ICWE: Angelfood Cake -Angels picketing outside the arena. (ICWE intro! Pyro starts the show, King and Mark welcome us!) -Backstage, the Dudleys acting very nice to Spike after destroying Raven last week. They say they're proud that the little guy showed everyone what he's made of finally in the 6-Man Fusion Title match at Breakdown. He's proven he's a true Dudley, and they're back on their brother's side! (POP!) Spike is ecstatic, the brothers Dudley are all smiles, and Spike leaves the locker room. When he's gone, Bubba checks to see if he's out of the way. Bubba and D-Von reveal...that they're actually out to end his title reign, and that D-Von's ballsack deserves to hold that title more than goofy little Spike!! Dun dun dun....the Dudleys are sneaky bastards! -Orton and Cena both feel cheated out of the spotlight by Douglas and Hart last week. Cena's the f'n Extreme Champion, yo! He don't need 'dis sh*t! He better then that! Orton is a former Prime Champion. A former Horseman. A great, 3rd generation superstar with all the potential in the world...and he loses to that old hack Douglas, after WEEKS of build-up, frustration, embarrassment. Both feel they deserve better, had great matches at Breakdown. The Master of Thugganomics and the Stud are stunned by Adam as he walks by and, overhearing, assigns them both to matches TONIGHT! Cena will defend his title against Matt Hardy and Orton will wrestle the Fusion Champion, Spike Dudley. -Adam was on his way to the ring. He is out to the Icon theme and a monster pop, and is sad to deliver the news that the tag team known as The Hype will no longer be together. They have decided to persue singles careers, and though they are still close friends, the Hype is no more. But that doesn't mean they're getting away from the Duo Division so easily! Tonight, Haas will have his first singles match in ICW, against the legendary Shawn Michaels, while Benjamin will take on Ric Flair! (WOOOO! POP!!) So, "The Hype" will be in action, but they won't be together. Also tonight, after what went down last week, you're gonna' get it right here IN THIS VERY RING...Rob Van Dam will have his first title defense against...Chris Benoit! (POP!) Adam leaves to a pop, commercial. -Cena d. M. Hardy: Extreme Title -The Legend Killer is still on his winning streak, and he's getting harder than ever to ignore, especially with Orton on his side! The Stud can't interfere here, however, as he's in the back getting ready for his match. Cena has no problem busting Matt Hardy's Duo Division jobber ASS to hell with a Kendo stick and laying him out for the 1, 2, 3! BOOYEAH! WORD TO YO' MUTHA'! -The Angels are in the back, trying to convince male Superstars to join their cause and get Erica reinstated. The guys are all happy and think Adam's doing fine without here, so no one, of course, will help. The gals are dejected...but defacto leader and Angel Prime Champion, Molly, decides it's just time to step up their efforts a little...heh heh heh... -Hart/Michaels confrontation. -The two come face to face walking in the back, and not a word is spoken. Only chilly glares and daggers shot from eye to eye...and they walk past eachother, everyone knowing that their day is coming...and they wouldn't want a scuffle in the back to cheapen it. Oh, yeah...these two are REAL pissy with eachother, and the Hitman is looking like the face in this one already, even though HBK is loved around here, too. =============================================== -Spike d. Orton: Fusion Title -Spike is about to lose to the Stud, after Randy hits the RKO, and poses to cheers from the crowd. Spike fellow "dorks" are cheering for the little guy to pull through...and OUT COME THE DUDLEYS TO HELP! They run into the ring and stare down Orton! Orton clears out of the ring, back to the ramp...when SHANE DOUGLAS RUNS DOWN AND CLOBBERS ORTON FROM BEHIND AT FULL SPEED! Disqualification, Randy Orton is the winner, but Spike keeps the belt! Spike gets up after the match with the help of his caring, loving brothers. He's glad he kept the