Chapter Seventy-Five: WrestleMania XXIV
--x--
WrestleMania was live from Orlando Florida… oh wait… no it wasn't. The show hadn't even started yet. In fact, it was only three in the afternoon and the fans weren't even in the arena yet. John Legend was off to the side practicing America the Beautiful in the otherwise empty arena. Everyone else was backstage with the exception of two people. One was Zack Tyler who was sitting on the top of a ladder wearing street clothes, a t-shirt and a pair of black sweatpants, staring up at the, for now, clear skies. The other person in the ring was Maria Kanellis, who settled on sitting on the top turnbuckle instead, it wasn't as high.
"You've gotta hand it to the people that made that set," commented Zack. "They really know how to set up a big stage."
"Well, at least it won't rain on the ring," replied Maria. "Do you have any idea what that would do to my makeup?"
"Do you have any idea what would happen if I tried jumping off of a wet ladder?" countered Zack. "The winner of my match would be the only superstar not injured."
"And exactly how many times are you planning on falling off of that ladder anyway?" came a voice.
Zack and Maria both turned to see Michael Hickenbottom heading down the ramp towards the ring. "I lost count after seven," Zack answered. "I'm positive I'm going to be sore tomorrow."
"I thought I trained you better than that," said Michael, "Crazy Spot-Monkeys."
"Hey!" exclaimed Zack. "Spot-Monkeys are people too! But with a match like this, there really isn't anything else we can do. Eight guys, countless ladders, you can't really write out an entire match based off of that. You can only come up with the high spots and string them together. The other guys are going to be coming out here in a little bit so we can go over it."
"I guess you've got a point," admitted Michael.
"I'll let you guys talk," said Maria. "I need to start getting ready for my match too."
"Your match isn't up for six hours!" pointed out Zack.
"Do you have any idea how long it will take to do the hair and make up of all the divas?" asked Maria as she climbed off of the top turnbuckle. She smiled when Zack just shrugged from on top of his ladder, "That's what I thought. I'll see you after the show."
"Kind of reminds me of my wedding," Michael commented to Zack once Maria was gone. "Everyone was rushing to get their hair, make up, and outfits perfect. If tonight's anything alike, it'll be chaos back there in a few hours."
"What are you worried for?" asked Zack. "You'll be out here stealing the show."
"Good point," agreed Michael. "I take it you're not nervous?"
"Why would I be nervous? I just have to get thrown, fall, and jump off of a ladder a few times," said Zack. "You're the one that has to wrestle Flair in his last match. You know, some of the more drunk fans might attempt to lynch you when it's all over."
"I'll keep that in mind when I'm leaving the arena tonight," said Michael.
"Hey, Hickenbottom!" came a voice. Zack and Michael both turned to see Chris Irvin (Jericho) along with all the other Money in the Bank Participants coming down to the ring. "We're gonna need you to clear out."
"Yeah," agreed Zack. "We Spot-Monkeys need to rehearse. That way we can warm up the crowd for you properly."
"Alright, I can tell when I'm not wanted," said Michael. "Make me proud, Kid."
"You are aware that I'm twenty-eight years old, right?" questioned Zack. "I'm almost thirty, and I'm still being called 'Kid'." Michael just laughed as he headed off.
"Zack, get off that thing before I knock you off it," demanded Ken Anderson (Kennedy).
"All in due time," replied Zack as he jumped off of the ladder. He and the other seven then proceeded to go over their match to the sound of John Legend singing American the Beautiful.
--x--
Okay… NOW WrestleMania was live from Orlando Florida. JBL had just beaten Finlay in a Belfast Brawl, now Kim Kardashian was shown standing backstage. "The atmosphere backstage here at the Citrus Bowl is so exciting. And speaking of exciting, coming up next is the Money in the Bank Ladder Match where eight superstars will compete to earn a contract for a championship match they can cash in at any time, for up to one year. The winner of that mach…"
"Is gonna be," interrupted a voice as Mr. Kennedy walked on screen, "The same guy last year." Kennedy walked right up to Kim and got in her face, not afraid to 'share' his opinion. "Therefore, I will become the only superstar in WWE history to win TWO CONSECUTIVE MISTER MONEY IN THE BANK TITLES…" Kim held her hand up and attempted to back away from Kennedy who was now talking very loudly right in her ear. But Kennedy kept going, "MISTEEEEERRRRR KENNE—mmph…" Someone suddenly reached in and covered Kennedy's mouth.
The camera moved and the fans cheered (but some booed since Kennedy's catchphrase was interrupt) when it showed Machetti standing behind Kennedy. Kennedy pulled Machetti's hand off of his mouth and stormed off looking pissed.
"Sorry about him," Machetti apologized to Kim. "But the real winner of the Money in the Bank is gonna be the guy who beat him two days ago…" Machetti paused and made a big deal of looking over his shoulder, "me." Machetti did his usual smirk then turned and headed off.
"And that guys, is coming up, right now," concluded Kim before the camera cut.
