WWE: 15 Memorable Staples Center Moments

5. May 25th, 2009 Raw - The Denver Debacle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECmLjz-3zDI While WWE would return to LA for this episode of Raw, it wasn€™t always planned that way. WWE were actually scheduled to host Raw from Denver, but due to the Denver Nuggets making the NBA playoffs, Raw was told to go elsewhere. In a bit of last minute maneuvering, WWE managed to book itself into the Staples Center in LA to save the Raw broadcast. The change in arena meant that WWE were now broadcasting from the home of the team that Denver were scheduled to play in the finals, the LA Lakers. It became known as, €œthe Denver Debcale,€ and Vince McMahon wasted no time in airing his grudge with Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke. The opening segment of this now Los Angeles based Raw, saw a person imitating Stan Kroenke coming to the ring to a shower of boos. He was joined by a fake NBA commissioner and ran down the WWE and Vince McMahon. The REAL Vince McMahon came to the ring, and threatened to start his own basketball league called the XBA. Vince informed Stan that when people push the WWE, they push back, and with that pushed him on his ass. In one final dig at the whole scenario, McMahon booked a huge ten man tag team match for the main event. In the match the heel team all wore Denver jerseys and the face team represented the LA Lakers. The LA team consisted of Batista, Jerry Lawler, John Cena, MVP and Kennedy while Denver was made up of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Big Show and the Miz. Not surprisingly the LA Lakers team won to send a message to Denver once and for all: Don€™t push the WWE.