Friday Night SmackDown!; March 7th, 2008; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
There are no fireworks or music, but as soon as we cut to the arena... **Metalingus** Heat begins to pour from the rafters as the stage fills with smoke. The Rated R Superstar, Edge, walks out from the smoke and onto the stage where he raises his hands in the air. Fireworks blast everywhere as The Rated R Superstar rips off his shades to show angry eyes.
Michael Cole: Hello and welcome to Friday Night SmackDown, and uh, we're not wasting any time as Edge is already on his way out here, Tazz.
Tazz: Edge does not look like a happy camper, Cole, and I can't blame him after Batista planted him with a Spinebuster last week!
Michael Cole: That Spinebuster last week delivered by the World Heavyweight Champion shook the ring, and I think it may have shaken Edge's anger level.
Edge quickly enters the ring after quickly walking down to the ring. Edge snatches the microphone out of Tony Chimel's hand, who is intimidated by Edge, so he leaves.
Edge: I'm done playing games, I'm done being used, I'm done being toyed around with. And quite frankly, I'm done with Batista!
Huge mixed reaction at this comment
Edge: I'm through with the childish games he plays... I'm absolutely sick of it. He thinks he can stroll around this place just because he's the World Heavyweight Champion. That's not gonna happen, because from now on, this show is Rated R!
Enormous amount of heat
Edge: This is my show, it's The Rated R Era, it's where I shine.
Edge pauses and puts on a half grin
Edge: And if I have to, I will do whatever it takes to prove it. I will go to any and all limits necessary just to put Batista away and show exactly who I am!
Another large amount of heat
Edge: I've said it many times, but I'm gonna say it again just to make it clear to you, Batista. The Rated R Era is not a catchphrase.. it's a fact!!
Huge amount of heat
Edge: The Rated R Era is here, it's live, and it's gonna make it's path of destruction at WrestleMania when I plow right through The Animal... ... ... Batista!
Large pop at the mention of Batista
Edge: Y'see, going into WrestleMania, I'm not the slightest bit scared of Batista, or The Animal he calls himself. No, instead, I'm going into WrestleMania mad, angry, and furious. And do y'know why?
Edge looks around the arena gesturing for answers
Edge: It's because of your (air quote) 'hero'... Batista.
Another good pop at the mention of Batista
Edge (calming down): Batista's actions sicken me, but only to an extent, because Batista's very own actions that he pulled himself are gonna come back to bite him in the ass at WrestleMania. All that Batista had to do last week was shake my hand. Yeah, that's right, all he had to do was give me some respect, even a little bit of respect... ... but he didn't. Instead... instead, Batista threw all of that away for one thing.. (Edge gets right up in the camera) pleasure.
A small mixed reaction fills the arena, but many fans are confused at Edge's statement
Edge: It became completely obvious to me last week that Batista is here for himself, and no one else but himself. He had a chance to gain the respect of The Rated R Superstar, but that meant nothing to him. He doesn't care about me, any other superstar, or even any of you.
Large heat at this comment as the fans disagree
Edge: Batista wanted pleasure, and oh, he got pleasure when he Spinebustered me in the center (points down at the ring while talking) of this very ring.
The fans explode into a pop as they are remembering the Spinebuster to Edge from last week
Edge: Batista got what he wanted, pleasure, but I can guarantee you that it will all come to an end on March 30th when I defeat Batista and reclaim my World... Heavyweight... Championship.
An enormous amount of heat engulfs the arena
Edge: The clock's ticking, and come WrestleMania... it's going to strike midnight.
A large amount of heat is heard throughout the arena, but it's changed to a pop when suddenly... **I Walk Alone** The crowd goes crazy as the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, races out onto the stage. Batista goes down to the top of the ramp and does his signature actions as fireworks go everywhere off of the stage.
Michael Cole: Batista has obviously heard enough of Edge's smart remarks!
Tazz: Oh-ho, Edge is in for it now, Cole! I can feel it!
Batista walks down the ramp and into the ring, where he grabs a microphone and looks directly at The Rated R Superstar with a smile spread from ear to ear.
Batista (sort of laughing): Wow, you need a round of applause Edge for that wonderful statement about me wanting pleasure, and you, well, taking my World Heavyweight Championship. But, let me be the first to tell you that... it's not gonna happen.
Huge pop
Batista: You're right Edge, I do want pleasure, and planting you with a Spinebuster last week gave me more pleasure than I could ever ask for.
Small pop for The Animal
Batista: But what will be even more pleasing, will be at WrestleMania, when once again I plant you in the centre of this very ring to keep my World... ... Heavyweight... ... Championship.
Batista gets a large pop at this comment
Edge: Wh-wh-wh-whoa, whoa. Your World Heavyweight Championship? What the hell are you talking about?! I never lost that title. I was robbed out of it from injury. Quite frankly, you shouldn't be holding that title right now... I should!!
