Chapter 25: Raw is Owen
Disclaimer: I don't own the WWE or any of the Superstars/Divas, only my OC.
Sister of Darkness II
The Raw is War after Over the Edge takes place at the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
WWF Superstars and officials stepped foot on the entrance ramp as Jim Ross greeted solemnly, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the sold out Kiel Center here in St. Louis. As you can see, scores of WWF Superstars have appeared to pay tribute to the life and times of the late Owen Hart, who died last night at Over the Edge in a tragic accident." The fans chant Owen's name.
Howard Finkel said, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to please rise and join the WWF Superstars as we toll the bell ten times and pay our respects to Owen Hart." The timekeeper starts tolling the bell, some Superstars shed tears with each toll. Angel let her tears fall silently.
She respected Owen Hart very much. He was the first one to welcome her to the WWF 2 years ago. While she was growing up, the company occasionally gave tickets to Joan who used them to go see WWF events live with the children, having front row seats to the action. They even got backstage passes to meet all the Superstars and Angel caught Owen doing one of his pranks on an unlucky WWF Superstar. The prank made her laugh so hard she felt like she'd bust a gut if Angel kept laughing.
'I'm gonna miss your pranks, buddy.' Angel thought with a sad smile.
After the last toll, the entire crowd cheered as one some even clapped, chanting Owen's name again.
Howard Finkel ordered, "And now ladies and gentlemen, may I direct your attention to the Titantron as we play a video tribute to Owen Hart." While the Titantron plays the video, Angel remembers the conversation she had with Owen's brother, Bret.
Flashback, earlier today
Angel dials Bret's phone number after he gave it to her when they crossed paths a few days before Over the Edge.
The phone rang until Bret picked it up, "Hello?"
Angel said, "Hey Bret, it's me Angel."
Bret replied, "Hi, Angel. You doing okay?"
Angel shrugged, "I'm doing fine. You doing okay after...well, you know."
Bret sighed, "I'm getting there, albeit slowly."
Angel said, "Listen, Bret. I know how much Owen meant to you as a brother. You two had a memorable match at Wrestlemania 10 and I am certain he wanted to retire early so that he can spend time with his family. He was a notorious prankster, huh?"
Bret chuckled, "That he was. He was always able to make you laugh."
Angel smiled sadly, "Indeed. It just breaks my heart knowing that his kids won't grow up with their father there, I just hope when they get older they will know how great of a father, an uncle and most importantly how talented he was in wrestling. I have condolences for your entire family, Bret."
The Hitman said, "Thank you, Angel. Don't worry, I will be there for my brother's kids. I'll remind them how awesome their father was. See ya, girl. Good-bye."
Angel nodded, "Good-bye, Bret. Stay strong."
Bret said, "I will." Angel hits the end button and places the phone in her pocket before looking at the sky.
Angel whispered, "Owen, I'm so sorry I wasn't able to save you. I hope you can forgive me."
End of flashback
After the tribute video ends, Jeff sets to take on Test in the first match of the night.
Debra's music hit and Howard Finkel said, "The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first. Accompanied by the World Wrestling Federation Women's Champion Debra, from Nashville, Tennessee, weighing 230 pounds, Jeff Jarrett!" The blonde duo step foot into the ring and Howard Finkel hands him the microphone.
Jarrett said, "This is for the record, everyone. Owen was never a nugget!" The fans cheer at Jarrett's attempt to lighten the mood.
He hands the microphone back to the ring announcer and removes his sleeveless shirt and sunglasses.
Test's music hit and Finkel resumed, "And his opponent. Representing the Union, weighing 275 pounds, Test!" The young man removes his shirt and sunglasses before sliding into the ring.
Jeff Jarrett attacks him, prompting referee Teddy Long to start the match.
