Chapter Fifty Four: Raw 15th Anniversary
---x---
(A/N: Right, instead of Carlito versus Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match, it will be Machetti versus Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match. Also Santino will not have Maria going out to the ring with him, he does not need Maria to get his ass kicked by Rob Van Dam. Also I'm switching the two title matches, the World Tag Team Title match is going where the Ladder match went and Ladder Match is going in place of where the World Tag Team Title match was.)
---x---
Raw was live from Bridgeport Connecticut and it was the Fifteenth Anniversary Episode. Mr. McMahon had planned on having his family portrait done, but Triple H interrupted it and ended up humiliating the Chairman. But to make Hornswoggle feel better the Game called out the Godfather and the Ho Train. Then a graphic was shown, saying that the World Tag Team Championships would be defended next. Paul London and Brian Kendrick were going up again Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes. That match was up next.
Raw came back and Dusty Rhodes was shown at ringside, he was going to be a special commentator for this match. Then Hardcore Holly's theme music hit. Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes came out from the back together and headed down towards the ring, both were looking really determined. "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall, and is for the World Tag Team Championship. Introducing first, the challengers, at a combined weight of four hundred and sixty seven pounds, Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes!" Rhodes and Holly got in the ring and awaited the Champions.
London and Kendrick's theme hit and the crowd cheered as the World Tag Team Champions came out from the back. London and Kendrick were on their own tonight because Machetti was in the back getting ready for his Intercontinental Title Match later tonight. "And the Champions, at a combined weight of three hundred and eight pounds, they are the World Tag Team Champions, Paul London and Brian Kendrick!"
London and Kendrick sprinted down the entrance ramp and slid into the ring. London and Kendrick each went to a corner on one side of the ring and posed for the fans, then they both did back-flips and landed together in the middle of the ring. London and Kendrick glanced at Holly and Rhodes then handed their belts to the referee, who showed them to the challengers, signifying that this was for the gold, then he told the two teams to go to their corners as he went to the ropes and handed the titles to someone at ringside.
The referee walked back into the middle of the ring and was joined by Kendrick and Rhodes in the middle. The referee nodded at both competitors then called for the bell, this match was underway. Rhodes and Kendrick circled around each other and sized each other up. Rhodes had the height and weight advantage, and while Cody was kind of fast in the ring, Kendrick had to be given the speed advantage, and possibly the experience advantage as well. Rhodes and Kendrick eventually locked up and Rhodes immediately started backing Kendrick across the ring. Suddenly Kendrick changed his grip on Rhodes' arms and then dropped down, flipping Rhodes over him in the process with a double arm drag.
Both men quickly sprang back up to their feet and circled around the ring again then went for another lock up. Kendrick slipped behind Rhodes with a go behind but Rhodes got his arm up and around Kendrick's head, then flipped him onto his back for a snapmare, then quickly turned it into a sleeper hold. Kendrick fought up to his feet. Kendrick pried Rhodes' arm off of him and twisted Cody for an arm wrench. Kendrick went to flip Rhodes onto his back but Cody suddenly grabbed Kendrick and lifted him up from behind, then fell backwards and slammed Kendrick down to the mat for a back drop. Rhodes stayed on top of Kendrick and went for an early pin, ONE... Kendrick quickly kicked out.
Rhodes reached down and pulled Kendrick up to his feet in an attempt to keep control, but Kendrick suddenly grabbed hold of Rhodes then dropped down to his knees and hit a jawbreaker, launching Rhodes backwards. Kendrick and Rhodes quickly got back up to their feet, but Kendrick ran in and took Rhodes down again with a jumping calf kick to the face. Rhodes staggered backwards into the ropes and Kendrick went after him then whipped him into the ropes, then when Cody came back Kendrick caught him with a hip toss. Rhodes fought back up to his feet, but Kendrick grabbed him and whipped him into the corner. Kendrick ran at Rhodes then jumped up onto him in the corner and did a back-flip off of him, Kendrick quickly jumped back up and took Rhodes down with a dropkick, Dr. Smoothie's Secret Recipe. Kendrick quickly went for a pin, ONE… T… Rhodes grabbed the bottom rope.
