Michaels vs. Angle IV
January 16, 2006

The new World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels have had some of the best matches in WWE history. They are considered two of the best all-around performers that the sports-entertainment industry has ever seen. They delivered an instant-classic at WrestleMania 21, and Angle walked away with the first victory in what would turn out to be an extended rivalry.

Their match at WrestleMania was an interpromotional one, but after Angle was drafted to RAW in the Draft Lottery, it was just a matter of time before they locked horns again. The rematch was at Vengeance, and while the match was another classic, the result was different as HBK picked up the big win.

Mr. McMahon then put a smile on every WWE fans’ faces when he announced a third match between the two for the big WWE Homecoming last October. To make things even more interesting, though, he made the rubber match a 30-Minute WWE Iron Man Match. The two battled to the point of exhaustion for 30 minutes, and in the end, they both scored two falls apiece, and the match was ruled a draw.

After HBK and Angle had a falling out during a tag team match on RAW, Mr. McMahon thought it would be the perfect time for HBK vs. Angle IV. And who could argue? Don’t miss RAW Monday night in what is sure to be another instant classic between these two amazing competitors.

Plus, what ramifications will there be after John Cena interrupted Edge and Lita’s live sex session on RAW? Earlier in the evening, Mr. McMahon had told Cena that if he got involved in the “session” he would lose his right to a rematch for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Did Cena inadvertently cost himself a shot at regaining the gold?

And Kane, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin all qualified for the Royal Rumble. It was also announced that Rob Van Dam would make his big return to the squared circle in the Royal Rumble Match. Who else will qualify for the Royal Rumble? Tune in to Monday Night RAW at 9/8 CT on the USA Network to find out.