KANE vs. ELIJAH BURKE

photo: courtesy wwe.com

March 18, 2008 Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

From wwe.com - The Land of the Extreme was in full-force WrestleMania mode in this super-competitive sports-entertainment season as the evening kicked off on fire – literally. Kane exploded into the ring where Joey Styles announced that he will be one of 24 men in a Battle Royale, the winner of which will take on Chavo for the ECW Championship. This will be Kane's 10th WrestleMania appearance in 11 years!

Kane struck down Burke early leading Burke to bail out to the floor where Kane followed, ramming Burke back first into the ring wall. Back in the ring, Kane gave Burke a backbreaker ring center then took it to Burke on the floor, where he continued to dominate with a chinlock. Kane release Burke after a warning count by the ref, then unleashed his fury with a barrage of fists, elbows and knees, ending with a bodyslam and another chinlock. Styles and Tazz commented that this wasn't something we normally see from Kane.

Elijah got his thumb into Kane's eye, effectively getting the Big Man off his back, then went on the offense until a quick uppercut by Kane stopped him short. Kane whipped Burke into the ropes and Elijah came back with a boot to Kane's face followed by a high flying kick and a barrage of punches that kept Kane in the corner. The ref stepped in, putting distance between the two, Burke moved in but Kane shoved him back. Burke came back again with a kick to Kane's mid-section then attempted to whip Kane into the ropes, but Kane balked whipping Burke into the corner post instead. Kane charged but Burke escaped and Kane took the ring post with his shoulder. Burke saw and opening for the Elijah Express and charged straight into the right hand of Kane, going up and crashing down on a Chokeslam. Kane covered, got the three count and the win.

As Elijah Burke lay stunned and winded, Kane rose and left the ring, checking his jaw as we got a double replay of the ending of the match. Kane grinned wickedly at what's shown then threw up his arms with a roar as the crowd responded.