Chapter Seventy-Three: WrestleMania Preview
--x--
(A/N: There will be no Jericho/Punk vs. MVP/Carlito tag team match. I have something a little bit better in mind.)
--x--
Raw was live from Columbia, North Carolina, just six days away from WrestleMania. Raw came back from the commercial and showed William Regal walking backstage, the Raw General Manager had just made a big eight-man tag match WrestleMania Showcase for tonight's main event. "Oh, there you are," said Regal as he stopped walking. The camera panned to the side and the fans cheered when it revealed WWE Intercontinental Champion Machetti standing there holding his title and dressed to compete.
"Interesting match you just made there," commented Machetti.
"Yes, I'm on a roll," agreed Regal. "You see, I just came up with your match as well. Triple H might have saved you last week, but tonight you're going to get everything you have coming to you."
"Is that so?" questioned the IC Champion.
"Yes it is," replied the GM. "Last week you were in a handicap match, so I decided to put on in one again tonight. In a special Money in the Bank Match preview you are going to be taking on Mr. Kennedy, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, the United States Champion MVP, and one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison."
"Are you kidding me? Five-on-one!?" asked Machetti in surprise.
"Actually, no," admitted Regal. "As enjoyable as that would be for me. I decided to put all eight of you in the match. So tonight you will be teaming up with Chris Jericho and CM Punk for a three-on-five handicap match."
"Great," said Machetti with a sarcastic tone and a force smile. "Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
"Don't use that attitude with me, Sunshine," scolded Regal. "But yes there is. In fact, there are two things I wanted to tell you. First, Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero was so impressed with how you helped Batista get the better of Umanga last week that she wanted you on Smackdown this week."
"Really? What for?" asked Machetti.
"I believe she had some sort of Inter-Promotional Match in mind," Regal told him. "I'm sending everyone else over there for either ECW or Smackdown already, so I don't see why I can't send you along with them. I'll enjoy what happens no matter the outcome. You see, if you win, you make the Raw Brand look stronger, and make me look good, but if you lose you get another beating and lose all hope of having momentum heading into WrestleMania."
"Sounds like I'm in for a fun week," Machetti commented sarcastically. "You said there was something else?"
"Yes, there was," replied Regal with an evil smile. "I already informed your partners and your opponents of the handicap match, and it's up next. You'd better get out there." Regal's smile grew even bigger as he turned and headed off looking pleased with himself.
"Son of a bitch," muttered Machetti as he hefted his title onto his shoulder then headed off of the ring.
--x--
The cameras cut to the arena and the bell rang to get everyone's attention. Raw ring announcer Lillian Garcia stood in the ring with a mic. "Ladies and gentlemen the following five-on-three handicap match is scheduled for one-fall…" I'm Coming hit as Smackdown's United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter came down to the ring, "Introducing first, representing Smackdown, he is the United States Champion, MVP!" Pyro went off as MVP came down to the ring carrying his title, looking cocky and confident.
Once Porter was in the ring Ain't No Stoppin' Me played and ECW's Gold Standard came out from the back and headed down to the ring. "Representing ECW, Shelton BENJAMIN!" announced Lillian as Shelton slid into the ring and stood next to MVP. Benjamin's theme cut… I SPIT IN THE FACE OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO BE COOL! "Representing Raw, CARLITO!" Carlito Caribbean Cool strutted down to the ring, looking confident, his team had the advantage heading into this match and everyone knew it. Carlito joined his two partners in the ring and they all faced the TitanTron.
Ain't No Make Believe played and John Morrison came out from the back walking in slow motion with his hair flowing behind him. "Representing Smackdown, he is one half of the tag team champions, JOHN MORRISON!" Morrison eventually made it down to the ring and got in along with his partners. Turn Up the Trouble hit and Raw's resident loud mouth Mr. Kennedy came out from the back as the fifth man on his team. "And representing Raw, MISTER KENNEDY!" Kennedy got in the ring and nodded at his partners then stood in the middle of the ring and reached up into the air, calling for his mic.
