The show opened with an in-ring promo by Chris Jericho, who commented on his interrupting Shawn Michaels' "retirement" announcement at SummerSlam the previous evening (the SummerSlam in-ring promo ended with Jericho attempting to hit Michaels but striking his wife, Rebecca Hickenbottom, instead). Jericho, refusing to accept responsibility for what happened the previous evening, said everything would have been easier had Michaels simply turned in his resignation and "retired" gracefully, and claimed that Michaels' last act in wrestling was cradling a dazed Rebecca's head in his arms. Jericho then pinned the blame on Rebecca being punched on Michaels and the fans, and that Michaels had it coming to him. Later in the show, a clip from post-SummerSlam, where Michael Cole attempted to interview Michaels and Rebecca, was played. Michaels, near tears, said he was going home to be with his wife and family, but didn't complete the rest of his thought (implying revenge).