--x--
In the arena and the bell rang to get everyone's attention. The sky overhead was overcast and was kind of grey. "This next bout is the MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH!" The fans responded with a loud chorus of cheers. Ain't No Make Believe hit and John Morrison came out from the back carrying his tag team title and wearing a pair of sunglasses and one of his usual coats over his wrestling tights. "Introducing the participants, first, from Los Angelus California, weighing in at two hundred and nineteen pounds, he is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, JOHN MORRISON!" While the ring announce did his introduction, Morrison stood on the entrance ramp holding his tag team title up above his head. Morrison headed down the ramp still holding his title up high.
I Spit in the Face of People Who Don't Want to be Cool… once Morrison reached the bottom of ramp his music was cut and was replaced with Carlito's. Carlito came out from the back and ring announcer continued the introduction, "Introducing next, from the Caribbean, weighing two hundred and twenty pounds, CARLITO!" Carlito was wearing his usual 'Carlito' t-shirt and was carrying a green apple with him. Like with Morrison, when Carlito reached the bottom of the entrance ramp, his theme was replaced.
Ain't No Stoppin' Me NOOOOWWW! Shelton Benjamin's theme replaced Carlito's as ECW's Gold Standard came out from the back and headed down the ramp wearing a pair of gold trunks, "From Orangeburg South Carolina, weighing two hundred forty eight pounds, SHELTON BENJAMIN!!" Shelton headed down the ramp looking confident and extremely sure of himself.
This Fire Burns played next prompting the Straight Edge Extremist CM Punk to come out from the back. "From Chicago Illinois, weighing two hundred twenty two pounds, C. M. PUNK!!" The fans cheered loudly as Punk jogged down the ramp wearing his usual t-shirt and a pair of white trunks. Punk ran passed two ladders that was set up on the entrance ramp and then got in the ring.
Turn up the Trouble hit as Mr. Kennedy came out from the back and ran down the ramp. "From Green Bay Wisconsin, weighing two hundred forty three pounds, MISTER KENNEDY!" Kennedy was wearing pants and a vest, but as he ran under both of the ladders at the bottom of the entrance ramp he pulled the pants off revealing his wrestling trunks. Kennedy took off the vest before getting in the ring and facing off with the other four superstars already in it. The five of them stood in the middle of the ring until Kennedy's theme cut.
I'm Coming played as MVP came out from his inflatable entrance wearing the United States Championship around his waist. "From Miami Florida, weighing in at two hundred thirty eight pounds, he is the WWE United States Champion, Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP!" MVP taunted when he was halfway down the ramp and three shots of pyro went off behind him. While the smoke cleared MVP headed down the ramp and walked passed the ladders and reached the ring.
MVP's theme cut and then the count down started, 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… 0, pyro erupted on the entrance ramp as Break the Wall Down hit. Jericho stood with his back to the crowd on top of the entrance ramp, wearing a pair of red, white, and black tights. Jericho then turned around and started down the ramp, "Introducing next, from weighing two hundred twenty seven pounds, Y2J, CHRIS JERICHO!" The fans cheered as Jericho made his way down the ramp and passed the ladders then he got in the ring and joined the other six competitors.
Jericho's theme stopped and was replaced by Riot Time earning a loud ovation from the Orlando crowd. Machetti came out from the back wearing his black shorts and the Intercontinental Title around his waist and stood at the top of the entrance ramp. Machetti bent forward then shot up and did a standing back-flip a huge blast of white pyro exploded up on the entrance ramp creating a blinding white light behind Machetti. "And finally, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at two hundred fifteen pounds, he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion, MACHETTI!!" Machetti sprinted down the entrance ramp then dropped down and slid under both of the ladders before standing up, taking off his title belt, and getting in the ring. The ring announcer left the ring once Machetti had arrived, leaving the eight participants on their own. There was no referee in this match, it was over when someone retrieved the Money in the Bank Briefcase.
The bell rang starting the match, but everyone with the exception of MVP cleared the ring to get their ladders. Kennedy was the first to slip out of the ring, but Machetti jumped through the ropes after him SUICIDE DIVE! Machetti and Kennedy both went crashing down to the floor, starting the match off with a bang. The rest of the wrestlers got their ladders and tried to get in the ring, while MVP stood in the middle ready to fight them off. Morrison was the first to try and stepped over Machetti and Kennedy then slid his ladder under the bottom rope and into the ring. But MVP ran over and hit a boot to the face, knocking Morrison off of the apron and onto Machetti and Kennedy, knocking them both down again.
MVP picked up Morrison's ladder, then charged across the ring and rammed it into the side of CM Punk's head as he attempted to get in the ring. Carlito and Shelton tried getting in the ring next, both of them climbed up onto the apron on both sides of one of the ring posts. But MVP ran over and knocked both of them off of the apron with a big shot from the ladder. MVP held the ladder up over his head and mouthed off while Machetti, Kennedy, and Morrison struggled to get back up, but behind MVP Jericho was getting in the ring with an even bigger ladder than the one MVP had.
Y2J stood his fifteen foot ladder next to him while MVP stared across the ring at him holding his ten foot ladder. Jericho and MVP held their ladders beside them then charged across the ring like a pair of jousting knights, but Jericho connected and rammed the end of his ladder into MVP's face, causing him to drop his ladder and fall to the mat. Jericho lifted his ladder up over his head and advanced on MVP as he rolled into the corner, Y2J threw his ladder on top of MVP with a thud, then watched as he rolled out of the ring and fell to the floor. Jericho was then caught up with Machetti ducking a clothesline from Kennedy and hitting him with a DDT on the floor. But while Jericho wasn't paying attention, Morrison snuck in the ring behind Jericho's back.