The mic was lowered from the rafters to Kennedy's raised hand and he turned to face his four partners for the match. "I don't know about you guys," began Kennedy. "But the way I see it, Raw General Manager William Regal gave us a golden opportunity on a silver platter. There are five of us and only three of our opponents, we have the advantage in this match and can use it to its fullest. I suggest that we all work together and inflict as much pain and brutality as humanly possible on our three opponents, so that come WrestleMania, the Money in the Bank will just come down to the five of us. and the three of them won't even be able to make it there." Kennedy smirked evilly and faced each of the other four, one by one they all nodded and agreed to be as brutal as possible in an attempt to eliminate the competition.
"Now that we're all on the same page," continued Kennedy as he turned away from his partners. "Our opponents, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, and Machetti, are in for a beating at the hands of John Morrison, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, and MISSTEEERR KENNEDY…" Kennedy cut off and went to the corner then climbed up on the middle rope. "KENNEDY!!"
But suddenly the lights turn on and Jericho's Save Us theme hit and the count down played on the TitanTron. When it reached zero pyro exploded and Break the Wall Down sounded through the arena. "And the opponents, first, representing Raw, CHRIS JERICHO!" Jericho headed down to the ring but stopped short of getting in, he knew better than getting in the ring when there were five men already in it looking to do him physical harm.
This Fire Burns played and the fans cheered loudly as the Straight Edge Superstar ran out from the back and headed down the ramp. "And the partner, representing ECW, C. M. PUNK!!" Punk came down the ramp and stood next to Jericho, there best bet was to get in the ring when their entire team was there.
As if on cue Punk's music cut and was replaced by Riot Time. The fans kept cheering as the Raw Intercontinental Champion came out from the back and stood on the top of the entrance ramp with the title wrapped around his waist. Machetti raised his arms in the air and did a standing back-flip, when he landed white pyro erupted on both sides of him. "And representing Raw, he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion, MACHETTI!!" Machetti came to a stop in between Jericho and Punk, both of them glared at him, neither of them was pleased about being but in this match. While on the other hand, their five opponents were practically foaming in the mouth waiting for them to get in the ring. But before anything else could happen Raw cut to a commercial break.
--x--
Raw came back, during the break the referee had established order and the eight competitors were in their respective corners for the handicap match, both teams were still deciding who was going to start it. Punk and Jericho 'decided' by shoving Machetti into the ring. "You got us into this, so you're going to start off," reasoned Jericho as he and Punk got out onto the ring apron. Machetti shrugged then turned around and ducked a clothesline from Carlito, who had elected to start the match for his team. Machetti and Carlito immediately started trading punches, Machetti got in some hard rights while Carlito hit a series lefts.
Machetti eventually ducked a left from Carlito, then hit a big uppercut, then followed up with three straight right hands backing Carlito up into the ropes. Machetti went to whip Carlito across the ring, but Carlito reversed it. Machetti went across the ring and bounced off the ropes, Carlito ducked down looking for a back body drop, but Machetti jumped up and drove his feet down into Carlito's back for a mushroom stomp, then he quickly rolled Carlito onto his back and went for an early pin, ONE… Carlito kicked out.
Machetti got off of Carlito and pulled him up to his feet then whipped him into an empty corner. Machetti ran at Carlito did a handspring and then a front-flip TURNBUCKLE SENTON!! Machetti stepped back then jumped up and sent Carlito flying across the ring with a hurricurana, then got back up and climbed up onto the top rope, he launched himself out of the corner and came crashing down on Carlito, DIVING HEADBUTT! Machetti hooked Carlito's leg and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH… Carlito got his shoulder up.
Machetti stood up then pulled Carlito up with him and whipped him into the corner Jericho and Punk were in. Machetti ran to the corner jumped up into the air and hit a turnbuckle body splash, then he landed and reached out to tag in CM Punk. Punk got in the ring and backed up into the middle of it while Machetti got out onto the apron. Punk ran at Carlito and hit a running knee to the stomach, then ran forward and drove his face down to the mat for a bulldog. Punk got off of Carlito and went to the corner, then got out of the ring onto the ring apron. Carlito staggered back up to his feet and Carlito hoisted himself up onto the top rope SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE!! Punk made a cover for another pin, ONE… TWO… THR… Carlito kicked out.
