(The show opens with the standard Monday Night Raw intro package. Pyro blasts as the camera pans around the packed Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The crowd is on its feet, roaring.)

MICHAEL COLE: Welcome everyone to Monday Night Raw, live from the Scotiabank Arena here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! What an absolutely incredible night we have in store for you after last week's chaotic "Purge" match!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: That's right, Cole! The dust has settled, but the rivalries are hotter than ever, and we've got some major developments tonight!

(The camera immediately cuts backstage to STEPHANIE MCMAHON's office. STERLING JAMES KEENAN is already inside, pacing angrily.)

STERLING JAMES KEENAN: (agitated) – and I'm telling you, Stephanie, it's an outrage! An absolute travesty! I should be the number one contender! I beat DDP two weeks ago! I proved I'm the better wrestler! Last week's "Purge" was a lucky break for him, a fluke, pure and simple!

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: (Calmly, looking at papers) Sterling, with all due respect, The Purge was designed to be unpredictable. Everyone had the same opportunities, the same risks. DDP was the last man standing. That's the result.

(The door opens and "STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN walks in, carrying his ever-present cooler of beer. He cracks one open and takes a long swig.)

STEVE AUSTIN: Heard somebody whinin' in here. What's the problem, son?

STERLING JAMES KEENAN: Problem?! The problem is, Austin, I deserve that Heavyweight Championship shot! I should be the top contender, not Diamond Dallas Page! He got lucky!

STEVE AUSTIN: (Shrugs) Luck? Nah. Last week, it was every man for himself. You lost; he won. That's how it works in this business, son. A loss is a loss. But… (he pauses, a slight smirk on his face) …ol' Stone Cold's in a pretty good mood tonight. And I believe in settlin' things in the ring. You wanna argue who's the better man? You wanna settle this?

STERLING JAMES KEENAN: More than anything! I want DDP again!

STEVE AUSTIN: You got it. Tonight’s main event will be Sterling James Keenan versus Diamond Dallas Page. And the winner… the winner of that match will get the Heavyweight Championship title shot the night after Ascension.

(Keenan's eyes widen, then he nods, a determined look on his face.)

STERLING JAMES KEENAN: You got it, Austin. This is my shot.

(Keenan storms out of the office. Austin takes another sip of beer, looking at Stephanie.)

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: You just gave away a guaranteed title shot, Austin!

STEVE AUSTIN: (Shrugs) Nah, I just cleared things up. Let 'em fight. That’s how things are handled in pro wrestling.

(Austin chuckles and exits the office. Stephanie shakes her head in exasperation as we go to the ring for our first match.)


Match One: El Patron & Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lex Luger & Marc Mero

(The teams are already in the ring. BOBBY CRUISE makes the introductions.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, the team of "The Total Package" LEX LUGER and "Marvelous" MARC MERO!

(Some cheers for Luger and Mero.)

BOBBY CRUISE: And their opponents, the team of EL PATRON and DR. WAGNER JR.!

(A mixed, but mostly positive reaction for El Patron and Dr. Wagner Jr.)

(The bell rings. Mero and Luger try to use their experience, but El Patron and Dr. Wagner Jr. display excellent tag team chemistry. El Patron works over Mero, while Wagner showcases his aggressive style against Luger. Mero tries to cheat but El Patron is too quick.)

MICHAEL COLE: El Patron and Dr. Wagner Jr. look like they've been teaming for years already, Coach!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: After brutalizing each other for months, they now got a common goal: those tag team titles. That unity is showing.

(The action is back and forth. Luger hits a Torture Rack on El Patron, but Wagner breaks it up. Mero attempts a standing senton, but El Patron dodges. El Patron locks in the Cross Armbreaker on Mero! Mero screams in pain. Luger tries to intervene, but Dr. Wagner Jr. cuts him off with a powerful big boot.)

(Mero has no choice but to tap out.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here are your winners, EL PATRON and DR. WAGNER JR.!

(El Patron and Dr. Wagner Jr. celebrate their victory, raising each other's hands. They eye the entrance ramp, clearly sending a message to the Tag Team Champions.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

WWE:RAW Presents ASCENSION!
June 14th, 2005 IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

(After the break, MICHAEL COLE at ringside, looking serious.)

