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The show opened up with footage of Chris Benoit capturing the World Heavyweight Championship last month at Wrestlemania XX in Madison Square Garden by forcing Triple H to tap out to the Crippler Crossface. Tonight, Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels and Triple H will face in a rematch from Wrestlemania, being dubbed "The Final Encounter" as they battle it out in another Triple Threat Match but this time with Chris Benoit as the defending Champion. Will Chris Benoit be able to walk out of WWE Backlash still the World Heavyweight Champion?
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
In the arena:
The fireworks went off in the arena for the start of Backlash and Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler kicked it off on commentary and we're fixing to start the night off with Ric Flair battling against Shelton Benjamin!
Referee: Michael Chioda
Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair
Shelton Benjamin's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with Shelton Benjamin facing the former sixteen time World Heavyweight Champion, Ric Flair!
The start:
Ric Flair taunted Shelton Benjamin and Shelton responded by taking Ric Flair down to the mat with a single leg take down and Ric Flair quickly got to the ropes to get Shelton off of him. The two then locked it up and Shelton took Flair down to the mat with a fireman carry take down and then he mocked Ric Flair with a Ric Flair taunt of his own.
Mid-match notes:
Shelton Benjamin slapped Ric Flair across the face and Ric Flair stepped back and fell down to the mat with the patented nose dive.
Ric Flair went for the figure four leg lock but Shelton Benjamin countered it into an inside cradle and a pin for a two count.
Ric Flair later went for the figure four once again and Shelton attempted to block it but Flair forcefully locked in the figure four to leave Shelton writhing in pain. Shelton rolled the figure four over and Flair immediately rolled it back over and grabbed the ropes and the referee forced Flair to release the hold.
An angered Ric Flair got out of the ring and grabbed a steel chair and the referee grabbed the chair and got rid of it and then Flair went after Shelton and exchanged blows with him.
The finish:
Ric Flair knocked Shelton Benjamin down to the mat with a thunderous chop and then he headed to the top rope but came back down and Shelton jumped at Flair, shoving him into the ropes as the commentators noticed that Flair had brass knuckles on. Shelton Benjamin came off the second rope with a cross body/clothesline combination to take Flair down to the mat into a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - Shelton Benjamin
Backstage:
Todd Grisham was shown with Randy Orton and Todd said Evolution isn't exactly up to a great start tonight. Could Ric Flair's loss be a sign of things to come? Randy said that Shelton has been here for three weeks, big deal. So what, he's on a winning streak. But what about Randy Orton's winning streak? He's the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in the last seven years. He's beaten legend after legend after legend and he's got no respect. But tonight here at Backlash, it's going to be different and he's going to earn that respect. Randy Orton is going to deliver a beat down on Mick Foley or Cactus Jack, whoever decides to show up tonight, he's going to deliver a beat down that causes Mick Foley to enter retirement once and for all. Todd asked Randy if he's scared of what Mick is going to do? Randy said Mick can do whatever he wants. He can talk about all the violence, blood and brutality and everything he holds dear to his heart. Randy has seen everything he can do but there is one thing; Randy Orton is going to show Mick Foley a side of him that he hasn't seen before and that's a side that Mick Foley will never forget. You see, Mick is like a dog, an old sad toothless dog. And what do you do to an old sad toothless dog? You put him down. You put him out of his misery and tonight right here at Backlash, that's just what he's going to do is put Mick Foley down, out of his misery once and for all.
Referee: Jack Doan
The Coach vs. Tajiri
The Coach's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with The Coach facing Tajiri.
The start:
The Coach grabbed hold of Tajiri and took him down to the mat with an arm drag take down and then he locked it up with Tajiri once again and Tajiri put Coach in a waist lock and Coach reversed it into a waist lock of his own until Tajiri scared Coach off with a kick that missed The Coach.
Mid-match notes:
The Coach grounded Tajiri and then he went to the top rope but Tajiri knocked Coach down to straddle the top rope with a kick. Tajiri then pulled Coach down to hang him on the ropes and then Tajiri hit Coach in the back of the head with a baseball slide kick.
The Coach shoved Tajiri down to the mat and then he rolled Tajiri up and put his feet on the ropes and pinned him but only got a two count. Despite that, The Coach thought that he had won the match, so he argued with the referee. Coach then charged at Tajiri and Tajiri put Coach in the tarantula and Tajiri was noticeably having some problems with his knee.
The finish:
Garrison Cade came out to the ring and gave Tajiri a cheap shot to the head and then The Coach rolled Tajiri up in a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - The Coach
The Aftermath:
Garrison Cade celebrated The Coach's win with him and you gotta believe there is something up here with the relationship between Garrison Cade and Jonathan Coachman, but what could it be?
Handicap Match
Referee: Chad Patton
Chris Jericho vs. Trish Stratus and Christian
Christian's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring along with Trish Stratus and this is a Handicap Match with Christian and Trish Stratus facing Chris Jericho.
The start:
Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus exchanged words and Christian stepped in between the two and he shoved Chris Jericho and then Chris knocked Christian down with a hard right hand. Chris Jericho then chased after Trish Stratus and she got out of the ring and then back into the ring as he chased her and as Chris went after her, he knocked Christian down to the mat with a reverse elbow.
Mid-match notes:
Christian whipped Chris Jericho off the ropes and his back knocked into Trish Stratus and she fell down from the ring apron. Christian then gave Chris Jericho a forward suplex and then he knocked Jericho down to the arena floor.
Trish Stratus eventually tagged into the match and Christian held onto Chris Jericho and that gave Trish the opportunity to slap the hell out of Chris Jericho. Trish then hit Chris Jericho with the chick kick and then she quickly made the tag to Christian to get out of the ring.
Chris Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho but Christian kicked Jericho into the corner and Chris bounced off the turnbuckle and fell down to the mat with an inadvertent headbutt to Christian's groin.