A decent amount of heat is heard as Batista looks down at his precious championship
Edge: You damn well know it Batista. You know that if I hadn't gotten injured, you wouldn't be standing here today as the World Heavyweight Champion, I would!
More heat is dished out to The Ultimate Opportunist
Edge:Batista, you're no longer who you claim to be. Y'see, you may think you have a chance up against me at WrestleMania, but you don't.
Batista's smile is now slowly fading away
Edge: I'm gonna take you on a history lesson, so pay real close attention. Now in case you didn't know already, I've never been pinned or made to submit at WrestleMania. I dominate at the grandest stage of 'em all, because I'm in the spotlight. I've won three separate ladder matches, I've defeated the Hardcore Legend of Mick Foley... I do what needs to be done. You at WrestleMania, however... are a joke.
Tremendous amount of heat
Edge: I mean, let's face it, last year at WrestleMania, you lost to the Undertaker.
Decent pop at the mention of The Phenom
Edge: And then the year before that, well, you didn't even compete-
Batista: Due to injury. And Edge, I would hate to see you miss WrestleMania just like I did two years ago because of injury.
Some fans cheer as they understand what Batista is saying. The World Champion look intimidating as Edge seems taken back slightly
Batista: Now I don't want you hurt for WrestleMania. No, I wanna be the one who tears through your flesh and rips you apart!
Enormous pop for the World Heavyweight Champion
Batista: And Edge, if you don't shut your mou-
Edge: What-cha gonna do if I don't stop exposing you, huh Batista? What-cha gonna do?
Edge gets right up in Batista's face, but not for long, as Batista drops him with a right hand shot! The crowd explodes into a pop as Edge thinks quickly and rolls to the outside where he holds his cheek. Just then... **MacMilltant** The SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long, walks out onto the stage showcasing sunglasses and a large grin. He also has a microphone in hand.
Theodore Long: Now y'all hold on just a minute, dawgs! Now I don't want to see this behaviour between the two superstars in the SmackDown Main Event of WrestleMania. Instead, I wanna see some teamwork since you'll be forced to team together at Saturday Night's Main Event... and tonight.
Large Pop as both Batista and Edge look somewhat confused
Theodore Long: That's right playas, I need both of you on the same page in eight nights from now to show them Raw dawgs how things are done over here on SmackDown. So that's why right here tonight, Edge and Batista will be in action!!
Another large pop
Theodore Long: Edge and Batista will be teaming up to get warmed up for their match at Saturday Night's Main Event, against the team of JBL... (huge heat)... and Rey Mysterio!!
An enormous pop engulfs the arena for Rey Mysterio
Theodore Long: Holla Holla Holla!
Long's music plays as he exits to the backstage area. Edge and Batista don't take their eyes off of each other from inside and outside of the ring.
Tazz: Do y'think Edge and Batista can work together tonight, or even at Saturday Night's Main Event?
Michael Cole: I think the question also is can Rey Mysterio and JBL get along? We know they've been having some issues for the past month or so, and this matchup later tonight between these four could get out of hand in a hurry!
{Commercials}
~Hall of Fame Inductee Number Three -- GORDON SOLIE
Match 1
Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke
Dreamer managed to gain the advantage off the get go with some hard forearm shots to the skull of Elijah Burke. Dreamer stayed on top of Burke, but the Elijah Experience fought right back with a knee to the gut to take control. Burke took control with some ground and pound like offense, but it was put to halt by a hard clothesline from Dreamer that shook both men immensely.
Both men get back to their feet as Burke goes for a right hand. It's blocked, and then Dreamer connects with a right hand shot of his own. Dreamer connects with a few more rights, which ultimately backs Burke into the corner. Dreamer connects with several boots to the mid-section of Burke, which causes him to hunch over. Dreamer grabs him by the head and pulls him to the center of the ring, where he connects with a vicious right hand shot. The hard right hand causes Burke to balance himself against the ropes nearby. Dreamer stays right on him, and goes to send him into the other set of ropes, but Burke counters and it's Dreamer who goes into the ropes. Dreamer comes running back to Burke, and is taken down with a beautiful Standing Dropkick! Burke goes for the cover immediately following the Dropkick; 1.... 2.. Dreamer rolls his shoulder off of the canvas at two and a half to Burke's dismay.
Burke helps Dreamer back to his feet, where he hits him in the head with a forearm shiver. Burke goes running against the ropes, but when he comes running back at Dreamer, he is planted face first with a Flap Jack! This gets a small pop as Dreamer quickly hooks Burke's leg; 1.... 2.. Another kickout at two and a half, but it's by Burke this time around. Both men get back to their feet, where Dreamer gets the advantage with a knee to Burke's gut. Dreamer goes to send Burke into the corner, but it's reversed, and it ends up that Dreamer is the one who goes into the corner. Burke heads to the opposite corner, where he does some taunting to some heat from the fans. Burke then charges -- and goes for the Elijah Express! -- but Dreamer moves out of the way as Burke hits the corner hard. Dreamer follows it up with a roll up; 1.... 2.... Burke powers out right before the three to many sighs from the crowd.
