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NWA Total Nonstop Action: Raven Promo: (04.30.03) - NWA/TNA opens up with the biggest match ever in their history hyped up tonight as destiny hits ground zero. Tonight, it's Raven vs. Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in the biggest match in NWA/TNA history.
Comments from other wrestlers such as D-Lo Brown and AJ Styles are aired throughout the show asking them what they make of tonight's historic match-up. Nultiple video packages are aired showcasing the history between Raven and Jarrett.
In the back, we see Erik Watts talk to Goldylocks saying he's going to help Jeff in his match tonight. Dusty Rhodes confronts him and threatens him should he even try it.
Prior to that, Goldy is in the S.E.X locker room talking yo Disco Inferno regarding Raven. Disco claims that Raven turned his back on the power, money and influence of S.E.X to join those losers in the Extreme Revolution, Saturn, New Jack, Justin Credible and The Sandman. The Extreme Revolution then barges in with Saturn asking what Disco's problem is. Sandman states that they made a pact with Raven to watch his back last week and this week as well. Saturn cuts in saying they haven't seen Raven in a week so they're not even sure what is up with him. Disco claims if they find Raven, S.E.X will bring him out to the ring and Team Extreme also heads out to find Raven.
A bit later we cut to Raven in his personal locker room, sitting in the dark, surrounded by the Gathering of Alexis Laree & Julio Dinero. Raven has 3 black vertical lines down his face and has a pentacle drawn in ashes in front of him as he cuts a promo:
"The hunt for Raven continues. Two factions. On the one hand, my former allies, Team Extreme -- the dogs of war. On the other hand, my current allies, Sports Entertainment Extreme. Both want Raven because only Raven can achieve the most glorious prize in our sport, the NWA World Heavyweight Title. I think, for a moment, we should reflect about the loss Jeff Jarrett is about to suffer. The NWA World Heavyweight Title is more than just a belt, its more than just a prized possession, it is something he cherishes, it is something that he worships. It reminds me of a song:"
'As the heartbeat .. drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost ...
And what you had ...
And what you lost'¹
"Poor Jeff Jarrett ... how do you stop a man who has fate on his side? Jeff, all I can say is that when you feel the Raven Effect and you're looking skyward, praying for divine intervention, know this -- it hurts me inside, Jeff .. it hurts me inside, but I will do what I must. Welcome to Raven's Clockwork Orange House of Fun. Quote the Raven ... nevermore ..."
We then see additional comments from Wildcat Chris Harris, Mike Sanders, James Mitchell and Dusty Rhodes regarding who should win the match between Raven and Jeff Jarrett. We then proceed to ring introductions between Raven and Jeff Jarrett as the match gets geared up to begin.
Another extended video package set to Gotham Road's "You Awful Me" is aired showcasing the entire Raven feud from January 22, 2003 until the present - tonight, Raven's shot to grasp the intangible thread of his own destiny and have it unravel before him.
We then see shots of Raven and Jarrett warming up in their respective locker rooms for the match.
Another promo video package comes up further illustrating how Jarrett feels about Raven's path to the title. Raven claims the title is his destiny, Jarrett said the same thing 6 months ago, now its time to see who will win the most anticipated title match in TNA history.
NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Raven vs. Jeff Jarrett - Jeremy Borash introduces Raven to the ring. Raven makes his way out og the back flanked by Alexis Laree and Julio Dinero. He does the Crucifix and sits in the corner awaiting Jeff Jarrett to arrive. Jarrett makes his entry into the TNA Asylum and makes his path to the ring. Borash announces that Rudy Charles is the referee for this title match sanctioned by the NWA for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
Both men lock-up collar and elbow style in this match-up to no advantage for either as its back and forth in the early going. Raven gets a bit of the edge early on as he outwrestles him in a series of counters. Raven is trying to rally the crowd behind him, but the match goes to the outside as Jarrett goes on the aggressive on the outside. Alexis Laree distracts Jarrett as Jarrett is locked up by Raven for a Julio chairshot but Jeff sucks it and Raven gets it. Jarrett goes to the outside and takes out the Gathering, but Raven launches himself after Jarrett and Raven takes him out after Jarrett loses his focus. Raven hits a drop toe hold on the steel steps and Raven is in control, despite already being busted open already.
