On August 22, 2005, WWE Monday Night Raw aired live from Hampton, Virginia, delivering a night charged with drama and tension that culminated in a hard-fought WWE Title match featuring John Cena. The show began by revisiting the intense clash between Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan at Summerslam the previous night, highlighted by a video package that shifted from fierce battle scenes to an emotional handshake. Michaels received a strong ovation as he opened the program, giving a candid confession about his defeat at the hands of Hogan.
In his promo, Michaels admitted,
“As much as it hurts me to have to admit this, last night Hulk Hogan was the better man… He was catlike, he was nimble, he had a catch-as-catch can style that even Shawn Michaels couldn’t figure out. I mean, his ring prowess was in so many ways and on so many levels superior to mine that I simply could not compete. When it was over, even I, the evil Shawn Michaels found myself victim like so many before me to the vicious legdrop – 1, 2, 3.”
—Shawn Michaels
Although the crowd was unsure how to react initially, some began chanting Hogan’s name, compelling Michaels to pivot the promo back to the present with a declaration that he was there to deliver exactly what fans wanted. His words were interrupted by the arrival of Chris Masters, setting up a confrontation that underscored Michaels’s dissatisfaction with his recent loss and his desire to reclaim his edge.
Chris Masters and Shawn Michaels Exchange Barbs Ahead of Upcoming Match
Chris Masters entered the ring confronting Michaels, revealing his frustration about the older generation not making way for new talent. He admitted,
“I’ve been a fan of his since I was a kid,”
but criticized Michaels as being out of touch. Michaels fired back, labeling Masters a greenhorn and mocking his physique. The two exchanged verbal jabs, with Michaels physically knocking Masters out of the ring after mocking him. The segment was a stark portrayal of generational tension and set the stage for their scheduled match on the following week’s Raw.
Kurt Angle Battles Shelton Benjamin in a Display of Athleticism
The night’s undercard featured Kurt Angle facing Shelton Benjamin in a match that highlighted both competitors’ technical skills and endurance. Angle started strong with controlling holds, but Benjamin countered impressively with aerial maneuvers and strikes. The match showcased a series of reversals, including Angle’s attempt at the Angle Slam and Benjamin’s dynamic DDT, which kept the audience engaged.
Angle ultimately secured victory via submission using the Ankle Lock after 12 minutes and 42 seconds, a contest praised by commentators for its quality. After the match, Angle dramatically reenacted an Olympic Gold Medal ceremony, cementing his status as a dominant, if villainous, figure in WWE.
Racial Tensions Surface in Kerwin White’s Provocative Promo
Backstage, Kerwin White delivered a stirring promo in which he claimed to speak for middle-class America. Addressing the crowd, he criticized their lukewarm support of Shelton Benjamin, highlighting underlying racial biases. White explicitly stated,
“If it ain’t White, it ain’t right.”
This controversial segment introduced a new layer of tension to the evening’s narrative, reflecting uncomfortable social issues within the wrestling world and the Raw audience’s reactions.
Matt Hardy Suffers After Summerslam, Faces Rob Conway
Matt Hardy appeared visibly shaken and worn down as he faced Rob Conway, still reeling from his Summerslam defeat and subsequent storyline beatdown. Hardy’s distracted demeanor and physical sell of injury made it clear he was struggling both mentally and physically. Edge’s music playing mid-match distracted Hardy further, allowing Conway to capitalize with a top-rope elbow drop to capture a decisive victory.
Following the match, Edge viciously attacked Hardy, delivering a brutal assault that left Hardy incapacitated outside the ring. This segment intensified the storyline of Hardy’s decline and Edge’s merciless tactics.
Ric Flair Guests on Carlito’s Cabana and Exchanges Heated Words
In a lighter yet heated segment, legendary Ric Flair appeared as a guest on Carlito’s Cabana. The segment was a mixture of playful banter and sharp taunts, with Flair boasting about his accomplishments and signature “whoo” catchphrase. Carlito mocked Flair’s style, leading to physicality that included Flair poking Carlito in the eye and punching him, ending the exchange on a confrontational note suggestive of a future match at an upcoming pay-per-view event.