Dreamer gets back to his feet and impatiently waits for Burke to do the same. Elijah Burke does finally get up, and as he does so, Dreamer lifts him up -- and goes for the Dreamer Driver!! However, Burke uses his insticts and slips out the backdoor into a roll up; 1.... (Burke grabs Dreamer's tights) 2.... 3!
Winner via pinfall at 6:05; Elijah Burke
Burke quickly rolls to the outside of the ring where he scurries over to the ramp. Inside of the ring, Dreamer shakes off some cobwebs while staring at Burke, obviously frustrated by the loss.
We cut backstage to see Deuce and Domino standing in the hallway talking to a large amount of heat. Before anything can really be said, Cherry skates onto the set to some heat as well.
Deuce: Any news on these guys?
Cherry (shaking her head and shrugging her shoulders): No...
Deuce (clearly frustrated): C'mon! We got nothin' on these guys!
Domino: C'mon Cherry, you can't find nothin'?!
Cherry shakes her head again
Domino: How the hell are we gonna beat these guys if we don't got nothin' on them?!
Deuce & Domino are now getting up in each other's faces as they are quite angry
Deuce: I don't know!! Why don't you think of somethin'!
Cherry: Stop It!!!
Both men go silent and are in utter shock as they turn to a stressed and angry Cherry
Cherry: It doesn't matter if we have nothing on these guys. You two are the Tag Team Champions. You're gonna go out there and beat these rookies, and when you do so, you'll show them who's boss.
Deuce and Domino start nodding their heads in agreement as all three head out
Michael Cole: Deuce and Domino going up against America's Most Wanted in a rematch from last week, and that's next.
{Commercials}
Match 2
Non-Title Match
WWE Tag Team Champions Deuce & Domino w/Cherry vs. America's Most Wanted
The start of the match saw Deuce and Storm start out in the ring. The two got some basic action in, with tags to their partners happening frequently. However, Harris missed a dropkick, landing hard on his spine, which ultimately allowed Deuce and Domino to take the advantage. However, after being isolated, Harris eventually fought back, and took Deuce down with a Suplex.
Both Deuce and Harris make the tags to their partners at the same time to a decent pop from the crowd. Storm and Domino quickly enter the ring, but Domino is immediately taken down with a clothesline. Domino gets right back up, but is taken down once more with a Running Dropkick, followed up by a pin; 1.... 2. Domino kicks out just after the two count as Storm continues on the attack. The Cowboy James Storm helps Domino up to his feet, where he pounds him right between the eyes with a right hand shot, as well as two more. Storm connects with a knee to the gut of Domino, and then proceeds to bounce off the ropes. However, when Storm hits the ropes, Cherry grabs his foot from the outside and prevents him from running back at Domino. This catches the attention of Storm, who turns around to face Cherry. However, turning away from Domino turned out to be a dumb move on Storm's part as Domino quickly capitalizes by charging at Storm and taking him down with a club from behind. Domino stays on top of a downed Storm, and continues to pound him in the upper back.
Domino finally lets up and rises to his feet, but doesn't stay inactive for long as he stomps on the back of Storm's head. Domino decides he wants to attack Storm from a different angle, so he helps The Cowboy to his feet, and pounds him in the face with a front forearm. Domino then sends Storm into the corner, who hits the turnbuckles hard. Domino does some heated taunts, before charging at The Cowboy. However, Storm acts too quickly, and sidesteps as Domino goes shoulder first into the Steel Ring Post!! The crowd cheers while Storm shakes off some cobwebs, and at the same time, waiting for Domino to regain himself. The Greaser eventually does manage to do so, and when he turns around, Storm goes for a Superkick !! -- which we learn from Cole & Tazz is called The Last Call -- but Domino grabs Storm's foot! Domino shoots Storm a dirty look, and then spins Storm around. Domino then goes for a clothesline, but Storm ducks, grabs Domino, and plants him with a DDT!! The Cowboy wastes no time in covering Domino while hooking the far leg; 1.... 2... At the last second, Deuce breaks up the pinfall. This gets a sigh, as well as heat from the crowd as Deuce begins to stomp a mudhole in James Storm. The referee quickly gets on Deuce's case, and turns his back to Storm and Domino in an attempt to get the illegal Deuce out of the ring. Meanwhile, Cherry hands a dazed Domino one of the WWE Tag Team Championship belts, who holds onto it tightly. Domino looks over at Storm, who is slowly getting up. Domino proceeds to hit Storm with the belt, but before he can react, Chris Harris quickly enters and takes him down with a Spear!! Domino tries his best to shake off the pain, but it doesn't work out as when he gets back to his feet, his head is nearly taken off with The Last Call!! The crowd lets out a decent pop as Storm drops down on top of Domino in the cover, while Harris takes out Deuce on the outside; 1.... 2.... 3!!