MICHAEL COLE: Folks, I have an update regarding Goldberg. As you all saw at the end of last week's Raw, Goldberg was brutally attacked by Umaga and thrown through a metal truck delivery door. We can confirm that Goldberg was taken to a local Toronto hospital. However, our sources tell us that true to his nature, Goldberg refused all medical treatment and left the hospital shortly after arriving. He hasn't been seen or heard from since that point.

JONATHAN COACHMAN: That's Goldberg for you, Cole. A beast of a man. But that was a vicious attack by Umaga, undoubtedly orchestrated by Bret Hart.

MICHAEL COLE: And speaking of Bret Hart and Umaga, tonight, later in the show, both Bret Hart and Heavyweight Champion Umaga will be here to address the WWE Universe about their upcoming main event at Ascension! We'll have more on that later.

(The camera cuts backstage to STEPHANIE MCMAHON’s office. She is seated at her desk, and HAMADA and SUMIE SAKAI are standing before her.)

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Ladies, thank you for coming. I've been very impressed with both of your recent performances. You each hold a definitive victory over the other, showcasing the incredible talent within our women's division. This puts you both in an excellent position. Therefore, at Ascension, I am officially announcing a Number One Contender's match: Hamada vs. Sumie Sakai! The winner will earn a future shot at the Women's Championship.

(Hamada and Sakai nod respectfully.)

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: But tonight, you won't be opponents. Tonight, I want to see if you two dominant forces can coexist. You will be teaming up to face the combination of Jemma Palmer and Looney Lane. Consider it a test.

(Hamada and Sakai exchange a quick glance, then nod in agreement. Stephanie smiles.)

Match Two: Rob Van Dam vs. PJ Black

(ROB VAN DAM makes his energetic entrance to a huge pop from the Toronto crowd. PJ BLACK follows, looking focused.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, The WWE:RAW Intercontinental Champion, ROB… VAN… DAM! And his opponent, PJ BLACK!

(The bell rings. It's a high-octane match. RVD uses his unique martial arts and high-flying style, while PJ Black counters with his agility and parkour-inspired offense. Black gets in some impressive moves, showing his athleticism, but RVD's veteran experience shines through.)

MICHAEL COLE: RVD is always a crowd favorite, and you can see why with his incredible offense!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: PJ Black is a real talent, Cole, but RVD is on another level.

(RVD hits a Spinning Heel Kick, followed by a Rolling Thunder. He then goes to the top rope for the Five-Star Frog Splash. He leaps and connects perfectly.)

(RVD covers PJ Black.)

REFEREE: ONE… TWO… THREE!

(The bell rings.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here is your winner, and STILL WWE:RAW Intercontinental Champion, ROB… VAN… DAM!

(RVD celebrates with the crowd, soaking in the cheers.)

COMMERICAL BREAK

(The camera is backstage with TERRI RUNNELS, preparing for an interview. SHAWN SPEARS walks into the frame, looking ready to talk. Before Terri can ask a question, a backstage producer walks up, and hands Spears an envelope.)

SHAWN SPEARS: (Confused) What's this?

(He opens the envelope and pulls out a bill. His eyes widen in disbelief as he reads it.)

SHAWN SPEARS: (Fuming) Are you kidding me?! A doctor’s bill?! From Dr. Stevie Richards?! For an "in-office visit" during The Purge last week?! He’s billing me for him getting his ass beat by me?! This lunatic is absolutely unbelievable! He is trying to get under my skin, but it's not going to work! This just fuels me even more for Ascension! I WILL GET MY BELT BACK!

(Spears crumples the bill in his hand, glaring at the camera as Terri looks stunned.)

Match Three: Sumie Sakai & Hamada vs. Jemma Palmer & Looney Lane

(The teams are in the ring, ready for action. BOBBY CRUISE makes the introductions.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is a tag team match! Introducing first, the team of JEMMA PALMER and LOONEY LANE! And their opponents, the team of SUMIE SAKAI and HAMADA!

(The bell rings. Jemma Palmer and Looney Lane try to use their unconventional tactics, but the combined skill and power of Hamada and Sumie Sakai are overwhelming. Sakai and Hamada show surprising teamwork, hitting coordinated strikes and double-team maneuvers.)

MICHAEL COLE: Hamada and Sumie Sakai, usually opponents, are working together very well tonight.

JONATHAN COACHMAN: They know what's at stake at Ascension, Cole. They're both trying to impress as well as try and show each other up.