belt, and takes the mic...thanking all the Dorks out there, and saying this little Dork isn't going to lose the Fusion Title without the fight of his life! The Dudley brothers act real friendly-like, Spike is oblivioius, and the crowd tries to warn him, but to no avail! They leave together to Spike's theme! Spike has kept the title (thanks to Douglas, as the Dudleys were out to screw him over...), but for how long? ========================================== -Charlie Haas v. HBK -Great match! Haas has the makings of a true champion down the line! He and HBK put on one for the ages, but near the end, Bret Hart runs down and attacks HBK! DQ, Haas technically wins, Michaels is left laid-out in the ring after a chairshot! (Mixed cheers and boos, mainly cheers...the crowd is nearly evenly split!) -Selton Benjamin v. Ric Flair -Also pretty damn good, but Flair beats the young'un clean with the Figure Four. They shake hands after the match. Crowd pops for it. Yay for both of them. -RVD v. Benoit -The two get in the ring after their entrances, and the crowd is cheering for them to go at eachother...THEY LOCK UP! However... The Angels storm the ring, kick out the champ and Benoit, and promptly take over Explosion's main event! WHAT?!! They will not stop their protests until Erica Kowal is rehired. The Angel Division was built by her vision, and they are banding together, even if they don't like eachother very much, to have her rehired by Explosion. (BOO! The crowd wanted to see the match.) Adam comes out, says he's got an idea. I'm not going to be controlled by anyone anymore, especially you ladies, especially now that I'm on my own again as head of this company! Since I don't want her back here, you have one twisted, vile option. If you want to see Erica back in this company again, then I want 2 of you in a TOTAL STRIP MATCH at Showdown! The only way to win is to completely undress your opponent. The crowd pops HUGE! Angels are pissed, Adam is a hero...the plot sickens! Show over. =========================================== (Orton comes to the ring! Decent pop for the young, defiant ex-Horseman!) RO: Ladies and gentlemen...but mainly the ladies...behold the greatness that is...THE STUD! (Squealy pop!) RO: You know, Douglas, you've been keeping me down all this time, and the way you treated me lately...uh-uh, no way. The Stud isn't gonna' take that from some GERIATRIC loser like you, so I have a little SURPRISE for you, "partner." You'll be having a match at the next PPV, the Explosion-only PPV, SHOWDOWN! (Pop!) That's right! At Showdown, Adam says we're gonna' solve some problems around here, we're gonna' end some animosity...or at least turn up the fire a little. And Douglas, at Showdown, YOUR ASS is gonna' be in the frying pan when you take on me, the Stud, Randy Orton, in a match you can't win with your cheap tactics, your schemes...and there's NO ONE in your corner now, Shane. It'll be you and me, mano-a-STUDO...in a "RESPECT" MATCH! The only way to win...is to make your opponent shout, into a mic for the WORLD to hear..."I...RESPECT...YOU!" And Douglas, there's no way in HELL you'll win that one...because I sure as hell DO NOT respect you, you piece of sh*t! (POP!!!! Orton goes to the back, liked by the fans! That's nice to hear, isn't it?) =========================================== (In the office, Adam signs RVD/Benoit for Showdown, it'll be great. The Legend Title match for Showdown will be decided next Monday, when Adam reads the results of the internet poll to see who will take part in the match, so don't miss that announcement, plus contract signing! -In back, Angels are dropping like flies from the Total Strip Match idea. Trish and Victoria walk in when all hope is about given-up...Molly gets an idea. -Angel Champ Molly comes to the ring, says there WILL be a Total Strip Match at Showdown! She has found 2 Angels willing to shame themselves all for the sake of Icon 04. At Showdown, ladies and gentlemen, you will see a Total Strip Match between...Victoria...and...Trish Stratus! Adam comes out and says