On the opposite side of the ring, the Gathering sets up a table and Jarrett is now bleeding as well. Jarrett is on the table as Raven climbs up the turnbuckle to crash through Jarrett, but Jarrett crawls in the ring. Raven just hits a top rope axehandle on Jeff for a 2 count. The crowd is chanting RAVEN. Raven hits a flying clothesline on Raven and as the match turns into a brawl, Raven is in command. Julio gives Raven a chair and Raven hits a drop toe hold on the chair on Jarrett. Raven gets another 2 after continuing to punish Jeff. Raven locks up Jarrett in a camel clutch as the crowd chants RAVEN SUCKS. Jarrett rallies but Raven hits a kneelift to get Jarrett down as hemlocks up a sleeper on Jeff. Raven has Jarrett down to the mat as the bloody Raven has the sleeper locked. the crowd's chants shift between RAVEN and RAVEN SUCKS. Jarrett breaks it with a desperation jawbreaker. Charles starts the standing 10 count as both men are down. Jarrett mounts a strong rally. Julio tries to climb in and hit Jarrett, but Jarrett hits the dropkick. Alexis runs in and gets taken down as well. Jarrett hits a desperation enziguri on Raven for 2. Raven gets catapulted then rolled up for 2. Raven gets a desperation superkick for 2 on Jarrett. Jarrett hits the Stroke for 2. Raven hits the Evenflow for 2. Both men go flying to the outside after a flurry trying to get their bearings.
Raven is setup on the table. Jarrett goes up top, but Julio goes up top to stop him. Julio gets knocked off and Jarrett drops an elbow through the table. Raven crawls back in the ring. Raven hits the DDT on Raven for 1 as Alexis and Julio pulls him out to stop the count. Charles then sends them to the back. Raven hits a low blow for 2 as Jarrett does as well. S.E.X make their way out but as held off by The New Church. Raven then calls the Extreme Revolution to the ring to help him. Saturn and co. run down with plunder and attack Jarrett. New Jack clocks Jarrett with a lid, Credible and Sandman lay him out with cane shots and Saturn hits the Death Valley Driver. Saturn and Raven then handcuff Jarrett in the middle of the ring as the official is knocked out at ringside. Raven and Saturn prop up Jarrett as New Jack and Sandman hold up 2 chairs to either side of Jarrett's head. Saturn and Justin Credible then hit stereo superkicks to create a superkick conchairto that decimates Jarrett. Raven and the Extreme Revolution then do a group pose and revel in their violent orgy of destruction. Raven seems to have the match in hand ready to dispense Jarrett out of this mortal coil with a steel chair when the lights go out:
They coem back up and then we see ...
SABU!!!
Sabu makes his way into the ring and he targets Raven and The Extreme Revolution. He hits Raven with a chair then hits Air Sabu on Raven. Sabu then hits a moonsault on Team Extreme on the outside and then leaves the ring. Raven is unfazed by the attack, but Jarrett is still handcuffed. Raven is toying with him at this point as Jarrett is totally defenseless. Raven goes for a steel chairshot when he misses, it hits the rope then racks himself in the face. Jarrett falls on top of Raven and gets a 2. Raven gets up as Bill Behrens, NWA Official, brings keys to unlock Jarrett from the handcuffs. Rudy Charles can't unlock him as Raven mocks the effort and Jarrett. Rvaen is so sure of himself he even takes the keys from Charles and unlocks Jarrett himself as he hits the Raven Effect on Jarrett to finish him off but gets a 2. Raven gets up incensed and goes for a 2nd Evenflow, but Jarrett counters with a desperation stroke and nails the 3 count as Raven's destiny is denied!
WINNER & STILL NWA Champion: Jeff Jarrett via Pinfall. (17:30)
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 21/11/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Jeff Jarrett: 0/1/0
FOOTNOTES
¹ - These lyrics are from the song "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac off their 1977 album, "Rumours."
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After the referee's hand came down for the third count was when all hell broke loose. There was shit flying through the air - bottles, cups, newspapers, the works.
Vince Russo was walking in and out of the backdoor right after the show yelling and cursing. He was pissed. Mike Sanders was pissed at the finish. D'lo Brown thought it was bullshit.
There were two rumors making the rounds after the show, with one being there was a possible power struggle with Russo and the Jarrett's, with Russo in favor of Raven winning the title and it coming down to the wire which way it was going to go. The other rumor was Vince was just pissed at the technical problems, but it could have been both.
Some light was shed onto the theme the match was suppose to carry later in the night.
Raven was to appear in control, and on top of Jarrett's every move. Raven was suppose to have Jarrett's number. Raven allowing the handcuffs to be taken off of Jarrett was supposed to symbolize his arrogance, by not taking the victory when he had it. Raven wanted to unrelentingly punish an able-bodied Jarrett more, because he believed he would win no matter what, and that would backfire on him in the end. SO when he lost, it was no ones fault but his own. That was the theme of the match. That and Jarrett overcoming overwhelming odds despite it making any kind of sense.
That is why Raven lost.
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MLW Underground TV: Raven Promo: (04.28.03) - Joey recaps the Raven-Vampiro saga as the creepy Deftones track "Change (In the House of Flies)" plays in the background. Joey says that Vampiro has gone on record saying he will not break his silence about Raven until May 9th in Orlando. They show clips of Raven from last week and Vampiro without make up in street clothes being adamant about not saying anything.
