Chapter Three: Gauntlet
---x---
Jerry Lawler had just interviewed Santino Morella about winning the WWE Intercontinental Title. The camera then went backstage to Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman's office. There was a knock on the door and Machetti came in.
"You wanted to see me?" asked Machetti as he walked up to Coach, who was sitting on a sofa watching the show progress.
"Yes I did," said Coach as he turned away from the TV and faced Machetti, "you're in the main event at Backlash now. And because of that I can't fire you. But seeing how I have the power of a General Manager, I can put you in a match."
"Oh really," asked Machetti, "and what might that be?"
"You're going to love this," said Coach, "you remember Armageddon, where Teddy Long booked you in that Gauntlet Match?"
"Oh great," groaned Machetti, he knew where this was going.
"Well tonight you're going to run the gauntlet," said Coach as he smirked at the scowl on Machetti's face. "Oh and it gets better. Your number one contendership will be on the line. So who ever pins you, or makes you tap out will be the new number one contender. And of course once you lose that, I'll be able to fire you."
"Yeah, but what happens if I win?" asked Machetti with a raised eyebrow.
"Win?" questioned Coach, as if the idea wasn't even possible. "You don't really have much of a change, but I'll tell you what. If you win, you can name the type of match you want to face John Cena in at Backlash."
"Alright, now we're getting somewhere," said Machetti, "if I win, I get my choice of match, if I lose, I get the boot."
"Oh and there's just one more thing," said Coach as a smile appeared on his face, "the match is a no-disqualification match. So anyone can run down there and bash your head in. Now, you have a match to get ready for, so get out of my office."
Machetti said nothing as he turned and left Coach's office, while being followed by a camera. But once Machetti closed the door behind him a smile spread across his face. "Idiot," Machetti muttered to himself before walking off.
---x---
The Nitro/Eugene Match had just ended and Coach was shown in his office, but he wasn't alone. He had most of the Raw locker room in there with him. Cryme Time was there, so were the Highlanders, Kenny Dykstra, Carlito, Chris Masters, Super Crazy, Jim Duggan, Val Venis, Viscera, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, Ric Flair, the Hardys, Cade, and Murdoch.
"Alright guys," said Coach, who was standing in the middle of the room. "Tonight you're going to go out there with one common goal in mind. And that is to beat Machetti. I don't care if you already have a match tonight, if you're on the roster you're going out there and you're going to fight Machetti." The one of you who gets the win will become the new number one contender and will face John Cena in the main event at Backlash. That comment was met by a large round of applause, but suddenly the door opened and Shawn Michaels walked in. Shawn didn't say anything but just walked into the room and stood next to Ric Flair.
Coach stared at Michaels for a moment, then went back to his speech, "I want you guys to inflict as much pain as possible. Beat down Machetti until there is nothing left. Then put your foot on him and get the easy pin. This is the chance that all of you guys have been waiting for, and probably will never get again, so don't blow it. Now get out of my office and get ready, I'll be standing on the entrance ramp to call you out."
The superstars in the locker room slowly headed for the door and left the room, leaving Coach standing alone. "If all goes well, tonight will be the last I ever see of Machetti."
---x---
The Super Crazy/Chris Masters match had just ended and Machetti was shown standing next to Maria in the interview area.
"So Machetti what are you going to do about your Gauntlet Match tonight?" asked Maria, "Coach really seems to have it out for you."
"Yeah I know," said Machetti, "but I have a plan. So I'm going to go out there and I'm going to face each of those superstars and I'm going to beat each and every one of them."
Maria stared at Machetti, then dropped her microphone and threw her arms around him for a tight hug, then quickly kissed him. "Good luck," said Maria.
"Thanks," said Machetti, as he turned to leave, "don't worry, I've got this." Machetti then walked off leaving Maria standing on her own.
---x---
Seconds later Riot Time played in the arena and Machetti came from the back wearing orange shorts, black boot and knee pads. "Ladies and gentlemen," began Todd Grisham, "the following contest is a Gauntlet match, introducing first, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… MACHETTI!" The Italian fans cheered as Machetti made his way down the ramp and slowly got in the ring. Machetti took a deep breath and turned to face the entrance ramp and awaited his first opponent.
Coach's music hit as he walked through the curtain and out onto the stage. "Alright Machetti, it's time to face the music, so here's your first opponent…"
Val Venis' music hit as the Raw veteran came from the back and made his way down towards the ring, wearing his traditional towel. Venis got in the ring and held up his hand signaling for Machetti to hold on, then he did his usual porn star dance then took off his towel. Venis turned and faced Machetti again and nodded that he was ready.
Machetti shrugged then he met Val in the middle of the ring and the two of them locked up. But before they could go anywhere Machetti slipped behind Venis and took out his legs from behind then Machetti rolled across Val's back and locked in a headlock. Val struggled and fought up to his feet, then pushed Machetti off of him and into the ropes. But Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope and springboarded off of it, then caught Val's head on the way back for the Over Castle Take Over.
