Episode 448: Vengeance 2004
Digest
This episode of Something to Wrestle with Bruce Pritchard continues the discussion of Vengeance 2004, focusing on the main event where Chris Benoit defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Triple H. The episode delves into the backstory of the match, highlighting the build-up and the role of Eugene in the storyline. Pritchard shares his perspective on the match's execution, praising its simplicity and the emotional impact of Eugene's involvement. He also discusses the similarities between the Eugene storyline and other manager-driven storylines in wrestling history. The episode then transitions to a discussion of Benoit's World Heavyweight Championship reign, with Pritchard sharing his thoughts on its success and the audience's perception of Benoit as a champion. He also reflects on the chemistry between Benoit and Triple H and their shared wrestling style. The episode concludes with a brief recap of the upcoming topics, including a discussion of Mick Foley and a preview of future episodes featuring King Booker and Harley Race.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its focus on Vengeance 2004, a pay-per-view event that took place on July 11th, 2004, at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The episode features Bruce Pritchard, a former WWE executive, sharing his insights and experiences from that era.
Vengeance 2004: The Event
This Chapter delves into the details of Vengeance 2004, including the attendance, buy rate, and the significance of the event as a Raw-branded pay-per-view. Pritchard discusses the difference between Raw and SmackDown pay-per-views and his preference for brand-specific events.
Chris Benoit's World Title Run
This Chapter focuses on Chris Benoit's World Heavyweight Championship reign leading up to Vengeance 2004. Pritchard shares his thoughts on Benoit's performance and the company's perception of his title run at that time.
WWE's Hiring Practices
This Chapter explores the WWE's hiring practices, specifically the company's decision to hire a soap opera writer with no wrestling experience. Pritchard shares his perspective on the importance of wrestling knowledge and his experience with a similar situation involving a writer named Paul Gay.
Edge's Makeover
This Chapter discusses the WWE's attempt to give Edge a makeover, including suggestions to cut his hair and change his ring entrance. Pritchard shares his thoughts on the decision and his philosophy on allowing wrestlers to develop their own unique looks.
Larry Zabisco's Lawsuit
This Chapter focuses on Larry Zabisco's lawsuit against the WWE, stemming from the company's use of the nickname "Living Legend" for Randy Orton. Pritchard shares his limited interactions with Zabisco and his perspective on the situation.
WWE's Financial Performance
This Chapter examines the WWE's financial performance during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004, highlighting the increase in revenue and the strong buy rate for WrestleMania 20. Pritchard discusses the factors contributing to the company's success and his perspective on the overall business climate at that time.
The Eugene Character
This Chapter focuses on the Eugene character, his popularity with the audience, and the inspiration behind his creation. Pritchard compares Eugene to Ivan Putsky, another wrestler known for his simple and lovable persona.
Hulk Hogan's Interview
This Chapter discusses Hulk Hogan's interview on the Best Damn Sports Show Period, where he discussed his potential return to the WWE, his thoughts on Vince McMahon, and his interest in a comeback. Pritchard shares his insights on Hogan's motivations and his perspective on the Hogan-McMahon relationship.
Vengeance 2004: Match Reviews
This Chapter provides a detailed review of the matches on the Vengeance 2004 card, including the main event between Edge and Randy Orton, the tag team match between Team Angle and Jonathan Coachman and Garrison Cade, and the match between Batista and Chris Jericho. Pritchard shares his thoughts on the performances of the wrestlers and the overall quality of the matches.
Randy Orton's Babyface Turn
This Chapter discusses the audience's growing support for Randy Orton, despite his heel persona, and the eventual decision to turn him into a babyface. Pritchard shares his perspective on the timing of the turn and the factors that contributed to it.
Vengeance 2004: Main Event Review
This Chapter focuses on the main event of Vengeance 2004, a World Heavyweight Championship match between Chris Benoit and Triple H. Pritchard discusses the match's storyline, the role of Eugene, and the execution of the match. He also shares his perspective on the chemistry between Benoit and Triple H and the success of Benoit's World Heavyweight Championship reign.
