Backstage, we see Christian Cage as he bumps into Mr. McMahon.
"Mr. McMahon, hey, how are ya? Have you seen Tomko?"
"Why, as a matter of fact, I have. I just saw him several minutes ago. Actually, I had searched him out. I had to let him know that at Spring Showdown, he'll be going one-on-one with Batista. Oh, and speaking of Spring Showdown... I think you'll be pleased to hear that you will get a chance to regain the Intercontinental Championship. It will be an IC Championship Rematch, you, Christian, versus "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles... In a Ladder Match!! And I suggest you put more effort into your match next Sunday than you did tonight. You're not gonna have much help, because not only is Tomko going to be busy with Batista, what makes you think he hasn't deserted you like AJ?"
McMahon then exits, leaving Christian alone with his thoughts.
But before Vince can make it to his office, he is interrupted by the Dudleys. Bubba Ray is, as usual, pissed.
"Vince, are you serious? You're gonna just throw these MNM guys at us without warning? We've never even faced these guys, and you expect us to be ready to face them with the titles on the line? That's ridiculous. I'm furious! And D-Von's so mad he can't even speak."
"Gentleman, you're absolutely right. It was unfair of me to throw such a curveball at you. So, to even the playing field, I decided to put this match, in an environment you're more accustomed to. Your match with MNM is now... a TABLES MATCH! Are we happy now?"
Bubba Ray has a grin on his face. "Or we're happy. We're happy, right D-Von?"
"OH MY BROTHER, TESTIFY!!"
* * * * * * * * * *
JBL is now making his way down to the ring, and he appears to have some sort of bag or satchel under his arm. But while we wait for JBL to reach the ring, I think it's important to share that the word from backstage is that Mickie James has DEMANDED a match against Trish Stratus at Spring Showdown, for the UWE Women's Championship, and that Trish Stratus has accepted the challenge. So it appears that we will have an Awakening Rematch for the women's title at Spring Showdown. And now JBL is ready to speak.
"I know that a lot of people were shocked that I turned by back on my long-time partner, Ron Simmons. But I had every reason on thw world to do what I did. The explanation is simple;
I am a champion. And champions live to have gold around thier waists. I have held tag team championships, hardcore championships, hell, forget all of those accolades, I am a former WORLD CHAMPION. My reign is the stuff of legends. A man like me can't live long without gold. Now, the APA has held it's fair share of titles. But that was a long, long time ago. The APA had seen it's day. Ron Simmons had seen his day. He was holding me back. I realized that in our match against the Dudleys. He was losing the match for us. And that's when I realized that I had no need for a partner that I would have to carry on my shoulders. So I let him and the past go. And so should all of you. The APA is dead. There is only John "Bradshaw" Layfield... get over it.
Now, if JBL isn't going to pursue tag team gold, then that only leaves singles gold. So I went to Vince McMahon, and I implored him to give me a title shot. But for some reason, he said no. So I decided to take matters into my own hands."
JBL reaches into the bag and removes... a title belt?!
"This is THE United States Championship. This is the most historic title in the history of professional wrestling. It's legacy has lived on through three generations of wrestling. It was defended in the NWA, and then WCW, and then it came to the WWE, and there, it saw it's greatest champion... ME. And then, a travesty occurred, when it was abandoned, left undefended. And now I am ressurecting the most prestigous title in the most prestigous wrestling promotion in the world today. Mark this day in wrestling history, as the day that John "Bradshaw" Layfield played Jesus with wrestling history, and brought THE United States Championship back from the dead.
And it's all perfectly legal. Vince McMahon has approved the re-activation of the U.S. title, on the ONE condition, that I defend it against all comers. So, I have agreed to a Six Pack Challenge at Spring Showdown, in an open invitational format. Any five superstars who want a chance at glory, can step up next Sunday. And then, at Spring Showdown, you will all see another ressurection. At Spring Showdown, you will all see the ressurection of John "Bradshaw" Layfield... the WRESTLING GOD!!"
Wow, this is a crazy development. We have witnessed the death of the APA and re-birth of JBL and the United States Championship. And NOW we are treated to an open invitational Six Pack Challenge at Spring Showdown. But one would have to assume, that with the open invitation-style format of the match, that JBL will need to be wary of his old partner Ron Simmons. Simmons may be down, but knowing him, he is FAR from out.
So with tonight's developments, it appears as if we have a full card for Spring Showdown. Here's the line-up that can be expected next Sunday:
Six Pack Challenge for the UWE United States Championship
JBL (c) vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???
Batista vs. Tomko
Tables Match for the UWE Tag Team Championships
MNM vs. The Dudley Boyz (c)
UWE Women's Championship Match
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus (c)
Triple H vs. Rey Mysterio
Ladder Match for UWE Intercontinental Championship
Christian Cage vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
The Rock vs. Umaga
No Holds Barred Match for the UWE Championship
Randy Orton vs. Eddie Guerrero (c)