Machetti got back up then ran to the rope and got out onto the ring apron. Machetti quickly hoisted himself up onto the top rope, springboarded off of it then landed on Venis with a springboard body splash. Machetti quickly hooked Val's legs… ONE… TWO… THREE! Venis is eliminated.
Machetti got back up to his feet and smirked at Coach, then held up his right hand with his index finger raised, signaling 'one down.' Coach glared at Machetti as Val Venis rolled out of the ring. "Alright Machetti," said Coach, "try this one…"
Viscera's music hit as the World Largest Love Machine came from the back wearing the world's largest purple pajamas. Big V climbed up onto the ring apron then stepped over the top rope and walked into the middle of the ring.
But Machetti showed no fear and stepped right up to the four hundred pounder and stood right in front of them. Viscera quickly shoved Machetti, sending him staggering backwards, then Machetti ran forward and jumped in the air looking for a spinning wheel kick, while Viscera dropped down and rolled on the ground looking for a spinning wheel kick of his own. Machetti went over Viscera and landed behind him, then got back up to his feet as Viscera did the same.
Big V turned around and charge at Machetti, to Machetti ran right at him as well. Viscera swung his arm looking for a clothesline, but Machetti dropped down and rolled under his arm. Machetti quickly jumped up and hit Viscera in the back with a corkscrew dropkick, causing Vis to stumble forward but not fall.
But Machetti stayed on him and ran forward and jumped up onto the middle rope in front of Viscera. Machetti quickly springboarded off of the rope and then drove Viscera's head down to the mat with a springboard DDT. Machetti quickly rolled Viscera onto his back, then stood up and turned around and did a back-flip, landing on Viscera for a standing moonsault. But instead of going for the cover Machetti got back up and ran to the nearest corner.
Machetti jumped up slightly onto the bottom rope, then back flipped off of it and landed on Viscera with a bottom rope moonsault. But Machetti wasn't done there and quickly got back up and ran back to the corner. Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope and back flipped off of it and landed on Viscera for a middle rope moonsault. But Machetti still wasn't done. Machetti got back up and again ran back over to the corner, but this time climbed up onto the top rope. Machetti back flipped off of the top rope and landed on Viscera for a top rope moonsault.
But Machetti still didn't go for the cover! Machetti got up and ran to the ropes and in one movement, jumped up onto the top rope, back flipped off of it and landed on Viscera for a springboard moonsault. Machetti finally went for the pin ONE… TWO… THREE!! Viscera is eliminated.
Machetti rolled off of Viscera and got back up to his feet, then turned to face Coach, this time he held up two fingers, signaling 'two down!' Coach glared at Machetti gestured to the back.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan's music hit. Duggan came out from the back carrying his 2x4 and made his way down towards the ring. This match was no disqualifications so the wood was legal. Machetti understood that and quickly rolled out of the ring and lifted the apron, then pulled out his pipe from underneath.
Machetti rolled back into the ring and stood across from Duggan. Then at the same time Machetti and Duggan swung their weapons, smashing them together. Duggan stepped back then swung his 2x4 again, this time aiming for Machetti's head. But Machetti ducked down, causing the wood to go over him, then he swung his pipe and connected with Duggan's stomach, sending the ring veteran staggering backwards.
Machetti stayed on him and again blasted him with his pipe, causing Duggan to drop the 2x4 in an attempt to avoid the pipe shot. Machetti ran at Duggan and slipped behind him, then set him up and nailed the Amputator with his pipe. Machetti pressed his pipe to Duggan's chest and went for the pin. ONE… TWO… THREE!! Jim Duggan is eliminated!
Machetti reached down and grabbed Duggan's 2x4 then carried it over to the ropes and dropped it out of the ring. Then while Duggan rolled out of the ring Machetti turned to face Coach this time signaling 'three down!'
Coach was starting to get angry and shot Machetti a look that showed that he was pissed. "Someone get out here!" demanded Coach. Carlito's music hit as the second generation superstar made his way down to the ring for the second time tonight. Carlito got in the ring and faced off with Machetti, who tossed his pipe to the side and stood across the ring for Carlito.
Machetti and Carlito charged forward and locked up in the middle of the ring. Machetti slipped behind Carlito, but Carlito reached back and wrapped his arm around Machetti's head then flipped him onto his back with a snapmare, but Machetti reached his legs up and wrapped them around Carlito's head, then shot them forward and took Carlito down with a head scissors.
Machetti and Carlito got back up then Carlito charged at Machetti. But Machetti caught Carlito with a quick arm drag, flipping the Caribbean native onto his back. But Carlito got back up and faced Machetti again, only to be take down by another arm drag. But Carlito didn't stay down and quickly rolled to his side and got back up. But this time Machetti ran forward and took Carlito down with a running corkscrew dropkick. Machetti went for a quick pin, ONE… TWO… CARLITO KICKED OUT!
