WWE RAW LIVE TOUR in Manila
by Hub Pacheco
(Note: The following article was first posted at nikonboy.livejournal.com. The author, Nikonboy, deemed it necessary to republish it here for the sake of convenience for future analyses.)
I arrived at Araneta at around 5:00 PM. Surprisingly, classes for all school levels were suspended that day for reasons that involved a possible coup attempts by protesters. February 24 2006 is, of course, the 20th anniversary of the FIRST and ONLY EDSA that freed Filipinos from Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship. It just occurred to me that day that WWE scheduled a live event on a very crucial weekend. There were booths all around the arena, selling NEW WWE shirts like Edge’s Rated R Superstar shirt, Carlito’s new “Do you spit or swallow” shirt (the first one to be sold out), Kurt Angle’s “From this Angle, YOU SUCK” shirt (which I was fortunate enough to have bought the last X-Large size. It was the 2nd best seller that weekend.), HHH’s “King of Kings” shirt (which I am very, very disturbed with, since it is a BLASPHEMOUS shirt), Mick Foley’s “Have a Nice Day” shirt (the one with his Mankind mask in a yellow smiley face), RVD’s “Mr. Monday Night” shirt, and some other shirts that I couldn’t remember like a Rey Mysterio shirt, an Undertaker shirt, a RAW & SmackDown! Superstars shirt. They also sold some accessories like WWE armbands, and RAW LIVE TOUR caps which I will be proudly wearing come Monday. I will have my beloved Pacers cap washed. I haven’t had it washed since I bought it on May 12, 2005.
I thought of buying some shirts before going to our seats but I assumed that there were enough stocks until tomorrow. Little did I know that would become my undoing later on.
On the subject of bringing cameras, IT WAS ALLOWED!!! What??? Holy SHIIT!!! I kept banging my head against a wall that day! I thought it wasn’t allowed since Araneta security is tight! I found out that cameras were allowed when I overheard a security guard saying that video cams weren’t allowed but still cameras were. You can’t imagine how miserable I felt when I heard that. Fortunately, I came prepared (a mindset that I learned from Mr. Vicente Lo). I had a plan B and plan C. Jeff had a small Nikon Coolpix that I asked him to bring. And that dinky little Nikon would replace my F80 for the night. Plan C would mean that I had to use my, ugh, Nokia 3650 camera phone. And anyway, I’ll be back in FULL GEAR the next day.
As I stepped inside the arena, I was in complete awe. The ACTUAL RAW RING was in front of my humble eyes. On top of the ring was the square, metal support that housed the lights. A short, bare, barricaded row that ran from on side of the ring to a corner of the arena served as the Superstars’ entrance ramp. A black curtain draped the metal frame of the entrance. Adjacent to the entrance was a small, elevated sound stage where the Superstars’ music was played. All these were to be the backdrop of a huge WWE weekend in Manila! WHOO!!!
The show started at 6 PM. I guess the WWE knows no Filipino Time. The arena darkened and the RAW theme song played. Then out came Justin Jason Roberts, WWE HEAT announcer! No Lilian Garcia? Oh well… Jeff thought it was Joey Styles because Roberts sported a red shirt underneath his black suit, ala Joey Styles.
Roberts welcomed us to the show, but not before the ring was ablaze with ear-shattering and eye-popping pyro!!! Roberts entered the ring and welcomed us once more. He then introduced a special ring announcer and Maria’s music hit! She came out to a nice pop from the crowd. She really had the crowd going with some perky words of welcome. Roberts then stepped in and plugged the Bb. Pilipinas beauties upcoming show. They came to the ring only to be showered by boos from the crowd.
After that little episode, Maria introduced the first match of the night! Out came… EUGENE!!! He’s back!!! And he’s sporting a Manny Pacquiao (the Phillipines' pro boxing hero) jacket! Nice touch there. He came out with a huge pop form the crowd as he went around ringside to greet the fans. Tomko’s music hit and he also came out to a nice pop from the crowd. I guess there are no faces or heels when you come to the Philippines for a show. And it seems that Chavo Guerrero will not be joining us this weekend. Too bad…
Oh yeah, Jack Doan refereed most of the matches on this tour alongside senior ref Mike Chioda and (I’m not too sure) Chad Patton.
