Wrestling Universe

Raw 10

I do not own any of the characters, people, or events involved that are associated with either ROH, WWE, TNA, and independent rights. This series is a writing exercise for myself and posted for those that wish to read.

The owner -- Nathan Black -- stood alone in the Raw ring. He waited for the crowds to calm down, bringing their deafening excitement to a low, dull simmer. "Good," he said when he was satisfied with the volume inside the arena. "I came out here to announced that at the Night of HellI pay-per-view, there will be a fatal-four-way for the Universal Championship and World Heavyweight Championship."

"A fatal-four-way?!" exclaimed Jim Ross, surprised at the sudden announcement and said, "I'm shocked to see this come up so suddenly. Certainly Triple H and Sting will be involved, but who else could be, Cole?"

"I'm not even sure. We'll find out." Michael Cole nodded his had, baffled and intrigued.

"Also, there will be a match for the Universal Championship Title here tonight! Triple H will defend that title against Jeff Jarret; the winner will lead the fatal-four-way into Night of Hell." As the owner announced the groundbreaking re-match, Triple H's song cut him off before he could speak another word.

Assembling Onstage were the members of the reformed Degeneration-X. The only one of the group that held a title was Triple H, but Shawn Michaels and the Outlaws still seemed upbeat about their place and held their ground against the owner with their partner.

"What is this I hear about a championship match between Triple H and Jeff Jarrett tonight?" queried Triple H, uncertain if perhaps he heard wrong or if the owner was pulling his leg.

"You will face Jarrett tonight and your title will be on the line, Hunter." The owner made his announcement clear, "you will face him and the winner will be defend his new or retained title against three other individuals in the match."

"Exactly who are these other three individuals?" Triple H probed, threatened by the possibility that does not even need to be pinned to lose the title in such a match.

"That will be determined here tonight in three matches involving the top stars of this brand. The three winners will go on the pay-per-view event to face off one another and either you or Jarrett for the title." He said, "things need to be shaken up now and again, Hunter. If you think Raw is alone in this, I'm doing the same on iMPACT, but of course they will know ahead of time. You are finding out just now."

"I'll agree to the match tonight, under one condition,"

"I'll humor you. What is that condition?"

Triple H wrapped an arm around Shawn Michaels and pulled him front and center, saying, "if Shawn Michaels gets to be one of the individuals that partake in your little qualifying matches for a spot in the fatal-four-way at Night of Hell."

"I'll accept those conditions. Shawn, I'll put you against Jeff Hardy after The Rock and Scott Steiner have their match. Next."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jim Ross announced, "tonight we will see three qualifying matches for a title shot at the coming pay-per-view!"

"Also tonight we'll find out if Triple H will be leading the match as Champion or if it will be Jeff Jarrett defending a new gained title at Night of Hell," added Michael Cole.

"What an action packed Raw we'll have tonight. First up, of course is Scott Steiner versus The Rock in a match that will determine which individual takes the first slot in the fatal-four-way battle for the title."

Steiner was first to the ring. With a chain mesh draped over his head and his muscled pumped in a pose on the stage, he walked down after with a sudden pride in his step. This was his first chance at a title shot and all he had to do was defeat The Rock. It was a big task to ask of him, but he was confident enough in his ability that the most electrifying man in sports entertainment would not be able to fry the former Main Event Mafia member. He soon entered the ring, ready to take on his opponent.

The Rock was just as eager to enter in the qualification match as Steiner. He burst onto the scene with the whole of the audience behind him with support. It was clear whom they wanted to win that title shot, but it was up to the wrestlers skill to truly determine the victor between them. Rock climbed into the ring, jerking an eyebrow toward Steiner and brushing him off as he then ascended the nearest turn-post to return more attention to his the cheering crowds. The cheers were almost deafening, but soon they were quelled when the ring bell sounded off the start of the match between The Rock and Scott Steiner.