Keywords
Vengeance 2004
Vengeance 2004 was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for their Raw brand. It took place on July 11, 2004, at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The main event saw Edge defeat Randy Orton for the Intercontinental Championship.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, known for his exceptional in-ring skills, charisma, and ability to connect with audiences. Orton has held numerous championships throughout his career, including 14 world championships, making him the third-most decorated world champion in WWE history.
Edge
Adam Copeland, better known by his ring name Edge, is a Canadian professional wrestler and actor. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he was a 11-time world champion, winning the WWE Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship seven times. Edge is also a two-time Royal Rumble winner and a two-time Money in the Bank winner. He is considered one of the most popular and successful wrestlers of the 2000s.
Eugene
Eugene was a professional wrestler who performed in WWE from 2004 to 2007. He was known for his simple and lovable persona, often portrayed as a naive and sheltered individual with a unique perspective on life. Eugene's character was inspired by a real-life fan named Eugene, and he quickly gained popularity with the audience for his comedic timing and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.
Hulk Hogan
Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and television personality. He is widely considered one of the most iconic and influential professional wrestlers of all time, known for his charismatic personality, powerful physique, and signature moves, such as the leg drop and the Hulkstermania celebration. Hogan's career spans over four decades, and he has held numerous championships, including six WWE Championships and six WCW World Heavyweight Championships.
Vince McMahon
Vincent Kennedy McMahon is an American professional wrestling executive, promoter, and former professional wrestler. He is the chairman and CEO of WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. McMahon is a controversial figure in the wrestling industry, known for his aggressive business practices, his on-screen persona as a ruthless and power-hungry owner, and his influence on the development of professional wrestling as a global entertainment phenomenon.
Something to Wrestle with Bruce Pritchard
Something to Wrestle with Bruce Pritchard is a popular podcast hosted by Conrad Thompson, featuring former WWE executive Bruce Pritchard. The podcast delves into the history of professional wrestling, with Pritchard sharing his insights and experiences from his time in the business. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including pay-per-view events, wrestlers, storylines, and backstage drama. It is known for its entertaining and informative format, with Pritchard's candid and humorous anecdotes providing a unique perspective on the world of professional wrestling.
WWE
WWE, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), is a global entertainment company that specializes in professional wrestling, sports entertainment, and entertainment media. It is the world's largest professional wrestling promotion, with a worldwide audience of millions. WWE is known for its over-the-top storylines, athletic performances, and charismatic characters. The company has produced numerous iconic wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and John Cena, and has become a major force in popular culture.
Chris Benoit
Chris Benoit was a Canadian professional wrestler best known for his time in WWE. He was a highly skilled and respected wrestler, known for his technical prowess and his ability to deliver intense and realistic matches. Benoit was a three-time world champion, winning the WWE Championship once and the World Heavyweight Championship twice. He was also a two-time Royal Rumble winner and a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Benoit's career was tragically cut short in 2007, when he took his own life after killing his wife and son.
Triple H
Paul Levesque, better known by his ring name Triple H, is an American professional wrestler, executive, and actor. He is best known for his time in WWE, where he was a 14-time world champion, winning the WWE Championship eight times and the World Heavyweight Championship six times. Triple H is also a two-time Royal Rumble winner and a two-time Money in the Bank winner. He is considered one of the most successful and influential wrestlers of the 2000s and 2010s.
Q&A
What was the main event of Vengeance 2004?
The main event of Vengeance 2004 was a World Heavyweight Championship match between Chris Benoit and Triple H, with Benoit successfully defending his title.
What was the role of Eugene in the main event of Vengeance 2004?
Eugene was heavily involved in the storyline leading up to the match, becoming an honorary member of Evolution and ultimately playing a key role in the match's outcome. He accidentally hit Triple H with a chair, leading to Benoit's victory.