Punk got up and dragged Carlito up to his feet then pulled him to his corner and tagged in Jericho. Jericho got in the ring and grabbed hold or Carlito and put his right arm over his shoulder while Punk did the same for Carlito's left arm. Punk and Jericho lifted Carlito up into the air then slammed him down for a double vertical suplex. Punk got out of the way while Jericho ran to the ropes and jumped up onto the middle one, LIONSAULT—MVP PULLED CARLITO OUT OF THE WAY! MVP had reached into the ring and dragged Carlito out of harms way, Jericho crashed and burned and went face-first into the mat. Carlito rolled to the corner and tagged in Shelton, but before the Gold Standard could get him, Jericho lunged into his corner and tagged in Machetti.
Machetti rushed into the ring and took Benjamin down with a clothesline, then ran to the ropes and took Benjamin down with another one. Machetti pulled Shelton up and whipped him into the ropes, then ducked down and launched him up into the air for a back body drop. Benjamin when crashing down to the ground, then Machetti ran to the ropes BUT MVP KNEED HIM IN THE BACK! Shelton shot up off of the mat and rushed at Machetti AND HIT THE INVERTED BULLDOG!! Benjamin quickly rolled Machetti onto his back and made the pin, ONE… TWO… THRE… PUNK BROKE IT UP!
Kennedy rushed into the ring and attacked Punk and the two of them started brawling, the referee turned to them and frantically tried to separate the two competitors. But while the referee's back was turned Morrison and MVP got in the ring and the two of them, as well as Benjamin all started stomping on Machetti working him over with a vicious three-on-one assault. The referee was still trying to separate Punk and Kennedy who had rolled out of the ring and were brawling by the barricade, so he had on idea what was going on.
MVP pulled Machetti up to his feet then bent him over and put his leg on top of his head, PLAYMAKER ON MACHETTI!! But suddenly Jericho charged into the ring and attacked MVP. Jericho whipped MVP into the ropes then clotheslined both of them over the top and down to the floor. In the ring Benjamin and Morrison continued issuing an ECW-style beat down on Machetti driving their feet over and over again into his face, chest, stomach, and sides. Carlito pulled himself up in the corner and got in the ring then joined the beating on Machetti making it a three-on-one mugging.
Shelton and Carlito pulled Machetti up and doubled him over, then shoved him over to Morrison, CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER!! Machetti was flat on his back and Morrison, Benjamin, and Carlito continued their beat down. There was a loud crash from the outside of the ring as Kennedy whipped Punk into the steel steps. The referee grabbed onto Kennedy's arm and tried to keep him off of Punk, but Kennedy pulled away then dragged Punk up to his feet and whipped him into the barricade, then charged him and clotheslined him over it and into the crowd.
The referee went over to Punk and glanced down at him, he was out cold on the floor, fans were gathered around him trying to get a good look. Kennedy stood beside the referee looking proud of himself. In the ring, Morrison allowed Shelton and Carlito to continue beating on Machetti and got out of the ring and blind-sided Jericho who was brawling with MVP. Morrison grabbed hold of one of Jericho's arms while MVP took the other AND THE WHIPPED JERICHO FACE-FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! Jericho hit the steel ring post head on and went crashing down to the floor out cold. Then MVP and Morrison quickly got back on the ring apron while Carlito got out of the ring and stood beside them. The referee turned his attention to the ring and ordered Kennedy to go to his corner, which he did without any fight at all.
The referee got back in the ring where Benjamin was still working over Machetti with stomps to the mid-section. Kennedy, MVP, Morrison, and Carlito were standing innocently on the ring apron in their corner, while Punk and Jericho were out cold on the floor. Benjamin grabbed Machetti's legs and pulled them up then he dragged Machetti over to the corner where he tagged in Morrison. Benjamin fell down to his back and slingshotted Machetti into a hard right hand from Morrison. Machetti fell backwards and went crashing back-first down onto Benjamin's knees, then Morrison grabbed onto the top rope and splashed down on Machetti with an elbow drop, the same move he did with Miz week after week. Benjamin got out of the ring while Morrison made the cover on Machetti, ONE… TWO… THRE… MACHETTI GOT HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!
