Lashley's first time

WWE.com follows Lashley


No Mercy marked the first time that the young Bobby Lashley stepped into the ring under the bright lights of a pay-per-view main event. WWE.com spent the day trailing Lashley's every move as he prepared for the biggest match of his life.

  

3:00 p.m. ET

Lashley has arrived and he's walking down the hallway to the locker room. He's flanked by a large crowd of supporters, including several active Marines from nearby Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point. Those Marines say Lashley's military background gives him the advantage tonight in the Fatal Four Way. He'll need that advantage tonight, because as he told WWE.com, "Tonight is the most important night of my career." 

 

3:45 p.m. ET

Lashley has just eaten lunch. Now, he's sitting intently in a backstage locker room, studying footage from Friday's episode of SmackDown in which he encountered each of the other three men who will be a part of tonight's Fatal Four Way. Sitting next to Lashley is General Manager Theodore Long.

 

5:00 p.m. ET

As match time approaches, Bobby has sought out advice from the perfect source. Former WWE Champion, and fellow member of the military Sgt. Slaughter.

"I wanted to talk to someone I could relate to. Sarge is a military man like myself, and he's been a Champion before. He's been everywhere that I want to be. He gave me some good advice. Sarge told me, ‘Stay focused and remember what you're here to do, which is become a World Champion.' I appreciate his advice."

 

5:30 p.m. ET

After spending some valuable time with Sgt. Slaughter, Lashley decided to take some time by himself. In a secluded stairwell in the back of the RBC Center, Lashley sits alone, in deep thought. The hard-hitting challenger is quiet right now, but in a few short hours, he will try to be the loudest man in the arena.

"I am almost ready" says Lashley.

 

6:30 p.m. ET

At this point, Lashley has walked out to a loading dock in the rear of the arena, where food is often carted in and out and packages are received. He is in the midst of an intense stretching routine, one that he hopes will prepare him for the incredible battle that lies ahead.

"I like to get away from everybody else, away from the commotion. I don't want to be bothered when I'm stretching, I need to focus. I like to get the blood flowing, and get as loose as I can possibly get. It's not very difficult to hurt yourself out there if you aren't prepared, especially in a Fatal Four Way."

 

10:05 p.m. ET 

Lashley is just minutes from walking through the curtain. He is unapproachable at this point. He is wearing his game face, ready to dominate anything and everything that gets in his way.

"How are they going to stop me?"

 

11:03 p.m. ET

The match is over. King Booker retains his World Heavyweight Championship. Lashley gave his all, and came within inches of fulfilling his lifelong dream. Tonight, however, was not the success Lashley was looking for, but he knows this isn't his last dance.

"Losing this match was a setback. But, I was always told that a setback is just a setup for a comeback."

 

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