Morrison picked up MVP's ten foot ladder then turned to face Jericho, who had picked up his fifteen foot ladder again. Morrison threw his ladder at Jericho, slamming it into Jericho's ladder. Jericho fell and landed in the corner, causing the fifteen foot ladder to lean against the corner. Morrison then took his ladder and went to the corner across from Jericho and climbed up onto the top rope. Morrison held the ladder up in front of him then did a back-flip, MORRISON HIT A MOONSAULT PLANCHA WITH THE LADDER ONTO KENNEDY, BENJAMIN, MVP, CARLITO, AND CM PUNK!! The fans started chanting Holy Sh-t after seeing the extreme spot.
But the one superstar that Morrison had missed was Machetti. The Intercontinental Champion, quickly slid in the ring then took the twenty foot ladder that was still on top of Jericho. Machetti set up the ladder in the middle of the ring then climbed it so he was facing the superstars that were struggling to their feet after Morrison's moonsault. Machetti reached the top of the ladder and reached up for the briefcase, but then he noticed that most of the competitors on the outside were getting back up. He'd need more time if he wanted to get the briefcase. Machetti reached up and touched the briefcase, then stood on the very top of the ladder. MACHETTI DID A BACK-FLIP OFF OF THE LADDER, OUT OF THE RING, AND ONTO MORRISON, MVP, PUNK, CARLITO, AND BENJAMIN!! SHOOTING STAR PRESS PLANCHA OFF OF THE LADDER!! All of the fans that hadn't been chanting for Morrison's moonsault were now chanting for Machetti's shooting star press plancha, HOLY SH-T! HOLY SH-T!
Kennedy had managed to avoid Machetti's ladder dive and quickly got in the ring, the ladder Machetti had jumped off of had been knocked on its side. But Kennedy quickly went to the corner Jericho was still down in and started stomping on him, and then he went over to the ladder and set it back up in the middle of the ring. Kennedy started climbing up the ladder, but Jericho came over and cut him off. Jericho pulled Kennedy off of the ladder and whipped him into the corner, then grabbed Kennedy's leg, flipped him onto his back with a double leg takedown, WALLS OF JERI—INSTEAD JERICHO LAUNCHED KENNEDY INTO THE LADDER! BUT IT ONLY GAVE KENNEDY A BOOST AND HE QUICKLY STARTED CLIMBING THE REST OF THE WAY UP THE LADDDER!
Jericho quickly realized what he had done and climbed up after Kennedy and grabbed him from behind, but Kennedy elbowed him on the head, but suddenly Morrison came out of the corner with his own ladder and knocked Jericho off of Kennedy and down to the floor. Morrison jumped from his ladder to the ladder Kennedy was on and started brawling with Kennedy on the top. But then Benjamin came over with the ladder Morrison had brought in the ring and set it up next to the ladder Kennedy and Morrison were currently fighting on. Shelton quickly climbed his ladder and reached for the briefcase, but Machetti suddenly jumped from the top turnbuckle onto the other side of the ladder and climbed up onto the top to meet Benjamin. Kennedy, Morrison, Benjamin, and Machetti all brawled on the top of their ladders twenty feet above the ring.
Benjamin ducked a shot from Machetti and drove his head down onto the top of the ladder they were fighting on, and then he climbed over Machetti and tried to reach up for the briefcase, but suddenly MACHETTI SHOT UP! Benjamin was launched up into the air, then flipped forward and grabbed Kennedy, Kennedy reacted quick enough and grabbed Morrison. SHELTON HIT KENNEDY WITH A SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB WHILE KENNEDY HIT MORRISON WITH A SUPERPLEX!! Benjamin, Kennedy, and Morrison all went crashing down to the mat Morrison rolled out of the ring and dropped down to the floor while Machetti stared down from the top of the ladder he was still on in surprise. The fans around the arena were once again chanting HOLY SH-T!
While the other three were down Machetti reached up and grabbed the briefcase, he reached for the clip and was about to pull it down… BUT CARLITO HIT THE LADDER WITH A SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK!! The ladder fell and Machetti went crashing down to the mat as well. Machetti rolled out of the ring and onto a ladder that was lying with one end on the ring apron and the other end on the top of the barricade. In the ring Benjamin got back to his feet and started climbing back up the ladder, but Carlito came over and tried to dump the ladder over, only for Benjamin to get off of it and stand on the top rope.
Shelton shoved the ladder, and jumped onto it, knocking it into Carlito. Carlito was knocked backwards while the ladder stood back up with Benjamin standing on the top of it. But on the outside, Machetti had pulled himself back up and hoisted himself up onto the top rope. Machetti springboarded up off of the top rope towards the ladder… BUT SHELTON SUDDENLY LEAP-FROGGED THE TOP OF THE LADDER AND JUMPED OFF OF IT! SHELTON CAUGHT MACHETTI WITH A CROSSBODY AND THEY COLLIDED IN MID AIR!! Both Machetti and Benjamin went crashing down to the mat, then they rolled to the side and dropped down on both sides of the ladder going from the ring to the barricade.