Morrison and his four partners all looked down at Machetti in surprise he had taken a vicious stomping, three finishers, and a double team move, and somehow he managed to get his foot on the bottom rope. Morrison slowly stood up and dragged Machetti into the middle of the ring and stomped on him a few times, then rolled forward onto his hands and swung his legs around, BREAK DANCE LEG DROP—MACHETTI SAT UP!! Morrison slammed his leg down on the mat while Machetti crawled over to his corner looking to make a tag, BUT NO ONE WAS THERE!! Jericho and Punk were both still out cold on the floor.
Machetti dragged himself up to his feet with the ropes then turned to face his opponents. Morrison was back on his feet and Kennedy, Carlito, Benjamin, and MVP were all staring at him from the corner. Machetti stood in the corner he was in and made a big deal of counting his five opponents. But then at the same time Kennedy, MVP, Carlito, and Benjamin all got in the ring and started fanning out. Machetti was backed into the corner while his five opponents surrounded him. The referee grabbed onto Kennedy and warned him to get his team out of the ring, or they 'd be disqualified, but in response Kennedy slapped the referee clean across the face then grabbed him and threw him over the top rope and down to the floor.
Benjamin charged at Machetti, but Machetti managed to side-step him and throw him over the top. But Benjamin grabbed onto the top rope then brought his legs up as he skinned-the-cat. Benjamin got his legs around Machetti's neck, but Carlito suddenly ran in BACKSTABBER ON MACHETTI!! Suddenly the fans let out a loud cheer as CM Punk pulled himself up onto the ring apron. Punk hoisted himself onto the top rope then springboarded across the ring DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE ON MORRISON AND MVP!!
Morrison rolled under the bottom rope and dropped down to the floor, while MVP rolled into the corner and leaned against the bottom and middle turnbuckles. Carlito charged at Punk, but Punk ducked down and got Carlito on his shoulders, GO 2 SLEEP!! Carlito was out cold before he even hit the mat. Punk turned around… INVERTED BULLDOG FROM BENJAMIN!! Benjamin stood over Punk but the fans let out a loud cheer. Benjamin was confused and slowly turned around, CODEBREAKER FROM JERICHO!! Jericho stood up but MVP got up and grabbed him, then bent him over and placed his leg on Jericho's head, PLAYMAKER ON JERICHO!!
MVP mouthed off at Jericho, but Machetti suddenly grabbed him and picked him up in front of him, MACHETE'S BLADE!! Machetti got up off of MVP but suddenly Kennedy ran over, MIC CHE—MACHETTI PUSHED HIM OFF INTO THE ROPES!! Kennedy came back and Machetti lifted him up, MACHETE'S BLADE—KENNEDY SLIPPED OUT OF IT!! Kennedy grabbed Machetti and whipped him into the corner, then ran at him for a clothesline, MACHETTI MOVED! Machetti quickly grabbed Kennedy and put him up on the top rope, then climbed up onto the middle rope across from him. KENNEDY SUDDENLY HIT A LOW BLOW!! Kennedy grabbed Machetti and lifted him up onto his shoulders, GREEN BAY PLUNGE!!
Kennedy slowly got up off of Machetti and surveyed the carnage around him, the other seven members of the Money in the Bank Ladder match were all out cold. If this was anything like the match at WrestleMania it would be pure chaos. Kennedy got out of the ring and headed to the back as Raw went to a commercial break.
--x--
Raw came back and Mr. Kennedy was shown standing backstage. "Every year, WrestleMania gets better and better," Kennedy said to the camera, still sweating from his match. "Everyone wonders, 'what's gonna happen at WrestleMania this year'. Well, I have some predictions for ya. See, history will be made once again. Ric Flair… retires. The Undertaker's undefeated streak… ends. And most importantly, I'm gonna walk into the Money in the Bank and do what I just did out there. The winner of the Money in the Bank will be… MISTERRRRR KENNEDYYY… KENNE—" Machetti came out of nowhere and tackled Kennedy down to the ground. Machetti started raining down vicious rights and lefts all over Kennedy's face. Backstage workers quickly ran over and pulled Machetti off of Kennedy and separated the two superstars.
"Correction," said Machetti as he was held back and away from Kennedy. "The winner of the Money in the Bank, is going to be me." Machetti pulled himself free from the people holding him and walked off, leaving Kennedy holding his face and glaring after him. The camera faded and the Ric Flair video was played.