Show closed with Raven. Raven claims Vampiro is trying to be a martyr since he will have to be hurt by Raven. He said he'll crucify him and go to whatever level is necessary, however it is Raven who should be the martyr before Vampiro - for society's dysfunctions. Quote the Raven … nevermore!
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HIW: Raven vs. "Road Dogg" B.G. James: (04.27.03) - This first match-up between Raven and Road Dogg since there WWE days took place in Mobile, AL. The S.E.X. stable members came to being it in this match, but ultimately Raven won putting away the former New Age Outlaw with the Raven Effect DDT.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 21/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Road Dogg: 1/1/0
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EWF: EWF Championship: Raven vs. Anarchy: (04.26.03) - Raven challenged for the EWF World Heavyweight Title against the promotions champion, Anarchy, in Marion, IN. Despite a valiant title defense by Anarchy, he couldn't overcome the crafty veteran Raven, whose win in this match came via the Raven Effect DDT, giving him his first titles win since leaving WWE.
WINNER and NEW EWF Heavyweight Champion: Raven via Pinfall.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 20/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Anarchy: 1/0/0
EWF owner Hurricane then come sout and states he won't let Raven leave with the EWF Title, so he strips Raven of the belt, but Raven gives it to Anarchy, stating he deserves it.
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MLW Underground TV: Raven Promo: (04.21.03) - Joey Styles brings up how Underground comes to us this week from the historic War Memorial Auditorium and recaps last week's show, discussing the attack on Fonzie last week. Styles also brings up Raven's cryptic call to Vampiro while MLW shows some nice widescreen clips of Raven's debut and last week's footage.
Back to Joey Styles as Nirvana music chimes in the background as Styles runs down the Raven-Vampiro feud. Raven has been trying to get the attention of Vampiro but Vampiro seems to be refusing comment, keeping a low profile at this point in time. MLW shows more widescreen shots as Joey recaps this growing feud and alerts fans that Vampiro has a shot at Kojima's MLW title in 2 weeks on Underground. Joey tells us that Vampiro has told MLW that he will indeed confront Raven on May 9th. Joey ponders if Vampiro will be focused going into the match with Kojima and also why Raven is pursuing Vampiro.
We then fade to another Raven promo. Raven says he is still waiting for Vampiro to call. Raven sits and discusses whether or not Vampiro is jealous. He wonders if Vampiro is playing mindgames of his own. Raven warns Vampiro to not antogize him. Raven says he will make Vampiro feel the wrath of a mental and physical hell. He closes by welcoming Vampiro to the clockwork orange house of fun… Quote the Raven nevermore!
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MXPW: Raven vs. A1: (04.17.03) - This match took place right before the Main Event of D'lo Brown (BCW Heavyweight Champ) vs. Gangrel (MXPW Heavyweight Champ) to unify the titles. Independent wrestler A1 came out to the ring first. While he came out it was obvious that the fans were anxious to see the Poet of the Macabre himself. After a very short silence, the beginning to "Come Out and Play" starts and Raven makes his way down to the ring and sits himself into the corner. The bell rings and Raven soon gets up. Both wrestlers circle around each other as A1 gets the upper hand. After some technical wrestling Raven pretty much dominates the match until a spot at the end where A1 seems to be making a comeback only to feel an Evenflow soon after.
WINNER: Raven via Pinfall.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 19/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. A1: 1/0/0
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NWA Total Nonstop Action: Raven Promo: (04.16.03) - The show opens up with Raven perched up in the Nest with Alexis Laree and Julio [sans Dinero] sitting at Raven's feet, enraptured by the message being conveyed by their messianic figurehead, Raven, as he addresses the crowd via a microphone:
"This ... is a revolution of the damned. At my side, are Julio and Alexis, my apostles. Whose strengths lie in the fact that they worship at the altar of my brilliance and recognize me as the deity that I am. Jeff Jarrett, S.E.X. and myself are sick and tired of your efforts to turn TNA into a circa-1980's Southern 'wrasslin' promotion of your youth: where good guys wore white hats and bad guys had curly mustaches and took candy from little babies."
"Jeff, when I became a man, I threw away all my childhood possessions and I find it offensive that you refuse to do the same! So Jeff, the first step in dismantling your power is taking the World Heavyweight Title away that lies around your waist. Not so coincidentally, my destiny since childhood has been to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title. So it seems to me, Jeff, that for you, fate can be a cruel mistress. One other thing, Jeff, about your tenuous grasp on your own sanity -- I mean, each week, it seems you take one step closer to ending up in a rubber room. Well, take it from me, Jeff, someone who's been held against their will by men in white labcoats, its ... not an altogether pleasant experience. Speaking of unpleasant experiences, D'Lo Brown, tonight you will become a victim of what has come to be known as The Raven Effect. Welcome to Raven's Clockwork Orange House of Fun, Quote the Raven. nevermore!!"
