The April 4, 2005 edition of WWE Monday Night RAW marked a new era as Batista appeared on RAW for the first time as World Heavyweight Champion. With WrestleMania 21 now in the rearview mirror, RAW began the process of reshaping its main event scene while also spotlighting the World Tag Team division in a chaotic main event.

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Batista Addresses RAW as World Heavyweight Champion

The show opened with Batista entering the ring for an in-ring promo, where he thanked the fans for supporting his decision to leave Evolution and branch out on his own. Batista reflected on years spent as someone else’s “caged animal,” promising that he would never again allow himself to be held back.

Batista explained that he originally joined Evolution to improve himself and earn the respect of Triple H and his mentor Ric Flair. Once it became clear that Triple H was only using him to maintain his grip on RAW, that respect died—culminating in Batista ending Triple H’s reign at WrestleMania 21.

Now champion, Batista made it clear that he simply wants to fight. Believing the next challenger should be “Mr. Money in the Bank,” Batista called out Edge.

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Edge Refuses to Cash in Money in the Bank

Edge entered to widespread anticipation, but instead of cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, he surprised everyone by declining the opportunity.

Edge voiced frustration over having to endure a ladder match for a title shot, referencing the toll his career has taken—particularly after returning from neck surgery. While giving Batista credit for defeating Triple H, Edge insisted that he would not be rushed into a championship match. He would earn the World Heavyweight Championship on his timeline.

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Mick Foley & Chris Benoit React to Edge’s Decision

RAW General Manager Mick Foley confronted Edge’s decision, expressing disappointment. Foley spoke passionately about the sacrifices he made throughout his career—falling from Hell in a Cell, enduring countless chair shots, and clawing for any opportunity just to experience one moment at the top.

While acknowledging Edge’s hardships, Foley emphasized that there is no such thing as the “perfect time” to fight for a championship.

With Edge unwilling and Triple H denied an immediate rematch, Foley found himself without a clear challenger—until Chris Benoit made his way to the ring.

Benoit admitted his own disappointment in Edge, noting that every time Edge seems ready to ascend, he pulls back. Benoit reminded Foley that he came agonizingly close to winning Money in the Bank at WrestleMania 21 and, despite his impending move to SmackDown, wanted one final match on RAW.

Foley revealed that discussions were still ongoing with SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long regarding Benoit’s transfer. Until then, Foley announced that Benoit would face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW next week.

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World Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way Match

William Regal & Tajiri (c) def. Johnny Swinger & Val Venis, The Shane Twins (Mike & Todd Shane), and The BWO to retain the World Tag Team Championships.

Earlier in the night, Foley informed champions William Regal and Tajiri that they had been left off the WrestleMania 21 card. He encouraged them to treat their upcoming match as a defining moment, introducing three new teams to challenge them in the main event.

The Shane Twins arrived from OVW, while former ECW teammates Steven Richards and Simon Dean reunited as the Blue World Order. Johnny Swinger and Val Venis teamed up after celebrating WrestleMania weekend a little too hard. Late in the match, Venis appeared ready to hit the Money Shot on Tajiri, but Mike Shane shoved him from the top rope. Chaos followed as Richards and Regal wiped out the remaining challengers. Swinger attempted one final push, only for Tajiri to counter with green mist and a Buzzsaw Kick to score the pinfall and retain the titles.