they might as well make it an Angel Prime Title match. It's only fair, since none of them would wrestle for him all month. So if the match is going to happen, it's going to be a 3-Way Match, Trish, Vic, and Molly! Molly is pissed, doesn't want to...but finally agrees to the match, since it's her only hope. ===================================== -Dudleys discuss "the plan." Spike is oblivious. -Spike/D'Von v. Orton/Cena -Bubba runs out, looks like he's going to save Spike, but turns on the runt. He and D'Von beat Spike down, Orton/Cena win. -In back, Molly tells Trish and Vic she hopes they'll go about the original plan of stripping one of them and leave her out of it. Greed takes over, and they want that title back...so Molly...you better be careful. In our match at Showdown...you may lose more than that belt! We are guaranteed 2 naked Angels at Showdown. You're welcome. -Orton and Cena get cocky in the back. Adam says if they think they're so good and deserving, they have matches at Showdown. BIG matches. Cena, you're a Legend Killer? How about you go up against the greatest Legend of all-time...RIC FLAIR?! And YOU, Orton...your match against Douglas is ON. Don't disappoint me...I'll be watching both of you VERY closely. If you impress me, maybe we'll talk about elevating your positions around here a bit...Cena/Orton put selves over, are ready to kick ass at Showdown. -Taker d. Raven -Taker is pissy and more aggressive than ever. The recent events have taken a NASTY toll on him, and he destroys poor Raven (who I've been jobbing away since losing to --snicker, chuckle-- Spike). Mark and King put over how miserable he's been, wonder what's going on in that evil head of his, what can snap him out of it? =========================================================== -Adam announces the results of the Legend Title Internet Poll! Competing for the Legend Title will be...the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels...and...Bret "The Hitman" Hart! (BIGGEST MEGAPOP EVER EVER EVER!) And just to make sure the fans who requested this epic match will get their money's worth...it's going to be a 2 OUT OF 3 FALLS MATCH! (POP!!!1) -Charlie Haas v. Jeff Hardy -Haas wins with the "Haas of Pain." Jeff Hardy J-O-B-Z. -In back, Show points out how distant and miserable Taker has been since defeating Kane at Breakdown. He should be happy! He should be out there kickin' ass and takin' names, more than ever! Taker pushes Show up against a wall by his neck. YOU THINK I'M HAPPY I HAD TO TAKE OUT MY OWN BROTHER, PAUL? YOU THINK IT FEELS GOOD THAT I HAD TO DO WHAT I DID? DO YOU THINK I'M HAPPY THAT I COULDN'T DO IT ON MY OWN? THAT I NEEDED NOT ONLY YOU, BUT BRET HART TO DO IT? I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE WAS COMING. I LOOKED DEATH STRAIGHT IN THE EYES AGAIN, PAUL! I SAW KANE AND MORTIS COMING MY WAY, AND I GAVE IT EVERYTHING I HAD...AND I COULDN'T DO IT. I'M A GODDAM JOKE! YOU THINK I'M HAPPY I'M NOT IN THE LEGEND MATCH? Show: OH! That's it...Take, come on. No one doubts you around here! Taker: I DESERVE TO BE THE LEGEND AROUND HERE, NO ONE'S BEEN MORE DAMN LOYAL THAN I HAVE! I GUESS I JUST AIN'T A BADASS ANYMORE...I'M...FEELING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE THAT I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS BUSINESS AND NEVER COME BACK. SO YOU THINK I SHOULD COME OUT TO THAT RING ALL SMILES AND BRAG THAT BECAUSE I HAD THE HELP OF 2 OTHER GUYS, I SENT MY BROTHER OUT OF THE RING, INTO A CASKET, NEVER TO SEE HIM AGAIN?! THAT DAMN DARK POWER CONSUMED HIM, PAUL. IT BURNED HIM ALIVE. NOW KANE'S GONE...AND I THINK PART OF ME WENT WITH HIM. I GOT NOTHING TO ACCOMPLISH...I DON'T NEED TO PROVE ANYTHING TO ANYONE AROUND HERE. THE FANS KNOW WHO I WAS AND WHAT I DID. AND THEY DON'T GIVE A SH*T! I FEEL SO F*CKIN' PATHETIC RIGHT NOW I COULD PUT A GUN IN MY MOUTH AND END IT. So...NO. I'm NOT happy. I'm more messed-up than I ever been. Now leave me the hell alone. (Show, confused, leaves. Crowd boos.) -Hart/HBK contract signing. -These two legends meet in the ring, the