Kendrick reached down and went to pull Rhodes back up, but Rhodes grabbed Kendrick's legs and pulled them up, knocking Kendrick on his back. Rhodes kept his hold on Kendrick's legs and flipped over him for a bridge pin, ONE… TW… Kendrick kicked out. Rhodes rolled away from Kendrick and got up to his feet in his corner, and watched Kendrick do the same across the ring from him. Holly suddenly reached out and tagged himself in, he was tired of being an idle spectator and wanted to show Rhodes how it was done. Cody looked a little upset, but got out of the ring and onto the ring apron anyway.
Holly and Kendrick met each other in the middle of the ring, Holly charged and went for a clothesline, but Kendrick ducked it and ran passed him. Kendrick and Holly both turned around at the same time, but Holly struck first and chopped Kendrick hard across the chest. Kendrick staggered backwards in surprise, allowing Holly to follow up and hit another brutal chop, sending Kendrick staggering backwards into the ropes. Holly pushed Kendrick back into the ropes then whipped him across the ring and into the ropes, when Kendrick bounced off of the ropes and came back, Holly jumped up into the air and leveled Kendrick with a big dropkick to the face. Holly quickly made a cover, ONE… TWO… Kendrick kicked out.
Holly got up and pulled Kendrick up to his feet with him, then he whipped Kendrick into the corner. Holly charged at Kendrick and went for a clothesline, but Kendrick dove out of the way, causing Holly to run full speed into the turnbuckle. Kendrick had launched himself in London's direction, so he quickly lunged at London again and made a tag. London came in the ring just as Holly was recovering. London met Holly in the middle of the ring, but Holly took control with a chop to the chest then whipped London into the ropes. Holly bent down and went for a back body drop, but London held onto the ropes, then ran forward and jumped up into the air, and drove his feet down into Holly's back for a mushroom stomp. London quickly capitalized and rolled Holly onto his back for a pin, ONE… TWO… Holly kicked out.
London got up and grabbed Holly for a headlock and went to pull him up to his feet, but Holly suddenly grabbed London and shot up to his feet with London on his shoulders, ALABAMA SLAM--LONDON COUNTERED WITH A ROLL UP! ONE… TWO… TH… Holly managed to kick out. London pulled Holly back up to his feet and dragged him into the corner, then tagged in Kendrick. London and Kendrick whipped Holly across the ring and into the ropes. When Holly came back he ran into a pair of elbows from the Tag Team Champions, knocking him onto his back. London stood on one side of Holly and held his hands together, Kendrick stood on the other side, then jumped over and onto London's hands, then back-flipped off and landed on top of Holly for a moonsault. London backed up into the corner as Kendrick went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… Holly managed to kick out.
Kendrick pulled Holly back up to his feet, then whipped him into the corner. Kendrick ran at Holly and jumped up into the air and nailed him with a crossbody into the turnbuckle. Kendrick quickly jumped back up and placed both of his feet on the middle rope, then he grabbed Holly and dropped onto his back, launching Holly across the ring with a monkey flip. Kendrick got back up to his feet and went back to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope. Kendrick lunged across the ring and went for a spinning frogsplash, LEFT TURN AT ALBEQUERQUE... HOLLY MOVED OUT OF THE WAY! Both Kendrick and Holly were down, Rhodes and London shouted encouragement from their respective corners and urged their partners to get up and tag them.
Both Kendrick and Holly started crawling to their corners, then they fought up to their feet and made simultaneous diving tags to their partners. The fans cheered and London and Rhodes came in all fired up. The two competitors charged at each other and Rhodes took down London with a clothesline. London got back up but Rhodes took him down with another clothesline. Then Cody pulled London up to his and hoisted him up into the air, then nailed a vertical suplex. With London down, Rhodes went to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope.
London staggered up to his feet and still seemed out of it, then he turned to face Rhodes in the corner. Rhodes lunged off of the turnbuckle and went for a crossbody, but London suddenly jumped up DROPSAULT IN MIDAIR! Both men came crashing down to the mat hard, Rhodes on his back and London on his stomach. London struggled and pushed himself up on his hands and knees, then up to his feet. London ran across the ring and jumped over Rhodes, then leaped up onto the top turnbuckle. London turned around looking to finish Rhodes off, but Holly came in and attempted to make the save.
Across the ring, Kendrick got to his feet and ran at Holly then jumped up onto his shoulders, Kendrick spun around then took both of them over the top rope and out of the ring with a hurricurana. London lunged up off of the top rope and did a front flip in the air then came crashing down on Rhodes… FOUR FIFTY SPLASH!!! London went for the cover, ONE… TWO… THREE! HE GOT IT! LONDON AND KENDRICK RETAIN!