Like a clashing of titans, they smashed together with a grapple lock. Steiner threw off his famed opponent and again the locked into a grapple hold. This time, however, it was The Rock that triumphed.

Steiner looked up at his opponent after the spinebuster dropped him flat on the canvas. Rock pulled him up and whipped him hastily against the ropes, propelling him for a second devastating attack. Using a Samoan Drop, The Rock slammed Steiner back down into the canvas below where he then pinned him, trying for a three count, but failing. He brought himself up off the ground and pulled Steiner up with him.

Sporting arms far more muscular than that of The Rock's, Scott Steiner slammed them across his opponent's chest and then drew him closer. Steiner turned Rock around and bent him forward to position him for the maneuver. Steiner then pulled one of Rock's arms between his own knees and held it in place as the other one was pulled back and hooked his arm over it so that he could lift up his opponent horizontally across his chest and then slam his back down into the waiting canvas with a loud thud.

The Rock found himself flattened against the ring.

He rose up slowly as Steiner waited to use a finisher that may end his opponent quickly, but The Rock countered the maneuver and twirled his opponent around into a Rock Bottom. The move had devastating results for Steiner, but was able to aid in picking up the victory for The Rock. He celebrated and cleared the ring after his signature maneuver turned the tables in the match.

The Rock knew what it meant and he would finally get back on the road to the championship title he had came to take from whomever. He left the arena with Steiner in the ring and the title closer and closer.

"The Rock picks up the victory and will be our first man to enter the fatal-four-way for the Universal Championship Title at the coming pay-per-view event," Jim Ross announced.

"Either man could have been a major player in the match, but with the Rock being assured a title spot, I think he'll work even harder now to ensure that he wins the match." Said Michael Cole.

"Don't forget, Cole, we still have Shawn Michaels versus the enigma known as Jeff Hardy."

"And also facing off in a qualifying match is--" Cole found himself interrupted by a scene that played out on the large screen above the stage.

"You can do it," said Trish Stratus. She was prepping the fiery red-head, Christy Hemme for her upcoming match with the Women's Champion.

"Right! All I have to do is defeat her tonight and I get a chance for the gold at Night of Hell." She declared, stretching and punching the air.

Chyna walked into the dressing room. She glared at the two girls and then folded her arms at her chest, smirking sarcastically at them, saying, "you? Deafeat the Glamazon? I should have that title shot. In fact, I could probably go for any of the title belts the men are contending for." The door shut on her face and she had nearly broken in when all of a sudden a blonde haired, gold robed man walked up to her, his face peering over to look at her fierce, piercing glare. "What do you want?" She snapped at him.

"Do you know where the men's room is?" Goldust said, clutching is groin and doing a sort of twitching dance.

"Do I look a man?" Chyna pushed him into the wall.

"Well, sort. . ." Chyna didn't let him finish his response, but just kneed him in his golden loins and shoved him off as she walked away from view.

The screen returned to a shot of the arena.

"Oh my! Don't mess with Chyna, that's for sure." Said Jim Ross, shocked. "Can you believe what just happened?"

"I can and it terrifies my, J.R. She could beat up a lot of guys on the male roster out lifting a finger, I think I'll just pass her by next time I see her." Cole replied.

"Same here."

The first of the next two individuals to enter the arena was Jeff Hardy. Relatively hidden in the roster as a singles competitor, Hardy was now propelled straight up the ladder in this chance to gain contender status for the title. He had only one obstacle in front of them and that was the Heart Break Kid, but they've faced off before and Hardy felt confident in his chances. This match was as good as his. In theory.

He quickly descended the aisle and slid into the ring, posing for the fans at the corner turn-posts and then soon his opponent had made his own energetic arrival.

Like Hardy, Shawn had the support of the majority of the audience. Select few would boo, or some would seem neutral to his presence, but overall, the crowd seemed excited to see the legend in action. He knew most of that was probably due to his return to Degeneration-X with Triple H and the Outlaws. It was the only hope of dominating the brand and ensuring that Kai En Tai could not succeed in their goal to snatch all of the belts on Raw.