Winners via pinfall at 10:45; America's Most Wanted
The crowd explodes into a fairly decent pop as James Storm and Chris Harris, America's Most Wanted, rise to their feet and have the referee raise their hands. The two then celebrate their first victory in the WWE on different turnbuckles, before hopping back down into the center of the ring as Deuce and Domino look on in anger.
Michael Cole: Chris Harris and James Storm have picked up their first victory in the WWE here tonight, Tazz.
Tazz: A hard earned victory at that!
Backstage, we cut to see JBL standing in front of a set to a huge amount of heat from the crowd. JBL has a huge smirk on his face, as he is laughing somewhat. Behind JBL is an American Flag hanging on the wall, as well as a framed picture of JBL.
JBL: Attention all that care about the pathetic, pityfull... ... Rey Mysterio.
A decent pop fills the arena for Mysterio
JBL: Now that I have caught the attention of all of you who have some dignity for Rey Mysterio, let me ruin... ... ... that dignity.
A fairly large amount of heat is heard
JBL: But I'm proud to say, that I won't be the first to ruin it. Rey Mysterio's dignity was ruined... ... before it ever began.
Another large amount of heat engulfs the arena
JBL (getting angry): Y'know why that is? It's because Rey Mysterio never had any dignity to begin with!
An ear shattering amount of heat spreads throughout the entire building
JBL: Rey Mysterio didn't have dignity. Rey Mysterio didn't have honesty, and Rey Mysterio didn't have any loyalty to this country, or this business damnit!
Incredibly large amounts of heat are heard
JBL: It makes me absolutely sick to think that Rey Mysterio has continued to walk down to that ring and earn respect! Rey Mysterio knows nothing about respect! Rey Mysterio doesn't deserve respect, and Rey Mysterio needs to learn respect!
JBL pauses to take a couple of breaths as a small amount of heat is heard
JBL: Rey Mysterio couldn't care less about this country, and any respect he may have for it. He calls himself an icon figure? Someone to look up to? No, No, NO!! He is nothing close to an icon figure, a patriot, a hero. He is... ... ... ... (whisper)... nothing.
Tremendous amount of heat
JBL: I've made my point, Rey, and I know that you're getting it. And if you haven't already got it, you're gonna get it at WrestleMania when I knock your lights out. I'm finally going to be the person to do it, and when I do, I will have put away the third amigo.
Huge mixed reaction
JBL: First it was Eddie...
JBL is drowned out by an "Eddie!-Eddie!" chant from the crowd
JBL: First it was Eddie when I took his WWE Championship. Then it was Chris Benoit...
Mixed reaction for Benoit, with some "Benoit!-Benoit!" chants
JBL: And soon enough, it will be you Rey, when I take your dignity. And when the day finally comes, when the clock strikes midnight for Cinderella, the whole world is gonna be watching it.
A huge amount of heat fills the arena.
{Commercials}
We come back from SmackDown to immediately go backstage to see Nunzio walking backstage dressed to compete looking somewhat confident. Nunzio gets a small pop, but not much of one. Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero walks up to him to a decent mixed reaction from the fans.
Nunzio: Hey Vickie, nice to see you.
Vickie Guerrero: It's good to see you, Nunzio, and what's also good, is that tonight you'll be in action against Chavo.
Nunzio: Yeah, that's right, I'm pumped.
Nunzio does a bit of stretching with his arms to prove his point that he's pumped
Vickie Guerrero: Look, I hope you are pumped, because this may sound weird coming from me, since I am a Guerrero, but I want you to go out there tonight, and, well... ... ... beat Chavo.
A large pop is heard from the crowd while Nunzio looks confused
Nunzio: Wha?-
Vickie Guerrero: Look, I've been pretty fed up with Chavo lately. He's been talking these past few weeks about how it's about time his championship has com-
Nunzio: Whoa whoa whoa... ... did you say (air quote) 'his' championship?
Vickie Guerrero: That's what Chavo said...
Nunzio: Oh really. So now he's gonna strut around here like the Cruiserweight belt should already be around his waist? Well, thanks for letting me know about that Vickie, because yeah, now I am pumped to go beat the living daylights out of him.
Nunzio receives a large pop as Vickie smiles in hopes that Nunzio will beat Chavo later on.
Match 3
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Ric Flair vs. Finlay
As expected, these two veteran warriors put on an amazing matchup from the beginning. Things started out quite technical, with several holds, lock ups, tie ups, and counters. However, Flair soon began to build some momentum with some chops, but he was put to a stop with some hard shots from Finlay. The two had some good brawling, with Flair in control when we went to the Commercial Break. However, when we came back, Finlay had Flair on the outside and had just driven him spine first into the steel steps. Finlay continued with the attack inside of the ring by grounding Flair and beating him to a pulp. Eventually though, Finlay surprisingly went for an Elbow Drop off of the second rope, but when Finlay was coming down, Flair stuck his foot in Finlay's face, leaving both men dazed at where we are now.