Raven [w/Alexis Laree & Julio] vs. D'Lo Brown - Raven is set to take on D'Lo Brown in their first match-up since leaving WWE respectively. Raven is accompanied Julio and Alexis Laree to ringside. Both men circle each other then stare each other down in the middle of the ring. They lock up with D'Lo in control to start. They lock up and Raven gets him in a side headlock. Raven gets whipped against the ropes and knocks D'Lo down with a shoulder tackle. Back and forth, until D'Lo clotheslines Raven over the top rope. Raven is helped up by his followers, but D'Lo hits the baseball slide dropkick to force him down again. D'Lo then does an over the top rope to the outside plancha suicida onto Raven and company on the outside that knocks them all down. D'Lo grabs the prone Raven and tosses him back in the ring with momentum.
Raven is punch drunk as D'Lo dominates. Raven hits a desperation drop toe hold that sends D'Lo flying to the outside, Raven grabs D'Lo and pulls him back in, hitting him with the top rope knee drop driver for a 2 count. Raven hits the telegraphed clothesline then the Mr. Wrestling II kneelift on D'Lo for 2. Raven goes for the Evenflow, but D'Lo reverses it into a neckbreaker out of desperation as both men are down. Mid ring exchange, with D'Lo getting the best of it. Shaky Shaky Legdrop on Raven for 2. D'Lo signals the Frogsplash and nails it on Raven. Alexis distracts the referee while Julio hits D'Lo with the Superkick as Raven rolls D'Lo up, but just gets a 2. Julio takes out some powder from his tights. Raven goes for the telegraph clotheline, but D'Lo ducks and the referee almost gets it as well. D'lo then does a spinkick and accidentally nails the referee with it. D'Lo does a go behind to avoid the drop toe hold but runs right into Julio, who blinds D'Lo with the powder as Raven drops to his knees and avoids it. Alexis runs in to hit D'Lo, but gets nailed with the Sky-High Powerbomb. Julio comes in and D'Lo hits him with the TKO and pins him thinking its Raven. Raven then charges up, kicks D'Lo in the stomach then nails The Raven Effect for the pinfall.
WINNER: Raven via Pinfall. (5:53)
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 18/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. D'Lo Brown: 6/18/0
They then re-air the Raven video package set to Gotham Road's "You Awful Me" that aired on NWA/TNA on March 26, 2003, with an added graphic hyping that Raven will face Jeff Jarrett on Wednesday, April 30, 2003.
Jeff Jarrett then shows up with all the blood-stained plunder from The Clockwork Orange House of Fun match in a trailer truck and the crew that set it up originally, demanding they reconstruct it tonight as he intends to confront Raven.
Raven Involvement: Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: Jeff Jarrett vs. Alexis Laree & Julio Dinero - Jarrett got on the mic, insisting their courtship for their date with destiny in 14 days for the NWA World Heavyweight Title begins tonight. He demands Raven send out his "beloved son and daughter" of Alexis and Julio at the count of 3 to face him, or he intends to go back and blowtorch Raven's ass, "Quote NWA World Champion, Jeff Jarrett, nevermore!" Jarrett goes to the back but gets ambushed by Raven's 'Apostles.' Alexis clocks Jarrett with a trash lid and he smacks her in return as Julio attacks Jarrett and gets a trash lid in return as well as a series of chair shots in return. They all make their way to the ring, where the crew has set-up the Clockwork Orange House of Fun match.
Alexis clocks Jarrett with a lid as they toss Jarrett in the ring. Alexis jumps off the steel steps and clocks Jeff with the lid as Julio whips Jarrett with a kendo stick and Alexis jabs him with a baseball bat in the ribs. Alexis unhooks a trash can from the cage and destroys it against Jeff's head. She then gets a kendo stick and bashes it against Jarrett's skull. Julio sets up a fence in the corner. Julio and Alexis send Jarrett face first into the fence. Julio whips Jeff into it again. Jarrett recovers and whips Alexis into the fence. Jarrett grabs Alexis and powerbombs her onto Julio's back. He gets the trash can and clocks Julio out and bashes Julio with it. He grabs Alexis by the hair and whacks her out cold with the kendo stick as well. He grabs Alexis and launches her like a rag doll into the fence face first. He grabs her again and slingshot gores her into the fence. As she's prone, he hits a front suplex on her, so she lands stomach first on the ropes, then stacks her on the table. He whips Julio into the corner with a chair and puts him on top of Alexis on the table. He goes up top to splash them through the table, but Raven then runs in and clocks Jarrett in the head with a trash lid. Raven then grabs Jarrett and superplexes him through the tables, as he crashes through on top of Alexis and Julio and the table is completely destroyed. Julio's arm lands on Jarrett and Raven's Apostles win the match.