London and Kendrick's theme hit as London fought to his feet and raised his arms up in the air. He was soon joined in the ring by Kendrick and they both celebrated together. The referee came over and handed them their belts back then they quickly left the ring and headed back up the ramp. Holly and Dusty Rhodes got in the ring and stared at the departing tag team champions then glanced down at Cody who was attempting to get back up. Dusty helped his son back up to his feet while Holly shook his head. The three men then turned their attention to the departing tag team champions.
London left for a second then came back with a mic, "Guys," said London, "you fought hard but you came up a little short." London handed the mic over to Kendrick.
"If you ever want another shot, you know where we are," continued Kendrick, "we're always up to putting our belts on the line." With that London and Kendrick turned and headed to the back. The cameras went back to Holly and the two Rhodes', Cody glanced at his father then turned to Holly. Holly shrugged, they might take them up on that offer. With that Raw went to a commercial break.
---x---
Raw was still live from Bridgeport, Eric Bischoff had gone out to the ring and was running his mouth, but Jericho came out and confronted him, then knocked the former GM on his ass. Orton came out and tried to attack Jericho, but Y2J fought back and ended up getting Orton locked in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho's theme hit and he headed to the back, but then the camera cut and showed Machetti in the interview area with Todd Grisham. Machetti was dressed in his wrestling gear and was ready to compete, his title match was up next. It was announced on WWE Mobile and WWE(dot)com that the title match was going to be a Ladder Match. But before Grisham could even ask his question, Maria came over and took the mic from him. "Todd, do you mind if I take this one?" Maria asked sweetly.
"Uh… sure…" answered Grisham.
"Thank you!" said Maria as she shot Todd a smile. Grisham walked off screen leaving Machetti and Maria on their own. "So Machetti, tonight you're facing Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental Title, how do you feel?"
Machetti smiled at Maria then answered, "Maria, I'm psyched for this match. I've got a few things to make up for."
"Machetti, in case you haven't heard," continued Maria, "your title match is a Ladder Match. You're going to have to beat Jeff Hardy at his own game tonight if you want to win the title."
"Well I plan on giving this match everything I have," said Machetti, "I'm going to make the most of this opportunity and I am going to win the Intercontinental Title. Even if I have to beat Jeff Hardy in his own match. You see a little over a year ago I won the Intercontinental Title from Jeff Hardy, but only two weeks later I lost it. But I wasn't even pinned!" That was true, it had been an No-DQ Triple Threat Match between him, Hardy, and Nitro. Big Show and Umaga had come out and attacked Machetti and brutalized him on the stage, causing him to get carted off on a stretcher while the match was still going on. "Do you have any idea what its like to get chokeslammed onto the steel stage, then get carted out on a stretcher while your title match is still going on? Do you have any idea what its like to be lying, barely conscious, backstage then to hear the bell ringing, meaning you just lost your title and there was nothing you could do about it? I didn't even get my rematch!" Machetti paused again and took a deep breath, "but tonight… tonight I get to make up for that. Tonight when I beat Jeff Hardy and I win that Intercontinental Title for the second time, I'm going to make up for my last reign. I'm going to have a title run to be proud of. I'm going to hold onto that belt without any intentions on letting go!" Machetti turned and stared directly into the camera, "Jeff Hardy, you had better have your 'A Game' because it's going to take everything short of an entire army to stop me from walking away with the Intercontinental Championship!"
Machetti took another deep breath, then turned and walked off camera. "Hey, wait for me!" Maria called after him as she ran off screen. The camera faded and then Raw went to a commercial.
---x---
Raw was back and the bell rang signaling the start of the next match. The Intercontinental Title was shown hanging from a hook in preparation for the Ladder Match that was about to take place. Riot Time played in the arena and the fans popped loudly as Machetti came out from the back with Maria. "The following contest is a Ladder Match, and is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! The first superstar to climb the ladder and take down the championship will be the winner! Introducing first, being accompanied by Maria, the challenger, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds, Machetti!" Machetti wasn't sprinting down to the ring tonight. He was walking down with Maria beside him, looking extremely determined. Machetti stopped at the steps and Maria took his hand and wished him good luck. Machetti nodded then went up the steps and got in the ring. Machetti walked across the ring and stood against the ropes and stared up at the Intercontinental Championship, then turned his attention to the entrance ramp.