Finlay and Flair both finally get back to their feet, but The Nature Boy takes control by chopping Finlay right in the chest. Flair connects with another knife edged chop to Finlay's chest, which gets another "Wooo!" from the crowd. Flair connects with another chop... another chop... and one more chop which backs Finlay into the corner. Flair doesn't let down, as he connects with a series of right and left jabs to the head of The Fighting Irishman. Flair then goes to whip Finlay into the other corner, but The Belfast Brawler counters and sends Flair into the opposite corner. Finlay then charges at him, and connects with a running clothesline that hurts the sternum and throat of the 16 Time World Champion. Flair staggers out of the corner as Finlay kicks him in the gut, and then sets him up for a Suplex. However, in mid-air, Flair goes through onto his feet, and then connects with a Neckbreaker! Flair wastes no time in getting Finlay in a pinning predicament; 1.... 2
Finlay rolls the left shoulder off of the canvas at two, which somewhat irritates Flair. Naitch keeps fighting though, and slowly waits for Finlay to get up. Finlay does so, but is facing away from Flair. It turns out to be just what Flair was hoping for as The Nature Boy runs at Finlay and takes him down with a chop block! Finlay drops down to the ground holding his knee and leg in pain, while the crowd lets out a decent enough pop. Flair targets Finlay's knee at this point, as the flips Finlay over onto his stomach, and stomps on his knee. Flair connects with another stomp to the knee of Finlay, before heading into the corner. The Nature Boy eyes up a downed Finlay, before letting out a "Wooo!" The crowd also lets out a "Wooo!" as Flair proceeds over to Finlay, and drops his knee on The Fighting Irishman's hurt knee. The 16 Time World Champion rises to his feet, lets out a "Wooo!" and struts around. However, this moment only lasts for a few seconds as Flair walks right back over to his opponent. Naitch grabs the hurt leg of The Belfast Brawler -- and goes for the Figure Four Leg Lock!! -- but when Flair spins around, Finlay grabs his tights and pulls him back right into a pin!; 1.... 2.... No!
Flair manages to kick out, which makes Finlay angry. Finlay gets right in the referee's face, but at the same time, Flair low blows Finlay unnoticed by the referee!! This gets a great pop from the crowd as The Dirtiest Player in the game has gone back to what brought him to the dance. As Finlay drops down to the ground, Flair turns him over, and then applies the Figure Four Leg Lock to a deafening pop from the crowd!! Finlay tries his very best to fight the hold, but after about fifteen seconds, The Belfast Brawler taps out to The Nature Boy!
Winner via submission and qualifying for the Money in the Bank Match at 16:52; Ric Flair
The crowd explodes into a tremendous pop as The Nature Boy, Ric Flair, rises to his feet to have the referee raise his hand. Flair grooms his hair back before letting out a "Woooo!" and strutting around the ring
Tazz: Ric Flair is goin' to WrestleMania, baby!
Michael Cole: Ric Flair certainly is, Tazz, and you and I both know, partner, that Flair would love to win the Money in the Bank Briefcase and earn himself one more run as World Champion.
Backstage, surprisingly Kristal is holding a microphone, as she has returned to SmackDown. Kristal is looking lovely, and have a beautiful smile across her face
Kristal: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time is the man who will team up with his WrestleMania opponent later on tonight... ... ... ... Rey Mysterio!
Rey Mysterio walks on to the set to a great pop
Kristal: Rey, in less than a month from now, you will compete at WrestleMania against the man who eliminated you from the Royal Rumble Match and sparked a fire in you... ... JBL.
Kristal is cut off by some heat for JBL
Kristal: But tonight, you are being forced to team with the man you despise. How can that be good for you?
Kristal holds the microphone up to Mysterio as he looks focused
Rey Mysterio: Kristal, having to team up with JBL... ... ... ... it's not good. It's not something I wanted, or something I expected. But y'know, like all things in life, I have a positive outlook on it. Tonight, I have a chance to shut Edge up...
Mysterio is drowned out by a huge pop at Edge being shut up
Rey Mysterio: And at the same time, I have a chance to face my good friend... ... Batista.
Enormous pop for Batista
Rey Mysterio:But it's not about that, Kristal. It's not about beating Edge or facing Batista... ... ... ... ... It's about JBL.
Tremendous amount of heat for JBL
Rey Mysterio: Tonight when I team up with JBL, I am going to see if he has any respect or trust for me whatsoever. I'm gonna find out if I can trust JBL enough to know that he's not going to put me on the shelf... ... ... ... but unfortunately, I know that he might try to do that.