Machetti shrugged and got back up, pulling Carlito up with him. Machetti whipped Carlito into the ropes, but Carlito quickly jumped up onto the middle rope then springboarded off of it, looking for a springboard back elbow. But Machetti saw it coming and rolled down and passed Carlito. Carlito landed on his feet, but was quickly taken down with a springboard crossbody courtesy of Machetti. While on Carlito, Machetti went for the pin, ONE…TWO… TH… NO! Carlito kicked out again.
Machetti rolled off of Carlito and got up, then pulled Carlito up to his feet. Machetti whipped Carlito into the corner, but Carlito reverse, sending Machetti towards the turnbuckle instead. But Machetti quickly jumped up onto the top rope, springboarded backwards off of it, then took Carlito down with a reverse springboard clothesline. Machetti went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… NO! Again Carlito kicked out!
Machetti looked down at Carlito and nodded, the guy was really fighting. Carlito clearly didn't want to lose twice in the same night. Machetti pulled Carlito back up to his feet then whipped him into the ropes. Carlito came back but dropped down and slid between Machetti's legs. Then Carlito jumped up and grabbed Machetti's shoulders looking for the backcracker.
But before he could get the move off, Machetti ran toward the corner, and used the turnbuckle pads to flip upside down and slam Carlito's head down to the mat, with what looked like Slice Bread #2. Machetti smirked and went for the pin. ONE… TWO… THREE! Carlito is finally eliminated.
Machetti got back up to his feet, then pulled Carlito up. Machetti held his hand out to Carlito in an effort to congratulate him on his efforts, but Carlito slapped Machetti's hand away and left the ring disgusted with himself. Machetti shook his head then turned back to Coach and signaled 'four down!'
Coach gave Machetti a death glare then gestured for someone else to come out. He was answered by the sound of Cade and Murdoch's music hitting. Trevor Murdoch came from the back accompanied by Lance Cade. Cade stayed outside of the ring, while Murdoch got in to face Machetti.
Murdoch and Machetti locked up, and the red neck started pushing Machetti back towards the ropes. Murdoch backed Machetti into the ropes then stepped back and went to punch Machetti in the face, but Machetti ducked, then shot up and popped Murdoch in the jaw. Machetti stayed on to and brought up his elbow and smashed it into Murdoch's jaw.
Murdoch swung at Machetti with a hard hook punch, but Machetti ducked down and punched Murdoch multiple times in the guts, causing the red neck to stumble backwards in an attempt to escape Machetti. But Machetti stayed on top and ran at Murdoch, then jumped up into the air and smashed Murdoch in the jaw and took him down with a spinning wheel kick.
Machetti got back up and ran to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope. But then Cade jumped up onto the apron and pushed Machetti off of the tope down into the ring. It was no-DQ so what Cade did was legal. Murdoch fought up to his feet and went to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope. Murdoch measured up Machetti for the top rope bulldog, but in a flash Machetti was on his feet, then he turned and jumped up onto the middle rope across from Murdoch.
The two superstar were perched on the top and middle rope and started to trade hard punches back and forth. But Machetti managed to get the advantage when he used his head, literally, and smashed it into Murdoch's for a head-butt. Machetti then jumped up and wrapped his legs around Murdoch's head then fell backwards and send the red neck flying across the ring with a super hurricurana.
Machetti got back up to his feet and climbed back up onto the top rope. Kicked Cade in the face, knocking him off of the apron, then launched himself across the ring and connected with a diving head-butt on Murdoch. Machetti hooked the leg and went for the pin, ONE… TW… THREE! Trevor Murdoch is eliminated.
But Machetti didn't have long to celebrate because suddenly Cade got in the ring and attacked Machetti from behind. Cade started stomping on Machetti until he was lying face down on the mat. Cade stepped back and waited for Machetti to get up. Machetti got to his feet and slowly turned around, cueing Cade to charge at him looking for the running clothesline.
But suddenly Machetti ducked, causing Cade to overrun him. Machetti and Cade both turned around, then Machetti kicked Cade in the stomach and planted him with an Impaler. Machetti hooked Cade's leg, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Lance Cade is eliminated! Machetti got up to his feet and pulled Cade up with him, then he ran with Cade and tossed him over the top rope and out of the ring. Machetti then turned to Coach and this time used two hands to hold up six fingers, 'six down!'
The Italian fans were really starting to get behind Machetti. The number one contender had just pinned six different superstars and was still going strong. Some of the fans started a loud Machetti chant. Coach on the other hand was getting even angrier. Machetti was still standing strong and he was down six superstars. Coach shook his head then walked to the curtain. The Cade/Murdoch double team had given him an idea.
Coach came back out and smirked at Machetti. Who shrugged and flipped Coach off, the middle finger, is of course a universal language, so the Italian fans cheered loudly at Machetti's disrespect for Coach. Cryme Time's theme hit as both Shad and JTG came from the back and headed down to the ring. Coach smirked at Machetti, the two on one should probably get some punishment in.
Cryme Time hit the ring and both men started brawling with Machetti. The three men traded punches, but then JTG slipped behind Machetti and held his arms behind his back. Big Shad then went off on Machetti and started punching him hard in the gut, causing Machetti to double over in pain.