(Looney Lane tries some erratic movements, but Hamada catches her with a stiff kick. Sumie Sakai hits a running knee on Jemma Palmer. Hamada then hits the Hamada Driver on Looney Lane, and Sakai follows up with a top rope splash on Palmer.)

(Hamada covers Looney Lane while Sakai covers Jemma Palmer for the double pin.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here are your winners, the team of SUMIE SAKAI and HAMADA!

(Hamada and Sakai raise each other's hands, a nod of mutual respect as they exit the ring.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

(The screen goes black and white. SCOTT HALL and KEVIN NASH are sitting in a dimly lit, smoky room. They are both wearing black leather jackets holding cigars.)

SCOTT HALL: (Takes a puff from a cigar, exhales slowly) Hey yo.

KEVIN NASH: You know, Scott, last week, we heard 'em. We saw 'em. Three DX boys. Running their mouths. Talking all that noise. Shawn and Hunter, you should know by now to not trust anything we say at face value.

SCOTT HALL: Yeah. But you know what the problem still is, big man? There’s three of them. There’s only two of us.

(Nash chuckles, a low rumble.)

KEVIN NASH: That's a good point, Survey says? That's a real good point. Makes a man wonder, doesn't it? If there's only two of us, and three of them… maybe the numbers don't add up. Maybe the New Kliq has more than two members.

SCOTT HALL: Yeah. Who knows? There might be a third. A fourth. Maybe even a fifth member of the New Kliq.

(Both men look at each other and share a knowing, sinister laugh. The screen goes to black.)

(The camera is backstage, inside STEPHANIE MCMAHON's office. She sits at her desk, looking composed, while "STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN is sprawled in a chair opposite her, a half-empty beer can in one hand, looking noticeably inebriated.)

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: (Sighs softly, a hint of frustration in her voice) Steve, can we please focus for a moment? We need to discuss the Tag Team Championship match at Ascension. It's currently DX versus Kane and The Undertaker. It's a huge match, but…

STEVE AUSTIN: (Belches loudly, then grins) Huge! Right up there with a two-for-one beer special, Stephanie! Gonna be a slobberknocker! Stone Cold guarantees it!

(Austin attempts to take another swig but nearly misses his mouth.)

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: (Forcing a pleasant tone) Yes, a slobberknocker, absolutely. But what if we made it even more of a slobberknocker? You always say you love chaos, right? You thrive on unpredictability. You want to give the WWE Universe something they'll never forget.

STEVE AUSTIN: (Nods slowly, eyes half-closed) Chaos is my middle name, Stephanie. And my first. And my last. I'm the King of Chaos, a true hell-raiser! That's me!

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Exactly! So, think about what's been happening around here. The Kliq — Scott Hall and Kevin Nash — they've been targeting DX relentlessly. They've been causing absolute mayhem, disrupting matches, spray-painting people... it's a volatile situation.

(Austin squints, a slow smile spreading across his face.)

STEVE AUSTIN: Those Kliq fellas, huh? They been messin' with DX, huh? Good. Sounds like my kind of party.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: (Leans forward, sensing her opportunity) Precisely! Now imagine this, Steve: At Ascension, for the Tag Team Championship, it's not just DX and the Brothers of Destruction. It's DX versus Kane and The Undertaker versus The Kliq! Three teams, all with intense hatred for each other, all vying for those titles. Think of the anarchy! The pure, unadulterated chaos! It would be the most unpredictable, most unforgettable Tag Team Championship match in WWE history!

(Austin's eyes widen slightly. He takes a moment, his mind visibly processing the proposition, fueled by his love for disorder.)

STEVE AUSTIN: (He slams his beer can down on the desk with a loud clatter, startling Stephanie) Three teams?! You're a genius, Stephanie! A damn genius! That's brilliant! More fights, more stunners, more beer-drinkin'! I love it! I absolutely love it!

(He points emphatically at the camera, a wide, inebriated grin plastered on his face.)

STEVE AUSTIN: By God, it's official! At Ascension, for the WWE Tag Team Championship, it ain't gonna be just two teams, it's gonna be a Triple Threat Tag Team Match! It's gonna be D-Generation X versus Kane and The Undertaker versus The Kliq! And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so!

(Austin chugs the rest of his beer, crushes the can on his forehead, and lets out a loud, drawn-out burp. Stephanie McMahon quickly backs away from the desk, a look of triumph and slight relief on her face, as Austin stumbles out of her office, celebrating his chaotic decision.)

