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Chapter 89: "New Player" Enters the Squared Circle: Holmes vs. The Rock
Month: November 2002 (Survivor Series)
The hype surrounding the Holmes vs. The Rock match had reached fever pitch.
- Media Frenzy: Every news outlet, gossip blog, and sports channel was covering the event.
- Predictions: Experts debated whether Holmes, the rapper and actor, could withstand the might of The Rock, one of WWE's greatest superstars.
The Arena (Survivor Series):
The arena was packed to the rafters, with fans eager to witness the unprecedented showdown.
- Host: Jim Ross
- Time: 9:00 PM EST
Holmes's Entrance:
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, the opening bars of "New Player in Town," Holmes's first hit, echoed through the arena.
- The Song: The beat dropped, and Holmes emerged from the tunnel, wearing a custom-designed wrestling outfit that blended hip-hop style with wrestling flair.
- The Crowd: The arena erupted as Holmes made his way to the ring, high-fiving fans and soaking in the energy.
- Action: Holmes went under the rope and jumped on to the ring, he went to all corner of the ring signaling the fans to scream for support.
The Rock's Entrance:
The Rock's signature music hit, and the crowd went wild.
- The Charisma: The Rock strutted to the ring, his trademark cockiness and swagger on full display.
- Face-Off: The two men stood face-to-face in the center of the ring, trading insults and glares.
Realistic Conversation:
- The Rock: "You think you're tough, Holmes? You're just a punk with a microphone."
- Holmes: "I'm more than just a rapper, Rock. I'm a fighter. And I'm here to prove it."
The Match (No Rules):
The bell rang, and the match began.
- Brutal Action: From the opening bell, the match was a no-holds-barred war.
Realistic action:
- Holmes surprised everyone with his agility and strength. He held a few lessons with WWE wrestlers for this match but he could barely keep up with The Rock
- The Rock slammed Holmes down on the ring, he put his elbow down aiming towards Holmes face, with all his might and power, Holmes dodged his elbow and moved to the side and kicked The Rocks knee, he was slow to recover but he did manage to stand up quickly.
- They brawled outside the ring, smashing each other into the barricades and the announce table.
- Chairs and tables were introduced as weapons.
- The Rock slammed Holmes on the table outside the ring and it went crumbling down.
- Length: The match stretched on for an incredible 45 minutes, making it one of the longest matches in WWE history.
- Brutality: Holmes was injured and bleeding, but he refused to give up.
Friends and Family:
- Attendance: Juice, Teddy, Diddy, Holmes's mother, and his brother and sister-in-law were all in the crowd, cheering him on.
- Celebrities: Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears were also in attendance, adding to the star power of the event.
Turning Point:
- Momentum Shift: After a series of near falls and reversals, Holmes found an opening.
- The Finish: Holmes, fueled by adrenaline and the support of the crowd, delivered a knockout punch.
Holmes Wins:
- The Pin: The referee counted to three.
- The Announcement: "Here is your winner... Holmes!"
Ratings Surge:
- Record-Breaking Numbers: The match drew an unprecedented number of viewers, shattering previous WWE records .
* Rating: The match peaked at a 12.0 Nielsen rating, making it the most-watched wrestling match of all time.
Celebration:
- Standing Ovation: The crowd erupted in a thunderous standing ovation, applauding Holmes for his incredible performance.
- Friends in the Ring: Juice, Teddy, and Diddy rushed into the ring to congratulate Holmes.
- Serene's Kiss: Serene ran into the ring and embraced Holmes, giving him a passionate kiss that silenced any doubts about their relationship.
Realistic Conversation:
- Juice: "Holmes, you did it, man! You showed them what you're made of!"
- Teddy: "I can't believe you won! That was insane!"
- Serene: "I'm so proud of you, Holmes!"
As the chapter ends, Holmes stood in the center of the ring, battered but victorious, basking in the adoration of the crowd and the love of his friends and girlfriend. The match had cemented his status as a multi-talented superstar, proving that he could conquer any challenge he faced. The historic ratings and the overwhelming fan response signaled a new era for Holmes and for WWE.