JTG then pushed Machetti forward allowing Shad to hoist Machetti up onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry. Shad stood in the middle of the ring and JTG ran to the ropes, then bounced off, looking to put Machetti away with the G-9. But suddenly Machetti slipped forward and wrapped his legs around Shad's head, while grabbed JTG when he got close enough. Machetti then rolled to the side and took both members of Cryme Time down with an Eddie Guerrero-type of double head scissors takedown.
Machetti got back up and ran to the ropes, while Shad and JTG pulled themselves to their feet. Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope, springboarded off if it then took both men down with a double springboard crossbody. Machetti then went over to the ropes and got out of the ring and onto the ring apron. Machetti hoisted himself up onto the top rope and springboarded off, then crashed down on both members of Cryme Time for a double springboard body splash. Machetti pressed his legs down on JTG and his arms on Shad, going for a double pin, ONE… TWO… THREE! Shad and JTG are eliminated.
Machetti slowly stood back up and showed Coach eight fingers, 'eight down!' Machetti turned back to the two other men in the ring and watched them roll the outside. But then a look of panic crossed Machetti's face as he reached down and searched his pockets, then breathed a sigh of relief when he found that Cryme Time had not stolen his wallet. Machetti turned back to face Coach and the Machetti chant got even louder.
Coach glared at Machetti then signaled for someone else to come out. The Highlanders' theme answered his call as Robby and Rory McAllister came out from the back. The two Scotsmen made their way down to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. The Italian fans were behind Machetti, and wanted him to win, so despite their feelings for the Highlanders Machetti was the one getting cheered.
Robbie and Rory got in the ring and charged Machetti. But Machetti met them and started trading punches with both men. But the Highlanders managed to get the advantage when Robbie connected with a head-butt, sending Machetti staggering backwards and leaving him opened to be taken down with a clothesline from Rory.
Robbie pulled Machetti up then but sent him sprawling down to the mat with a hard head-butt. Rory and Robbie then stood on opposite sides of Machetti and held hands, then drove both of their elbows down into Machetti's sternum for a double elbow drop. Rory went for the quick pin, ONE… TWO… T… MACHETTI KICKED OUT!
Rory glared down at Machetti then got up and pulled Machetti up to his feet. Then Rory lifted Machetti up for a vertical suplex and with the help of Machetti, Rory suplex Machetti onto the top rope, then Machetti was bounced off and was slammed down to the mat with a suplex. Rory again went for a pin, ONE… TWO… THRE… NO! Again Machetti kicked out, this time to a loud pop from the crowd.
Rory got up to his feet and stared down at Machetti, then looked over at Robbie, what did they have to do to put Machetti away? Rory quickly had an idea and signaled for Robbie to lift Machetti up. Rory and Robbie then lifted Machetti up off of the mat with their backs to him and set Machetti up for the Scot Drop. But Machetti started kicked and struggled, then reached up and grabbed both Robbie and Rory's head and smashed them together.
Machetti was safely dropped down to the mat and quickly got up as the Highlanders turned around. Machetti grabbed both of them and smashed their heads together for a 'meeting of the minds.' Rory and Robbie were left standing dazed in the middle of the ring as Machetti ran to the ropes, jumped up to the middle one, springboarded off of it, then took down both men with a double springboard clothesline. Machetti quickly pulled Rory up to his feet then kicked him in the stomach and planted him with an Impaler. Machetti went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Rory McAllister is eliminated.
Machetti quickly rolled Rory out of the ring then turned to face Robbie who had gotten to his feet. Robbie went to charge at Machetti but Machetti held up his hands signaling for Robbie to stop, and surprisingly, he stopped. Machetti then raised his hand and pointed at something behind Robbie. Robbie turned around to look and Machetti quickly grabbed Robbie and took him by surprise with a roll up. ONE… TWO… THREE!! Machetti just stole one and eliminated Robbie.
Machetti slowly stood up and smirked at Coach, then made a big deal out of counting and held up ten fingers, 'ten down!' Before Coach could do anything, Super Crazy's theme hit. Crazy ran full speed down to the ring, and Coach wasn't about to stop him. Crazy slid in the ring and faced off with Machetti in the ring. Machetti charged at Crazy, but Super Crazy dropped down and rolled under Machetti's arm, then jumped up looking for a dropkick, but Machetti had kept running and held onto the ropes, causing Crazy to go crashing back down to the mat.
Machetti smirked walked forward and grabbed Super Crazy's arm and wrenched it. But Crazy countered by rolling forward and managed to straighten out his arm, then reversed and wrenched Machetti's arm. But Machetti did a quick cartwheel and unwrenched his arm, then pulled Crazy forward and took him down with a clothesline. Machetti then jumped up into the air and flipped forward, then landed back-first on Super Crazy for a standing senton. Machetti went for a quick pin, ONE… TWO… CRAZY KICKS OUT!