Small amount of heat as Rey looks somewhat disturbed
Rey Mysterio: I know JBL's tactics, his passion, and why he's here. Just like you, just like me, and just like every other guy back in that locker room, Bradshaw is here to make a name for himself. And to do that, he is going to do whatever it takes... ... ... which includes putting me out of my misery.
Another small amount of heat
Rey Mysterio: So if Bradshaw is ready for those kinds of things. If he's ready to stab me in the back tonight, to take me out, to put me away... ... then that's great, but Bradshaw, let me tell you this. If you wanna play dirty, if you wanna play rough... ... ... ... ... you're not gonna be the only one to do so, because tonight, you'll be in that ring with Rey Mysterio, but there's no guarantee he's gonna be your partner.
Rey Mysterio gets a tremendous pop as he walks away from the set with confidence
Michael Cole: Rey Mysterio may not be on the same page of JBL, but we know that they're opponents, Batista and Edge, are also not on the same page, so the question is, who has the advantage? We'll find that out later on tonight.
{Commercials}
Match 4
Cruiserweight Championship Qualifying Match
Chavo Guerrero vs. Nunzio
These two Cruiserweights put on a fast-paced match in hopes of going to WrestleMania. Nunzio caught an arrogant Chavo by surprise at first with some quick counters and moves, but Nunzio got over confident with his quickness, and missed a Cross Body off of the Top Rope. This allowed Chavo to get somewhat of an advantage on The Little Guido. Chavo beat down on Nunzio, but just like Nunzio did earlier, Chavo got over confident, and when Chavo was taunting, Nunzio took him down with a clothesline, before both men finally got right back up.
Nunzio gets right into things with a side elbow to the face of Chavo. The Little Guido knees Chavo in the abdomen, and then kicks him in the abdomen as well. Chavo drops down to one knee as Nunzio backs up, and then charges as he connects with a Running Dropkick! Nunzio wastes little time on getting the cover with the near leg hooked; 1.... 2.. Chavo kicks out at two and a half, which slightly upsets Nunzio. Little Guido stays right on top of Chavo, and helps him back to his feet. Nunzio hits Chavo in the head with a forearm shiver, before taking him down with a clothesline. Chavo gets right back up to his feet, but is hit in the stomach with a right body shot. Nunzio follows it up by whipping Chavo into the corner, and then quickly charging at him. However, Chavo sticks his elbow out, catching Nunzio right in the jaw. Chavo follows it up by hopping up on the second rope - and jumping off as he connects with a Cross Body! - but Nunzio rolls through into a pin!; 1.... 2...
Chavo barely kicks out before the three as both men quickly get back to their feet. Guerrero strikes first with a club to Nunzio's back, before sending him down to the mat with a hard clothesline. As Nunzio sprawls around on the mat in hopes of getting to his feet, Chavo does some signature Eddie Guerrero taunting which gets some heat from the crowd. Nunzio eventually gets back to his feet, but Chavo kicks him right in the abdomen with a toe kick. Chavo then hooks his arm, and connects with a Snap Suplex! However, Chavo holds onto Nunzio, as we realize he is going for the Three Amigos. Chavo gets heat at this, but simply ignores it and connects with 'The Second Amigo'. Chavo goes for one more, but Nunzio slips out in mid-air and ends up behind Guerrero. Nunzio then quickly lifts Chavo up and goes for a German Suplex, but Chavo amazingly does a complete 360 backflip and lands on his feet behind Nunzio. Chavo then lifts Nunzio up, and connects with a German Suplex of his own! Nunzio lays in the ring laid out while holding the back of his head in pain. Chavo Guerrero stares down at Nunzio with a feeling of accomplishment, before heading to the top rope. Chavo stands up at the very top of the top rope, before jumping down at Nunzio - And connecting with the Frog Splash right into the pin!!; 1.... 2.... 3!!!
Winner via pinfall at 9:39 and qualifying for the Cruiserweight Championship Match at WrestleMania; Chavo Guerrero
Chavo Guerrero rises to his feet to have the referee raise his hand. We get a glimpse of Vickie Guerrero watching backstage looking somewhat frustrated, before cutting back to ringside. Chavo celebrates in the ring for a little while longer... but it's cut short as he turns around to be taken down with a clothesline by Jamie Noble!! The crowd gives Noble somewhat of a pop as The Pitbull viciously helps Chavo back to his feet. Noble then hooks Guerrero's arms, lifts him up, and plants him with the Nobilizer!! Noble looks down at Chavo in disgust, before turning around - only to have his head taken off with a heel kick by Jimmy Wang Yang! Yang gets a great pop as he quickly asscends to the top turnbuckle facing away from Noble. The Pitbull gets back to his feet, dazed, however, as Yang flies off the top rope - And takes Noble out with the Yangsault! The crowd gives Yang a decent pop as the so-called 'Cowboy' eats up the cheers.