What was Bruce Pritchard's perspective on the execution of the main event match?
Pritchard praised the match's simplicity and the emotional impact of Eugene's involvement. He believed that the storyline was easy to understand and that the audience felt for Eugene's struggles.
What was Bruce Pritchard's perspective on the success of Chris Benoit's World Heavyweight Championship reign?
Pritchard did not believe that Benoit's reign was a success, stating that the audience never truly saw him as the top guy. He felt that Benoit was a great wrestler but lacked the charisma and presence to be a top-tier champion.
What was Bruce Pritchard's perspective on the chemistry between Chris Benoit and Triple H?
Pritchard believed that Benoit and Triple H had good chemistry due to their similar wrestling styles. He felt that their styles complemented each other, creating a dynamic and entertaining match.
What was the last time Chris Benoit and Triple H faced each other in a singles match before Vengeance 2004?
The last time Benoit and Triple H faced each other in a singles match was at New Mercy 2000, four years prior to Vengeance 2004.
What was Bruce Pritchard's perspective on the Eugene storyline?
Pritchard compared the Eugene storyline to other manager-driven storylines in wrestling history, highlighting the common theme of a manager manipulating a wrestler to do their bidding. He believed that the Eugene storyline was simple and easy for the audience to understand, making it effective in engaging viewers.
What was Bruce Pritchard's perspective on the overall success of Vengeance 2004?
Pritchard believed that Vengeance 2004 was a transitional event, with the company trying new things with wrestlers like Benoit and Orton. He felt that it was an interesting time for the WWE, with a focus on rebuilding and experimenting with new storylines.
What are the upcoming topics that will be discussed on Something to Wrestle with Bruce Pritchard?
The upcoming topics include a discussion of Mick Foley, a review of Great American Bash 2006 featuring King Booker, and a discussion of Harley Race.
What is the best way to interact with the Something to Wrestle with Bruce Pritchard podcast?
The podcast can be found on all forms of social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Fans are encouraged to submit questions and interact with the show through these platforms.
Show Notes
On this episode of Something To Wrestle, we're taking you back 20 years to Vengeance 2004! Bruce and Conrad discuss the ins and outs leading up to the PPV including the rise of Randy Orton, creating the brand specific pay per view events, Chris Benoit as champion and so much more.
BLUECHEW - Try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code WRESTLE at checkout--just pay $5 shipping. That’s https://bluechew.com/, promo code WRESTLE to receive your first month FREE
THE AMAZING KIND - The Amazing Kind, plant-based pain relief balms, creams & gels for muscles & joints and infused oils for mood support and sleep, only at https://theamazingkind.com/ - Buy now at TheAmazingKind.com and get 20% off all orders with promo code: Wrestle – Your body will thank you!
GAMETIME - Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and redeem code WRESTLE for $20 off your first purchase (terms apply). Download Gametime today. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. https://gametime.co/
FREEBIRD ROAD: https://youtu.be/kd6MCIEkztQ?si=iMmg4L-7_N6VXp0P
SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing your money on rent! Get into a house with NO MONEY DOWN and roughly the same monthly payment at https://nationsgo.com/conrad/
ADVERTISE WITH BRUCE - If your business targets 25-54 year old men, there's no better place to advertise than right here with us on Something to Wrestle You've heard us do ads for some of the same companies for years...why? Because it works! And with our super targeted audience, there's very little waste. Go to https://www.podcastheat.com/advertise now and find out more about advertising with Something to Wrestle.
FOLLOW ALL OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA at https://nationsgo.com/conrad/
On AdFreeShows.com, you get early, ad-free access to more than a dozen of your favorite wrestling podcasts, starting at just $9! And now, you can enjoy the first week...completely FREE! Sign up for a free trial - and get a taste of what Ad Free Shows is all about. Start your free trial today at https://adfreeshows.supercast.com/
Get all of your Something to Wrestle merchandise at https://boxofgimmicks.com/collections/stw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Table of contents
United States