WINNERS: Julio Dinero & Alexis Laree via Pinfall. (06:10)
Raven helps his flunkies up to celebrate but they collapse in a heap. Raven then screams to Jarrett how he likes that. Raven grabs the unconscious Jarrett then hits the Raven Effect on Jarrett through the remains of the table as the show goes off the air ...
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When the cameras stopped rolling ...
Raven stood over the fallen Jarrett with his arms raised high. He looked down at the destruction they had caused, and flashed a maniacal smile. Raven raised his arms into the crucifix, and that drew his followers to his side. He turned his attention to Julio and Alexis and embraced them both. The three predators posed over their defeated prey, basking in the jeers of the crowd. Raven raised their hands in Victory, as a bloody Jeff Jarrett was hauled out of the ring by refs and security. Raven, Alexis, and Julio returned to the locker room, mission accomplished.
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MLW Underground TV: Raven Promo: (04.14.03) - Raven closes out the second edition of MLW's show making his first comments since debuting last week on MLW TV by discussing the Deadpool from WCW, of which Vampiro was his protege. Raven claims how he started it and disbanded it, playing the heel re-writing history role in a clever angle/promo. He then explains how he hasn't heard a word since the Deadpool split up and (talking down to Vampiro) that he has heard that Vampiro has been talking smack about him to others after being friends for so long. Raven says it means 1 of 2 things: Vampiro is doing it to get Raven's attention because he has a problem or he wants Raven's help. Either way, Raven is looking forward to seeing which one it is… "Quote the Raven nevermore!"
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IWC: Raven vs. Disco Inferno: (04.13.03) - Disco Inferno’s arrogance came back to bite him in his booty, as he had to face Raven one-on-one. Disco had signed for this match under the assumption that Raven would defeat Jimmy Vega$ for the IWC Heavyweight Title the night before, but Vega$ was able to get the victory, leaving Disco without a title match, but with a match against fellow S.E.X. member Raven, who has had strife with Disqo since he gave Raven's initial NWA title shot to D'Lo Brown.
Disco was apprehensive about this match and even tried to change the match stipulation several times: From Raven’s rules, to a regular match, to a shootfight, and even to a "Lights Out Texas Death Match," but Raven out-performed Disco in every stipulation he tried. Finally, Disco gave up on changing the rules and decided to focus on Raven’s knee, even applying the time-tested Figure Four Leglock. Disco hit the Village People’s Elbow and The Chartbuster, but Raven recovered from both and sent Disco down with the Evenflow DDT. An unusually high-spirited Raven gets the win.
WINNER: Raven via Pinfall.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 17/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Disqo: 3/0/0
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IWC: IWC Heavyweight Championship: Raven vs. Jimmy Vega$: (04.12.03) - Jimmy Vega$ was given the unenviable task of fending off two challengers in one night, as he was scheduled for two different title defenses. His first opposition was none other than Trevor Lowe, and if Vega$ was able to escape Lowe with his title, he would have to compete against one of the most diabolical individuals in the business, Raven.
Going into battle, Lowe had to have known in the back of his mind that this was more than likely his final shot at the gold. Lowe has had two other opportunities in recent memory and, although he wrestled two of the better matches of his career, he fell just short of claiming the ultimate prize. If Lowe came up short again, it could take months to work his way back toward the top. Lowe came into this battle with the same determination and ruthlessness, but Vega$ was on a mission of his own. He knew he had to dispose of Lowe as quick as possible so he could be ready for Raven, and Vega$ did just that, hitting the Cha-Ching Slam to polish off Lowe.
When it came time for Raven, an extra added twist was involved when it was announced that the match would be contested under "Raven’s Rules," meaning, of course, NO RULES. Vega$ protested that edict, and was able to keep action in the ring as a pure technical contest until Raven kept one-upping him in that department, prompting Vega$ to get more down and dirty. The two brawled around the building before making their way back into the ring. Raven continued controlling the match, so much so that Vega$ attempted to use a chair, a plan which backfired, as senior referee Christopher Kalikapela was clobbered by the chair. Raven hit the Evenflow DDT for the pin, but no one was there to make the count. By the time Raven had revived the referee, Vega$ took a page out of Raven’s book, a drop toe hold onto a chair, to defeat him and retain his title.
WINNER: Jimmy Vega$ via Pinfall.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 16/10/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Jimmy Vega$: 0/1/0
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NWA Total Nonstop Action: Raven [w/Alexis Laree & Julio Dinero] vs. Kid Kash [w/Trinity]: (04.09.03) - The show opens up with the match-up announced that tonight Raven will take on Kid Kash because of Raven's actions against Trinity this week. We see Raven arriving accompanied by his growing entourage of Alexis Laree and now Julio Dinero, both dressed in an alternative dark style. Later, we see an interview with Trinity where Kid Kash interrupts Trinity and Tenay, stating that Trinity used Kash to become popular at his expense and because of that he has to face Raven tonight. Kash says he wants Trinity out there in his corner but not to move a muscle i.e. get onvolved in the match.
