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title. On the same event, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki ChÅshÅ« wrestle to a no contest, resulting in the title being held up. Fujinami would defeat ChÅshÅ« to regain the title in a rematch on June 24 in Osaka.
1989 - Steve Strong defeats Carlos Colon to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico, ending Colon's seventh reign.
1990 - Villano III defeats Sangre Chicana for the WWF World Light Heavyweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico. This ended Chicana's second reign and began Villano III's fifth.
1995 - Colonel Blatnick defeats Waverider Craig to win the Mid-American Wrestling Cruiserweight Title in West Allis, Wisconsin.
1996 - One of the most famous moments in modern wrestling history takes place, as Scott Hall (Razor Ramon), fresh from his stint in WWF, shows up during the first-ever two hour edition of WCW Monday Nitro, entering from the crowd and informing Eric Bischoff that he was there to "declare war" on WCW. This was the beginning of what would become the New World Order.
1997 - Kenta Kobashi & Johnny Ace defeat Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue to win the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title in Sapporo, Japan, ending Kawada and Taue's fourth reign.
1997 - Slickyboy defeats Blackhawk for the House of Pain Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title in Hagerstown, Maryland.
2001 - D'Lo Brown & Shane defeat The Starr Corporation (Chicky Starr & Victor the Bodyguard) and Los Boricuas (Miguel Perez Jr. & Jesus Castillo, Jr.) for the IWA World Tag Team Title in Puerto Rico, ending the Corporation's fourth reign.
2001 - Three World Xtreme Wrestling titles switch in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Lucifer Grimm wins his third WXW Hardcore Title by defeating Latin Xplosion, The New Jersey Hit Squad (Mafia and Monsta Mack) defeat The Latin Hit Squad (Nuisance and Puerto Rican Chile) for the WXW Tag Team Title, ending the Latin's fourth reign. Finally, Dylan Dean ends Samu's second reign as WXW Heavyweight Champion.
2006 - 1 Pro Wrestling holds "Know Your Enemy: Night 2" in Doncaster, England. The results:
- Pac defeated Spud, El Ligerio, Dragon Aisu, Stevie Lynn and Darkside in a six-way match.
- Nigel McGuinness defeated Jay Phoenix.
- A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels defeated Colt Cabana and Darren Burridge in a Tag Team Title Tournament semifinal.
- Jonny Storm and Jody Fleisch defeated Southern Comfort (Tracy Smothers and Chris Hamrick) in a Tag Team Title Tournament semifinal.
- Al Snow and The Blue Meanie defeated the teams of Austin Aries & Roderick Strong and Mohammed Yone & Takeshi Morishima in a three-way match.
- Chad Collyer vs. Ricky Reyes ended in a double countout.
- Sterling James Keenan defeated Chris Hamrick.
- Doug Williams defeated Lance Storm.
- Jonny Storm and Jody Fleisch defeated A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to become the first-ever 1PW Tag Team Champions.
- Steve Corino defeated champion Abyss and Christian Cage in a three-way match to win the 1PW World Heavyweight Title.
2006 - Black Market (Joey Machete and Shawn Murphy) defeat The Heartbreak Express (Phil and Sean Davis) to win the FIP Tag Team Title in Crystal River, Florida.
2006 - Kaimana defeats Kaniela to become the first Hawaii Championship Wrestling Hawaiian Inter-Island Champion in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
2006 - Greg Anthony defeats Seth Knight for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Humboldt, Tennessee.
2011 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Spokane, Washington and your announcers are Josh ‘Ichiro’ Mathews, Booker ‘I wrestled at a Wrestlemania near here’ T, and Michael ‘I won my Wrestlemania Match’ Cole.
We start off with the World Champion Randy Orton making his way to the ring. Randy starts off by telling us who he is and he tells us that he is still the World Champion.
Before Orton can continue, he is interrupted by Christian’s music and Christian makes his way to the ring. Christian tells Randy that he doesn’t want to spoil his moment, but he wanted to tell Randy that Sunday’s match was one of the greatest of his career and he says that it probably was for Randy and he wanted to thank him.
Christian says that Randy deserves to be the World Champion.
Orton throws out the ‘but’ for Christian to make an excuse.
Christian says that the match could have gone either way, but Orton was the better man and he won on Sunday. Christian says that he knows that he can beat Randy. Christian wants one more match for a shot at the World Title. Christian says that a guy can ask.
Before Randy can give an answer, Sheamus makes his way out and he has something to tell to the fellas in the ring. Sheamus tells Christian that this is painful to watch. He wonders how many chances he will get. He compares Christian to a gambling addict who loses his car on a bet and then they double down with their house and they end up losing everything. Now Christian is begging and putting his kid’s college fund on the line for one more chance.
Sheamus reminds Christian that it took him seventeen years to win his first World Title. Sheamus tells Christian that he will have to wait seventeen years more because he became a two time loser on Sunday. Sheamus points out that he is a two time WWE Champion. He was drafted to Smackdown to face Randy Orton for the World Title. Sheamus says that he is the star of the show. He says that if anyone is going to be number one contender, it is going to be him.
Mark Henry wants to throw his two cents into the conversation. He tells Christian that his buddy Edge is on a retirement golf course waiting for Christian so he tells him not to miss his tee time. Mark tells Sheamus that being the World Strongest Man means that you don’t wait in lines. You butt in. Mark butts into the ring and he turns his attention to Randy. He says that he butted his way into the front of the line for that championship.
The Smackdown Entrance Music Album’s next track plays and Teddy Long comes out and he is going to restore order to the situation in the ring. Teddy tells the playas that there seems to be a little bit of déjà vu with everyone arguing about the World Title and who should be facing Randy Orton for it.
Teddy tells Christian that he agrees with Sheamus and Mark Henry and he says that Christian has had his opportunity. Teddy says that what matters is what the people say. Teddy tells Christian that since he made Christian defend the World Title right after winning by asking the fans, he wants to ask the fans if they think that Christian deserves one more shot at the title. Teddy says that the people have spoken and Christian will be in the mix, but he is not home free.