Machetti got back up and climbed up onto the top rope, but Crazy suddenly kicked up and ran at Machetti, jumped up onto the middle rope. In a flash Crazy grabbed Machetti's arm, then flipped him off of the top rope and onto his back onto the mat with a super arm drag. Crazy quickly jumped back up to his feet and jumped up onto the top rope, then back-flipped off of it, looking for a moonsault, but Machetti brought his knees up, causing Crazy to smash his chest into Machetti's hard knees.
Crazy rolled off of Machetti and clutched his stomach, while Machetti rolled over to the corner and used the ropes to pulled himself up to his feet. But Crazy quickly got up as well, then Machetti ran at Crazy, but Super Crazy caught him with an arm drag. But Machetti got back up, then caught Crazy and hit him with an arm drag of his own. Machetti then jumped up and went for another standing senton, but Crazy rolled out of the way. Crazy jumped up to his feet, then flipped forward looking for a flip leg drop, but Machetti suddenly kicked up, causing Crazy to smash his leg down to the mat.
Machetti reached down and pulled up Crazy up to his feet then whipped him into the ropes. But when Crazy reached them he jumped up and back-flipped off of the middle rope. Taking Machetti down with a springboard moonsault. While on top of Machetti, Crazy went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… NO!! Machetti kicked out! Crazy looked down and shrugged then ran to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope, while Machetti got up to his feet.
Crazy launched himself at Machetti and landed on his shoulders, looking for a hurricurana, but Machetti suddenly grabbed Super Crazy's side, then slammed him down to the mat with a powerbomb. Crazy's shoulders were pinned down to the mat, but to get extra leverage Machetti flipped over Crazy and applied a bridge, ONE… TWO… THREE! HE GOT IT! Super Crazy is eliminated!
Machetti rolled to the side and got up to his feet then glanced at Coach and looked down at his hands, he didn't have eleven fingers. Coach glared at Machetti then gestured to the corner. The Hardy Boys music hit as the World Tag Team Champions Matt and Jeff Hardy ran out from the back and down to the ring, and quickly got in. Matt charged in first and went for a clothesline, but Machetti ducked it.
But Jeff quickly ran in, slipped behind Machetti and slammed the back of his head down to the mat with an extreme neckbreaker. Jeff then grabbed Machetti's legs and lifted them up while Matt came over and stood by Machetti's head. Then Jeff jumped up and drove his legs down into Machetti's groin, while Matt came crashing down with a leg drop. Jeff went for the quick pin, but Matt pushed him off.
Jeff glared at Matt, "what the hell!"
"I want the title shot too!" snapped Matt.
Jeff glared at Matt, and slowly shook his head, then reached down and pulled Machetti up to his feet and whipped him into the corner. Before Jeff could do anything Matt ran at Machetti and clotheslined him back into the turnbuckle, then ran forward and took Machetti down with a bulldog. Jeff then came over and pulled Machetti up then whipped him into the opposite corner.
Jeff then gestured to Matt and then Machetti. Matt slowly nodded then walked forward and laid down on his hands and knees in front of Machetti. Jeff ran forward and jumped onto Matt's back, and went for the Poetry in Motion. But Machetti suddenly dropped down, causing Jeff to smash into the turnbuckle, then Machetti ran forward and baseball slid into Matt's side knocking him onto his back.
Machetti then turned around and smashed Jeff back into the turnbuckle with a dropkick. Machetti quickly turned around and took Matt down with a clothesline, then pulled Matt up to his feet and whipped him into the ropes. Machetti bent down as Matt came running back, then Machetti grabbed Matt's side and shot up, sending Matt crashing down to the mat with back body drop.
Jeff came out of the corner and drove his leg into Machetti's stomach, Machetti grabbed Jeff's leg, but Jeff suddenly brought his other leg up and connected with a mule kick, knocking Machetti down to the mat. Jeff pulled Machetti up to his feet and whipped him into the corner, but Machetti reversed sending Jeff into the corner instead. But Jeff jumped up onto the top rope then came off and connected with the Whisper in the Wind.
But while Jeff was recovering Matt came over and went for the pin on Machetti, ONE… TWO… THRE... NO!! Matt looked down at Machetti in shock then looked up at Jeff who was glaring at him. Matt glanced back at his brother then got up to his feet and pulled Machetti up with him. Matt tucked Machetti's head under his arm and signaled for the Twist of Fate. But before Matt could hit it Jeff stopped him and quickly climbed up onto the top rope, near Matt, then signaled 'go ahead.'
Matt glared at Jeff but suddenly a masked man in jeans and a black shirt came out from under the ring and pushed Jeff off of the top rope and down to the floor. While at the same time another masked man, this one wearing jeans and a white shirt, got in the ring and low blowed Matt from behind. Machetti suddenly reversed and hit Matt with an Impaler and quickly went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE! Matt Hardy is eliminated.
The two men rolled Mat out of the ring and pulled off their masks revealing themselves as Paul London and Brian Kendrick. Brian and Paul pulled Machetti up to his feet and smiled at him, while Machetti shook their hands, it was all part of the plan. Paul and Brian turned to Jeff and Matt on the outside, both Hardys were on their feet. London and Kendrick, ran and jumped onto the top rope, then took both Matt and Jeff down with two suicide dives.
