For the first time ever, RAW emanates from the United Kingdom - Manchester, England. Tonight, Trish Stratus defends her women's title against Stacy Keibler while William Regal and Eugene challenge La Resistance for the tag titles. And finally, in a six-man tag match, Chris Benoit, Edge, Shawn Michaels vs. The Evolution.
Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus
-Trish spends most of the match working on Stacy's left leg and kicks her violently in the knee before nailing the "Chick Kick" for the victory. After the match, Molly comes down to beat up Trish but Nidia runs in for the save. This brings out Gail Kim and finally, Victoria before the faces clean house.
Coming up next, La Resistance takes on William Regal & Eugene.
Another promo for Simon Dean airs. He tells us that chances are, he doesn't like us and then shills his Simon System product.
La Resistance vs. William Regal & Eugene
-Regal hits Grenier with the brass knuckles to score the pinfall and win the titles. After the commercial break, Eric Bischoff orders the referee to re-start the match because of Regal's illegal activity.
Backstage, Eric Bischoff stops La Resistance and congratulates them from retaining their titles. B But he says he's done helping them because they didn't do their job - that being to soften up Eugene for him. Bischoff angrily announces that they will defend their titles at Taboo Tuesday against whichever two superstars don't get to face Triple H!
Backstage, a concerned Triple H tells Ric Flair that his three potential opponents will try to take him out before the PPV. Batista says they got his back and Triple H looks at him and asks "do you?" Batista re-assures Triple H that no matter if they come head on or from behind, they will stand by his side.
They recap the entire series of events leading to Kane vs. Gene Snitsky.
Gene Snitsky is interviewed and says that he knew exactly what he was doing last week. He says that Kane left him three choices: a) run and hide, b) throw his hands up in the air and get beat up or c) launch a pre-emptive strike. Snitsky says in response to Kane's comment that he's dead that the only thing dead around here is Kane's baby...which wasn't his fault. Snitsky promises that once he gets done with Kane after Taboo Tuesday, he'll be the one crying like a baby. Snitsky starts to cry like a baby and the camera pans out and we see Kane huffing and puffing. I think he's mad.
Hurricane & Rosey vs. Val Venis & Steven Richards
-Before the match even starts, Kane comes down and beats everyone up with a chair. He destroys Val Venis with the chair on the ramp.
When we come back, we see Val Venis being loaded onto a stretcher and wheeled out due to his injuries.
Randy Orton comes out and says that at Taboo Tuesday, he'll be taking on a man he idolized - Ric Flair. He says he has mixed emotions because on one hand, Flair cost him the most important thing he wants in his entire life - the world title and for that, he will get even. But on the other hand, he wants to face the real Nature Boy rather than the shell of a man he has become. This prompts Flair to come out.
Flair calls himself the most famous legend of them all and says when he looks at Orton, he sees a man in a custom made suit with the Rolex watch and he looks like a champion. But Flair says he is the man and he invented being the man and has kissed many women on the lips. Flair says that Orton has established himself as great but a legend killer, he is not. Orton guarantees that he'll beat him at Taboo Tuesday and after the PPV, Flair will respect him.
Later tonight, Evolution takes on Michaels, Benoit and Edge.
Chris Jericho vs. Rhyno
-Tyson Tomko and Christian run out and beat up Chris Jericho which causes Jonathan Coachman to come out. Coach announces on Bischoff's behalf that the match will re-start except this time it will be Tomko & Christian up against Jericho & Rhyno.
Tyson Tomko & Christian vs. Chris Jericho & Rhyno
-Rhyno hits the Gore on Tomko and Jericho follows it up with the Lionsault to score the pin. After the match, Christian hits Rhyno with the title belt but Jericho puts Christian in the Walls of Jericho and doesn't let go until Batista runs out, attacks him and hits a powerbomb.
Backstage, Shawn Michaels asks Chris Benoit if he's ready. Benoit says yes but Michaels tells him that he's going out there tonight to do what's best for him. Benoit questions that and Michaels says that he will do what he always does to ensure that he's the right man to face Triple H at Taboo Tuesday. Benoit promises that he won't let Shawn steal the spotlight. As they are chatting, Edge comes in and thanks them sarcastically for including him in the discussion. Michaels says that he and Benoit aren't worthy of title shots vs. Triple H according to Edge last week. Edge doesn't back down and says he deserves the title shot and tonight, he'll prove it.
They recap last week's Smackdown!.
Jim Ross wishes John Cena a speedy recovery after being involved in an altercation at a nightclub near Boston.
Recap of the Christy/Carmella "feud".
They run down the prospective Taboo Tuesday lineup, including a just announced Women's championship battle royal. The audience will vote on what the divas will wear.
Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels & Edge vs. Evolution
-Benoit puts the figure four on Flair which ends up bringing everyone else in. Michaels puts the figure four on Triple H while at the very same time, Edge puts one on Batista. As the ref finally gains control of the match, we go to commercial. The finish sees Benoit hit the flying headbutt on Triple H with Michaels attempting to follow it up with the Sweet Chin Music. But Edge tags himself in and almost gets Pedigreed so Shawn rescues him with the super-kick. Michaels is kicked out by the ref and Edge just falls on Triple H and pins him for the victory.
After the match, Michaels, Benoit and Edge debate on who should get the nod to face Triple H at Taboo Tuesday. Michaels tries to get a live vote going but Edge spears him before he can finish. As Benoit steps in, Eric Bischoff appears and announces a triple threat match for next week so they can prove to the people on who the real #1 contender is. After Bischoff concludes his announcement, Edge spears Benoit too as Benoit checks on Shawn.
End of show.