Christian will earn his title match opportunity so he will be part of a Triple Threat Match to find out who faces Randy Orton at the pay per view. It will be Sheamus versus Mark Henry versus Christian. Teddy hollas as he leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Sin Cara versus Chavo Guerrero
Chavo with a kick and shot to the head. Sin Cara lands on his feet on a hip toss attempt and he turns it into an arm drag on Chavo. Cara with an arm drag and kick to Chavo. Sin Cara with an arm drag using the ropes for extra force. Sin Cara sets up for a dive to the floor but he sees Chavo move out of the way so Sin Cara bounces off the ropes to tease the dive.
Chavo takes his time getting back into the ring. Cara with a drop toe hold followed by an Irish whip but he misses a splash into the corner. Chavo with a running double knee strike into the corner followed by a slam. Chavo with kicks to Cara followed by a Latino uppercut. Chavo with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall.
Chavo with a key lock on Sin Cara and he turns it into an arm bar. Sin Cara gets to his feet but Chavo with a knee. Chavo tries for a Gory Special but Cara with an arm drag counter. Cara with a baseball slide to send Chavo to the floor and then Cara hits an Asai moonsault.
They return to the ring and Cara hits a springboard head scissors. Cara with punches and kicks. Cara follows that with a springboard back elbow and then Cara with another head scissors take down. Cara is sent to the apron and Cara with a kick to the head. Cara with a springboard cross body for a near fall.
Chavo with a take down and jackknife cover for a near fall. Chavo with a Latino uppercut and he chokes Cara in the ropes. Chavo anticipates Cara’s attempt for a springboard back elbow so he rolls out of the way. Cara goes for La Mistica but he is too close to the ropes so he turns it into a lateral press for the three count.
Winner: Sin Cara
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that the Wrestlemania 27 DVD has been a best seller.
Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring and he is accompanied by his bag men.
Cody says that if he didn’t know any better he would be convinced that there is no God. Cody says that every town that he goes to, he literally prays that he will see an even mildly attractive face. Every time, he is disappointed. Cody says that is why as a service to everyone and at great expense to him, he is providing everyone with paper bags. Cody his baggers to start handing out their product.
Cody says that everyone should be grateful that he is exposing their deficiency of desirability. He says that he is a hero.
Speaking of heroes, Cody’s opponent makes his way to the ring and it is Washington’s own Daniel Bryan.
Match Number Two: Cody Rhodes versus Daniel Bryan
Cody with a kick and side head lock followed by a punch to the head and a shoulder tackle. Bryan with an arm drag followed by an Irish whip but he runs into a forearm from Cody. Rhodes with a kick and then he takes Bryan down by the leg but Bryan counters and he traps Cody’s legs and he drives Cody’s knees into the mat. Bryan follows that with a kick to the chest.
Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with a kick to Rhodes and then Bryan and Rhodes have hip tosses blocked but Bryan is sent over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Rhodes sends Bryan into the turnbuckles. Bryan with a series of English uppercuts but Rhodes tries to send Bryan over the top rope but Rhodes grabs Bryan and he kicks him in the solar plexus. Rhodes with kicks to Bryan.
Rhodes with an elbow to the head and he gets a near fall. Rhodes punches Bryan in the head and then he connects with a series of knees. Rhodes with an arm bar and chin lock. Bryan punches Cody and then Rhodes with a cross face chicken wing on Bryan but Bryan is able to get free. Rhodes holds on to a body scissors and he connects with head butts to Bryan. Rhodes holds on to the arm bar and chin lock. Rhodes with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Bryan and Bryan with a running Yakuza kick to Rhodes. Bryan with punches and kicks followed by another Yakuza kick.
Bryan hits the running drop kick into the corner and then he goes up top for the missile drop kick for a near fall. Bryan tries for the LeBell Lock but Rhodes sends Bryan into the corner. Rhodes and Bryan each get near falls with rollups. Bryan flips over Rhodes in the corner but Rhodes with the springboard round kick to Bryan. Both men are down. Rhodes tries for Cross Rhodes but Bryan counters and puts Cody in the LeBell Lock and Cody taps immediately.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, Rhodes attacks Bryan and he head butts him with the mask. Rhodes punches Bryan on the floor and then he sends Bryan into the ringside barrier. He sends Bryan back into the ring and Cody hits Cross Rhodes. Cody props Bryan against the ropes and he puts one of the bags over Bryan’s head.
In case you missed it on Sunday or Monday, Booker had a dream about Barack Obama holding a press conference.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see photos of Ezekiel Jackson’s match with Wade Barrett at Over the Limit and the Corre attack on Jackson.
Match Number Three: Heath Slater versus Ezekiel Jackson
Slater with a waist lock and he connects with a forearm to the back. Jackson swings at Slater and Heath is lucky that he ducked because he would probably have been picking up teeth from ringside. The referee pulls Jackson out of the corner. Slater charges at Jackson and Jackson punches him. Jackson with more punches and then he tosses Slater across the ring by the throat. Slater gets his knees up on a running clothesline attempt. Slater with kicks and a drop kick to the knees. Slater with a forearm to the back and he applies a reverse chin lock. Jackson backs Slater into the corner and then he tosses Slater across the ring by his arm. Slater with a running forearm into the corner and he punches Jackson until the referee pulls him out of the corner.
Slater charges into the corner again and Slater is sent to the apron. Slater with a forearm to Jackson and it staggers the big man. Slater goes up top and Jackson moves out of the way. Jackson with a shoulder tackle to Slater. Jackson with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Jackson with two slams to Slater and then he puts Slater in the torture rack but Gabriel and Barrett make their way to the ring.
Jackson drops Slater and when Barrett attacks Jackson, the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson by disqualification
After the match, Jackson clotheslines Barrett over the top rope to the floor. Gabriel kicks Jackson but Jackson takes care of him. Slater joins in with the attack and so does Barrett but Jackson sends Barrett back to the floor and he slams Gabriel and Slater.
