In the Ring

As RAW is coming back from commercial break, we're greeted by none other than Xander Slate, who is pacing around the ring. He realizes the show is live again, lifting the mic that is placed in his right hand, just under his chin.

Slate
It's been quite some time since I've been out here in front of you all with a microphone in my hand. I claimed two weeks ago that I was going to start turning my career around, and get back to my glory days! I told you all that, NO LONGER, would Xander Slate just be- be- well, a jobber . . . But, I lied to you all. None of you people out here have any reason to cheer me after what I've done in the past to guys like Blizzard, Scott Norrie, Hayden, Sunshine . . . and to women like Renee Young. But still you do. You stand behind me for reasons I can't explain, and every single week I let you down. One of my best friends was just forced to retire not two weeks ago, right here in the middle of this ring. Dave Turner has done more for this company than I or anyone else on the Raw roster could ever and will ever do! And to Ringo Maxx, we will be seeing one another pretty soon in this tournament, you can bet your ass I'm gonna get some payback for Dave and once and for all shut your mouth! While I'm at it I may just get you a new shirt! But, back to basics here . . . I-

As Slate is about to finish his speech, Paul Anderson's theme hits the PA system and out onto the ramp he struts. He takes a moment to soak in the crowd's boos before targeting Xander.

Anderson
Ha ha- Slate, please, please, you're putting everyone out here and backstage to sleep, my friend! I just HAD to come out here and save the day, you- you look pathetic, man!!! Where's the cold, ruthless Xander Slate I fought at the first ever season two pay-per-view here in CMV??? Where's the man that I saw rip Scott Norrie and Sunshine limb from limb over and over again!?!? Ah- he's dead and gone, just like Dave Turner! It's a shame, really, Dave and I had settled out differences and were doing so well as a tag team, TWO-time champs!!! But of course- Scott Norrie just had to- mmmm- he'll get his one day. But Xander- remember just two weeks ago, the very same night that Turner retired . . . I beat your ass so bad in that Falls Count Anywhere match!!! I was shocked! It was so . . . EASY . . .

Xander exhales, the fans in his corner as Paul starts to slowly walk down the ramp.

Slate
Did you just come out here to mock and insult me, Paul? I thought better of YOU.

Anderson
No- no, I have a purpose out here, unlike you. I have a problem, really, like- why am I NOT in the Cyborg Invitational??? But YOU are!? What sort of travesty is this???

Slate
I didn't choose the participants, Paul, but if I had to guess, I'd say our new general manager just thinks your a bit- well- WASHED UP!!!

Paul takes a step back, a fire burning in his eyes. He laughs an evil, insulted laugh, before jumping up onto the ring apron.

Anderson
I'M washed up!!!??? You're joking, aren't you??? Wow- I mean, when is the last time that YOU held a championship, Xander? LAST YEAR!? Ha ha, you're too much for me, but- why I'm really out here, I want another match against you! At Survivor Series! Not just any match though, let's see here, hmm, my team versus YOUR team! What do you say, pal???

Slate
I say, who in their right mind would ever team with you!?

Anderson
Funny that you ask . . .

From behind Slate is ambushed by two men, it's- DX!!! Making their Raw debut by beating down Xander with stomps and kicks, Paul entering the ring all whilst laughing his head off. He chucks his mic before demanding that Jaxon Jordan and Tyrant pull Slate up onto his feet, he's cocking up that boot of his . . . SUPERKICK!!! Out cold is Xander, DX and Anderson all sharing a devilish smirk. Suddenly, the lights flicker off!!!

Anderson
What the hell!?!? Hey!!!

When they shoot back on- JEROME ROBINSON is in the ring!!! Anderson looks frozen, as DX mount an assault on the CMV veteran. Jerome lays both of the newcomers out though, and fast, before grabbing Paul by his hair and delivering a BRUTAL 12 Step!!! From behind Jordan and Tyrant use their numbers to overwhelm the returning superstar, relentlessly beating down Robinson just like they did to Slate! But down the ramp- wait- it's RANDY BORTON!!! The king of Main Event rushes the ring, turning Jordan around right into a Borto End!!! Then it's Tyrant's turn, Borton kicking him in the gut before pushing him back- SUPERKICK!!! And he didn't botch it!!! Randy pushes both members of DX out of the ring, Anderson regrouping with his allies. Borton helps Jerome to his feet, the two sharing a glance before working together to help up Xander. The two sides stare down one another before Raw heads to a backstage segment . . .