Match Four: Tommy Dreamer vs. Barry Horowitz

(TOMMY DREAMER makes his entrance to a respectful ovation. BARRY HOROWITZ comes out, looking confident.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, the WWE:RAW Anarchy Champion, "The Innovator of Violence" TOMMY DREAMER! And his opponent, BARRY HOROWITZ!

(The bell rings. Horowitz tries to use his technical prowess and puts up a good fight, showing off his confidence. Dreamer, however, is aggressive, using his brawling style. Horowitz gets in some near falls, but Dreamer’s resilience is on display.)

MICHAEL COLE: Barry Horowitz always gives you his all, but Tommy Dreamer is a different breed, Coach.

JONATHAN COACHMAN: Dreamer’s still got that fire, especially after what happened last week. A lot of people like Dreamer now feel they have something to prove after falling early in The Purge.

(Dreamer eventually hits a series of powerful clotheslines and a DDT for the win.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here is your winner, TOMMY DREAMER!

(Dreamer celebrates his victory, looking intense, still clearly agitated from last week.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

(The camera is backstage with TERRI RUNNELS. She is standing on a step ladder to interview THE BIG SHOW, who towers over her.)

TERRI RUNNELS: Big Show, last week in The Purge, you returned after being eliminated to get revenge on Sid. What message were you sending?

BIG SHOW: (His voice booming) Message, Terri? I sent a simple message! Sid thought he could bury me like trash? He thought he could get rid of the largest athlete in the world? Big Show doesn’t stay buried! And I definitely don't forget! My WMD Punch can knock out anybody, anywhere, anytime. Sid knows that. He knows I can knock him out cold.

(Big Show looks intensely into the camera.)

BIG SHOW: But here’s my question for Sid, for our match at Ascension. You think you’re so strong? You think you’re the Master and the Ruler of the World? Well, you wanna know if you’re the Master? You wanna know if you’re the Ruler? Can you… can you Chokeslam the largest wrestler in the world, The Big Show?

(Big Show gives a menacing glare.)

Big Show: Because I've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, I can knock your ass out.

Match Five: Sid vs. Rick Steiner

(SID makes his entrance, looking wild-eyed. RICK STEINER, recovering from being the first eliminated last week, makes his way to the ring, still looking tough.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, SID! And his opponent, RICK STEINER!

(The bell rings. This is a hard-hitting, power-based match. Sid and Rick Steiner trade heavy blows and suplexes. Steiner tries to use his amateur wrestling background, but Sid’s sheer power is difficult to overcome. Rick Steiner hits a Steinerline that staggers Sid, but can’t put him down.)

MICHAEL COLE: This is a clash of two absolute powerhouses! Rick Steiner wants revenge for last week's early elimination.

JONATHAN COACHMAN: And Sid wants to prove he’s the undisputed dominant force.

(Sid eventually catches Rick Steiner with a big boot, followed by a Chokeslam.)

(Sid covers Rick Steiner with just his hand on Steiner's chest.)

REFEREE: ONE… TWO… THREE!

(The bell rings.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here is your winner, SID!

(Sid stands tall over Steiner, letting out a primal scream. He makes a "cutting throat" gesture to the camera while screaming "BIG SHOW" over and over.)

COMMERCIAL BREAK

(The camera is backstage with TERRI RUNNELS, now interviewing ROB VAN DAM.)

TERRI RUNNELS: RVD, your opponent at Ascension is in tonight’s main event, Sterling James Keenan, has made it very clear he feels he’s been screwed out of several opportunities. What are your thoughts on his claims?

ROB VAN DAM: (Calmly, but with a slight shake of his head and clearly red eyes) You know, Terri, Sterling James Keenan… he’s got a problem. A big problem. He's never going to be happy. First, he thought he owned the Intercontinental Title, and he swore he got screwed out of that. Then he thought he owned the number one contender spot, and he swore he got screwed out of that. He could have the Intercontinental Title, and the Heavyweight Championship, and still find something wrong. Still find something to whine about.

(RVD takes a moment, then looks directly into the camera, a confident smirk on his face.)

ROB VAN DAM: So, here's what I say, Sterling. I hope you win tonight. I hope you beat DDP. And then the night after Ascension, I hope you win the Heavyweight Championship. Because when you do… as the Intercontinental Champion and rightful number one contender, I will get the chance. Not only will I get the chance to kick your ass at Ascension, but I’ll beat you again for the Heavyweight Championship after that. Then maybe, just maybe, maybe you'll finally realize who the true Whole Dam Show is.