(I apologize if some of my recaps are very short. I couldn’t help it. I was watching LIVE WWE wrestling for the first time and it’s difficult to note down every single match detail.)
Match # 1: Eugene vs. Tyson Tomko
This was a good, quick match as Eugene bested Tomko with the Stone Cold Stunner! Eugene also Hulked up and the crowd joined him for an emphatic “YOU!” The crowd also chanted “Eugene, Eugene!!!” heavily throughout the match.
Match # 2: Val Venis vs. "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters
Chris Masters came out first to another huge pop from the Filipino fans! I guess the ladies love to be put on the MasterLock. Masters also entertained the crowd by bouncing his pecs and his ass cheeks as well. That got a huge applause from the crowd. Masters has a rep for being fan friendly off camera. I guess this is a proof of that. Val Venis came out to a so-so pop from the crowd. Upon taking off his signature towel, Venis looked to throw it to the crowd but later chose someone along the front row. The two engaged in a pose off where Masters showed off his upper body muscles while Venis, with both hands in his waist, extended his lower body forward and showed off his crotch muscles! This got a huge laugh and pop form the audience. This was also a very good match that really had the crowd going. A MasterLock later and this one was over.
Match # 3: Viscera vs. Gene Snitsky
Both Big Vis and Snitsky came out to nice pops from the crowd. As expected, Big Vis won via his Walrus move. Vis exposed Snitsky’s trunks, making it look like a thong!!! This got a good laugh from the crowd as Snitsky fixed himself up later on as the match ended.
Match # 4: Women’s Title Match – Trish Stratus vs. Torrie Wilson
The “We Want Puppies” chants almost dominated this good match. Hell, EVERY MATCH on that day was AWESOME!!! It was worth every penny I shelled out! Torrie was in full heel mode as she threw fits inside the ring after numerous near-falls, jumping up and down in frustration. Trish won via a huge Chick Kick. Moments later, Trish grabbed Torrie and slapped her ass!!! Good show!!!
Match # 5: Rob Van Dam vs. Carlito
As I have said, This was a likely candidate for the Match of the Night! Carlito came out to one of the biggest pops of the night, so did RVD. As Carlito took off his Spit or Swallow shirt, he thought of throwing it to the crowd, but he walked to the ramp and hid it backstage. ASSHOLE chants ensued! This was a Pay-Per-View (PPV) type of match as both men gave it their all. In one instance, RVD leg-dropped Carlito off the ring apron as Carlito was hung up on the barricade. RVD then 5-Star Frog Splashed his way to victory.
*Roberts took the mic and tossed some WWE shirts to the fans as the show headed for a 15-minute intermission.*
*Roberts took the mic and tossed some WWE shirts to the fans as the show headed for a 15-minute intermission.*
Match # 6: Intercontinental Title Match – Ric Flair vs. Shelton Benjamin
Roberts welcomed us back and he announced that on last week’s US-aired RAW, Shelton was crowned the new IC champ. (I guess WWE knew that we were two weeks behind.) Shelton came out to a huge pop! He took the mic and set the record straight that he was not a Momma’s Boy. Of course, that prompted the crowd to heavily chant “Momma’s Boy!” Although absent that night, Shelton went on and said that his momma told him that he should be a fighting champion.
Even before the show started, the whole Araneta crowd was in a WHOOO!!! mood, whoo-ing during any silent moments. (Music and ads were played before the show.) Imagine the crowd when Ric Flair took to the stage!
He came out to one of the BIGGEST pops of the night with most fans gesturing to Flair with both hands bowing down to him! Flair also took the mic and said that he loved the ladies here and that he’ll celebrate his birthday with them! Flair also said: "It looks like I'm in Flair Country!" The crowd went nuts! "Again, Flair Country!" WHOO!, the crowd replied. On the subject of Shelton’s momma, Flair said that the reason Momma couldn’t be here was that the WWE couldn’t find a seat big enough to fit the round-as-a-ball Momma. Flair went on and taunted Shelton with repeated “Momma’s Boy, WHOO!” The crowd joined Flair in insulting the IC champ.