Jarrett lands right hands on Test in the corner before the taller blonde-haired man reverses the Irish whip, lowering his head for a back body drop but Jarrett counters with the inverted face buster. He places Test's neck on the second rope and runs into the ropes behind him for a springboard attack that connects. After getting his head bounced off the turnbuckle pad, Test reverses an Irish whip to the opposing turnbuckle and follows Jarrett but Jeff kicks his boot up to thwart a counterattack by his opponent. Test ducks a clothesline and counters with a boot to the face, he blocks an Irish whip and hits a reverse fireman's carry, planting Jarrett's face to the mat. He sends the short-haired blonde into the ropes and catches him in a sidewalk slam. He hooks the leg and Jarrett escapes at near fall. Test body slams him and climbs the turnbuckle for a diving head butt and Jarrett brings his boot up so that Test's jaw collides with it. Twisting the arm, Jeff does an arm bar takedown. Test reverses the Irish whip and hits a clothesline and looks for another Irish whip that Jarrett reverses but Test executes the gutwrench powerbomb then goes for a cover and Jarrett kicks out at near fall.
Debra steps on the apron and opens her blouse to show her white bra and Test loves what he sees and pinches Debra's butt which causes Debra to slap him. Jeff Jarrett nails the reverse Russian leg sweep and grabs Test's legs, turning him around and locks in the Sharpshooter, his tag-team partner's finisher. Test ultimately taps out and Teddy Long calls for the bell. Debra's music plays.
Howard Finkel announced, "The winner of this match by submission, Jeff Jarrett!" The victor stands on the second rope doing the victory sign.
In her locker room, Angel finishes putting her gloves on when she notices Kane holding his mask. She had a pretty good idea what he was thinking about.
Angel said, "I can imagine how you must be feeling now, Kane but our match is next. We need to be 100% focused on retaining the WWF Tag-Team Championship."
Kane sighed, "You're right, sister. There will be plenty of time to grieve for Owen later." He stood up and put his mask on, "Let's go." Angel nods, donning her trench coat and hat before grabbing their respective half of the Tag-Team titles. Like the other WWF Superstars, they had an armband on their arm with either Owen's name or just his initials on it.
In the arena Dark Side plays and the lights go out, moments later flames explode on the entrance ramp followed by the purple lighting and fog. The siblings step out to a huge ovation.
Howard Finkel said, "The following contest is for the World Wrestling Federation Tag-Team Championship. Introducing first. At a combined weight of 546 pounds, they are the World Wrestling Federation Tag-Team Champions, Angel and Kane!" Angel parts the sides of her trench coat to walk up the steel steps and raises her arms, rolling her eyes back to return the lights. Kane steps over the top rope as Angel enters through the second.
He steps to the center and slowly raises his arms then throws them back down, flames spew from the ring posts. Angel removes her trench coat placing it at ringside and lowers her head. Grabbing the hat with both hands, she removes it rolling her eyes back and thunder clashes overhead.
She fixes her elbows pads when the Brood's eerie music hits. The eerie flashing red light appears and a ring of fire forms on the entrance ramp that the Brood rises from. They walk down the ramp to ringside as Edge and Christian stand on the top rope while Gangrel stands on the steel steps and drinks the cup of blood then spits it out.
He removes the dark sunglasses where Edge sheds his leather coat and sunglasses.
The Tag-Team Champions hand their titles to the referee who gives them to the timekeeper before calling for the bell.
Angel and Edge start the match off. They lock up and Angel knees Edge in the gut a couple of times before switching to a hammerlock, however Edge reverses it and places Angel in a side headlock that she breaks by sending him into the ropes. Edge ducks to avoid the big boot twice and hits a spinning heel kick on her, a fang-filled smile appears on Gangrel's face. Angel runs into the ropes, ducks the right hands and performs a leaping clothesline on her opponent. She looks to follow it up but Edge tags his partner. Gangrel displays his fangs to Angel who isn't intimidated, she spots Kane eyeing the man like a predator stalking its prey. Gangrel shakes his head when Angel brings in her brother. Kane kicks him in the gut followed by an uppercut and Irish whips into the ropes, he doesn't see Edge tagging himself in and Gangrel avoids the big boot. He and Edge do a DDT on the Big Red Machine, however Kane quickly sits up. After nailing a vicious uppercut, Kane Irish whips Edge into the ropes and hits a tilt-a-whirl back breaker on him. He intercepts Gangrel, catapulting him into the air via back body drop and does the tilt-a-whirl back breaker on Christian. Wrapping both hands around Edge's throat, he carries the blonde-haired man over to his partner's corner, nailing right hands before tagging Angel.