Paul rolled Jeff into the ring while Brian pulled Matt up and rammed him shoulder first into the steal steps. Machetti climbed up onto the top rope them smirked at Paul. Who nodded 'go ahead.' Machetti jumped up off of the top rope flipped one and a half times in mid air and landed on Jeff with a 540 splash. Machetti quickly went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Jeff Hardy is eliminated.
Machetti turned back to Coach, but then called Paul over and had him hold up three fingers while Machetti held up ten, 'thirteen down.' Coach glared at Machetti and Paul, and then Brian as he got back in the ring as well.
"You're not going to win Machetti!" snapped Coach, "everyone else get out here!"
Coach frantically waved people out from the curtains and out came Haas, Benjamin, Nitro, Masters, and Dykstra. The five heels charged down towards the ring, but then Kendrick, London, and Machetti each came sailing over the top rope and took down all five men with suicide dives. Coach looked on in shock at the pile of wrestlers on the bottom of the entrance ramp.
But slowly they all started stirring. Machetti was the first to his feet and he grabbed Nitro and dragged him back towards the ring. Meanwhile London and Kendrick started brawling with the World's Greatest Tag Team. Down by the ring, Machetti smashed Nitro's head into the steel steps, then slowly rolled him back into the ring. Machetti got in the ring and pulled Nitro to his feet, but suddenly got poked in the eyes. Nitro the capitalized and planted Machetti with a devastating DDT. Nitro quickly went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… NO!! Machetti just kicked out!
Nitro glared down at Machetti then slowly got back up to his feet. Nitro then went to the corner and climbed up on the top rope, then turned his back to Machetti and got ready to land a corkscrew moonsault. But Machetti suddenly jumped up and pushed the top rope, causing Nitro to lose his footing and go crashing down and straddle the top rope. Machetti quickly ran over and climbed up onto the middle rope behind Nitro, then hooked Johnny's head under his arm.
Machetti then lunged out of the corner taking Nitro with him and slammed the back of Nitro's head down to the mat with an top rope inverted DDT. Machetti didn't want to take any chances so he grabbed Nitro's arm then swung around and got extra leverage with a cradle pin, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Johnny Nitro is eliminated! Machetti crawled over to the ropes and pulled himself back up to his feet, but suddenly he got blind sided by Kenny Dykstra and Chris Masters.
Paul and Brian were still fighting with Haas and Benjamin so this left Machetti open for the double team. Both Masters and Dykstra worked over Machetti with some hard stomps, then Kenny jumped up and hit Machetti with a standing leg drop. Kenny went for a quick pin, ONE… TWO… MASTERS PULLED DYKSTRA OFF!
Kenny got up and started arguing with Masters, temporarily forgetting about Machetti. But that was a mistake that both men would soon regret because Machetti suddenly shoved Kenny, knocking him into Chris, sending the Masterpiece through the ropes and down to the floor. Machetti spun Kenny around and went for the Impaler, but Dykstra blatantly kicked Machetti in the nuts. Kenny the took control and ran to the rope, then came off and hit Machetti with a running neckbreaker.
Machetti was laid out on his back in the middle of the ring, so Kenny got up to his feet and went over to the corner. Kenny got up on the top rope, but suddenly Masters climbed up onto the apron and pushed Kenny off of the top rope and into the ring. Masters looked like he was going to do something, but suddenly Machetti's pipe found its way in between his legs and was pulled upwards.
Maria pulled the pipe away and Masters came tumbling off of the apron and landed hard on the floor. Machetti slowly fought to his feet and walked over to Maria, who smiled and handed him his pipe. Machetti smiled then turned around and saw Kenny laying prone on the mat. While still holding his pipe Machetti climbed up onto the top rope, then lunged off with his legs out in front of him. While in mid air Machetti place his pipe under his legs, then came crashing down on Kenny. Machetti quickly maneuvered around and pressed his pipe to Dykstra's chest, ONE… TWO… THREE! Kenny Dykstra is eliminated.
The fans cheered as Machetti got to his feet and pulled Kenny up. Then Machetti ran with Dykstra and tossed him over the top rope and down to the floor. Machetti then got out of the ring and walked over to Masters, then quickly rolled him into the ring. Machetti got in the ring and wasted no time in locking in the Iron Clutch on the Masterpiece, and after a few seconds, MASTERS TAPPED OUT!! Chris Masters is eliminated!
Machetti got back up to his feet, but was once again attacked from behind, this time by Charlie Haas, who had raked Brian Kendrick's eyes then slid into the ring and blindsided Machetti. Haas took Machetti down then drove his knee into Machetti's back for a hard knee drop, then locked in the Haas of Pain. Machetti screamed in pain as his back was wrenched by Haas' signature submission hold, but Maria came around the ring and stood in front of Machetti encouraging him to fight out of it.