Machetti didn't have to wait long, because Jeff Hardy's theme soon hit and the fans rose to their feet and cheered as the 'Rainbow Haired Warrior' came out from the back. "And the opponent, from Cameron North Carolina, weighing in at two hundred and twenty five, he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion, JEFF HARDY!" Jeff ran down to the ring and went up the steps and got in. Since he had appeared on the entrance ramp, Machetti hadn't taken his eyes off of him. The bell had already rang so this thing was underway.
Hardy and Machetti circled around the ring looking to see who had the advantage. Both of them were fast, and both of them were unorthodox and innovative. Both of them seemed determined to win the match. Jeff only had a ten pound weight advantage over Machetti, which wouldn't add up to much of an advantage. Hardy didn't even have his Champion's advantages due to this being a Ladder Match. Hardy might have the advantage involving experience as far as Ladder Matches go, but Machetti was used to climbing ladders and fighting in hardcore matches as well, he was a former ECW World Champion anyway. For the most part, they were an even match. The only thing that could be said for this one, was that the fans needed to hang on and enjoy the ride.
They reached out for a lock up, but Hardy quickly turned it into a wrist lock. Machetti pulled away from Hardy then rolled forward and straightened his arm, then pulled Hardy towards him and went for a clothesline, but Jeff ducked underneath it, then quickly spun around behind Machetti. Machetti whirled around in time to catch Hardy's leg as he lashed it out at his stomach. Hardy brought up his other leg and went for a mule kick, but Machetti had it scouted and ducked his head down, causing Jeff's leg to go over his head. Machetti grabbed onto Hardy's legs and pinned them to his sides, then Machetti launched Hardy over his head for a release German suplex, but Hardy flew through the air, but ended up landing on his feet. Machetti spun around and the two competitors faced each other in another stare down. The fans cheered that first exchange between the two competitors, if that was what the rest of this match was going to be like, then there was no way in hell they were going for popcorn now!
Hardy and Machetti went for another lock up, Jeff hit a knee to the stomach then whipped Machetti into the ropes. Hardy charged at Machetti as he came back, but Machetti jumped up and leap-frogged Hardy. Both competitors turned around and Machetti jumped up for a spinning wheel kick, but Hardy ducked down and ran under Machetti's leg, causing the kick to go over his head. Then they both quickly spun around, Jeff grabbed Machetti and sent him flying with an arm drag, but while in mid air Machetti spun around and ended up landing on his feet. Jeff turned around and charged at Machetti, but Machetti jumped up and went for a corkscrew dropkick, only it missed because Hardy dropped down and did a baseball slide and went under Machetti. Jeff shot back up and grabbed Machetti and went for a hip toss, but Machetti blocked it and went for one of his own, only for Hardy to block that as well. Jeff pushed Machetti away from him then charged forward and went for a flying forearm but Machetti ducked under it then lashed out his leg as Jeff turned around looking for a super kick. Jeff saw the kick coming and dropped down onto his ass, then rolled away from Machetti and got back up to his feet. Again the two competitors had a stand off.
They met in the middle of the ring and Machetti went to whip Hardy into the corner, but Hardy reversed it and sent Machetti into the opposite corner then charged after him. As he reached the corner Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope, then did a back-flip, causing him to go over Hardy's head and land safely behind him. Jeff spun around as Machetti charged forward and backed him into the corner. Machetti climbed up onto the middle rope and went to rain down some right hands, but Hardy grabbed onto Machetti's sides and pulled him away from the corner. Machetti found himself sitting on Hardy's shoulders, Hardy went to capitalized with a running powerbomb, but Machetti countered and sent Hardy flying with a hurricurana. Jeff rolled over to the ropes and pulled himself back up to his feet and turned to face Machetti who had a smirk on his face. As far as he was concerned he had come out on top in that exchange.
Some of the fans cheered and started chanting Let's Go Machetti! But in response other fans started chanting Let's Go Hardy! The fans exchanged chants for a while, Hardy and Machetti stared down most of the time and let the fans get it out of their system. The chants of LET'S GO HARDY! and LET'S GO MACHETTI! filled the arena, the cameras panned around the audience for a moment and showed that almost every fan was chanting one or the other.
