In the May 2, 2005 edition of WWE Raw, the King of the Ring tournament begins with Hardcore Holly facing a mystery opponent. Elsewhere, the Shane Twins are in action, and Tara Varon sets her sights on the Women’s Championship.
Backstage: GM Mick Foley reviews the King of the Ring bracket with Batista
General Manager Mick Foley reviewed the King of the Ring bracket with World Champion Batista, who immediately noticed the mystery entrant. Foley revealed that he traded Chris Benoit to SmackDown, feeling Benoit could use a fresh environment. In return, RAW is gaining a former World Champion who also needs a fresh start, beginning tonight in the King of the Ring.
Batista also questioned Edge and Triple H being in the tournament. Edge already has a guaranteed championship match, while Batista couldn’t believe Triple H would willingly enter the tournament.
Foley said Edge has one of the biggest wins on the roster and deserves his spot. As for Triple H, if he has a problem with being in the tournament, he can confront Foley himself.
Batista liked Foley’s stance, but remained incredulous about Edge receiving another championship opportunity.
Tag Match: The Shane Twins (Mike & Todd Shane) defeated The Heart Throbs (Antonio Thomas & Romeo Roselli)
The Shane Twins faced The Heart Throbs, hoping to continue their ascent in the tag division. Mike Shane practically toyed with Antonio Thomas early, prompting an annoyed Todd to tag himself in.
The Heart Throbs briefly took control by double-teaming Todd, but he eventually regained momentum with a thunderous clothesline on Romeo Roselli. Todd asked Mike if he was ready to get serious.
Mike tagged in, and the Shane Twins unleashed a violent assault before hitting the H-Bomb—a double crucifix powerbomb—on Roselli for the win.
Interview: Maria Kanellis and The Shane Twins
Backstage, Todd told Mike he needed to get serious if they had any plans of becoming champions. Mike insisted the competition was too easy, but Todd warned that would change if they faced the champions.
Maria Kanellis caught up with them for an interview. Todd said no team in the division had a prayer against them. The Heart Throbs only lasted as long as they did because somebody—glaring at Mike—decided to play around.
As Todd said they were ready for better competition, Tara Varon stormed past them toward the ring. Todd didn’t know what Tara’s problem was, but told Mike he needed to be as intense as her.
Arena: Tara Varon demands a Women’s Championship match
Women’s Champion Trish Stratus made her first appearance since defeating Christy Hemme at WrestleMania 21. Before Trish could say a word, Tara Varon marched to the ring and snatched the microphone from her hand.
Tara had no interest in anything Trish had to say unless she was prepared to grant her a championship match. No one wanted to hear Trish brag about defeating a “Playboy bunny” who had no business competing at WrestleMania, let alone for the Women’s Championship. While Trish had been on vacation after such a “hard-fought” match, Tara had been training for her return.
Tara demanded a title match and handed the microphone back, saying the only words she wanted to hear were confirmation that Trish would defend against her.
Trish cautiously took the microphone and said it was good to see Tara too. She agreed not to brag about WrestleMania—even if it was the most dominant performance of the night—but refused to give Tara a championship match.
First, Trish hadn’t been on vacation. She had been recovering from a shoulder injury.
Tara asked if Trish injured herself raising the championship in victory.
“Maybe,” Trish replied.
More importantly, Trish reminded Tara that there were other women on RAW. She would happily put in a good word for her, but that wouldn’t guarantee anything.
Trish wished Tara the best of luck “getting that title shot.”
Backstage: GM Mick Foley speaks with Tajiri
Foley met with World Tag Champions William Regal and Tajiri, who were excited to compete in the King of the Ring. Tajiri was particularly eager to stand across the ring from Triple H in the opening round.
Unfortunately, Foley had some bad news: Triple H was trying to back out of the tournament.
Tajiri erupted in Japanese. Foley wasn’t sure if Tajiri was angry with him, but Regal assured him that Tajiri’s anger was entirely directed at Triple H. Tajiri didn’t want a replacement opponent or a first-round bye.
Foley said Triple H and Ric Flair would be on RAW next week, and he would try to “encourage” Triple H to compete.
King of the Ring Quarterfinal: Booker T defeated Hardcore Holly
With Batista joining commentary for the King of the Ring matches, Hardcore Holly entered the ring to discover his mystery opponent: Booker T.
The announcers noted that Booker had been left off the WrestleMania 21 card, making him the former World Champion in need of the “fresh environment” Foley mentioned earlier.
After exchanging offense, Booker clotheslined Holly over the top rope. As Holly got back to his feet, Booker launched himself from the apron with a running kick to the chest. Booker briefly eyed Batista before returning Holly to the ring.
Batista praised Booker, believing his WrestleMania omission gave him tremendous motivation. He also warned against overlooking Holly, describing him as an old-school wrestler who leaves little room for error.
Holly later attempted an Alabama Slam, but Booker escaped with elbows to the back of the head. Booker followed with the Book End for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Batista applauded Booker. Booker nodded toward the World Champion before heading backstage as RAW came to a close.
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