Chris Jericho went to the second rope and kicked Christian in the head and then Trish hit Chris Jericho and Christian got up and grabbed Chris Jericho and gave him a reverse DDT from the second rope.
Chris again went for the Walls of Jericho on Christian but Trish got in the ring to stop him and then Chris grabbed Trish and put her on his knee and slapped her ass and the crowd went absolutely nuts for Y2J! Christian got in the ring and he grabbed Chris Jericho and planted him with the Unprettier and then he made the tag to Trish Stratus and she got in the ring and pinned him but only got a two count. Christian tagged himself back in and he got in the ring and covered Jericho for another two count.
Trish Stratus entered the ring and Chris Jericho knocked her down to the mat with a vicious clothesline and then Jericho and Christian knocked each other down and the referee counted to the count of nine and both Jericho and Christian got back to their feet to resume the match.
Chris Jericho gave Christian a bulldog down to the mat and then he went for the lionsault but Christian got his knees up into the gut of Y2J. Christian then pulled Chris Jericho down to the mat by the legs and he put Jericho in the Texas Cloverleaf and Jericho reversed it to get out of it and Trish Stratus got in the ring and Chris put her in the Walls of Jericho and then Christian rolled Jericho up in a schoolboy pin for a two count.
The finish:
Christian went for the Unprettier once again but Chris got out of it and gave Christian a slingshot into Trish Stratus in the corner and then Chris Jericho nailed Christian with a running Enziguri and a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - Chris Jericho
Backstage:
Eugene was shown walking through the backstage area looking through the Divas 2004 Magazine and he wandered right into the women's locker room and ran into Gail Kim who was standing in her underwear and he asked her to sign his magazine and she screamed in fear and Molly showed up and told him that this is the girl's locker room. Eugene screamed along with Gail Kim and William Regal showed up and pulled Eugene off and he apologized to Molly and Gail Kim for Eugene showing up in their locker room.
Women's Championship Match
Referee: Jack Doan
Lita vs. Victoria (c)
Victoria's music hit in the arena and she made her way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with Victoria defending the Women's Championship against the number one contender, Lita.
The start:
Victoria and Lita tied it up in the center of the ring and Lita ducked down to the mat and rolled Victoria over her head to pull her down to the mat. The two then locked it up once again and Lita took Victoria down to the mat with an arm drag take down.
Mid-match notes:
Victoria knocked Lita down to the mat and then she started dancing and jiggling and then hit her with a standing moonsault and a pin for a two count.
Victoria went for a spinning side slam but Lita countered it into a head scissors to take Victoria down to the mat and then she nailed Victoria with a clothesline to send her down to the mat.
Victoria knocked Lita down to the mat and then she went to the top rope for a moonsault and Lita rolled out of the way and Victoria hit some of the moonsault but not enough. Lita then rolled Victoria up into a pin for a two count. Lita then gave Victoria a modified twist of fate and then another pin for another two count.
The finish:
Lita went for a back slide on Victoria but Victoria countered it and then Lita flipped Victoria over her back and then Victoria rolled Lita up in a small package for the three count to get the win and retain the title.
Winner and still Women's Champion, Victoria
The Aftermath:
Molly Holly and Gail Kim stormed to the ring and attacked both Victoria and Lita and dominated them as you could hear some fans chanting "baldy, baldy" and you have to wonder what their motivation is here tonight. As Molly walked away, you could hear her say that the Championship was hers.
Intercontinental Championship Match
No Holds Barred Match
Referee: Michael Chioda
Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton (c)
The music of Evolution hit in the arena and Randy Orton made his way out to the ring as the Intercontinental Champion with a trash can of weapons and this is a No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere match with the Intercontinental Championship on the line. It should be noted that despite the fact that Mick Foley came out in Cactus Jack ring attire, he was announced to the ring as Mick Foley and he came out to the Mick Foley theme song and throughout the match, the commentators referred to him as Mick Foley.
The start:
Randy Orton had a barbed wire two by four with him but it unraveled and Cactus Jack used his barbed wire bat and smashed the trash can in and he went after Randy Orton with it but Randy Orton dodged every shot Cactus Jack swung at him. Randy Orton gave Cactus Jack a drop toe hold into the steel steps and then he and Cactus fought over the barbed wire bat.
Mid-match notes:
Cactus Jack knocked Randy Orton down to the arena floor with a baseball slide and then he slid out of the ring and gave Randy a swinging neck breaker on the arena floor. Cactus Jack then climbed up to the second rope and he threatened to drop an elbow on Randy Orton but Orton got up and headed up the ramp way. Cactus went right after Randy and grabbed him from behind and then Randy gave Cactus Jack a back suplex and then a pin for a two count.
Randy Orton went to use the barbed wire bat on Cactus Jack's face but Cactus used his hands to push the bat away from his face and then he gave Randy Orton a low blow to force Randy Orton to toss the bat down to the mat. Cactus Jack then pulled Mr. Socko out of his tights and then he put it on his hand and then saw Barbie and picked it up off the mat and then he took the sock off and tossed it down to the mat. Cactus then grabbed Barbie and charged at Randy Orton with the barbed wire bat to send him down to the mat to bust Randy Orton wide opened.
With Randy Orton's head pouring blood like a faucet, Cactus Jack worsened the situation with the barbed wire bat by raking it across his forehead. Cactus then put the barbed wire bat in between Randy Orton's legs and then he gave it a leg drop to send the barbed wire crashing into the groin of Randy Orton.
Cactus Jack got out of the ring and he grabbed a gasoline can out from under the ring and he poured gas onto the barbed wire bat and he got ready to light it up when Eric Bischoff came out and told Cactus to light that but not only will he lose this match but the fire marshal will shut this show down and the people will not see the end of Backlash. So what is he going to do? Cactus Jack walked across the ring with the lighter and barbed wire bat and he tossed them to the arena floor and then he grabbed a very large cookie sheet and nailed Orton on the head with it.