With Shelton and Machetti down on the outside and Carlito recovering in the corner CM Punk got in the ring looking to take advantage. Punk climbed up the ladder and reached for the briefcase, but when Punk got his hands on it, Kennedy got up and clubbed him on the back, then pulled Punk down off of the ladder. Punk and Kennedy brawled beside the ladder until Punk ducked a punch from Kennedy then clotheslined him out of the ring. Punk took a second to recover, then started climbing back up the ladder, but Shelton got back in the ring and cut him off. Benjamin hit a punch to the face and then a kick to the stomach on Punk before tossing him into the corner.
Shelton left Punk in the corner and went back to the ladder and started climbing up it. But Punk suddenly came over and grabbed Benjamin's legs and pulled him off of the ladder and onto his shoulders, Punk launched Shelton off of his shoulders and brought up his knee, GO 2 SLEEP!! Benjamin was knocked down the mat and rolled under the bottom rope and down to the floor. With Benjamin out of the way, Punk went back to climbing the ladder, while a recovered Carlito started climbing up the other side. Only Kennedy came over and grabbed Punk and lifted him up onto his shoulders, then rushed at the folded up ladder that was lying nearby, Kennedy did a front-flip, STEAMROLLER ONTO THE LADDER! Punk screamed in pain, both he and Kennedy were down in the corner.
But Carlito was still on the ladder, and was now reaching up for the briefcase, but MVP hit the ring and climbed up the other side and a punched Carlito in the face, knocking him off of the ladder and down to the mat. MVP set up the ladder so it was exactly under the briefcase, but quickly turned around and booted Kennedy in the face, knocking him out of the ring. MVP turned around and charged at Carlito who was leaning against the corner on the opposite side of the ring, PLAYER BO—CARLITO MOVED!! MVP ended up crotching himself on the top turnbuckle. Carlito quickly got another ladder, then charged at MVP and drove it into the back of his other leg. MVP fell to the mat and held his leg in pain while Carlito went back to the ladder.
Carlito started climbing up the ladder, but Shelton got in the ring and yanked him off of the ladder and down to the mat, then he kicked Carlito in the stomach knocking him back against the ropes. When Carlito came off of the ropes Shelton lunged at him and launched his leg a Carlito, but Carlito caught Benjamin's leg and swung it to the side, BUT SHELTON WHIPPED HIS LEG AROUND AND CONNECTED WITH CARLITO'S HEAD! DRAGON WHIP!! Carlito went out like a light.
Shelton staggered away from Carlito and went to the ladder, but suddenly Machetti rushed into the ring, HE HAD HIS PIPE! Machetti clocked Benjamin in the head and knocked him to the mat, then spun around and smashed the pipe into mid section of Morrison, Machetti quickly grabbed him and positioned the pipe at Morrison's neck then jumped up and did a back-flip and brought Morrison's head slamming down to the mat, AMPUTATOR!! Across the ring, Jericho rolled under the bottom rope and got in, but Machetti charged from the opposite side of the ring and drove his pipe into the ground like a pole-vault and launched himself through the air and drove his feet into Jericho's face. Jericho went crashing down to the mat and dropped down to the floor, but suddenly CM Punk came from behind and hit Machetti in the back of the head with a jumping calf kick. Machetti was launched forward and went face-first into the top turnbuckle.
Punk turned away from Machetti and went to the ladder then started climbing up it, Punk reached the top and had his hands on the briefcase, but Machetti suddenly got up and climbed up the other side of the ladder with his pipe and connected with Punk's stomach. Punk let go of the briefcase, while Machetti climbed over the top of the ladder and onto the same side that Punk was on. Machetti positioned the pipe at Punk's neck then jumped up and did a back-flip over Punk's head, AMPUTATOR OFF OF THE TOP OF THE LADDER!! The fans broke out another HOLY SH-T chant when Machetti and Punk both slammed down to the mat. The two of them rolled under the bottom rope and dropped down to the floor.
With Machetti and Punk down, Shelton saw a clear ring. Benjamin went the ladder and reached for the briefcase, but then Carlito and Kennedy got in the ring and both grabbed a side of the ladder. CARLITO AND KENNEDY DUMPED THE LADDER FORWARDS! SHETLON DID A FRONT-FLIP OFF OF THE LADDER WENT OVER THE TOP ROPE AND CRASHED DOWN ONTO THE LADDER THAT HAD BEEN GOING FROM THE RING TO THE BARRICADE!! The ladder was bent with Benjamin lying on it looking like he had been in a fatal car crash, the fans were once again chanting HOLY SH-T! HOLY SH-T!
Kennedy and Carlito stared out of the ring at Shelton, both of them were surprised from what they had just done. Then they quickly started to fight their way up the same side of the ladder. But then Jericho got in the ring and climbed up the other side of the ladder. While Kennedy and Carlito were fighting Jericho reached for the briefcase, but Kennedy stopped him. MVP then came out of the nowhere and knocked the ladder over, CARLITO, KENNEY, AND JERICHO WENT CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!!
But before MVP could capitalize he turned around and MORRISON THREW A LADDER INTO HIS FACE! Morrison kicked MVP out of the ring then set up the ladder in the middle of the ring and climbed up it. Morrison reached for the briefcase but suddenly Machetti climbed up onto the ring apron, hoisted himself onto the top rope and springboarded off of it, Machetti launched himself onto the other side of the ladder, then jumped up onto Morrison's shoulders, MACHETTI FELL BACKWARDS, HURRICURANA OFF OF THE LADDER!!