--x--
Raw was still live from the University of South Carolina. They showed Big Show talking with Connan O'Brien then the cameras went to the arena and With Legs Like That hit and Maria came out from the back accompanied by Machetti, who had gotten his title back and had it around his waist. Machetti walked with Maria down the entrance ramp, when they were half way down pyro exploded and Maria's Playboy cover dropped down and appeared next to the TitanTron. Machetti escorted Maria into the ring while Lillian did her introduction. "The following Divas Contest is scheduled for one-fall, introducing first, accompanied by Machetti, from Chicago Illinois, MARIA!!" Machetti stood in the middle of the ring while Maria went to the corner and climbed up onto the middle rope and taunted for the fans.
Maria eventually got down and went back to the middle of the ring and stood next to Machetti awaiting her opponents. Melina's Paparazzi theme hit and the red carpet was rolled out Melina came out from the back with the Women's Champion Beth Phoenix and the two of them walked down the entrance ramp, "And from Los Angelus California, MELINA!!"
Back in the ring Maria looked a bit nervous, Candice had re-injured her clavicle last week so now she would be facing both Melina and Beth Phoenix at BunnyMania. Machetti put his hand on Maria's shoulder and told her to concentrate on this match first. Phoenix got in the ring while Melina did her split entrance then went under the bottom rope and got in he ring as well. Melina smirked at Maria pleased that she and Beth would have an easier time at WrestleMania with Candice out the picture. Machetti wished Maria luck, then he and Beth Phoenix got out of the ring and stood at ringside. The bell was rung and the match was started.
Maria charged at Melina but caught a kick to the stomach, and then a pair of forearms, backing Maria into the ropes. Melina whipped Maria across the ring and into the corner. Melina charged at Maria put Maria pulled herself up with the top rope and held out her legs, causing Melina to run face-first into them. Melina staggered backwards while Maria climbed up onto the top rope. Melina turned to the referee and started arguing with him, distracting him while Beth climbed up onto the ring apron and grabbed Maria's leg. But Machetti came sprinting around the ring and quickly grabbed Beth around the waist and pulled her off of Maria and off of the ring apron. Machetti put Phoenix down, then ducked and backed away as she swung at him.
In the ring Maria launched out of the corner for a missile dropkick, BUT MELINA MOVED! Maria charged down to the mat and quickly rushed over and made a cover, ONE… TW… Maria kicked out. Melina got up to her knees and pulled Maria up to her knees as well then started clubbing her on the back until Maria was face down on the mat. Melina glanced to the side at Beth and smirked at her. Phoenix nodded then climbed up onto the ring apron and got in the ring. Melina and Beth stared down at Maria looking to do some serious harm, when suddenly and blonde haired diva charged down the mat and got in the ring. ASHLEY'S BACK!!
Ashley quickly stood in between Melina and Phoenix and Maria defending the current Playboy Cover Girl. Maria stood back up and the four divas started arguing in the middle of the ring Machetti climbed up onto the ring apron and the referee turned and glanced at him, Machetti looked back at the referee and shrugged. He wasn't going to get in the ring unless it was necessary. The fans suddenly started booing and Santino Marella came out from the back and got in the ring. Machetti was about to get in the ring to confront him, but Jerry Lawler left the announce table and climbed up onto the ring apron next to him. King gave Machetti the thumbs up sign signaling that he'd take care of this. Machetti shrugged then got off of the ring apron while Lawler got in and walked up to Marella.
Santino swung at King but King blocked it then came back with a punch of his own, beside them Melina and Ashley started going at it, while Beth and Maria fought on their other side. Ashley hit Melina with a clothesline and knocked her down, then she rolled under the bottom rope and out of the ring, just as Maria kicked Beth through the ropes and down to the floor as well. Finally King clotheslined Marella over the top rope and down to the floor in between the two divas that were already out there.
Melina and Phoenix glared at King, Maria, and Ashley while Santino struggled to get up. But then Raw General Manager William Regal came out from the back to restore order. "Lawler, Santino," said Regal. "You want to get involved in this that's fine. We'll have a tag match. As a matter of fact, we'll have an inter-gender six-man tag match and it will start right now. Ring the bell." The bell rang signaling the start of the match Lawler, Maria, and Ashley were set to take on Santino, Melina, and Beth. But before it could happen Raw went to a commercial break.