Cactus Jack then got out of the ring and he grabbed a very large board covered in barbed wire and he brought it into the ring and he gave Randy Orton a number of right hands and went to knock him on it but Randy Orton threw powder into Cactus Jack's face and then Randy Orton body slammed Cactus Jack on the bed of barbed wire and the fans chanted "Holy shit, holy shit!" as Orton pinned Cactus for a two count.
Randy Orton set the bed of barbed wire in the corner and then Randy Orton struggled to send Cactus Jack into it but he did it and then he sent him into it once again with a drop kick. Randy then went over and dropped the bed of barbed wire on Cactus Jack as he was down on the mat. The fans heavily chanted "Foley, Foley!" as he was down on the mat and Randy Orton went into a box of goodies and he pulled out a bag and emptied it out onto the mat, revealing it to be thumbtacks.
Randy Orton went to give Cactus Jack the RKO onto the thumb tacks but Cactus shoved Randy down to the mat and Randy went right into the thumbtacks and he looked to be in a ton of pain. Cactus rolled Randy Orton up but only got a two count as Randy Orton was in a tremendous amount of pain from the thumbtacks.
Randy Orton got out of the ring and started to head to the back and Cactus Jack followed right along with him and the two wound up back in the arena. Cactus Jack tossed Randy Orton off the stage onto a platform and referee Michael Chioda called for some help for Randy Orton as he looked as if he couldn't move. Michael Chioda and WWE officials attended to Randy Orton down on the platform as referees Jack Doan and Chad Patton came out to restrain Cactus Jack. Cactus looked as if he was down but he knocked Doan and Patton down on the stage and then he jumped off the stage with an elbow drop right onto Randy Orton and that prompted the fans to once again chant "holy shit, holy shit!" Cactus Jack then covered Randy Orton and somehow Randy was able to kick out right before the count of three.
Cactus Jack brought Randy Orton back to the ring and Cactus planted Randy Orton with the double arm DDT and then he covered him for another two count and Cactus Jack has to be wondering what he has to do to defeat Randy Orton. Randy Orton rolled out of the ring and Cactus went over to Orton and Orton nailed Cactus in the head with the barbed wire bat and then he got in the ring and whaled away on Cactus Jack with the bat. With Cactus on the mat, he slid on Mr. Socko as Randy Orton held the bat high in the air. Cactus Jack then put the mandible claw on Randy Orton and Orton gave Cactus a hard shot to the head followed by a low blow. Cactus put the mandible claw back on Orton but Orton countered it with the RKO and then he pinned Cactus but only got a two count.
The finish:
Randy Orton then gave Cactus Jack the RKO onto the barbed wire baseball bat and then he pinned him for the three count to retain the Intercontinental Championship and defeat the Hardcore Legend.
Winner and still Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton
The Aftermath:
Ric Flair and Batista, the World Tag Team Champions made their way out to the ringside area and they carried Randy Orton out of the ring and to the backstage area to attend to him as he looked to be way out of it after his battle with the legendary Cactus Jack.
Backstage:
Triple H confronted Randy Orton and he told him that's what Evolution is all about. Todd Grisham caught up with Triple H and he asked him for his chances tonight? Triple H said that if you're a gambling man, he wouldn't bet against him. All these people here can cheer for Chris Benoit and say how great a guy is but whether they like it or not, Triple H has been waiting for this day since Wrestlemania and tonight, a victory over Shawn Michaels would be sweet but beating Chris Benoit here on Chris Benoit Day is where the money is at. Triple H then told Todd to do himself a favor and not to bet against him because lightning will not strike twice in the same place and he guaranteed that he will walk out of here as the World Heavyweight Champion.
Referee: Chad Patton
La Resistance vs. The Hurricane and Rosey
The music of La Resistance hit in the arena and they made their way out to the ring for this tag team match that was made earlier tonight and they are up against the Hurricane and Rosey.
The start:
Rob Conway started it off in the ring against the Hurricane and the two tied it up in the center of the ring and Rob twisted the arm of the Hurricane and the Hurricane rolled out of it and then he got Rob Conway in atop wrist lock and then into a side headlock. Rob Conway whipped the Hurricane off the ropes and then he gave the Hurricane a hip toss to take him down to the mat.
Mid-match notes:
The Hurricane went to the top rope and Rob Conway grabbed the Hurricane and pulled him down with a spinning neck breaker to send him crashing down to the mat.
During the match, Eugene came out to the ringside area and the crowd rumbled for him as he greeted the fans. Eugene started to play with the French flag and the Hurricane went to the top rope and jumped on both members of La Resistance on the arena floor with a cross body. Eugene saw that and he got in the ring and ran the ropes until William Regal came out to the ring to get Eugene.
The finish:
The Hurricane planted Rob Conway with the Eye of the Hurricane and then he pinned him for the three count to get the win.
Winners - The Hurricane and Rosey
The Aftermath:
When the Hurricane's music hit, Eugene celebrated as if he just won the match and he wanted to celebrate in the ring but William Regal pulled him to the backstage area.
Referee: Earl Hebner
Kane vs. Edge
Kane's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one match with Kane against the returning Edge!
The start:
Kane went for a clothesline on Edge and Edge ducked it and Kane went for another but Edge once again ducked it and he hit Kane with a right hand. Kane went for a third one but Edge ducked it again and then gave Kane a series of hard right hands as you could hear some fans chanting "You screwed Bret."
Mid-match notes:
Kane stomped away on the broken hand of Edge in an attempt to break the cast on his left arm.
During the contest, the fans chanted "We want Bret" and then they later chanted "You screwed Bret" at Earl Hebner. It is clear that the fans weren't into the Kane vs. Edge contest.
