Vengenace June 26, 2005

[Joe Kerr]

Triple H vs. Batista
Triple H walked out of RAW several weeks ago, giving the impression that he was never coming back. With The Game gone, Ric Flair revived a relationship built on respect with Batista. Then with Batista’s guard down, the “Dirtiest Player in the Game” delivered a cheap shot to the champ. At the same time, a returning Triple H crashed the ring and decimated Batista with a sledgehammer, busting him wide open. Triple H and Ric Flair had struck again.

At the end of the brutal beating, Triple H challenged Batista to a Hell in a Cell Match. One week later, The Animal accepted Triple H’s challenge. He then sent a message to The Game by bloodying both Muhammad Hassan and Daivari on RAW.

Will the champ be able to do the same to The Game? Or will Triple H - the most successful Hell in a Cell competitor in sports-entertainment history - find a way to once again be victorious inside Hell in a Cell, thus becoming an 11-time World Champion? Find out at Vengeance.



After RAW drafted WWE Champion John Cena from SmackDown!, General Manager Eric Bischoff was able to sign a second world championship match for Vengeance - John Cena vs. Christian.

Not including Chris Jericho didn't sit well with the host of the Highlight Reel. So in an attempt to open Bischoff's eyes, Y2J attacked Cena from behind after a match in which Y2J was actually Cena's partner. The attack was not only personal, but it also encouraged Bischoff to add Jericho to the WWE Championship Match at Vengeance.
Will RAW's newest champion be able to walk out of Vengeance with his spinner belt? If so, he will have to fend off both Christian and Chris Jericho.




After weeks of enduring malicious taunts, Kane will get his chance to silence soon-to-be ex-wife Lita and her new love interest Edge. But if he falls at the pay-per-view in Las Vegas, it could be the ultimate anguish.


Since Lita’s betrayal of her husband during the Gold Rush Tournament, she and Edge have done everything possible to torment Kane. Lita filed for divorce, flushed her wedding ring down the toilet and has passionately embraced Edge before Kane’s eyes.

Kane has been despondent, but his rage has also grown with each act perpetrated. At Vengeance, he’ll finally get he hands on those causing him such pain.





Kurt Angle says they stole the show at WrestleMania 21. Next, they’ll try to hit the jackpot in Vegas.

New RAW Superstar Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels renew their rivalry at Vengeance on June 26, and they’ll have their epic WrestleMania encounter to live up to.

The seeds of this rivalry were officially planted at the Royal Rumble, when HBK eliminated Angle only to have the enraged Olympic gold medalist re-enter the ring and dismantle Michaels with submission holds.

Then after weeks of sneak attacks and brawls, HBK and Angle squared off on the biggest stage of them all — and they delivered a match for the ages full of near-falls and narrow escapes. The battle concluded with Michaels trapped in Kurt’s ankle lock and nowhere to go. After a prolonged fight, HBK tapped.

“The Showstopper” clearly hasn’t forgotten how things ended in the ring in Hollywood, as the moment Angle was drafted to RAW, HBK seized the opportunity to challenge him to a pay-per-view rematch. A confident Angle promptly accepted — then reminded HBK how things ended the last time around.

Will Vengeance be another “dream match” for Angle, or will “Sweet Chin Music” find the mark in the desert? We’ll find out June 26.



Intercontinental Champion Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin
June 26, 2005


At Vengeance, Shelton Benjamin will get an opportunity to recapture the championship he shockingly lost to former SmackDown! Superstar Carlito this past Monday on RAW.

Shelton Benjamin’s immensely successful eight-month Intercontinental Champion reign ended in the same fashion it began — with a surprise match against a mystery opponent.

General Manger Eric Bischoff forced Benjamin to defend the Intercontinental Championship against RAW’s latest Draft Lottery selection, who turned out to be Carlito. In the match that immediately followed, Shelton again showed a willingness to take risks and do whatever it would take to retain.

For the first time, however, an athletic and dangerous move would lead to his downfall.

Benjamin attempted a soaring plancha over the top rope to Carlito on the outside, but the tip of his boot caught the top rope in the process. Benjamin corkscrewed to the concrete below, hitting Carlito but landing back- and head-first on the floor. He never fully recovered as Carlito smelled blood in the water and mounted his attack. Shelton would battle gamely, but Carlito managed a victory roll with leverage from the ring ropes to earn the three-count. In doing so, Carlito became Intercontinental Champion in his RAW debut, just as he had won the United States Championship in his SmackDown! debut.

At Vengeance, Shelton will get his chance to take the championship back. But will he be fully recovered, and will he have time to prepare for the newest member of the RAW roster? Watch the pay-per-view this Sunday to find out.


Victoria vs. Christy
After months of watching Christy gain all the accolades, Victoria viciously attacked the 2004 $250,000 RAW Diva Search winner, claiming she was tired of being witness to all her success, especially her Women's Championship Match at WrestleMania.

Victoria followed that with another vicious assault. This time, the former Women's Champion bloodied Christy backstage at RAW. Christy suffered a slight concussion and needed a few stitches from the attack of Victoria, but she’ll be ready to go for Vengeance. Victoria better look out for the fiery red head at Vengeance.

This Sunday, the two WWE Divas will square off in one-on-one action. Will Christy be able to exact revenge at Vengeance? Or will Victoria continue her onslaught?