--x--
Raw came back and Santino was up on the top rope while King was getting up in the middle of the ring. "We're back here on Monday Night Raw with an inter-gender tag team match up. I'm here with Machetti who is filling in for King, my usual broadcasting partner."
"Thanks, J.R., just trying to help," replied Machetti. Santino came off of the top rope but Lawler side-stepped him and caught him with a punch to the chest, causing Santino to go crashing down to the mat." Right now we've got Jerry Lawler, Maria, and Ashley taking on Santino Marella, Melina, and Women's Champion Beth Phoenix."
King pulled Santino up and had him backed up in an empty corner, Lawler hit a series of closed-fist shots to the face. "Now remember, in an inter-gender match, anyone can be pinned at any time," explained JR. "So the men can pin the women and the women can pin the men."
King backed Santino into the ropes and whipped him across the ring, then bent down and launched Santino up into the air, and then sent him crashing back down. "Nice back body drop by King there," commented Machetti as Santino struggled to get back up then King jumped up into the air and took Marella down with a dropkick to the face. "And then a big dropkick. Remember, King and Santino have had a lot of problems in the past," continued Machetti.
"That's right," agreed JR. "Last week Santino threw that soft drink in King's face while he was enjoying a Subway sandwich."
"Didn't Santino actually go as far as to steal the sandwich after that?" asked Machetti as King stood Santino up and punched him in the face, backing him up into the ropes. "Honestly, you can only trust that guy as far as you can throw him."
Lawler hit Marella with another shot to the face, but Santino came back and charged at Lawler, only King ducked it, causing Marella to swing through and spin around. Lawler grabbed Santino from behind and lifted him up, then slammed him back down on his feet for an atomic drop. "And now, Santino is being schooled by the King," pointed out JR as Marella staggered over to the corner and tagged in Melina. While Melina got in the ring JR explained the situation further. "Now, normally in a mixed tag, which it is not, the King would leave and one of the female combatants on his team would come in."
"Right JR," said Machetti as Melina got in the ring and walked up to Lawler, daring him to hit her. "This is an inter-gender match. Hypothetically speaking, King could fight Melina right here. But I'm confident enough to say that King, like me, wouldn't strike a woman. Santino on the other hand I wouldn't put anything passed. But I must say, that Beth Phoenix is really pushing it lately, normally when someone tries to punch my lights out I retaliate, however I'm against hitting women so I've been exercising my self-restraint to refrain from doing anything. Now that's exactly what King's doing here." In the ring Melina was still challenging Lawler to hit her, but King wasn't doing it. But when Melina turned to face Beth Phoenix and mouthed of to her saying how much of a wimp King was, King reached back and tagged in Ashley.
Ashley walked up to Melina who was still glancing at Beth then swung around her fist and punched Melina in the face, taking her by surprise and knocking her down to her hands and knees. Melina stood up and kicked Ashley in the stomach, then followed up wit ha forearm to the face. "And here's Ashley, its good to see Ashley back," commented JR.
"Yeah, maybe they'd be up to changing the BunnyMania match at the last minute and putting Ashley in to take the injured Candice Michelle's place," suggested Machetti. "You hear me McMahon? Hint, hint. She is a former Playboy Cover Girl and you'd still be able to call it BunnyMania."
Melina grabbed onto Ashley but Ashley came back with a knee to the midsection and then hit a forearm to the face, backing Melina up into the corner. "Ashley's holding her own in there against the former Women's Champ," commented JR as Ashley whipped Melina across the ring.
"Well, remember last year at WrestleMania, Ashley and Melina faced off for the Women's Championship," Machetti reminded him. Melina hit the corner and Ashley ran across the ring and hit a clothesline, driving Melina back into the corner. Ashley then went over to the corner and tagged in Maria.
"And here comes the current Playboy Cover Girl, Maria," pointed out JR as Maria got in the ring, then she ran into the corner at Melina who was leaning against the corner BRONCO BUSTER!!
"I've been on the receiving end of that move a couple of times," commented Machetti. "Maria was just practicing then, but I assure you it is not as fun as it looks."