The finish:
The referee got bumped to the outside of the ring and Kane went for a choke slam and Edge nailed Kane in the head with the cast on his arm and then he speared Kane down to the mat and pinned him for the three count to pick up the win.
Winner - Edge
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Triple Threat Match - The Final Encounter
Referee: Michael Chioda
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H vs. Chris Benoit (c)
Triple H's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is for the World Heavyweight Championship with Chris Benoit defending the World Heavyweight Title against Triple H and Shawn Michaels in this Triple Threat - Final Encounter Match! Chris Benoit got a tremendous hometown reception as he made his way out to the ring and held up the World Heavyweight Championship right in the face of the Game.
The start:
The start:
Chris Benoit laid into Triple H with a hard right hand and then he chopped away on him and he and Shawn Michaels double teamed Triple H in the corner and Chris Benoit nailed Shawn Michaels with a hard chop to send him back a bit but the two continued to work together against the former World Champion, Triple H.
Mid-match notes:
Shawn Michaels knocked Triple H to the outside of the ring with a clothesline and then he and Chris Benoit exchanged knife edge chops in the ring.
Triple H went for the Pedigree on Shawn Michaels but Shawn quickly pulled back and bailed out. Shawn Michaels and Triple H then gave Chris Benoit dueling right hands as he stood on the ring apron. Chris Benoit then got in the ring and gave Shawn Michaels a German suplex and then he gave Triple H one, just so that he didn't feel left out.
Chris Benoit put Triple H in the Crippler Crossface and he held onto it until Shawn Michaels hopped to the ring apron and started to get in the ring. Chris Benoit immediately broke the hold and nailed Shawn with a hard right hand to knock him down from the ring apron.
Shawn Michaels was knocked down to the mat and Chris Benoit headed to the top rope and nailed him in the shoulder with the flying headbutt and then he pinned him for a two count as Triple H interrupted the pin.
Shawn Michaels went for a flying forearm on Chris Benoit but Benoit moved out of the way and Shawn Michaels hit the referee to send him to the arena floor.
Triple H then went for the Pedigree on Chris Benoit but Chris Benoit countered it and went for the sharpshooter but Triple H broke out of it. Chris Benoit eventually locked the sharpshooter in and the fans went nuts and Shawn Michaels got in the ring but Chris Benoit locked Shawn Michaels in the Crossface as he got in the ring. Chris Benoit held onto the Crossface and then released it when he realized there was no referee. Benoit then got out of the ring in an attempt to revive the referee but Chioda seemed to be way out of it.
Chris Benoit got back in the ring and Shawn Michaels put Chris Benoit in the sharpshooter and Earl Hebner came out to see if Chris Benoit would give it up and the fans booed the hell out of Hebner and Michaels as he had the sharpshooter on and Ross and Lawler made many references to the Montreal screw job at this moment. Triple H got in the ring and Shawn Michaels released the sharpshooter to go at it with Triple H.
The fans very heavily started chanting "you screwed Bret" at both Shawn Michaels and Earl Hebner and they quickly stopped when Chris Benoit slapped the Crossface on Shawn Michaels. Triple H broke it up to ensure that the match would continue.
Chris Benoit knocked Triple H to the outside of the ring and Shawn Michaels went for a clothesline on Chris Benoit but Chris Benoit put Shawn in a waist lock and Shawn broke out of it and knocked Benoit down to the mat with a clothesline and then he pinned him for a two count and the fans went back to the "you screwed Bret" chants.
Shawn Michaels knocked Chris Benoit down to the arena floor and then he went to the top rope and jumped at both Chris Benoit and Triple H and they ducked out of the way and Shawn Michaels went crashing through the Spanish announce table. Chris Benoit took a look at the damage that Shawn Michaels suffered and Triple H grabbed him from behind and slammed him into the steel ring post.
Triple H gave Chris Benoit a face buster and then he went for a clothesline but Benoit ducked it and gave Triple H a series of German suplexes. Chris Benoit then headed to the top rope for the flying headbutt and he came off but Triple H rolled out of the way, sending Chris Benoit crashing down to the mat. Triple H then planted Chris Benoit with the Pedigree and then Triple H slowly rolled Benoit over and covered him for a two count as Shawn Michaels hopped in to interrupt the pin.
Shawn Michaels knocked Triple H down to the mat with a flying forearm and that left both men down on the mat for a few moments and Shawn nipped back up to his feet and then he gave Triple H a body slam. Shawn then headed to the top rope and he came off with a flying elbow drop on Triple H and he connected with it. Shawn then went to the corner and started gearing up for the sweet chin music and the crowd in attendance heavily booed Michaels out of the arena. Chris Benoit climbed up onto the ring apron and Shawn Michaels went over and hit him with the super kick to knock him down on the ring apron and then Triple H nailed Shawn Michaels with a low blow and then he pinned Shawn but only got a two count.
Triple H went for the Pedigree but he was too close to the ropes and Shawn took the opportunity to send Triple H over the top rope to the arena floor with a back body drop. With Triple H on the outside of the ring, he went under the ring and pulled out a sledge hammer and brought it into the ring. Triple H then got in the ring with the sledge hammer and nailed Shawn Michaels in the back with it and the referee saw it, but he did not end the match. Triple H went to hit Michaels again but Chris Benoit pulled Triple H out of the ring and he went to slam Triple H into the steel steps but Triple H blocked it and slammed Benoit's head into the steps.
The finish:
Chris Benoit then got back in the ring and Shawn geared up for the super kick but Chris Benoit caught his foot and took him down to the mat and put him in the sharpshooter and Michaels fought to get to the ropes but Benoit pulled Michaels back towards the center of the ring and Triple H finally got up and fought to get back in the ring but Shawn Michaels tapped out before Triple H could get in the ring and Benoit walks out of the match, still the World Heavyweight Champion!
Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit
The Aftermath:
Chris Benoit celebrated his win, retaining the World Heavyweight Championship.
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
In the arena:
The fireworks went off in the arena for the start of Backlash and Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler kicked it off on commentary and we're fixing to start the night off with Ric Flair battling against Shelton Benjamin!
Referee: Michael Chioda
Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair
Shelton Benjamin's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with Shelton Benjamin facing the former sixteen time World Heavyweight Champion, Ric Flair!
The start:
Ric Flair taunted Shelton Benjamin and Shelton responded by taking Ric Flair down to the mat with a single leg take down and Ric Flair quickly got to the ropes to get Shelton off of him. The two then locked it up and Shelton took Flair down to the mat with a fireman carry take down and then he mocked Ric Flair with a Ric Flair taunt of his own.
Mid-match notes:
Shelton Benjamin slapped Ric Flair across the face and Ric Flair stepped back and fell down to the mat with the patented nose dive.
Ric Flair went for the figure four leg lock but Shelton Benjamin countered it into an inside cradle and a pin for a two count.
Ric Flair later went for the figure four once again and Shelton attempted to block it but Flair forcefully locked in the figure four to leave Shelton writhing in pain. Shelton rolled the figure four over and Flair immediately rolled it back over and grabbed the ropes and the referee forced Flair to release the hold.
An angered Ric Flair got out of the ring and grabbed a steel chair and the referee grabbed the chair and got rid of it and then Flair went after Shelton and exchanged blows with him.
The finish:
Ric Flair knocked Shelton Benjamin down to the mat with a thunderous chop and then he headed to the top rope but came back down and Shelton jumped at Flair, shoving him into the ropes as the commentators noticed that Flair had brass knuckles on. Shelton Benjamin came off the second rope with a cross body/clothesline combination to take Flair down to the mat into a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - Shelton Benjamin
Backstage:
Todd Grisham was shown with Randy Orton and Todd said Evolution isn't exactly up to a great start tonight. Could Ric Flair's loss be a sign of things to come? Randy said that Shelton has been here for three weeks, big deal. So what, he's on a winning streak. But what about Randy Orton's winning streak? He's the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in the last seven years. He's beaten legend after legend after legend and he's got no respect. But tonight here at Backlash, it's going to be different and he's going to earn that respect. Randy Orton is going to deliver a beat down on Mick Foley or Cactus Jack, whoever decides to show up tonight, he's going to deliver a beat down that causes Mick Foley to enter retirement once and for all. Todd asked Randy if he's scared of what Mick is going to do? Randy said Mick can do whatever he wants. He can talk about all the violence, blood and brutality and everything he holds dear to his heart. Randy has seen everything he can do but there is one thing; Randy Orton is going to show Mick Foley a side of him that he hasn't seen before and that's a side that Mick Foley will never forget. You see, Mick is like a dog, an old sad toothless dog. And what do you do to an old sad toothless dog? You put him down. You put him out of his misery and tonight right here at Backlash, that's just what he's going to do is put Mick Foley down, out of his misery once and for all.
Referee: Jack Doan
The Coach vs. Tajiri
The Coach's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with The Coach facing Tajiri.
The start:
The Coach grabbed hold of Tajiri and took him down to the mat with an arm drag take down and then he locked it up with Tajiri once again and Tajiri put Coach in a waist lock and Coach reversed it into a waist lock of his own until Tajiri scared Coach off with a kick that missed The Coach.
Mid-match notes:
The Coach grounded Tajiri and then he went to the top rope but Tajiri knocked Coach down to straddle the top rope with a kick. Tajiri then pulled Coach down to hang him on the ropes and then Tajiri hit Coach in the back of the head with a baseball slide kick.
The Coach shoved Tajiri down to the mat and then he rolled Tajiri up and put his feet on the ropes and pinned him but only got a two count. Despite that, The Coach thought that he had won the match, so he argued with the referee. Coach then charged at Tajiri and Tajiri put Coach in the tarantula and Tajiri was noticeably having some problems with his knee.
The finish:
Garrison Cade came out to the ring and gave Tajiri a cheap shot to the head and then The Coach rolled Tajiri up in a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - The Coach
The Aftermath:
Garrison Cade celebrated The Coach's win with him and you gotta believe there is something up here with the relationship between Garrison Cade and Jonathan Coachman, but what could it be?
Handicap Match
Referee: Chad Patton
Chris Jericho vs. Trish Stratus and Christian
Christian's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring along with Trish Stratus and this is a Handicap Match with Christian and Trish Stratus facing Chris Jericho.
The start:
Chris Jericho and Trish Stratus exchanged words and Christian stepped in between the two and he shoved Chris Jericho and then Chris knocked Christian down with a hard right hand. Chris Jericho then chased after Trish Stratus and she got out of the ring and then back into the ring as he chased her and as Chris went after her, he knocked Christian down to the mat with a reverse elbow.
Mid-match notes:
Christian whipped Chris Jericho off the ropes and his back knocked into Trish Stratus and she fell down from the ring apron. Christian then gave Chris Jericho a forward suplex and then he knocked Jericho down to the arena floor.
Trish Stratus eventually tagged into the match and Christian held onto Chris Jericho and that gave Trish the opportunity to slap the hell out of Chris Jericho. Trish then hit Chris Jericho with the chick kick and then she quickly made the tag to Christian to get out of the ring.
Chris Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho but Christian kicked Jericho into the corner and Chris bounced off the turnbuckle and fell down to the mat with an inadvertent headbutt to Christian's groin.
Chris Jericho went to the second rope and kicked Christian in the head and then Trish hit Chris Jericho and Christian got up and grabbed Chris Jericho and gave him a reverse DDT from the second rope.