Gene Snitsky is Overpowered by Big Show in a One-Sided Bout
Gene Snitsky faced the imposing Big Show in a match that was over quickly due to Big Show’s overwhelming power. Frustrated and unable to gain any momentum, Snitsky eventually abandoned the bout, resulting in a countout victory for Big Show. The match drew criticism for its slow pace and lack of fluid action.
Backstage Standoff Between Eric Bischoff and John Cena Intensifies Tensions
In a tense backstage moment, Eric Bischoff confronted a hooded figure carrying the WWE Title. Upon revealing himself, John Cena nonchalantly dismissed Bischoff’s provocations, reinforcing his readiness for the night’s main event. This encounter heightened the stakes of Cena’s upcoming WWE Title match and underscored Bischoff’s antagonistic role.
Introduction of New WWE Diva Ashley Amid Mixed Reactions
Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle presented Ashley, the latest WWE Diva Contest winner, to the audience. Ashley expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to work hard for the fans. Unexpectedly, Torrie and Candice then attacked Ashley, leaving her in tears and raising questions about the motives behind the assault. The segment created a storm of sympathetic and conflicted emotions from both fans and commentators.
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters Confirmed for Upcoming Raw
The announcers revealed that the earlier heated exchange between Shawn Michaels and Chris Masters would culminate in a match on the following week’s show. Preview clips showcased their rivalry, building anticipation for the confrontation. This storyline promised to explore the clash between veteran pride and emerging talent.
Chris Jericho’s Final WWE Promo Builds Stakes Before Title Match
In what might be his last WWE appearance before a planned hiatus, Chris Jericho delivered a pointed promo backstage, declaring that John Cena had only been fortunate to retain the WWE Title. Jericho challenged Cena’s aspirations for stardom, promising to end his reign. The segment set the stage for their high-stakes confrontation later in the night.
John Cena vs. Chris Jericho: WWE Title Match with Career on the Line
In the highly anticipated main event, John Cena defended the WWE Title against Chris Jericho in a match where the loser would be fired from WWE. The atmosphere was electric as both men faced off, with intense exchanges and physicality defining the contest. Jericho took early control, aided by Eric Bischoff’s blatant interference, including a low blow and brass knuckles smuggled into the match.
The match’s tension peaked as Cena fought through near submission in the Walls of Jericho, crawling desperately for the ropes amid Bischoff’s underhanded assaults. Bannered by high drama, Cena managed to reverse momentum with his signature FU finishing move and secured the pinfall to retain the title after more than 15 minutes of grueling combat.
Despite Bischoff’s attempts to tilt the match in Jericho’s favor, Cena’s resilience proved decisive, sparking a strong reaction from commentators who debated the moral implications of Bischoff’s actions. The match was rated highly for its storytelling and physicality, underscoring Cena’s role as a tenacious champion.
Aftermath: Jericho’s Firing and Kurt Angle’s Unexpected Attack
Immediately following the match, Bischoff delivered a ruthless decree, firing Jericho on the spot. Jericho pleaded for clemency, but Bischoff was resolute, ordering security to remove Jericho from the ring as fans sang a farewell chant. This dramatic sending-off marked the end of an era for Jericho’s WWE presence at least temporarily.
As John Cena tried to recover, Kurt Angle ambushed him from behind, unleashing a brutal assault including multiple suplexes and an Angle Slam. Bischoff taunted Cena, announcing Angle as the new number one contender for the WWE Title. The segment closed on a violent note, leaving Cena vulnerable and raising anticipation for future confrontations.
Implications for WWE’s Future Storylines Following Raw’s Explosive Finale
John Cena’s survival of the high-stakes WWE Title match under adverse conditions reinforces his status as a resilient and valiant champion amid a landscape filled with internal politics and heated rivalries. Chris Jericho’s firing casts uncertainty over his future, while Kurt Angle’s vicious attack signals a looming threat to Cena’s hard-earned reign.
The show’s mix of social commentary, power struggles, personal vendettas, and rising stars gives WWE fans much to anticipate. Upcoming episodes promise to delve deeper into these tensions as new alliances form and rivalries intensify ahead of future pay-per-view events.
