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WWE Championship: "The Legendkiller" Randy Orton vs. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan
"Well.... here we go King" says Ross simply as we return to the ring area, the camera getting a brief shot of this pumped crowd before we shoot to the match graphic, Orton with the WWE Championship on ones side, Hogan on the other
"It doesn't get any bigger than this JR" enthuses Jerry Lawler
"It certainly doesn't King. This is about so many many things, primarily the WWE Championship, the highest honor in this business, a belt that now sits comfortably around the waist of Randy Orton, a Two time WWE Champion for the record but may would say that is the belt Hulk Hogan made famous, a Two Time winner himself, four times the Worlds Champion besides - Hulk Hogan last held that belt on March 8th 2005, losing it to Nightmare at the scene of many of his great WCW triumphs - the Norfolk Scope, the Dark Knight unifying the World and WWE Titles on that occasion" JR reminisces
"I remember that night JR, Kevin Nash of all people screwing over Hulk Hogan but this is a different Hulkster, a different man to that one back then" adds our color man
"Well theres no doubt in my mind about that King, Hulk Hogan took the opportunity to rebuild himself while away, he claims it was through the power of Hulkamania, whatever it was - he came back as he used to be, Mr Red and Yellow, the hero to millions, he took on all comers.... and then confronted Randy Orton. Lets take a look at a feud thats about jealousy, ambition and pure PURE hated"
The screen goes black before fading in on One Night Stand 2005, the WWE Superstars all in the ring at the end of the show, they turn to look as do the crowd, everybody confused as to whats going on. The image on the big screen showing Hulk Hogan reaching into Stone Colds brand new truck, pulling out two six packs of beer. The Hulkster strokes his mustache and decides to bring a third
"Well thats Hulk Hogan, i don´t und..." JR cuts himself off as The Hulkster moves away from the truck, heading toward the door back into the arena. Suddenly there is a screech of tires, out of nowhere a black Mercedes smashes into Hogan sending him flying over the hood, smashing the windshield
"GOOD GOD, GOD ALMIGHTY, THAT CAR JUST RAN DOWN HOGAN, IT RAN DOWN HOGAN" screams JR as the arena falls silent, the car vanishing back off the camera. The images zoom in, The Hulkster laying motionless in a pool of blood and beer
"Oh God..." we hear quietly from Ross before we fade away to a few months later, The camera briefly zooms into the background in whats clearly a hospital where we see a depressed and dejected looking Hogan in a wheelchair talking with his wife and children, the image becoming inset with one of X-Rays and charts, Hogans Doctors voice being laid over it
"He suffered a severe concussion, minor internal injuries and a broken arm but the major damage was a broken vertebrae and bruising to the spinal chord, i have no doubt that a man not as well built and conditioned could have been killed" he states
"Hulk Hogan will risk permanent paralysis if he ever puts the strain of professional wrestling on his neck again" he adds as we see Gene Okerlund standing next to Hogan
"Ive been in a few scrapes before, when Harley Race came at me with a gun back in the 80s i thought i was done for brother, but nothing compares to what ive felt these past three months. As i laid in that parking lot brother i thought i was going to that great wrestling ring in the sky, but i thought of these great people right here and i pulled through Mean Gene"
"Besides your family have many of your colleagues been to visit? and can i ask when you hope to get out of here and go home?"
"Well lemme tell ya somethin brother, the support ive received from the guys in WWE and the millions of screaming Hulkamaniacs has been phenomenal, ill be taking all the cards home in a ten ton truck, that's how many I've received dude. Vince was one of the first guys there when i came too, came straight away, i know we've had our differences but ill never forget that. Stone Cold im told is over in New York looking into what happened so ill forgive his absence, even HBK came over, though im sure his first words were 'is he dead yet'" laughs Hogan, too hand it seems as he begins to splutter, clutching his side
"And as for going home Mean Gene, i ain't resting there, im gunna get out of this damn thing and get back in that ring brother" he adds once recovered
"But the Doctors..."
"I know what the Doctors say brother" goes Hogan, cutting Okerlund off sharply "But if i thought for a moment they were right id never get up d if i thought i could never wrestle again, never stand in front of those Hulkamaniacs again then i may as well have died in that parking lot brother. I will be back Mean Gene and then there will be hell to pay for the Goddamn bastard who did this"
The camera focuses on the eyes of the Hulkster, the image freeing on the look of determination before we merge away into the eyes of Randy Orton, no warmth like with Hogan - just cold hearted blackness. As the camera moves out we see Randy is behind another opponent, this time to Boogeyman, Randy on his belly, snake like ready to pounce for the RKO - BANG, a noise like a gunshot goes off as he hits it - RKO to Boogeyman. On the outside of the ring, we see Triple H frantically trying to get in, but Nathan James holds him back - . Orton hooks the leg of the Boogeyman as the crowd again count with the Referee
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE" - Randy Orton becomes the Intercontinental Champion
"While you were gone Hogan... i took your place, i won everything, i became THE ICON... the law of the jungle" spits Orton in voice over
"King of the Ring" he states, as we see Ryan Simmons swing a chair - THWACK, steel connects with Steele, the crowd roaring as he staggers backward and around..... right into the waiting Orton who leaps up from the stalking position he'd assumed, grabs the head....
"RKO, ORTON HITS THE RKO...." cries Ross, Simmons rolling from the ring as the Darkness goes down, The Legendkiller rolling across and grabbing the leg, Mike Chioda just coming to as the crowd count with him, everyone on their feet....