Chris again went for the Walls of Jericho on Christian but Trish got in the ring to stop him and then Chris grabbed Trish and put her on his knee and slapped her ass and the crowd went absolutely nuts for Y2J! Christian got in the ring and he grabbed Chris Jericho and planted him with the Unprettier and then he made the tag to Trish Stratus and she got in the ring and pinned him but only got a two count. Christian tagged himself back in and he got in the ring and covered Jericho for another two count.
Trish Stratus entered the ring and Chris Jericho knocked her down to the mat with a vicious clothesline and then Jericho and Christian knocked each other down and the referee counted to the count of nine and both Jericho and Christian got back to their feet to resume the match.
Chris Jericho gave Christian a bulldog down to the mat and then he went for the lionsault but Christian got his knees up into the gut of Y2J. Christian then pulled Chris Jericho down to the mat by the legs and he put Jericho in the Texas Cloverleaf and Jericho reversed it to get out of it and Trish Stratus got in the ring and Chris put her in the Walls of Jericho and then Christian rolled Jericho up in a schoolboy pin for a two count.
The finish:
Christian went for the Unprettier once again but Chris got out of it and gave Christian a slingshot into Trish Stratus in the corner and then Chris Jericho nailed Christian with a running Enziguri and a pin for the three count to get the win!
Winner - Chris Jericho
Backstage:
Eugene was shown walking through the backstage area looking through the Divas 2004 Magazine and he wandered right into the women's locker room and ran into Gail Kim who was standing in her underwear and he asked her to sign his magazine and she screamed in fear and Molly showed up and told him that this is the girl's locker room. Eugene screamed along with Gail Kim and William Regal showed up and pulled Eugene off and he apologized to Molly and Gail Kim for Eugene showing up in their locker room.
Women's Championship Match
Referee: Jack Doan
Lita vs. Victoria (c)
Victoria's music hit in the arena and she made her way out to the ring and this is a one on one contest with Victoria defending the Women's Championship against the number one contender, Lita.
The start:
Victoria and Lita tied it up in the center of the ring and Lita ducked down to the mat and rolled Victoria over her head to pull her down to the mat. The two then locked it up once again and Lita took Victoria down to the mat with an arm drag take down.
Mid-match notes:
Victoria knocked Lita down to the mat and then she started dancing and jiggling and then hit her with a standing moonsault and a pin for a two count.
Victoria went for a spinning side slam but Lita countered it into a head scissors to take Victoria down to the mat and then she nailed Victoria with a clothesline to send her down to the mat.
Victoria knocked Lita down to the mat and then she went to the top rope for a moonsault and Lita rolled out of the way and Victoria hit some of the moonsault but not enough. Lita then rolled Victoria up into a pin for a two count. Lita then gave Victoria a modified twist of fate and then another pin for another two count.
The finish:
Lita went for a back slide on Victoria but Victoria countered it and then Lita flipped Victoria over her back and then Victoria rolled Lita up in a small package for the three count to get the win and retain the title.
Winner and still Women's Champion, Victoria
The Aftermath:
Molly Holly and Gail Kim stormed to the ring and attacked both Victoria and Lita and dominated them as you could hear some fans chanting "baldy, baldy" and you have to wonder what their motivation is here tonight. As Molly walked away, you could hear her say that the Championship was hers.
Intercontinental Championship Match
No Holds Barred Match
Referee: Michael Chioda
Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton (c)
The music of Evolution hit in the arena and Randy Orton made his way out to the ring as the Intercontinental Champion with a trash can of weapons and this is a No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere match with the Intercontinental Championship on the line. It should be noted that despite the fact that Mick Foley came out in Cactus Jack ring attire, he was announced to the ring as Mick Foley and he came out to the Mick Foley theme song and throughout the match, the commentators referred to him as Mick Foley.
The start:
Randy Orton had a barbed wire two by four with him but it unraveled and Cactus Jack used his barbed wire bat and smashed the trash can in and he went after Randy Orton with it but Randy Orton dodged every shot Cactus Jack swung at him. Randy Orton gave Cactus Jack a drop toe hold into the steel steps and then he and Cactus fought over the barbed wire bat.
Mid-match notes:
Cactus Jack knocked Randy Orton down to the arena floor with a baseball slide and then he slid out of the ring and gave Randy a swinging neck breaker on the arena floor. Cactus Jack then climbed up to the second rope and he threatened to drop an elbow on Randy Orton but Orton got up and headed up the ramp way. Cactus went right after Randy and grabbed him from behind and then Randy gave Cactus Jack a back suplex and then a pin for a two count.
Randy Orton went to use the barbed wire bat on Cactus Jack's face but Cactus used his hands to push the bat away from his face and then he gave Randy Orton a low blow to force Randy Orton to toss the bat down to the mat. Cactus Jack then pulled Mr. Socko out of his tights and then he put it on his hand and then saw Barbie and picked it up off the mat and then he took the sock off and tossed it down to the mat. Cactus then grabbed Barbie and charged at Randy Orton with the barbed wire bat to send him down to the mat to bust Randy Orton wide opened.
With Randy Orton's head pouring blood like a faucet, Cactus Jack worsened the situation with the barbed wire bat by raking it across his forehead. Cactus then put the barbed wire bat in between Randy Orton's legs and then he gave it a leg drop to send the barbed wire crashing into the groin of Randy Orton.
Cactus Jack got out of the ring and he grabbed a gasoline can out from under the ring and he poured gas onto the barbed wire bat and he got ready to light it up when Eric Bischoff came out and told Cactus to light that but not only will he lose this match but the fire marshal will shut this show down and the people will not see the end of Backlash. So what is he going to do? Cactus Jack walked across the ring with the lighter and barbed wire bat and he tossed them to the arena floor and then he grabbed a very large cookie sheet and nailed Orton on the head with it.