Christian is in the interview area with Matt Striker and Matt points out that it might be Christian’s last shot at the title. Christian says that when he was a little kid, he was the last kid picked for kickball, but he had the most home runs at the end of the game. He says that he was a four time Canadian Kickball Champion. He was the last kid in his class to hit puberty. He says that he had the prettiest girlfriend at prom. Christian says that he was the last guy people thought would make it to the top and he won the World Title. The odds might be stacked against him, but Captain Charisma will get the last laugh.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see the footage from last week when Jinder Mahal came out during Khali’s match and he slapped Khali.
Match Number Four: Kane versus Great Khali with Runjin Singh in a ‘Monster’s Brawl Match’
They lock up and Khali pushes Kane away. Khali raises his arms because he can. They lock up again and Khali backs Kane into the corner. Khali with elbows and a kick. Khali with a chop to Kane but Kane with an uppercut. Khali with a clothesline followed by a kick and then he chokes Kane in the ropes. Khali with an Irish whip followed by some kicks. Khali with a nerve hold on Kane.
Kane with elbows and a punch. Khali misses a chop and Kane grabs Khali by the throat. Khali grabs Kane and he pushes Kane over the top rope to the floor. Kane drops Khali’s arm on the top rope and Kane goes up top for a clothesline and he gets the three count.
Winner: Kane
After the match, Khali is helped up by Runjin Singh and Jinder Mahal’s music plays. He comes to the ring telling Khali something in Hindi. When Mahal is done, he slaps Khali. Singh yells at Mahal and Jinder pushes Runjin. Khali pushes Mahal out of the way and he points his finger at Mahal. Singh yells at Mahal and Khali has had enough so he grabs Singh and applies the Khali Krush.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at what happened to Big Show. We find out that Big Show suffered an injury to his knee and he will be out of action for a few weeks.
Booker T is in the ring and he says that there is something that he wants to do and needs to do. He asks Michael Cole to come into the ring. Cole doesn’t know what Booker wants him in the ring for and Cole is hesitant to get into the ring with Booker.
Booker reminds everyone that Michael Cole lost the Kiss My Foot Match at Over the Limit to Jerry Lawler and we see a photo from Sunday night. Booker asks Cole for the best way to get toe jam out. Booker gets a good laugh out of it. Booker says that he is just playing with Cole. Booker says that he isn’t going to let the fans say ‘Kiss My Feet’ so Booker says it a few times to get everyone to start saying it until Booker’s music plays.
Matt Striker is outside Sheamus’ locker room. Sheamus says that he will state the obvious. We have been hit over the head about how Christian finally won the big one after seventeen years. Sheamus says that he is sick and tired of hearing that. Sheamus says that Mark Henry has been here since the Clinton Administration and he hasn’t won anything. He says that means that between the two of them, there has been one fluke title win in thirty three combined years.
Sheamus points out that he won the WWE Title in his first year in the company. It only took him a few months to achieve what they have sought during their entire careers. Sheamus says that he only needs one opportunity to achieve his goals. Sheamus goes back into his locker room and we go to commercial.
We are back and before our next match we see Natalya giving some advice to AJ Lee and Kaitlyn about their match against Tamina and Alicia Fox. Natalya tells them that they are strong competitors. AJ says that she is excited to make her Smackdown debut tonight. Natalya says that she is looking forward to seeing AJ and Kaitlyn beat Alicia and Tamina from ringside.
Match Number Five: Alicia Fox and Tamina versus AJ Lee and Kaitlyn with Natalya
AJ and Alicia start things off and Alicia grabs AJ by the throat but AJ with a forearm. Alicia with a kick but AJ with a head scissors followed by a drop kick. Kaitlyn tags in and she hits a clothesline followed by a head butt to the midsection. Kaitlyn backed Alicia into the corner and the referee pulls Kaitlyn out of the corner. Kaitlyn with an elbow followed by a side slam for a near fall but Tamina breaks it up. AJ and Tamia fight to the floor while Alicia kicks Kaitlyn and hits an axe kick for the three count.
Winners: Alicia Fox and Tamina
We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt Striker is in the interview area with Mark Henry. Matt asks for Mark’s responses to Christian and Sheamus. Mark wants to know if Matt thinks that Christian is going to win. Then he asks Matt if he thinks that Sheamus was right and then he yells at Matt. Matt corrects Mark and Mark asks Matt if he doesn’t listen well? Mark says that he is an underachiever and he is stupid. He wants to know if Matt is saying that. Mark yells at Matt some more. Mark tells Matt that is what he thought.
Josh mentions the passing of Randy Savage last week. Booker mentions how Savage’s match with Steamboat at Wrestlemania III made him want to become a wrestler.
We see the video package.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Sheamus versus Christian versus Mark Henry in a Number One Contender Triple Threat Match for a title match next week
The three men figure out what they are going to do and it appears that Sheamus and Henry are going to work on Christian. Sheamus sends Christian into the turnbuckles. Henry punches Christian while Sheamus holds him. Sheamus with a forearm followed by a punch to the midsection. Henry with a shot to Christian and then Sheamus chokes him. Christian slides to the floor and Sheamus follows after him and he connects with forearms. Sheamus charges at Christian but Christian with a drop toe hold that sends Sheamus into the ring steps.
Henry brings Christian back into the ring but Henry misses a boot to Christian. Christian with punches but Henry tosses Christian into the air and gets a near fall. Henry with a head butt to Christian and then Henry stands on Christian’s chest. Christian wants the referee to get Henry off of his chest but the referee tells Christian that there is no count because there is no disqualification.
Henry charges at Christian but Christian drops down and Henry goes to the floor. Sheamus re-enters the ring and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Sheamus with a clothesline and he gets a near fall. Sheamus misses the Brogue kick and Christian hits the Killswitch but Henry pulls Christian out of the ring to stop the count.
Randy Orton’s music plays and he makes his way out to watch the match.
Henry is frozen in place as we go to commercial.