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE.... RANDY ORTON IS THE KING OF THE RING" roars Ross as the crowd erupt, the stunned Randy rolling off Steele
"And finally... WWE Champion" goes the Legendkiller, The crowd are on their feet as the Dark Knight scoops the Legendkiller up Snowplow like for the Nightmare Ride...... and Orton counters, slides down the back, Nightmare spins toward him, Orton grabs the head
"OH MY GOD, RKO, RKO, RKO" screams Ross as the roof comes off the building, Randy with a stunned expression leaping across and grabbing the leg
"CAN IT BE?!? BAH GAWD CAN IT BE?!?"" roars Ross, the Referee making the count
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE"
"OH MY GOD, ORTON, ORTON, ORTON HAS DONE IT...." screams JR as the crowd simply erupt, the camera shooting to them all on their feet as Burn in my Light blares from the speakers, the image focusing on the young Orton with the WWE Championship over his shoulder as we fade to complete blackness, a very faint familiar theme drifting out, barely audible in the blackness but seemingly getting nearer... and nearer... and nearer....
"I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN.... I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS... FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE..."
The pop is stunning as from behind the curtain, in black jeans and trademark red and yellow T-Shirt appears the one and only figure of Hulk Hogan
"IT IS, ITS HOGAN, HOGAN, GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY HULK HOGAN IS BACK!! ITS HOGAN!!!!!!!!!"
"WHAT THE HELLLLLL?!?!?!?" screeches Lawler at the top of his voice as every fan in the building screams for Hogan, the pop stunning. The Hulkster grinning as he cups his hand to his ear on stage
"Oh my God.... i don't believe it.... WHAT A MOMENT" enthuses Ross, the noise and color of the moment instantly cutting away to a slow motion black and white shot of Hogan nose to nose with Orton, the atmosphere on a knife edge
"It was you brother"
Theres a moment of shocked silence before another eruption of noise, cheers for Hogan, massive boos for Orton who just stares straight ahead into the Hulkster's eyes
"OH MY GOD?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? ITS WAS ORTON, IT WAS ORTON ALL ALONG" wails Ross over the noise, the two men keeping the stare, nothing more said.... till suddenly Orton pounces, grabbing the head
"WHA... NO... RKO! RKO!! ORTON RKO'D HULK HOGAN, MY GOD!!" spits Ross, his voice distorted, slowed down as the move is hit in slow-mo for maximum impact
"Your time is over, its MY time now, the time of Randy Orton, former WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, reigning King of the Ring - the NEW Icon" says Orton in voiceover, stood over the fallen body of the Hulkster, arms out in that usual arrogant pose, th image fading again, this time to the Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon and the Corporate Ministry distracting Hogan. The Legendkiller down on his hands and knees, belly close to the canvas like a cat waiting to pounce.... and he does, leaping up, grabbing the head as Hogan turns into him
"RKO, RKO.... ORTON HITS THE RKO..." screams Ross, the crowd stunned as Orton rolls over, hooks the leg, Hebner down to make the count
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE, ORTON WINS, GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY RANDY ORTON HAS DEFEATED HULK HOGAN, I DON'T BELIEVE IT" screams JR, Orton once more victorious, this time thanks to his new Corporate allies
"I did what everybody else could never do - Savage, Slaughter, Flair, Michaels, Assassin - you couldn't get the job done, you all fell before the so called might of Hulkamania but Hogan finally took a step too far, had one match too many. He stepped in that ring at the Royal Rumble and thought that i was another victim, that I'd lay down for Hogan... but it never happened, i locked my eyes on him and as he turned.... RKO and one, two, three.... I KILLED Hulkamania at the Royal Rumble" claims Orton, the images of his Intercontinental Title wins, the King of the Ring, running down Hogan, his WWE Title wins all flashing together
"Blow after blow, Title after Title.... victory after victory - i have done it all.... i have defeated them all" claims Orton as we see Forxx go down, Orton now with a second WWE Title, seemingly unstoppable
"What i NEED to do to Randy Orton isn't worthy of the message and spirit of Hulkamania Mean Gene, theres gunna be blood, pain and tears dude..." we now hear off Hogan, images from HIS glorious career flashing before our eyes, slamming Andre, Legdrop to Savage, to the Warrior, holding aloft WWE Titles followed by the big gold belt of the World Title, reforming the nWo and staring down Steve Austin
"Randy? whatcha gunna do brother... when the 24 inch pythons and every weapon i can find under that ring dude... whatcha gunna do when they and Hulkamania run wild on YOU" he asks, staring into the camera, the images fading to ones from Hogan and Ortons collision at the Royal Rumble and then finally the staredown between the pair from the last SmackDown
"Get a look at your WWE Champion.... get a look at GREATNESS" Orton rings out, just the sound of a heartbeat now cutting the air as the pair continue to stare each other down and we fade back to the ring area and Lillian Garcia....
"This contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP" she cries to a big pop, this crowd having been anticipating this match for a long time. The camera gets a wide shot of the thousands in attendance as they wait for the speakers to hit.... and wait... and wait.... and then there they are, the guitars crashing - instantly drowned out by Eighty Thousand One Hundred and Three screaming fans, everybody on their feet,
"WHEN IT COMES CRASHING DOWN AND IT HURTS INSIDE, YA GOTTA TAKE A STAND - IT DON'T HELP TA HIDE... IF YA HURT MA FRIENDS THEN YA HURT MA PRIDE.... I GOTTA BE A MAN, I CAN'T LET IT SLIDE..."
