This one rarely gets talked about, but it deserves to be brought up as an example of WWE's often vindictive approach. Trips had already beat up the voice of WWE on an episode of Raw in 1999 (roughing up Ross was one of WWE's biggest heat-seaking angles for a long time), but their 'match' on Raw took things to a whole new level. First of all, what kind of main event is Jim Ross versus Triple H, anyway? It's especially baffling considering the April 18th Raw took place from Madison Square Garden, a very demanding and important audience, as far as WWE is concerned. Secondly, why the hell did it last for TWELVE whole minutes? And finally, why did JR do a bladejob? Actually, Ross didn't do a bladejob - the crimson mask he's sporting in the picture above is the result of several potato shots courtesy of the usually safe Cerebral Assassin. It was obvious when watching the match that Triple H was laying them in a bit stiffer than usual, which was either him working out years of frustration with the former Vice President of Talent Relations or a direct instruction from someone else backstage (there was a rumour that it was a receipt for JR lowballing him on past contract negotiations and giving poor payoffs). Adding to the weirdness of this whole match/angle, it was the Oklahoman who eventually got the duke - Good 'ol JR pinned The Game following interference form Batista. It's doubtful that the commentator felt like a winner afterwards, though, since he had blurred vision and a nice shiny black eye for some time afterwards. Dumb for booking the match in the first place and even dumber for the way it was executed. It made Triple H and WWE look like real bullies. Be a Star, guys.