We are back and Henry kicks Christian and then he sends Christian into the turnbuckles. We see Orton sitting at ringside to watch the match (and maybe do something after the match) as Henry gets a near fall on Christian. Henry with a bear hug on Christian.
Sheamus gets on the apron and Henry lets go of the bear hug. Sheamus with shoulders and then he punches Henry when he re-enters the ring. Henry throws Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Christian with punches to Henry but Henry with a body block to Christian and Christian goes to the mat. Henry with a near fall. Henry sends Christian into the turnbuckles and he kicks Christian in the ribs. Henry sends Christian into the turnbuckles one more time. Henry stands over Christian and works on Christian’s back. Henry tries for a splash but Christian rolls out of the way.
Christian goes to the turnbuckles and he hits a drop kick from the second turnbuckle. Christian with another drop kick form the turnbuckles and this one takes Henry down. Christian gets a near fall. Christian goes up top but Sheamus stops him. Sheamus with punches to Christian and then Sheamus goes after Henry.
Sheamus goes up top with Christian for a superplex but Christian punches Sheamus off the turnbuckles. Christian with a cross body to Henry but Henry catches Christian and hits the World’s Strongest Slam but Sheamus breaks up the cover. Sheamus kicks Henry and then he hits Henry with a double axe handle that sends Henry to the floor. Sheamus gets a near fall on Christian.
Sheamus signals for the High Cross but Christian escapes and he this the pendulum kick. Christian with a tornado DDT on Sheamus for a two count. Mark Henry pushes Orton down at the announce table before returning to the ring. Henry tries for a press slam on Christian but Christian gets free and he sends Henry into Sheamus who was in the corner. Christian with a drop kick to Henry’s knee. Christian with a spear to Sheamus.
Randy Orton goes into the ring and he gives Mark Henry an RKO and Christian can only get a two count on Sheamus because the referee was dealing with Orton and he did not make the count immediately after the spear. Christian turns around and he gets hit with the Brogue kick and Sheamus gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Orton seems a bit disappointed that Sheamus, not Christian is the number one contender.
Christian gets another explanation from the referee while Orton stares down his opponent next week from the ring.
2013 - WWE broadcast Raw, followed by a Bret Hart Appreciation Night ceremony via the WWE App.
Richard Trionfo filed the folowing Raw TV report:
Tonight, the WWE returns to Canada for a special episode of Raw as we celebrate Memorial Day and this show is dedicated to the Armed Forces. What is the latest update on Triple H’s condition? What is next for Ryback and John Cena as they move towards their Ambulance Match at Payback? What will the Shield do tonight? Will they even mention that Dolph Ziggler has a concussion too?
We are in Calgary . . .
Alberta, Canada and your announcers are Michael ‘If I mention that you should download the WWE App for a minute’ Cole, Jerry ‘Tonight we are in the HartLand’ Lawler, and John ‘Should I use Loonie or Toonie when insulting my fellow announcers’ Layfield.
Before we start with the new programming, we take a look back at the debut of Curtis Axel and his interaction with Triple H before their match.
Do you remember where you were when we had a Last Man Standing Match where neither man could stand so we had no finish? What will Ryback do tonight?
John Cena’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
John says that there is a lot of unrest in the arena tonight. Some anxiety and some anger. He says that he understands why. There was a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules that is most known for its controversy. Neither man could stand for the count of ten so both men think they deserve the WWE Championship.
There is John Cena, who is the current champ. Then there is Ryback who thinks that he is the WWE Champion.
Ryback came out and challenged him to an Ambulance Match.
John picks up on the ‘We Want Bret’ chants and he says that we will get to Bret later.
John says that Ryback thought through things too fast. John says that he knows how to settle this. Payback be deliberate. Payback should be held. There will be a Three Stages of Hell Match at Payback. Each fall has a different stipulation. Stage one is a Lumberjack Match. Stage Two is a Tables Match. Stage Three is an Ambulance Match.
John says that even if he wins the first two falls, he will take Ryback and put him into the ambulance so Ryback can be taken for medical attention.
Ryback makes his way to the stage and he is dressed to wrestle. He says that payback should be deliberate, definitive, and it should be held. That is what he tried to do to John at Extreme Rules. He drove John through the LED board without worrying about what was on the other side. He tried to take Cena to hell.
Ryback tells John to say hello to Beelzebub, Lucifer, and Satan. Say hello to Ryback.
Paul Heyman comes out and he tells John that while he is saying hello to everyone, he wants John to say hello to a future WWE Hall of Famer, a future WWE Champion, and a man who defeated Triple H so decisively that you won’t see him around for more. Paul brings out Curtis Axel.
Paul tells John that Curtis and him were watching John and they were marveling at the fact that John accepted the challenge from Ryback. It takes something to suggest a Three Stages of Hell Match. He says that John is a fighting champion. Paul says that John will not back down from a challenge from Curtis Axel.
John tells Curtis that he watched him last week and he tells Curtis to stay as far away from Paul as possible.
Curtis says that he was not asking John for his opinion. He says that he was asking John if he is looking for a fight.
John says that Curtis got lucky last week, but he is acting like he is running the yard. John accepts the challenge.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Big E Langston (with AJ Lee)
They lock up and Langston with punches and shoulders in the corner. Del Rio with a drop kick but Langston stays on his feet. Langston charges at Del Rio and Del Rio drops down and Langston goes over the top rope to the floor. Del Rio with a suicide dive onto Langston. Langston sends Del Rio into the apron and then he drops Alberto on the ring steps before returning to the ring and he gets a near fall.
Langston with a bear hug and Del Rio punches and kicks Langston to escape. Langston catches Del Rio coming from the turnbuckles and he hits three consecutive back breakers for a near fall. Langston misses a charge into the corner and he hits the ring post with his shoulder.
Del Rio with two clotheslines and Langston does not go down. Del Rio with another clothesline and then he avoids a clothesline from Langston and Del Rio with a lungblower. Del Rio with a super kick for a near fall. Del Rio tries for the float over into the cross arm breaker but Langston escapes and he hits a belly-to-belly suplex.