Raven makes his way from the S.E.X. locker room area accompanied by Julio Dinero and Alexis Laree. Tenay states that Raven has chosen to take his shot against Jarrett in 21 days on 4/30/03 -- deliberately choosing the date of his shot on his own terms to get into Jarrett's head over who holds the cards here. Tenay notes that Raven is building his own personal entourage of followers within S.E.X. as Julio's last appearance in TNA was following a loss to Raven. This is a non-title match-up as Kash is not putting the X Title on the line. Raven and Kash lock up and exchange holds. Raven and Kash break off then lock up again as raven tries to ground Kash's offense. Kash tosses Raven onto the floor and hits a springboard plancha on Raven & his clique onto the outside. Raven whips Kash to the corner, tries a lariat, misses, and Kash hits a crescent kick on Raven. Kash tries a springboard swanton across the ring, but misses as Raven rolls out. Raven then works Kash's injured knee with kicks. Raven capitalizes and whips Kash to hit with a telegraph clothesline. Raven takes Kash down with a bulldog and then a Mr. Wrestling II knee-lift, then grabs Kash and hits him with slingshot into the turnbuckle for 2.
Raven is in control, but Kash rallies and whips Raven away. Kash goes running the ropes for momentum, but Alexis Laree grabs his foot holding him down as Dinero runs up and slams Kash upside the head, as Raven rolls up Kash with a school boy for 2. Raven hits a back body drop on Kash for 2. Raven hits the top rope knee drop driver for 2. Julio tosses Raven a chair to set up the drop toe hold on the chair. Raven whips Kash, but the hold is reversed and Raven goes face first into the chair. Both men are down. Kash recovers and hits a double springboard into a huracanrana on Raven. Kash hits a lariat then a tornado DDT on Raven for 2. Kash charges Raven and Raven grabs him for a snap short powerbomb for 2. Kash hits Raven with a springboard elbow drop. A series of nearfalls follows between the 2. Kash goes up top but Raven cuts him off. Raven tries the superplex but ist denied as Kash tries a twisting senton tope off the top rope onto Raven but misses. Kash calls for Trinity to stay still but she goes up top and hits Raven with a headscissors takedown. Julio Dinero goes to distract the ref as Alexis Laree comes in to attack Trinity, but she moves and Alexis nails Dinero. Trinity clocks Raven with a spinning heel kick and hits a moonsault off the top onto Raven's flunkies below. Meanwhile, Raven nails Kash with the Evenflow for the win as Trinity heads to the back.
WINNER: Raven via pinfall. (7:25)
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 16/9/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Kid Kash: 1/0/0
Raven/Jeff Jarrett Confrontation - Jarrett is questioned by Mike Tenay over his increasing paranoia over the number of challengers he's facing. Raven's music hits and he and his group of Alexis Laree and Julio Dinero come to ringside as Raven has a mic and stands on the announce table:
"Hey champ, go ahead, beat up Tenay if it makes you feel like a big man. Come on, go beat up Tenay. SHUT UP! Isn't this really all about me, Jeff? I mean, isn't this really all about Raven? I mean, in a mere 21 days, my destiny is about to happen and every bad dream that you ever had as a child is about to come true, Jeff, because I'm going to take the NWA World Heavyweight Title from you. DON'T YOU DARE CHEER ME, SHUT YOUR MOUTH! Jeff, I know that belt means more to you than your own flesh and blood, you obsess over it, you cherish it, you protect it and you would kill for it. You see, champ, its your own insecurity because without it ... without it champ, you just don't belong!"
[Jarrett challenges Raven to take the belt from him now -- not 21 days from now. Offcials come in to break this up.]
"You want this, tonight, Jeff? IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT! Get your little flunkies out of the way Jeff. If you want some of me, I'm coming. oh yeah, Jeff, here it comes."
Jarrett clears the ring of TNA officals with a chair and dares Raven to come in the ring and face him. Alexis Laree and Julio Dinero try to ambush Jarrett. Dusty Rhodes comes in to try and even the odds but Jarrett accidentally attacks him with a chair as Raven laughs as we fade out.
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After the PPV went off the air...
Jarrett coaxed the laughing Raven into the ring, and served up an immediate chairshot for his troubles. There was no brawling first, just a chairshot that sent him packing. Jarrett chased off Julio and Alexis as well.
Raven and his crew hit the bricks as security tended to Dusty Rhodes. Jeff Jarrett got back on the mic and called Raven back out. Still holding his chair Jarrett said "I haven't had a match yet tonight, and I am ready to go". "Screw 21 days, tonight is the night Raven!"