This was also a very good match at first but ended awkwardly and abruptly. As I recalled, Shelton was out of the ring after Flair forced him for a breather. When I looked back, Shelton had Flair shoulders down with hands on the top ropes for the win. This match had a good potential but it just ended awkwardly and abruptly. Flair left to a huge applause from the crowd.
Even before the show started, the whole Araneta crowd was in a WHOOO!!! mood, whoo-ing during any silent moments. (Music and ads were played before the show.) Imagine the crowd when Ric Flair took to the stage!
He came out to one of the BIGGEST pops of the night with most fans gesturing to Flair with both hands bowing down to him! Flair also took the mic and said that he loved the ladies here and that he’ll celebrate his birthday with them! Flair also said: "It looks like I'm in Flair Country!" The crowd went nuts! "Again, Flair Country!" WHOO!, the crowd replied. On the subject of Shelton’s momma, Flair said that the reason Momma couldn’t be here was that the WWE couldn’t find a seat big enough to fit the round-as-a-ball Momma. Flair went on and taunted Shelton with repeated “Momma’s Boy, WHOO!” The crowd joined Flair in insulting the IC champ.
This was also a very good match at first but ended awkwardly and abruptly. As I recalled, Shelton was out of the ring after Flair forced him for a breather. When I looked back, Shelton had Flair shoulders down with hands on the top ropes for the win. This match had a good potential but it just ended awkwardly and abruptly. Flair left to a huge applause from the crowd.
Match # 7: Big Show vs. Triple H in a STREET FIGHT!!!
This match came as a big surprise for me as it was announced that it would be a street fight between the two. I swear, this night had the makings of an actual PPV. Triple H came out to the SECOND BIGGEST POP OF THE NIGHT. The ground shook as thousands of fans erupted for HHH. He did his trademark water-spitting entrance to the huge delight of the fans in attendance. Show also came out to a huge pop.
This match was off the charts as both men pounced on each other at full force. Again, I felt like I was watching a PPV live! The crowd even anticipated Show’s big chest chop as they initiated the “SHHH…” chant, instead of the Show doing the honors. On one hard chop, HHH gave Show two middle fingers as HHH plopped to the ground.
HHH was the first to grab a weapon from under the ring. Boos were heard when he pulled out a long bunch of cables. HHH proceeded to choke Show but he escaped moments later. HHH went for another weapon and he then took out a STEEL CHAIR. Show blocked the chair shot but HHH Pedigreed him afterwards. HHH pinned him to a near fall! Fans were stunned as Show kicked out! HHH went outside again and this time he tore out the steel steps! HHH positioned Show for a Pedigree to the steps but Show countered with a back body drop to HHH.
Show lifted the steps and attempted to slam HHH with it. HHH ducked as Show was stuck with his head inside the steps. HHH went for the chair and whacked Show with it, his head bouncing off both the steel steps and the chair. HHH won in a dramatic fashion. Show took some time in getting up as fans chanted “Let’s Go Big Show” in appreciation.
This match was off the charts as both men pounced on each other at full force. Again, I felt like I was watching a PPV live! The crowd even anticipated Show’s big chest chop as they initiated the “SHHH…” chant, instead of the Show doing the honors. On one hard chop, HHH gave Show two middle fingers as HHH plopped to the ground.
HHH was the first to grab a weapon from under the ring. Boos were heard when he pulled out a long bunch of cables. HHH proceeded to choke Show but he escaped moments later. HHH went for another weapon and he then took out a STEEL CHAIR. Show blocked the chair shot but HHH Pedigreed him afterwards. HHH pinned him to a near fall! Fans were stunned as Show kicked out! HHH went outside again and this time he tore out the steel steps! HHH positioned Show for a Pedigree to the steps but Show countered with a back body drop to HHH.
Show lifted the steps and attempted to slam HHH with it. HHH ducked as Show was stuck with his head inside the steps. HHH went for the chair and whacked Show with it, his head bouncing off both the steel steps and the chair. HHH won in a dramatic fashion. Show took some time in getting up as fans chanted “Let’s Go Big Show” in appreciation.
