On WWE.com throughout today, they will be posting pictures of the arena as it sets up for RAW.
Also, starting at 7:45, WWE.com will have exclusive footage of RAW, including a pre-game show, action during commercial breaks, and more.
Then, of course, at 7:55pm, RAW’s return to USA Network begins. It has been announced that the HBK vs. Angle match will start off the show.
Here’s the official preview:
WWE Homecoming
October 3, 2005
They say you can’t go home again, but [this] week, RAW breaks the rules one more time as the flagship returns to the USA Network with a bang.
Two weeks ago, Mr. McMahon decided that John Cena would make his first defense of the WWE Championship on USA against none other than RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff. Last week, Kurt Angle put Cena through a table with an Angle Slam, and the final RAW on Spike TV went off the air with the GM holding the WWE Championship high. Was this a premonition, or will The Champ overcome the odds once again to retain his gold?
Prior to disrupting last week’s main event, Angle campaigned to Mr. McMahon for another title shot, claiming he earned it by defeating Cena at Unforgiven. Angle’s plea was interrupted by Shawn Michaels, and after a verbal sparring session, Mr. McMahon announced a blockbuster: HBK vs. Angle in a 30-Minute WWE Iron Man Match at Homecoming. Kurt made Michaels tap out at WrestleMania, with HBK evening the score at Vengeance; next week, the man who can score the most falls in 30 minutes will take the rubber match. Angle also put HBK through a table at the conclusion of last week’s RAW; will this give the Olympic Gold Medalist a leg up?
While RAW begins a new era on USA, one man will see the end of his RAW days at Homecoming. The rivalry between Edge and Matt Hardy will come to a head when they do battle in a Loser Leaves RAW Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Last week, Hardy sent Edge flying off a ladder, giving the fans a brief preview of next week. Will Edge be at 100 percent next week to eliminate Hardy once and for all, or will Matt claim a shot at the WWE Championship and put his nemesis out of a job?
SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long made an appearance on RAW, asking Eric Bischoff for some exposure at Homecoming. Mr. McMahon thought this was a great idea, and has given Long the opportunity to have a SmackDown match on the show. Be sure to tune into Friday Night SmackDown to see who will compete in this historic match.
Also, Women’s Champion Trish Stratus and Ashley will face Torrie Wilson, Candice, and Victoria in a three-on-two Bra and Panties Match. Candice made the challenge after Trish and Ashley stripped her to her bra and panties last week; which Divas will be brought down to their lingerie at Homecoming?
And finally, WWE Homecoming wouldn’t be complete without a dose of the men who helped get RAW off the ground. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper will host Mick Foley on Piper’s Pit. Also, WWE Homecoming will feature the return of “The Texas Rattlesnake” Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan and Triple H.
On top of all this, several legendary names from the past will also be appearing on RAW Monday night. Scheduled to appear are “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Jimmy Hart, Hillbilly Jim, Superstar Billy Graham, Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Harley Race, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Chief Jay Strongbow, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Nikolai Volkoff and Koko B. Ware.
Don’t miss an action packed three-hour extravaganza when RAW returns to USA Monday night at 7:55 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned to WWE.com as more information on RAW’s move to USA becomes available.