Cactus Jack then got out of the ring and he grabbed a very large board covered in barbed wire and he brought it into the ring and he gave Randy Orton a number of right hands and went to knock him on it but Randy Orton threw powder into Cactus Jack's face and then Randy Orton body slammed Cactus Jack on the bed of barbed wire and the fans chanted "Holy shit, holy shit!" as Orton pinned Cactus for a two count.
Randy Orton set the bed of barbed wire in the corner and then Randy Orton struggled to send Cactus Jack into it but he did it and then he sent him into it once again with a drop kick. Randy then went over and dropped the bed of barbed wire on Cactus Jack as he was down on the mat. The fans heavily chanted "Foley, Foley!" as he was down on the mat and Randy Orton went into a box of goodies and he pulled out a bag and emptied it out onto the mat, revealing it to be thumbtacks.
Randy Orton went to give Cactus Jack the RKO onto the thumb tacks but Cactus shoved Randy down to the mat and Randy went right into the thumbtacks and he looked to be in a ton of pain. Cactus rolled Randy Orton up but only got a two count as Randy Orton was in a tremendous amount of pain from the thumbtacks.
Randy Orton got out of the ring and started to head to the back and Cactus Jack followed right along with him and the two wound up back in the arena. Cactus Jack tossed Randy Orton off the stage onto a platform and referee Michael Chioda called for some help for Randy Orton as he looked as if he couldn't move. Michael Chioda and WWE officials attended to Randy Orton down on the platform as referees Jack Doan and Chad Patton came out to restrain Cactus Jack. Cactus looked as if he was down but he knocked Doan and Patton down on the stage and then he jumped off the stage with an elbow drop right onto Randy Orton and that prompted the fans to once again chant "holy shit, holy shit!" Cactus Jack then covered Randy Orton and somehow Randy was able to kick out right before the count of three.
Cactus Jack brought Randy Orton back to the ring and Cactus planted Randy Orton with the double arm DDT and then he covered him for another two count and Cactus Jack has to be wondering what he has to do to defeat Randy Orton. Randy Orton rolled out of the ring and Cactus went over to Orton and Orton nailed Cactus in the head with the barbed wire bat and then he got in the ring and whaled away on Cactus Jack with the bat. With Cactus on the mat, he slid on Mr. Socko as Randy Orton held the bat high in the air. Cactus Jack then put the mandible claw on Randy Orton and Orton gave Cactus a hard shot to the head followed by a low blow. Cactus put the mandible claw back on Orton but Orton countered it with the RKO and then he pinned Cactus but only got a two count.
The finish:
Randy Orton then gave Cactus Jack the RKO onto the barbed wire baseball bat and then he pinned him for the three count to retain the Intercontinental Championship and defeat the Hardcore Legend.
Winner and still Intercontinental Champion, Randy Orton
The Aftermath:
Ric Flair and Batista, the World Tag Team Champions made their way out to the ringside area and they carried Randy Orton out of the ring and to the backstage area to attend to him as he looked to be way out of it after his battle with the legendary Cactus Jack.
Backstage:
Triple H confronted Randy Orton and he told him that's what Evolution is all about. Todd Grisham caught up with Triple H and he asked him for his chances tonight? Triple H said that if you're a gambling man, he wouldn't bet against him. All these people here can cheer for Chris Benoit and say how great a guy is but whether they like it or not, Triple H has been waiting for this day since Wrestlemania and tonight, a victory over Shawn Michaels would be sweet but beating Chris Benoit here on Chris Benoit Day is where the money is at. Triple H then told Todd to do himself a favor and not to bet against him because lightning will not strike twice in the same place and he guaranteed that he will walk out of here as the World Heavyweight Champion.
Referee: Chad Patton
La Resistance vs. The Hurricane and Rosey
The music of La Resistance hit in the arena and they made their way out to the ring for this tag team match that was made earlier tonight and they are up against the Hurricane and Rosey.
The start:
Rob Conway started it off in the ring against the Hurricane and the two tied it up in the center of the ring and Rob twisted the arm of the Hurricane and the Hurricane rolled out of it and then he got Rob Conway in atop wrist lock and then into a side headlock. Rob Conway whipped the Hurricane off the ropes and then he gave the Hurricane a hip toss to take him down to the mat.
Mid-match notes:
The Hurricane went to the top rope and Rob Conway grabbed the Hurricane and pulled him down with a spinning neck breaker to send him crashing down to the mat.
During the match, Eugene came out to the ringside area and the crowd rumbled for him as he greeted the fans. Eugene started to play with the French flag and the Hurricane went to the top rope and jumped on both members of La Resistance on the arena floor with a cross body. Eugene saw that and he got in the ring and ran the ropes until William Regal came out to the ring to get Eugene.
The finish:
The Hurricane planted Rob Conway with the Eye of the Hurricane and then he pinned him for the three count to get the win.
Winners - The Hurricane and Rosey
The Aftermath:
When the Hurricane's music hit, Eugene celebrated as if he just won the match and he wanted to celebrate in the ring but William Regal pulled him to the backstage area.
Referee: Earl Hebner
Kane vs. Edge
Kane's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is a one on one match with Kane against the returning Edge!
The start:
Kane went for a clothesline on Edge and Edge ducked it and Kane went for another but Edge once again ducked it and he hit Kane with a right hand. Kane went for a third one but Edge ducked it again and then gave Kane a series of hard right hands as you could hear some fans chanting "You screwed Bret."
Mid-match notes:
Kane stomped away on the broken hand of Edge in an attempt to break the cast on his left arm.
During the contest, the fans chanted "We want Bret" and then they later chanted "You screwed Bret" at Earl Hebner. It is clear that the fans weren't into the Kane vs. Edge contest.
The finish:
The referee got bumped to the outside of the ring and Kane went for a choke slam and Edge nailed Kane in the head with the cast on his arm and then he speared Kane down to the mat and pinned him for the three count to pick up the win.