The Hogan chant already starts before the Hulkster is even on stage, the guitars of Real American blaring
"I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN, I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR WHATS RIGHT... FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE"
"WOULD YA LISTEN TA THIS?!" screams Ross, the noise only getting only louder as Hogan bounds onto stage in his red and yellow tights and feather boas. Hogan pints straight ahead toward the ring as he wastes no time in striding forward, pumped and ready
"Ohhhh what a reaction King, what a moment for the Hulkster" beams Ross, Hogan holding up three fingers to the crowd, maybe a reference to a possible third WWE Championship reign tonight, proceeding to gesture that he's going to break something in half as he stops at the end of the ramp and looks around, seemingly bowled over by the reaction, pressing both hands up as if Body Pressing thin air
"It was Twenty years ago right here in Detroit that Hulk Hogan had what many would say was the greatest moment of his career folks, Bodyslamming Andre The Giant at WrestleMania Three but can history repeat tonight folks? can Hulk Hogan make history right here once again in Detroit?" asks Ross, Hogan now bounding down the aisle, screaming fans on either side
"Well we saw in that video JR, i think Randy Orton may just have the Hulkster's number, Hogans been on the backfoot, Randys outsmarted him at every opportunity - he struck from the shadows, took him out, then when he came back? he struck that alliance with one of the few people more powerful than the Hulkster in Mr McMahon - i think Hogan may have met his match here!" claims King as we hear the voice of Lillian once more
"Introducing first the challenger... from Hollywood California, weighing Three Hundred Fifteen pounds.... HOLLYWOOD HULK HOOOOOGAN" blares Lillian to yet another pop, this Detroit crowd reacting to ever mention and action of the Hulkster, now bounding up the steps and into the ring, hands immediately at his shirt, ripping and tearing it away
"Well thats vintage Hogan right there King and i gotta believe that this mans heart is as big as it was Twenty years ago when he slammed Andre, that drive, that passion, that enthusiasm he gains from these fans is what Hulkamania is King, one mortal man would have been squashed by Andre, one man would have given up on that parking lot floor but collectively these fans, though Hogan can take on anybody and i believe in my heart of hearts that right here tonight Hulk Hogan CAN defeat Randy Orton, he CAN complete his comeback" claims JR, Hogan cupping his hand to his ear against first one set of ropes, then another, then another and finally the final side, the remains of his T-Shirt still hanging from him
"That'd be a Fairytale ending JR... but this is real life and Randy Orton has shown he has no mercy, he's already ran down Hogan, defeated him at the Royal Rumble - he'd love nothing more than to end the career of the biggest icon of all, the man who MADE WrestleMania what it is - right here on the grandest stage" retorts Lawler, the fans roaring louder and louder as Hogan cups his ear to each side again, finally judging that the camera side was loudest and posing accordingly, showing off his still impressive physique
"He he SURVIVED King" enthuses Ross "Hogan survived, Hulkamania survived, they survived to come here tonight ta face Orton. This IS the last chance - there is no doubt that folks, this is Hulk Hogans last chance to be WWE Champion, Hulkamania's last chance at survive. Theres no doubt in my mind whatsoever that a loss here tonight would end it forever, would set Randy Orton up amongst no peers... but as ive said, i truly believe that this is Hulk Hogans night, that he's in the right frame of mind, he has the size advantage as well as that one key factor... he has these fans" finishes Ross as Hogan moves to his corner and his music cuts, the boos already beginning as he head for the stage....
"HEYYY...." blares the opening Chords of Mercy Drive's Burn in my Light, the who of Ford Field seemingly booing in unison, the crowd heat off the chart as the camera closes in on Randy Ortons video, slowly panning down to the entrance way where a stream of gold sparks is streaming both up and down around the entrance way, dry ice masking our view
"HEYYY...." blares the vocals again, the boos intensifying as a movement catches our eye on stage, a chair slowly rising up to reveal the figure of Randy Orton sat on a throne, gold robe around his shoulders, King of the Ring trophy at his feet and as he stands, throwing off the robe in one swift motion we see the WWE Championship around his waist
"HEYYY, NOTHING YOU CAN SAY, NOTHINGS GUNNA CHANGE WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME... NOW IT'S TIME TO SHINE, I'M GUNNA TAKE WHAT'S MINE.... TAAAAKE WHAT'S MINE....."