This brings out Raven, Julio and Alexis. Jarrett invites Raven in, telling him that they can do it right now. Raven goes to enter the ring, and Jarrett takes a swing with the chair. Raven ducks, and backs away. He again tries to enter, but Jarrett takes another poke with the chair. Raven again backs off.
Raven instructs Julio to go around one side of the ring and Alexis the other. While Jarrett is distracted with them, Raven tries to slide in behind Jarrett, but Jarrett turns around and charges Raven with the chair and Raven slides back out of the ring.
Jarrett gets back on the mic and taunts Raven asking him if he wants to fight or not. Raven yells back something about putting the damn chair down. Jarrett again verbally goads Raven back into the ring, just to try yet another cheap shot with the chair. Raven again backs off, avoiding contact. Jarrett plays the crowd telling them it doesn't look like Raven wants to fight. Crowd starts a RAVEN SUCKS chant.
Raven picks up a chair of his own, and points it at Jarrett, and Jarrett again invites him into the ring. Julio runs to the apron on the other side, and Jarrett turns and goes for him. He takes a shot at Julio, and Julio escapes. Raven is standing on the apron with his chair now, and Jarrett is in the middle of the ring with his. The refs and security do the run in and stop it from going any further. Raven and his entourage are escorted back to the S.E.X. Locker Room by a few refs.
Jarrett again gets on the mic, and asks Raven "Are you going to let a few puny zebra boys keep you from coming back out here?". Raven turns and looks at Jarrett again as he walks out, and Jarrett points the chair at him. Raven turns and keeps walking. Jarrett says I guess I'll see you in 21 days.
END OF SHOW
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MLW Underground TV: Raven Appearance: (04.07.03) - This is the first episode of MLW Underground TV, airing nationally in syndication throughout the US on the Sunshine Network. Just after Vampiro wins the main event of the show against Chris Daniels, they cut away to a big surprise when Raven debuts! He is sitting crouched in some dark area in the building while burning a photo of Vampiro as the show fades out. Vampiro was Raven's protege in WCW in the Deadpool shortly before Raven left for ECW.
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USA Pro Wrestling: Raven [w/Trinity] vs. Justin Credible: (04.04.03) - Raven makes his way to the ring tonight accompanied by the lovely Trinity to face his former ECW nemesis and Alliance tag team partner, Justin Credible. The 2 of them have a very physical amtch, in which Justin is busted wife open & lots of back and forth action, with Raven getting the upper hand near the end.
In the end, Raven was defeated via interference from the Sandman, who interfered in this match since Raven cost Sandman an earlier match in the card against Monsta Mack via The Evemflow, who caned Raven directly into the path of a superkick by the new Extreme Icon Credible.
WINNER: Justin Credible via Pinfall.
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record for 2003: 15/9/1
WIN/LOSS/DRAW Singles Record vs. Justin Credible: 0/7/0
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NWA Total Nonstop Action: Raven Involvement: Glen Gilbertti/AJ Styles Confrontation: (04.02.03) - NWA/TNA for April 4, 2003 comes at you live from the TNA Asylun at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds at Nashville. The Disqo Inferno Glen Gilbertti comes out and asks D'Lo Brown to come down to the ring and wants him to know that S.E.X. is on his side tonight as he takes on Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. D'Lo is taking Raven's shot at the title, which Raven earned in a bloody brawl 2 weeks ago against AJ Styles, with the condition that if D'Lo wins, then the NWA Title becomes the property on S.E.X. Instead of D'Lo coming down, AJ Styles comes down and he and Disqo get into a brawl. Raven makes his way to the ringside sporting an Infinite Body Piercing long-sleeve shirt and wearing a blue flannel kilt. Raven grabs a chair and comes into the ring and gets into Disqo's face, yelling at him for interfering in his affairs by giving away his title shot. D'Lo then comes down and spins Raven around and he starts going off in Raven's face micking him about taking his shot. Suddenly, the Harris Brothers and S.E.X come down to the ring and split Raven and D'Lo up and Raven leaves the ring.
Raven Interview w/Goldylocks - Raven is up in the Nest with Goldylocks and a microphone. She asks him with all that's going on in the NWA/TNA World Title picture, he must have a lot on his mind:
"Fate can be a cruel mistress. To know, since childhood, that my destiny lay amidst the fallen carcasses of others -- it's a very heavy burden to bear, its an exceedingly heavy cross, you know? To know since childhood that my destiny is to be NWA World Heavyweight Champion ... it is a burden that would crush most men. But see, I thrive on adversity. A lot of people would call me insane or crazy because I've gone through life with this knowledge, and yet, did they .. Aww, its so hard to put into words, Goldy, because people don't understand what a crushing burden that have this way through life. I mean, did they call ... The dragon obviously called St. George a madman¹, but then given the dragon's--"
[Raven hears a heckler in the crowd]
"Shut up! I'm in the middle of saying something important. Could you please keep your noise to a minimum, sir?"