Shawn entered the ring after his pose atop the stage, ending in a sparkly display of pyro and excitement. He seemed indifferent to his opponent, concentrating more on himself and the crowd than Jeff Hardy. Neither men had any heat toward one another so it would make the match that much more competitive, but fun.

Jeff started off the match with a run up the ropes. He returned to find Shawn bent over and ready to toss him backward, but Jeff wasn't about to fall into the Heart Break Kid's trap. He kicked Shawn upward and then dropped him with a spinning wheel kick. Shawn jumped up to his feet just moments before Hardy had done the same. Both continued the match as Michaels punched and smacked his opponent toward the ropes.

Jeff dodged the last hit and traded places with Michaels, leaning him against the ropes as he then used a dropkick to cast Shawn out of the ring.

Hardy waited impatiently for his opponent to rise up, but Shawn wasn't as quick as Jeff and the man was itching to fly. He backed off a few feet from the ropes and charged! Hardy moonsaulted over the top rope and Shawn saw the body of his opponent crash down over him. The two battled shortly outside the ring until the count forced their re-entry into the squared circle. Shawn was gaining momentum again over Hardy and whipped him across, hoping to have some of Hardy's agility and stamina rub off on him. Shawn went for the Sweet Chin Music!

Hardy saw the boot headed his way. It was like quick and easy to miss if you were on the receiving end. From afar, Shawn's maneuvers seemed to run in slow-motion, but when you were racing toward that boot or watching the man come down with his legendary elbow drop, it all happened fast with devastating results.

Hardy dodged the kick.

He grabbbed Shawn's white boots and performed a quick enzuigiri. He rolled Shawn in a neat small package and the pin was quick. Too quick for Shawn to remember, but it didn't matter anyway, the match was done and it was Jeff Hardy advancing to Night of Hell with The Rock in the fatal-four-way title match.

"Triple H's plan has completely backfired!" Announced Jim Ross

"It appears as if it'll be Jeff Hardy who will be our second known contestant for the Raw Brand fatal-four-way," Cole said.

"Well, they know that, but either way, Hardy is a talented young athlete and I think he has what it takes to get the gold once again."

"The next qualifying match is the deadly Phenom, Undertaker versus Chavo Guerrero."

"But before that we have Women's Champ: Beth Phoenix taking on Christy Hemme."

The champion stepped proudly to the ring. Still on her high horse after single-handedly pushing Santino's career into a ditch after he had assumed the identity of a rather grotesque female named Santina and carried it over into the new organization. As champion, she had yet to be challenged, but this would finally be the first match where a possible contender could emerge.

Beth Phoenix stepped into the ring and ascended the ropes to show off the title with her signature pose. The match wasn't for the title and so when she handed the belt off to the referee, she knew she'd be getting it back, unlike Triple H who may or may not find it in his hands after his match with Jarrett.

The energetic fiery Hemme took to the stage with fellow contender, Trish Stratus. Dressed in a tight red and black outfit, she posed with Trish in front of a pyro of red steam and sparks. As it dwindles beneath them, the two made their way down the ramp toward the ring where the women's champ awaited.

Jim Ross said as Hemme entered the ring, "this match is for the contender spot, but if Christy Hemme is unable to take one Beth, it will be Trish who will be taking the spot to challenge for the title."

"The odds are stacked against her, but if she comes through, then she's got the chance of a lifetime to snatch that belt from the Glamazon." Said Michael Cole.

Hemme and Beth collided with a grapple that transitioned into Hemme pulling her opponent under her arm for a headlock. Beth easily pushed out of the hold and ran her rival up to the ropes. Being a powerhouse, she slammed her opponent down with a hard hitting clothesline and then pulled her up for a scoop slam. Beth wasn't playing any games or taking any chances in this match. She was glad to be receiving a challenge for once, but she wasn't going to risk her title on an insipid little weakling. No, it would be Trish who gets the shot, in her mind.