Orton stands, soaking up the hate of this Eighty Thousand strong crowd, eyes closed as he stands with his arms out in that familiar pose, camera flashing and our image closing in on the belt
"That is one conceited individual folks but dont let his arrogance fool ya, underneath that lurks possibly the biggest son of a bitch i have ever seen in WWE, a cold hearted.... ruthless individual" spits Ross
"I agree with ya JR... but you've gotta be, you've gotta be as cold as ice to win ONE WWE Championship, let alone Two, it was Randys Legendkilling that got him here tonight - he defeated Nightmare at SummerSlam, took his first WWE Championship and tonight... he's gunna add another conquest JR!" insists Lawler
"HEYYY, NOTHING YOU CAN SAY, NOTHINGS GUNNA CHANGE WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME... NOW IT'S TIME TO SHINE, I'M GUNNA TAKE WHAT'S MINE.... YOU'RE GUNNA BURN IN MY LIGHT....." we hear, seeing Hulk Hogan pacing the ring like a caged animal, ready to be underway and dying to get his hands on the Third Generation Superstar who's now walking the aisle
"The list of people to be in the Main Event of a WrestleMania is slim folks, the list of people to defend the WWE Championship at the event even slimmer, Randy Orton is in illustrious company, he may ALREADY be a legend, he may have surpassed many other so called legends but as we've already said, to defeat Hulk Hogan twice, to end his career in the Main Event of a WrestleMania and walk out STILL the WWE Champion? that makes you beyond an Icon folks... but bah Gawd it won't be easy, you can never count Hogan out, never count him down - Randy Orton has already made that mistake in his career, he thought the Hulkster would never come back from being ran down... but he DID.. and thats whats brought us right here tonight to WrestleMania 23" proclaims JR as Lillian announces the Champion
"And his opponent, from St. Louis Missouri... weighing in at Two Hundred and Forty Five pounds... THE WWE CHAMPION.... RAAAAAAAAAAAANDY ORTON"
The call simply gathers more jeers as we see the Legendkiller stood at the end of the long aisle, posing once more before staring directly at the Hulkster, barely a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes before he heads for the ringsteps, climbing them and entering the ring
"At WrestleMania One Hulk Hogan teamed with Mr T to face the legendary Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff, Randys father Cowboy Bob Orton was in the corner of Piper that night and I've gotta believe that he's sat at home watching right now cheering on his son, theres so much of his father in Randy - he's an amazing young talent, a brilliant in-ring performer but more than that King - he's a student of the mat, a master of the mind games, a superbly conditioned athlete.... he has EVERYTHING that a WWE Champion should be.... except the attitude" we hear off Ross, Randy striding across the ring to the far corner on the camera side, climbing and posing in his usual fashion as the camera circles his chiseled physique
"Well when you mention all that JR, when you see his model good looks, his great body, all the Limos and suits, that Rolex he flashes backstage, all the trappings of being a Champion - you realize he can have any attitude he likes, he's THAT good JR"
"Well success is never an excuse to act like a jackass King. Randy Orton truly believes in his mind that NOBODY past, present or future is his equal and that includes Hulk Hogan" retorts Ross as Orton steps down and unfastens the black and gold WWE Championship belt, handing it to our Referee for this contest Earl Hebner who folds the straps under the gold plate and holds it aloft, Orton walking back to his corner under the gaze of the Hulkster
"That belt SO prestigious folks, first won by Silent Assassin over Five and a half years ago at Madison Square Garden, since that day it's been held by great names such as Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Steve Austin, Dr.S, Nightmare and both these men, BOTH on Two separate occasions" Ross states, Hebner handing the strap out and heading to both men, checking them for foreign objects
"You can cut this atmosphere with a knife folks, this is like the Seventh game of the World Series going into the Ninth, the final minutes of a Superbowl... maybe even the XFL Cup Final some day, it doesn't get any bigger folks, this is what our business is about, this is why Hulk Hogan and Randy Orton got into this business, for this single opportunity, this single chance to make themselves immortal by walking out of WrestleMania as a Champion, bah Gawd can ya feel it!" enthuses JR, the excitement audible in every second of his voice as a thunderous roar echoes around Ford Field - the sound of the bell ringing out throughout the massive Ford Field as Hebner signals to the Timekeeper and this huge Main Event here at the Showcase of the Immortals is officially underway. The Two men stare at each other across the ring, slowly approaching each other and then stopping dead and looking out into the crowd, a massive "HOGAN, HOGAN" chant starting. Orton seemingly flinches, cursing inwardly as the Hulkster smiles, liking what he hears before quickly circling Orton, the Third Generation star looking ready.... Collar and Elbow tie up, big crowd roar for the first lock-up, JR again referring to that big fight feel as the Two bulls look to beat each other for strength, each man moving a little back.. and then forward..... and Hogan shoves down the Legendkiller with a mighty push, the deafening roar sounding throughout Ford Field - Hogan asserting his supremacy. Randy looks up from the corner where he was thrust, his acid gaze boring a hole into the Hulkster as the Icon kisses his hand, turns.. and pats himself on the ass, suggesting that Orton can kiss it. The Legendkiller seemingly keeps his cool as he stands, willing to give it another go as he locks up with the Hulkster for a second time, Orton having more success as he backs the larger challenger up.... and then gets shoved right back down on his ass, Orton leaps up, swings attempting a wild bitch slip - blocked and before Hogan can unleash a blow of his own Orton is scrambling from the ring to the outside followed by a chorus of boos.