people are buzzing the whole time. The intensity between them, the Montreal Screwjob, all of the history, looming in the air. HBK out first to a pop, but he's all-business, not his usually Shawnbreaker self. Hart is out to a huger-pop, and their eyes don't leave eachother's glare until the Icon theme hits and Adam strolls to the ring with the contract. A table and chairs have been set up, and Adam sits down at one, inviting them to take a seat around the table. Adam announces what a huge match this is, and how big this is not only for Explosion, but for wrestling in general. Many thought Hart would never step into the ring again...now he's back to settle perhaps the greatest rivalry in wrestling history. No one can question either's in-ring ability, and this one's going to be epic. They both sign, then the audience pops as Adam says IT'S OFFICIAL, and asks the men to shake hands. Shawn extends his hand, and Hart looks around to the crowd that is now chanting "YOU SCREWED BRET!" Hart looks at HBK puts out his hand...AND SLAPS MICHAELS ACROSS THE FACE! The two start an intense brawl as Adam tries to separate them! Referees eventually come down and pull them apart, but MAN, Showdown's gonna' be ALL ABOUT this match. I don't even want to write, it, it feels sacreligious in a way...oh, well! It's signed! -Dreamer confronts Show. D: Show, man, what's the deal with Taker? You know me and Tazz were supposed to fight you and him at Showdown, right? S: Yeah, I know. Look, I don't know what his problem is, he's real screwed up in the head for some reason, something about feeling guilty for putting a stop to Kane, doubting himself. He sounds more like he's gonna' retire than wrestle. D: Show, this match means so much for all of us. For once we're out there, on PPV, just to WRESTLE. No gimmicks, no big, fancy stories. We're putting on a pure wrestling show for those people. Either get your boy to get off his dead ass and in that match, or find a new partner. S: Dreamer, I can't just do that. The Undertaker's my friend. We been through a lot together, and I can't leave him behind just because he's a little out of it. Look, I'll talk to him. You'll have your answer by the end of the night. -Molly is in back, begging Adam to let her out of the Total Strip Match at Showdown. He won't give in, she keeps at it until...Trish and Victoria run into the office and grab Molly, ripping and tugging at her shirt and pants until she's in her bra and panties! Molly struggles to get away, and Adam, stunned at the scene, tells them to that's enough. Save some for Showdown! Molly grabs her title belt and clothes, covers herself with them and runs out of the room. Vic and Trish look at eachother, smiling. V: Don't worry, Legend. At Showdown, we'll be sure to finish the job on Molly...and maybe even eachother. -Spike/Dudleys confrontation. Spike calls out his brothers, says he's legit, and there's only one way to prove it...beating BOTH of them at Showdown! Let's settle this Dudley rivalry once and for all! You guys don't think I deserve to hold this Fusion Title? Then just climb the ladder in our TLC MATCH...(pop!)...and take it for yourself! Just think about this...whatcha' gonna' do, "brothers?" Whatcha' gonna' do...when Spike Dudley and all his Dorkamaniacs RUN WILD ON YOU?!!!!!!! (Spike makes goofy faces, flexes his tiny arms, and leaves to cheers.) -Big Show v. Raven -Show beats the struggling Raven. He grabs a mic. S: All you fans out there...the Undertaker is one of the hardest working men in this business. He's put his ass on the line for all of us for over 10 years. He's one of the greatest guys to work with, and he inspires young guys to get into the game every day. For some reason, he feels like his time is up, but after Breakdown, I don't think so, do you? (POP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) See, all you fans really love the Undertaker...and all us guys in the back, we need him, too. So, Undertaker, I'm asking you to come down to this ring and tell me right now that you'll be my partner against Tommy