The straps are down but Del Rio with a single arm DDT. AJ pulls off the top turnbuckle and the referee fixes it while Del Rio applies the cross arm breaker. Langston is able to turn over and he picks up Del Rio. Del Rio sends Langston into the exposed turnbuckle and he gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, AJ tries to apologize to Langston and say that it was not her fault. Langston leaves the ring and AJ follows after.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kane is in the locker room. Daniel Bryan is pacing in front of him and he is muttering. Kane tells Daniel to stop with the weak link obsession because the only person who thinks that he is the weak link is Daniel. Kane says that if they are going to beat the Shield tonight as a team, Daniel will have to pull himself together.
Daniel with an ‘AHA’ moment and he says that Kane thinks that he is the weak link.
They go back and forth with the yes and no and they see Bret Hart.
Bret tells them to take it easy. They are one of the best tag team partnerships. The tension that they have destroys tag teams. They are better than this.
Daniel asks Bret is he was thought of as the weak link.
Bret says that size means nothing because of your toughness.
Kane wants to know how Daniel believes Bret while Kane says the same thing and ignores him.
Daniel says that he is Bret Hart, the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. He is just Kane.
Match Number Two: Dean Ambrose (with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) versus Kofi Kingston for the United States Title
They lock up and Ambrose backs Kofi into the corner and Ambrose pushes Kofi but Kofi pushes back. Kofi with a rollup for a near fall. Kofi with another near fall with a rollup. Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar and a near fall. Ambrose backs Kofi into the corner and he punches Kofi. Ambrose with more punches but Kofi punches and kicks back. Kofi with a jumping back heel kick.
Ambrose with a single leg take down and then Kofi sends Ambrose into the ropes and he tries for Trouble in Paradise but Ambrose holds on to the ropes. Kofi tries for an SOS but Ambrose goes to the floor to regroup. Ambrose backs up from the ring when Kofi teases a dive to the floor and Kofi bounces off the ropes and lands on his feet.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ambrose with a cross arm chin lock. Ambrose with a short arm clothesline and he stomps on Kingston before hitting a snap elbow drop and he gets a near fall. We see footage from the break on the WWE App. Kofi catapults Ambrose into the turnbuckles and Kofi with a near fall. Ambrose runs into a boot from Kofi.
Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick and he tries for the flying clothesline but Ambrose catches him and Ambrose sends him into the corner. Kofi with a double jump cross body and he gets a near fall. Kofi with a leaping clothesline and Ambrose moves when Kofi sets for the Boom Drop. Kofi and Ambrose alternate near falls.
Kofi with SOS for a near fall. Kofi with a baseball slide that sends Ambrose to the floor. Kofi rolls Ambrose back in and Kofi goes for a springboard clothesline and he connects. Kofi gets a near fall. Ambrose sends Kofi into the ring steps when he trips Kofi on the apron.
Ambrose rolls Kofi back in and then he sets for the Dean Driver and he hits it and he gets the three count.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
After the match, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns join Dean Ambrose in the ring and they show their title belts to everyone watching.
Kane’s pyro goes off and Daniel Bryan and Kane make their way to the ring. Bryan and Kane go after The Shield and The Shield goes to the floor.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Daniel Bryan and Kane versus Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns (with Dean Ambrose) for the WWE Tag Titles
The match is joined in progress and Rollins punches Bryan and he takes him down with a side head lock. Rollins with a shoulder tackle but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Bryan with kicks to the chest and the referee has to pull Bryan away from Rollins.
Kane tags in and he sends Rollins into the turnbuckles. Rollins floats over on an Irish whip but Kane catches him and hits a power slam for a near fall. Bryan tags in and they hit a Hart Attack and Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with elbows to the shoulder and head. Bryan gets a near fall. Rollins backs Bryan into the corner but Kane tags in and connects with an uppercut. Kane with a clothesline in the corner and Rollins avoids a choke slam and he hits an enzuigiri. Reigns tags in and he punches and kicks Kane. Rollins with a kick to the head when the referee deals with Reigns. Reigns gets a near fall.
Rollins tags in and he punches Kane. Rollins with more punches to Kane and then he tries to suplex Kane but Kane blocks it and Kane with a suplex. Reigns tags in and he stops Kane and gets a near fall. Reigns with a reverse chin lock and he gets between Kane and his corner. Reigns with a slam to Kane and he gets a near fall. Rollins tags in and he kicks Kane.
Rollins with a kick but Kane with a clothesline and both men are down. Bryan tags in and he hits a drop kick that knocks Reigns off the apron. Bryan with a German suplex to Rollins and then he hits a running drop kick into the corner for a near fall. Bryan with Kicks of No to Rollins followed by a round kick to the head for a near fall.
Bryan goes up top and Rollins is able to crotch Bryan. Rollins tries for a superplex but Bryan escapes and he crotches Seth and he puts Rollins in the tree of woe. Bryan with kicks and a drop kick into the corner. Bryan goes for a belly-to-back superplex and he hits it.
Both men are down and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bryan with a European uppercut to Reigns. Bryan with kicks to the leg and chest. Reigns with an Irish whip but Bryan floats over. Reigns with a clothesline to counter the flying clothesline and he gets a near fall. Rollins tags in and he kicks Bryan and punches him.
Rollins mocks Bryan and he tries for the surfboard and he gets Bryan up but Bryan is able to escape and he kicks Rollins. Rollins takes Bryan down and he connects with an elbow drop to the back. Reigns tags back in and he kicks Bryan in the back. Reigns with another kick and he gets a near fall on Bryan.
Rollins tags back in and he hits a super kick while Reigns holds Bryan. Rollins calls Bryan the weak link before sending him into the turnbuckles. Bryan with punches to Rollins but Rollins with a flatline into the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. Reigns tags back in and he applies a waist lock on Bryan.