Maria got off of Melina and stood up, but Melina suddenly hit a shot to the face, sending Maria staggering backwards. Melina came out of the corner and followed up with a forearm, then grabbed Maria and went to whip her into the ropes, but Maria reversed it and caught Melina as she bounced off of the ropes with a knee to the stomach.
"Well I'll give credit where credit is due," said JR. "Maria just keeps getting better and better. I'm guessing that practice that you were talking about had something to do with it."
"You could say that," replied Machetti as Maria did a handstand and got her legs around Melina's head, but Melina pushed her off and staggered back into the ropes. Beth tagged herself in and charged into the ring, then rushed at Maria for a clothesline, but Maria ran under it and over to the ropes, then came off and jumped up into the air, only for Phoenix to catch her in front of her then slam her down to the mat SPINEBUSTER! "Ouch, hope she's okay," commented Machetti while Beth stood over Maria and started stomping on her.
"That's the Women's Champion Beth Phoenix and the power that she possesses," explained JR.
Over in the corner Santino called out to Beth and held his and in the ring, apparently he wanted to get in the match. "Oh, that son of a bitch," cursed Machetti as Beth came over and tagged in Marella.
"Watch it Machetti, we're on the air here," JR reprimanded him.
"Sorry," apologized Machetti. "MARIA GET OUT OF THERE!"
Either Maria heard Machetti, or she decided to do the same thing herself, because she started backing away from Santino and across the ring towards her corner while Marella slowly followed her. But before Maria could tag in King, Marella ran passed her and knocked Lawler off of the apron with a cheap shot.
Santino turned and smirked at Ashley who was standing on the other side of the ring post. Marella turned around to face Maria who had gotten back up, BUT MARIA SLAPPED HIM ACROSS THE FACE!! "YEAH!" cheered Machetti. "Hit 'im again! Hit 'im again!"
Marella staggered around and faced Ashley, who got in the ring AND SLAPPED MARELLA AS WELL!! Ashley and Maria grabbed onto Santino and both of them whipped him into the corner. Then they went over and both slapped him over and over again in the corner. "Ha-ha, I'm really starting to enjoy this match," chuckled Machetti.
"Ashley and Maria are giving Santino a piece of thier mind," narrated JR as the two divas slapped Marella over and over again..
"And it couldn't happen to a nicer guy," replied Machetti. The referee managed to regain some control and got Ashley back in the corner. Maria kept hitting Santino and eventually rolled him under the bottom rope and let him drop down to the floor… right at the feet of Jerry Lawler.
King pulled Santino up to his feet, "BAM!!" shouted JR as King unloaded with a hard right hand. Santino staggered backwards and King followed up with another hard punch. Santino turned to the barricade and tried to escape, but Lawler grabbed onto him and pulled him back. "No open right hand there, Lawler with that closed fist."
"I've felt that before," commented Machetti. "King is known for his punches and Santino deserves every one he gets."
Lawler hit Marella with another right hand, causing Santino to slump against the barricade, then King reached out and raked Santino's eyes. King punched Santino in the stomach, then grabbed him and slid him back into the ring. Lawler went to get in the ring after him but the referee cut him off. "Now remember, the legal combatants are Marella and Maria," JR reminded everyone.
"I don't like where this is going," said Machetti. While the referee was busy arguing with Lawler, Melina and Beth had gotten in the ring behind Maria. "Excuse me JR, I'll be right back…" that was followed by the sound of Machetti taking off his headphones.
Phoenix and Melina came from behind Maria and clipped both of her legs. But as they were getting out of the ring, Machetti was getting in it. The referee was still arguing with King so Machetti quickly grabbed Santino and pulled him to his feet, then kicked him in the stomach IMPALER! MACHETTI HITS MARELLA WITH THE IMPALER! Machetti quickly rolled Marella onto his back and placed Maria on top of him and quickly slid out of the ring.
"Did I miss anything?" asked Machetti as he put his headset back on and sat down next to JR.
"My replacement broadcast partner seems to be suffering from short-term memory loss," commented JR. "Machetti just hit Santino with the Impaler and placed Maria on top of him." The referee turned away from Lawler and saw Maria on top of Santino with a pin. Phoenix and Melina quickly got in the ring and tried to break it up, but Ashley ran across and hit them both with a double clothesline. Melina went crashing down to the mat, while Beth staggered backwards into the ropes. Ashley jumped up and hit a dropkick and knocked Beth through the ropes and down to the floor.