Dreamer and Tazz Sunday. (DEAD MAN WALKIN'!) Taker slowly makes his way down, shaking his head and looking at his feet the whole time. He climbs into the ring and stares into the eyes of the Big Show. T: Show, I told you I don't want anything to do with that damn match. S: What are you gonna' do, just sit around and never wrestle again, just collect your paychecks and retire? Taker, you do that and you're an embarrassment to the sport. You do that and you erase all the great memories you've given these people over the years. You talk about wanting respect all the time. We gave you respect. All these people, every one of us respects you! Don't let your career end like this. You've got too many great matches left in you to let that happen now! (Crowd pops and chants "TAKER!" as he looks around and thinks it over.) T: This ain't about respect no more. This is about me not being able to cut it. This is about me having to destroy my own brother. This is about me being dead inside, I have nothing left to care about, nothing left to give. Why the hell would you want me around here? S: Taker, we want you around here because you're one of the best to ever step in that ring! You're a hero to so many people, you never back down, you always get the job done, and you always do the right thing. Don't change that now. I want to tag with you in that match. I'm excited to wrestle at the big PPV coming up, such good opponents, our chance to prove that we're a great team and go out there and win a big match just for the love of the game! (Show starts a Taker chant. Taker sighs, puts the mic to his mouth.) T: The answer...is NO. (Taker suckerpunches Show, knocking that big man on his ass, and leaves to boos. Show, pissed, follows Taker, and the two of them brawl on the ramp!) Adam out, tells them they can settle it at Showdown, in a CAGE MATCH! (POP!) -In back, Tazz/Dreamer stop Adam, ask what happens to them, now. They wanted a match at Showdown bad, what gives? A: You two want a match? You got one. You'll fight eachother this Sunday at Showdown, no DQ. Get out of eachother's asses and go after bigger things than the Duo Titles. Both of you are better than that! (Tazz and Dreamer look at eachother, not sure how to react. Adam walks off.) -Shelton Benjamin v. Billy Kidman -Kidman's back, he loses to Benjamin. -Tazz and Tommy Dreamer talk about what Adam said earlier and agree to split up and go their separate ways. And if their paths cross again, inside the ring or out, anything goes. With a handshake and mutual respect, the two Extreme Icons split up once again. Man, they'd be such a good tag team in real life! -Cena/Orton jump Flair. Cena mocks him, saying he can never win an Extreme match against the Legend Killer! -Chris Benoit v. ??? -Benoit is out, getting heat from fans. He's hated, saying he'll kill RVD this weekend, and is calling out any single wrestler from the back to "PROVE ME WRONG!" Silence, then POP!!! as TAZZ's THEME HITS!!! Tazz has a mic and says if he beats Benoit, he's in against RVD Sunday at Showdown, NOT Benoit! And Adam just gave it the OK! WOAH! Benoit and Tazz have a good match, but Benoit wins in the end through a cheap roll-up that pisses off Tazz and the fans. Boo the heel! BOO HIM!! -Cena/Orton jump Douglas. Orton says the only reason he didn't end his career tonight is that he wants the honor of doing that in the ring at Showdown! -RVD v. Tommy Dreamer -Dreamer has managed to get Adam to sign a title shot tonight! We know it won't be RVD or Dreamer against Tazz (OH, WHAT MATCHES THEY'D BE!)...but who will take on Chris Benoit for the Prime Title? High-impact match, big spots traded, Dreamer in full force, with all the fury of ECW burning in his fists, pounds on RVD. But the champ's quickness turns out to be too much tonight, and after a quality match, RVD's arm is raised in victory to a standing ovation as Dreamer and RVD embrace in the ring and Tommy raises Rob's hand. Great stuff, RVD takes on Benoit this Sunday, will he be so lucky this time? Good night everyone, don't miss Showdown!