Michael Cole: It was Jamie Noble at first who made a statement to his fellow WrestleMania opponents by taking out Chavo Guerrero, but in the end, Jimmy Wang Yang got the last word in by taking Jamie Noble out with his trusty Yangsault.
Tazz: All three of these guys are lookin' hotter than ever, Cole, but Jimmy Wang Yang may have gotten into the head of his opponents here tonight.
~Hall of Fame Inductee Number Four -- EDDIE GRAHAM
{Commercials}
Raw Rebound
~Umaga was the last man from Raw to qualify for the Money in the Bank Match by winning a 10-Man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal
~Shawn Michaels defeated Kane, and after the match, Undertaker's voice told Shawn Michaels that at WrestleMania, he will Rest in Peace
~Chris Jericho defeated Undertaker by disqualification thanks to Kane, who kicked Jericho in the head. After the match, Kane continued on the assault, but when he went to hit Jericho with a chair, Undertaker grabed it and hit Kane. Immediately following this, Undertaker was hit with Sweet Chin Music from Shawn Michaels.
Match 5
Non-Title; Money in the Bank Preview
United States Champion MVP vs. CM Punk
These two upcoming superstars put on a fantastic match as we draw closer and closer to the end of the show. Punk came out of the gun from the get go by surprising MVP with several clotheslines and kicking attacks. Punk even connected with a nice Snap Suplex, however, when he hit MVP in the head with a running knee lift and went for a Bulldog, MVP countered by lifting him in the air and planting him with a Back Suplex! From that point on, MVP took advantage of The Straightedge Superstar, and grounded Punk quite a bit. However, Punk fought out of a unique hold by the United States Champion, and both men were left laying on the ground after Punk went for a DDT, but MVP lifted him up in the air, but Punk countered into a mid-air Spike DDT!!
Both men slowly get back to their feet as Punk strikes first with a hard right hand shot. MVP fires back with a right hand of his own, but Punk doesn't take it too well as he sends MVP to the ground with a clothesline. MVP gets right back up, but Punk connects with a toe kick to his gut. Punk follows it up by shooting MVP into the ropes, and when MVP comes running back, he is sent flying with a Big Back Body Drop!! MVP holds his spine in pain as Punk gets down on top of him in the cover; 1.... 2. MVP kicks out of the pinning attempt at two as the match up will continue. Punk helps MVP to his feet, and then shoots The Franchise Playa into the corner. Punk charges at him and hits the Running Knee Lift! - and then connects with the Running Bulldog!! The Straightedge Superstar wastes little time in getting in the cover and hooking the far leg; 1.... 2.... No!!
MVP somehow rolls his shoulder off of the canvas at two as the match continues. Punk slowly awaits for Porter to get up, and when he does so, Punk goes for the GTS!! MVP manages to slip out behind Punk and pushes him forward into the ropes. Punk comes running back at Montel Vontavious Porter, and when he does so, MVP goes for a clothesline. Punk manages to duck as he keeps on running. Punk runs back at MVP, but his head is nearly taken off with the Player's Boot!! The United States Champion drops on top of Punk as he hopes to put him away; 1.... 2.... NO!!
This time it's Punk who shockingly kicks out as MVP can't believe it. An infurriated champion helps CM Punk to his feet - and sets him up for the Playmaker!! However, Punk counters by lifting MVP up onto his shoulders - and connecting with the GTS!! Punk gets on top of MVP with the leg hooked for the academic cover; 1.... 2.... 3!!!
Winner via pinfall at 11:27; CM Punk
CM Punk rises to his feet to have his hand raised by the referee as he receives a massive pop from the crowd. Punk holds the back of his head as he exits the ring and heads up the ramp. Meanwhile, MVP looks pissed inside of the ring that he was beaten by CM Punk here tonight.
Backstage, Ric Flair is seen walking to an enormous pop. Flair then runs into the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, to another large pop. The two of them have a short embrace with big smiles on their faces.
Batista: Ric Flair is goin' to WrestleMania!
Ric Flair: WOOOOOOOO!
The crowd also lets out a "Woooo!"
Ric Flair: The Naitcha' Boy has proved all them doubters wrong. They didn't think the Naitch was goin' to 'Mania. They didn't think Ric Flair would have another run at the grandest stage of 'em all, and they betta' be ready to watch the Naitcha' Boy win Money in the Bank and get on top for the seventeenth time - WOOOOO!
Again, the crowd lets out a "Woooo!" which is followed by a decent pop
Ric Flair: But you, Dave... Big Dave, are also goin' to WrestleMania to defend the World Title. You're gonna beat the pompus ass of Edge, and then.... and then it's me and you, friend and friend, teacher and mentor... father and son... in that ring for the World Heayvweight Championship, and the Naitch is lookin' forward to that moment.