"And Ashley takes out Melina and Beth Phoenix," narrated Machetti. "Here's the cover, ONE… TWO… THREE! MARIA JUST PINNED SANTINO!! Can you believe it JR?"
With Legs Like That played as King and Ashley helped Maria up off of Santino and celebrated in the ring. "Well I'll admit the outcome is a bit surprising, but the ending wasn't exactly on the up and up," said JR.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you mean," replied Machetti. "Now if you'll excuse me." Machetti took off his headphones then quickly joined the two divas and Jerry Lawler in the ring. Machetti grabbed Maria's arm and raised it up in the air. Santino, Beth Phoenix, and Melina all glared at them from the top of the entrance ramp as the headed to the back. Machetti pulled Maria over to him and hugged her, "Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, Jerry 'the King' Lawler, Ashley, and Maria!"
But Machetti suddenly shoved Maria off of him and into King, as Kennedy and MVP got in the ring across from him. King got Maria and Ashley out of the ring while Machetti ran under a clothesline from MVP then took down Kennedy with a clothesline of his own. But when Machetti turned around MVP grabbed him then whipped him into the corner. MVP ran at Machetti and lifted up his leg, PLAYER'S BO—MACHETTI MOVED!! MVP CROTCHED HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE!!
Machetti came out of the corner, but Kennedy shot up and kneed him in the stomach, then grabbed Machetti, MIC CHE—MACHETTI PICKED KENNED UP AND HELD HIM IN FRONT OF HIM!! MACHETE'S BLADE!! Machetti got up off of Kennedy but MVP hit him from behind, then bent Machetti over and put his leg on top of Machetti's head, PLAYMAKER!! MVP stood over Machetti but the fans stood up and started cheering as Chris Jericho came running down the entrance ramp and got into the ring.
Jericho and MVP started brawling but MVP whipped Jericho into the ropes, Jericho bounced off CODEBREAKER!! Jericho got back up and staggered backwards, BUT SHELTON BENJAMIN GRABBED HIM AND SPUN HIM AROUND! INVERTED BULLDOG!! Benjamin stood tall over Y2J, MVP, Kennedy, and Machetti. But then the fans started screaming as CM Punk ran out from the back. Punk jumped up onto ring apron, then hoisted himself up onto top rope, SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLI—BENJAMIN MOVED!! Punk landed and staggered forward, and turned to face Shelton. Shelton charged at Punk, but Punk ducked down and got him on his shoulders, GO TO SLEEP!!
Punk stood alone in the ring, but then Morrison and Carlito came sprinting out from the back. Morrison ran at Punk and went for a running enzuigiri but Punk ducked it, only Carlito grabbed him from behind, BACKSTABBER!! Morrison and Carlito were left standing in the ring. Morrison walked passed Carlito and stared down at Punk, but Carlito suddenly grabbed Morrison from behind, ANOTHER BACKSTABBER—MORRISON HELD CARLITO UP AND STOPPED THE MOVE!! Morrison staggered backwards and both he and Carlito fell over the top rope and went crashing down to the floor. CARLITO AND MORRISON WERE BOTH OUT COLD!!
The cameras surveyed the ring, Kennedy, Machetti, MVP, Jericho, Benjamin, Punk, Carlito, and Morrison were all scattered around the ring in what looked like a car wreck. This was once again a preview of the Money in the Bank Match all eight competitors were out cold in the ring and on the floor. What would be the outcome of the match at WrestleMania? The fans were all wondering something along those lines as the cameras cut and showed John Cena backstage talking with Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly.
--x--
Raw really didn't do too much to advertise the Money in the Bank match other than the tag match and the Kennedy interview. I thought everyone getting laid out would be better. Also I did nothing about the London and Kendrick things because WWE did nothing about it. But I guess I can deal with that in my next story.
WrestleMania XXIV is going to be the last chapter of this story. From there I'm going to start Can I Ask You Something? III. I wanted to end with 75 chapters so I figured I'd do an edition of Smackdown! Expect chapter seventy four to be out on Saturday, and then I'll try to have WrestleMania out on Monday or Tuesday.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!