Machetti pulled himself up with the ladder then ran at Morrison and hit him with a baseball slide sending Morrison under the bottom rope and down to the floor. Machetti got back up and went to the ladder then climbed up it and reached for the briefcase at the top. Machetti reached up to undo the clip, but Jericho suddenly climbed up the ladder behind him and clubbed him on the back. Jericho climbed the rest of the way up the ladder and started brawling with Machetti on the top, and kept going until Machetti was sitting on the top. Jericho kept attacking Machetti and pushed him backwards, with what looked like a double leg takedown, then he got his legs up and placed them on Machetti's shoulders, WALLS OF JERICHO ON TOP OF THE LADDER!!
Machetti screamed out in pain while Jericho bent his back on the top of the ladder, if Jericho broke his back, he wouldn't be able to climb, let along win the match. Machetti gritted his teeth then kicked Jericho in the head with one of his feet, the brought around his other leg and kicked Jericho in the head again. Machetti pulled his legs free from Jericho's grip, then grabbed Jericho's legs and crossed them, before putting one of his own legs through them. Machetti fell backwards and bent Jericho's legs on the top of the ladder, SHARPSHOOTER! MACHETTI COUNTERED WITH THE SHARPSHOOTER ON THE TOP OF THE LADDER!!
Now it was Jericho's turn to scream, he yelled out loudly as Machetti bent his legs on the top of the ladder and use the normally painful submission hold on him. But while Machetti kept the sharpshooter locked in Kennedy got in the ring and set up a ladder next to the one Machetti and Jericho were currently on. Kennedy climbed up the ladder but couldn't resist kicking Machetti in the face as he reached the top. Jericho managed to capitalize on Kennedy's kick and freed himself from the sharpshooter, then pushed Machetti and knocked him off of the ladder. Machetti rolled out of the ring and down to the floor, while Jericho recovered then attacked Kennedy and stopped him from getting the briefcase.
Jericho and Kennedy traded shots on top of the ladders but suddenly CM Punk hoisted himself onto the top rope and springboarded onto the opposite side of the ladder that Kennedy was on. But then on the other side of the ring, Carlito hoisted himself onto the top rope and springboarded onto the other side of the ladder that Jericho was on. Punk and Carlito climbed up onto the top of the ladders and then all four men proceeded to brawl fifteen feet above the ring. Punk eventually hit Kennedy in the head with a forearm, then got a side headlock in while hooking Kennedy's arm. Punk jumped off of the ladder and pulled Kennedy with him, URANAGE OFF OF THE LADDER!!
On top of the other ladder, Jericho pushed Carlito off, and then reached up for the briefcase. But Carlito landed on his feet, then quickly went around the ladder and climbed up behind Jericho. Carlito grabbed Jericho then jumped off of the ladder, pulling Carlito down with him, BACKSTABBER OFF OF THE LADDER!! Jericho and Carlito hit the mat hard and rolled out of the ring. Punk and Kennedy were still out on the mat and Morrison was still out cold on the outside. On the other side of the ring, Machetti was laid out in front of the announce table. The only superstar stirring was MVP!
MVP got in the ring and went over to the ladders, then tipped over one of them and leaned it against the top rope. MVP went over to the other ladder and set it up under the briefcase then climbed up the ladder. The fans were booing loudly, seeing that MVP would be able to get the briefcase if no one stopped him. MVP climbed up the ladder and reached for the briefcase, but suddenly SOMEONE HOPPED THE BARRICADE AND GOT IN THE RING!! IT WAS MATT HARDY!!
Matt Hardy climbed up the other side of the ladder MVP was on and punched him in the stomach. Hardy grabbed MVP and got him in a side headlock, TWIST OF FATE OFF OF THE LADDER!! Hardy got up to his feet and knocked over the ladder, then turned and was Machetti getting in the ring with a chair. Hardy glared at Machetti, who smirked then held out the chair for Hardy and motioned to MVP with his head. Hardy took the chair from Machetti then knocked over the ladder that was still standing, then unfolded the chair and placed it in the middle of the ring. Hardy went over to MVP and pulled him back up then dragged him over to the chair, TWIST OF FACE ONTO THE CHAIR!!
Hardy stood back up and stared down at MVP, then nodded at Machetti and got out of the ring and went back over the barricade and headed off through the crowd. Machetti glanced around him and found himself standing alone in the middle of the ring. He quickly set up one of the ladders under the briefcase then climbed up it to the top, everyone else was down, it looked like Machetti was going to win it, BUT SUDDENLY SHELTON BENJAMIN CAME CHARGING OUT FROM THE BACK! Shelton slid in the ring and climbed up the other side of the ladder and met Machetti and the top, they both brawled for a few seconds before Benjamin hit an elbow to the face, then jumped up off of the ladder passed Machetti, pulling him down with him, INVERTED BULLDOG OFF OF THE LADDER!! Machetti, Benjamin, and the ladder all went crashing down to the mat, now it was anyone's match.