Hardy and Machetti met in the middle of the ring and locked up, but Jeff turned it into a side headlock, then took Machetti down and flipped him onto his back with a snapmare. He kept the hold he had around Machetti's neck, but Machetti brought his legs up and wrapped them around Jeff's head for a head scissors. Hardy released his hold and both men scrambled back up to their feet. Jeff quickly grabbed Machetti and sent him flying with an arm drag, but while he was flying through the air Machetti spun to the side and got his legs around Hardy's head, and countered with a hurricurana. Hardy fought up onto his hands and knees but Machetti suddenly ran over and hit a low dropkick to Hardy's side, sending Jeff flying under the bottom rope and down to the floor.
Machetti quickly got back up to his feet, but Hardy was a little slower and had to use the ring apron for some assistance. Machetti sprinted across the ring and went to hit Hardy with a baseball slide, but Jeff side-stepped it, then grabbed Machetti's legs and threw him down on the floor next to him. Machetti landed with a thud, but Hardy kept his hold on Machetti's legs, then jumped up and delivered his signature leg drop to the groin. Hardy got back up while Machetti thrashed around on the ground in pain. Around the corner Maria seemed to flinch also then she glared at Hardy as if to say, "Don't do that again!"
Hardy raised his arms up the air in protest then turned and lifted the ring apron, then pulled out a ladder. Hardy got in the ring after the ladder but didn't set it up because he noticed Machetti getting up to his feet. Jeff turned and ran across the ring then dove through the ropes for a suicide dive, but Machetti dove out of the way, causing Hardy to crash to the ground then roll into the announce table. Machetti got back up and got in the ring, then he went over to the ladder and set it up. Outside of the ring Hardy was pulling himself up with the announce table, but back inside the ring Machetti was climbing the ladder and going for the gold.
But as Machetti was reaching for the title Hardy climbed up onto the ring apron, then hoisted himself up onto the top rope and springboarded across the ring and hit the ladder with a dropkick. The ladder toppled to the side, taking Machetti with it. But as the ladder was coming crashing down Machetti jumped off of it and over the rapidly approaching top rope, he quickly got his hands up and grabbed onto the top rope, then skinned the cat and got back in the ring. Machetti turned around and shook his head at Hardy, "Not gonna happen."
Machetti walked passed the toppled ladder and met Hardy in the middle of the ring. Machetti hit a knee to the stomach then whipped Hardy into the corner. Machetti ran at Hardy did a handspring then landed in front of the turnbuckle before doing a front-flip and going back-first into Hardy for the turnbuckle senton. Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope and grabbed onto Jeff, but Hardy pushed Machetti backwards so he landed on the mat in front of him. Hardy grabbed Machetti's arm then jumped up onto the top rope. Hardy lunged off of the turnbuckle and did a back-flip looking to plant Machetti with a DDT. But when Hardy launched off of the turnbuckle Machetti stepped backwards then caught him on his shoulder, Machetti turned and ran across the ring, looking for a running powerslam, but as Machetti raced across the ring, Hardy slipped off of Machetti's shoulder and pushed Machetti forward, causing Machetti's head to go into the ring post.
Hardy left Machetti leaning in the corner and went over to the ladder and set it up back in the middle of the ring. Hardy cast a glance at Machetti who had pulled himself away from the ring post and was holding his head in his hands, then began climbing up the ladder looking to grab the title belt. But when Hardy was half-way up the ladder Machetti got back up to his feet and darted over to the ladder, but instead of climbing up the opposite side from Hardy as expected, Machetti climbed up the same side of the ladder Hardy had just gone up. Machetti quickly climbed up the ladder after Hardy and Jeff soon found himself sitting on Machetti's shoulders. Machetti reached up and grabbed onto Hardy's sides, then launched backwards off of the ladder and drove Hardy down to the mat with an electric chair drop. Both men were down and Raw went to a commercial break.
Raw came back and Machetti was nearing the top of the ladder and was reaching for the belt, but Hardy had managed to pull himself up with the ropes. Jeff got out of the ring and onto the ring apron, then hoisted himself up onto the top rope and launched himself up into the air and onto the ladder and Machetti's back. Hardy quickly hooked his arms around Machetti's neck and locked in a sleeper hold. Machetti was torn between trying to get Hardy off of him or attempting to hang onto the ladder and not fall. Machetti decided that he wanted to stay on the ladder so he reached out and wrapped his arms around the ladder in front of him. But since Machetti had opted to hold onto the ladder, Hardy was able to keep the sleeper hold locked in, so now Machetti was fading fast.