"Orton seemingly losing his composure there for just a second folks, something you CANNOT do if you wish to remain the WWE Champion at this stage" claims JR, Orton looking to gather his breath, senses and gameplan on the outside, eyeing Hogan as he paces around. Hogan nods to the crowd who begin an asshole chant directed at the Champion - Hogan pointing and demanding he brings himself back into the ring, Hebner starting his ten count. Orton is warily back in at Five, quickly skirting to Hogans back as the challenger tries to lock up, Waistlock by Randy - Elbowed away by Hogan before anything can come of it, Hogan turns as Orton staggers, applies a Side Headlock, squeezes for just a second before Orton backpedals, forcing both men into the aisle side ropes, Orton sends Hogan running, rebounding.... and he takes down the Champion with a big time Shoulder Block, Orton rolling from the ring for a second time. This time Hogan isn't going to wait and makes to bound furiously through the ropes but Earl Hebner stops him, Hogan protesting that theres nothing wrong with Orton but the conniving Champion seems to have convinced the Official he needs time to recover, the Hulkster relenting and backing up, allowing Orton his time. Randy slowly strolls around the ring again, knowing by now that he cannot out muscle Hogan,obviously thinking of new tactics before he climbs the ring steps and back in once more. Hogan is eager to lock up and makes to do so again.... and this down Orton kicks him down stairs, Gut kick followed by those typical Orton straight right hands, one, two, three rights beating Hogan back into the corner, his bandana finally falling to the canvas where its scooped up by Hebner. Another right, again, again, in the corner, Orton opening up and looking to do some damage here while the opportunity presents itself. Orton grabs what remains of Hogans hair, using it to pull Hogans head up enough to hit a right straight to his face, again, again, again, Hebner tries to stop him... and Orton turns on him, Earl quickly backing away. Orton turns back to Hogan who's now hanging limp in the corner and grabs the arm - Irish Whip.... Hogan slams into the opposite side as the young champion starts to gain a foothold in this match. He slowly walks over, taking his sweet time, letting the Hulkster stagger slightly forward - Right Hand again, Hogan not seeing it, walking toward the corner, holding the rope - clubbing blow to the back, Orton grabs the head, pulls Hogan up - European Uppercut and the challenger is down. The jeers start once more as Orton stands over Hogan and looks out at the fans as if to ask "is this it?" looking down at the Hulkster with a pitiful look. Orton stoops and grabs Hogans famously bald head, helping him to his feet - only to deliver another European Uppercut, this time Hogan not going down but staggering back toward the top corner. Ortons already behind him, grabs the head, looks to slam it down onto the top Turnbuckle pad... but NO, Hogan blocks, counters with a quick hand to the abdomen to momentarily shock Orton into relaxing his grip, Hogan grabs the back of his head - and slams it into the top pad to a roar, Orton staggering back, eyes rolled into his head, Hogan grabs him, points aloft, runs.... and flings Orton over the top rope into the aisle. Hogan looks out after him and cups his hand to his ear, asking Ford Field if he should follow, the answer coming as a resounding yes seconds before the Immortal one exits and heads toward the Champion just getting back up, Hogan has the head - slams it into the barrier, Orton staggering back toward the ring, turning - Right hand by the Hulkster, measures him - again, again, grabs the head, runs... and Orton goes into the barrier on the top side, the fans held back by ring security, the Champion laying in a heap, shocked by the ferocity of Hogans assault, wind definitely taken out of him.... and Hogan rolls back under the bottom rope, just remembering the count from Referee Earl Hebner which had made eight. The challengers back out again and heading right for the rising Orton, grabbing him by the trunks and head and strolling him back into the ring, knowing he has to capitalize fast as the longer this goes, the more it will favor the younger Champion points out Ross. Hogan can't make an immediate pinning attempt however as Orton staggers to his feet, stumbling into the far corner as the Hulkster approaches. Hogan gingerly climbs up to the second rope, holding his fist ready with Ortons head below him, measuring him for the Ten punches....
ONE... TWO.... THREE.... FOUR....FIVE.....SIX..... SEVEN....EIGHT.... NINE......
"ARAAAAGH!!" screams Lawler as the fans erupt, Hogan biting into the forehead of Orton. Hogan steps down, backs up and begins to spin his arm around, winding up a massive punch it seems, Orton staggers forward..... massive right hand unleashed, striking home and sending Randy down for the count. Hogan goes down, makes the cover as Hebner slides to the left - One... TwNO, that's not gunna get it down and the Hulkster seems to know it, the cover simply designed to make Randy waste just a little bit of his energy here. Orton is beginning to rise, currently on all fours.... and Hogan rakes the back, Orton screaming out in pain, Hogan showing a little of his sadistic streak here as Orton moves forward on his knees, making it to the ropes and away from his challenger, good ring presence there, giving himself time to recover with nothing Hogan can do about it..... but Hogan rakes the back again, the Referee giving his a verbal warning as Orton screams out in pain again, staggering up and away, the frustration from months of torment coming out says JR, the relentless Hulkster approaching the Champ again, he mounts..... and throws a fist down, again, again, again, again, closed fisted right hands to Orton... and Hogan is on his feet, raising a fist to Hebner, the emotion overtaking him as Hebner shoots a volley of abuse at him, reminding him of the stakes to calm him down. Hogans frustrations simmer again and he turns back to the rising Orton, grabbing his head to try and haul him up.... Ortons playing possum and rakes the eyes out of nowhere, follows with the Gut Kick, grabs the