Match # 8 and The Main Event: WWE Title Match with Special Referee Mick Foley –
John Cena vs. Edge (with Lita)
John Cena vs. Edge (with Lita)
Clad in the usual grungy ref shirt, Mick Foley came out first to also on of the biggest pops of the night! Mick took the mic and thanked us all for coming and even said “Mahal Kita” to his sponsored child in Mindanao.
Edge and Lita came out next to a big pop, but the next guy was even better.
The crowd exploded when John Cena hit the ring. This match would prove to be THE MATCH OF THE NIGHT as all the elements of a PPV main event were in place. Edge and Lita kept on kissing each other from time to time which prompted Foley to get on the mic and said that he would throw Lita out if he sees more of that “disgusting” display of affection. As the match carried on, Lita, with Edge distracted, kept on strangling Cena. Foley caught her moments later and threw her out of the ring area. The crowd joined in for one big “Nananana, Nananana, He-e-ey, Good-Bye” song with Cena waving his hands up as if he was a conductor to a huge 15,000-member choir.
Cena later put Edge on the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. The crowd was really into this match!
Moments later, Edge speared Foley out of the ring after a near-fall count. After Lita hit the ring with the title belt, Edge whacked the champ with the belt. Another ref hit the ring for the count but Cena kicked out! In obvious frustration, Edge spears the substitute ref. Cena tripped Edge and slapped on the STFU as Foley gets back in the ring. Edge taps out as Cena celebrated his win! (I loved the booking for this match. Everything went smoothly.)
Cena then urged Foley to release some Socko in the house! Foley obliged as he put Socko on Edge first, Lita afterwards. A great match to top off a GREAT SHOW! Cena then took the mic and said that he was glad to be in this town. But this wasn’t his town, he continued. This was OUR town. This was the town of the BIGGEST, LOUDEST, and WILDEST WWE fans in the WHOLE WORLD! The crowd replied with a huge roar as Cena thanked us for coming tonight.
GENERAL AFTERSHOW COMMENTS:
The first night was the best of the two-day tour. The crowd was obviously hotter, everybody inside Araneta was very much into it. You could feel the ELECTRICITY surging through each and every fan and Superstars inside the arena. And of course, all matches were very, very entertaining. There wasn’t any dull moment. It was an experience that will linger in my mind forever.
Edge and Lita came out next to a big pop, but the next guy was even better.
The crowd exploded when John Cena hit the ring. This match would prove to be THE MATCH OF THE NIGHT as all the elements of a PPV main event were in place. Edge and Lita kept on kissing each other from time to time which prompted Foley to get on the mic and said that he would throw Lita out if he sees more of that “disgusting” display of affection. As the match carried on, Lita, with Edge distracted, kept on strangling Cena. Foley caught her moments later and threw her out of the ring area. The crowd joined in for one big “Nananana, Nananana, He-e-ey, Good-Bye” song with Cena waving his hands up as if he was a conductor to a huge 15,000-member choir.
Cena later put Edge on the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. The crowd was really into this match!
Moments later, Edge speared Foley out of the ring after a near-fall count. After Lita hit the ring with the title belt, Edge whacked the champ with the belt. Another ref hit the ring for the count but Cena kicked out! In obvious frustration, Edge spears the substitute ref. Cena tripped Edge and slapped on the STFU as Foley gets back in the ring. Edge taps out as Cena celebrated his win! (I loved the booking for this match. Everything went smoothly.)
Cena then urged Foley to release some Socko in the house! Foley obliged as he put Socko on Edge first, Lita afterwards. A great match to top off a GREAT SHOW! Cena then took the mic and said that he was glad to be in this town. But this wasn’t his town, he continued. This was OUR town. This was the town of the BIGGEST, LOUDEST, and WILDEST WWE fans in the WHOLE WORLD! The crowd replied with a huge roar as Cena thanked us for coming tonight.
GENERAL AFTERSHOW COMMENTS:
The first night was the best of the two-day tour. The crowd was obviously hotter, everybody inside Araneta was very much into it. You could feel the ELECTRICITY surging through each and every fan and Superstars inside the arena. And of course, all matches were very, very entertaining. There wasn’t any dull moment. It was an experience that will linger in my mind forever.
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