Angel takes over, twisting and wrenching at Edge's arm before climbing the turnbuckle behind her and walking the top rope before jumping off to connect Old School. She raises her hand for the chokeslam when she senses Gangrel, Angel whips around to knock him off the apron. Edge reverses an Irish whip to the opposing turnbuckle and Angel sidesteps him, Edge catches her foot and Angel hits the enzuigiri. Both combatants tag their respective partners. Kane climbs the turnbuckle and jumps off to do the flying clothesline, almost taking Edge and Gangrel's head off with the big boot followed by Kane knocking Edge down with a clothesline. He spots Christian attempting to get involved but stops that, sending him off the apron. Next, Angel and Kane do the chokeslam on both opponents. Looking at each other, they signal for the Tombstone. Scooping their challengers up, Kane and Angel Tombstone them simultaneously. Angel folds the arms across Edge's chest, flipping her hair back while Kane holds Gangrel's arms. The referee's hand strikes the mat 3 times before calling for the bell. Dark Side plays.
Howard Finkel declared, "Here are your winners and still World Wrestling Federation Tag-Team Champions, Kane and Angel!" The referee hands them the WWF Tag-Team Championship and Angel goes to one knee, raising her half of the titles in the air while the purple light descends. Angel lowers her head to show respect to Owen Hart.
Jim Ross said, "I'm absolutely certain that Angel dedicated the match to Owen, King." The Hardy Boyz defeated Taka Michinoku and Sho Funaki.
Next up Ken Shamrock faces Hardcore Holly.
Holly's music played and Howard Finkel announced, "The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Making his way to the ring, from Mobile, Alabama, weighing 232 pounds, Hardcore Holly!" The man stands on the second turnbuckle and flexes his biceps.
Jim Ross said, "This isn't a Hardcore Match but I'll tell you one thing, at Over the Edge Hardcore Holly and Al Snow had one knockdown of a Hardcore Match."
Ken Shamrock's music hit and Finkel resumed, "Representing the Union, from Sacramento, California, weighing 245 pounds, the 'World's Most Dangerous Man' Ken Shamrock!" The former UFC fighter walks to the steel steps and stands on them, banging his fists against his head before unleashing his battle cry and enters the ring.
Referee Tim White calls for the bell as both combatants circle each other.
Ken Shamrock dodges to the side when he spots Hardcore Holly trying to the gain the upper hand early. He turns a waistlock into a hammerlock chaining it with a reverse takedown. He executes a Jackknife suplex pin combo that Holly escapes at 2. Shamrock breaks a side headlock by Irish whipping Holly into the ropes and Holly blocks a hip toss, Shamrock blocks a counter hip toss and hooks a leg for a takedown pin that Holly escapes at the count of 2. He kicks the World's Most Dangerous Man in the gut before sending him to the ropes, Shamrock avoids the right hand and nails a reverses elbow to the temple, next he does a spinning heel kick and hurricanrana on his opponent. Now in that radical zone, he does the arm takedown before applying the Ankle Lock submission hold that Holly quickly taps out to. Referee Tim White calls for the bell.
Howard Finkel said, "The winner of this match by submission, Ken Shamrock!" Tim White tries raising the victor's hand but exits out of the ring when he realizes that Shamrock was still in the zone.
Standing on the second rope, Ken pounds his chest and points at the ceiling of the Kiel Center letting this match be a tribute to Owen.
Mankind won his match with Billy Gunn.
The next match on the card was D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry taking on the Acolytes in tag-team action.
D-Lo Brown's music played and Howard Finkel declared, "The following Tag-Team contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first. Accompanied by Ivory, at a combined weight of 668 pounds, D-Lo Brown and 'Sexual Chocolate' Mark Henry!" The former Olympian replaced the black shirt he wore at Over the Edge with a sleeveless one and had an armband with Owen's name on his left arm.
The Acolytes' music played next and Finkel said, "And their opponents. Representing the Corporate Ministry, at a combined weight of 567 pounds, Faarooq and Bradshaw, the Acolytes!"
Jim Ross stated, "No doubt the Acolytes, along with D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry, had their sights set on the WWF Tag-Team Championship currently held by Angel and Kane. We saw them keep the championship earlier and I have a feeling this match could go a long way as far as tag-team match-ups go." Referee Teddy Long calls for the bell and Mark Henry and Faarooq start the match.