Reigns with a forearm to Bryan’s back but Bryan with a kick and a flying leg lariat and both men are down. Kane and Rollins tag in and Kane with punches to Rollins followed by an Irish whip and clothesline. Kane with another Irish whip and clothesline but Rollins avoids the side slam. Kane with a back body drop and Kane makes sure to hit the side slam and Reigns breaks up the cover. Bryan with a missile drop kick to Reigns that sends Reigns to the floor.
Bryan with a suicide dive onto Reigns. Rollins with a back heel kick to Kane but Kane with a big boot to Rollins. Bryan kicks Reigns against the apron and Kane goes up top. Kane hits the flying clothesline and he signals for the choke slam while Bryan waits for the flying knee off the apron. Reigns catches Bryan and he sends Bryan to the floor with a spear.
Rollins with a springboard knee to the head and Rollins gets the three count.
Winners: Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns
After the match, Ambrose joins Rollins and Reigns in the ring to celebrate.
In case you missed the announcement of the stipulation for the John Cena and Ryback match at Payback, we see the footage.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Triple H defying medical advise to wrestle and suffering post concussion symptoms.
We are back and Michael Cole talks about what happened at the end of Raw. Michael has an update. Triple H has been advised not to travel to Raw, but he suffered no further damage.
Miz makes his way to the ring and he will be involved in some way in the match between Fandango and Wade Barrett. VOTE ON THE APP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jerry Lawler tells us what Miz’ role in this match will be. He is the guest referee in a landslide.
Match Number Four: Wade Barrett versus Fandango (with Summer Rae) with Guest Referee Miz
They lock up and Fandango with a hammer lock and Barrett goes to the ropes. Barrett argues with the referee and then Fandango with chops and forearms. Fandango with a back elbow and Miz gets a near fall. Barrett with a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall. Barrett with knees in the ropes and Miz gets the way of the running boot. Barrett throws Miz to the mat and Barrett with a boot to Fandango.
Miz gives Barrett the Skull Crushing Finale and Fandango gets the three count.
Winner: Fandango
After the match, Miz kicks Fandango while he dips Summer and Summer falls on Fandango and the Miz makes the three count.
Miz is in the medical room and someone asks him if he really wants to do it. John turns around and it is Shawn Michaels. He says that nobody ever listens to him because he is the voice of reason.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of 3MB crashing Natalya’s birthday party.
Match Number Five:Great Khali, Tensai, and Brodus Clay (with a lot of people) versus Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre
Khali and Drew start things off and Drew with punches but Khali with a forearm to the top of the head. Khali with a chop. Khali with more chops and Tensai tags in. Tensai does some shoveling before the cannonball into the corner. Tensai punches Slater but McIntyre with a kick to Tensai. Jinder tags in and they hit a double side Russian leg sweep. Jinder gets a near fall and then he runs Tensai into the corner.
Slater tags in and Tensai with punches. Slater with a leg lariat and he gets a near fall. Slater with jabs to Tensai but Tensai with an uppercut. Clay tags in and he hits a few clotheslines followed by the Sheeeplex. Clay with a splash and then it is time for a power slam and he gets a near fall.
All six men are in the ring. Khali takes care of Drew. Khali with a chop to Slater followed by a Call to his Mama by Clay for the three count.
Winners: Great Khali, Tensai, and Brodus Clay
After the match, Brodus gets on the mic and he tells everyone that it is Natalya’s birthday and Khali will be leading everyone in singing Happy Birthday.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho.
Chris welcomes everyone to Raw is Jericho and the Highlight Reel. His guest is one of the most controversial, annoying, and bulbous performers in WWE history. Chris brings out Paul Heyman.
Paul makes his way to the ring and Chris points out that Paul has been called many things throughout his career, some unflattering and most of them true. Chris says that Paul has an uncanny knack of aligning himself with great talent.
Paul says that he discovers and develops great talent. Talent like Chris Jericho. Paul reminds Chris that it was him who discovered and developed Chris Jericho. He was the person who gave Chris his first big break.
Chris reminds Paul that he still owes him money.
Paul says that he has waived his fee to appear tonight on The Highlight Reel. He reminds everyone that Curtis Axel took care of Triple H last week and he will take care of John Cena tonight.
Chris says that he admires Curtis Axel but he doesn’t want to talk about Curtis.
Paul starts to talk about BROCK LESNAR but Chris tells him to shut up.
Chris says that he wants to talk about Paul’s other client. The man who has been off of Raw for the last six weeks, CM Punk. Punk has been absent and the last time he was on Raw, Punk talked about taking the Undertaker to the limit and then leaving.
Chris points out that Paul is wearing the same suit that he wore six weeks ago and Paul had the same look on his face. Chris suggests that Punk surprised Paul as well as the entire world.
Paul says that this is his favorite suit because of his admiration for Chris Jericho. Paul asks Chris to show him the same respect that he is showing Chris tonight. Paul reminds us what Punk said and he never had to say stupid things like the best there is, the best there was, or the best there ever will be. He says that Punk never got the respect he deserves.
Chris wants to know where CM Punk is.
Paul says that he will have an announcement in a few weeks about the return of the Best in the World.
Chris does not like that explanation. Punk cannot sit at home for six weeks and call himself the Best in the World.
Paul says that he has a client at home who would vehemently disagree.
Chris has a few messages for CM Punk and Chris points out that the next pay per view is in Chicago. Chris tells Paul that Punk cannot sit at home after losing the title and to the Undertaker.
Chris says that he is the best and Paul cuts him off. Paul does not have the right to claim that title.
Chris says that Punk can prove it by facing him at Payback.
Paul says that Chris does not get to dictate terms to him and CM Punk.
Chris tells Punk he can stay at home and Chris says that he is the best in the world at what he does.
Paul tells Chris that Jericho wants a match against CM Punk in Chicago, in his home town, at Payback. Paul tells Chris that on behalf of his client, he accepts.