CM Punk took a ladder and slid it in the ring, but Morrison attacked him and pulled away the ladder, then hit Punk in the midsection and knocked him down. Kennedy suddenly jumped up and dropkicked the ladder into Morrison, causing him to fall backwards with the ladder leaning against the corner. Jericho got back in the ring and grabbed one of the ladders that were already in there and folded it up, then ran at Punk who was getting back up and rammed the end of the ladder into Punk's stomach again. Jericho turned and hit Kennedy with the ladder, then turned around and went to hit Punk again, but Punk moved, causing Jericho to drive the end of the ladder through the rungs of the one in the corner. Carlito came over and attacked Jericho from behind then pulled him away from the ladders that were still wedged together.
Jericho whipped Carlito into the corner, then Carlito came back but Jericho caught him with a flapjack and drove him down onto the ladder that was sticking up in the air. Carlito fell on the ladder and pinned it down to the mat underneath him, causing the ladder that was wedged into it straighten up. Morrison suddenly got up and climbed up the ladder then went to grab the briefcase, BUT CARLITO AND JERICHO LIFTED UP THE OTHER LADDER! Morrison fell from the ladder he was on AND CROTCHED HIMSELF ON THE TOP ROPE!! Morrison fell off of the rope and down to the floor.
Jericho and Carlito went to pull the ladders free from each other, but Jericho used his ladder and rammed it into Carlito's head, sending him staggering into the ropes. Jericho pulled the ladder free and unfolded it, then set it up in the middle of the ring. The other ladder was left leaning against the corner, with Punk on the ground under it. Jericho climbed up the ladder and made it to the top, but suddenly Carlito climbed up the other side, AND SPAT APPLE IN JERICHO'S FACE!! Jericho fell off of the ladder and staggered into the ropes. Kennedy came over and quickly dumped him out of the ring, while Carlito climbed the rest of the way up the ladder and reached for the briefcase.
Carlito sat on top of the ladder and grabbed the briefcase, then tried to open up the clip, BUT KENNEDY CLIMBED UP THE OTHER SIDE AND PUSHED CARLITO OFF! Carlito was launched off of the ladder and slammed down into the one leaning against the corner. Kennedy reached up for the briefcase, but Punk came over and rammed a third ladder into Kennedy's face, knocking him off of the ladder. Punk turned around still holding the ladder while Jericho got back in the ring, Jericho ran at Punk AND HIT A CODEBREAKER WITH THE LADDER!!
Jericho got back up and climbed up the ladder, then reached for the briefcase at the top. Suddenly Shelton climbed onto the ring apron and hoisted himself onto the top rope, then springboarded onto the ladder across from Jericho. He quickly punched Jericho in the midsection then climbed up to the top on the other side. Shelton grabbed Jericho and then SUPERPLEX OFF OF THE LADDER!! Jericho and Benjamin slammed down to the mat, leaving Punk alone in the ring, with the exception of Carlito who was down in the corner.
Punk climbed up the ladder, but suddenly Machetti got in the ring and climbed up the other side. Punk swung at Machetti, looking to cut him off, but Machetti ducked it, then hit Punk with an uppercut. Punk swayed backwards while Machetti climbed the rest of the way up the ladder, he quickly grabbed Punk then rammed his head down into the top of the ladder. Machetti grabbed Punk and lifted him up in front of him, then did a back-flip while launching Punk over his head, MACHETE'S BLADE OFF OF THE LADDER!!
Machetti and Punk both hit the mat hard, EVERYONE WAS DOWN! Carlito pulled himself up using Jericho who was lying on ladder in the corner then went over the ladder that had been set up in the middle of the ring. Carlito climbed up to the top of the ladder but Machetti came over and grabbed his leg, Carlito kicked his leg back and connected with Machetti's head. Machetti staggered backwards into the corner while Carlito reached up for the briefcase again. Machetti recovered and climbed up onto the top rope in the corner he was in, then launched himself at Carlito and dropkicked him in the back. Carlito and the ladder fell forward, AND SLAMMED DOWN INTO THE JERICHO AND THE OTHER LADDER!
Machetti got up and pulled the ladder off of Jericho, then kicked him in the side and watched him roll under the bottom rope and fall down to the floor like Carlito had done. Machetti set up the ladder in the middle of the ring, then quickly climbed up it with his back to the ladder that was still lying in the corner. Machetti reached the top of the ladder and tried to grab the briefcase, but Kennedy suddenly got in the ring and climbed up the other side with a chair. KENNEDY BLASTED MACHETTI ACROSS THE FACE!! Kennedy tossed the chair to the side then grabbed Machetti and lifted him up onto his shoulders, then climbed up onto the top of the ladder. KENNEDY FLIPPED OFF OF THE LADDER, GREEN BAY PLUNGE OFF OF THE LADDER… ONTO THE OTHER LADDER!! Machetti's back was driven into the ladder with such force that it bent in half like the one Shelton had smashed onto earlier in the match. The crowd was again chanting HOLY SH-T! HOLY SH-T! HOLY SH-T!! Machetti had been busted opened from the chair shot and now he had been practically slammed through the ladder, the rolled to the side and dropped down to the floor.