Faarooq does a running shoulder block and Mark Henry doesn't budge. The Acolyte avoids the right hand and targets the leg of the big man and runs into the ropes for a shoulder tackle that knocks the 400 pounder off his feet. He seeks to follow it up but Mark Henry counters via powerslam before tagging D-Lo Brown. D-Lo steps through the ropes and walks over to battle his opponent when Faarooq performs a jaw breaker on him and brings in Bradshaw. The other half of the Acolytes kicks D-Lo in the gut and Irish whips him into the ropes and lowers his head, Brown kicks him in the chest and launches right hands, performs theatrics before doing a follow-up but Bradshaw nails him with the big boot. He pins Brown in the corner and ruthlessly attacks him before launching him to the opposing turnbuckle, following him in for the clothesline. He next throws D-Lo out of the ring like a sack of potatoes. Faarooq bangs the man's head off the steel steps before rolling him back into the ring, allowing his partner to execute a side Russian leg sweep. He goes for the cover and D-Lo kicks out at 2. Bradshaw tags Faarooq and holds him for the Acolyte to score a hit to the mid-section before Bradshaw steps out. Faarooq punches D-Lo hard, hurting his hand in the process and Irish whips him lowering his head. D-Lo counters with the face buster, doing a theatrics before connecting a leg drop. Faarooq takes shots to the head before chaining a kick with the DDT, driving Brown's head into the mat. He tags in Bradshaw and Irish whips D-Lo for Bradshaw to connect a shoulder tackle. He goes for the cover only to receive a 2 count. Picking his opponent up, the Acolyte brings him over to Faarooq, who had his boot on the top rope and slams the head on it. He tags out and Faarooq takes over. Launched into the ropes, D-Lo avoids the right hand and hits the spinning heel kick. He finally tags Mark Henry and the big man attacks both Acolytes until a punch to the gut from Faarooq stops it, Faarooq does a clubbing forearm across Henry's back and both Acolytes Irish whip and take the former Olympian down via double shoulder block. They next plant D-Lo Brown with a double-team belly to back suplex. Bradshaw covers him and Mark Henry breaks it right before Teddy Long's hand struck the third time. Bradshaw tosses the big man out and Faarooq holds D-Lo for an attack, Brown cocks his head to the side and Bradshaw inadvertently kicks his own partner. Quickly seizing the opportunity, D-Lo performs the roll-up pin and earns the 3 count. Teddy Long calls for the bell as Brown rolls out of the ring.
Howard Finkel declared, "Here are your winners, D-Lo Brown and Mark Henry!" Ivory follows her men to backstage, happy of the fact that they've won.
The match between the Road Dogg and Godfather for the WWF Intercontinental Championship ended in a no contest.
Next up, Triple H faces WWF Hardcore Champion Al Snow.
The Hardcore Champion enters the ring first, throwing his Hardcore Championship in before stepping through the second rope. He jumps from side to side in a crazy fashion with Head. Triple H's music plays next.
Triple H and Chyna step out to the entrance ramp and Hunter looks up, lightly tapping his chest and points at the ceiling. He drinks some of his water bottle and pours the rest of it on his hair, spitting the liquid out of his mouth as they walk to the ring.
Jim Ross stated, "This isn't a Hardcore Title Match, normal rules apply here. Even though at Over the Edge, it resembled a hardcore match-up as The Rock and Triple H went to war. We have seen a very, very aggressive, sinister side of Triple H in the last several weeks. We certainly can't forget the Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna."
Jerry Lawler replied, "Oh no, she makes her presence known in many ways!" Triple H enters the ring and paces.
Referee Mike Chioda signals for the match to start.