(RVD gives his signature thumbs-up gesture and walks off.)

Match Six: DDP vs. Sterling James Keenan

(STERLING JAMES KEENAN makes his way to the ring, looking intensely focused. DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE follows, still showing the effects of The Purge but determined.)

BOBBY CRUISE: The following contest is your main event! The winner of this match will receive a Heavyweight Championship opportunity the night after Ascension! Introducing first, STERLING JAMES KEENAN! And his opponent, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE!

(The bell rings. Keenan immediately goes for DDP, aggressive and desperate. DDP, still favoring his body from last week, has to rely on his cunning and experience. Keenan is relentless, trying to ground DDP. He tries to work over DDP’s legs and midsection.)

MICHAEL COLE: This is it, Coach! The biggest match on Raw, with a Heavyweight Championship shot on the line!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: Keenan is leaving it all out there. He feels this is his destiny.

(The match is back and forth. Keenan gets a near fall after a vicious kick. DDP hits a Rebound Lariat that nearly turns Keenan inside out. The referee gets distracted for a moment as Keenan argues a call. Keenan quickly reaches into his tights and pulls out a pair of brass knuckles!)

MICHAEL COLE: Keenan has the brass knuckles! He's going to use them again!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: He’s desperate, Cole! This is how he beat DDP two weeks ago!

(Keenan lunges forward, aiming for DDP’s head with the knuckles. But DDP, expecting it, quickly ducks under the strike and catches Keenan’s arm. DDP twists the arm, takes the knuckles away, and then, with a swift move, he shoves the knuckles back into Keenan’s face! Keenan staggers back, dazed by his own weapon. As Keenan spins around, DDP grabs him and hits a clean Diamond Cutter!)

MICHAEL COLE: DIAMOND CUTTER! He reversed the knuckles into the Diamond Cutter!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: DDP wins!

(DDP falls onto Keenan for the pin.)

REFEREE: ONE… TWO… THREE!

(The bell rings.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Here is your winner, and the number one contender for the Heavyweight Championship, DIAMOND… DALLAS… PAGE!

(DDP struggles to his feet, holding the brass knuckles he took from Keenan. He looks down at Keenan, then throws the knuckles to the side. DDP raises his arm in victory as his music plays, exhausted but triumphant.)

MICHAEL COLE: DDP has done it! He’s won the Heavyweight Championship shot! He will face the champion the night after Ascension!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: What a night for DDP! He earned this!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

The arena lights dim, and the ominous, guttural roar of Umaga's theme music fills the Scotiabank Arena. UMAGA, accompanied by BRET "THE HITMAN" HART, makes his way to the ring. Umaga looks as menacing as ever, while Bret Hart walks with a calculated, cold demeanor. The Toronto crowd is a mix of cheers for Bret and boos for Umaga.)

BOBBY CRUISE: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, accompanied by "The Hitman," BRET HART, the WWE:RAW Heavyweight Champion, UMAGA!

(Umaga enters the ring, beating his chest, while Bret Hart calmly accepts a microphone from a ringside attendant. Bret stands in the center of the ring, glaring at the crowd.)

BRET HART: (Voice cold and deliberate) You see that, Toronto? This is what a true champion looks like. This is what true power looks like. Last week, my associate, Umaga, did what no other man has been able to do. He didn't just defeat Goldberg; he humiliated him. He broke him. He put him through a wall, and then he put him through a metal door!

(The crowd boos loudly.)

BRET HART: Oh, you can boo all you want, but you saw it with your own eyes! Michael Cole said Goldberg refused medical attention. That's a joke! He didn't refuse medical attention because he's tough; he refused it because he was embarrassed! He was so ashamed, so completely broken, that he couldn't even stand to be seen! And that's why you haven't seen or heard from him since! He's probably hiding in some dark corner, licking his wounds, praying he never has to show his face again!

(Bret's voice darkens, becoming more personal.)

BRET HART: I know a thing or two about being screwed over in this business. Shawn Michaels, that hypocritical, self-righteous "born again" fraud, he screwed me out of the biggest prize in this business. But even after that, even after everything, my career continued. I wrestled on. I healed. I fought another day.

(He points to Umaga.)