They shake hands and Chris pulls him close. Chris tells Paul that after Payback, CM Punk will never ever be the same . . . agayne.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Kaitlyn and Natalya versus Nikki and Brie Bella
Kaitlyn and Nikki start things off and Nikki with a waist lock. Kaitlyn with an elbow and a European uppercut. Kaitlyn with a clothesline and Nikki goes to the apron. Nikki trips Kaitlyn on the apron and she rolls Kaitlyn back in and she gets a near fall. Nikki uses her assets to choke Kaitlyn in the ropes.
Brie tags in and hits a flying clothesline and then she applies a rear chin lock. Brie sends Kaitlyn to the mat and gets a near fall. Brie with a reverse chin lock. Brie with a knee and Irish whip but she misses a splash into the corner and Natalya tags in and she kicks Brie and hits a suplex.
Natalya with a kick and discus clothesline. Natalya with the Sharpshooter and Brie tries to make the tag but Natalya pulls her into the center of the ring. Nikki slaps Natalya and then Kaitlyn with a spear. Kaitlyn accidentally spears Natalya and Brie knocks Kaitlyn off the apron and gets the three count.
Winners: Nikki and Brie Bella
After the match, The Bellas sing Happy Birthday to Natalya.
Curtis Axel is in the locker room and Bret Hart enters. Bret talks about how Curtis’ dad and him had some great matches. Bret tells Curtis to get rid of Paul Heyman. Curtis says that Bret might have known his dad, but he doesn’t know him. The only person who believed in him was Paul Heyman.
We go to commercial.
We have a Bray Wyatt video package and he is joined by Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. They are coming.
Match Number Seven: Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes versus Randy Orton and Sheamus
Cody and Orton start things off and they lock up. Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Orton with another shoulder tackle. Rhodes works on the wrist and he puts Orton in a top wrist lock. Rhodes with a knee in the corner but Orton with an Irish whip. Rhodes floats over and Orton with a shoulder tackle for a near fall.
Orton runs his laces across the face and Sheamus tags in and Sheamus with a slingshot shoulder tackle for a near fall. Sandow tags in and he kicks and punches Sheamus. Sheamus blocks a hip toss but Sandow avoids a short arm clothesline. Sheamus with a slam for a near fall. Orton tags in and he kicks Sandow. Orton sends Sandow into the turnbuckles and he punches Sandow.
Orton with a drop kick for a near fall. Sandow with forearms and he tags in Cody. Cody with punches and kicks to Orton. Rhodes with an Irish whip but you don’t Irish whip Orton into the corner because Orton with a clothesline for a near fall. Sheamus tags in and he hits a knee drop. Sheamus with forearms across the chest.
Rhodes with punches and kicks to Sheamus and the referee warns him. Sheamus with a hard Irish whip to Rhodes followed by a neck breaker for a near fall. Cody with punches and Sandow tags in. Sandow with a snap mare and a knee drop. Sandow with a kick to Sheamus but Sheamus with a rolling fireman’s carry slam. Rhodes tries to stop Sheamus on the apron. The distraction allows Sandow to send Sheamus to the mat from the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall as we go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow with a near fall. Sandow with a reverse chin lock. Rhodes tags in and he applies a front face lock and pulls Sheamus out of the corner and he applies a body scissors. Sheamus with a uranage back breaker and both men are down. Orton and Sandow tag in and Orton with two clotheslines and then he avoids a clothesline from Sandow and he hits a power slam. Orton with a power slam to Rhodes.
Orton with the IEDDT on Sandow and then he twists to the mat for the push ups. Sandow goes to the floor to avoid the RKO. Orton goes to the floor and he clotheslines Rhodes. Sandow sends Orton face first into the ring post. Sandow sends Orton back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Rhodes kicks Orton and he hits a gourdbuster for a near fall.
Rhodes with a rear chin lock. Sandow tags back in and he connects with knees followed by a side Russian elbow sweep and the Elbow of Disdain for a near fall. Sandow with knees to the ribs and he tags Cody back in. Rhodes punches Orton and runs him into the corner. Orton with punches and a European uppercut. Rhodes with a knee but Orton with an Exploder suplex and both men are down.
Sheamus tags in and he hits two running double sledges before sending Rhodes into the corner and he hits a knee lift. Sheamus with the forearms to Sandow on the apron. Rhodes with the Beautiful Disaster to Sheamus while he sets for White Noise.
Orton sends Cody over the ringside barrier into the Roberts Cubicle. Sheamus avoids Terminus and Sheamus hits White Noise. Sheamus looks around and he pounds on his chest for the Brogue Kick. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick for the three count.
Winners: Sheamus and Randy Orton
Match Number Eight: John Cena versus Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman)
They lock up and Axel with a side head lock take down. Cena with a hip toss and Axel goes to the floor to discuss strategy with Heyman.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Axel sends Cena into the apron and then he sends Cena into the ring steps. Cena gets back in the ring in time and Axel with kicks and he sends Cena into the turnbuckles. Axel with kicks followed by a hard Irish whip. Axel runs his forearm across Cena’s head to rub it into the mat.
Axel with a suplex and a near fall as the fans look at something going on in the crowd. Axel with an arm bar and chin lock. Cena gets back to his feet but Axel with kicks and a Northern Lariat for a near fall. Axel punches and kicks Cena. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena with the five knuckle shuffle and he connects. Cena gets Axel on his shoulders but Curtis escapes and he hits a drop kick and gets a near fall.
Axel with an elbow drop from the turnbuckles. Curtis goes back to the turnbuckles but he misses an elbow drop the second time. Cena with a power slam for a near fall. Axel with a kick and snap mare followed by a leap frog neck snap followed by a kick to the head for a near fall.
Cena with a drop toe hold but Axel kicks him away. Cena gets Axel up for the Attitude Adjustment and Axel counters with Son of Perfectplex but Cena kicks out. Axel misses a splash into the corner and Cena with a clothesline.
The ambulance drives into the arena and that means that Ryback must be there. Cena walks to the ambulance and the referee makes his count and Cena is counted out.