Hemme struck backward with her elbow and then kicked the Glamazon in the abdomen. It bought her several seconds of time to pull the woman close and lift herself up like a swinging acrobat. She ripped Beth off the canvas only to send her back down with a huricanrana that nearly sent the glamazon out of the ring from under the ropes. Seeing the predicament her opponent was in, Hemme took advantage and climbed up onto the lower-right turn-post and then leapt high in the air to connect with the Glamazon's dangling head using a risky leg drop.
Beth toppled backward out of the ring. She was hurried back into the ring by the two girls outside, but Hemme did not follow up her attack. Out of the corner of her eye, hair flew and a fist broke the wall of red lines extending from Hemme's head. The red was her hair, and the fist belonged to Trish Stratus. A heel turn? Beth wondered what it was Trish was doing, but by the time she came to her senses, Hemme was laid out in the ring for her to pin and she took that win without any hesitation. It seemed Trish too preferred that it was her going to Night of Hell with Beth for the title than some runt like Christy Hemme.

The move was booed, but the audience seemed to forgive Trish easily. Wether her attack was a turn for heel, or just a saving grace for her title shot, was still to be known. Trish walked up the aisle as she watched Beth hold the title over Hemme, eyes locked on the new contender.

Shown from the screen was another scene that played out in the backstage dressing rooms. This was of Triple H and Shawn Michaels with Kip and B.G. James. Shawn held an ice pack to his head, though he had not been injured.

"Can't believe you lost," Kip said.

"I could have had him! I could have!" Shawn tried to pick up his tattered ego, the reason for the ice-pack was to mend what remained of it that night.

"That's fine," Triple H stood up from the bench. "Jarrett tried to play the game once, and he lost. Tonight will be sudden death."

"If you need us, just do the signal. We're you wingmen!" Shawn said as he made and 'X' with his forearms.

"I got this one." Triple H smirked, knowing Shawn would do anything for his partner, even though he was making a light joke to lift the mood of the room. "Jarrett walks empty handed, I'll make sure of it." He then revealed the only partner he needed to go into the match with. A sledge hammer.

The mood shifted from a suspenseful excitement to a deafening roar of boos and rejection. Chavo made his way to the ring despite feeling the heavy animosity from the crowds. They would not soon forget him siding with Kane to annihilate Undertaker during the hell-in-a-cell match. It didn't matter to him either way, but he knew his upcoming match would be punishing if he lost and if he won. His match was a qualifying battle for a spot in the fatal-four-way. His opponent: Undertaker.

Chavo entered the ring from under the bottom rope and kept himself calm and collected. A little too calm and collected. Perhaps there was something up his sleeves, but perhaps he was just cocky.

His calm posture was put to the test the moment the lights blackened and a single bolt of lightning struck the Raw stage. A heavy fog began to form around the arena, oozing out from between the holes in the mesh steel that formed the surface of the ramp and stage. Once the stage seemed all but visible, a black shadow formed at the center and slowly crept forward. A second, taller shadow formed just behind it and soon the first one poked through the fog to reveal that it was Paul Bearer leading Undertaker to the ring like he had many times before.

Their encounter which ended with Undertaker taking out his revenge for Paul's betrayal had satisfied the deadman and now his sights were set on Chavo Guerrero and his brother. The urn, though belonging to Kane -- so said the Undertaker -- was held by Paul for safe keeping. What power still intoxicated the dead man was little, but enough that Paul could still use it to aid him if needed.

Undertaker lifted the lights at the steps and soon made his entrance into the ring. After the hat and trench coat were removed, he stood motionlessly with his eyes transfixed on the smaller man across the ring.

BOOM!