BRET HART: But not Goldberg. No. That reckless, uncontrolled bastard… he ended my dream. He took away my ability to do what I loved more than anything in this world. He stole my career, and he left me with nothing but bitter memories and a body that would never be the same. He walked away, triumphant, while I was left broken.

(Bret's eyes narrow, his voice filled with venom.)

BRET HART: And for that, I will never forgive him. I won't just rest until Goldberg is retired; I won't rest until Goldberg is in a grave! He stole my life, and now I'm coming for his!

(Suddenly, the familiar riff of GOLDBERG'S music hits! The arena lights flash, and pyrotechnics explode on the stage! The crowd erupts, expecting Goldberg to storm out!)

MICHAEL COLE: Goldberg! It's Goldberg's music!
JONATHAN COACHMAN: Is he here?! Is he going to answer Bret Hart?!

(Umaga immediately stiffens, his eyes darting towards the entrance ramp. He lets out a low growl, clearly agitated, flexing his muscles, ready to explode and attack. Bret Hart watches Umaga, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips. The music plays for a long moment, but Goldberg doesn't appear.)

(Umaga shifts his weight, looking more and more frustrated as the music continues without a sign of Goldberg.)

BRET HART: (A cruel, slow laugh escapes him, cutting through the music) Heh heh heh… Hahahaha!

(The music abruptly stops.)

BRET HART: Did you see that, Toronto?! Look at him! Look at Umaga! (He gestures to Umaga, who is still agitated, breathing heavily, eyes fixed on the empty ramp.) All that proves is that this savage… this brute… he’s been conditioned! He’s been conditioned to attack on sight, to unleash pure violence whenever that music plays!

(Bret turns back to the crowd, his smile wide and chilling.)

BRET HART: But Goldberg isn't coming out. Because he's a coward! He's broken! He won’t ever show his face again! He’s too humiliated, too afraid to step into the same building as Umaga! But should he, by some miracle, try to show up at Ascension… he will be spiked! And then he will be buried! You have my word on that.

(Bret Hart drops the microphone. Umaga lets out a final, frustrated roar, staring down the empty ramp as Bret Hart turns to him with a conspiratorial nod. The segment ends with Umaga seething and Bret Hart looking darkly satisfied.)

(The camera cuts backstage. TERRI RUNNELS is interviewing SHAWN MICHAELS, TRIPLE H, and X-PAC, all looking battered from The Purge and last week's attack.)

TERRI RUNNELS: DX, after what happened last week with The Kliq, how are you feeling heading into Ascension?

SHAWN MICHAELS: (Rubbing his jaw) How are we feeling? We're feeling really annoyed, Terri! Hall and Nash… they wanna play games? They wanna call themselves "The Kliq"? We’ve got something for 'em!

TRIPLE H: They think they took us out? They just lit a fire! At Ascension, those two dinosaurs are going to find out what happens when you awaken the Game and the Showstopper! My wife wants to up the stakes, wants to create some chaos? Degeneration X invented chaos. We beat The Kliq at WrestleMania but apparently that wasn't enough. You have Kane and the Undertaker, neither of us are strangers to them. Throw it all together with no rules and Tag Team Titles at stake, that is when "the elite" shine.

X-PAC: The Tag Team Titles are coming home to DX! Kliq or no Kliq, we're taking those titles!

(As DX is talking, the background behind them slowly darkens. A shadowy, ominous mist begins to appear, swirling in the air. Out of the mist, the imposing figures of THE UNDERTAKER and KANE emerge, walking slowly, silently observing DX from a distance. They are barely visible in the darkened background, but their presence is unmistakable.)

MICHAEL COLE: (Voice over from ringside) And speaking of Ascension, The Brothers of Destruction are here!

JONATHAN COACHMAN: The Brothers of Destruction are a force unlike any other! Are they here for violence?

(DX continues talking, oblivious to the ominous figures behind them. The Undertaker and Kane just stand there, silently watching.)

(The camera slowly zooms out, revealing PAUL BEARER standing just off to the side, slightly in front of The Undertaker and Kane, his face a sinister smirk. He slowly lifts the Urn and begins to rub it, his eyes fixed on DX, a chilling satisfaction on his face.)

(The scene holds on Paul Bearer’s menacing smirk and his slow rubbing of the Urn as The Undertaker and Kane stand silently behind him, their eyes glowing faintly in the darkness, observing DX.)

(The screen fades to black as the sinister sounds of Paul Bearer’s chuckle fill the arena.)

[SHOW END]