Kennedy was down attempting to recover in the corner, but then Shelton slid in the ring and started climbing up the ladder. But then Morrison slid in the ring and started climbing up the other side of the ladder. Morrison reached the top of the ladder and he and Benjamin started fighting, but Morrison ducked a punch from Shelton then jumped up AND KICKED HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! Morrison and Benjamin went crashing down to the mat with a pair of loud thuds. In the corner Kennedy got back up and saw that just about everyone else was down, then he went over to the ladder and started climbing up it himself. Only when he was halfway up, Punk pulled himself up onto the ring apron then jumped up and springboarded off of the top rope AND KNOCKED KENNEDY OFF OF THE LADDER WITH A SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE!
Kennedy fell to the ground while Punk staggered into the ropes. He came off and went over to the ladder and started climbing it, but Morrison pulled him down and held him on his shoulders. Morrison carried Punk over to his ropes and placed his feet on the top rope, then grabbed Punk's head and spun to the side, CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER!! Morrison got back up and but Benjamin suddenly came over and grabbed him then hit a release exploder suplex, MORRISON SLAMMED UPSIDE-DOWN INTO THE LADDER!! THE LADDER AND MORRISON WENT CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!
Benjamin took the ladder and set it up in the middle of the ring then started climbing it, but then he noticed Kennedy getting back up, and Carlito getting in the ring. Shelton knew he wouldn't get the briefcase with both of them standing, so he jumped from the top of the ladder and onto the top rope, then he did a springboard back-flip AND TOOK DOWN KENNEDY AND CARLITO WITH A DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD MOONSUALT!!
Benjamin, Kennedy, Carlito, Punk, Machetti, and Morrison were all down. But then MVP started to stir and got in the ring. MVP went over to the ladder and was going to climb it, but Jericho rushed into the ring with another ladder then ran at MVP and rammed it into his face, knocking him off of the ladder. Y2J took the ladder and threw it down on top of MVP, then he turned to the other ladder and folded it up, then put it down in the middle of the ring. Jericho went over to MVP and put him on top of the ladder, then he got his other ladder and put it down on MVP. Jericho ran to the ropes, jumped onto the middle rope then back-flipped off of it, LIONSAULT ONTO MVP AND THE TWO LADDERS!! Jericho rolled off of MVP and held his stomach, NOW everyone wad down.
CM Punk was the first one to get to his feet, mostly due to some help from the ropes, He grabbed the larger of the two ladders that Jericho had sandwiched MVP with and lifted it up, then set it u in the middle of the ring. Punk was about to go over to the ladder and climb it then he saw Morrison pull himself up and lean against the corner. Remembering what had happened to him the last time he had tried to climb the ladder with Morrison up, Punk opted not to climb the ladder, instead he ran across the ring then jumped up and hit Morrison with a shining wizard in the corner, then grabbed his head and followed up with a bulldog, driving Morrison's face down into the mat. Punk got back up and pulled Morrison to his feet, then hoisted him onto his shoulder and launched him off before lifting his knee GO 2 SLEEP!!
Morrison fell down to the mat and Punk dropkicked him in the side, launching him out of the ring and down to the floor. Punk got back up and turned to the ladder, but across the ring, Jericho got back up. Jericho ran at Punk and went for a running enzuigiri, but Punk ducked it and pushed Jericho away from him. Jericho came back at Punk, but suddenly Shelton charged out of the corner and grabbed both Punk and Jericho as he ran over DOUBLE INVERTED BULLDOG!!
Benjamin went to the ladder and climbed up it, then reached up for the briefcase, suddenly Carlito came over and knocked over the ladder, but Shelton held onto the briefcase and dangled above the ring. But suddenly Machetti pulled himself up onto the top turnbuckle, blood was dripping down from a gash in his forehead, Machetti lunged out of the corner AND SPEARED SHELTON! MACHETTI AND BENJAMIN WENT CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!! Shelton rolled to the side and dropped down to the floor while Machetti rolled onto the other ladder that Jericho had brought into the ring before and laid there holding his ribs.
Carlito stared at Machetti and Shelton in surprise, then quickly went and got the ladder then set it up in the middle of the ring again. Carlito climbed up the ladder but before he could reach the top MVP got in the ring and climbed up the other side. Carlito and MVP brawled on the top of the ladder, but suddenly Kennedy came over and knocked over the ladder, Carlito and MVP WENT CRASHING DOWN FROM THE LADDER AND FELL DOWN TO THE FLOOR!! Kennedy smiled to himself then set the ladder up again, but Jericho ran over and grabbed him then dropped down on his back, CODEBREAKER!! Kennedy was launched backwards and staggered into the ropes, suddenly the top rope was pulled down at Punk tried to use it to pull himself up and Kennedy ended up toppling over the top rope and went crashing down to the floor.
Jericho went over to Punk and kneed him in the stomach, then whipped him into the corner. Jericho ran to the corner, jumped onto the middle rope beside Punk, then springboarded off of it and dropkicked Punk right in the chest. Jericho rolled away from Punk and let him slump down on the mat, then went over to the ladder and started climbing it. Jericho eventually made it to the top and grabbed the briefcase, but Punk came over and grabbed Jericho, then stood with Jericho's legs on his shoulders and tried for an electric chair drop, but Jericho held onto the top of the ladder, keeping himself from falling.