Eventually Machetti slumped down against the ladder, barely keeping his hold on it. Hardy took advantage of this and released the sleeper hold, then reached up to grab the Intercontinental Title. Hardy got his hands on the belt and was attempting to take it down. But now that he was no longer in the sleeper hold Machetti managed to recover and saw Hardy trying to pull down the belt. Machetti took his arms off of the ladder and launched himself backwards and off of the ladder, taking Hardy down with him! Both men went crashing to the mat, Jeff stayed in the ring, but Machetti rolled under the bottom rope and dropped down to the floor.
Maria ran around the ring and dropped down next to Machetti to check on him. Maria sat Machetti up and asked him if he was okay, Machetti shrugged, and told her he'd be alright. Maria helped Machetti up, but seeing how Hardy was still down Machetti lifted the ring skirt then pulled out… not a ladder… but a pair of tables. Machetti and Maria worked together and set up the tables next to each other at ringside. Machetti smiled at Maria then climbed back up onto the ring apron and got in the ring. Machetti stepped over Hardy and took the ladder over to the ropes and moved it out of the way. Machetti went back to Hardy and whipped him across the ring then stood near the ropes and bent down for a back body drop, looking to take Hardy out of the ring and through the tables, but Hardy put on the breaks and kicked Machetti in the face, causing his head to snap up.
Hardy slipped passed Machetti and got out of the ring and onto the ring apron, then he grabbed Machetti and attempted to suplex him out of the ring, but Machetti quickly got his leg in between the ropes and kept himself from being taken out of the ring. Machetti grabbed Hardy and brought his leg back in the ring, then he lifted Hardy up and suplexed him back into the ring. Machetti got up and ran at Hardy then hit a running shooting star press. Machetti rolled off of Hardy and got back up then he folded up the ladder and brought it over to the corner. Machetti got out of the ring and climbed up onto the top rope. Machetti held onto the ladder then launched himself out of the corner looking to squish Hardy under the ladder, but Jeff rolled out of the way, causing Machetti and the ladder to slam hard into the mat.
Hardy got back up to his feet and pulled Machetti up off of the ladder, then he lifted him up onto the air and slammed him stomach-first down onto the ladder. Hardy rolled Machetti off of the ladder and onto his back, then he got up and ran to the corner and climbed up onto the top rope, and launched himself off… SWANTON BOMB! Machetti thrashed down on the mat while Hardy rolled over to the ropes and pulled himself up to his feet. Hardy got the ladder and set it up in the middle of the ring, then started climbing. Hardy was reaching for the gold when Machetti fought to his feet and started climbing up the ladder. Hardy couldn't get the belt down in time so he abandoned his efforts and got ready to fight Machetti off.
Both men were now on top of the ladder, Hardy hit Machetti with a hook to the face, but Machetti came back with one of his own. Hardy swayed backwards but came right back and hit Machetti with another hook, causing Machetti to sway backwards. But Machetti grabbed onto the top of the ladder and kept himself from falling. Hardy took advantage and went off on Machetti with a string of three hard right hands. Hardy climbed up another rung and pulled Machetti up with him, now they were both at the very top of the ladder. Hardy grabbed Machetti with a side headlock… TWIST OF FATE OFF OF THE TOP OF THE LADDER!! The fans jumped to their feet and started chanting HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!Maria screamed and ran around the ring and stood outside of the ring from where Machetti had landed. As best as Maria could tell, Machetti was out cold.
Hardy wasn't fairing too well either. While he had been the one to hit the move, he had still taken a big bump when he came off of the ladder. He struggled up to his feet then grabbed onto the ladder and started climbing. Maria shouted at Machetti to wake up and that Jeff was going for the belt. Machetti groaned and said something to Maria, Maria looked confused but despite that she got on her knees and lifted the ring apron then pulled out a steel chair. Maria slid the chair into the ring and over to Machetti. Jeff was nearing the top of the ladder and didn't notice Machetti struggling up to his feet with the chair. Machetti suddenly stood and connected with a vicious chair shot to Hardy's back. Hardy went limp and slumped against the ladder.
Machetti put the chair down and climbed up the other side of the ladder and met Hardy at the top. Machetti pulled Hardy up off of the ground and lifted him up in front of him, MACHETE'S BLADE OFF OF THE TOP OF THE LADDER!! Machetti came crashing down on top of Hardy and again the fans jumped to their feet and started chanting HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! Both men had just fallen ten feet, twice if you include the Twist of Fate, both of them were down and were showing no signs of life, with the exception being that Machetti had rolled off of Hardy and was lying on his back now.