head under his arm.... clumsy DDT but the effect is all the same, Hogans down again and this time Orton strikes immediately and with fury, Stomp to the legs, again, again, again, again, all hitting that vertical base, he grabs the limb, drags it and its owner to the ropes, lays it over the bottom one.... drops his weight down it, shades of Ortons mentor Ric Flair. Ortons up, standing on the second rope this time, limb below him.... drops the weight again, doing nothing less than attempting to injure Hogan here we hear.... and NOW Randy goes to work - Orton Stomp to the body, Randy slowly pacing around Hogan.... Orton Stomp to the head, that slow, methodical dismantling of an opponent beginning - Orton Stomp - Orton Stomp, Orton Stomp, Orton Stomp, picking apart Hogan while he's down on the canvas, no defense. The Champion stomps again, back at the head as he leaps into the air.... drops the Knee onto the Head for the Jump;ing Knee Drop and looks out into the capacity crowd once more, sneering at the beginnings of a "RANDY SUCKS, RANDY SUCKS, RANDY SUCKS" chant. Randy strolls to the corner opposite Hogan and exits the ring onto the apron, climbing the Turnbuckles from the outside and waiting for Hogan to stand. The Legendkiller stands upright as Hogan gets to his feet, back to Orton... Hogan turns.... Randy leaps - and scores
"CROSSBODY, ORTON SCORES WITH THE CROSSBODY....." blares Ross, Hogan down, Orton grabbing the leg and hooking it in an instant - One... Two... Tno, Hogan kicks out strong, already rising.... but hit with another straight Right hand from the Champion, again, again into the corner.... but Hogan's fighting back, the crowd feeling it as he strikes back with a right of his own, again, again, out of the corner and again, Orton into the ropes, Hogan grabs the arm and sends the Champ running, rebounding back at the Hulkster who scoops him up, after the Bodyslam.... Orton slides down the back, Hogan spins - CRACK, Orton connects with a beautiful Standing Dropkick, down into the cover, hooking the leg - One... Two... no, Two only once more. Orton looks irate, feeling that may have been Three but he stands and heads straight to Hogans head again as the challenger tries to sit forward, Ortons down.... Chinlock. Hogan is already starting to go red, this match beginning to catch up with him it seems as Orton pulls back on the head, knee in the small of the back and hands around Hogans mustachioed head. Hogan begins to shake, trying to encourage these thousands of Hulkamaniacs to get into this match, to urge him on - the need no asking however as they begin to roar, trying to will the Immortal One to get to his feet.... but Hogan remains seated, Ortons tried and tested grip seemingly too strong as the shakes stop, Hogan clearly finding it hard to breathe as he begins to fade.... and suddenly he's moving, luring Orton into a false sense of security as he gives a roar and climbs to his feet, Randy desperately trying to hang on.... but Hogan charges backward, squashing Randy into the corner between Hulkster and pads. The challenger steps forward, allows Orton to stagger toward him, switches to the back - Sleeper applied by Hogan.... Orton throws back an elbow that connects sharply with the Hulkster's face, this time its Orton who switches, gets behind the Hulk, grabs the head.... and brings it down for that typical Orton Inverted headlock backbreaker. Randy stays down on all fours, trying to gather his stamina and we get a wide shot of both men down, desperately searching for that one piece of skill or extra adrenaline that will turn this bout. Both men are getting back up together, Orton understandably slightly quicker.... but he's met by a Hogan right, another, the third into the ropes, the Hulkster grabs the hand, looks for the whip, reversed by Orton, into the Short Arm Whip, pulling his challenger back toward him.... and from nowhere leaping to grab the head -
"OH... THE RKO, THE RKO!!" cries Ross, shocked at the quickness of the move, hit straight out of nowhere, Hogans down, Ortons down on top of him, grabs the leg and hooks it as Hebner and Ford Field make the count....
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO HOGAN KICKS OUT" we hear, Orton slamming the mat in annoyance, cursing and storming back to his feet, spitting some trash at Hebner as he walks away to the far side of the ring, the crowd beginning to roar as they seem Hulk Hogan get to his knees behind him. Orton slowly turns, fearing what he's going to see.... Hogans looking straight at him, bleached strands of hair and forehead drenched with sweat as that fiery intensity burns in his eyes. Orton is taking none of it, not afraid of the legend of the Hulkster as he bounds over, aims a blow - strikes.... no sold, Hogans head beginning to shake as Orton tries again - same result
"Oh my God..... can it be...." asks Ross, Hogan shaking violently as every fan in the arena stands, roaring, urging Hogan on, right there in the ring with him, the atmosphere electric as the Hulkster stands, still shaking, feeding of the energy of these Eighty Thousand Hulkamaniacs - Hogans moving around the ring, Orton looking on in alarm, trying desperately to stop the momentum build with another blow - AGAIN it's no sold, Hogan moving around the ring, the adrenaline and energy literally pouring off him..... till he stops dead, point directly at Orton and shakes his finger. The Legendkiller tries one more time but it maybe the costliest mistake of his career as it's blocked by Hogan who strikes back with a right hand - connects, the crowd sounding out with the "HOO" and again "HOO", a third Hogan right hand into the ropes "HOO", the Hulkster grabs the hand, Irish Whip connects to send Orton running, rebounding across the ring....
"BIG BOOT... HOGAN CONNECTS!!"
The Hulkster slaps his Two hands together, cupping his ear and asking the crowd if they want to see it, a massive roar prompts Hogan to charge into the ropes, rebound off toward Orton laying flat in the center of the ring....
"THE LEG DROP.... THE IMMORTAL LEG DROP.... HOGANS DONE IT!!!" screams JR, almost bursting a blood vessel as Hogan covers, grabs the leg, Hebners down and counts along with JR, the crowd and watching World...
