AN UNEASY ALLIANCE
Feb. 2, 2004

Despite his greatest effort at the Royal Rumble, even though Triple H was unable to answer a ten count during their Last Man Standing Match, and as much as Stone Cold Steve Austin himself admits that he deserves a rematch, Shawn Michaels has been reduced to spectator status as the World Heavyweight Championship goes up for grabs at WrestleMania XX. On RAW, that reality became painfully clear to Michaels, who was unable to fully embrace the reality that his shot will not come although he never lost the match at the Rumble.

Michaels is the odd man out, and despite Austin’s challenge for HBK to do something about it, by evening’s end, he seemed as if he has run out of options. The one choice Michaels could make, he did – forming what was termed an “uneasy alliance” with Chris Benoit. Benoit, who won his RAW debut over Mark Henry, shared a handshake with Michaels after Benoit’s presence helped stave off an attack from Triple H. As much as the shake signified agreement, the look in Michaels’ face made it clear that he is not satisfied – Benoit has what Michaels wants … something HBK may have to carry to WrestleMania.

If there is any consolation for Michaels, he was victorious over Randy Orton in a non title match, thanks to the presence of Mick Foley. Michaels scored the pinfall over Orton when Foley walked down the aisle, causing a distraction that Michaels took advantage of. Earlier in the night, Orton had used his Intercontinental Championship Belt to attack and knock out Foley, declaring that Foley was “still (Orton’s) bitch.” At the end of the evening, Foley got his revenge.

In other action on RAW, for the second straight week, strange events surrounded the presence of Kane as the paranormal continued. During his match with Goldberg, Kane seemed to have the upper hand when suddenly the lights went out and a bolt of lightning hit the ring. When order was restored, the surreal continued when Goldberg seemed ready to attempt a Jackhammer. Suddenly, the lights again went out and smoke filled the ring, sending both Goldberg and the referee out of the ring, and leaving Kane to ponder the recent events he has faced. Who or what is causing these paranormal occurrences to follow Kane? Watch RAW next week to see if these events continue.

And if the sight of Chris Benoit on RAW last week was enough to make Paul Heyman's blood boil, just imagine how he felt this week! In the second straight bombshell from the RAW side, Stone Cold Steve Austin gave Goldberg the opportunity to see Brock Lesnar up close and personal. At No Way Out -- a SmackDown! event where Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Championship against Eddie Guerrero -- Goldberg will not only be in attendance ... but he will sit in the front row, thanks to Austin! Austin told Goldberg to not only represent RAW but to represent the good nature of Stone Cold Steve Austin as well, and concluded with some ominous words, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

RAW also saw the confirmation of last week’s rumor that Playboy Magazine is looking for the hottest WWE Divas to feature in an upcoming issue. And it seemed as if RAW is the home to the hottest of them all as Stacy Keibler made her way to the ring for the second straight week to join Miss Jackie and Rico. And if the site of Keibler and Miss Jackie standing together was not enough to send the Penn State University crowd into a frenzy, Keibler’s dance with Miss Jackie surely was. Keibler declared that herself and Miss Jackie are the two hottest WWE Divas … and nobody seemed willing to offer disagreement!

Will Shawn Michaels remain a silent partner to Chris Benoit despite being the odd man out? Will Mick Foley continue his crusade against Randy Orton? Will Matt Hardy’s recent losing streak continue after he lost to Booker T on RAW? And, how will the team of Christian and Chris Jericho handle a loss to Ric Flair & Batista in their World Tag Team Championship Match? Only one way to find out … watch the first ever RAW next week from Portland, Oregon at 9/8 CT on Spike TV!

Match Results:
Chris Benoit defeated Mark Henry
Rico defeated Rene Dupree
Trish Stratus vs. Kane ended in a No Contest
Goldberg vs. Kane ended in a No Contest
Booker T defeated Matt Hardy
Triple H defeated Spike Dudley
Ric Flair & Batista defeated Chris Jericho & Christian
Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton in a Non-Title Match