A great fiery explosion broke the concentration of the Undertaker. It was Kane! It was a diversionary tactic! Chavo lunged for the dead man with a pair of brass knuckles already clenched around his whitening fingers. The Dead Man turned his head to see his opponent rear his fist to strike. Paul yelled to Undertaker to fight! Kane was running to the ring now.

Undertaker dropped his opponent with a big boot kick to level him out onto the canvas. He then turned to his brother, Kane. Kane met Undertaker's chokeslam, landing with a loud thud that nearly shook the ring off its foundation. Once the bell rang, Undertaker pulled Chavo up for the Last Ride. It was a dangerous and greatly effective powerbomb and once it was successfully operated, Undertaker pinned Chavo for the quickest win for the qualifying matches.

Undertaker rose up to return his attention to his brother. Kane would pay for disrupting his match. Paul screamed at Kane, angered by the betrayal of his adopted son. Kane retreated and slowly stepped backward up the aisle. He would not face Undertaker this time, but soon the brothers of destruction would meet again. Chavo joined Kane soon after, rolling out of the ring once he came to. The ring was the last place either wanted to be when a deeply angered Dead Man stood tall before them. Undertaker motioned a thumb across his neck as his eyes rolled white and his tongue extended in a toothy grin.

"This is it," exclaimed Jim Ross, continuing, "the main event of Raw is here! Triple H defends the Universal Championship Title against Jeff Jarrett."

"The winner will go on to defend their title at Night of Hell in the fatal-four-way match," said Michael Cole.

"Triple H just came off from Summer Bash victorious over Jarrett, but can he keep it up tonight?"

"We'll find out now." Cole delcared as Jarrett entered the arena.

Jarrett stood with his signature acoustic guitar in hand. He glared out toward the crowds that filled the arena and then walked down the ramp toward the ring. When inside, he rested the guitar along the steel steps so that it would not fall and he could reach it if he ever needed to resort to dirty tactics for a quick victory.

He ignored the booing of the crowds and the derogatory signs that waved like flashing banners trying to get his attention. His focus was on the stage and his second chance to obtain the prestigious title away from The Game.

The wait for the champion seemed to take an eternity. During his time in the ring, Jarrett scanned the audience and the stage whilst standing at the back ropes. His eyes were pulled to the stage when the lights dimmed and flickered over the stage.

The Game was here.

Triple H stepped out onto the stage. He held his water bottle in one hand and the sledgehammer in the other. Jarrett's eyes walked the weapon intently, but he had brought his own and didn't think Triple H would come to the ring on his own as well. They both wanted to win this match. Badly.

Triple H considered his sledgehammer to be an equalizer in the match. Jarrett was a dirty bastard that would do anything to seize whatever he wished. Triple H would ensure it took more than cheap tactics to climb the ladder of success. The belt was his and no one else will touch it, he thought.

Triple H climbed the side of the ring and sprayed a mist of water into the air, then tossed the half-empty bottle out to the crowds. He stepped through the ring to the dirty back-handed attack from Jarrett. Triple H dropped the sledgehammer and his body became forced into submission as Jeff pounded and kicked away at him.

Jarrett saw the chance to strike him when his opponent's back was turned. Triple H always posed for the crowds and that was when Jeff knew he had his best chance to take the advantage over the champion. Kick him down quick and fast and soon the match would be his.

Jeff continued the assault on The Game. Pulling his opponent up, he lifted himself up in a dropkick and then covered his victim for the pin.

ONE!
TWO!

Triple H pulled out of the cover! He was dragged to his knees. When he flipped his hair back to see his attacker, Jarrett ran toward him with a boot ready to strike it's target between the eyes. Triple H grabbed the swinging leg and swatted him aside with an elbow to the gut. Triple H was not going to let this assault continue any further. He was the Cerebral Assassin, not Jeff.