On the other side of the ring Machetti pulled himself up to his feet and set up the ladder he had been lying on then slowly climbed up the side of the ladder closer to the turnbuckle. There was no mistaking the look of immense pain on Machetti's bloody face, clearly any movement was hurting him. Machetti stood on top of the ladder then launched off of it AND DROPKICKED JERICHO IN THHE FACE! JERICHO LOST HIS HOLD ON THE LADDER AND PUNK FELL DOWN TO THE MAT FOR AN ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP!! Jericho was slammed back-first down to the mat and rolled over to the bent ladder that Machetti had been slammed through earlier. Punk got back up and saw that Machetti had held onto the ladder when he did the dropkick on Jericho and was still on top of it holding his ribs. Machetti gritted his teeth and reached up and grabbed the briefcase, while Punk quickly ran over and started climbing up the other side of the ladder. Machetti suddenly pulled himself up with the briefcase and pushed the ladder to the side with his legs. THE LADDER TIPPED OVER AND FELL TO THE MAT, BRINGING CM PUNK DOWN WITH IT!!
Machetti held onto the briefcase and the chain holding it and dangled up above the ring, still looking like he was in a great deal of pain. But Machetti suddenly realized something, if he pulled the briefcase free now he'd have a long fall. But if he dropped down so he could get a ladder it would give everyone else time to recover. Machetti thought fast and lifted his legs up above him and wrapped them around the chain, causing him to hang upside down from the chain like a bat. Machetti's long hair hung downwards while Machetti stayed upside-down and undid the clip then PULLED THE BRIEFCASE FREE! The bell rang as Machetti held onto the chain with one arm and both of his legs while holding the briefcase downward. HE JUST WON THE MONEY IN TBE BANK LADDER MATCH! Riot Time played as the chain was slowly lowered downward until it was near to the ground. Machetti let go and dropped to the mat, then got to his feet and held the briefcase up above his head with one hand while holding his ribs with the other. Machetti was handed back his Intercontinental Title which he wrapped around the briefcase, then held up in the air again, wincing at the sudden movement.
Machetti lowered the briefcase and hugged it to his chest, a grin was plastered on his face as he staggered over to the ropes and got out of the ring. Machetti walked backwards up the ramp with the briefcase held up above his head. The thrill of winning the match was seemingly eliminated the immense pain he was experiencing in his back and ribs because he was smiling fully now. The fans were cheering loudly and applauding not only Machetti, but also the other seven superstars in the match, they had taken each other to the limit risking their bodies in an attempt to win the Money in the Bank. But in the end only one of them could, and that was Machetti. The cameras cut and showed Cena, Orton, and Triple H warming up for the WWE Championship match.
--x--
Zack staggered through the curtain and dropped to his knees, Paul London rushed over and helped him up. "Dude, are you alright?"
"I think I did something to my ribs," Zack wheezed. "Get me to the trainer, and if I pass out, wake me up for my segment later." With that Zack did just as he said he would and passed out completely. The adrenaline from being in the match, in front of the seventy four thousand six hundred thirty-five fans, but now that he had slowed down and did have to be conscious for the camera, Zack completely shut down. The paramedics and EMTs were all busy helping to get the other seven guys to the back, so Paul took it upon himself to get Zack to the trainer's office.
--x--
Later on in the night Kane had just won the ECW World Championship from Chavo Guerrero in a quick eight seconds. The big red monster was now walking backstage with the gold on his shoulder. But Kane suddenly stopped, and the camera moved to the side to show Machetti leaning back against the wall with the IC title on his shoulder while holding the Money in the Bank briefcase to his chest.
"Well hey there, champ," greeted Machetti with a weak smile. Kane stared at him and didn't say anything.
"What do you want?" demanded Kane.
"See this?" asked Machetti while holding up the briefcase. "I have a shot at any title I want, any time I want. I already have the Intercontinental Title, I don't want to go after either of the tag team titles, and I'm pretty sure I'll have to wait in line if I want the United States title, so that leaves the three world titles. You champ, will have to be looking over your shoulder."
"Is that a threat?" questioned Kane as he stepped up to Machetti and glared down at him.
"No, just a warning," replied Machetti. "You're the only sure champion here, so I'm putting you on notice. I'll admit I'm pretty banged up right now, I'll cash this baby in when I'm healthy, that way I can assure myself the gold. It'll probably be when you least expect it, so as long as you're holding that title, I'd be keeping my guard up if I was you."
"You know what…" started Kane as he stared at Machetti who simply smiled weakly. "I wouldn't have it any other way. If you come for my title, I'll do to you what I did to Chavo Guerrero tonight. I'LL DESTROY YOU!" Kane brought out his arm and slapped Machetti across the face, causing Machetti's head to snap to the side.
"Ow," said Machetti, but then he chuckled weakly, and slapped Kane in return. "I'll see you around, champ." Kane nodded and walked off, leaving Machetti leaning against the wall holding his title and his briefcase. The camera cut to the ring and showed Raven Symone from the Make a Wish Foundation and from there WrestleMania continued. Machetti had won the Money in the Bank and now he could challenge for any World Championship he wants for the next year. If nothing else, the next year was going to be very interesting.
--x--
And that is the end of Can I Ask You Something? II. I wanted to end the story on an up note so I had Machetti win the Money in the Bank at WrestleMania. But now what's in store for Machetti in the next year? To find out, read the next story Can I Ask You Something? III. I should have the first chapter out on Saturday.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!