Maria ran around the ring to where Machetti was lying now, then she reached in and grabbed his hand, silently urging him back up to his feet. If Machetti could capitalize here, he could probably get the belt! Machetti suddenly closed his hand around Maria's then pulled his feet in and sat up. Machetti glanced from Maria, to Hardy, to the ladder, and to the title overhead, then he rolled to the side and slowly pulled himself up with the ropes. The Machetti fans cheered as Machetti staggered over to the ladder and started climbing up it.
Machetti was halfway up the ladder when Hardy pulled himself up and sat against the ropes. Machetti was at the top of the ladder when Hardy managed to pull himself up to his feet. Machetti was about to grab the belt when suddenly Hardy jumped up onto the middle rope, springboarded off of it and… HARDY DROPKICKED THE LADDER! The ladder fell to the side and Machetti came off of it and went plummeting down to the floor, Maria let out a scream as she watched Machetti fall to the floor and rushed over to his side.
In the ring both Hardy and the ladder were down. Well, the ladder was leaning against the top rope, but Hardy was on his back in the middle of the ring. Hardy eventually struggled to his feet and went over to the ladder, then he righted it so it was standing straight and was back up in the middle of the ring. Hardy grabbed hold of the ladder and started climbing. But outside of the ring Maria had pulled Machetti up to his feet, and once he was able to stand on his own, Machetti got in the ring and then climbed up the ladder and once again met Hardy at the top.
Hardy got in the first punch and connected with a hook to the side of the face. Machetti swayed backwards, then came back and swung at Hardy, but Hardy ducked down, causing Machetti's fist to go over his head. Jeff shot out his arms and shoved Machetti backwards, causing him to fall off of the ladder and go crashing down to the mat. Hardy glanced up at the title belt then down at Machetti. But instead of grabbing the belt and winning the match, Jeff climbed up another rung and called for the Swanton! SWANTON BO—MACHETTI MOVED!! Hardy hit the mat back-first as Machetti struggled back up and over to the ropes. Machetti then rushed at Jeff and hit a low dropkick, launching Hardy under the bottom rope and out of the ring, causing him to go crashing down in front of the announce table.
Jeff had made a big mistake by going for that Swanton, now Machetti could capitalize. The challenger got back up then turned to Maria and smiled, Hardy was out of the ring and all he had to do was climb the ladder and get the belt. Machetti went back over to the ladder and started climbing up the ladder with his back to the entrance ramp and the wooden tables he had set up with Maria. Machetti eventually reached the top of the ladder and reached up for the belt, but suddenly Hardy pulled himself up onto the ring apron, then hoisted himself up onto the top rope, then he springboarded off of the ropes and landed on the ladder across from Machetti.
Hardy climbed the rest of the way up the ladder and connected with a shot to Machetti's stomach. But Machetti came back with a right to Hardy's face, and then went for a left, but Hardy reached up and caught Machetti's arm, then pinned it to his side with his arm. Machetti went to hit another right, but Hardy caught that arm as well and pinned it to his other side. Machetti had no use of his arms, but suddenly he shot his head forward and drove it into Hardy's for a headbutt. Machetti had caught Jeff off guard and had gotten all of the headbutt. Machetti quickly climbed the rest of the way up the ladder, then jumped up onto Hardy's shoulders, HURRICURANA OFF OF THE LADDER! Hardy went flying off of the ladder, across the ring, and over the top rope, and THROUGH THE TWO TABLES AT RINGSIDE!! The fans jumped back up to their feet and changed HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!Some of them were wondering if Hardy was even alive after that!
Machetti got back up and grabbed onto the ladder, then started climbing up. He reached the top and grabbed the belt, undid the clip and pulled it down. MACHETTI GOT THE BELT! ITS OVER! MACHETTI IS THE NEW CHAMPION! Riot Time hit as Machetti put the belt on his shoulder and climbed back down the ladder. "Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner and the NEW, WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION, MACHETTI!!" The fans applauded as Maria rushed into the ring and gave Machetti a bone-crushing hug, that showed because Machetti winced seeing how many times he fell off of the top of the ladder. Maria let go of the hug and went to raise Machetti's arm up into the air, but Machetti suddenly grabbed her and kissed her as hard as he could. The fans that weren't looking at Hardy for signs of life, "Woo-ed". When they broke apart Maria helped Machetti out of the ring but before they went up the ramp Machetti turned and watched the referees that had rushed to the ring dig Hardy out of the remains of the tables.