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO...OH MY GOD..." blurts out Ross as Orton kicks out, Hogan open mouthed as he stares at Hebner
"OH MY GOD" he says again with force, literally in shock as the crowd look likewise
"I have NEVER seen ANYBODY kick out of the Immortal Legdrop" adds Ross as we see the stunned Hulkster climb to his feet, staring at the Referee who holds up Two fingers to insist it was Two. The double feature shows us a quick replay of the sequence, Big Boot, Legdrop and clear kickout just with a millisecond to spare by the Legendkiller. Hogan slaps his hands together again, suggesting he'll go for a second Legdrop and he does, backing into the ropes, coming off.... and hitting nothing but canvas, Orton wise to it this time. Both men are down but its Orton now rising the quicker, to his knees and feet as we see that Hogan is in some discomfort with his leg, JR reminding us of his recent hip replacement surgery following Orton running him down all those months ago. The well schooled Orton is straight onto it, realizing its the one he was working over earlier and once more stomping at it, again, again, again, Jumping Knee drop and he drags the challenger over to the top corner near the destroyed ECW Announce Desk. Orton slides out from the ring and grabs the Hulkster's leg from outside.... wraps it around the metal ringpost, Hogan crying out with the pain.... THONK, Orton does it again, looking to break the leg of the Hulkster it seems. Orton looks smug at his handiwork as Hogan clutches his limb, the Champion looking to go one better as he no grabs BOTH legs of Hogan from the outside - thinking about crotching the Hulkster around the post.... Hogan pulls his legs in, pulling the stunned Orton into the metal. Orton collapses to the mats on the outside, Hogan unable to capitalize but at least he's bought himself a little time. Hogan is to his knees, then to his feet, the Referee counting out Orton, up to Six as the Hulkster gingerly gets up next to the ropes... and is pulled out by Orton, striking him with clubbing blows, over, over, over and over again, Randy furious, desperately trying to beat any and all the fight left in Hogan's body out of him. With Hogan sufficiently subdued Orton backtracks, bending to find the gap between the mats and then pulling the one in front of the SmackDown announce desk up, exposing that bare concrete to the World. The Legendkiller cuts the air, suggesting that it's all over for Hogan and if he hits this - it very probably will be claims Ross. Orton hovers over Hogan as he rises, arms out, measuring up the former WWE and World Champion... for the Gut Kick, Orton scores, Hogan keeling over, the head goes between the legs in the middle of the concrete, Orton thinking about the Piledriver...... Back Body Drop by Hogan, Ford Field roaring big time as Orton sails over and hits the concrete back first. Orton clutches his tattooed back, leaving a pool of sweat on the floor as he rolls over in pain, Hogan again staying down for a brief moment, regathering the strength he needs. After a brief second Hogan stands and heads right for JR and Kings announce position, our commentary team alarmed as with a buzz of static they vacate their seats - Hogan throwing off the top off the announce desk, the wood narrowly missing landing on top of Orton. The Hulkster pulls out the monitors as we see Earl Hebner at his side, insisting "NO, NO" and waving his arms, the distraction preventing him from counting both men out. Orton is back to his knees, a faraway look in his eyes as the challenger hovers over him, grabs him by the head an trunks... and flings him over the announce desk, JR and King safely over the barrier in the front row as Orton lands amongst the seats and wires. The WrestleMania crowd pop as Hogan somehow, someway manages to gather the strength to climb onto the announce desk, grabbing the rising Ortons head and placing it between his own legs, gesturing for the Piledriver - turnabout is fair play claims JR.... but no, Orton drops down.... Low blow. The boos ring out, Orton not caring as Hogan winces and keels, the Legendkiller stands, places the head.....
CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH, Pulling Piledriver through the table
"GOD ALMIGHTY, FOR GODSAKES.... HOGANS NECK MAYBE BROKEN... A PILEDRIVER THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE DESK" spits Ross, both me, Champion and Challenger laying in a heap on top of the imploded remains of the announce desk. Orton throws a cable off himself and begins to slowly crawl to his feet, a sick grin on his face as he see's the Hulkster still down and not moving. Orton is well on his way back to the ring as he demands that Hebner count, JR reminding us that a countout is just as good as a pinfall - ONE.... TWO... Orton rolls back into the ring, staying laid on his back, staring at the lights as the Ten continues, Hogan still not moving an inch, the atmosphere solemn - THREE.... FOUR.... and somehow Hogan is moving, just a twitch at first, then an arm and finally Hogan opens his eyes, beginning to stir... FIVE.... Hogans on his knees, running on nothing but adrenaline and desire as JR questions how he's even moving at all.... SIX.... SEVEN... Hogans crawling, inch by inch..... EIGHT.... he's at the ring, Orton back on his knees, staring in shock and awe, shaking his head in horror... NINE..... Hogans got his arms up on the apron, hauls himself up.... TE.... NO, Hogan rolls into the ring just as Hebner was about to call the ten. Orton shakes his head furiously, not knowing what he has to do to put Hogan away, cars, tables, chairs, the RKO - nothing seemingly putting Hulkamania down for long. Orton slinks back down to his belly, measuring the Hulkster again, those cold sadistic eyes looking to deliver once more. Orton doesn't even wait till Hogans fully on his feet, standing and hauling Hogan up by the head, the Hulkster clearly in dreamland as Orton grabs the head, after the RKO.... NO, shoved away by Hogan, Orton staggering into the ropes, rebounding at the Hulkster, dodge to the back.... and he gets that sleeper, Hogan locking it in tight around the WWE Champions neck, squeezing, every last piece of strength left in Hogans body going into it, giving it his all. Randy flails wildly, the Referee unwisely getting in front of him to check on him.... allowing Randy to hit the Mule Kick, a second Low Blow to yet more jeers. Hogan keels over and falls to the mat as the Champion falls also, unable to capitalize. Randy breathes heavy, Ross calling this gut check time as Orton slowly rises, turning to his fallen opponent and then once more slinking down to the canvas, those cold sadistic eyes never blinking as they watch Hogan, Orton on his belly like a snake in the grass. BANG, Orton slams both fists into the canvas, the fans trying to urge the Hulkster not to get up because of what awaits... BANG, Orton does it again, his body following every slight motion of the challengers as the tired and exhausted Hogan rises to all fours, then one knee.... the camera focusing on the icy assassins stare of the Legendkiller as Hogan gets to his feet, Orton leaps up, grabs the head.....