Machetti took a deep breath, then started dragging himself forwards, while Haas somehow still had the hold locked in. Machetti managed to grab the bottom rope, but Haas still had the hold in, it was no-DQ, meaning no rope breaks. Machetti stared Maria in the eye then grabbed the ropes with his arms and pulled himself up off of the mat, while in the mean time wrapping his leg around Haas' head. Machetti continued climbing until he was holding onto the top rope. Then Machetti suddenly smirked and rolled forward, taking Haas down with a head scissors.
Both Haas and Machetti got back up to their feet, but as soon as Haas turned around, Machetti kicked him in the stomach and planted him with an Impaler. Machetti quickly went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Charlie Haas is eliminated! Machetti got back up and rolled Haas out of the ring, then turned to London and Kendrick, who were double teaming Shelton, and had them roll Benjamin into the ring, then quickly follow after him.
Machetti quickly held up his hands and told the WWE Tag Team Champions to stay back, then he turned to Shelton and gestured, 'bring it.' Shelton charged forward and went for a clothesline, but Machetti ducked, then hit Shelton with an uppercut to the jaw when he turned around. Machetti stayed in control and grabbed Shelton's head, then pulled it down while bringing his knee up into Shelton's jaw. Machetti continued his assault and alternated his knees, then finally pushed Shelton backwards then took him down with a clothesline.
Shelton rolled over to the ropes and pulled himself back up to his feet, then he rushed at Machetti and went to kick him in the chest, but Machetti caught his leg. Shelton suddenly smirked then swung his caught leg around, looking for the dragon whip, but Machetti had it scouted and ducked down, then as Shelton's leg passed over his head, Machetti jumped up and delivered a spinning wheel kick right to the jaw. Machetti then ran to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope, then flipped off of it and nailed Shelton with the Decapitator. Machetti went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE! Shelton Benjamin is eliminated!
Paul and Brian rushed over and pulled Machetti to his feet, then tossed Shelton out of the ring. The WWE Tag Team Champions turned back to face Machetti, who looked extremely happy, but extremely tired at the same time. Maria climbed up onto the ring apron and got in the ring, then ran over and gave Machetti a huge hug. When she let got Machetti, Maria, Paul, and Brian huddled together and did some math. They eventually all turned at the same time and faced Coach, Machetti and Maria were holding up five fingers, while Paul and Brian both held up four, eighteen down!
Coach looked panicked and thought for a moment that he was out of wrestlers, but suddenly Ric Flair's theme hit and the Nature Boy Ric Flair came out from the back, wearing one of his robes. Flair made his way down to the ring, but stopped short of getting in. Machetti saw this and quickly told London, Kendrick, and Maria to wait outside of the ring, he wanted to face Flair one-on-one. Machetti's friends listened to him and got out of the ring, while Flair climbed the steps and got into the ring.
Flair had already wrestled but Machetti was the worse for wear and was breathing heavily. Machetti walked up to Flair then held out his hand. Flair smirked then took Machetti's hand, shook it, then let out a 'WOO!' Machetti smiled but was suddenly chopped across the chest by Flair, who wasn't wasting any time.
As much as Flair respected Machetti for wanting to go one on one with him but this was for a number one contender shot, and Flair still wanted to become a seventeen time world champion. Flair continued chopping Machetti and backed him into the corner, with the fans chanting 'WOO' every time. Woo was of course universal so even though the fans were Italian, they still knew what they were chanting. Flair brought back his hand and went to chop Machetti again, but Machetti ducked down, causing Flair to miss.
Machetti grabbed Flair, turned and pushed him into the turnbuckle. Machetti went off on Flair and hit him with some hard shots to the stomach. Machetti stepped back, allowing Flair to stumble forward, then Machetti dropped down and caught Naitch with a drop toe hold. Machetti grabbed Flair's left leg and pulled it up into the air, then slammed it back down to the mat. Machetti stayed on the attack and swung his leg, then connected with the side of Flair's knee.
Machetti then reached down and grabbed the Nature Boy's leg and lifted it up, then he swung his foot forward and kicked the back of Flair's knee. Machetti continued his assault kicking Flair's knee again and again, but eventually dropped Flair's leg and let it fall limply down to the mat. Machetti stepped back and admired his handywork as Flair struggled to get up to his feet while gingerly standing on his injured leg.
Machetti walked around behind Flair then charged looking to clip Flair's leg, but the Nature Boy grabbed the ropes and pulled himself to the side, causing Machetti to run passed him, then Flair charge forward and clipped Machetti's leg, taking him down to the mat. Flair stood back up and used his good leg to stomp on the back of one of Machetti's legs, then Flair took hold of Machetti's leg and dragged him into the middle of the ring.
Flair stood on both of his legs, let out a WOO, then did the Ric Flair strut. Flair walked back over to Machetti and pulled him up to his feet, then he slipped behind Machetti, lifted him up, then drove Machetti down to the mat with a shin breaker. Machetti rolled around on the ground in pain, but then Flair came over and grabbed Machetti's legs, WOO-ed, and then locked in the figure four leglock. Machetti screamed in pain as Flair's hold took its toll on his legs.