Machetti let go of Maria and staggered over to Hardy and held the Intercontinental Championship in front of him. Jeff opened his eyes and stared at Machetti with a glazed over look in his eyes. "Nice job, Jeff," said Machetti, "when you want your rematch, let me know." Machetti turned away from Hardy and allowed Maria to grab his arm and help him up the entrance ramp to the back. With that Raw went to a commercial break.
---x---
Vince McMahon was shown in the ring he was ready to announce the Greatest Superstar in Raw History. Vince McMahon made a big production of opening the envelope and pulling out a paper. Vince McMahon then announced that he, Vince McMahon was the Greatest Superstar in Raw History. But then a car crash hit, followed by Mick Foley's theme music. Mankind came out from the back and headed down to the ring. Vince berated Mankind and told him he was not the Greatest Superstar and to deal with it. In response Mankind shove Mr. Socko down McMahon's throat and locked in the Mandible Claw. McMahon passed out and Mankind laid the Chairman out on the mat. But then a gong chimed.
The lights went blue and the Undertaker's theme hit. Mankind left and Undertaker came down to the ring, where Vince was still laid out. McMahon eventually got up only to get chokeslammed by the Dead Man. The lights then went out and then came back on, Undertaker was gone and McMahon was alone in the ring. McMahon laid there unconscious, but then the glass shattered and Stone Cold Steve Austin's them hit. The Texas Rattlesnake came down to the ring and got two beers then told McMahon that he wanted to share a beer with him in order to celebrate the Raw Fifteenth Anniversary.
The Chairman eventually got back up and took a sip of beer, only to get hit with a Stone Cold Stunner. Austin called for more beer and celebrated in the ring, after a while Austin grabbed the mic and said that the greatest superstars wasn't on the card, and isn't the ring, but around it. Austin explained that all the fans are what made Raw special and that they are the greatest superstar. "And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold says so!" Austin again called for some more beer.
But suddenly Riot Time hit and the new Intercontinental Champion, Machetti came out from the back wearing a pair of jeans, an opened black Hawaiian Shirt with white lilies on it, and the Intercontinental Title belt wrapped around his waist. Clearly he had been celebrating his win backstage. "Hey Austin," called Machetti in an attempt to get Stone Cold's attention, "Austin!"
"What do ya want kid?" asked Stone Cold.
"Is this a private party? Or can anyone join in?" Austin smirked as Machetti made his way down the ramp and got in the ring.
"I like your style, kid," commented Austin, "so let's find out!" Austin turned to the fans, "If you wanna see Stone Cold Steve Austin share a beer with Machetti, give me a 'hell yeah'!" HELL YEAH! "Does that answer your question?"
"Yup," said Machetti, "so what are you waiting for! Get some beer!"
Austin caught two cans of beer and tossed them to Machetti then caught two more for himself. They each went to one corner of the ring and guzzled the beer, Austin did them both at the same time, but Machetti did it only one at a time. "Hey Austin," said Machetti as he climbed down off of the turnbuckle and picked up his mic from before, "I've got a better idea!"
"A better idea than having a beer bash with Old Stone Cold?" questioned Austin, "this I've gotta hear!"
Machetti smiled, "Well, this is the Fifteenth Anniversary of Raw right? Why don't we have a party to be proud of!" Machetti turned to the entrance ramp. "I want everyone in the back to get their ass out here!" With that the Raw Theme To Be Loved by Papa Roach hit. HHH, HBK, and Hornswoggle came through the curtain followed by London, Kendrick, and Maira, and then the rest of the Raw Roster. Even the Legends that had appeared before were there. Most of the superstars got in the ring, while some stood around and drank beer on the outside. McMahon tried to get back in the ring, but he slipped and fell and had beer dump on him by HHH, Austin, and Hornswoggle. Machetti left the ring and shared a beer with Kane, then he caught another two beers and climbed up on the barricade and stared out at the fans then downed both of those. All of the superstars and divas, past and present were celebrating and drinking in the ring as Raw came to a close and went off the air.
---x---
There you go, hope you enjoyed the chapter. I thought that was a really good Raw and definitely made good on the three hour time slot. Machetti's the Intercontinental Champion, what do I have in store? You'll find out eventually.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!