Winner - Edge
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Triple Threat Match - The Final Encounter
Referee: Michael Chioda
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H vs. Chris Benoit (c)
Triple H's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and this is for the World Heavyweight Championship with Chris Benoit defending the World Heavyweight Title against Triple H and Shawn Michaels in this Triple Threat - Final Encounter Match! Chris Benoit got a tremendous hometown reception as he made his way out to the ring and held up the World Heavyweight Championship right in the face of the Game.
The start:
The start:
Chris Benoit laid into Triple H with a hard right hand and then he chopped away on him and he and Shawn Michaels double teamed Triple H in the corner and Chris Benoit nailed Shawn Michaels with a hard chop to send him back a bit but the two continued to work together against the former World Champion, Triple H.
Mid-match notes:
Shawn Michaels knocked Triple H to the outside of the ring with a clothesline and then he and Chris Benoit exchanged knife edge chops in the ring.
Triple H went for the Pedigree on Shawn Michaels but Shawn quickly pulled back and bailed out. Shawn Michaels and Triple H then gave Chris Benoit dueling right hands as he stood on the ring apron. Chris Benoit then got in the ring and gave Shawn Michaels a German suplex and then he gave Triple H one, just so that he didn't feel left out.
Chris Benoit put Triple H in the Crippler Crossface and he held onto it until Shawn Michaels hopped to the ring apron and started to get in the ring. Chris Benoit immediately broke the hold and nailed Shawn with a hard right hand to knock him down from the ring apron.
Shawn Michaels was knocked down to the mat and Chris Benoit headed to the top rope and nailed him in the shoulder with the flying headbutt and then he pinned him for a two count as Triple H interrupted the pin.
Shawn Michaels went for a flying forearm on Chris Benoit but Benoit moved out of the way and Shawn Michaels hit the referee to send him to the arena floor.
Triple H then went for the Pedigree on Chris Benoit but Chris Benoit countered it and went for the sharpshooter but Triple H broke out of it. Chris Benoit eventually locked the sharpshooter in and the fans went nuts and Shawn Michaels got in the ring but Chris Benoit locked Shawn Michaels in the Crossface as he got in the ring. Chris Benoit held onto the Crossface and then released it when he realized there was no referee. Benoit then got out of the ring in an attempt to revive the referee but Chioda seemed to be way out of it.
Chris Benoit got back in the ring and Shawn Michaels put Chris Benoit in the sharpshooter and Earl Hebner came out to see if Chris Benoit would give it up and the fans booed the hell out of Hebner and Michaels as he had the sharpshooter on and Ross and Lawler made many references to the Montreal screw job at this moment. Triple H got in the ring and Shawn Michaels released the sharpshooter to go at it with Triple H.
The fans very heavily started chanting "you screwed Bret" at both Shawn Michaels and Earl Hebner and they quickly stopped when Chris Benoit slapped the Crossface on Shawn Michaels. Triple H broke it up to ensure that the match would continue.
Chris Benoit knocked Triple H to the outside of the ring and Shawn Michaels went for a clothesline on Chris Benoit but Chris Benoit put Shawn in a waist lock and Shawn broke out of it and knocked Benoit down to the mat with a clothesline and then he pinned him for a two count and the fans went back to the "you screwed Bret" chants.
Shawn Michaels knocked Chris Benoit down to the arena floor and then he went to the top rope and jumped at both Chris Benoit and Triple H and they ducked out of the way and Shawn Michaels went crashing through the Spanish announce table. Chris Benoit took a look at the damage that Shawn Michaels suffered and Triple H grabbed him from behind and slammed him into the steel ring post.
Triple H gave Chris Benoit a face buster and then he went for a clothesline but Benoit ducked it and gave Triple H a series of German suplexes. Chris Benoit then headed to the top rope for the flying headbutt and he came off but Triple H rolled out of the way, sending Chris Benoit crashing down to the mat. Triple H then planted Chris Benoit with the Pedigree and then Triple H slowly rolled Benoit over and covered him for a two count as Shawn Michaels hopped in to interrupt the pin.
Shawn Michaels knocked Triple H down to the mat with a flying forearm and that left both men down on the mat for a few moments and Shawn nipped back up to his feet and then he gave Triple H a body slam. Shawn then headed to the top rope and he came off with a flying elbow drop on Triple H and he connected with it. Shawn then went to the corner and started gearing up for the sweet chin music and the crowd in attendance heavily booed Michaels out of the arena. Chris Benoit climbed up onto the ring apron and Shawn Michaels went over and hit him with the super kick to knock him down on the ring apron and then Triple H nailed Shawn Michaels with a low blow and then he pinned Shawn but only got a two count.
Triple H went for the Pedigree but he was too close to the ropes and Shawn took the opportunity to send Triple H over the top rope to the arena floor with a back body drop. With Triple H on the outside of the ring, he went under the ring and pulled out a sledge hammer and brought it into the ring. Triple H then got in the ring with the sledge hammer and nailed Shawn Michaels in the back with it and the referee saw it, but he did not end the match. Triple H went to hit Michaels again but Chris Benoit pulled Triple H out of the ring and he went to slam Triple H into the steel steps but Triple H blocked it and slammed Benoit's head into the steps.
The finish:
Chris Benoit then got back in the ring and Shawn geared up for the super kick but Chris Benoit caught his foot and took him down to the mat and put him in the sharpshooter and Michaels fought to get to the ropes but Benoit pulled Michaels back towards the center of the ring and Triple H finally got up and fought to get back in the ring but Shawn Michaels tapped out before Triple H could get in the ring and Benoit walks out of the match, still the World Heavyweight Champion!
Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit
The Aftermath:
Chris Benoit celebrated his win, retaining the World Heavyweight Championship.
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