Swwerve

The April 4, 2005 edition of WWE RAW began the fallout from WrestleMania 21, headlined by Batista’s first World Championship defense against Chris Benoit. Elsewhere, Edge’s refusal to cash in his title opportunity escalated tensions.

Edge declines to cash in his MITB contract

The show opened with new general manager Mick Foley introducing the Money in the Bank Ladder match winner, Edge. Foley fully expected Edge to cash in his contract to fight for the World Championship tonight.

However, Edge opted not to use the contract, saying he had broken his body for too long to simply give away his opportunity one night later. He’s hurt, he’s tired, and he will fight for the World Championship when he is good and ready.

Foley was disappointed and tried to explain to Edge that he never knows when he will get a better opportunity. Edge, “with all due respect,” said he wouldn’t take advice from a “transitional champion” like Foley. Edge called the MITB contract a golden ticket and said he would know when the time is right to fight for the World Championship.

Edge left the ring as Foley seemed at a loss. Batista, the World Champion, had his music hit the arena as he walked toward Edge. Rather than have a confrontation, Edge walked off to the side of the stage and exited backstage.

Chris Benoit answers Batista’s challenge

Back from the commercial break, Foley and Batista were having an inaudible conversation inside the ring. Batista eventually took a microphone and said he showed up ready to defend his World Championship. He has his gear, he warmed up not too long ago, and he was expecting a match.

While no other Raw superstar won a match at WrestleMania last night, there are plenty of guys worthy of a championship match. Batista mentioned Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and IC Champion Shelton Benjamin by name. If any of them wanted a shot at him, they could get it tonight.

Chris Benoit marched out to the ring, his arm heavily taped due to an injury sustained in the MITB Ladder match last night. Benoit said he is beaten and hurt, but opportunities like a championship match don’t happen all the time. Benoit will waive any medical clearance necessary to face Batista for the World Championship tonight.

Foley said Benoit has the heart of a champion, and he appreciates seeing the new champion want to prove himself. Foley booked the match: Batista vs. Chris Benoit for the World Championship. He asked both men to go to the back, put on their wresting gear, and be ready to compete in a few minutes.

Backstage: Shelton Benjamin congratulates Batista

IC Champion Shelton Benjamin congratulated Batista on becoming World Champion at WrestleMania. Batista appreciated the support and credited Benjamin for his performance in the MITB Ladder match.

While Benjamin appreciated the praise, he lamented being the guy from their OVW graduating class to not be a World Champion yet (the others being Batista, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar). Benjamin wants to be more than just the highlight of the night.

Batista said Benjamin’s time will come, and based on last night, he’s on the right track. Before walking away, Batista did mention he was surprised Benjamin didn’t run out first to accept his World Championship challenge.

Backstage: Stevie Richards pities Simon Dean

Simon Dean was trying to sell his Simon System products to fans in attendance. Stevie Richards walks by and Dean tries to sell his products to him. Richards gave Dean an incredulous look before Dean laughed and said it looked like Richards could use his products.

Richards shook his head at Dean before saying, “I remember when people paid to watch you wrestle.” As Richards left, Dean appeared slightly hurt by the comment, but then he smiled and gave fans a sales pitch, claiming that Batista uses the Simon System.

World Championship Match: Batista vs. Chris Benoit

Benoit and Batista shook hands before Benoit immediately launched into aggressive offense, starting with chops and a dropkick.

Benoit hit a suicide dive onto Batista, who was leaning back on the announce table. It was clear that Benoit wanted to end the match early before his arm injury became a factor.

As the match continued, Benoit was launched arm-first into the ring steps, and Batista dominated from there, showcasing his power and controlling the match.

Despite slowing Benoit down, Batista struggled to put him away. Batista hit a thunderous spinebuster, but Benoit kicked out Batista’s pin attempt.

When Batista attempted another spinebuster, Benoit countered with a Crippler Crossface submission.

Batista couldn’t reach the ropes but refused to submit. Batista rolled Benoit onto his back for a pinfall. As Benoit released the Crossface, Batista countered with a release powerbomb.

Batista followed up with a Batista Bomb for the pinfall win.

Result: Batista def. Chris Benoit via pinfall

Post-match: Edge attacks Chris Benoit

Batista and Benoit shook hands, and Batista left the ring as trainers checked on Benoit and his arm.

Suddenly, Edge entered the ring from the crowd and hit Benoit across the arm with a chair. Edge repeatedly stomped on Benoit’s arm until Batista returned to the ring.

Edge initially confronted Batista but thought better of it when he slid out of the ring and walked up the stage ramp.