The Game rose up and bulked his muscles in a display of rage. He grabbed Jeff by the hair and whipped him vertically across the ring. When they met at the center, Triple H hoisted up his opponent and dropped him over onto the canvas with a powerful spinebuster. He then covered Jarrett, but the counter was shorter than that of Jeff's on him. Triple H yelled out, but knew it wouldn't help his situation. He lifted himself up and then his opponent.

Jarrett struck his rival's abdomen in a futile attempt to escape his grasp, but Triple H wasn't letting go. Not so easily, at least. He lifted his knee as Jarrett's face was smashed down into it and he let his opponent crumble to the canvas.

Triple H pulled hurriedly at the legs of his fallen opponent, trying to maneuver a figure-four leg-lock on Jeff Jarrett. Jeff scraped at the ring and pulled, kicked, and dragged out of the hold before it could be executed successfully. That was the last thing he needed a match for the title. He pulled himself up by the ropes, fending off Triple H's quick jabs and forearm smacks across his back by elbowing him and occasionally raking against his opponent's eyes until he was finally able to stand on his own two feet without aid of the ropes.

As the referee began a count once Triple H landed firmly on the mats outside of the ring, Jeff snuck to the upper-left corner of the ring where he had stashed his guitar against the steps. With it in hand, pulling it through the ropes and holding it with both hands like a big, wooden bat, he waited for Triple H to enter the ring.

Kai En Tai rushed down to the ring to distract the referee. They had not touched Triple H, but The Game tried to chase the Japanese faction away once he gripped the sledgehammer tightly, his knuckles whitening around the wooden handle.

Triple H rolled into the ring. Kai En Tai mock charged the ring by hopping onto the rim to try and sway the referee from the two individuals. They hoped Jarrett would be able to smash Triple H before the sledgehammer was allowed to taste the open air and the flesh of its victim.

Triple H stood. Jarrett charged forth with the guitar held high!

SMACK!

CRASH!

Both weapons struck their targets. The sledgehammer drove into Jarrett's abdomen and the guitair formed a collar around Triple H's neck. His hair poking through the open hole, tangled against the metal, coiled strings. Sun Xun dared to enter the ring. The mess needed to be clean and the job Jeff had paid them to do still needed to be done.

He pulled the guitar from the body of the champion, and then carried away the sledgehammer. When the Referee finally turned, a scowl painted across his face and he yelled to Xun not to enter the ring with the weapons -- or at all, in fact. He started a second count with both men laid flat on the white canvas.

Who will be first to rise? The crowds chanted for Triple H. Kai En Tai watched on from the ramp, hoping Jarrett would be able to pull himself on top of Triple H in time.

"6" The count rose and the suspense grew even higher.

Triple H moved.

He looked over to Jarrett whom had also started to budge. Triple H was first to his feet at the count of nine. He decided that enough was enough, it's time to trash this bastard with a pedigree! He dragged up the lumbering body of his opponent, position him between his knees and hooking his arms under Jarrett's.

Taka Michinoku broke through his faction. He tried to slide into the ring, but Triple H had pushed off his opponent to deal with the slender Japanese wrestler. It was in this moment that Jarrett took the final shot. He backed away and as his opponent turned, he charged and with a running DDT, was able to plant Triple H down for a full three count.

Jarrett, the new champion, the winner of the long and grueling match was able to stand victorious over the cerebral assassin. He rose his arms up, the title held tightly in his exhausted, yet clenching hands. Kai En Tai, satisfied that the man had won, retreated to the back where Jarrett would soon pay them for their aid in the match.

"Damn Jeff Jarrett!" Jim Ross yelled. "He cheated and he won the belt! I can't believe it!"

"With the help of Kai En Tai, Jarrett seems to have picked up the win and the Universal Championship title from Triple H. Jeff Jarrett, as it appears, will be leading Raw's Fatal-Four-Way match at Night of Hell." Michael Cole said.

The show ended with Jarrett celebrating over the fallen body of Triple H.