The two men lock up and Triple H places a side headlock that Al Snow breaks in Irish whipping Triple H and Hunter does a hard shoulder tackle on the Hardcore Champion. He runs into the ropes, jumping over Al Snow when he falls to his stomach and Snow connects the spinning heel kick. Triple H reverses the Irish whip and Al Snow avoids the right hand and gets behind the Cerebral Assassin before punching him out of the ring. He performs the baseball slide to prevent Hunter from re-entering. He has Triple H reeling after nailing a few uppercuts then rolls him back in, thwarting a counterattack from the 260 pounder by driving his shoulder into Hunter's gut and springboards over him, running into the ropes for a follow-up attack but Triple H hits the high knee to stop it. Bouncing Al Snow's head off the turnbuckle pad, Triple H lands kicks and right hands on the Hardcore Champion before choking him to the count of 4 twice. Grabbing his opponent by the hair, Triple H presses Al Snow's throat against the second rope to the count of 2. He distracts Mike Chioda for Chyna to land a cheap shot to the head. Triple executes a delayed vertical suplex, straightens Al Snow on his back, leaning against the turnbuckle behind him and performs a running knee drop. He goes for the cover and receives a near fall. Al Snow tries mounting a comeback in the corner but Triple H does a raking of the eye and Irish whips Al Snow to the opposing turnbuckle, the WWF Hardcore Champion slides to a stop before changing direction and clotheslines Triple H. Locking arms, Al Snow head butts the challenger enough times to make Triple H fall on his face dazed before pulling him up and launches him to the ropes, sending Hunter flying via back body drop. He body slams him and climbs the top rope, however Al Snow wastes precious time and Triple H rolls away when Al Snow jumps off. Triple H nails the Pedigree and picks up the victory by pin fall.
Howard Finkel announced, "Here's your winner, Triple H!" Rolling around to sit down, Triple H points at the camera to let Owen Hart know this match was dedicated to him.
He exits the ring and returns backstage.
Big Show easily dismantled Goldust and Blue Meanie despite the fact it was originally supposed to be a Singles Match.
The last match of the night was Val Venis facing The Rock.
Val Venis' music hit and Howard Finkel said, "The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first. From Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing 245 pounds, Val Venis!" The Big Valbowski enters the ring and performs a little hip gyration before removing the towel, obtaining the microphone from Finkel.
He said, "Hello, ladies! Ladies, rest assured, the Big Valbowski will have his day in the Sun but tonight, Owen Hart each one of these people are here to celebrate you." He returns the instrument to Finkel.
The Rock's music played and Finkel resumed, "And his opponent. From Miami, Florida, weighing 275 pounds, The Rock!" The Brahma Bull walks to the ring and steps foot on the second rope, smelling what's cooking before acquiring the microphone.
He stated, "Finally, The Rock has come back to St. Louis! Owen, it's with great pride that the most electrifying man in sports entertainment can come here tonight and entertain you. Now having said that, The Rock knows you want him to kick his roody poo, candy ass! Owen, this is your night and damn it, you know The Rock loves you like no other. So it's with great pleasure along with millions and millions of The Rock's fans dedicate the People's Elbow to you tonight, one time use. If you smell what The Rock is cooking!" He tosses the microphone and steps down inside the ring.
Referee Earl Hebner calls for the bell as both combatants lock up and Val Venis punches The Rock's gut and Rock fights back, scoring the right hand and twisting Val's arm before Venis turns it around by twisting Rock's healing arm. A lot of arm twisting ensues until The Rock turns a clothesline into the Rock Bottom. However, the Brahma Bull wasn't done. He removes the elbow pad on his right arm then leaps over Val Venis twice before connecting the People's Elbow and hooks the leg. Earl Hebner's hand strikes the mat 3 times and calls for the bell.
Howard Finkel declared, "Here's your winner, The Rock!" During the closing minutes of the show, the crowd goes nuts when Stone Cold Steve Austin's music hits.
He advances to the ring wearing street clothes. He steps on all 4 turnbuckles and raises his hands over his bald head before dropping down, calling for a can of beer. Opening it, he looks at the Titantron displaying Owen Hart and gives the man a toast before drinking the beer.
With the show over, Angel heads for her hotel room, showering and changing into sleepwear. She cries herself to sleep, feeling the pain of loss over her friend.
Little did she know Owen visits her and kneels down to stroke her black hair.
He said, "You did your best to save me, Angel. Please don't blame yourself, girl. Nobody expected the safety harness to malfunction like that. I will be watching you from above."
A/N: Chapter 25 done with a heavy heart on my part.
The Superstars dedicated their matches to Owen.
Jeff Jarrett defeated Test.
Angel and Kane retained the WWF Tag-Team Championship.
Stone Cold Steve Austin gave Owen Hart a toast.
Lastly, Owen Hart paid Angel a visit while she slept.
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Stay tuned for chapter 26.
Vader 23A