Batista seems awfully touched at the statement, but is also thinking as Flair continues walking down the hall in his strut.
{Commercials}
Main Event
World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Edge vs. JBL & Rey Mysterio
In this action-filled controversal Main Event, these four put on quite an enjoyable matchup for the fans. Things got out of hand early as JBL and Rey Mysterio had some problems getting along. Batista and Edge also showed some difficulties, but both teams managed to put up with each other. JBL and Mysterio managed to get the advantage over their opponents by grounding Batista, but Batista fired back with a double clothesline to both of them, which is where we are now.
Batista finally crawls over to his corner to tag in Edge, but The Rated R Superstar backs away by walking down onto the steel ring steps, getting quite a bit of heat from the crowd. Batista gets back to his feet as he engages in a staredown with Edge, who is beginning to look scared. However, Batista can't do anything to Edge as he takes down a charging JBL with a clothesline. A dazed JBL begins to get back to his feet, and when he does so, Batista plants him with a Spinebuster! Instead of going for the cover, Batista helps JBL to a crouched position - going for the Batista Bomb!! However, before Batista can even lift JBL up, Edge enters the ring and looks to attack him. However, The Animal spots him, and intimidates him to a certain degree. Edge starts to back off, but is then dropkicked in the back by Rey Mysterio - putting Edge in a 619 position! Instead of going for it, Rey turns around to Batista, who now has JBL in mid-air, but Rey dropkicks him in the stomach as it takes down both JBL and Batista. The Wrestling God crawls over to the ropes and puts himself on the second rope. Rey begins to run to possibly hit Edge with the 619, but he sees JBL also in a 619 position, and realizes he has to make a decision. After about five seconds of thinking, Rey makes his choice - taking JBL out with the 619!!! Rey re-enters the ring, and pulls Edge on top of JBL in the cover as he exits the ring; 1.... 2.... 3!!!
Winners via pinfall at 12:58; Edge & Batista
Rey heads up the ramp as he shrugs his shoulders knowing that he has pulled one over on his WrestleMania opponent, JBL. We go off the air with a shot of Rey on the stage.
END OF SHOW
***
Current Card for Saturday Night's Main Event
Date: March 15th, 2008
Location: AT&T Centre; San Antonio, Texas
Theme Music: Saturday Night's Alright; Nickelback ft. Kid Rock
WrestleMania Main Events Collide
Shawn Michaels & Undertaker vs. Batista & Edge
Beer Drinking Contest
Steve Austin vs. Randy Orton
World Tag Team Championship
Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
6-Man Tag Team Match
JBL, John Morrison & Carlito vs. Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy
One-on-One
Jamie Noble vs. Jimmy Wang Yang
Christian hosts The Peep Show with the other Money in the Bank Competitors
Triple H reveals his WrestleMania Tag Team Partner
One-on-One
Melina vs. Candice Michelle
***
Current Card for WrestleMania 24
Date: March 30th, 2008
Location: Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Florida
Theme Music: Snow (Hey Oh); Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Take Me Away; Lifehouse
World Heavyweight Championship
'The Animal' Batista (c) vs. 2008 Royal Rumble Winner 'The Rated R Superstar' Edge
WWE Championship
'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels (c) vs. 'The Phenom' Undertaker
Legend vs. Legend Killer
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin vs. 'The Legend Killer' Randy Orton
One-on-One
'The Wrestling God' JBL vs. 'The Master of the 619' Rey Mysterio
Last Man Standing
'The Saviour' Chris Jericho vs. 'The Big Red Machine' Kane
Tag Team Match
Mr. Kennedy & Shane McMahon w/Vince McMahon & Stephanie McMahon vs. 'The Game' Triple H & ???
---
Triple Threat Match for the Cruiserweight Championship
'The Pitbull' Jamie Noble vs. 'The Resident Redneck' Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Chavo Guerrero
WWE Women's Championship
Mickie James (c) vs. 'The Paparazzi Princess' Melina
6-Man Money in the Bank Match
Bobby Lashley vs. MVP vs. Christian w/Tyson Tomko vs. CM Punk vs. Umaga vs. Ric Flair
***
GIF Credit: KingCrash
Match Banner Credit: Crazian
***
Well, I finally got SmackDown up, even though it's not as good as I would have liked. With the BTB Cup now over, I have a little more time on my hands, but not a lot. Here is the current plan up until WrestleMania. I'm hoping to have the next Raw & SmackDown finished in recap by May 19th at the latest. If they're not posted by then, they will probably be up on the 24th. Saturday Night's Main Event will be posted on June 15th in recap form as well. Yeah, I didn't want SNME done in recap, but that's how it's gotta go. All shows will go back to their regular full format after this, and I'm aiming for a show about every 7-10 days. I'm hoping to have WrestleMania posted sometime in mid-August, preferably my birthday since that would be cool, but whatever. Hope this is clear, and I'm trying everything to make this work. Hope you understand
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