"You know ... I'll tell you what, the people in Nashville, are so ... so ... what's the word -- they're such poor people -- they're such trash that they talk over another man trying to speak his peace. I HAVE A DESTINY, DAMN YOU, PEOPLE! I HAVE A DESTINY! I AM GOING TO BE NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! And I don't give a damn if its Jeff Jarrett or D'Lo Brown and I don't give a damn if its in front of you people! SHOW ME THE RESPECT I DESERVE!"
[A loud FUCK YOU chant breaks out among the crowd]
"Each and every one of you -- you're all filthy slime beneath me and if I had my druthers I would never step foot in this filthy hick town again. But in order to wrest the crown from the man who is king, Jeff Jarrett, I will go wherever is necessary. I will walk through hell if I have to. I will walk through Nashville if I have to. Welcome to Raven's Clockwork Orange House of Fun. Quote the Raven, nevermore."
Raven does the Crucifix and we fade out.
Raven Involvement: Trinity vs. Alexis Laree - Alexis Laree is a newcomer to TNA who's had extensive training from some of the best wrestlers in the world trying to make an impact in wrstling. Tonight, she takes on Trinity. Despite her experience, Trinity is getting the best of her. She resorts to using a methodical sadistic heel approach to breaking Trinity down to her level. Even this stratagy isn't working to her benefit as the crowd is behind Trinity. Midpoint, Raven makes his way down to the ring after Laree ducks out of a missed moonsault. He comes into the ring and drops in the corner as Trinity is shocked to see him there. Trinity gets the pin on Laree after a standing shooting star press on the prone Laree.
WINNER: Trinity via Pinfall.
Raven is still in the corner but props himself up as the bell rings. He goes over to Trinity and gives her a vicious Evenflow as she feels the Raven Effect. Raven then gets up and grabs Alexis Laree by the wrist and leads her to the back with him to the S.E.X locker room.
Raven Involvement: D'Lo Brown vs. Jeff Jarrett - This was supposed to be Raven's shot at the NWA World Title, but as was seen on the 3/26 edition on TNA, Disqo gave that shot away to D'Lo in exchange for D'Lo joining S.E.X, claiming that since Raven was injured, S.E.X. had dominion over that challenger slot. Despite massive help from S.E.X, D'Lo could not beat Jarrett. Raven made his way to the ring as in the Tribity/Laree match and ducked down in the corner to a loud RAVEN chant. Jarrett hits the sroke on D'Lo and pins to retain the belt. Raven then gets up and gets in Jarrett's face, demanding his title shot. TNA security comes in to seperate the 2 men. S.E.X comes in to do the same. The crowd chants LET THEM FIGHT as security and S.E.X clear the ring. Raven & Jarrett pace each other around when Jarrett gets Raven into the corner and starts pounding on Raven. Suddenly, Alexis Laree comes into the ring and grabs Jarrett to stop him from attacking Raven and Jarrett grabs a chair slamming it into her facefirst as the show goes off the air and S.E.X surrounds the ring.
OFF THE AIR REPORT
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Raven looked down at the prone body of Alexis, and acted like he didn't care. He shrugged it off, and walked right up to Jarrett and got up in his face. They were nose to nose talking shit to each other. Security seperated them.
The crowd erupted into another "Let Them Fight" chant. Security went to disarm Jarrett of the chair he was still clutching, and get him out of the ring. Raven took the oppurtunity of the distraction and rushed Jarrett, knocking him in the corner. Raven unloaded a few punches on Jarrett, much to the crowds delight. The crowd was firmly behind Raven.
Security got back between them to a round of boos. Jerry Lynn and Dusty Rhodes were brawling with the Harris Boys outside the ring at this point. Some of the Security left the ring to break up the fighting outside the ring. The remaining security pushed Raven back to the middle of the ring away from Jarrett, and Jarrett took this oppurtunity to pick his chair back up. As soon as security let Raven go, he turned around into a Jarrett chairshot.
The crowd didn't like this one bit. Jarrett got quite a big amount of Heel Heat for that. The crowd is definitely turning on him. Jarrett stood over Raven yelling about how he was the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The Harris boys stormed the ring, and Jarrett hit one of them with a weak chairshot, before he rolled out of the ring and went up the ramp to more boos. The Harris Boys helped Raven up and he left the arena to yet another "Raven" chant.
The show ends here ...
FOOTNOTES
¹ - Raven is making reference to the Catholic Saint's life tale of St. George and The Dragon of 1275:
"At the town of Silene, in Libya, there was a dragon, who was appeased by being fed two sheep a day; when these failed, the townsfolk offered by lot one of their young people. One day the lot fell on the King's daughter, who was led out to the sacrifice, dressed in her wedding gown. George appeared and transfixed the dragon with his spear and then using the Princess's girdle led the bemused dragon into the town, where it was beheaded."
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