The April 18, 2005 edition of WWE RAW saw Edge’s first match since winning the Money in the Bank contract. Elsewhere, World Heavyweight Champion Batista finds a new challenger, while tension grows across the tag team and women’s divisions.
General Manager Mick Foley Confronts Edge
Backstage, RAW General Manager Mick Foley waited for Edge in the parking lot. Edge mocked Foley’s earlier promise of punishment, but Foley clarified his stance.
Edge could cash in his World Championship opportunity whenever he wanted—but he would remain an active competitor in the meantime. That started tonight, with a main event match against Hardcore Holly.
Edge was furious. Foley simply told him to “have a nice day.”
Tara Varon Calls Out the Women’s Champion
Johnny Swinger and Val Venis—collectively “The After Party”—hosted a ring segment to celebrate World Tag Team Champion Tajiri ahead of his impending departure. Swinger referenced their ECW history, while Venis promised a proper sendoff—so long as they received a title opportunity in return.
The segment was interrupted by Tara Varon, who dismissed the celebration as a waste of time. Turning her attention to Trish Stratus, Varon criticized the Women’s Champion for coasting after WrestleMania and demanded real competition. She made it clear she wouldn’t wait quietly.
Backstage, The After Party attempted to recruit Varon for a night out, which she immediately rejected. Moments later, she crossed paths with Stacy Keibler, who had returned after being attacked by Randy Orton. Varon checked on her—but Keibler gave no response.
Tag Division Tensions Build
In an interview, The Hurricane and Rosey voiced frustration at being excluded from the recent World Tag Team Title match, insisting they were legitimate contenders.
They were confronted by Simon Dean and The Shane Twins, who claimed the division now ran through them. Verbal jabs escalated quickly—Rosey shoved Dean, and the Shane Twins stepped in, setting up a match.
Tag Match
The Shane Twins (w/ Simon Dean) def. The Superheroes
Simon Dean positioned himself as the key to the Shane Twins’ success, but his presence nearly cost them. After attempting to interfere, Todd Shane ordered Dean to stay out of the match, confident they could win on their own.
They did exactly that, pinning Hurricane clean while William Regal and Tajiri observed from commentary.
After the match, Dean tried to hijack the moment to promote the Simon System, but Todd shut him down. Instead, the Shane Twins shifted their focus to the champions, issuing a direct challenge.
Batista Issues an Open Challenge
World Heavyweight Champion Batista reflected on his first title defense against Chris Benoit, admitting he hadn’t fully considered what life as champion would look like.
Now free from Evolution, Batista declared that he would take on all challengers—but no one seemed willing to step up. With Edge hesitant, Triple H absent, and Shawn Michaels regrouping after WrestleMania, Batista demanded a contender.
He got one.
Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin answered the call. Confident in his athletic ability and recent performances, Benjamin saw this as his moment to break through.
Batista accepted—but warned him not to come up short again. Benjamin promised he wouldn’t.
Hardcore Holly Prepares for Opportunity
In an interview, Hardcore Holly welcomed the opportunity presented by Foley, viewing his match with Edge as a chance to re-enter the championship picture.
Simon Dean attempted to recruit Holly into his growing “system,” but Holly responded by dumping protein powder over Dean’s head, making it clear he didn’t need any help.
Main Event
Edge def. Hardcore Holly
Edge entered reluctantly, focused more on surviving the night than proving anything. Holly, on the other hand, treated the match as a career opportunity—bringing intensity and desperation from the opening bell.
Holly’s aggression nearly paid off, but his inability to stay composed gave Edge the opening he needed. After the referee pulled Holly away in the corner, Edge regained control and finished the match with a spear.
Post-Match Chaos
After the match, Edge continued his assault as officials checked on Holly. Batista then appeared at ringside, seemingly ready to confront Edge.
Instead, Chris Benoit—now representing SmackDown—stormed the ring and attacked Edge from behind. The two brawled around ringside before security intervened and escorted Benoit out of the building. Foley arrived to restore order, but Edge—furious—accused him of putting him in danger.
Damion Ferrell 