Winner: Curtis Axel (by count out)
Cena checks inside the front of the ambulance and no one is in there. He opens the back and no one is in there. It was a trap and Ryback hits Cena from behind. Ryback sends Cena onto the stage and he sets for the lariat through the LED board but Cena moves.
Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Ryback escapes and he throws Cena off the stage.
Mike Johnson filed the following Bret Hart Appreciation Day report:
After Raw went off the air, WWE broadcast the Bret Hart Appreciation Night via The Score in Canada and their App.
The special opened with the traditional WWE open followed by a special opening for the Appreciation Night. Jerry Lawler, in the ring, welcomed everyone tuning in and then sent it to a video on Hart's legacy.
Lawler then brought out the "guest of honor" Bret Hart, who received a monster reaction in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta Canada. Hart was limping slightly thanks to his most recent knee surgery. He did his signature pose. The crowd chanted "Thank you Bret."
Lawler read a proclamation from the city of Calgary, announcing that it was Bret Hart Day in the city. They recapped all of Hart's championships in the wrestling business, noting he held 32 titles and was the first man to hold the WWF and WCW triple crown.
Hart took the mic and said he hasn't received something like this in a long time and it's a huge honor. He said that he could feel his father, Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith watching. That led to a huge "Owen" chant. Hart said it was as proud a day as he could ever have and he would remember every fan that came today. He said it was something more genuine than wearing belts because it came from the city. He said he could feel the presence of his family members who were there and were gone.
Hart said he wanted to thank his children for having patience with him while he spent so many years away being a hero to everyone else. He said they made the sacrifice. They showed his kids in the crowd and a lot of them were crying.
Hart talked about when he first started in the business and namechecked Ed Whalen, JR Foley and Dr D. David Schultz. He said that when he came to WWE, a lot of the fans didn't know where Calgary was but after ten years, they knew. He praised Mr. Perfect and Davey Boy Smith for having great matches with him and said he'd like to thank everyone he ever got into the ring with, even if it was one time.
Hart thanked his wife Stephanie for all she's done for him over the last few years. He then thanked Jerry Lawler, noting he was one of the best adversaries he ever had ever. He told a story of how Owen Hart once got angry over what Lawler would say while knocking Stu and Helen Hart, so Bret asked Jerry to lay off a little, then he went home and found out his mom just loved it all and actually became a fan. Hart said that if you ever met his Mom, you'd know how amazing that was.
Hart said that he was thankful he got to show the world that the Calgary guys could wrestle but never got to wrestle here enough once he got to WWE.
Lawler said that there are a lot of people in the back who love Hart and want to show their love. They introduced Pat Patterson, who came to the ring and hugged Hart. Patterson had tears in his eyes. He said he's been in the business for 55 years and is a Canadian. He said Hart was the best wrestling Canadian of all time. He bowed down before Hart on one knee. Hart said when Patterson goes to his knees, he gets scared.
Lawler then introduced another great Canadian wrestler who said Hart had a huge impact on his life. Out came Chris Jericho to his theme song. Jericho said it was cool to stand in the ring one on one with Hart, finally, for the first time in his career, but he's wrestled Hart in his mind millions of times. Jericho said when he grew up in Winnipeg, he just wanted to get to WWE to be like his heroes Bret and Owen Hart. He said he came to Calgary to train with Stu. Jericho told the story of the Stu Hart Birthday Show in Calgary in 1995. Hart was there to pay tribute to Stu and Jericho was backstage visiting. Hart was listening to the boys' suggestions for finishes for a PPV bout against Davey Boy. Jericho suggested the La Magistral and they ended up using it. Jericho said he thought it was so classy that the WWF champion used the suggestion of a nobody and it gave Jericho inspiration to continue in the business and work at being the best he was. Jericho said he hopes to continue to be half the man Bret was and praised him.
Lawler said a big part of Hart's legacy will be the Survivor Series in 1997. The crowd booed. Lawler noted that there's been a lot of time and they've buried the hatchet, then introduced Shawn Michaels. Michaels received a nice pop for his entrance. Michaels joked he was expecting "a lot worse" tonight. Michaels said that every great hero needed an arch-enemy. He said he was honored to be Lex Luthor to Bret Hart's Superman. He congratulated Hart on a stellar career and there's never been a more deserving person on a more deserving night. They hugged.
Lawler then introduced Vince McMahon, who got one of the biggest pops of either Raw or this broadcast. He came out doing the Vince strut. Vince said it was fitting that Hart was being honored in the same place he started. He said that Bret's family was involved in Stampede Wrestling and they are all here tonight. He said that Bret had his own era and brought a legitimacy that was never there before. He said that Hart brought a certain skill and that was overlooked at times by the promotion. He said that Hart became the WWF champion because he earned it the old fashioned way. He said Hart was the Excellence of Execution because everyone he stepped into the ring with became better for it. He said Hart was being rightfully celebrated for being the Best There Is, The Best There Was and The Best There Ever Will be. Vince then ribbed Calgary, asking Bret when he was going to leave this "cow dung" town. The crowd booed and he said he was joking. He said this may be in Calgary but there are fans all over the world who say thank you.
Hart said he gets asked all the time about his relations with Vince and WWE. Hart said they had a shaky ending but he had so many great years and great wrestlers he worked with. He said that no one would know who Bret was if it wasn't for WWE. He really loves what his life has become and for being a Calgarian hero. He thanked Vince, saying it was due to him. He thanked Shawn Michaels for coming, saying it re-enforces the bond they created a few years ago. He thanked everyone for coming and thanked everyone who was in the ring for being with him in different places around the world. He said he would continue being the best 'old hero' in Calgary that he could be.
Hart joked there were 20,000 Calgarians there and they could "get" Vince and Shawn now if they wanted. He then said he would never let Calgary down and thanked everyone for their support.
Hart hugged everyone in the ring.
The WWE locker room came out on the stage as Tyson Kidd and Natalya entered the ring to embrace Hart. You could see Lance Storm was there as well. Hart had a massive smile on his face.
They closed out with some slow motion replays of Hart greeting those who honored him before finishing up with Hart holding the proclamation.
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