London and Kendrick jumped up onto the ring apron, and were about to get in the ring. But suddenly, while still in the hold, Machetti held up his hands and shook his head. He wanted to get out of this on his own. Flair smiled at Machetti and nodded at him, but then was taken by total surprise as Machetti spun to the side and rolled onto his stomach. Machetti quickly repositioned himself so he was standing, then grabbed Flair's legs and pulled back. Machetti had successfully reversed the figure four leglock into a sharpshooter.
Flair struggled and clawed at the mat, while excruciating pain shot through his legs. Flair slowly took a deep breath, then… FLAIR TAPPED OUT!! Ric Flair is eliminated! Machetti quickly released the sharpshooter, then helped Flair up to his feet. Flair looked Machetti in the eye and then told him he wanted a rematch. Flair then let out one last WOO before leaving the ring and heading up the ramp to the back.
London, Kendrick, and Maria were back in the ring, together they grabbed Machetti for a group hug. The four broke apart, then London and Kendrick ran to the corners and climbed up onto the middle rope, while Machetti ran to the ropes in between them and pulled himself up onto the middle rope there. Then at the same time, Kendrick, London, and Machetti all did backflips then landed on their feet in the middle of the ring. The fans let out a loud cheer, but suddenly Sexy Boy started playing.
The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, mentor of the three wrestlers in the ring came through the curtain and stood next to Coach. Coachman grinned and nodded at the four shocked superstars in the ring, then patted Shawn on the back.
But what Coach fail to see was Shawn stiffening up when he was tapped on the back. Coach was so busy laughing at Machetti he didn't see Michaels turn and glare at him. Then before Coach could do anything, Shawn grabbed him and tossed him over his shoulder, then walked down the ramp towards the ring, with Coach kicking and screaming the entire way.
Machetti, Maria, Paul, and Brian, all smiled and looked like Christmas had come early. Shawn rolled Coach into the ring then got in after him, and Coach suddenly found himself surrounded with wrestlers.
"Guys, guys," said Coach, who had hung onto his mic, "don't do anything crazy. You now I was just making sure Machetti was ready to fight in a main event match. Now I can see I was right. He beat nineteen other superstars. Great job Machetti!"
Machetti glared at Coach and shook his head, but Maria suddenly acted for him and kicked Coach in the nuts. Shawn smiled at all of his former protégés then backed up into the corner, while the other three did the same. Maria quickly backed up and leaned against the ropes, while the referee did the same on the other side of the ring. Then Shawn started things off by starting to 'tune up the band.'
Machetti, London, and Kendrick joined in and all four of them stomped on the mat, while Coach struggled to get up to his feet. Once Coach was standing all four superstar came out of their corners and nailed Coach with a superkick, each from a different angle. Coach stayed standing for a second as the four wrestlers stepped back, then Coach wobbled and fell on his back. Machetti smiled then walked over to Coach and put his foot on the Executive Assistant's chest. The referee came over, ONE… TWO… THREE!! Jonathan Coachman is eliminated!
Riot Time played as Shawn, Machetti, Maria, Brian, and Paul stood tall over Coach. Machetti had just beaten twenty men and was still the number one contender. But now, he would get to chose the match he wanted to face John Cena in. The fans were all cheering, everyone in the ring was celebrating, but suddenly Shawn lunged forward and nailed Machetti with Sweet Chin Music. Machetti was knocked out cold, while Shawn slid out of the ring. London and Kendrick looked down at Machetti in shock. While Shawn gestured that once Machetti won at Backlash, he wanted a shot at the title. With that Raw went to a commercial.
---x---
In the ring the main event was coming to an end. Cena and Orton were down, while Edge was in the corner measuring up Cena for a spear. Shawn Michaels was also at ringside, watching the match with interest. Edge charged, but Cena moved, causing Edge to spear Orton. Then Shawn got in the ring and took Edge's head off with Sweet Chin Music. But when Shawn turned around Cena grabbed him then planted him with an F-U. Cena stood tall as the Italian crowd booed him, but suddenly was smashed in the back of the head with an iron pipe.
Machetti smirked down at Cena, then pulled him up to his feet and nailed him with the Amputator. Machetti got back up and stepped over the bodies of Edge and Orton then got a mic. "Hey Cena," said Machetti as he walked back over to the unconscious WWE Champion. "Since there is so much outside interest in your title. I've decided that our match at Backlash, will be… A STEEL CAGE MATCH!"
Riot Time hit and Machetti dropped his mic on top of Cena. Then Machetti glared at Shawn, who was prone on the mat, then left the ring and headed up the ramp. Machetti stood on the stage and raised his arms up into the air. The Italian fans chanted, MACHETTI, MACHETTI, MACHETTI! And with that the logo showed and Raw went off the air.
---x---
That's right. John Cena versus Machetti for the WWE Title in a Steel Cage Match.
Now, I've already thought up a few finished for the match, but I really can't decide if I want Machetti to win the title or not. So I'll let you guys decided. Review and tell me who you want to win the match.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!