"RKO, RKO... ORTON HITS THE RKO" screams Ross, the jeers already deafening as the crowd sense whats coming, Orton grabbing the leg right in the center of the ring, the Referee down, the count being made...
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THRENO HE KICKED OUT, HOGAN KICKED OUT AGAIN? HOW IN TH... OH CAN IT BE?!? CAN HOGAN DO IT AGAIN?!?" screams Ross, nearly having a heart attack as the Hulkster throws Orton off, on his knees, head shaking as violently as it can with drenched blonde locks shaking sweat everywhere. Orton looks horrified as he tries to scramble to his feet, he charges at Hogan, desperately willing to do anything to stop the Hulk Up.... and he runs right into a first "HOO", again "HOO", again "HOO", into the ropes, the Whip, Orton sent charging, rebounding
"BIG BOOT!!!!!"
No time wasted, Hogans across the ring, the noise deafening as he springs off, leaps into the air over Ortons head and neck
"THE LEG DROP!!!!!!"
Hogan covers, the leg is hooked
"ONE"
"TWO"
"THREE"
"WHEN IT COMES CRASHING DOWN AND IT HURTS INSIDE, YA GOTTA TAKE A STAND - IT DON'T HELP TA HIDE... IF YA HURT MA FRIENDS THEN YA HURT MA PRIDE.... I GOTTA BE A MAN, I CAN'T LET IT SLIDE..."
The roof of Ford Field literally comes off as Eighty Thousand explode in unison, every fan on their feet, Hogan staggering to his feet and almost falling over the top rope, the exhaustion and unparalleled joy showing on every inch of his tanned body
"MY GOD!! MY GOD!!!! HOGAN, HOGAN, HOGAN HAS DONE IT" screams JR, in a fit of hysterics, Hogan sinking to his knees, arms aloft in thanks before taking the WWE Championship belts and hugging it to his chest, Hogans famous theme blaring
"I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN, I AM A REAL AMERICAN, FIGHT FOR WHATS RIGHT... FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE"
"NEARLY TWO YEARS OF HURT, THE PAIN, THE PHYSIOTHERAPY, THE TAUNTS, THE ATTACKS.... ITS ALL BEEN WORTH IT, ALL BEEN WORTH IF FOR THIS ONE MOMENT, THIS ONE NIGHT, BAH GAWD WHAT A MOMENT" roars Ross as the Hulkster, breathing heavy, wipes the sweat from his head and looks out into the standing crowd, giving thanks to every side and holding aloft the belt, his hand raised in victory by Earl Hebner
"Ladies and gentlemen the winner of this match and NEWWWWWWWWWW WWE CHAMPION.... HOLLYWOOD HULK HOOOOOOOOOGAN" cries an audibly grinning Lillian Garcia, just as caught up in the moment as everybody else as we see Hogan with the belt around his waist, cupping his ear to one side, another, another, another
"CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? IS THIS A FAIRYTALE?!" asks Ross "HULK HOGAN HAS OVERCOME EVERY ODD, HE'S DEFEATED THE MAN MANY CALL THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS, COME THROUGH EVERYTHING THE CORPORATE MINISTRY COULD THROW AND HE'S WALKING OUT OF WRESTLEMANIA 23 AS WWE CHAMPION" roars Ross, losing his voice it seems
"JR... i don't believe it.... he did it!!!!!" squeals King, his favoritism for Orton out of the window
"This is a dream moment King, the comeback is cemented on the grandest stage, Hogan finally avenges himself for what Randy Orton did to him at One Night Stand back in 2005 but that doesn't take away from Ortons performance folks, he gave everything he had, that titles means a hell of a lot to him but on this night, at this event HULK HOGAN...IS... THE MAN" JR beams, a distraught Orton seen backing up the ramp, the camera getting a shot of the still cheering crowd
"It couldn't have done it without them folks, those thousands of Hulkamaniacs, they were what brought him back to WWE, he did it for them and TONIGHT you've gotta believe they may just have been the difference"
"Its been a hell of a WrestleMania folks, a rollercoaster of a ride, Titles have been won, careers have been ended, lives have changed forever and bah Gawd we will NEVER... EVER forget moments like we've witnessed here at WrestleMania 23, but this night belongs to one man, this night belongs to Hollywood Hulk Hogan"
Hogan begins to go into his set of poses for every side of the arena, the HOGAN, HOGAN, HOGAN chants drowning out even Real American
"DO YA FEEL THIS KING? HULK HOGAN IS THE WWE CHAMPION.... HULKAMANIA LIVES... HULKAMANIA IS REBORN AND BAH GAWD HULK HOGAN IS ONCE AGAIN THE MAN....." roars JR, another roar going up as an explosion of white pyro rocks the rafters, ticker tape raining down on the Hulkster
"FOLKS, YOU'VE SEE THE PRIDE, YOU'VE SEEN THE PASSION, THE DESIRE AND HUNGER TO BE ON THIS CARD, TO BE HERE AT WRESTLEMAAAAANIA, TO MAKE A LEGACY THAT WILL LIVE FOREVER AND AS GOD AS MY WITNESS... THESE SUPERSTARS HAVE DONE JUST THAT, THEY'VE LEFT US WITH SOMETHING THAT WE'LL NEVER FORGET.... THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US AND GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY" finishes our play by play man as we get one final look at the new WWE Champion, the camera closing on Hogan before we slowly fade away to the closing video.....
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WrestleMania 23